Available at Amazon.com

Issue: The Vessel of Terror
Writer: Magnus Aspli
Artist: Dave Acosta
Publisher: AAM/Markosia
Release Date: October 2011
Pages: 128
Price: $17.99

“Out in the Arctic Ocean, the research vessel Alesia manages to capture a mysterious Magnapinna squid, an animal never before captured by mankind. The researchers, led by Maria, decide to take the specimen back to port in Bergen, Norway. However, what they bring home isn’t just a scientific wonder but also a thing more horrific than Pandora’s Box. Soon, madness creeps into the crew of the Alesia and friends become monsters.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
ARRGH! Shiver me spine and turn on the lights, this is one creepy sea monster comic by the team of Aspli and Acosta! Okay, well wait can I technically say sea monster? Yeah I can say that but I need to add some Lovecraft style to it so let say Sea Cthulhu. The artwork in this book is just above and beyond on a few levels. I will point out some parts where angles seemed odd which is the reason I did go a little lower on the score, but people seriously, one artist… 2 different styles… and he delivered on a scare factor that is rarely done in comic books.

The story telling at first seemed jumpy, until I really got what was going on. There are 2 stories being told here and they work so well in the way they break each other up. Now I am not a Lovecraft aficionado, I know the basic of the basics, but I do know that when I read a story with these themes, they typically have an ending that makes me happy and puzzled at the same time. This book was no exception. I was so satisfied with how it ended but, is there more to come? What happened to _____? Oh you tricky writers and your great storytelling. This book is worth every penny you pay for it.

I feel horrible having it sit in the review pile for as long as I did, because now I have to sing its praises after it has been released. Plain and simple Lovecraft fans, Slasher Fans and Monster Fans this one is a must own.

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5
Story: 4.5 out of 5

If you would like to know more about The Vessel of Terror you can find it at Markosia.com.

Review by Dan Royer

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1. Lovecraft Graphic Novel Review

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IDW has a lot to live up to now that it’s acquired the rights to bring Godzilla over to American comic readers. The Big G has been through the wringer twice before: first, in a widely beloved, if short-lived, stint in the Marvel Universe, and once again, courtesy of Dark Horse Comics, which produced some of the most enjoyable adventures starring the King of the Monsters yet, owing to an incarnation that far exceeded the House of Ideas’ degree of faithfulness to the source. This time, IDW hopes to one up these previous efforts by bringing over, not just Godzilla, but the entirety of the kaiju eiga franchise’s rogues gallery.

Finally, Godzilla will get to tangle with the comic book counterparts of the likes of Mothra, Rodan and King Ghidorah, and IDW’s marketing strategy points towards showcasing as many of them as possible, all at once. It’s an ambitious endeavor that, unfortunately, mars Godzilla: Gangsters and Goliaths (unappealing title notwithstanding), an otherwise excellent miniseries from John Layman, writer of the critically acclaimed Chew, and artist Alberto Ponticelli. While all the elements are as good, if not better, than can be expected, the last issue of the recently concluded series proves that the comic simply isn’t big enough to
contain all these giant monsters in a meager five-issue run.

The story centers on a Japanese detective and his dealings with a crime syndicate that somehow culminates in an all-out monster invasion of Tokyo. Fairly reminiscent of the Showa Period of Godzilla films, it plays out as a parable on the evils that men do and how far they’ll go. Layman conducts this little morality play masterfully and plays it fast and loose with chronology, resulting in a pace that never seems to let up and a rhythmic narrative that plays all the right notes.

While the characters are seemingly conventional, the depiction is nuanced enough and the use of setting feels genuine. The cat-and-mouse game between detective and gangsters is engaging and reaches an irresistible fever pitch when the monsters come into play. It’s an earnest and compelling plot that creatively brings kaiju into the mix in a manner that is mostly natural and firmly grounded on the Godzilla mythos. Layman has had experience in writing for licensed properties and it shows through his faithfulness and understanding of the source.

In terms of art: though nobody can draw Godzilla like Art Adams did during the Dark Horse era, Ponticelli absolutely delivers. While his interpretation of the Big G looks a little too cat-like, the monsters are generally spot on and menacing. He allows them the grandeur they deserve while never losing sight of the people in the middle of it all. The dynamic art style gives the characters a real sense of humanity in a grittily portrayed setting that is on the verge of chaos. When the action hits, it hits with all the intensity and brutality one can expect from a story involving what are essentially forces of nature having at it with civilization. Through impeccable style and vivid panels, Ponticelli depicts the saga like the grand epic it wants to be without losing its verisimilitude.

