Night of 1,000 Wolves #1 – Review

Issue: Night of 1,000 Wolves #1
Writer: Bobby Curnow
Artist: Dave Wachter
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Release Date: May 2012
Price: $3.99

“In the Dark Ages, the tranquil life of Harrick Benjyon and his family is shattered by unthinkable tragedy. Before they can react, the family find themselves under seige by hordes of wolves with one aim. Death. A race for survival becomes all the more impossible by the arrival of the supernatural… and the dark secrets that lie at the heart of the Benjyon family. Another classic horror tale from the company that brought you 30 Days of Night and Locke & Key!”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
I’ll make this review simple… BUY THIS BOOK! Night of 1,000 Wolves sprints right out of the gate and never slows down. The artwork by Wachter is so consistent on the characters, which leads to some gnarly looking wolves to the drop dead GORE-Geous monster wolf (still not sure if it is a werewolf yet) at the end. He nailed this book. Matter of fact I want a large poster of that final page, it was just so damn awesome. Like I mentioned, the story crafted by Curnow never skips a beat. His pacing is perfect for a first issue. He grabs you by the throat at the start, loosens up a little in the middle just to tease you, and then finishes you off at the end. The dialogue is perfect and the mystery is just beginning to unravel. From the start this is one horrific tale that you will grab you and not let go. I was not expecting this, but I am damn sure glad I got it. Can I have issue #2 now?

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Night of 1,000 Wolves you can find it at http://www.idwpublishing.com

CELEBRATE DEADWEEK THIS AUGUST!

Gary Reed’s DEADWORLD returns in a weekly miniseries!

 
San Diego, CA (May 9, 2012) – This August, IDW Publishing is proud to announce the return of original co-creator Gary Reed’s classic zombie series Deadworld! When vicious masses of undead monsters have taken over the planet, desperate humans cling to hope while warring factions of uniquely sinister zombies conspire against each other. Deadworld is a zombie tale unlike any other and a horrific and thrilling world that is decades in the making and unique unto itself.

“It seems like everything with Deadworld over the years is culminating towards this storyline, yet at the same time, it is an opportunity to introduce new readers to the Deadworld saga. That’s why I’m so excited about this series, as it accomplishes both” said co-creator Reed.

Deadworld has seen a number of different formats and volumes over the years, but Reed’s collaboration with artist Sami Makkonen, Deadworld: War of the Dead will be hitting comic shop shelves in a particularly thrilling fashion this August. War of the Dead will be released weekly in every one of August’s five weeks!

Five issues of grim and terrifying zombie action in one month? What could be better?

Oh, that’s right, five issues of Deadworld in horrifying, skull-crushing full-color! For the first time!

As a bonus salvo in IDW’s August Deadworld onslaught, Deadworld Classic Volume 1 and Volume 2 will be offered again; as well as the hit Deadworld: Last Siesta TPB!

About Gary Reed
Gary Reed was the publisher of Caliber Comics, an independent comic company that gave a chance to many of today’s top comics talents. Reed has written over 200 comics and graphic novels from publishers such as Caliber, Image, IDW, Simon & Shuster, Penguin, and others. He was also Vice President of McFarlane Toys when the company launched in 1993. He currently is publisher of Transfuzion Publishing which has released nearly 30 graphic novels over the last four years and is launching Binary Press this summer. www.garyreed.net

About Sami Makkonen
Finnish artist Sami Makkonen is probably best known from his work for Eisner Award nominated Hatter M. graphic novel series volume 2 and 3. Makkonen has also illustrated graphic novels Blue and Deadworld Slaughterhouse, CD-covers and magazines. He is now concentrating to Hatter M. vol. 4 -The Zen of Wonder and a new a full color Deadworld series, War of the Dead. .Sami is a recipient of the Sarjis award for bestc omic writer and illustrator. http://www.samimakkonen.com

Hoax Hunter’s #1 – Review

Issues: Hoax Hunter’s #1
Writers: Michael Moreci, Steve Seeley
Artist: Axel Medellin, Tim Seeley (c)
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: July 2011
Price: $2.99

“The acclaimed backup begins its own series! A rash of mass animal deaths leads the Hoax Hunters to the Louisiana bayou. What they find is a mystery that harkens to Jack’s past – and a dangerous cryptid bent on revenge!”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
There are three things that one can do to easily win me over with a comic book. One of those things is to have the story take place in the Louisiana swamps, and guess what issue did that, Hoax Hunters #1. Spinning out of the back up stories in Hack/Slash, and then being collected into issue #0, we join the team as they embark to solve a mystery in the swamp. No this is not like Scooby Doo, it is better. I openly welcome artist Axel Medellin into the family because he nailed this issue. His panels were consistent and he created one of the most GORE-Geous swamp monsters I have ever seen. Moreci and Seeley are on top of their game with this issue. If you missed the #0 issue you don’t have to worry, because they cover some good back story here. They also move forward with great pacing and some killer mystery that is left to unfold. Hoax Hunters is simply put, a fun read that plays with monster mythos. Hell I could easily just call this the baby of Scooby Doo and Proof. A great first issue and there is still more to come, I mean come on, lets get to the carnival already!

