Murky Depths #5

The fifth issue of Murky Depths starts out with “The Night Runner” by Christopher Hawkins. In this dark urban tale, one of the last free runners in the future happens to run across a mysterious murderer also traveling through the city at night. With the spirit of a superhero, the runner dares to chase down the soulless killer, when all others in the city only seem to be able to gawk. This tale captures the freedom and indomitable spirit of free running, even with its sad ending.

The next piece, “Johnny Night Shift” written and illustrated by Edward R. Norden, is an illustrated poem which is nearly overwhelmed by its artwork. Boasting a distinct urban flavor, it is easy to relate to for anyone caught in the daily grind.

Many of the offerings in this issue deal with the fine line between survival-based need and addiction. In “The Night Runner,” one could argue that running across the rooftops of an urban sprawl is as much an addiction as a hobby or sport. In “So This is Mi” by Alison J. Littlewood, the need is more obvious, slipping us into the vampire sub-genre. While not featuring traditional blood-sucking beasties, this lyrical story focuses on a brother and sister who always felt a disconnect from the world until they encountered an odd pair of friends with a strange medical need for the blood of others. It’s just vampiric enough to please vampire fans but different enough to please readers who might otherwise avoid stories about fanged bloodsuckers due to undead burnout.

“Spoils of the Thirteenth Valkyrie” by Liza Granville is the best of this issue. Creepy on every level, a chase through the woods bares more plot layers as it comes to a close, and the lack of understanding from the main character makes the conclusion far more terrifying than the chase and kill.

“Final Cut” written by James Johnson with artwork by Leonardo M. Giron is also a tale of addiction. When Hollywood child stars go crazy, they go all out, as detailed by this graphic strip. Fun for the slasher movie fans, it’s another ironic look at the ever-increasing addiction to fame.

Short, but no less disturbing, “A Gland Enterprise” by Bill Ward fits the theme by presenting us with people caught long ago on an unfriendly planet who have to go to great lengths to keep their bellies full. Not just another cannibal tale, it combines futuristic and prehistoric elements to great success.

In the war story “Halls of the Tollomai” by Lee Moan, a group of marines are stuck in combat on an alien world with shifting landscapes, a mind controlling enemy, and infectious locals. The heart of of this isn’t about who wins and loses, but what it costs to get there.

Taking us several eras back in time, “Killer of the Dead” by Edward M. Erdelac features a face-off between Wild West vampires and Native American victims. While the story goes as expected, one can’t help thinking it’s a rather apt paranormal metaphor for the true happenings of history.

“The Dark Gospel” (conclusion) by Luke Cooper brings back the less-than-perfect nephilim, Halo Slipping, and Detective Goulding in their quest to wrench The Dark Gospel from Lucifer’s hands. While some of the lines will seem cheesy, especially to fans of The Prophecy, a casual comment by one of the characters leads the plot in a new direction that has definite sinister potential. Halo and Goulding are a dynamic pair, and it is interesting to see how they develop out of Biblical mythology into their own world.

“Pearl” by Lisa A. Koosis is a tale outside this issue’s loose theme of vices and needs. With its beautiful imagery of post-apocalyptic alien snow, it gives us a quiet, peaceful, and almost refreshing end to our planet.

“The Digitally Damned” by Ross Kimble is quite possibly the most upbeat Murky Depths story to date. Proof that the editors like to keep the readers on their toes, this tale of escape and fantasy portrays a future that goes beyond the possible and into the likely.

“The Look” by Sylvanus Moxley is an anime-style graphic strip that’s based on a visual pun. It distracts from the soul of the story but definitely offers some lovely eye candy.

“Fix” by Matt Doyle is a surprising take on the theme of drug use and misuse. With no hint of the final twist until right before the end, readers are led into a futuristic world where a drug gives users the ability to magically fling genuine fireballs and lightning bolts. Much like in present day society, a complete lack of concern for the majority of the population from those who govern drives people to desire power and significance, which fuels the drug use. The government’s method of dealing with the gutter dwellers of their world sets this story apart.

“Misty Rain” by Michael J. DeLuca eludes explanation. It parallels the previous “Spoils of the Thirteenth Valkyrie” by being another chased-through-the-woods tale, but “Misty Rain” has a dreamy feel, bringing this issue full circle and back to the same, sad note on which it began.