The Gift # 10

Comic book: The Gift
Issue: 10
Published: Feb. 2005
Author: Raven Gregory
Artist: Tyler Kirkham
Publisher: Image Comics
Reviewed by Allen Klingelhoets

I was tried to read old copy of issue # 4 from my personal collection. Issue 10 made references to issue # 4. References to "Unleashed" story referred back to # 4. I read

Entire story arc fourteen issues over last couple night. I was glad that I owned Gift TPB "Choices." I read my regular copies of series so many times covers had fallen off issues 2, 3. and 5.

I liked how issue # 10 stated with image of Sadie Hawkins dance. I was really curious too why school exploded. I quickly noticed surviving boy had green eyes. Color of eyes was same as The Ancient One. I knew Enoch was somehow involved with explosion of school.

I quickly read through story. I savored every single page. Recognizing Tyler Kirkham will no longer be artist for series.

I only about know what spirit creature in "Unleashed" story because of reference in past issue.

I wished story in issue # 10 could have ended for Larry little different.

I really felt sorry for way events played out at Sadie Hawkins Dance.

Life had become something to be treasured. Cindy and Larry were King and Queen.

This was so unexpected. Larry and Cindy were not in with groups that often won such honors. It was like Gift of happiness was given to couple. Big lug Larry was happy. Devil creatures attempted to sway Larry into evil. Enoch noticed Larry was similar to boy in issue # 6. Holding internal anger which could destroy world. I noticed Red color in Jason's eyes when he tried to rape Cindy. This was when just before Larry punched Jason.

I wondered if this was just to “show” demon was inside Jason?

I knew at this time Larry had some sort of Gift from Enoch. I think this occurred when Larry bumped into Enoch. Some sort of Gift was transferred into Larry at this exact moment in time. Something which helped him protect Cindy from Jason. Something which made her want to go to Sadie Hawkins Dance with Larry.

I got this and several other “The Gift “ comic books in back issue bin at comic bookstore. I instantly recognized bug which Enoch sent to reveal Larry as demon. I last saw bug in issue # 4.

I wonder whom person was which captured bug. Must be some sort of moderator. Enoch can only do so many things. Cannot influence or show demons true face.

I thought Tyler drew Cindy as gorgeous young lady. Larry must have felt like he was in Heaven. He was very lucky to take Cindy to Sadie Hawkins Dance. I imaged his pride of taking friend to dance. Youthful enjoyment to be named Mr. and Mrs. Sadie Hawkins 2004.

When I saw container of liquid tipped on Cindy I felt very sad.

I had read similar scene in book Carrie by Stephen King. I knew how those results played out. I noticed red eyes in red punch. I saw this before container was tipped and ruined Cindy's dress. I think devil creature must have transferred into her body. Must have been similar to way manifestation transferred into Jason earlier in story. Cindy quickly was able to tap into dark emotions.

Cindy fed Larry's insecurities with fear and rage. Goading him on with action against others who had in past laughed at him in past. Ones who had called him names for being "fat". Ones that had taken away his night of pleasure at Sadie Hawkins Dance. It was awful knowing that all those people died at Sadie Hawkins Dance. Larry's Gift caused many deaths. I really felt saddened by Gift. I wonder if Cindy also died.

She would have power from devil creature. Person next to Enoch at end of story is never really identified. This issue was one heck of end to first story arc!

Raven Gregory went on after finished series with 14 issues. He then went on to publish at Zenscope.

He hinted at writing more The Gift comics. This has not happened up to this point.

There were two collected trade graphic novels. The first called "Choices" collected first five issues.

The second one called Consequences "contained issue's six through ten. There also was a Director's Cut special for issue # 1.

The comic book series did not cross over with any other Image comic books.

I also would rate series PG-13. Language was rather vulgar in several issues.


Allen Klingelhoets