Monocyte #2 – Review

Issue: Monocyte #2
Writers: Menton3, Kasra Ghanbari
Artist: Menton3
Covers: Menton3 (Cover A), Riley Rossmo (Cover B), Bill Sienkiewicz (Incentive Cover)
Side Stories: Ben Templesmith (w/a), Alan Hubbard (w) & Chris Newman (a)
Publisher: IDW
Release Date: December 2011
Pages: 36
Price: $3.99

“Monocyte begins his death march towards the Olignostic city, fending off relentess attacks in his path to destroy their immortality machinery. Meanwhile, a powerless Olignostic seizes on Monocyte’s appearance to acquire power.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
OH MY! This is one book where I find myself asking myself “How can I even put this into words?” The artwork in this book is beyond GORE-Geous. From the amazing covers to the jaw dropping interiors followed up by the lettering, this book is just off the charts. One panel in particular gave this book a perfect score on the artwork, and it was an aerial view of what was happening. The fact that this panel entered into the mind of Menton3, shows how his artistic vision is beyond what others are doing. And hey the more decapitations the better. The story is a mind game of sorts, especially since I use those words to describe it. It takes what a comic should be and makes it so poetic that I don’t even realize I am looking at a picture book. The dialogue both external and in internal has this dark futuristic feel to it, that sets the tone so well. The backup stories shine like in the issue prior, giving more depth to the cast. Before I knew it the book was over and I am now acting like a addict craving more. So excuse me while I go convulse in the corner. Run to your comic shop to get issue #2 and invite this dark futuristic tale of fantasy and horror into your life.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Monocyte #2 you can find it at http://www.idwpublishing.com

Zombie Bomb #6: Last Rites – Review

Issue: Zombie Bomb #6: Last Rites
Creators: Ken Knudtsen, Steve Becker, Jeff McComsey, Samuel Araya, Keith McCleary, Rolo Ledesma, Murat Mihcioglu, Ergun Gunduz, Andy Jones, Josh Morrissette, Jerry Morrissette, Matt Talbot, Dave Ferreira, Haig Demarjian, Adam Street, Lawrence Basso, Steve Jones, Tony Donley, Andrew Houle, Brian Paturzo, Jamie Head, Geoff Mosse
Publisher: Terminal Press
Release Date: 2011
Pages: 76
Price: $10.00

“The ZombieBomb! Comic Anthology unleashes it’s ferocious final issue! Our 6th installment features over 30 writers and artists joining forces to bring you the baddest bunch of Zombie stories ever assembled. Full color and undead just for you. Presented by Adam Miller and Rich Woodall. We saved our bloody best for last!”

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Zombie Bomb is a GORE-Geous zombie anthology comic. The artwork in the stories and the pin-ups just blew me away on every page. Trying to find a favorite was not easy out of bunch, but the 2 that have me looking again and again are “Date Night with Dehlia” and “Outbreak: Year One” which plays to my graphic designer background. The stories in this book just shine visually as each one has a different look and feel. Something I look for in anthology titles. The editors did their jobs well in pairing up this group. The stories themselves I found to be a little more hit and miss. “The Undead Alphabet” is possibly the greatest and most original zombie short story I have ever read. The concept just amazes me, and the execution was so flawless. “Zombirdies” was possibly the second best story of the bunch in its originality and execution. It’s poetic form worked so well I found myself still trying to rhyme the stories that followed it. There was one story in this book though I found to be a little confusing and I had no interest in it. Overall this book does what it needs to, entertain me to a point where I am happy to tell you about it. While the world may say Zombie Comics are overdone, I say keep making them. A great read that is easy on the eyes and will gel well inside you BRAIN!!!

