Chillers Anthology – Review

Issue: Chillers OGN
Creators: Daniel Boyd, Robert Tinnell, Gary Reed, William Bitner, Betsy Allen, Jason Pell, Juan Romera, J.C. Grande, Wayne Reid, Jason Rhodes, Ricardo Mendes, S.R. Ayers, Ger Curti, Balsa Gobovic, David Michael Beck
Publisher: Transfuzion Publishing
Release Date: May 2012
Price: $12.00

“Based on the Troma film! Chillers, the classic film from Troma Studios that captured the Silver Scroll Award, returns with all new tales in an original graphic novel. Writer and director Daniel Boyd is joined by some of the best in horror to present more terror and chills. Troma Films is supporting the release of the graphic novel with a re-release of the film on DVD and the Buddy Black Band is releasing a tribute album, Witchfinder, to also coordinate with the graphic novel. Evil travels in many forms, even by bus. But this bus takes its riders to a journey that they can never return from!”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
I love it when an anthology comes together so well because it is not an easy thing to accomplish. Having a large number of writers and artists on a book can lead to a lot of issues unless it is done right, and Chillers is done right. Based of the film of the same name, this collection is by Daniel Boyd, the man behind the Troma film. I have to admit I have not seen the movie before, but after reading this I think I have to. This art in this book is spot on, because every story feels like it belongs. Some of my favorite looking stories in the book were “Dr. Timmy’s Fearless Dentistry”, “On Good Authority” and “Free to a Good Home”. I really liked the concept of what tied the stories together and how people were always getting on the bus. This is a great group of horror writers, who just padded their resume more by being a part of this collection. A few of my favorite stories were “Mickey Barnes Gets a Gift”, “Ghoulas” and “Until the Flies Come”. No matter how I look at it, I love this collection. I read a lot of anthology titles and Chillers is quickly rising to the top of the list with the best of them. This book is also like a gateway drug because after reading it, I NEED to see the movie. I am sure fans of the movie will be picking this one up as well. Overall this was a great read from start to finish. I can not wait for a sequel.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Chillers you can find it at http://www.transfuzion.biz/TITLES/Chillers.htm

Whispers in the Walls TPB – Review

Issue: Whispers in the Walls TPB
Writer: David Muñoz
Artist: Tirso
Colors: Javi Montes
Translation: Alex Donoghue
Publisher: Humanoids
Release Date: Feb 2012
Pages: 184
Price: $19.95

“A gothic tale of horror from David Muñoz (co-writer of Guillermo Del Toro’s THE DEVIL’S BACKBONE film) and artist Tirso. Czechoslovakia, 1949. What Evil lurks within the walls of an ancient Children’s Infirmary? After the brutal murder of her parents, Sarah, a young orphan, is about to discover just that and much more. “

Dying Breath: 5.0 out of 5
Oh, how I have waited for this collection of images and words to be bound so I could finally finish the story of Whispers in the Walls. Let’s start with the artwork on this series. I don’t know what it is about imported books, but they are just GORE-Geous. Tirso’s style was so consistent throughout, his monsters looked AHHH-Mazing, and his visual storytelling would have worked without the translation. Luckily though we got that translation of Muñoz’s story. I have to point out that the colors by Montes, just took this book straight to the top. No scene was ever to dark (when the lights are off) and every panel he touched, he brought to life. The art team easily get’s a 5 from me. The actual story started off with a mystery in the air, that when fleshed out, lead to one of the best stories I have ever had the pleasure to read. The pacing was always on point. There was never a dull moment to be had. On one hand I was worried about the kids, then on the other I was worried about the monsters, and the way they all came together created the perfect mix of entertainment. What I liked most, was that after I was done reading it, I knew there could be more to come. So get on with it already! I need a back story to what has already happened, I need to know where Sarah is going next and I need to know more about all of these Monster classes. This universe is ready to be explored, but make no mistake about it, this book can stand alone as a one and done. Overall I have to give this book a 5 out of 5, which alone puts it in a very limited class of books I have reviewed. I can’t think of anyone who would not enjoy this story, because I think it can cover so many genres. Don’t pass on this book, it will easily surprise you on how amazing it is.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Whispers in the Walls TPB you can find it at http://www.humanoids.com