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

If you would like to know more about Hoax Hunters please go to http://www.imagecomics.com/

Zombies are Coming May 30, 2012

Are you ready for the Zombie Invasion? On May 30, 2012 IDW Publishing will be releasing Zombies: The Chilling Archives of Horror Comics Vol. 3 by Craig Yoe and Steve Banes.

From the banned 1950s horror comics that Dr. Fredric Wertham of the U.S. Senate and mothers didn't want innocent children to devour comes a terrifying and timely anthology of comics of the undead... Zombies. These gruesome mini-masterpieces are hauntingly delineated by some of the Golden Age's greatest artists: Jack Cole, Bob Powell, Howard Nostrand, Wally Wood, Gene Colan, Lou Cameron, Reed Crandall, and others at their very best. The nightmarish scripts of the unstoppable living dead will make your spine freeze over in terror! Edited and designed by Eisner winner Craig Yoe with an introduction by the host of the popular "The Horrors of It All" vintage comics blog, Steve "Karswell" Banes, Zombies follows in the footsteps of the "Dick Briefer's Frankenstein" and "Bob Powell's Terror" as the third not-to-be-missed book in The Chilling Archives of Horror Comics! As with the entire line of Yoe Books, the reproduction techniques employed strive to preserve the look and feel of expensive vintage comics. Painstakingly remastered, enjoy the closest possible recreation of reading these comics when first released.

You can pre-order it now at Amazon.com

Frankenstein Alive, Alive! #1 – Review

Issue: Frankenstein Alive, Alive! #1
Writer: Steve Niles
Artist: Bernie Wrightson
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Release Date: May 2012
Price: $3.99

“Few works by comic-book artists have earned the universal acclaim and reverence that Bernie Wrightson’s illustrated version of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s Frankenstein was met with upon its original release in 1983. Nearly 30 years later, Wrightson returns to his passion project with a comic series that picks up at the end of the classic novel, hailed as one of the greatest horror stories of all time. Frequent Wrightson collaborator Steve Niles provides the script for this epic, decades in the making. While appearing to be in black and white, each page was scanned in color to mimic as closely as possible the experience of viewing the actual original art, showing off the exquisitely detailed brush work of one of the greatest living artists in comics today. Each issue will also include supplemental materials, including interviews, essays and a serialization of the original prose story by Shelley.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Please hold, my eyes are still drooling from these GORE-Geous pages. Wrightson just blew my visual system right out of the back of my head in this first issue of Frankenstein Alive, Alive! #1. Every single panel in this book is a masterpiece, as a matter of fact, think of this issue as a $4 art gallery that you are privileged to take come in and enjoy. The black and white is so crisp and clean, and I don’t recall if I said this yet, but it is GORE-Geous! The story by Niles is so poetic that it moved me. Granted I can’t move far unless a strong gush of wind comes my way, but this story really took a look into the soul of the Monster. I will admit, it did take 2 reads for me to fully catch everything, in terms of the order of the events that were happening, but it just meant I got to enjoy the hell out of this twice. The horror elements seem to be more about internal suffering than anything else, and it works. From the artwork to the story, this book is a winner. It will make you want to go get the first round by Wrightson and read it again, and then you will come back and read this again, until it all becomes one vicious cycle that consumes you. Then you will create your own Monster to do your bidding so you can keep enjoying this over and over again. A MUST BUY!

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Frankenstein Alive, Alive! you can find it at http://www.idwpublishing.com/

Dead Reckoning: Contagion issue #2 – Review

Issue: Dead Reckoning: Contagion issue #2
Writer: Z.M. Thomas
Pencils: Cliff Richards
 Publisher: Trepidation Comics
Release Date: January 2012
Pages: 28
Price: $3.99

“With the resurgence of what is believed an evolved strain of the 1918 Spanish Influenza strikes South Eastern Asia, a Chinese pharmaceutical company along with the Epidemic Intelligence Service and CDC are on a race against time to create a cure and prevent a future global pandemic. But when the new vaccine begins to bring the dead of those infected back to life, the military places the entire city of Minneapolis under quarantine.”

