Nazi Werewolves from Outer Space #1 – review

Issue: Nazi Werewolves from Outer Space #1
Writer: Simon Sanchez
Artist: Dean Juliette, Don Marquez, Jason Flowers
Publisher: Trauma Comics
Release Date: 2012
Pages: 24
Price: $3.75

“Adolf Hitler has returned (with a new look!) and he brings Nazi Werewolves From Outer Space to conquer Earth. This debut issue features a young Jack Lynch who must rise to the occasion to save himself, and possibly the world. This is a 24 page, full color book, with no ads, and heavy card stock. As a bonus, original concept sketches of the characters are included. It is action-packed from the first to the last page. If you are a fan of sci-fi/horror, or just want to try something new, then this is the book for you! You will not be disappointed. On sale now at Indy Planet!”

Dying Breath: 3.0 out of 5
When you have a comic book combing Werewolves and Nazis, how can one go wrong? This issue was a fast paced action ride into the realm of Sci-Fi horror as the invaders came from the skies to take over the Earth. The artwork captured the intense pace very well, but there were a few things in terms of proportion and perspective that threw me off a little. I loved Juliette’s style on the Werewolves though, because he was able to give them all a different look/appearance so they weren’t all clones of each other. Like I mentioned the story is fast paced, and for a first issue this both works to an advantage to capture a new audience, but can also take away a little in terms of story build. I have no doubt that future issues will flesh things out more, so for now consider me on board. The dialogue is something you would expect to find from a B-Movie. While it had a rough spot or two there is something brewing here that should play out nicely. For everyone out there who knows the combination of evil you get when you mix Nazis, Werewolves and Aliens than I think you can know what to expect from this book. Overall a fun read that I look forward to seeing more of.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Nazi Werewolves from Outer Space #1 you can find it at IndyPlanet.com

Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Book 1 – Review

Issue: Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Book 1 – Helldiver
Creator: Michael Mendheim
Writers: Michael Mendheim, Mike Kennedy, Sean Jaffee
Artist: Simon Bisley
Publisher: Heavy Metal
Release Date: April 2012
Pages: 76
Price: $14.95

“The End is Here – Welcome to the Apocalypse! Raised by the Order of Solomon, Adam Cahill is one of a rare handful of highly trained warriors bound by bloodline to guard the Seven Holy Seals that contain the End of Days. But ageless forces have conspired toward a prophetic event foretold by numerous cultures and multiple religions, and when that cryptic date arrives, they strike against the order without mercy! Adam’s world is shattered, his family murdered, and he is sent spiraling into Hell itself. There, he must find three corrupt souls, chosen by Divinity, to join him in battle against the legendary Horsemen of the Apocalypse. These broken individuals must band together to not only save their own souls but decide the fate of Humanity.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Oh the fires of Hell are burning bright within the pages of this red-hot title from Heavy Metal. I have been a big fan of Simon Bisley for a while now, and I have to admit, I didn’t initially recognize this as his artwork. He brought something new to these pages that took my feelings on his style to a whole new level. His character designs are flat-out GORE-Geous from the main cast to the minions and demons that inhabit this world. There was the occasional panel where it was more recognizable, but overall this came off as visually as something new. I have to throw huge art credit to the coloring and lettering team as well. This book is so visually stunning. It is what I expect from something coming from Heavy Metal, and then some. I was even surprised when it came to the story. Coming from the house that brings me some of the darker material in comics, I thought this would border more on the Satanic side and instead I was treated to a story of religious balance. Mendheim and crew do an amazing job on covering more than one religious viewpoint as the end of the world is almost at hand, which I was happy about because most times this subject matter is covered from only a Christian point of view. The dialogue is strong and the pacing is fantastic. While most of the book is running on a high note, they do take time to relax for a brief second and move the story along. This book was beyond what I expected and gave me more than I even wanted. From the jaw dropping art to the mind-blowing storyline I want more. That leads me to the point where I now get to yell, “Hey Mike and Simon, what’s the deal? I want more now!” This is one Hell (pun intended) of a tease, and you better believe I am on board until the end. Can I be the fifth horsemen, Decapitation?

