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True crime podcasts and TV shows are very popular these days with everyone from armchair detectives to people with real experience in law enforcement, medical, or judicial fields analyzing real cases. But what if someone covering the story of a serial killer had actual firsthand knowledge of the crimes? That is the premise in Killer Influences. 

The first issue introduces Kylie Hart, an ambitious young woman who hates her job at the small town newspaper and dreams of becoming rich and famous hosting the Backwoods Detective podcast. Melvin Duffy is a smelting technician at the local steel mill who appears to be living with a father that belittles him. In Melvin's other life, he is a serial killer who targets unsavory people in their little town called Eden.  

When Kylie learns of Melvin's identity, she doesn't turn him in. Instead, the woman who is desperate to get out of Eden approaches Melvin with an idea: they should work together. Melvin will go on killing as he pleases and Kylie will cover his story with the intimate details on he can provide. He'll become a notorious killer and she'll get rich. Nothing could go wrong, right? 

Killer Influences is written by Joey Esposito, who has created an interesting concept and is quickly developing it into a good story. Kylie wants fame, fortune, and to get out of the town so badly that she's willing to trust a killer and stand by while he murders people. Melvin desires fame and to be feared so much that he's following her lead and trusting that she won't turn him in. It's two predators (one definitely scarier than the other) working together despite the obvious volatility of their situation. 

Valeria Burzo and Iñaki Azpiazu provided the art and colors, respectively, matching the twisted tale that Esposito has begun. Nearly every page is filled with multiple panels that show the action, the emotion, and set the tone for the book. The reader quickly gets a sense of who the main characters and their families are based on their expressions and body language. There's a slasher movie-worthy page showing Melvin's handiwork and the teaser for issue two makes it clear that this twisted relationship is just getting started. 

–Amanda Sheriff