Horror Comics Today: C2E2 Panel Video

On Sunday, March 20, 2011 I hosted my horror comics panel at C2E2. Below is the panel for any and all who wanted to see it but couldn't make it to the show. They are in 10 minute segments. Enjoy!

Date: Sunday, March 20
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Speakers: Dirk Manning, Rafael Nieves, Cullen Bunn, Gary Reed
Description: Join Chicago's very own Horror Comics host Decapitated Dan as he is joined by today's best horror writers as they discuss the state of horror comics from Mainstream, Independent and Web Comics.

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Discussions with Decapitated Dan #31: Green Wake & C2E2

Discussions with Decapitated Dan:Green Wake & C2E2

This week Decapitated Dan is bringing you 12 interviews! A NEW SHOW RECORD!!!

First up Dan talks to Kurtis Wiebe and Riley Rossmo about their new book from Image, Green Wake.

Then the C2E2 coverage begins. Dan is joined by (in this order) Victor Carungi, Dan Dougherty, General Jack Cosmo with Heidi Beazley, Jeff Balke, Geoffery Wessel, Neko Pilarcik, Randy Field, Gary Reed & Dennis Barger, Drew Gaska, Chandra Free and Jim Zubkavich with Misty Coats! WOW!

Music by Workhorse Kings and Call the Paramedics

The show is sponsored by CuriousGoodandComics.com

This show runs for about 76 minutes.

Hellraiser #1 – Review

Issue: Hellraiser #1
Writers: Clive Barker, Christopher Monfette
Artist: Leonardo Manco
Letters: Travis Lanham
Colors: Charlie Kirchoff
Publisher: BOOM!
Release Date: March 2011
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

"One of the greatest horror franchises of all time returns, now under the control of its original creator! Clive Barker has touched HELLRAISER only twice: once to write THE HELLBOUND HEART, and once more to write and direct the original HELLRAISER film. Now witness Barker’s long-awaited return to tell a new chapter in the series’ official continuity—a trajectory that will forever change the Cenobites… and Pinhead! So prepare your soul for an epic journey into horror from one of the medium’s greatest voices, and starring one of the medium’s greatest characters, in an unforgettable new chapter of HELLRAISER. BONUS: this epic 40-page first issue features a 10-page backup story written by the co-writer and co-director of THE MATRIX trilogy, Larry Wachowski!"

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5
Oh MAN-CO!!!! Haha you see what I did there? This book literally puts the Gore in GORE-Geous! Lets start simple with the Bradstreet, Percival and Barker covers, I LOVE EM! Then you get me to see the interiors and all I can say is WOW! Now I have seen Manco's work before, so I know what a visual treat it is, but this book looks amazing! I think if you were of fan of what the movies looked like than you will be happy with the visual look of this book.

Story: 4.0 out of 5
I don't know what it is, but when I read a Baker story I find myself a little lost during it, but by the time I reach the end I know exactly what just happened. I say stop it! LOL. This book read just like I wanted it to. I heard all the voices in my head, the character voices, not the actual voices since they were quiet while daddy was reading. Anyways, this book comes off just as the first film did, dark and disturbing. The best past was the, eh I don't want to call it a twist, but I sure didn't see it coming. Overall I am happy to have you back my old friend.

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
If you're a Hellraiser fan, then I don't need to sit here and tell you to read this, if you're not a fan, or someone who has seen the movies before, I think this is safe to pick up. Sure you might not get a few things, but this will serve as a way to get you to watch the movies. Manco's artwork mixed with the storytelling of Barker and Monfette has me geared up and ready for more. Where this series will go, I'm not too sure, but I do know that the horror comic gods are smiling right now after reading #1.

If you would like to buy or know more about Hellraiser #1 you can find it at http://www.boom-studios.com/

Green Wake #1

Issue: Green Wake #1
Writer: Kurtis Wiebe
Artist: Riley Rossmo
Publisher: Image
Release Date: April 2011
Pages: 28
Price: $3.50

"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 shocking link to his past."

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5
Oh how pretty, gritty and almost bittersweet this books looks to my eyes. I like Riley's work, but I think it shines best when added to a story like this (not that I don't like it on Proof, because I do). The style that Rossmo has fits this issue perfectly, mostly because of the mystery that I find in both. A dark look that just goes hand in hand here, makes this on a visual winner on all levels.

Story: 4.5 out of 5
Did I miss something? What is really going on here? Is that a frog man? These are questions that kept popping up in my head while I was reading this issue, and I have to say they were all 100% necessary. I never had a feeling of total loss with this book, I always knew that around the corner an answer would be waiting for me, well until the TBC at the end. Great dialogue and something strange in the background and foreground really make this compelling.

