The Narrative
Most superhero story arcs run for many issues, but The Demon Bear Saga is wisely presented in only three issues. Much like horror films, with statistically shorter runtimes, the pacing creates a sense of urgency. The short form is complemented by an inner monologue narration from one of the New Mutants, Dani Moonstar, whose limited perspective gives readers a protagonist who is easy to connect with, while seeing the events of the story unfold through her eyes; experiencing her fear, anger, helplessness, and determination as the bookends of this story. Likewise, in the middle of the tale the perspective shifts to her classmates, trapped in a snow storm-engulfed hospital as the otherworldly Demon Bear stalks them. Each character gets a nice beat, while not being bogged down in backstory. This is a story about trapped kids hunted by the unknown. It just feels like Stephen King, doesn’t it?