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

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