Needless to say, the creative team hardly could’ve done better and had the series been granted a couple more issues, there would be no doubt that it would reach the heights of perfection. The siege on Tokyo, in particular, which involves no less than seven of Toho’s iconic creations, could have been more fleshed out and satisfying. As it stands, there’s not enough action in the climax to justify their inclusion and the closing chapter isn’t as impactful and as memorable as it easily could have been. Godzilla fans may be reminded of the films Destroy All Monsters and Godzilla: Final Wars, both of which attempted to insert more of the roster than had been previously seen. Although those movies are highly enjoyable, they ultimately end up promising more than they could deliver.

Comparisons to them aside, Gangsters and Goliaths is still quite an achievement and is sure to please Godzilla fans and non-fans alike.

It’s a fantastic romp through a majestic land of monsters all the way to Tokyo’s seedy underbelly that would probably read much better all in one go.

Review by Chad Cabrera

No related posts.

Available at Amazon.com

Issue: The Zombies that Ate the World: Book 1 HC
Writer: Jerry Frissen
Artist: Guy Davis
Publisher: Humanoids
Release Date: November 2011
Pages: 120
Price: $24.95

“In Los Angeles in the year 2064, the dead have risen and corpses live again, cohabiting among us…well, somewhat. As a zombie apocalypse engulfs America, we follow a group of friends on a their journey to start a little business of their own…zombie catchers!”

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5
It is not as often as one would think that a comic book has what I consider to be the perfect pairing of artist and writer, however The Zombies that Ate the World is one of those books. I have been a big fan of Guy Davis from his early days on Baker Street. So it is no surprise to me that I really love the look of this book. However the perfection in the pairing comes in when you get to see how well his style fits the storytelling. This is one specific case of being spot on from panel to panel where the artwork can tell just as many jokes as the dialogue. I absolutely loved looking at this book.

Story: 4.5 out of 5
This story is this odd mix of politics, humor and of course gore! Personally I don’t know how it works so well, because I don’t care for political type stories, but this book is seriously great. The humor in what is going on, and I will not spoil anything here (which is very hard to not do), can easily stand the test of time. Hell it should since the book takes place in 2064 right? Frissen has a great voice for this undead world, and this is not your typical zombie comic. The sad thing is that there is so much more that I would love to see get explored, but the book ended at page 120!

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
How sad is it that I have a few issues of Metal Hurlant lying around and I totally forgot about this story being in them until I began to read it. I loved it back then, but this refresher totally has me on the hype train. I think most zombie comic fans would love this book, especially those of you who enjoyed Dead Eyes Open. To me it kind of played on that same idea, but then added in the funny and this book just raised its entertainment value because of that. I really want to thank Davis and Frissen for this one, it is a solid read. From the time I started reading this until the time I stopped I felt like a zombie, but I wasn’t craving brains, I was craving more The Zombies that Ate the World!

If you would like to buy or know more about The Zombies that Ate the World you can find it at Amazon.com.

Review by Dan Royer

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1. Zombies of the World Review
2. Zombies!!! Review
3. Marvel Zombies: Dead Days Available Now!

Available at DriveThruComics.com

Issue: Shadow Hunters #1
Writer: Jason Dube
Artist: Benjamin Jordan
Publisher: Scattered Comics
Release Date: October 2011
Pages: 36
Price: $5.50

“Shadow Hunters is the new supernatural comic book that revolves around the lives of 3 teenage girls. As they seek vengeance on the dark demon that wiped out hundreds of lives, they encounter both a vast array of darkness that dwell around them and a shadow army that combats it. This is a new series from Scattered Comics that is written by Jason Dube and drawn by Benjamin Jordan. It is a comic that is recommended for more mature reader with its heavy themes of death, mature subject matters, and violence.”

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Shadow Hunters is the latest and greatest horror comics to come from Scattered Comics. The story in this issue is fun and action-packed, from its jokes to its great pacing. There was not a single moment where I was not happy to be reading this book. There were a few moments where I did find the dialogue to be a little off, but it did not take away from the overall joy of reading this issue. The artwork is BOO-btastic! Haha, I just made myself laugh. No in all seriousness this issue does feature some top-heavy women, who look great in most panels. At times the angles seem to not be their friends, but it does not distract from the overall look of the issue. Great colors and a great use of effects add depth to the scenes that you don’t find in most comics. I also can’t forget to talk about the awesome design on the monsters. Overall I liked and I want some more of it right now. I think that Shadow Hunters #1 is a great first issue in what seems to be a fun action title.

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
Story: 4.0 out of 5

If you would like to buy or know more about Shadow Hunters #1 you can find it at http://www.scatteredcomics.com/

Review by Dan Royer

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2. Witchblade #134 Comic Review
3. Zero Hunters #1 Comic Review

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Book: Taxidermied: The Art of Roman Dirge HC
Writer: Roman Dirge
Artist: Roman Dirge
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: September 2011
Pages: 112
Price: $34.95

“A stunning full-color celebration of the eye-catchingly original artwork creator Roman Dirge, the first anthology of his work available anywhere. This lavish hardback includes an introduction and background commentary information on the imagery by Dirge himself, plus previously unpublished artwork, covers and strips, and paintings. The book also includes fold-out pages, displaying Dirge’s work in its full glory, and some brand-new pieces created just for this book!”