 

 Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5.0

WEED WHACKER HO! Contagion is back, under a new name, and it is ready to blast your balls (sorry ladies) to the wall! When the first issue ended, it left me wanting so much more, and issue #2 is here to deliver that. The artwork has been kicked up a notch, but you should be able to tell that from the cover image posted with this review. Not only do the character designs make my jaw drop from panel to panel, but the colors are to DIE for. This is one GORE-Geous book! Richards is great at depicting emotion, but I will gripe that we are not all supermen with out rock hard ab’s. Just saying, all comics do that and it bothers me. Not your fault Cliff, I promise. The story by Thomas is working on two levels. Level #1 is moving the story along. He has a great handle on getting from A to B, while still adding on what has happened and why it might be happening. Level #2 is the intensity level. Being able to move the story along while adding intense and relaxed scenes is not an easy task. Yet Z.M. does it with ease. This book is great, but I have a gripe. I need more of it faster! I think that this one would honestly work best as an OGN, or at least told in large issue chapters. At least then I am not left wanting more and more when I finish a single issue. If you find this book grab it, if you can’t find it go to the damn website because this is how horror comics are done right.

 

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5.0 • Story: 4.5 out of 5.0

If you would like to buy or know more about Dead Reckoning: Contagion please check out http://www.trepidation-comics.com/

Bela Lugosi’s Tales from the Grave #2 – Review

Issue: Bela Lugosi’s Tales from the Grave #2
Creators: Rick Baker, Kerry Gammill, Mike Hoffman, Sam F. Park, Jack Herman, Mike Dubisch, Joe Freire, Michael Leal, Kamil Kochanski, Neil Vokes, James Groman, Tom Smith, Nik Poliwko,  Mark Owen, Linda Miller
Publisher: Monsterverse Entertainment
Release Date: May 2012
Price: $4.99

“A strange, pop-eyed sailor is released from a sunken ship after over 70 years; all who look into the eye have their souls sucked out! A masked Mexican wrestler battles a chupacabra to rescue a lady in distress. Film experts discover the horrible secret of a lost werewolf film. Dr. Vornoff builds a mechanical man to help him conquer the world. And a busboy learns of bizarre tastes working in a obscure Chinese restaurant serving dishes that are out of this world.“

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Anthologies, the life blood of the horror comics industry. The foundation to which the genre was built off of, still has such a solid base when you know that Bela Lugosi’s Tales from the Grave is part of that great tradition. I can’t lie to you review reader, it is very difficult to review anthologies, when you figure that you are getting 3+ stories that all have a different story telling and artistic style. So not everything will appeal to everyone. Issue #2 of BLTFTG has to have been written just for me, because I enjoyed every second of every single story. The artwork in this issue starts off at such a high level thanks to the cover by Academy Award winner Rick Baker, but each story and pin-up does nothing to lower the bar. I thought that “Strange to the Finish”, “Lugosi’s Legends & Lore” and “Order In/Take Out Chaos” were the best of the bunch. Onto the stories, of those horror stories that just blew the doors off of one another. Hell I even liked the one about wrestlers! This is a great mix of monsters, that all compliment one another. Personally I have to tip my head to ”Order In/Take Out Chaos” and ” Claws of the Werewolf”. Everything about this issue screams old school horror meets new school approach. With the inclusion of an interview and the pin-ups this is a steal for only 5. I am beyond ecstatic that this issue is in my collection and I can not wait for more. There is a reason that Monsterverse Entertainment won a Ghastly Award and had so many nominees, they do horror right!

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.5 out of 5
 
Please note MV books are available in the UK via Hemlock Books. http://www.hemlockbooks.co.uk/
Comics from the MONSTERVERSE are NOW AVAILABLE at finer comic shops in the US and Canada and on Amazon.com! http://www.amazon.com/shops/monsterverse
MV books are also available in the US on Facebook via our Monsterverse Store at SHOP NOW. https://www.facebook.com/Monsterverse/app_135607783795
You can also download our books at iVerse, Amusedom and GRAPHICLY. Monsterverse on GRAPHICLY presents the best in modern horror stories told in the classic horror comics tradition. Publications include BELA LUGOSI’S TALES FROM THE GRAVE and the graphic novel series THE BLACK FOREST and THE FACELESS. Download now on your computer or mobile apps. http://graphicly.com/monsterverse

Zombie Chuck #2 – Review

Issue: Zombie Chuck #2
Writer: Brian Fyffe
Artist: Brian Fyffe
Release Date: 2012
Pages: 32
Price: $5.00