Rebel Blood #1 – Review

Issue: Rebel Blood #1
Writer: Alex Link, Riley Rossmo
Artist: Riley Rossmo
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: March 2012
Pages: 28
Price: $3.50

“The world went to hell in a hand basket. A highly infectious disease has turned every living thing into zombies. Your neighbors will rend your flesh with their bare teeth. So will the rats. And if the rats don’t, the squirrels will. Save yourself. Stay in the woods. Pray it hasn’t reached the wolves…and keep your gun loaded.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
BOOM! The words to start this story say it all! BOOM PEOPLE! BOOM! Riley Rossmo teams up with Alex Link to bring us into this strange world of animals with issues. The artwork is well beyond off the hook, and has totally been turned up to 11. Rossmo has this style that just screams this book is perfect in his hands. It is GORE-Geous with the emphasis on gore. What really got the artwork in this book a perfect score was a scene where characters moved about without and panel divisions. Rossmo played with this readers eyes and knew how movement would work from left to right. Of course you have to add in the great color work and the monstrous animals, because who ain’t gonna love that. In terms of the story, I need more now! The story is told in a different manner than most comics, with a decent amount of jumping going on. This is a very hard trick to pull off, unless it is done right. The main character has some great internal issues that play out on the pages. It leads to two levels of mystery being laid out here. On one hand you have the obvious animal issue but then you have this internal conflict being played out. Overall I don’t see how anyone could pass on this book. I’m done with #1 and I already want the rest to be in my hands right now. Jaw Dropping, Mother F*(!ing, Brain Tickling, Horror Comic Book Goodness!

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

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

Careful… #2 – Review

Issue: Careful… #2
Writer: Victor Carungi, Gentry Smith
Pencils: Yair Herrara
Gray Tones: Chris Allen
Letters: Brant Fowler
Cover Artist: Gentry Smith
Publisher: Paper Street Comics
Release Date: March 2012
Pages: 28
Price: $3.50

“What if you could wish revenge on everyone who makes your life hell, and someone (or something) would do the dirty work for you? When bullied Deacon learns the dark past of his small town Texas high school, he discovers a vengeful ritual used to wreak havoc on his enemies – like the school’s all-star quarterback. But when Deacon wakes up covered in someone else’s blood, he realizes that the ritual was no childish game. And with every passing day the lines blur between the payback he envisioned and the revenge he’s commiting.”

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
You better be careful reading this issue of Careful 2, because it will make your brain melt with joy. It has been a little while since the first issue came out, but I didn’t really need a recap. Carungi and Smith did a fantastic job, including enough detail from the story so far in this issue. Their writing on this book is amazing. The dialogue is spot on from panel to panel, and the way they write the horror elements leaves this air of mystery and terror hanging above this readers head. The big spotlight though needs to be on the artwork. When I say GORE-Geous I am emphasizing the GORE in this one. The 2 scenes of dead bodies just gave me a bad case of jaw drop, I am seriously still trying to pick it up off the floor! The character designs are consistent throughout and I want to throw a special high-five to the lettering for its addition to the suspense found in this book. I can see a clear path to the end of this one, but I know it will not happen as I expect it too. This book takes horror, mystery and teen age life to a whole new level, and it better keeping heading up the stairs with future issues. A serious MUST READ.

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

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

The Sixth Gun Vol. 2 – Review

Issue: The Sixth Gun Vol. 2
Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Brian Hurtt
Publisher: Oni Press
Release Date: 2011
Pages: 160
Price: $19.99