Artwork: 5.0 out of 5
I have never reviewed an art book before, so I guess it is only fitting that I start with an artist whose work I love. Now being an art book please note that this book contains tons of GORE-Geous pictures. From the start of page 1 my jaw was slowly opening, by the time I got to page 5 it was on the floor. What I really enjoyed about this collection was that it was not always full-page pieces. At times I was presented with the sketches that led to the final pieces, and that makes the visual experience more fun.

The Book is broken down into 5 sections; sketches, artwork, scarytales, monsters and funny bone. There was not a single one that I did not enjoy looking at. Each section is placed perfectly, because the books builds as it goes on. My favorite might have to be the monster section, but seriously reader, I loved them all. Being presented with all of the insane things that Roman has concocted over the year is fantastic, and I kinda want to see more turn into comics. I am left wondering one thing though, what is with all the veins and nerves?

Being a graphic designer by trade I have to take a paragraph to go over the layout of this book. One thing that plays into the artwork so well are the typefaces. A nice black-letter font for the titles was a perfect choice to fit the theme and still be easily readable. At times even the page backgrounds have this grunge look to them that enhances the visual tone for the artwork. Even the actual design on the hardcover, minus the slip cover is boo-tiful! Overall this book is so perfect for your eyes that you might cry a little, I know I did.

Story: 4.5 out of 5
Now you should know that there is no real story here since it is an art book, however Dirge is able to still inject his humor into this book. The intro has jokes in it and picture descriptions have jokes in them, so you can’t lose. The ability to add these subtle things enhances the entire experience of the book. It’s like getting your vanilla ice cream topped with sprinkles!

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
I still can’t say that I would buy every art book out there, but I am so happy I got this one. I love what Roman brings to his comics with his story telling being the main focus over the art. When I can get a chance to check out a book that can showcase the opposite I will take it. This is a complete package that I am proud to put on my bookshelf. Visually stunning with a hint of humor, oh Roman we need a steadier stream of your work in out lives.

If you would like to buy or know more about Taxidermied: The Art of Roman Dirge you can find it at Amazon.com.

Review by Dan Royer

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STORY:
In a modernized spin on the classic story “Pigeons from Hell” by Robert E. Howard, we are following two African-American sisters and their friends into the murky swamplands to check out their inheritance: the old Blassenville manor. They quickly start to sense that something isn’t quite right in that ramshackle of a house, and things soon takes a sinister turn when one of the male characters falls through the rotten stairs and breaks his leg. After a failed attempt of getting out of the swamplands, they are being forced to stay the night in the manor.

REVIEW:
Robert E. Howards short story has seen several adaptions throughout the years, including an episode of Boris Karloff’s “Thriller” television series, and Scott Hampton’s comic adaption in 1988. As I was already familiar with the story, this release peeked my interest straight away. And seeing that the writer was Joe R. Lansdale (whom I was familiar with through the movie “Bubba Ho-Toep” which he wrote) I knew I had to check this one out.

Joe R. Lansdale has been able to write a very decent adaption of this classic tale, without taking away what originally made it so successful. His writing is excellent, and gives you a quick dive into each character’s personality and fills it up with natural and believable conversation that adds up both the tension and a little bit of humour in between. Well, sure, they are pretty much the common clichéd characters one can expect to find in a modern horror story, right from the “babe” girl type who’s pretty to look at but just plain stupid, to the “nerd guy” with glasses. It doesn’t take a clairvoyant to predict who’s gonna be killed and not. But hey – despite being tied up to a rather common slasher-type formula, it works pretty good. There’s a creepy old house, clever dialogue, humour, some blood ‘n gore, and a chock-full of tension and atmosphere. What more can you ask for?

The artist is Nathan Fox, a guy whose art I had yet to familiarize myself with, but I quickly got into his way of drawing. He works in a fairly rough style, but is able to create the perfect mood and atmosphere in every panel throughout. And there’s nothing bad to say about Dave Stewarts coloring either. Visually it’s a solid piece of work, and succeeds in creating a real environment and a really creepy house.

Most of those who are familiar with the original novel by Robert E. Howard, should still be able to enjoy this new adaption. Joe knew which elements to keep and what to change. Now if they could only start making horror movie remakes the same way…

EXTRAS:
Contains pages with notes from the writer, an afterword, a cover gallery, sketches with comments by the artist, and some bonus pinups. In other words, a very decent amount of material for those who enjoy the extra’s.