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Book 1 you can find it at http://fourhorsemen.heavymetal.com/

The 2011 Ghastly Award Winners

Please feel free to begin sharing this starting Monday, April 2, 2012. 

The panel judges are proud to announce the winners of the 2011 Ghastly Awards. Winners were chosen from entries nominated by their professional peers: comic book artist, writers, and publishers. The Ghastly Judicial Panel congratulates all 2011 nominees and winners. It is an honor to be so recognized by your fellow professionals for such outstanding work in horror comics.

The 2011 Winners are:

Best Ongoing Title:
Sixth Gun (Oni Press)

Best Mini-Series:
'68 (Image Comics)

Best One-Shot:
Hellblazer Annual 2011 (Vertigo)

Best New Series:
Green Wake (Image Comics)

Best Anthology:
Creepy (Dark Horse)

Best OGN:
Flesh & Blood (Monsterverse)

Best Archival Collection:
Bob Powell's Terror (IDW Publishing)

Best Writer:
Cullen Bunn - The Sixth Gun

Best Artist:
Riley Rossmo - Green Wake

Best Inker:
Mark Bloodworth - Deadworld Last Siesta

Best Letterer:
Menton Matthews III - Monocyte

Best Colorist:
Jay Fotos - Locke & Key, '68

Best Web Comic:
Disappointing Monsters

Hall of Fame Inductee:
"Ghastly" Graham Ingels

Named for acclaimed comics creator "Ghastly" Graham Ingles, the awards are in their 1st year. Created to honor excellence in Horror Comics, every comic creator has a say in who the nominees are by nominating for their favorites throughout the year.

The 2011 judging panel consists of Decapitated Dan (www.decapitateddan.com), Lonnie Nadler (www.Bloody-Disgusting.com), Steve Banes (http://thehorrorsofitall.blogspot.com/), Mike Howlet (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Weird-World-of-Eerie-Publications) and Mykal Banta (http://www.bloodypulptales.com/).

We thank everyone who took the time to nominate in this years awards. Nominations are now open for the 2012 Awards!

We congratulate all of the Winners and Nominees for what they bring to the comic reading community. To be nominated by your peers is a big honor and the Ghastly Awards are here to celebrate your achievements.

For more information on the Ghastly Awards, or to submit your nominations in for the 2012 Award season please go to www.ghastlyawards.com.

Drop Dead Dangerous #2 – Review

Issues: Drop Dead Dangerous #2
Writer: Chad Cabrera
Artist: Mike Banting
Publisher: Happy Lockjaw
Release Date: Feb. 2012
Price: $1.99 (digital)

“Jack and Alice find themselves at an impasse when their client is found dead and their own personal demons start to emerge. The Raven continues his prowl and ominous signs accompany his return. Meanwhile, new players reveal themselves and war breaks out in the unsuspecting town. “

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
My 2011 pick for the Best Book You Never Heard of is back and it is bringing all the serial killing goodness back with it! While this issue seems to build more on the back story, which is what a second issue should do, it is still an awesome read. Beginning with a horrific dream sequence, which is visually stunning, the story transfers into a mellow spot before bringing in some more bag guys for me to go gaga over. Banting’s artwork is eye melting, it fits into the “Manga” style, but he is able to really deliver on facial expressions, and his gore scenes are GORE-Geous. Ripping off someone’s arms never looked so good before! Cabrera keeps the story moving forward at a good pace, and his dialogue seems to always be spot on. I love this series, I just wish I could get it faster. While I sit here patiently waiting for more, make sure to go get the digital copies of this one. I hear printed ones may be in the works, so for now you can save some money and get the digital versions to enjoy.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Drop Dead Dangerous you can find it at http://dropdeaddangerous.wordpress.com/