Review: The Digger #1
From Invader Comics
A new mini-series from Invader Comics, I had a chance to look at the beginning in The Digger #1.
In 1930s Veracruz, Mexico, deep along the humid Gulf Coast, ancient Olmec ruins lie half-devoured by the jungle. Locals make their living guiding scholars and explorers into the region, but one name is spoken only in hushed tones. One man no guide will accompany.
They call him “El Excavador.”
But The Boy doesn’t hear caution—he hears opportunity. His grandmother is sick. He needs money. And The American in the hat has plenty.
All The Boy has to do is take him to the ruins. What begins as a tale of a guide and treasure hunter becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse, where the shadows of the past reach farther than anyone imagines.
A haunting blend of folklore, slow-burn suspense, and supernatural tension, THE DIGGER is a perfect hand-sell for fans of Mignola, Del Toro, Creepshow, and pulp-inspired adventure horror.
(W) T.S. Luther, (A/CA) Sam Gudilin
A new mini-series from Invader Comics, and right from the off, I was struck by the artwork and the shadowy way the story was told. There’s a grime and grit to every page that instantly pulls you into this world. The creative team clearly understands how much mood can do the heavy lifting, because the shadows are practically characters in their own right.
This, combined with the panels and lettering, makes this a unique comic with a compelling story. It doesn’t spoon-feed you anything. Not all the answers are there yet, but the veiled threats, the cryptic hints, and the sense that something ancient and dangerous is just out of sight make this an excellent start.
At the heart of it, we meet a kid living in the slums, doing whatever he can to keep his sick grandmother going. It’s a harsh existence, and the small jobs he takes to make ends meet aren’t exactly legal—but in this world, legality is a luxury he can’t afford. That’s how he crosses paths with the man in the hat. There’s a touch of Indiana Jones in his silhouette, but only in appearance—his demeanour is darker, colder, like someone who has seen too much and left most of his morality behind with it.
He’s on a quest—something hidden in the hills, something powerful—and he needs a guide. The kid is perfect for that. We get the sense that this isn’t Plan A… or even Plan B. This man has tried before, and the results clearly weren’t pretty.
There’s also a clever undercurrent of history woven into the narrative: ancient rites, long-forgotten secrets, and a mythology poised to explode into the present. Right now, the pieces are separate, but you can tell that, as the series moves on, the past and present are going to collide hugely.
This was a fantastic first issue, beautifully executed with standout artwork, colouring, and lettering. It offers something different—a dark archaeological adventure that grips you immediately and leaves you hungry for more. If you’re looking for a fresh, intriguing story to dive into, now is the time to jump on board this mini-series before the secrets get unearthed.