“In the aftermath of the tragic battle of the Maw, Drake and company hide in the sprawling city of New Orleans. But as they plot their next move, they find themselves embroiled in another harrowing adventure. Unexpected threats, new enemies, and a host of strange spirits are already aligning against them.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Oh you stupid man Dan! How can you go so long and still not be caught up with this AMAZING series! Sadly folks I am behind and reading this one in trade form, but I have to tell you, I think it is something that you can’t pass up any longer. The artwork in this series is just GORE-Geous, surprisingly minus the gore. This trade takes place in the grand city of New Orleans, as we catch up with the crew as they try to understand more about the guns. Hurtt does a fantastic job of capturing the Crescent City and surroundings. The swamps are spooky, the graveyards are grotesque and the man draws a damn fine alligator. I have a soft spot for alligators in comics. The story itself has many intense moments followed up by some great slow points. Bunn has such an ear for the dialogue, nothing seems out-of-place. This book is just so damn addicting. I can not wait for the day I see this translated to the big/small screen, and I know it will happen. Mixing supernatural and western elements has been done before but not on this level. When I get caught up on the trades, I will be going back and getting the single issues. This is easily one of the best books on the shelves right now. I honestly can’t see who it wouldn’t appeal to.

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

Rex Zombie Killer #1 – Review

Issue: Rex Zombie Killer #1
Writer: Rob Anderson
Artist: Dafu Yu
Publisher: Big Dog Ink
Release Date: 2012
Price: $3.50

“In the wake of a zombie apocalypse, a small band of animals, led by a hyper-intelligent Golden Retriever named Rex, and accompanied by a baseball bat-wielding gorilla, begin their cross-country journey in the hope of finding safety…and a home.”

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Here is a question, what would happen to our pets in the event of a zombie apocalypse? Rex Zombie Killer is here to answer that for us, as this group of 3 dogs, a cat and a gorilla team up for survival in the new world of the walking dead. The artwork in this issue is really nice. The colors pop off of every page which lends to how the book reads, but I can’t help but wonder how this one might have looked had it been done in black and white. The character designs are great, the zombies look GORE-Geous, and the consistency from panel to panel is spot on. The writing is full of action and progresses at a good pace. I did like the inclusion of back stories on some of the main cast, and can only hope that the rest will be covered in issues to come. The story itself comes off as all age material, and I am guessing that is based on the main cast being animals. This is why color pages work here, because if you went black and white people might expect a grittier story to be presented. Overall I think this is a good all ages read. It might not have the gore that some are looking for, and it is not for them. This issue tells a good story about survival on a different level than what we are bombarded with every month. I say it is easily worth checking out.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Rex Zombie Killer you can find it at http://bigdogink.com/

Xenoholics #4 – Review

Issue: Xenoholics #4
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Seth Damoose
Cover: Dan Duncan
Publisher: Image Comics – Shadowline
Release Date: Jan 2012
Price: $3.50

“IT’S TIME FOR ANSWERS! The mysterious Men in White have captured the Xenoholics and they want answers: ‘Why were they abducted? What makes them special?’ The only people who can save the Xenoholics from their brutal interrogation… are the aliens that took them in the first place. The truth is here as this hot new series continues!”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Death, Deceit and Danger lurk within the pages of Xenoholics #4. This series is a non-stop action packed thriller that leaves me on the edge of my seat with every new issue. The artwork by Damoose is so perfect for the style of story being told. I love his character designs throughout. The destruction in the city, the main cast and even the aliens that show up are all amazingly done. He has a style that captures the seriousness and humor all in one shot. Williamson is just killing this story. The angles he is taking in telling the tale astound me. From the possibility of lies and cover-ups to what might really be going on just makes this one a perfect page turner. I wonder what will happen next after every page, and then I get to the end and need to know what will happen next! This issue comes with a perfect cliffhanger after the events within unfolded. Something big is coming and I will be there front and center to find out what it is. LOVE THIS SERIES!

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Xenoholics you can find it at www.imagecomics.com

The 2011 Ghastly Award Nominees

The Ghastly Award Judges are proud to announce the 2011 Nominees. The nominees, which were chosen by the entire comic creating community, reflect the wide range of horror material being published in print and web comic form today.

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/).

Winners will be announced March 31, 2011.