“Chuck and Lily’s second adventure, in 28 pages of color printed on aged newsprint paper!”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Zombie Chuck is back, and ready to party for Halloween! I was so excited to get my hands on the second issue of this series from Brian Fyffe, that he avoided me for 2 whole days at C2E2, just to drive up my want level. Building off of the first issue, we now get Chuck in color. This adds to the overall concept and feel of ZC in such a good way. Being a book that is directed at all ages, like Casper would be, it is important to utilize all of the tools at your disposal to try to attract an audience, so the addition of color is a step in the right direction. I really love Fyffe’s style on the entire cast, and while I thought that I the werewolves would be the coolest looking characters in this issues, I have to go hands down to the Big Blue Monster. He is awesome! The designs on the cast are classic in horror nature, but so fun in context to the story. The story itself is full of horror and comedy. I really get this old sci-fi movie vibe from it as well. Movies that were meant to be scary at the time, but when watched now have this fun monster feel to them. The story is great for everyone and anyone and added with the amazing artwork, it makes this book a clear-cut winner. I really hope that at some point we can get more than 1 issue a year, but it’s always great to know that when I go to C2E2 I can pick up the next one. Zombie Chuck is worth all 500 pennies.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Zombie Chuck you can find it at http://www.fyffo.com

Product of Society #5 – Review

Issue: Product of Society #5
Creators: Jon Michael Lennon, Leo Perez, Chris Newman, B. Alan Hubbard, Lauren Burke, Andrew Dimitt, Don Hills, Kyle Lawler, Donovan Klingal, Josh Filer, Mat Festa, Thor Fjalarsson and Sarah Hollings
Publisher: CheeseLord Comics
Release Date: March 2012
Price: $5.00

“Synopsis An anthology of Earth’s most disturbed persons. Product of Society features comics covering all known genres from a wide be selection of upcoming indie talents. It is an echo chamber for the despair within the human soul that makes us all products of society.”

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Dirty, Smut, Filth, Trash, Horror GOODNESS! Each word can only bring 1 oz of justice to the pages of Product of Society #5. I want to start with the cover art because that is just GORE-Geous! I want a story based on whatever is going on there. And the back cover is magnificent! Like most anthologies this book is filled with varying art and story telling styles. I really think that every single artist in this issue is amazing in what they do. They all have a unique visual voice that might not look like it’s neighbor story, but they all play together so well. Visually this book is a winner. So how do the stories hold up? What I always seem to notice in an anthology is some kind a variance in what I enjoy, compared to something that just is not for me. I highly enjoyed 6 of the 8 stories in this book. I did find that some could use a little polishing on the dialogue, but overall it is a solid collection of tales. The highlights for me were “Re:Salvation”, “Moon Shits”, and “Her Eyes”. Out of all the stories these 3 were my favorites. Product of Society may be a mature title, but what is collected inside of it, is solid comic silver. Polishing up some of the edges for future issues will easily put this book in a gold class all on its own, it is worth every penny.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Product of Society #5 you can find it at http://cheeselordcomics.com/

Doctor Spektor Archives Volume 4 HC – Review

Issue: Doctor Spektor Archives Volume 4 HC
Writer: Donald Glut
Artist: Jesse Santos
Publisher: Dark Horse
Release Date: February 2012
Price: $50.00

“Confronting supernatural threats and vengeful monsters, Dr. Spektor travels from Scottish lochs to cursed swamplands–and from the surreal dreamscape of the Egyptian afterlife to New York City’s Chinatown! Collecting issues #19 to #25 of The Occult Files of Doctor Spektor and a Spektor tale from Gold Key Spotlight #8, plus notes from Spektor’s secret files, including a piece on Dr. Solar!”

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Believe it or not review reader, I have never had a chance to check out Doctor Spektor comics before. Sure I have heard of them, but it was not until Dark Horse supplied me with this great volume that I had my first chance to really check this cast out. The artwork in this volume by Santos is fantastic. He does a great job of keeping the cast consistent from panel to panel. The man can also draw an amazing monster or two. I thought that the Leviathan and the Lurker were the highlights of the bunch, but each stories creature or villain could easily hold it’s own. The stories in this series do feel dated (70′s), but they can hold up with the horror detective tales of today. For those fans of Cal McDonald, Dylan Dog, or John Constantine you might want to check out Doctor Specktor. The same concept applies here, in that something bizarre is happening and it is up to him to solve it. Each story has it’s own tale, and they play out like a weekly television show. You have the mystery and intrigue to capture the readers from the start, but then they are wrapped up by the end. So there is a good deal of story to be had in these pages. My only downside was that I felt some of the stories we really good, but others were not able to live up to that same level. Overall this is an amazing collection, that I am very proud to have had the chance to look at. Fans of the horror detectives will easily fall in love with this book, and I think any old school horror fans will be happy to check this out as well. These stories can stand up with the best of them and this book deserves to be on your horror shelf.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Doctor Spektor you can find it at http://www.darkhorse.com