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Zombie Bomb #6: Last Rites you can find it at http://terminalpress.com/

Corey the Zombie Killer #1 – Review

Issue: Corey the Zombie Killer #1
Writer: Michael R. Carr
Artist: Kevin Steward
Publisher: Czkworld Studios
Release Date: 2011
Pages: 28
Price: $4.00

“The story starts 1 year after the infection has taken place. This is where we find Corey (young human man). He learns his survival depends on finding someone to trust in a corrupt zombie ruled planet.  Every turn is a twist….leading to the unforeseen and a rising body count. A rising human and zombie body count…”

Dying Breath: 3.0 out of 5
Corey the Zombie Killer is a fun take on the zombie genre. The issue does many things right but I did notice a few things that could be touched upon. What the book does right is introduce us to this dark world. The artwork is good throughout, as there were never moments of confusion on my part during certain action scenes. However there were a few panels where it seemed Steward may have been trying to do a little too much. Backgrounds blended in with the rest of the panel and it seemed off. The bulk of the art though consists of great white and black work. I also think that hand lettering on the sound effects would add more to the visual aspects of the story. The story itself did a nice job of getting from point A to point B, but it also had some rough moments. The dialogue was good, but I didn’t really get a feel for any of the cast. The background of this world is fleshed out nicely, so to not get much info on the main character was a bit of a letdown. However I think it is something that will be fleshed out more as the story moves into future issues. Overall this book is a solid #1. You get the introduction to the world, the cast and the visuals convey what is going on. I like the concept here and am very excited to see where this series goes.

Artwork: 3.5 out of 5 • Story: 3.0 out of 5

If you would like to buy or know more about Corey the Zombie Killer you can find it at http://czkworld.blogspot.com/

Decapitated Dan's Best of 2011

Well it’s the end of the year, and what better way to recap it than by making a list! So check out what I liked best in 2011!

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Writer of the Year: Peter Milligan
2011 really seemed to be a year where I fell in love with what Milligan was doing. The funny thing about that, is his titles both contain John Constantine. Hellblazer was a book that I was always afraid to get on board with due to how far into the series it was. However after jumping in around the time of the wedding I was hooked. Milligan also took a book I had no interest in, Justice League Dark, and made it a book I want to read. While I can’t say he will hold this spot next year, this year Milligan reigned supreme in the land of Decapitated Dan.

Honorable Mentions: Kurtis Wiebe, Jeff Lemire, Joe Hill

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Artist of the Year: Leonardo Manco
Leonardo Manco came into 2011 like a freight train lending his magic pen and pencil to the amazing series Driver for the Dead. It would have to take something a little extra though for me to choose him, and that something is Hellraiser. Manco’s style mixed with horror comics is as natural as peanut butter mixed with jelly. I can not wait to see what he brings to the drawing table in 2012.

Honorable Mentions: Gabe Rodriquez, Riley Rossmo, Mark Bloodworth

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Horror Publisher of the Year: Antarctic Press
Now before you all start riots or dig your nails into your scalp from scratching your heads so hard, you need to know that I LOVE what Antarctic Press brings to the horror table. In 2011 we saw titles like The Last Zombie, To Fight with Monsters, Steampunk Halloween, The Planet of the Living Dead series, Diary of a Zombie Kid, Fail of the Living Dead and A Very Zombie Christmas. That line-up got nothing but high scores in my reviews and it leaves me wanting so much more from this company in 2012. Quality throughout the entire line.

Honorable Mentions:  DC/Vertigo, IDW, Image

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Best Ongoing: 28 Days Later
Yes, I do know that this series ended, but any other ongoing title would still have a hard time topping 28 Days Later on my list. For 2 years this book went strong as Michael Alan Nelson and a few artists bridged the gap between the 2 movies. And while it did end, it left the story wide open for so much more. So as I sit here and cross my fingers take a chance and check out what this series was able to accomplish.

Honorable Mentions: Hellblazer, Green Wake, Hellraiser

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Best Mini Series: Locke & Key: Keys to the Kingdom
I think by now most people know that nothing sits at the top of my comic list like Locke & Key does. This is a series that I am 100% devoted to and can not wait for the next issue to come out. Keys to the Kingdom took this series to a higher level, and left so many questions in my head that I almost burst at the seams waiting for Clockworks to start. If you ask me, Hill and Rodriquez have crafted something that will be mentioned along with the greatest comics stories ever told.