VERDICT:
8/10 – Enjoyable for most horror fans, contains both suspense and creepy moments as well as blood and gore.

Review by Peter Cropsy

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The Flash Fire Mini-Reviews series continues this week with some new comic reviews from Decapitated Dan! Dan takes a look at a selection of horror titles from Antarctic Press.

The Littlest Zombie vs. The Littlest Vampire

“It’s Tom & Jerry meets 28 Days Later as the Littlest Zombie and the Littlest Vampire fight tooth and nail, hand-to-detachable-hand for scant sustenance! Their quarry, the Littlest Survivor, must pull out every trick in the Apocalypse Survivor’s Handbook to keep his two supernatural stalkers at each other’s throats and off his!”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
It is officially time to begin the Littlest Brawl of the century! Ladies and gentlemen I have said time and time again that The Littlest Zombie is a book that should be on your reading list and this one proves why. Fred Perry bring to the dinner table two of the cutest little creatures that in reality you would want nowhere near you. The Vampire girl is hilarious and her dialogue proves why, brilliant job. As usual the must LZ plays a supporting role that is to die for, pun intended. The artwork is one point page after page. The ending with this issue does tell me more should be on the horizon so I can not wait! The LZ line of books are so good, so well done and this one is no exception. If I was reading this review I would have bought it by now. Great art, great writing and tons of fun to be had here.

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5
Story: 4.5 out of 5

To Fight With Monsters

“Based upon the short story by Mike Oliveri & Brian Keene. When humanity rapidly devolves into a monstrous state, teenager Rick Donovan joins his fellow townspeople in makeshift trenches to defend their homes. However, the monsters may already be among them… New post-apocalyptic horror from Bram Stoker Award-winning horror novelists Mike Oliveri (The Pack, Werewolves: Call of the Wild) and Brian Keene (The Last Zombie, Dead of Night: Devil Slayer) and Godfather of American Manga Ben Dunn (Marvel Mangaverse, Ninja High School, Warrior Nun Areala)!”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Oh my friends this is one book you should not miss. I want to start with the visuals, Ben Dunn you are sick, because this book looks amazing! From one panel to the next panel I was never let down. Also to the art side I say thank you for not using any grey in this issue, it seemed to add to the edge of the story. Oh the story, this is one you HAVE to read. Did I say should, could or might want to? No, I said HAVE to read. Very seldom are we as horror comic readers presented with what I would say is a real interpretation of how things might go down. It’s not always black and white in terms of good and bad, so for this book to be able to fill in that grey area (you see how I did that with the colors) and not be afraid to show you what could happen is amazing. Keene and Oliveri have won me over on this one, and the title is such on play on what happens. UGH, I just can not seem to stop gushing on how much I enjoyed this book. You HAVE to read this book!

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5
Story: 5.0 out of 5

Planet of the Living Dead #1

“An investigative landing on a farming planet has brought the crew of a Marine rescue ship face to face with an entire population of flesh-eating zombies. Even if they manage to survive the initial onslaught, their slim hopes of survival are about rot away even faster than the moldering, deadly hordes out to devour their flesh!”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
What you can’t see right now is how excited I am to write this review. I am in love with the Planet of the Living Dead series so far. The artwork is so perfectly done that only a story this good could perfectly compliment it. Following the events of Planet of the Living Dead #1, this book is a fantastic sequel that leads perfectly into the next book that will follow. The dialogue is fun, yet very militaristic, since this one is based on the army getting to the planet. It really is not until the end though until we see the zombies emerge, which is fine by me since they did such a great job building up the suspense. The zombies look great, the story is great and I highly recommend checking this one out, you don’t really need to have read Planet of the Living Dead, but it will help. Antarctic is still killing it on horror titles.

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5
Story: 4.5 out of 5

The Last Zombie #5

“Continuing AP’s popular new series, The Last Zombie: Inferno picks up where The Last Zombie left off, as Doctor Ian Scott and his team of soldiers and scientists make their way across the wastelands of a post-zombie apocalyptic America. Infected with the virus that caused the zombie outbreak, Ian struggles to stay alive long enough to see his wife again. As if that wasn’t enough, the team find themselves caught between a raging, state-wide wildfire and the radioactive destruction of a nuclear reactor meltdown.”

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Chapter 2 is under review folks! For anyone who doesn’t know how awesome Chapter 1 was, go back and read it, I will wait… okay good to have you back. This issue is practically a way to recap and bridge the gap from what happened before, moving forward a little and bringing in what is coming next. Of course we are reminded of the big secret, but for the most part this is a great transition to the next arc, so action wise it is a slower issue. The artwork is as good as always. I honestly didn’t believe that 3 people were on art duties because it was so seamless. I am happy to have this book back because of how fresh it is. I love new takes on genre’s that could be considered done, so to get a chance to read this and love it, makes me happy to tell you about it. The Last Zombie is perfect for your horror collection and should be a part of it.