Monocyte #4 – Review

Issue: Monocyte #4
Writers: Menton3, Kasra Ghanbari, Steve Niles, Barron Storey
Artists: Menton3, Chris Newman, Ben Templesmith
Covers: Menton3, David Stoupakis, Phil Hale
Publisher: IDW
Release Date: May 2012
Price: $3.99

“The world is in in chaos. Monocyte makes his way to Azrael as the human slaves are freed… Series conclusion with art by menton3 (ZvR: Aventure, Silent Hill) and co-written by Kasra Ghanbari with an incentive cover by world-renowned fine artist Phil Hale and side stories by legendary fine artist/illustrator Barron Storey (Sandman: Endless Nights) and superstar horror writer Steve Niles (30 Days of Night, Criminal Macabre).”

Dying Breath: 5.0 out of 5
How can I even begin to put into words what I thought about the final issue of Monocyte without just saying…PERFECTION! That’s all, review over. No, just kidding, but it really does sum up this issue and this entire series oh so damn well. The main story (there are two backup stories) was visually stunning. At one point my eyes melted out of my skull because of how GORE-Geous the pages by Menton3 and Chris Newman were. Since the series is now over, I want to recap how well the art played with the story because it was nailed down with this final issue. The images presented throughout the series were almost like going to an art gallery. I wondered how words could even try to play well with what I was seeing visually, and I think it was a great challenge for Menton3 and Kasra to overcome. Yet, in the hands of these two, a story was crafted that defied visual logic, playing out so poetically that I wondered if the images were even needed! They crafted a world that had so much depth and mystery that it played out beyond what my brain could even comprehend. This issue just solidifies the fact that when the right elements combine you can create something so beautiful it will leave all readers satisfied. Monocyte was a tempting beauty that captured my black heart for months on end. This, ladies and gentlemen, is beyond what comic books strive to be. It is what comic books should be.

Artwork: 5.0 out of 5 • Story: 5.0 out of 5

If you would like to buy or know more about Monocyte you can find it at http://www.idwpublishing.com

Bloke’s Terrible Tomb of Terror #3 – Review

Issue: Bloke’s Terrible Tomb of Terror #3
Writers: Jason “Bloke” Crawley, Mike Hoffman
Artists: Mike Hoffman, Rock Baker
Publisher: Mike Hoffman & Jason Crawley
Release Date: February 2012
Price: $8.95

“Another 6 tales to keep you entertained and craving more! Retro style artwork and straight to the point story telling, hosted by The Bloke and The Fearleader! The ongoing series from artist Mike Hoffman and writer Jason Crawley continues to help fill the void left behind by those classic mags we read growing up! Miss those glory days of Horror Anthology magazines? Then look no further….”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
6 more tales of terror are coming your way, when you pick up this fantastic horror comic magazine. Jason Crawley, Mike Hoffman and Rock Baker are not afraid to take you into the dark depths of the comic-verse within these 52 pages. The artwork is drop dead GORE-Geous. It screams out that it belongs in the horror world, with its amazing black and white image that will make your bones shiver. I really loved the look of every story, but I am a big fan of Hoffman’s style. Baker, whose work I am new to, is a perfect fit for this kind of work.  The two styles combined to bring a me an eyegasm. The stories live up to what I think of as classic horror. It borders on a Twilight Zone kind of feel. Nothing is over the top gorey, and they are short enough to contain the right amount of horror fun. I often think of these kind of stories to be like Aesop Fables, as you learn what not to do, to survive. My favorite stories of the bunch had to be “Green Fingers” and “Deja Grue”. This anthology can speak to old school horror fans as well as new comers. It has a great throwback feel that will easily win people over. I enjoyed this issue so much, that I am now going to start yelling at “Bloke” until I get another issue in front of me. You need to check this out, and if you get the chance to do it in person, say hi to Jason because he is there as “Bloke”.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Bloke’s Terrible Tomb of Terror you can find it at Bloke’s Terrible Tomb

Rachel Rising Vol. 1: The Shadow of Death – Review

Issue: Rachel Rising Vol. 1: The Shadow of Death
Writer: Terry Moore
Artist: Terry Moore
Publisher: Abstract Studio
Release Date: 2012
Price: $16.99