Honorable Mentions: ‘68, The Last Zombie, The Vault

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Best Small Press Title: Bob Howard: Plumber of the Unknown
Have you ever tasted a truffle? An item that is hard to find and yet has so much value? In the horror comic world there are so many small press books being made, and Bob Howard: Plumber of the Unknown is the truffle. The humor and detail that are put into this book on both creative sides make it shine. Rafael Nieves is a man who has a horror story to tell and Dan Dougherty was born to depict it.

Honorable Mentions: Vegetable Wars, The Killing Jar

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Best Book You Never Heard Of: Drop Dead Dangerous
Drop Dead Dangerous brought something to the horror table that I have not seen in a while, serial killing in comics. While this one may have flown under the radar of everyone, I think you could only read it on Drive-Thru Comics, it was great. The artwork, mixed with the storytelling was unique and original. A great hidden gem to check out.

Honorable Mentions:  Brutally Frank, Anatomy of a System

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Best Comedy Title: Futurama
If you know me, than this one is possibly a no-brainer. Most know I am a huge Futurama fan, so getting a bi-monthly comic is the best thing that could happen. The writing on this series is so spot on with the humor of the show, and I personally think that the stories take a good amount of time to read, so your are getting your money’s worth. Next to Locke & Key this is one book I will never miss.

Honorable Mentions:  Skullkickers, Lenore, The Living Corpse

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Best Non-Horror Title: Critical Millennium
While I am HUGE on the horror genre, Sci-Fi never really does it for me. So when Drew Gaska asked me to take a look at the first issue of Critical Millennium I was surprised at how great it was. This is a mini-series that took me 45 – 60 minutes to read a single issue. You would think with that much content there wouldn’t even be pictures, but there were and man were they GORE-Geous! If anyone asks me to recommend a Sci-Fi title you had better believe this will be the first thing coming out of my mouth.

Honorable Mentions:  The Sixth Gun, Skullkickers

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Best OGN: Deadworld: The Last Siesta
So much bias already just leads way to more, but how can you not get excited about getting brand new Deadworld stories! The Last Siesta told a new story, in a new country and introduced me to almost an entirely new cast. Gary Reed and Gary Francis scripted a fantastic chapter to add to the Deadworld’verse, and when you add in art by Mark Bloodworth you make my neck drip just a little more blood. I’m seriously still drooling over these pages.

Honorable Mentions:  Julius Destructus, Vessel of Terror, Flesh and Blood

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Best Collected Book: Deadworld Classics Vol. 2 / Deadworld Omnibus
Back to back categories and 2 titles in this one alone give Deadworld a 3-peat in this years picks! Classics Vol. 2 collects more of the great stories by Vince Locke and crew. It even has a foreword written by yours truly. The Omnibus collects all of the rebooted material (Requiem for the World, Frozen Over and Slaughterhouse). For the price tags on these two collections you are stealing from IDW and company, these are books I will recommend picking up until the zombies crawl back in their graves.

Honorable Mentions:  Creepy Presents Bernie Wrightson, Showcase Presents The Witching Hour. Zombies that Ate the World. Vol. 1

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Best Historical Book: The Weird World of Eerie Publications
Alright first of all, this came out in 2010, however I didn’t do the best of in 2010, so this baby gets the top spot, so ha! Many people don’t know this but when I was going to start writing a book on the great Eerie Pubs, I found on Mike Howlett already was, and I was relieved! This book covers so much history on the ugly step-cousin of the old school horror mags and should be on your shelf, no questions asked.

Honorable Mentions:  Bob Powell’s Terror: The Chilling Archives of Horror Comics Volume 2

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Best Mainstream Anthology: Nightmare World Vol. 2: Demon Days
Every year around Halloween this nagging sound always comes back to my ears. That sound is the voice of Dirk Manning telling me that it is time to once again talk Nightmare World. This is a great collection of shorts that seem to have something for everyone. A mix of art styles and themes that all lead back to one thing, horror.