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5
Story: 4.0 out of 5

If you would like to know more about any of these horror comics you can find them at Antarctic-press.com.

Reviews by Dan Royer

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2. C2E2: Wrap-Up, News and Horror Comics
3. Flash Fire Mini-Reviews! (Animated Heroes)

Available at Amazon.com

The Grave Doug Freshley
Archaia Entertainment LLC
Written by Josh Hechinger
Illustrated by mp Mann

There aren’t many tales where the undead are the good guys; say what you want about Twilight or True Blood, but those aren’t in the same league as an undead schoolteacher seeking vengeance for the dead family of his pupil.
Thus we have The Grave Doug Freshley, about a tutor – Doug Freshley – in the Wild West who witnesses the death of his friend and his friend’s wife, and manages to save their son – his student – from the family farmhouse as it goes up in flames. The crime has been perpetrated by the Delancey family – a band of thugs, each one worse than the last.

The Delanceys are trying to expand their stake the easy way – by stealing from the locals and killing them so there’s no one to dispute the claim. While holding the dying body of his friend and employer,Shane McNally, Doug swears to protect Shane’s family. Shane’s wife is already dead, and in trying to save their son Bat, Doug is shot to death by one of the Delanceys. Doug swore an oath, and some things are more important than life and death, apparently; he rises up, finds Bat inside the burning farmhouse, and carries him to safety. They then begin to hunt down the Delanceys with vengeance on their minds.

Borrowing heavily from stories like Lone Wolf and Cub, this western-fantasy-horror mash-up follows Doug and Bat as they seek out the Delanceys. On the way, Doug encounters someone he should have expected all along; Death himself, come to claim what’s rightfully his – Doug Freshley.

This is an enjoyable, quick read, and Archaia Entertainment graciously provided me with a free ebook version. The art style is spare and simple, and the  tale itself shares those qualities. The dialogue is sufficient for the story though not snappy or clever. There is one small surprise in the main story that I won’t reveal; clever readers will likely pick it out long before I did, but that’s part of the fun. The story emphasizes the cowboy elements while downplaying the undead nature of the protagonist; most people seem a bit surprised that Doug can be riddled with bullets and walk away, but they aren’t freaked out by it, which aids the story but is at times a bit jarring. Fans of the Western genre will likely find much to like about this story; Horror aficionados may find this title leaving a bit to be desired.

Rating: 3 out of five stars

Review by Bill Bodden

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Issue: Living Corpse Exhumed #1
Writers: Ken Haeser, Buz Hasson
Artists: Ken Haeser, Buz Hasson
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: 2011
Pages: 32
Price: $3.99

“THE LIVING CORPSE rises from the grave in an all-new 6-issue mini-series! It’s hard enough to be The Living Corpse – the flies, the hunger for human brains, and the unending task of holding off the hordes of darkness from creeping into the world of the living… But when a Nosferatu suddenly moves into his graveyard, all hell breaks loose! And what will happen when The Living Corpse’s friend, Lilith, get’s caught in the middle? It’s a battle of the undead and only one will be left standing! (here’s a hint — the name of the book ain’t Nosferatu!)”

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5
Well eyelids I enjoyed having you as a part of my head until I saw the first 2 two page spreads, and then they were blown off! I love the style of Ken and Buz and I think in this issue it shows so well that you won’t know who is doing what. A perfect complement to one another. The colors were awesome as always, but a special treat was how the panels were broken up. At times you get this frames placed on the pages that don’t zoom in on anything, yet the boo-tifully break up the page. Awesome stuff.

Story: 4.0 out of 5
I don’t want to spoil anything but I have to say that this is a strong start out of the gate to make a change to a major player in the book. The writing was full of the humor I come to expect and was a great read overall. However I do have to point out that I thought some jokes did seem to have a little rust on them. Overall you get action, a great death for a classic villain and humor. This is a fun read.

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
This book is back and ready to party, and guess what? You are on the guest list! Horror fans I know your picked this one up, everyone else you should give it a try. Buz and Ken bring to the table a great art style, a solid story, plenty of jokes and a great overall finished product. Plain and simple you can not lose with this one.

If you would like to buy or know more about The Living Corpse you can find it at CorpseComic.com.