“Rachel Beck wakes in a shallow grave and claws her way free as a mysterious woman watches from a bluff. With no memory of the night before, Rachel enlists the help of Aunt Johnny, the town mortician, to find her killer. But when repeated attacks send her to the morgue, Rachel’s ability to wake from death again and again prove to be a blessing and a curse, and the eerie town of Manson will never be the same! Collects issues #1-6.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Oh Terry Moore, you wow me on all levels. Rachel Rising was a title in which I did not know what to expect when it came out, and honestly I still don’t know what to expect because it is such a mystery. Within the pages of Volume 1, I was treated to GORE-Geous artwork and a story that left me needing more! Moore’s art style shines on these pages. His characters are a thing to behold. They are so solid on every panel and it says something to the fact that it is all done in glorious black and white. Not that I don’t like gray tones, but they are not needed here. This book captures the elements of horror in expressions and scenes so well. When something is set to scare you, you better believe it will. The story itself had a slower start, but then picked up quickly. By the time I got to issue #3, I was hooked. The dialogue is a huge strong point for this book. Moore has an amazing grasp on how people interact, and it has shown in all of his titles. Going back to the horror elements, he does a fantastic job of building up a sense of terror in the reader, as people have very creepy vibes about them. This world is just beginning to be flushed out, and already I need it to be presented to me more than once a month. This is a book I will be talking about for years to come, and this collection is only just the beginning. You won’t be able to just read this book, because you will be transplanted into this world and feel that it is becoming a part of who you are. Buy now, and enjoy it for many years to come!

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Rachel Rising Vol. 1: The Shadow of Death you can find it at http://www.terrymooreart.com/

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Rebel Blood #2 – Review

Issue: Rebel Blood #2
Writer: Alex Link, Riley Rossmo
Artist: Riley Rossmo
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: April 2012
Pages: 28
Price: $3.50

“A mysterious infection is sweeping the land turning animals and people into blood-crazed killers! The food supply is dwindling…and you’re on the menu! How bad can things get? You’re about to find out!”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Rats, the issue ended! Rats, are eating away at his flesh! Rat’s I need more of this series now! Riley and Alex are back with issue #2 or this Zombie-rific story and it just blows the doors off the horror comic book world. It is no surprise to me that Riley won the Ghastly Award for best artist of 2011. He shows off his skills in this issue so perfectly because even the rats creep me out. The nail in the coffin to getting a perfect score though is the way he depicts certain action scenes. Seeing a car on one page travel down a road, but being drawn 5 times and all highlighted makes this an animation sequence. Even the scene where the truck flips, just GORE-Geous. The story in this issue takes a little turn from how it was told in the first issue. With issue #1, there was a good amount of jumping back and forth to tell some back story on top of the “live” events. In this issue it’s almost all centered on current happenings, and only takes a look back once, for a nice change of pace. The dialogue is great from page to page, but it doesn’t live up to the same level as the art in this issue. I don’t want this series to end. I think that there is so much to explore within this world and it ALL needs to be presented, even if it is just to me. This book is a balls to the wall horror mystery, a serious must read!

Artwork: 5.0 out of 5 • Story: 4.0 out of 5

If you would like to buy or know more about Rebel Blood you can find it at http://www.imagecomics.com

Mongrel #1 – Review

Issue: Mongrel: Son of a Bitch #1
Writer: Edward Dunphy
Artist: Andrew Mitchell Kudlka
Publisher: Velvet Leaf Publishing
Price: $4.99

“Mongrel: Son of a Bitch is a 3-part gritty urban horror comic mini-series created by writer Ed Dunphy and artist Andrew M. Kudelka. It’s about Eric, a vicious werewolf that’s Hell-bent on destroying an established supernatural wolfpack in Chicago, and Will, the tough-as-nails homicide detective who is trying to solve the gruesome string of murders on his turf. The 1st full-color issue debuted at DanCon 2012 and will see a second limited release at C2E2 in Chicago in April. After a planned April Kickstarter campaign, the book will be available for order online at www.VelvetLeafPublishing.com and in select comic shops. The second issue will be ready in early summer, followed by the finale in late summer. Those wishing updates should contact the creators at: VLPcomics@hotmail.com.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Someone call PETA there is a werewolf massacre taking place! From GORE-Geous artwork to a very engaging story Mongrel #1 has it all. The art by Kudelka is spot on from panel to panel. He draws an amazing looking werewolf and has a great grasp on the human form as well. Now personally I know that this book came out in black and white, and while I like it with the color, I do think it worked better in the B&W style, personal preference though. The story by Dunphy is gripping and action packed. For a first issue it does a great job of setting up for the series as well as grabbing my mind and making it want more. The dialogue is perfect and I really got a sense of being there, almost as if I was watching a movie. With more issues on the horizon I can not wait to see how this plays out. With the werewolf resurgence in full effect right now it is awesome to get Mongrel out there for the masses. This is a series not to be missed.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Mongrel #1 you can find it athttps://www.facebook.com/mongrelcomic