Honorable Mentions:  Creepy, Unexpected, Heavy Metal

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Best Small Press Anthology: Strange Aeons Magazine
If you are a Lovecraft fan you had better have this magazine on your list of things to check out in 2012. No wait, why do you not know about this magazine yet? Strange Aeons is a quarterly title that deserves more recognition and needs to be on any horror comic fans radar. Combining the large monsters you expect with original stories on Lovecraftian themes this one is a can’t miss.

Honorable Mentions:  Blokes Tomb of Horror Annual 2011, Strange Kids Club, ZombieBomb

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Best Comeback: The Living Corpse
When I think about it I can’t really believe that The Living Corpse was gone for a few years. Probably because Ken and Buz were always sharing what was going on with the book while it was in it’s down time. So big props to Dynamite and the boys behind the book to get his rotting face on the shelves again. It is great to have this book back in the land of the living! Make sure to check out issue #3 for a special guest appearance.

Honorable Mentions:  Jack o’Lantern (Marvel), The Heap, Animal Man

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So there you have it. My picks for the best of 2011!

• Note: It was not easy to make this list. There are so many great horror comics that come out each year, so I say to you, create your own list and let the world know what stood out to you. When it came to choosing the writer and artist of the year I specifically took into consideration people who worked on more than one book for the year.

The Sixth Gun Vol. 1 – Review

Issue: The Sixth Gun Vol. 1
Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Brian Hurtt
Publisher: Oni Press
Release Date: 2011
Pages: 160
Price: $19.99

“Collecting issues #1 – #6 of the hit new series by Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt! During the darkest days of the Civil War, wicked cutthroats came into possession of six pistols of otherworldly power. In time, the Sixth Gun. the most dangerous of the weapons, vanished. When the gun surfaces in the hands of an innocent girl, dark forces reawaken. Vile men thought long dead set their sights on retrieving the gun and killing the girl. Only Drake Sinclair, a gunfighter with a shadowy past, stands in their way.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
What is it with me lately? First I find a Sci-Fi book I like, then a Fantasy title peaks my interest and now I am in love with a Western(ish) story! The Sixth Gun takes everything I want to see in a Western, action, and mixes it with some elements of horror that I love, zombies and supernatural magic. The story is never dull in this collection. I know that because when I sat down to read it in pieces I finished the whole thing. Bunn does a fantastic job of weaving the elements together to bring a fascinating tale take place, and yet he still leaves so much mystery to this world. The artwork by Hurtt was GORE-Geous. I don’t think there was a single panel I didn’t want blown up to hang on the walls of my house. From his character designs to his interpretation of the story nothing seemed off. I feel bad for sleeping on this one for so long, because now I need to read the rest to catch up. I happen to know that a Mummy is in an upcoming story line so I need to get my neck moving! This book is one of the best being printed right now and should not be missed by anyone.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about The Sixth Gun you can find it at http://www.onipress.com

Critical Millennium Hardcover – Review

Issue: Critical Millennium Hardcover
Writer/Creative Director: Andrew E. C. Gaska
Artist: Daniel Dussault
Letters: Nina L. Kester
Proofs: Duncan Mc Lachlan
Publisher: Archaia
Pages: 176
Price: $24.95

“Mankind’s rise and fall in space begins here! Two thousand years from now, the Earth is nearly dead. A bold group of explorers led by philanthropist Thomm Coney pushes forward to take the first tentative steps out of Earth’s solar system. Their quest: new worlds to colonize, so that humanity may yet have a chance at survival. Facing impossible odds, political agendas, and a fanatical terrorist regime bent on their destruction, Coney and his crew brave the dangers of a potentially volatile star drive in order to preserve a civilization intent not only on killing itself, but also on taking down every other living thing around it. Will mankind set aside its greed long enough to see a future amongst the stars? Collects Critical Millennium: The Dark Frontier #1-4 and contains extra material, including data sheets, sketchbook pages, starship information sheets and more.”

