Pleasure Beach #1 – Josh Pettinger’s Dark Tale

A Fever Dream Return: The Bleak Allure of Pleasure Beach

Josh Pettinger introduces his series, Pleasure Beach, as a "PTSD fever dream about going home." The subtitle, "Hot Summer Megadepression," perfectly captures its brooding essence. This latest creation from the San Francisco-based artist, known for Goiter, promises to leave an indelible mark.

A Bleak Homecoming

Brenda, once a small-town islander, now a celebrated model, returns home. Her reception after a chaotic bus ride is far from warm. Her mother’s house is up for sale due to a contentious bridge project connecting the island to the mainland. Many locals aren’t thrilled about her return. Meanwhile, a bizarre syndicate of businessmen convenes beneath the streets. They gather at a seaside sewage outlet, immersing themselves in waste to discuss town affairs.

Intriguing Dysfunction and Artistry

Pleasure Beach #1 is a darkly captivating introduction. It explores themes of alienation and the impossibility of returning home. Pettinger intensifies these themes with a morbid touch. Despite several shockingly raw scenes, the narrative hints at the emptiness of small-town life. Oddball characters populate this tale: a bus rider with a bleeding head, and Yessica, whose relationship with her brother is disturbingly co-dependent. There’s also Mr. Graves, with his unsettling grooming habits.

Pettinger’s artistic style juxtaposes caricatured characters against more realistic backdrops. This technique brings the story’s unsettling characters and events to the forefront. Tight-panel layouts convey a sense of claustrophobia, while looser page designs heighten dramatic moments. Many questions remain unanswered: What brought Beryl back? What was her past conduct like in the town? And what mysteries lie beyond the sewer pipe?

An Enticing Series Opener

The primary aim of a debut issue is to hook the reader. Pleasure Beach accomplishes this with an entrancingly nihilistic approach. The narrative compels us to seek advancement and resolution of its intriguing plot points. For those drawn to stories of unease and peculiarity, Pleasure Beach is an alluring invitation into a world where familiarity and oddity collide explosively.