’68 #1 – Review

Issue: ’68 #1
Writer: Mark Kidwell
Artist: Nat Jones, Tim Vigil
Colors: Jay Fotos
Letters: Jason Arthur
Publisher: Image
Release Date: April 2010
Pages: 36
Price: $3.99

“On February 13, 1968, during the darkest days of the Vietnam conflict, the gates of hell opened wide, unleashing new, hungry life into the countless war torn dead. The horrors of war take a back seat as an American tunnel rat crawls into a Viet Cong warren turned undead slaughterhouse, rotting snipers fire their final bullets from treetop perches and freshly filled body bags twitch and rise from the slab. There are zombies in the razor wire…

Horror comics creators Nat Jones, Mark Kidwell and Jay Fotos return to the jungles of Vietnam, expanding the zombie epic started in the original one-shot “’68” with this four-issue mini-series of undead military horror. Each issue features multiple covers by Jones and Fotos, full 22 page stories in series continuity and a bonus 4 page short that expands on the zombie-infected world of 1968 by horror titan Tim Vigil.

Welcome to 1968…and the end of the world.”

Artwork: 5.0 out of 5
GORE-Geous! From front cover to back cover and then the minor ink left on my hands, this book is drop dead GORE-Geous! Being a fan of both Jones and Vigil makes it easy to understand why I like the images in this book so much, but the secret weapon is adding in one of the best colorists in the game, Jay Fotos. Panel after panel I was picking my jaw up off the floor, but it all really came down to one scene and I won’t spoil it, but it involved a tunnel and some hands. A job well beyond done here guys, just flat-out perfection.

Story: 4.5 out of 5
For time period that I really only know through movies and television I have to give some big props to Kidwell here, because it was spot on what I have seen before. The dialogue comes off so well, that I have flashbacks of watching Platoon and Apocalypse Now. The pacing was great, but again it shined so well in the horror elements seen and even not seen. So much for one comic, and then there was a back story!

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
There may be a decent amount of zombie books to choose from, so take it from the Horror Head, that this is one you can’t pass on. The artwork is stunning, the writing is spot on and well that all you need to know before you but this and write the exact same review. This is the perfect combination of an
American war and great horror genre. I want more right now! I MEAN RIGHT NOW!!

If you would like to buy or know more about ’68 #1 you can find it at http://www.68zombie.com/

Yuck! #4 – Review

Issue: Yuck #4
Creators: JP Manzanares, Tom Motley, Jason Paulos, Anton Emdin, Chirstoffer Saar, Ben Smith, Jase Harper, Matt Emery, Craig Collins, I Laurie, Lark, Frank Candiloro, Scarlette Baccini, Johandson Rezende, Karpeles Jacek Zabawa, Mr. Slime
Publisher: Milk Shadow Books
Release Date: 2011
Pages: 36
Price: $4.00

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
Welcome back to the worlds best Down-Under-Ground comic! This is yet another Gore-geous version of Yuck!, but also the most visually twisted if you ask me. So what do I mean by that visually twisted comment? Well this issue has the same adult imagery as the rest, but towards the end, there were these 2 very odd images that have left me in a state of saying “Huh?” It’s not a bad thing just a mind scratching wonder. The stories look great one after another and that’s all my eye’s were really asking for.

Story: 4.0 out of 5
16 shorts! 16!! This book is full of stories that range from the sexy, the dirty to the down right correct. Correct? Yeah the correct from a religious stand point. From the horror side of things there is really only one story that fits and it’s yet another fantastic round of Millennial Monsters. All I can say is poor Drake. I loved these stories, but I do caution you again because they are adult in nature. Three of my other favorites were My Lotto Jackpot Fantasy, Kid Brother and Degrees of separation. Just funny stuff all around.

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
I have to say that Yuck! is not yucky. It’s funny and I want to read more and more. While I do say you need to be in the age range, you should be checking this one out. So lets all get on a plane together and fly over to Australia so we can buy these by the truck load and bring them back here to the States. I say check it out, I think you will check it out too, because when the head knows whats right you will too.