Review by Dan Royer

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1. Night of the Living Dead: Behind the Scenes Review
2. Living with the Dead Fiction Review
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Available at Amazon.com

Issue: I Am Legion
Writer: Fabien Nury
Artist: John Cassaday
Letters: Crank!
Colors: Laura Martin
Publisher: Humanoids
Release Date: 2011
Pages: 184
Price: $19.95

“World War II rages as two supernatural entities pursue collide in a conflict hinged on ideologies and the lives of men. The outcome will decide the end of the war itself! Beneath it all, the Nazi pursue a project called “LEGION,” centering on a young Romanian girl with powerful abilities.”

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5
Have ever seen a movie where you wondered what it would look like as a comic book? The way that the art team came together to present I Am Legion did just that. This book looks amazing. The artwork is near perfect on ever single page. Add to that the colors, inks and letters and you have one GORE-Geous book. I have to seriously highlight the way that Cassaday chose to show the “transformations”. I won’t spoil it, but it was done right. The action scenes had a great visual pace, and the down scenes were full of emotion. This is so close to visual perfection in comics.

Story: 4.0 out of 5
I really didn’t know what to expect from this book. Sadly reading the back cover I saw the word Nazi and was just like, “Oh man not another one.” However I was wrong. There were times in this book that I felt moved at too slow of a pace, however the horror mythos that they chose to approach in this book was done in a new and very unique way. I honestly can not get over how I want to know more about what I didn’t see in this book. There is so much more to be told with some of this cast. The inclusion of the Dracul family and they way they were brought into this was fantastic. The slow points could be too slow but the action scenes picked them up and carried this book to an amazing finish.

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
This book was not what I expected, and learning that it originally came out in 2004 made me mad I didn’t check it out then. Luckily I was able to get my hands on it now and I loved it. Was it always moving at the right pace, no, but for the 2 hours I took to sit down and read it I was highly entertained. This is a movie put on the comic page. So much depth in the story and presented with the correct visuals just means a win-win in my book. This is a book that needs to be on the shelves of horror, drama, mystery and war comic fans around the globe.

If you would like to buy or know more about I Am Legion you can find it at Amazon.com.

Review by Dan Royer

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Available at Amazon.com

Issue: Green Wake TPB
Writer: Kurtis Wiebe
Artist: Riley Rossmo
Publisher: Image Shadowline
Release Date: October 2011
Pages: 136
Price: $16.99

“The highly acclaimed, repeat sellout series from writer KURTIS J. WIEBE and artist RILEY ROSSMO is a riveting tale of loss and horror. In the forgotten town of Green Wake, a string of grisly mutilations leads Morley Mack on the trail of a young woman named Ariel, who is the prime suspect. But when a stranger with startling connections to Ariel arrives under mysterious circumstances, Morley unravels a dark plot with a surprising link to his past.”

Artwork: 5.0 out of 5
Have you read a comic book that visually made you want to spend your whole day examining each and every panel? Studying the line work, trying to figure out how the colors work together so well, looking for anything that could be hidden visually? I said it on each review I did for this series so far and I will not stop now, Riley Rossmo was born to draw this book. If I loved his work on Proof and Cowboy Ninja Viking than it’s official that I am head over heels for what he has done on this book because it is just pure simple perfection. enough gushing, the panels in this collection contain a great amount of detail and information. The designs fit the mold set by the story and are consistent throughout. The over the top 2 page spreads though, made this headless man drool and slightly pass out. This is how this story was meant to be seen.

Story: 5.0 out of 5
“Ladies and Gentlemen, Kurtis Wiebe is stepping up to plate. He’s a relative newcomer to horror comic writing, but has a solid batting average in the medium. Here comes the pitch… OH WIEBE GOT A HOLD OF IT! IT IS LEAVING THE STADIUM FOLKS! A SOLID OUT OF THE PARK HOME RUN!” Where on Earth, Mars or even within the Milky Way Galaxy did this story come from? I personally will start thanking Mr. Wiebe on a weekly basis for bringing this solid writing to my life. The idea and concept of Green Wake is 100% a mystery to one and all, however it seems that it can present itself differently to everyone. I see that, as the reader, as limitless potential to create a world that can never really end. If you like mystery books, this one is for you. If you like horror books, this one is for you. If you like amazing storytelling, this one is for you. Kurtis has a way with telling this tale that never left me bored, always had me at the edge of my seat, and threw me for so many loops, that even in the end I am going back to see what I missed the first time. Perfect storytelling.

Dying Breath: 5.0 out of 5
If I were to tell you that horror comics were Mexican food, then Green Wake would be the world’s perfect burrito. The layers it takes to come out with a comic book that I will give a solid 5 to is so few and far between. Rossmo and Wiebe were meant to do Green Wake, and I seriously, deep down as deep down can go, think that you would love this book too. The way that every single aspect, compliments the next aspect is just amazing. I can not and will not shut up about how great Green Wake is. Grab the issues or get this trade, because issue #6 is coming and it’s going to be adding more to this amazing horror comic burrito!