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
The story, plays so well with the visuals, in this nice, dark strange tale that is slowly evolving into something big. I get this odd feeling of Cool World like ties, well mostly just based on how it begins, but I know there are layers to be peeled off here. Rossmo and Wiebe you have me hooked, so reel me in now because I sure as hell don't want to be thrown back. Plain and simple, GORE-geous artwork, BOO-tiful storytelling and your left with a winner on your hands.


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

Lenore Vol. 2 #2 – Review

Issue: Lenore Vol. 2 #2
Writer: Roman Dirge
Artist: Roman Dirge
Letters: Roman Dirge
Colors: Roman Dirge
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: March 2011
Price: $3.99

"'He loved with a love that was more than love.' Could the once love of his life, now be the target of his loathing? Have Mr. Gosh's feelings for Lenore, the cute little dead girl, finally turned after years of shocking abuse, both physical and mental, extreme violence and unnecessary brutality? Only time - and the twisted creative genius of Roman Dirge - can tell!"

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
How does one truly judge a book the looks as silly as Lenore? This book looks great with its cartoon like panels, filled with blood, guts and cupcakes! I think one misconception that I initially had with this titles was that it would be the same style from panel to panel, but I was wrong. In this issue there is a great "toy room" scene where, Dirge's style just shines. The depth given to this page along with the great coloring work throughout, prove why Lenore is a visual treat as well.

Story: 4.5 out of 5
The writing is where this book just shines. If you want humor you will find it delivered on one level after another, but the question then has to be, is it overdone? While some books may in fact push that button, Lenore does not. I find all of the jokes to be consistently funny, and just can't seem to get enough. The dialogue flows very well, and in the end I was nothing short of just happy and sore from all the laughter.

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
While you may think that this book doesn't appeal to you, I ask you give it a try anyways. I know that I initially thought it wasn't for me and now all I want to do is sing its praises. The humor in the stories alone, makes for a good read, but when you add-on the visuals, well you got yourself a tag team of horror goodness that must be visually and mentally digested right away! READ LENORE!

If you would like to buy or know more about Lenore Vol 2 #2 you can find it at http://titanbooks.com/ and http://www.spookyland.com/

Creepy #5 - Review

Issue: Creepy #5
Writers: Timothy Truman, Benjamin Truman, David Lapham, Dan Braun, Doug Moench
Artist: Timothy Truman, David Lapham, Lucas Marangon, Mike Vosburg
Letters: Nate Piekos
Publisher: Dark Horse
Release Date: March 2011
Pages: 48
Price: $4.99

"The newest, gnarliest, and ickiest incarnation of the classic horror anthology Creepy is clawing its way onto your must--read list for 2011! Don’t miss the demented debut of Creepy #5 this March, which features strange and stunning offerings by David Lapham (Stray Bullets), Timothy Truman (Conan), classic Creepy cover artist Sanjulian, and much, much gore. Whether you prefer your horror tales bloody and bold, or supernatural and subtle, Uncle Creepy and his maleficent minions are sure to satisfy your lust for scary stories!"

Blood of the Sky: 4.0 out of 5
Hello Truman's! What more can be said about this story... Oh you want a full review, no problem. Out of the four stories this one was by far my favorite. The story alone recalled those days, when I would find fantasy mixed in with the Warren titles, and look here it is again. While this might not have been the "scariest" of the stories, it was the most stunning on both and written and visual level. The artwork was GORE-Geous from panel to panel. This was the perfect way to start this issue.

The Field: 3.5 out of 5
Moving on to story number two, we arrive at the scariest of the bunch, The Field. This one was kind of out there, it reminded me of a mix of modern and classic horror stories where you had a more modern setting twist within this classic style. The art here was fantastic from panel to panel. The story though I felt was a little jumpy. We did get a complete story, moving from point A to point B, but it felt rushed. Overall though I was happy with it.

Loathsome Lore: 2.5 out of 5
Now we come to the story that made me scratch my head. This one I really didn't find a purpose for in this book. Talking about actual cults it came across as more of a history piece, that well I didn't find an appeal to. Then the ending really let me down, with a "Join the Fan Club" message. Now I did get the joke, but I didn't like it. Art wise, I liked this one, but story wise it didn't work for me.

Murdicide: 4.0 out of 5
And last but not least is the creepiest of all the stories. This one followed the classic, you're going to get what you got coming, outline but gave it a fun twist. Story wise it was all there, but again I thought it was too short. I liked the presentation, just felt rushed. The artwork on this one I just flat-out loved. It had a great look to it, that reminded me of the older magazines.

Dying Breath: 3.5 out of 5
While this issue falls in line with some classic horror storytelling, it had a few issues I couldn't see past. Not that everyone will like every story they read, I mean I think 3 out of 4 being good makes this one a solid winner. The 3rd story though just seemed to bring it all down a notch, by putting me in a foul mood. Nonetheless, this book stand up there with the previous 4 issues as a great addition to any horror collection. I say read it loud, read it proud and read it NOW!

If you would like to buy or know more about Creepy #5 you can find it at http://www.darkhorse.com/