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

The 2011 Nominees are: 

  Best Ongoing Title:
Animal Man (DC)
The Goon (Dark Horse)
Walking Dead (Image Comics)
Sixth Gun (Oni Press)
Hellblazer (Vertigo)

Best Mini-Series:
Hellboy: The Fury (Dark Horse)
Locke & Key: Keys to the Kingdom (IDW Publishing)
Witch Doctor (Image Comics)
The Vault (Image Comics)
’68 (Image Comics)

Best One-Shot:
Hellboy – Buster Oakley (Dark Horse)
Locke & Key: Guide to the Known Keys (IDW Publishing)
’68 Hardship (Image Comics)
Hellblazer Annual (Vertigo)
Fail of the Dead (Antarctic Press)

Best New Series:
Animal Man (DC)
Witch Doctor (Image Comics)
Green Wake (Image Comics)
Hellraiser (BOOM! Studios)
I, Vampire (DC)

Best Anthology:
Hellraiser Masterpieces (BOOM! Studios)
Creepy (Dark Horse)
Fubar 2 (Alterna Comics)
Strange Aeons Magazine (Strange Aeons)
A Very Zombie Christmas (Antarctic Press)

Best OGN:
Flesh & Blood (Monsterverse)
Crossed 3-D (Avatar)
Black Fire (Archaia)
Deadworld: Last Siesta (IDW Publishing)
Dear Creature (Tor)

Best Archival Collection:
Awakening Omnibus (Archaia)
Bob Powell’s Terror (IDW Publishing)
Creepy Archives Vol. 10 (Dark Horse)
Deadworld Classics Vol. 2 (IDW Publishing)
Creepy Presents: Bernie Wrightson (Dark Horse)

Best Writer:
Cullen Bunn – The Sixth Gun
Joe Hill – Locke & Key
Robert Tinnell – Flesh & Blood
Steve Niles – Doc Macbre, Criminal Macabre
Robert Kirkman – Walking Dead

Best Artist:
Gabriel Rodriguez – Locke & Key
Riley Rossmo – Green Wake
Neil Vokes – Flesh and Blood
Garrie Gastonny – The Vault
Jacen Burrows – Neonomicon

Best Inker:
Mark Bloodworth – Deadworld Last Siesta
Riley Rossmo – Green Wake
Jonathan Case – Dear Creature
Charlie Adlard – The Walking Dead
Terry Moore – Rachel Rising

Best Letterer:
Thomas Mauer – Awakening Omnibus
Kelly Tindall – Green Wake
Menton Matthews III – Monocyte
Marshal Dillion – Skullkickers
Terry Moore – Rachel Rising

Best Colorist:
Dave Stewart – BPRD
Matt Webb – Flesh and Blood
Jay Fotos – Locke & Key, ’68
Misty Coats – Skullkickers
Atilla Futaki – Severed

Best Web Comic:
Disappointing Monsters
Tales of Mr. Rhee
Romantically Apocalyptic
Sex and Monsters
Frankenstein Superstar

Hall of Fame Inductee:
Graham Ingles

We congratulate all of the 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.

A Very Zombie Christmas #3 – Review

Issue: A Very Zombie Christmas #3
Creators: Joseph Wight, Fred Perry, David Hutchinson, Rod Espinosa, Ben Dunn
Publisher: Antarctic Press
Release Date: December 2011
Pages: 32
Price: $3.50

“Antarctic Press presents another chilling and thrilling collection of ho-ho-horror tales for the ho-ho-holidays! Go walkin’ (or better yet, running) through a nuclear winter wonderland once again!.“

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Ho Ho Ho a zombie comic reading we go! It’s the holiday season and that can only mean one thing, my favorite anthology is back! While I won’t push it down your throat that you need to be reading all horror by Antarctic Press, I will tell you that this series is so worth checking out. The first story follows along the lines of the recent Zombie War stories that have been showing up as back up stories in other books from AP. It is a great take on Naval horror and something that isn’t really expected, because it takes place on the water. I loved it! Then of course we get a “Littlest” story. I didn’t include the zombie in that title, because this one by the amazing Fred Perry, takes place without the little guy showing up. Instead it focuses on another character, who I won’t spoil, but it was easily my favorite of the bunch. Then you get a sprinkling of some great Espinosa artwork, followed by the best happy Christmas story of the year featuring Hutchison’s “Living Dead Girl”. Finally the book is wrapped in a bow with a Warrior Nun story by Ben Dunn. Plain and simple, this is an easy buy for me. I love this company, I love this book and I want it monthly already!