Dying Breath: 5.0 out of 5
Who would have thought a horror nut like me would fall in love with a Sci-Fi book like you? Critical Millennium is easily in this reviewer’s top 5 OGN’s/Trades of 2011. The artwork is nothing short of GORE-Geous on every single page. I talked about the panels in previous reviews, but being able to get so much art on a page that is covered in so much story is beyond me. The coloring has this colored pencil or charcoal look to it that makes it easily stand out in a crowd. I would honestly stare at these pages for hours, that way I could burn them into my retinas and stare at them all night long in my sleep. I do have on small issue though. With how great the artwork is, the dust jacket does not do this book any favors. The actual cover under the jacket is so much more appealing (but get the dust jacket for 2 awesome pull quotes anyways.) The story itself is just as on point as the artwork. For those who don’t know Drew Gaska also wrote Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes, so he knows how to write long well written stories. That being said, you get one hell of a long story here. The amount of story goes back to me trying to figure out how they got all of this into 176 pages. It would take me 45 minutes to an hour to read one of the single issues! This book has more material than a quarter of the dictionary. I was hooked on this from page one and was so sad to see it end. While I do admit Space stories are not my cup of tea, a story like this has me easily second guessing myself. I can not recommend this book enough. It has everything I could have wanted in a story and soooooooooooo much more!

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

To find out more about Critical Millennium Hardcover please go to http://www.archaia.com/ and grab a copy at your local comic shop.

Skullkickers Vol. 2 – Review

Issue: Skullkickers Vol. 2
Writer: Jim Zubkavich
Artists: Edwin Huang, Espen Grundetjern
Colors: Misty Coats
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: November 2011
Pages: 144
Price: $16.99

“The second SKULLKICKERS adventure is a wondrous tornado of action-adventure: a den of thieves, a city of danger, nobility, stupidity, plant monsters, dinner parties and bloodthirsty faerie folk.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
CRASH! ROLL! LAUGH! STAND UP! FALL AGAIN! LAUGH! APPLAUD! That about sums up what I think of this amazing second volume of Skullkickers from Image Comics (if you have read any issue you will get the opening line.) Vol. 2 takes the heroes and places them into even more fantastical trouble. As the story unfolded I was treated to so many laughs and even a scene that made me really uncomfortable to look at. Like past issues of the book, these pages are GORE-Geous. My jaw drops to the floor on practically every page from the line work to the colors there is not a single thing that does not shine. Trust me on this too, there are plenty of horror elements to be found. A huge highlight is the big bad boss reveal towards the end of the story. The layout of that page alone is worth 1,000 Opas. The story is what really gets me though. The pacing at times seems to be so fast and action packed, and then you get a slower moment that is still action packed leaving you without a single dull moment. The jokes never stop either. Whether it’s Baldy or Shorty making a wise crack or the sound effects you will laugh while this book is in your hands. Plain and simple I love this title. I like books that can tell a great story, look amazing and make me laugh and Skullkickers covers all 3. This is easily one of the best titles on the shelf today.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Skullkickers Vol. 2  you can find it at http://www.skullkickers.com/

Valen The Outcast #1 – Review

Issue: Valen The Outcast #1
Writer: Michael Alan Nelson
Artist: Matteo Scalera
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Release Date: Dec. 2011
Pages: 32
Price: $1.00

“The King is dead — long live the DEAD KING! King Valen Brand is a fair, just king as well as a great and mighty warrior. Killed by a Necromancer in battle and resurrected as one of the walking dead. Now he’s considered an abomination in his own realm,an outcast with only one purpose: to restore his lost soul! “

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
“Long live the Dead King” is right people! Now most know that I am not a fan of the Fantasy genre of comics, but every now and then a book will come along and make me second guess myself. This is one of them. The art in this issue is GORE-Geous, and when you get a few decapitations how can it not be? The line work is great, but in some of the action scenes I did tend to take 2-3 looks to figure out exactly what was happening. All of that is over shadowed though by a final panel that is to die for (pun intended)! The cover choices on this one shine as well, and the one posted with this review is my favorite. The  story is perfect for a first issue. You are given enough back story to be ready to move forward. however I personally didn’t care for how that back story was broken up over the course of the issue, but that is me being nit-picky. The pacing and action I expect to find in a horror fantasy book is there, with enough intrigue to keep me on board. Again I go back to that final panel, because it was a jaw dropper. While fantasy is not always my game, I really did enjoy this first issue. For only $1 you might think you are actually stealing this one from BOOM! because it’s easily worth more.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Valen The Outcast #1 you can find it at www.boom-studios.com