If you would like to buy or know more about Green Wake you can find it at Greenwakecomic.com and Amazon.com.

Review by Dan Royer

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1. I Am Legion Graphic Novel Review
2. The Dead Cell Graphic Novel Review
3. Moonstone Books to publish The Green Hornet and Kato Anthology

Available at Amazon.com

Issue: The Dead Cell OGN
Writer: John Barker
Artist: Scott DM Simmons
Publisher: Arcana
Release Date: 2011
Pages: 80
Price: $14.99

“How would the world be changed if the mentally ill were allowed to determine reality? The Dead Cell explores the experiments of the recently graduated Monica McCoy, and her employment with the secret “Dream Research Program” at Breckenridge State Hospital. While being briefed on the basics, nothing can prepare her for the horrors she encounters upon reporting for duty. What ensues is a tale of madness, reality, and the supernatural chronicling one woman’s journey as she comes face to face with the horror of The Dead Cell.”

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
I have been treated to Simmons’ work before, but it was not in a horror title (lookup Wannabe‘s). I think overall that the book worked on a high level. However there were a few panels that personally I thought some angles were a little off. Did it distract me from enjoying the book though? No not at all. I think the way that really odd/psychological stuff was depicted came off great. Scott did a great job of bringing a very complex story, at times, to life. The black and whites worked so much better than color could have even dreamed of. Overall a great looking book.

Story: 4.0 out of 5
At first I was really hoping this was not going to be too much like Syndrome, and after reading further into it I was glad it wasn’t. Barker has a very unique voice that he uses to tell a very complex story. I don’t want to spoil anything but I thought that the main character was just a horror comic narrator until the end. The way she was presented was different and I thought really great, until the end when we got the twist. And don’t get me wrong great twist. The only problem that I had with any of the writing had to be the “Hood” story. I found it to be a little too stereotypical. For the depth that John put into the other stories, that one seemed to flat.

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
I liked this book a lot. I thought it gave a fresh breath to a look at psychological horror, and it was presented on an anthology level. Now saying that it was an anthology don’t let that remove you from knowing that there is an overarching storyline at work. Simmons’ art was great and fit the stories really well. Barker’s use of the english language to get the story off was fantastic (better than I can do in trying to sum it up, haha). The Dead Cell might not be for everyone, but it was for me. Worth a look if you want something that is unusual and makes you think.

If you would like to buy or know more about The Dead Cell you can find it at Arcana.com and Amazon.com.

Review by Dan Royer

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1. I Am Legion Graphic Novel Review
2. Green Wake Graphic Novel Review
3. Hack/Slash Omnibus Graphic Novel Review

Available at DriveThruComics.com

Issues: Drop Dead Dangerous #0 & #1
Writer: Chad Cabrera
Artist: Mike Banting
Publisher: Happy Lockjaw
Release Date: 2010 & 2011
Pages: #0: 24, #1: 44
Price: Free & $1.99

“They thought it was over. They were wrong. Back on the hunt for the maniacal figure known as The Raven, private detective Jack Smith must face a nightmare from his past— but not all is as it seems. A new evil comes to town as he and his dumbstruck partner Alice, a young woman with secrets of her own, get tangled in a web of deception without realizing that the most dangerous truths are the ones they keep from each other. Meanwhile, The Raven paints the town red as the clock starts ticking for a final showdown in this debut issue of DROP DEAD DEAD DANGEROUS, a murder mystery manga by Chad Cabrera and Mike Banting set in the weird, weird west. Who will be left standing… and who will be left in pieces?”

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5
Fans of the artwork found in Hellsing and Priest gather around because this book is right up your alley. This book had its moments where I didn’t quite see what was going on in the action scenes, but there might have been only 2 max. This book is drop dead GORE-Geous plain and simple. While it does look like most Manga style titles, it’s consistent from panel to panel , and the death scenes are to die for. Character design is solid, but I have to bow down to the decapitation scene in issue #1. I love the look on these books.

Story: 4.0 out of 5
The story here is something I have been wanting for a while in comics, a serial killer story that has legs. The dialogue had its choppy moments, but overall moved me along at a great pace. A serious and yet cheesy, but great cheesy, highlight was during the decapitation scene because the wording was perfect. The written action, the suspense, the poetry, it is all a mix that is blossoming as the issues go on. I have no doubt that issue #2 and beyond will drive this book and it the same level as the artwork.

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
This book was an unexpected surprise. I am shocked that it’s not in Antarctic Press’ line of horror titles (yet). I love the concept, I love the setting, I love the writing and I love the artwork. I want more of this and I want it now. This book is being done right so far. It is hitting on a subject in horror comics that is not often done and that is a shame. If you want a serial killer title that is on track to having it all you need to read this book.