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

If you would like to know more about or purchase a copy of A Very Zombie Christmas #3 please go to http://www.antarctic-press.com/

The Strain #2 – Review

Issue: The Strain #2
Story By: Guillermo Del Toro, Chuck Hogan
Script By: David Lapham
Artist: Mike Huddleston
Publisher: Dark Horse
Release Date: Jan 2012
Pages: 32
Price: $3.50

“As an eclipse covers New York City in midday darkness, Dr. Ephraim Goodweather and his team from the Centers for Disease Control struggle to find an explanation for what happened to Flight 753. But when the symptoms don’t add up to chemical warfare, and bizarre circumstances unexplained by modern medicine arise, Ephraim begins to entertain the ramblings of a Holocaust survivor who knows too much about this unknown threat.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Are you reading this yet? No really… are you? If not, I have to ask why not? The Strain has come on this new year like a… strain! It’s a virus people and you need to get infected by it. The artwork in this issue is fantastic, but it really shines brightest towards the end of the issue, that is when the killing starts. The story still has its mystery as to what is happening and why. However it moves at such a great pace, between action  and talking scenes. I find myself  so wrapped up in this story that I am so sad when it ends. Taking off from the first issue and just nailing the suspense and intrigue has this series on the top of my must read lists. I can not wait for more and I am very impatiently waiting. You really need to check this series out.

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

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

Whispers #1- Review

Issue: Whispers #1
Writer: Joshua Luna
Artist: Joshua Luna
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: Jan 2012
Pages: 28
Price: $2.99

“A mentally troubled man is suddenly empowered with the ability to leave his physical body in “ghost” form and manipulate people in strange and disturbing ways. With this incredible power, will he control his demons…or discover even more?”

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
I was an a fan of the series Girls, I liked Ultra and never had real chance to check out the Sword, so why on Earth would I check out Whispers? It’s because I really enjoy what I have seen the Luna brothers do. That being said Joshua is flying solo with this series and he delivers. The artwork is like that of the other books I mentioned. I love the style, love the colors and love the whole package, but it is nothing new. It delivers where it needs to and it works throughout the issue. The real highlight here is writing. From the very start I was amazed at how well he depicted the main character’s O.C.D. It is almost like an uncomfortable feeling watching him suffer with it, but I have this feeling it will lead to something great. The opening scene was above and beyond in terms of external and internal dialogue.  I loved the realism of the writing as again, I really felt for Sam as he was being, as I felt, attacked by his friends. The way Joshua sets Sam up leaves some mystery and intrigue to his character. What did he do?  Why is he like this now? Then you come to the “dream” state which is where this issue takes off even further. There is a lot here to take in and it seems to be leading up to something big. So consider this issue a teaser of sorts. I can’t wait to see where this series is heading.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about  Whispers #1  you can find it at www.imagecomics.com

Valen The Outcast #2 – Review

Issue: Valen The Outcast #2
Writer: Michael Alan Nelson
Artist: Matteo Scalera
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Release Date: Jan. 2012
Pages: 32
Price: $3.99

“The King is dead – long live the DEAD KING! King Valen Brand was a just king and a great warrior until he was 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… From the mind of fan-favorite creator Michael Alan Nelson (28 DAYS LATER, ROBERT E. HOWARD’S HAWKS OF OUTREMER) and DEADPOOL artist Matteo Scalera comes OUTCAST, a visceral new ongoing series that blends “epic fantasy” with “sword-and-sorcery.” Perfect for fans of Game of Thrones and Conan. Don’t miss this action-packed second issue! “

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Alright BOOM! I got a problem. First you floor me with issue #1 and now you come back and make me start to think I really like Fantasy Books! Valen the Outcast makes something I didn’t really care for before a lot of fun. The art in this issue was great for the most part, but I did still find a few panels to be a little cloudy. The action scenes are depicted so well though. I actually ducked for fear of bricks flying at my head. I love the character designs and the vibrance that they all have on each page. The winner though is the story. Like I said, if you can get me to like something I normally wouldn’t, you win. Nelson does a fantastic job telling this story, and the little things, like the pigs in this issue, make me wonder how he can come up with this stuff. The dialogue is fun with a serious tone. Overall this series is shaping up to be a great ride. So sit back, relax and enjoy it with me!