If you would like to buy or know more about Yuck #4 you can find it at http://milkshadow.wordpress.com/

Blokes Tomb Of Horror #666 – Review

Issue: Blokes Tomb Of Horror #666
Writers: Jason ‘Bloke’ Crawley, Lyndal Ferguson, Mixtress Mary DeSade, Alessio Landi, Fabrizio Fassio & Valentino Sergi
Artists: Alfredo & Alessio Nocerino, Alberto Lingua, Vincenzo Balzano, Lyndal Ferguson, Mirko Benotto, Tony Karnes, Alessandro Borroni, Silvano & Renato Stevanato.
Publisher: Virus Comix
Release Date: April 2011
Pages: 52
Price: $4.99

“Created and put together by writer Jason ‘Bloke’ Crawley this latest issue contains 7 devilishly delightful tales brought together to form the hellish Issue 666. This is but one of 6 different cover variants for this issue so be sure to check out the other covers that are available here on Indyplanet including the Cover F wraparound Werewolves Vs Vampires!”

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
6th issue means 6 different covers! Can you believe that! 6 Covers to choose from (see them all here) and they are all above, Grade A top choice visual meat! The interiors on this one are on the level with the past issues. Nothing is short of Gore-geous from page to page, but Borroni stood out the most to me. Every story has a different look, and they all look great. However I am downgrading it by .5 of a point because… the  final story is in pencils compared to the inks of the rest of the book. It just takes a little bit away.

Story: 4.0 out of 5
What I like most about reading these issues is the growth of my buddy, Bloke, as I see his writing progress and really pull it into perfection. I loved 5 of the 7 stories and like 2 out of those last 2. Haha, made ya think I hated something. I won’t even go out a limb and say I had a favorite because I think you should buy it and read them all. Nothing here is rushed because it’s a short either, each story has a great start and a great finish.

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
This issue has everything you need and it’s not from the big 2. Variant covers, amazing art and killer stories. This title is on its way to being the next collection that Dark Horse gives us in hardcover format. I have said it before, and your making me tell you again, check out Blokes Tomb of Horror already!

If you would like to buy or know more about Blokes Tomb Of Horror #666 you can find it at http://viruscomix.ning.com/

Hot Zombie Chicks vs. The Homicide Girls – Review

Issue: Hot Zombie Chicks vs. The Homicide Girls
Writer: Mike Hampton
Artist: Mike Hampton
Letters: Mike Hampton
Colors: Mike Hampton
Cover Art: Dan Brereton
Release Date: 2009
Pages: 28
Price: $5.00

“Radio shock jock Coward Sperm one morning discusses the hit underground cult film “Zombie Gone Wild” on his morning radio show. The problem is he has done so on the same day as the hot tattooed models known as the Homicide Girls have come into the studio! Everything seems to be going as planned for the king of all media, until someone actually brings in some Hot Zombie Chicks to the studio. The Homicide Girls, upset with the fact the zombies are getting all of the attention, act in a moment of rage. This sets off the zombies to go wild again and feast on the beautiful tattooed vixens. All makes for great radio!”

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
Diving back into the world of Hot Zombie Chicks is always good time to my eyes. Like I have stated before this book is 60% pinups so the art has the edge. If you have never seen Hampton’s style before, I would say it’s cartoony gore. His style easily lends to the fun of the book, and trust me there is fun to be had in every image. And hey how can you beat a Brereton cover?

Story: 3.0 out of 5
So with the 40% we have left to talk about in this book, let me say that this was my least favorite of the 5 issues. Keeping in line with the rest, where you get a fun comical story, I just didn’t feel the vibe on this one as much as I had on the others. However it was still a treat to read. Humor is the name of the game here and being able to make fun of what you’re making fun of works great.

Dying Breath: 3.5 out of 5
I feel that what this issue lacked in story, it easily made up for in art. I just hope that you the reader of this review don’t pass on these books because of look or name. What is inside them all is some awesome art with a good laugh filled story. Check this one out, maybe you’ll like the art enough that you need to seek Mike out and buy 10 prints!