If you would like to buy or know more about Drop Dead Dangerous you can find it at DriveThruComics.com.

Review by Dan Royer

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1. Comic Review Little Shivers No. 1
2. Skullkickers 2 Comic Review
3. Death of Dracula No. 1 Comic Review

Available at Amazon.com

Issue: Deadworld: Last Siesta OGN
Writer: Gary Reed
Artist: Mark Bloodworth
Publisher: IDW
Release Date: September 2011
Pages: 112
Price: $15.99

“King Zombie heads across the border and finds himself plunged into a bitter dispute between a former drug cartel and the assassin Raga.”

Artwork: 5.0 out of 5
I bow down to you Mark Bloodworth. I have seen artists do styles like this, I have seen artists make it work within their own books, but I have never seen this style work so well. Mark was not afraid to show you anything in this book. From his character designs, to the way he laid out a page, there was nothing I could have wanted more from this book visually. The consistency was perfect, but the over the top work came from the way panels transitioned into each other and, of course, the depiction of the undead. Mark your work on Deadworld, whether old or new, is beyond what I need and I can not ask for more. You have achieved visual perfection on this book.

Story: 5.0 out of 5
When I try to describe the writing on Deadworld, I do my best to describe how many levels there are. I think that this book shows off how different this series is than all the rest. You have 2 protagonists in Raga and King Zombie. If anyone wants to fight me on saying King Zombie is a protagonist bring it. The basic breakdown of this book is that you have 2 characters, who cross paths, through animal means, and yet you get a complete story on both. How often is it that you can feel for King Zombie, I really wanted him to get a helicopter damn it! Raga was an awesome character in his own right. The back story given was good, but I want a full book on it. For those of you who have not read Gary Reed yet, this book will showcase his talents to you. Gary has done amazing work in St. Germaine and Baker Street before, but when you see how he can change his style with this book and make it fit the genre, ugh, total love for it on my end. One quick last thing… the ending was the perfect closure to this book.

Dying Breath: 5.0 out of 5
I still think that Slaughterhouse was the highest point in the Deadworld series, but you can not go wrong with Last Siesta. This book follows more of how the writing and art were done in Requiem for the Dead and Frozen Over, so it’s pretty damn good, so damn good I gave it a perfect score. I love Mark Bloodworth and can not express enough how perfect his style was for this book. Page after page I was bathing my eyes in the GORE-Geous panels. Gary Reed you know how to write this series, hands down. You know what you want in your cast and you are able to give that to the world. Last Siesta is a welcome addition to the DW universe and I can not wait for me. I NEED GRAKEN!!!!!

If you would like to know more about Deadworld: Last Siesta you can find it at www.deadworld.info.

Review by Dan Royer

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1. Calebros Graphic Novel Review
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3. Dusk Graphic Novel Review

Available at Amazon.com

Issue: Vault #1
Writer: Sam Sarkar
Artist: Garrie Gastonny
Colors: Sakti Yuwono
Cover: Bagus Hutomo
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: July 2011
Pages: 32
Price: $3.50

“A small team of treasure hunters struggles to excavate a dangerous and legendary treasure pit before a massive storm hits Sable Island, the ‘Graveyard of the North Atlantic’.Equipped with all the latest technology, the scientists believe they are prepared against all of nature’s fury, but nothing can prepare them for what they are about to unleash from The Vault.”

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
This is seriously a solid-looking issue that doesn’t have a lot of horror elements in it until the end. A huge plus on this book was the characters staying perfect from panel to panel. Every page had so much detail that it was like a moving painting telling a visual story. The colors can stand up there with some of the best on the market today. The underwater scenes especially stand out as some of the best in the issue. The main highlight for me though was the final page when the mystery finally presented itself in a great creepy visual. Oh and the cover… GORE-Geous!

Story: 4.0 out of 5
This story had a lot of build, and I mean a lot of build. Personally I am not a fan of underwater stuff like diving or treasure hunting, but Sarkar did such a great job of keeping me hooked from start to finish that I could not put this book down. The dialogue was perfect from page to page, meaning nothing seemed out of place. Much like the artwork, a great amount of detail went into the story as well. There is a good amount of technical wording here that was, in all honesty, so needed to tell what was going on. Overall this was a good one to read.

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Every now and then I am excited to check out a book early and this one was a perfect example of why. Horror style elements weren’t always there, but a great intriguing story was. Nothing about this issue ever made me bored to where I wanted to put it down, it was so solid from start to finish. The big bang will come in issue #2 and I expect something along the lines of The Thing to take place. Now is the time to put this on your pull list and I am giving it my recommendation with two thumbs… wait I don’t have thumbs… 2 eyeballs looking up!

If you would like to buy or know more about Vault #1 you can find it at ImageComics.com.

Review by Dan Royer

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