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Valen The Outcast #2 you can find it at www.boom-studios.com

Green Wake #9 – Review

Issue: Green Wake #9
Writer: Kurtis Wiebe
Artist: Riley Rossmo
Publisher: Image
Release Date: Jan. 2012
Pages: 32
Price: $3.99

“Morley starts to understand the path laid before him as Green Wake begins to change after the rebellion settles, but the murders that happen behind the scenes are growing more mysterious. The heinous acts of violence hint at a growing thirst for blood.”

Dying Breath: 5.0 out of 5
OH HELL NO!!!! You better be kidding me! These will be the words that come out of your mouth when you read this jaw dropping issue. Like most issues of this amazing series, I am sitting here waiting for more, so let me spend some of that wait time telling you about this issue. Rossmo brings it to a new level with the artwork  on this one. There is a monster that shows up that had me drooling, and when you are just a head and your drool, it is easy to drown. Thanks for trying to kill me Riley! Page after page I can not get enough of his style, and I am still 100% in love with the way he depicts the cold in these issues. Now onto my gripe… Wiebe you know what you did, and I am not happy! Everything leading up to that event had me on the edge of my seat and now I am in complete shock. The pacing is spot on throughout the issue, the mystery just grows and grows and there is only one issue left to wrap this one up! The way that these two come together to bring me the BEST BOOK ON THE SHELVES right now makes me want to just hug the crap out of them. This is a story that you should be reading, you need to be reading and you will read again and again. 

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

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

Creepy #7 – Review

Issue: Creepy #7
Writers: Various
Artists: Various
Publisher: Dark Horse
Release Date: Jan 2012
Pages: 48
Price: $4.99

“Hope your New Year’s resolution was to be terrified, because Creepy is back to start 2012 with a scream! Featuring the latest from bone-chilling scribes Joe and Keith Lansdale, Christopher Taylor, and Dan Braun, this installment of the abominable anthology is sure to leave you shivering in the corner until next year!”

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Have I mentioned how much I love the fact that new issues of Creepy are being made? Well I LOVE that new issues of Creepy are being made! Issue #7 keeps the amazing tradition of the horror anthology going strong with some amazing shorts that are sure to terrify you to your core. Art wise the highlight for me was seeing the classic story by Steve Skeates, “The Ultimate High”. I am such a sucker for that art style, it is just GORE-Geous! The other stories look great as well, with my eyes digging Torres’ “Bloodsuckers” story. The  stories themselves though were a little hit and miss. I didn’t really care for the opening story “Mud” or the final story “Deep Ruby” which was a reprint from Eerie. Overall though this book will not disappoint. At a time when it can seem Anthologies lean more towards more modern storytelling, it is great to see that Dark Horse is carrying this classic style. Now I sit and wait for #8.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Creepy #7 you can find it at www.darkhorse.com

Peter Panzerfaust #1 – Review

Issue: Peter Panzerfaust #1
Writer: Kurtis Wiebe
Artist: Tyler Jenkins
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: Feb. 2012
Pages: 32
Price: $3.50

“THE GREAT ESCAPE, Part One:
The city of Calais is the first city in France to fall to the Ger­mans in the spring of 1940. A mys­te­ri­ous Amer­i­can boy named Peter ral­lies a hand­ful of plucky French orphans and they must work together to sur­vive Europe’s dark­est hour.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
I have to admit, that I didn’t catch the name hidden in the title. I blame this on the fact that I was never a big fan of the Peter Pan story. So this book comes along and I start to see some similarities and it hits me, a big “DUH” appeared over my head. So after admitting I am not a fan of the basic PP story, I absolutely loved this book! While it is not horror based, sorry fans, it is war based and what comic book fan isn’t on board for that? Jenkins artwork is fun and loose. I think it does an amazing job depicting the flow of this issue in terms of all the action. It is almost as if the book had come alive in my hands. The colors are perfect for this period, it was just overall GORE-Geous. For people who read my reviews you know Wiebe can just kill it on a story, Green Wake, so I had my head up expecting good things with this book, and I was not let down. The pacing is great, the dialogue is awesome and well it makes a concept I found boring fun. Now I keep saying Peter Pan, this is not Peter Pan, this is a book that to me read like it has connections to the concept, but then makes it its own. This issue was great from start to finish. I know I will be on board for a while if this can keep up, and with a team like Wiebe and Jenkins I have no doubt in my mind that it can. Highly recommending this one to everyone.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Peter Panzerfaust #1 you can find it at https://www.facebook.com/PeterPanzerfaust

