Most Marvel readers aren't strangers to Werewolf By Night and the struggles of Jack Russell. And no, it isn't the same guy as the lead singer for Great White. I don't want to spread a rumor that the vocalist didn't die this year and is secretly shapeshifting into a wolf. Of course like most werewolves, the Jack Russell in the Marvel stories changes into a werewolf under the light of the full moon for three straight nights.
Interestingly enough, "Werewolf By Night: Red Band" #1 was released in a plastic cover to hide the issue, much like a porno magazine. It comes with an Explicit Content warning and while the issue was somewhat gory, I didn't see where the warning label was necessary. Even the cursing was covered by symbols, leaving it up to the reader's imagination. Maybe, I am just jaded after seeing Terrifier 3 in the movies last night.
Jason Loo did a great job with setting up the story, including a brief origin tale. His crew of artists amazingly checked all boxes when it came to the very graphic scenes. The Blood Hunt taking place in New York City was mentioned. Meanwhile in Romania, the Darkholders are hiding out in a Monastery in Transylvania. Deathwatch and The Hood enter the monastery to take over leadership of those hiding underground but not without some resistance.
Elsa Bloodstone happens upon Russell in the Rockies by following a trail of corpses. Russell had himself chained because he believes he killed a few of his own friends. When Bloodstone tries to reason with him, he begins to turn again. There is plenty happening in this debut issue, enough to make me want to keep reading. And if I do, maybe the story will begin to earn its explicit rating.
