Spilt Milk

The Milkman Murders
Writer: Joe Casey
Artist/Colourist: Steve Parkhouse
July-October 2004 (Hardcover edition August 2012)
Image Comics


"We need all sorts of horror stories just to understand our own lives." Editor Scott Allie, in his introduction to the original collected edition of The Milkman Murders from 2004 (then published by Darkhorse Comics), discusses his fascination with the horror genre. Rather, he describes horror not as a genre, but an emotion. Allie professes his love for various horror staples, be it vampire stories, Stephen King's Salem's Lot, or the classic Creature of Mary Shelley's creation. The horror that he wanted to bring to the table as an editor most of all however was a relatable kind. He refers to this as moral horror; horror that goes a step further than involving the anticipated genre tropes and monsters we see in so much horror media. Allie was interested in horror that has something to say, something to critique about society and humanity. These last few sentences are my words, but I think I translate his message accurately.

Original cover of issue #3

The Milkman Murders centres around the dysfunctional, white, middle-class Vale family that resides in the suburbs of America, filled with many identical houses and no shortage of concrete and asphalt, as many of us are familiar with. This story is somewhat anachronistic, as there are many 1950's post-WWII vibes and callbacks, both thematically as well as literally, yet it seems to take place in a more contemporary setting (as noted by the automobiles and the daughter's wardrobe). The initial and most blatant anachronism is the television show called "Leave it to Mother." Writer Joe Casey is clearly referencing the 50's show Leave it to Beaver, which also happens to showcase a white, middle-class family, although they are much more functional and seemingly relatable compared to the Vales. The two families juxtaposed against one another strengthens the dysfunction Casey is trying to get across with the Vale family, as well as satirizes both good ol' American values and just how plastic they are, as well as the increasing deterioration that occurs when a family remains disconnected from one another.

The Vale family consists of the stereotypical nuclear family: bread-winning father Vincent Vale; stay-at-home, caretaker mother Barbara Vale; first-born daughter, high-schooler Ruthie, and the younger, angsty son Fletcher. Barbara is the protagonist of this story. She is the glue of the Vale family, as she tries at every possible moment to communicate with and connect all four members to form a cohesive whole. Much to her detriment, Barbara's attempts fail each and every time and only worsen her relationships with her family. Vincent is an aggressive, abusive husband who flares up with intense anger at the most minute instances. Ruthie prioritizes her not-so-secret affair with her Phys. Ed teacher and spends as little time at home as possible. Fletcher hunts stray animals in the 'burbs and brings them back to his parents' basement where he has his way with them. He has a lock on the basement door, which neither of his parents are bothered by... which is one of the many signs of parental negligence showcased in this story. A brutal, unforeseen circumstance rears its ugly head at the end of the first chapter, which sparks the much needed change in the Vale family, for better or for worse.

The opening page of Chapter One

Steve Parkhouse's artwork fits the tone of Casey's script magnificently. Parkhouse's character designs are repulsive and showcase a sense of insecurity hidden within each one of them. He mixes curves and scratchiness to form a style all his own. Parkhouse is talented at portraying intense emotion in his characters, especially in his eye work. At times the art looks messy and rushed, but that compliments the story rather than hindering it since the characters and the world they inhabit is so ugly and horrific. Parkhouse's minimal use of shading during the penciling and inking stages is interesting; he adds shadows and definition in the colouring stage moreso than most artists' work I've read. This is reminiscent of Larime Taylor's toning work on A Voice in the Dark (or rather, the other way around).

It's interesting to note that the ugliness that exists within the characters' personalities translates well to their physical appearances. Vincent and Barbara in particular aren't a very attractive looking couple. It's clear through their actions that they don't take good care of their bodies, but Parkhouse takes this further in his depictions of them (they're overweight, disheveled, wrinkled, tired, and insecure looking folk). Parkhouse's backgrounds typically tend to be occupied by a singular colour, with little detail or noise occuring in the background. There are a good portion of scenes however that contain active backgrounds, mostly those that occur either outside the immediate premises of the house or in places such as Mass Mart. The panels with blank backgrounds are more often than not from scenes taken within the house, so there is a logic to their simpleness.

Just your average family meal... Part One

The Milkman Murders is a very dark tale that readers will either love or hate. I'd almost suggest putting a trigger warning on the cover as it is likely to stir up nasty emotions for some readers, however that would ruin the book's impact and change expectations, perceptions, enjoyment, and perhaps other aspects I'm failing to think of. It's full of obscene material, which on the surface can seem excessive and shocking with not much substance. Upon a closer examination, it's clear what is going on between the cracks: Casey and Parkhouse are reflecting our lives (North Americaners to be exact) onto the page and back at us. They are drawing from the more negative examples of Western culture, but that doesn't make them any less relevant than the idealized ones.

The characters and events are obviously extreme caricatures and exaggerations, but they have an element of truth to them that most readers can relate with to some degree. Domestic violence, profanity, television, advertising, disrespect (primarily towards one's parents), sex with a minor, the potential pre-stages of a serial killer - all of these things are on display in The Milkman Murders. Casey and Parkhouse provide no clear answers with this story, but rather raise questions through the narrative as to how this dysfunction manifests itself. Is it through parental neglect? Our 9-5 day job lifestyle/capitalist economy? The lack of positive role models in the children's lives? Traditional social norms? Television? Mass Mart (the fictionalized version of Wal-Mart)? Or, perhaps the most pertinent question raised: is it the suburbs themselves causing the decay of humanity? As Allie says in the closing remarks of his introduction, "Horror -- the emotion of horror -- thrives on mystery, and that kind of mystery provides no easy answers. Neither does this book."

Just your average family meal... Part Two

If you are a fan of comics taking a more high-art approach, then this is the comic for you. While The Milkman Murders exposes the problems and horrors of suburbia, the specific instances that occur in the Vale family's lives shouldn't be taken at face value, but rather as a critique of the bigger picture. It's hard to empathize with these characters, but damn is this a horrific and engaging satire. Buy a copy for your mom, if she's into this sort of thing.