Anatomy of a System: Chapter 7 – review

Issue: Anatomy of a System: Chapter 7
Writer: Travis Wayne Pursell
Artist: Travis Wayne Pursell
Publisher: War Torn Studios
Release Date: 2011
Pages: 12
Price: $10.00

“A modern day thriller with a bit of gore. A delicate balance of chaos and order, life and illusion. Witness a puppeteer mastermind unfolding before your eyes.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Welcome to the system. What does it mean? I’m not quite sure yet, but I do know this, this issue was great. The artwork by Pursell has a great vibe flowing through it that really carries the overall feel of the book. The line work is great and with the absence of color it really shines through. The way he is able to capture depth without using gray tones and even his hand lettering make this one great issue to look at. The story itself is part of a larger web that will play out over more issues. As the introduction issue, ys chapter 7 came out first, the pacing is great and I am very interested. Let me just say that when I see a talking turtle, of the non-ninja variety, I am highly interested to see where it will go. This issue reminds me of something I would see as a short in Heavy Metal. It just has that overarching flow to it that seems to be a breakdown on society and the horrors that lie within.  I will sit and wait in anticipation to see it played out, since this is a book that is easily worth checking out.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Anatomy of a System: Chapter 7 you can find it at http://www.wartornstudios.com/

Green Wake #7 – Review

Issue: Green Wake #7
Writer: Kurtis Wiebe
Artist: Riley Rossmo
Publisher: Image
Release Date: December 2011
Pages: 32
Price: $3.50

“Morley is haunted by ghosts of his past that force him to face his fears about Green Wake. Violent unrest seizes the citizens of the once sleepy town and Morley is forced to choose a place to stand in the deepening social divide.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Remember last time when I reviewed Green Wake #6, and I coined the term Wieley? Good if you do because this books is full of the great things you get when you get Wieley. Rossmo’s artwork in this issue took a new turn with 1 single page when the creepiest tentacles I have seen this year came into play. The entire page was layed out to hint at it and then show it, making the visuals so eerie that I got the goose bumps. Quick eye candy shout out to that last page as well. Story wise then fast paced action is still the background as this arc develops, but Kurtis does such an amazing job on dialogue and pacing that I’m still 110% captivated in what is going on here. In this issue the story moves forward, takes a look back, introduces more strange things and has me wrapped in its blanket of awesome! I can’t say it anymore… well okay one more time.. READ GREEN WAKE! The word Wieley was coined for a reason. This book is in the hands of  horror comic creating demons and I am first in line at the gates of Hades to get my hands on the next issue.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Green Wake you can find it at http://greenwakecomic.com/

The Manor: Vol. 1 – Review

Issue: The Manor: Vol. 1
Writer: Andy Korty
Artist: Andy Korty & Others
Release Date: 2011
Pages: 100
Price: $15.00

“The first year of The Manor collected to hold in your undead hands! See extra content that has not appeared on the site; and an introduction by Aaron Minier (Black Rose, Battle of Destiny, Push). Join Shaggy, Sweetpea, and their tenants as they invite you into their little corner of creepiness. Welcome to The Manor!”