If you would like to buy or know more about Hot Zombie Chicks vs. The Homicide Girls you can find it at http://www.thereisnohalo.com

General Jack Cosmo and the Vampire Men of Kothos #1 – Review

Issue: General Jack Cosmo and the Vampire Men of Kothos #1
Writer: Aaron Shaps
Pencils: Andrew Froedge
Inks: Jamie Snell
Letters: Dave Rothe
Colors: Nate Lovett
Cover: Douglas Klauba
Publisher: General Jack Cosmo Productions
Release Date: 2007
Pages: 32
Price: $3.00

“”Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas” meets Flash Gordon in GENERAL JACK COSMO AND THE VAMPIRE MEN OF KOTHOS. If Hunter S. Thompson had decided to pursue a career in space-heroics, he would be General Jack Cosmo: Unapologetic ass-kicker, savior of the emerald planet Zur, drug-powered freak and certifiable weirdo. In the tradition of Hunter’s gonzo writing and classic pulp sci-fi like the work of Edgar Rice Burroughs, GENERAL JACK COSMO AND THE VAMPIRE MEN OF KOTHOS is a fast-paced sci-fi/horror adventure.”

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
I’m glad I get to talk about the artwork first, thank you format I came up with, because well it’s purty as hell. You really want to know what this book reminds me of, Voltron. The colors of the characters and environments all I keep coming back to is Voltron. The character designs are great and consistent from panel to panel, but it is the colors that really shine. This book really looks good from start to finish.

Story: 4.5 out of 5
Now that we got the artwork out-of-the-way, I have to tell you that I don’t think I have ever seen so many words in a comic book with 32 pages before. I think Shaps through his dissertation in there somewhere. No, I’m kidding. The story is great and upbeat from start to finish and I wouldn’t want it to be any other way. Great dialogue, with great action and plenty of jokes I just couldn’t get enough.

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Plain and simple you should read General Jack Cosmo books. If you read this issue it’s just simple you’re getting a short story with some amazing imagery. It’s nothing but fun and action packed sci-fi horror from the beginning to the end. I want to read #2 right now, and luckily it’s right here next to me. For $3 this book is beyond a steal of a deal, it is something that should have been in your collection yesterday.

If you would like to buy or know more about General Jack Cosmo and the Vampire Men of Kothos #1 you can find it at http://www.generaljackcosmo.com/

Bride of the Wolfman #1 – Review

Issue: Bride of the Wolfman #1
Writer: David Gruba
Artist: Rene Castellano
Publisher: Instant Press Comics
Release Date: October 2009
Pages: 24
Price: $3.00

“It’s the not-so-typical story of girl meets wolf as told by David Gruba (writer) and Rene Castellano (artist).  See what happens when the mother-in-law comes to visit and when the Wolfman goes out on his late night jaunts.  This all ages book will appeal to kids, married couples and joke book enthusiasts.”

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
You can call it cartoonish, you can call it manga inspired, or you can just call it plain good. This book looks great. I love the character designs, no wait do I love them… yeah I really love them! Look at the cover alone, do you not see the calf? That is just funny! The interiors look the same, except they are in glorious black and white and man… do they POP! Okay hands down, I LOVE the look of the mummy the most. Can we have a book on him please?

Story: 4.0 out of 5
Ahh the typical story of girl meets wolf, thinks wolf ate grandma, finds out the truth and they get married. Wait a minute. Story wise this book has 6 shorts in it, and get this… they all rock! I have to say my favorite of the bunch is Wolf’s Night Out because I get to see that awesome mummy! I really think that these stories, while short, worked on every level. There is plenty of great humor to be had here.

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
I really enjoyed this book. What it lacks in size it makes up for in quality. The stories are full of great images, in which you can find hidden jokes, and plenty of humor in the dialogue. Gruba and Castellano have a silly book on their hands and I want to see more, I think this one will only get better and gain more recognition as time goes on. AND I WANT A MUMMY COMIC!!!

If you would like to buy or know more about Bride of the Wolfman you can find it at http://instantpresscomics.blogspot.com/

From The Tomb Magazine Comic Book Reviews Comic Book Reviews for From the Tomb Magazine The Grimm: The Devil Birds of Carencro Isle & Garlu – Review

Issue: The Grimm: The Devil Birds of Carencro Isle & Garlu
Writer: Michael Beazley
Artist: Michael Beazley
Letters: Michael Beazley
Colors: Michael Beazley
Publisher: General Jack Cosmo Productions
Release Date: 2007 & 2011
Pages: 32
Price: $4.99

“The first story is a about a Navy Seal team that goes missing while recovering downed satellite components.  That is where the Navy Seal Special Missions Unit comes into play, and our introduction to the main character Jack a very young special warfare operator and “creature of unknown origin” raised in the Seal community and funded by the Secret Order of Ignus Fatuus. He is sent in to the last known location of the missing Seal team where he encounters a very large “metaphysics breach” in the form a Harpy infestation. Winged demon birds, Submarines, and a donkey….22 Pages of painted mayhem.  “Garlu” A short but sweet tale about cans of beans and getting along with the “fairy” folk on the grassy knolls of Ireland 5 pages.”