Deadworld: War of the Dead #1 (of 5) – Advance Review

Issue: Deadworld: War of the Dead #1
Writer: Gary Reed
Artist: Sami Makkonen
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Release Date: August 2012
Price: $3.99

“The zombies have over run the Earth!  A small outpost, remnants of a twisted scientists’ scheme to defeat the plague holds out against the army of King Zombie.  Their secret weapon are the Lepers-victims of a bizarre experiment that left them with dead flesh in breathing husks with skin that even zombies won’t touch.  This new series of Deadworld is perfect for new readers to join in the frenzy of what has been called the “grand-daddy” of all zombie comics.”

*Note: This series will be weekly throughout the month of August.

Dying Breath: 5.0 out of 5
Welcome back my old friend. It is about damn time that we meet again. The last time we saw this cast of characters in Deadworld, was with the highly praised Slaughterhouse OGN. The events that will unfold in this series are picking up around one year after that. Award winning artist Sami Makkonen (Sarjis Awards), is back to bring Deadworld into the realm of color. I have to admit at first I was skeptical when hearing this, but these pages are GORE-Geous! Sami’s style has a rugged beauty to it, that I think is only enhanced by the addition of color. The gritty look of his panels add to setting up the perfect look for this undead universe. I have to quickly throw mention to his interpretation of King Zombie, it is jaw dropping. I know what you are asking yourself now, “Dan, if the art is that good can the story be on the same level?” Hell yes it can reader, HELL YES. With there being a gap between issues and OGN’s, Gary Reed has to make sure that people recall what came before, as well as make it open to new readers. He nails this on the head and then drives it home with the opening of this arc. While not all previous characters are covered here, the ones that are shine brightly. No one really pulls in the spotlight on them, which shows how well Reed was able to juggle setting things up. The BIG highlight to the story was the breakdown of how the community is protecting itself from larger groups of the undead. It was just the amount of detail that went into that scene that proved why I place Gary on such a high pedestal when it comes to writers. This issue had more than I could have ever wanted from a new Deadworld series. The artwork and story are done at such a high level, that you had better get a ladder ready for when this book is in your hands. Hands down a MUST BUY!

Artwork: 5.0 out of 5 • Story: 5.0 out of 5

If you would like to know more about Deadworld: War of the Dead #1 please go to  http://www.idwpublishing.com/or http://www.garyreed.net/.

Grim Leaper #1 – Review

Issue: Grim Leaper #1
Writer: Kurtis Wiebe
Artist: Aluisio Santos
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: May 2012
Price: $3.50

“A brand new series from the mind of critically acclaimed writer KURTIS J. WIEBE (GREEN WAKE, PETER PANZERFAUST), GRIM LEAPER is a gory romantic comedy. Lou Collins is caught in a cyclical curse of violent, gruesome deaths and new beginnings in the bodies of strangers. With no clue why, Lou desperately searches for a way to break the curse and cross over peacefully to the other side. Then equally doomed Ella comes along. It’s a love story to die for.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
WHOA! Did you see that decapitation! In a series that I expect to be filled with tons of GORE-Geous images, Grim Leaper #1 does not disappoint. The artwork by Santos is jaw dropping from panel to panel. I absolutely love the way he uses perspective in such unique ways. The curves of roads play into the odd setting that the story takes place, and gruesome deaths can be found throughout. Story wise, Wiebe has delivered yet again. Mixing in elements of horror and romance sprinkled with some great humor, this story has it all. I love the concept and how it is playing out. I won’t spoil anything, but find that I can not wait to see if this will work out for the main characters. Beauty is really in one’s personality and this series is out to prove it. A fantastic first issue that only makes me crave more and more.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Grim Leaper you can find it at http://www.imagecomics.com

Dear Creature OGN – Review

Issue: Dear Creature OGN
Writer: Jonathan Case
Artist: Jonathan Case
Publisher: Tor Books
Release Date: October 2011
Price: $15.99

“Deep beneath the waves, a creature named Grue broods. He no longer wants to eat lusty beachgoers, no matter how their hormones call to him. A chorus of crabs urges him to reconsider. After all, people are delicious! But this monster has changed. Grue found Shakespeare’s plays in cola bottles and, through them, a new heart. Now he yearns to join the world above.

Rising from a brine of drive-in pulp and gentle poetry, Jonathan Case’s debut graphic novel Dear Creature is the love story you never imagined!”