Dying Breath: 3.5 out of 5
Welcome to The Manor, a web comic that has so much promise and fun in its first collection that I already want more. One thing that this book does right, is finishing a short within a single strip. That is not to say that 2 strips won’t go together, but most are self-contained, and work. Another thing I have to look at this particular book is how the artwork is works within a style that is not a typical comic book, and I like it. It is a simple comic strip illustrators style and it works on that level. Facial expressions shine and so does the body language  on the cast, but I do feel it can be a little more polished. The writing is great at times being full of humor, horror and real life moments, however this cast is based on the creators friends, so at times things do come across as inside jokes. The dialogue though is on point, because nothing comes across as forced or out-of-place. Overall I liked this first collection of The Manor. Sure I could see its growing pains, but that is how things work themselves out over time. Well worth the read for any Indie fan, but it may take some getting used to for a mainstream fan. I like it and that is what matters.

Artwork: 3.5 out of 5 • Story: 3.5 out of 5

If you would like to buy or know more about The Manor: Vol. 1 you can find it at http://welcometothemanor.com

Blokes Tomb Of Horror 2011 Annual – Review

Issue: Blokes Tomb Of Horror 2011 Annual
Writer: Jason ‘Bloke’ Crawley
Artists: Mike Hoffman, Jason Paulos, Lyndal Ferguson, Fernando Ignatius, Mirella Menciassi, Vincenzo Balzano, Ju Gomez, Tony Karnes, Lou Rusconi, Jason Miller, Jeiko Despotovich, Robert Smith, Michael Joseph, Tim Tyler, Alessandro Borroni & Silvano 
Publisher: Virus Comix
Release Date: 2010
Pages: 130
Price: $14.99

“11 Tales Of Terror written by Jason ‘Bloke’ Crawley to keep you entertained this Halloween and beyond! 130 pages of terrorific horror guaranteed to leave you craving more. Available with two cover options for you to choose from and a slew of artistic talent from all across the globe that will leave you drooling with delight!

Hot on the heels of the award-winning 2010 Annual this years collection of stories once again features a worldwide collaboration of artists including Mike Hoffman who has illustrated one of the stories and Mark Kidwell who drew the Cover B Werewolf option.”

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
The 2010 ComicMonsters.com award winning anthology is back with 11 stories to turn your stomach inside out! I really do love the Bloke line of books and I think that these Annual collections are the top of the line when it comes to what they do. I have known Jason Crawley since I got into the horror comic game and watching his writing grow over time just puts a smile on my face. This collection is very well done, and I was not let down at all. Some of the best writing I thought were on the stories, Night Creatures and Sticks & Stones. The artwork holds up for the most part, but I did find a story or two to not be up to the same level as some of the others. Overall though you get names like Hoffman, Paulos, Percival and Ignatius. How can one go wrong looking at the work of these guys? I will say this, Despotovich was like finding the gold at the end of the rainbow. His style on the Sticks & Stones was so perfect, that it quickly became my favorite of the bunch. No matter how I break it down this 2011 Annual has it all. 11 great short horror stories and then a picture gallery at the end. For only $15 you seriously can not go wrong, matter of fact I think you’re stealing from Virus Comix by paying that price. Another great year, I can not wait for 2012!

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Blokes Tomb Of Horror 2011 Annual you can find it at http://viruscomix.ning.com/

Flesh and Blood Book 1 – Review

Issue: Flesh and Blood Book 1
Writer: Robert Tinnell
Artist: Neil Vokes
Publisher: Monsterverse
Release Date: October 2011
Pages: 104
Price: $14.99

“From acclaimed writer and artist team Robert Tinnell and Neil Vokes (THE BLACK FOREST, THE WICKED WEST) comes a sensuous horror epic in the spirit of European horror cinema of the 1960s and ’70s. The death of Carmilla, the seductive vampire, sets in motion events that lead to a monumental struggle between the forces of darkness and a brave band of mortals. Its members include a reluctant young Abraham Van Helsing and a mysterious monster hunter struggling to keep his own inner monster at bay. When Baron Frankenstein is recruited to add his scientific genius to the group’s arsenal, Dracula and his undead kingdom face the possibility of total annihilation.”