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
This book is kind of a tough one to really put your art eyes on and make a good overall judgement on it. Wow if that wasn’t a bad sentence. The reason for the confusion is because the main story in this issue, which was done a few years ago has a totally different look than the second and I like both, but I like the second story more. To go even more in-depth, the DBoCI story was painted where the Garlu story was not. I have to lean towards the Garlu look. However I applaud Mike for the time taken on the first. One way or another this book looks AMAZING!

Story: 4.0 out of 5
The word vague comes to mind here. I was treated to a great introduction to the characters, a fun action filled story with some crazy ass monsters and a fantastic backup story. However I find myself wanting to know more about the main character and his AWESOME companion. I won’t spoil it, you need to read it. Good dialogue here, but the fun is really had in the action.

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
I swear I just saw a Garlu fart and kill a monster, now that is horror comedy. No matter how I look at this book I know one thing, I want more. The story is fun, the monsters are unique and the look is great. Overall you get your moneys worth, and I will also add that the quality of this book is nice! You need to stop reading this review and go read The Grimm now!

If you would like to buy or know more about The Grimm: The Devil Birds of Carencro Isle you can find it at http://www.grimmspecwar.com/

Bob Howard: Plumber of the Unknown #2 - Review

Issue: Bob Howard: Plumber of the Unknown #2
Writer: Rafael Nieves
Artist: Dan Dougherty
Publisher: Nieves + Dougherty
Release Date: March 2011
Pages: 32
Price: $5.00

“Bob continues to try to find work that will take him away from the initial trauma of dealing with a tentacled beastie in Issue one, to no avail. In this issue, he tries his hand at babysitting, being a bouncer at a dance club, and suffers from a weird dream that, like the Horrorday Special, gives clues as to his origin. Will he ever find peace? Not if we can help it…”

Yer So Veined: 4.5 out of 5
Hey Decap, welcome back to the world of Bob Howard! What an awesome way to get back into the swing of things, than a nice little babysitting adventure. This issue starts off with a fantastic look at the real horrors of babysitting, having time to read about what to do in life after plumbing. What I liked most about this story were the subtle jokes placed in the imagery.  I won’t ruin any of it for you just take my word for it, look very carefully at every panel.

Stark Ravin: 4.5 out of 5
This story was by far my favorite of the 3, and that was based on 2 very specific things.
1. Avocadsters. Dougherty you did it again, you have created a monster that I am visually stunned by. Lets just get the ball rolling here, action figures anyone?
2. This is by far the greatest way to showcase that Bob is silent, but not for a lack of trying. The patience used, and were only talking the second issue here, to keep our main plumber silent is above and beyond. So many chances to let something slip, but the cleverness of Nieves found a way around it each time.

To Sleep, Perchance: 4.5 out of 5
Now if you have read this story you might think it was my favorite, because a certain head shows up in it. However I like the Avocadsters that much more. This story is more on the mind game side of things as we dive into the deep psyche of Bob. It’s not easy to say too much, but lets say this… WHO DAT LOVES SOME BOB!

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Lets break this down for you fine folks. Bob Howard is smart, funny and well evil, lets just say there is some death in this one. With his trusty sidekick Big Daddy nothing can stop Bob from saving himself and the world, one job at a time. Thank all that is holy Nieves and Dougherty are there to bring us this treat again and again. I can honestly recall a comic world without Bob, and let me tell you, it was nothing compared to how much better it is with him. Also there is a rumor that if you say Nieves and Dougherty 5 times fast, in a dark room with a backwards mirror, that Avocadsters will appear in your home. Oh, and really quick, Bob is the SH!T so you need to be reading this yesterday.

If you would like to buy or know more about Bob Howard: Plumber of the Unknown #2 you can find it at http://www.facebook.com/bob.howard.plumber