Dying Breath: 5.0 out of 5
How in the world did I miss this book when it came out? Inside of the covers of this book, lies a story that blew me away and artwork that melted my eyes out of their sockets. The visuals were so GORE-Geous, and they were only presented in black and white. The real kicker though was the way that Case was able to show expression through facial features and body movements. Every panel had a real life feel to it and it just hit home with me, as it got me invested in the cast on a more personal level, like something you would get from watching a movie. The story itself nailed so many different levels; Horror ✓, Humor ✓, Romance ✓, Mystery ✓. Every single one of those concepts is covered and played out so well. The jokes from the crabs had me rolling on the floor. The horror elements were classic, which is what I expected with a “Monster” being the main character. The huge surprise was the dialogue. The sheer amount of time that Jonathan had to put into this writing to get it right would be mind-blowing to find out. It did take some getting used to, but once I got it down it was just poetry on the page. If you know me, you know I don’t give out 5 out of 5′s often, and this book is more than deserving of the highest score. It is so solid on every single level that I am sad to think it is over now. Do yourself a favor and make sure to check this one out. I missed out when it came out and I regret that I had to wait for it to be nominated for a Ghastly Award to finally have a chance to check it out.

Artwork: 5.0 out of 5 • Story: 5.0 out of 5

If you would like to buy or know more about Dear Creature you can find it at http://www.dearcreature.com/

Alabaster: Wolves #1 – Review

Issue: Alabaster: Wolves #1
Writer: Caitlín R. Kiernan
Artist: Steve Lieber
Publisher: Dark Horse
Release Date: April 2012
Price: $3.50

“For nearly as long as she can remember, Dancy Flammarion has fought monsters, cutting a bloody swath through the demons and dark things of the world, aimed like a weapon by forces beyond her control or questioning.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Phew! I have to admit that I originally feared this would be a book along the lines of Twilight, due to the popularity of such franchises being turned into comics. It is not though. What is presented within these pages is a story that is visually breathtaking, mentally stimulating and when combined they create one hell of a first issue. The artwork in this book did take me a little bit to adjust to, but after 5 pages I was on board. The character designs are great, and the consistency is seen from panel to panel. The most GORE-Geous thing in this book though, was the werewolf transformation. Easily the visual highlight of the issue for me. The story itself was something I expect from a #1. It grabs you with what it presents, yet leaves enough mystery to have you come back for more. The dialogue was fun, sadly I was not able to solve any of the riddles (I stink, I know). I love the concept so far and really can not wait to see how it plays out. This issue was more than I expected and now I expect so much more from this series. Check this one out!

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Alabaster: Wolves #1 you can find it at http://www.darkhorse.com

Pandemonium OGN - Review

Issue: Pandemonium OGN
Writer: Christophe Bec
Artist: Stefano Raffaele
Publisher: Humanoids
Pages: 160
Price: $19.95

“In 1951, a mother and her young daughter entered one of America’s most prestigious institutions for the treatment of Tuberculosis, The Waverly Hills Sanatorium. The events that befell them shortly thereafter, both of a supernatural and criminal nature, were some of the most sordid of the times. Based on real events. A true tale of horror, literally!”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5.0
It’s always funny to me how things happen in 3′s. Take this book for example, at the time I read this, I had also just seen a movie involving an asylum and I am in the middle of reading a horror novel about one too. I think that those outside factors easily played into why this book was so great . The artwork was something to behold, as it visually depicted this great horror tale. The characters were so consistent and detailed throughout every panel. However it was the horror elements that stole the show. Raffaele had a GORE-Geous way of being able to capture the scenes where it was needed most. I still can not remove the image of a crazy doctor from my mind. The angles chosen in these scenes was just so perfect, but they were few and far between for most of the story. Bec deserves a standing ovation what transpired in these pages. From the very start there was always this eerie vibe that could be picked up on, and while I thought that the horror elements were on the lighter side, when they did come up they packed a punch. The dialogue was sharp, and translated nicely into English. The pacing was fantastic throughout and the ending pulled at my heart-strings A HUGE highlight to this book was getting to the backup material only to find out that Waverly Hills Sanatorium is real, and now I want to know so much more. Overall this is a book that should be sitting in your horror collection. It was an amazing read from start to finish and always had me on the edge of my seat. I really hope that other stories from this particular location can come to life on the comic page, because there seems to be so much more to tell. BUY THIS BOOK, you will not regret it.

Art: 4.5 out of 5.0 • Story: 5.0 out of 5.0

If you would like to buy or know more about Pandemonium OGN you can find it at http://www.humanoids.com/