One Model Nation OGN – Review

Issue: One Model Nation OGN
Writer: Courtney Taylor-Taylor
Artist: Jim Rugg
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: Jan 2012
Pages: 160
Price: $24.95

“From US rock band The Dandy Warhols’ frontman Courtney Taylor-Taylor comes an original graphic novel illustrated by indie super star Jim Rugg. A work of historical fiction set in Germany in 1977, it follows four young men who were to become the voice of their generation. This is the epic journey of art noise band One Model Nation, the final dark days of the Baader-Meinhof Gang, and the band’s mysterious disappearance only months later. Features a host of bonus extras: sketches, director’s commentary, deleted scenes and more.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
If you want to talk about removing oneself from their comfort zone, than you can look no further than me taking a look at One Model Nation. Typically, I review horror books, this is not one of them. I am a Metal Head, this book is not about that genre of music. So why on Earth would I even take a peak at
this new OGN book from Titan Books and love it like I did?

Easiest way to start is to admit, I am not a big fan of the character designs here. While the style did not appeal to me personally, it did do something very right, which was fit the tone of the book. Rugg’s artwork does more than set the scenes, it captures a tone that I can only compare to something you would get from a movie soundtrack. High moments are depicted in colors to reflect the scene, while the down moments hit lower tones on the color scale. Visually this book is on point from start to finish.

The story though is the real winner. The sense of history, even though the band is fictional, places the reader (in this case an American reader) into a world that they might not be familiar with. I don’t know much about the music scene in Germany, but after reading this I get a feeling of what it might have been like. Taylor-Taylor crafts some fantastic dialogue that moves the story forward as it covers music and politics at a time where a movement was needed.

The more I find myself recalling this book, the more I see it playing out as a movie. I can’t say who this book would directly appeal to, but I think that anyone with any kind of interest in music and comics should check this one out. I am so happy I was given the opportunity to read this, because it has broadened my love for the music culture and how it has progressed to what we have today. An amazing read!

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

If you would like to buy or know more about One Model Nation OGN you can find it at www.titanbooks.com

Deathbourne #1 & 2 – Review

Issue: Deathbourne #1 & 2
Writer: Andrew Hall
Artist: Zack McDivitt
Publisher: A to Z Studios
Release Date: 2011
Pages: 28 (each)
Price: $4.50 (each)

“Find out what really happened after the final page of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and how it paves the way for the extermination of an entire country and the heroes that can end the threat once and for all.”

Dying Breath: 3.5 out of 5
They created a monster. A MONSTER of a comic I say! Hall and McDivitt have something here that is original, fun and compelling. Lets start with the artwork. On a high note the character designs are great. I love the way that the monsters look, and think they are very consistent throughout the two books. The colors are good, as they really bring the pages to life. While I think black and white could easily work on this, color does just as well. My one gripe on the art side was  the lettering in the first issue and the sound effect lettering in the second. These are just minor things though, and typically you see things like this get worked out over time as it is part of the learning process. Story wise this is a world that is just beginning to open up. There are hints at different monsters here and there, but the Deathbourne are at the forefront. The first issue did a good job of bringing everything together, your basic setup. Issue 2 though added in the action and really started to run with the story. Like I said, there is a grand world to explore here, so I really hope that the pace and quality of the writing stays consistent. Overall this is a book that started with its training wheels and is now really starting to take off. You can see the learning curve play out over the 2 issues, and it is only getting stronger. Fans of Frankenstein and the classic monsters should take a look at this one. A nice start that I will be back for again.