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
I really think that the only 2 main monsters not making an appearance in this book are The Mummy and The Creature from the Black Lagoon. This is a monster fun house that is waiting for your eyes and brain to come and join in on the fun. The artwork in this issue is GORE-Geous. I love the character designs. I love the fight scenes. I love the colors. I love it all. This book is so easy on the eyes that you have to remember to read the story as well. The story was a fast paced, in your face, hard-hitting thrill ride, and I think that is kind of what I found took away some of the build here. The story is so enjoyable from start to finish, don’t get me wrong, but I found that the pacing took away from some of the building and description of the cast that was needed. Over the course of the book I did get more of a feel for this large cast, but I think that taking a little more time in brief backgrounds when they first show up, or even a character glossary might have helped out a little but. Overall though this is a book and I can not recommend high enough. Any monster fan needs to have this book on their shelf, and every horror fan needs to check this one out. I can not wait to see what comes next because there is one hell of a great reveal at the end of this book. More please!

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Flesh and Blood Book 1 you can find it at http://monsterverse.com/

The Vessel of Terror Ogn- Review

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 buy or know more about The Vessel of Terror you can find it at http://www.markosia.com/

Shadow Hunters #1 – Review

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/

Nightmare World Vol. 3: Demon Days – Review

Issue: Nightmare World Volume 3: Demon Days – Review
Writer: Dirk Manning
Artists: Various Artists
Publisher: Image Comics – Shadowline
Release Date: October 2011
Pages: 128
Price: $16.99

“The Armageddon is over and The Devil has won. In this latest collection of stories culled from the hit Shadowline Web comic series, learn how the previous NIGHTMARE WORLD tales of Irish fairy-folk, vengeful zombie killers, alien ultra-heroes, Cthulhu and more combine with these 13 new tales of terror to reveal Lucifer’s sinister plan to control Creation, revealing the haunted underbelly of a monstrous world all too similar to our own in the chilling tradition of Tales from the Crypt and The Twilight Zone.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5

Dirk Manning has something hidden in his name that eludes to describing his writing on this book… the “MAN”! I love Nightmare World, I love how complete each short story is, and that sense of being horror-full after reading it. Vol. 3 follows up the first two with nothing but some damn good top-notch horror work. I have to admit that to me the highlight of the book is a story called “Hungry Like the Wolf.”  No words, simple images and yet such a solid piece. The artwork from story to story is on point, readers of previous volumes will notice who has come back. A great point that Dirk will make in interviews is explaining how he would pair up stories with the right artists, and it shows. Some of my favorites were “Paranoid”, “In the Meantime” and “Extraordinary Machine.” Like I already stated, Manning’s writing is fantastic. He has such a solid grasp on being able to present solid story after story in 8 pages or less. The over arching story plays out and is brought together nicely in this final collection. I don’t think I can make this review any easier on you reader, the Nightmare World series needs to be in your collection. This volume may be the last for now, but I know that there are 13 more stories to tell, so have no fear I will bother Dirk until they get printed!

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Nightmare World Vol. 3 you can find it at http://www.shadowlineonline.com/

The Zombies that Ate the World: Book 1 – Review

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 http://www.humanoids.com/

The Zombies that Ate the World: Book 1 – Review

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 http://www.humanoids.com/

Vault #3 - Review

Issue: Vault #3
Writer: Sam Sarkar
Artist: Garrie Gastonny
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: October 2011
Pages: 32
Price: $2.99

“After a confrontation with the Angel of Death that has destroyed their robot and killed one crew member, the team makes it back on board The Revelation believing the creature is dead.  They’re wrong.  Very wrong.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
I can only think of one word to officially sum up this mini series and it is, WOW! From the start this series has been a non-stop horror thrill ride and this final issue was just ball’s to the wall. The pacing in this issue started slow and then built and built until my brain couldn’t take anymore. It is easy to see why this will be an upcoming film, because the comic played out like one. Great writing by Sakar drives this series and I expect it to be on a good deal of award nominee lists. The artwork in this issue drives the horror element home. Gastonny has such command over the art pen, that I was left shaking in my boots every time the monster would appear. This mini is comfortable sitting in my top 5 series of 2011.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Vault #3 you can find it at http://www.imagecomics.com/