Artwork: 3.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.0 out of 5

If you would like to buy or know more about Deathbourne you can find it at http://a-to-zstudios.com

The Hammer Vault

Title: The Hammer Vault
Author: Marcus Hearn
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: 2011
Pages: 176
Price: $34.95

“This remarkable journey through the Hammer vault includes props, annotated script pages, unused poster artwork, production designs, rare promotional material and private correspondence. Hundreds of rare and previously unseen stills help to create a rich souvenir of Hammer’s legacy, from the X certificate classics of the 1950s to the studio’s latest productions.

Written and compiled by the official Hammer Films historian Marcus Hearn, and featuring exclusive contributions from the actors and filmmakers associated with the company, this is the most lavish book ever published on the legendary House of Horror. “

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
I have to be honest and admit I am not a big horror movie buff. I grew up watching some great films in the 80′s and 90′s, but not the Hammer movies. So when I was presented with this amazing book to review I was looking for 2 things, history and a list of what movies were Hammer Horror. This book delivered on the list front, and man did it deliver. Out of the 176 pages over 160 of them are dedicated to the films. I will get to the page design in a second, but basically this book is a timeline from start to finish, giving some information on the movies and showing off some of the great press material that was put out. So in terms of history you don’t get too much, but you do get enough to be content with. It’s like a tease that will lead you to want to know more and more. The design of this book is GORE-Geous. As a Graphic Designer, I can spot a great layout and the way these spreads are put together is a work of art. I found myself spending so much time just taking in all the material presented. From the posters, to the press books, to the on-set photographs this was just a great collection of items. I know that any Hammer Horror or even Horror Movie buff will need to have this as a part of their collection, and I am happy to say it is now a part of mine. This book presents a visual history of the Hammer Franchise that will now be preserved forever. Now if you will excuse me I need to go watch about 100 different movies.

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

If you would like to buy or know more about The Hammer Vault you can find it at http://titanbooks.com

The Strain #1 – Review

Issue: The Strain #1
Story By: Guillermo Del Toro, Chuck Hogan
Script By: David Lapham
Artist: Mike Huddleston
Publisher: Dark Horse
Release Date: Dec. 2011
Pages: 28
Price: $1.00

“When a Boeing 777 lands at JFK International Airport and goes dark on the runway, the Center for Disease Control, fearing a terrorist attack, calls in Dr. Ephraim Goodweather and his team of expert biological-threat first responders. Only an elderly pawnbroker from Spanish Harlem suspects a darker purpose behind the event-an ancient threat intent on covering mankind in darkness.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Wow! This issue was all that and more! The Strain is a new vampire comic, that if it can hold the feel of issue #1, will be on point to be on any top 10 list in 2012. The artwork in this issue does a fantastic job of putting creepy images into your brain. The art team did a great job of creating a dark ominous setting that plays so well into the stories hands. Just take a look at those covers, they are GORE-Geous! The story starts off on this perfect pace of that builds up throughout the pages. Like the artwork an overtone is carried out from the first few pages, where a monster is formed in your mind through words. A ghost story that becomes reality. So much is left to play out here, but there is no way you should pass on this first issue. I mean it’s a dollar for Cthulhu’s sake! I can not wait for the second issue to come out, I really think this will be the Vampire book of 2012.

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

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

Monster Dudes #1 – Review

Issue: Monster Dudes #1
Writer: Dave Scheidt
Artist: Matt Fagan
Release Date: 2011
Pages: 28

“Monsters are so sweet, man.”

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
DUDES! This is one sweet comic for the reading holes you need to fill in your lives. What this book brings to the table is laughter galore topped with sprinkles of visual goodness. Fagan’s art style fits this type of story telling so well. The mummy is my personal favorite, but there are plenty of monsters to choose from in order for you to find yours. A big highlight from this issue was the lettering, I have a big soft spot for hand lettering. Scheidt’s writing will make you laugh, and if you laugh hard enough you might cry. I don’t want to pinpoint a single short in this issue as a favorite, I really enjoyed them all. This is a great book to add to your horror collection. It should have you rolling on the floor like when the werewolf has fleas. I can not wait to get my hands on more!

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

If you would like to buy or know more about Monster Dudes you can find it at http://www.facebook.com/monsterdudes