Welcome to this year’s Halloween Extravaganza, 2013! This year, I’ll be spotlighting a few of the more recent books in the horror genre that have been solid reads, and worthy of your shekels!
As most of you know (if you’ve read anything of mine), I’m more of an old school guy. OK, I’m ninety percent old school, but be that as it may, I do read a decent bit of newer comics, and a good portion of that is in the horror category. This will be a short list of books that have my stamp of approval, so get ready to see some great books full of vampires, werewolves, blood, and guts!
First up, a book that is a one-shot, published by the up and coming Action Lab Entertainment. Recently, they’ve started a new adult label called the “Action Lab Danger Zone” for their horror titles (among others). The book I’m talking about came out before this change, but definitely give those titles (especially The Final Plague) a look. The book I’m suggesting you check out is called Snowed In (2011). Written by Shawn Gabborin, with art by Rick Lundeen, this story follows two couples that are stuck in a remote cabin during a terrible winter storm. Something sinister lurks outside, and it wants in! Good story and artwork in this black and white thriller!
Next up, another one-shot, and this one is a fairly recent release (2008), but an old tale. Frank Frazetta’s Dracula Meets The Wolfman, by Steve Niles and Francesco Francavilla, is a book that harkens back to the Universal horror movies of old, but the new style artwork and scripting make it a perfect read for anyone who’s looking for a good combination of old and new.
Our third book was a twelve issue maxi-series that has more recently started a second volume. The Strain, conceived by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan, has been adapted to comics by David Lapham (story), Mike Huddleston, and Dan Jackson (artists). This series is very much an adult read, but also extremely well crafted. It contains scenes of crazy action and violence, but also moments of witty dialogue and suspense.
Next to last is a three issue limited series that has now recently been collected into a trade paperback. The Pack, by Mike Raicht (writer) and Daniel Faccilongo (artist), blends high school drama with new school horror and mystery. Think along the lines of eighties teen flicks meets The Howling. Great job on this one, for sure!
Last, but certainly not least, is Haunted Horror. OK, this one is a bit of a cheat on my part, as it’s a new release of reprinted, pre-code horror books. Now, before you judge me, or call me a liar, check out this book. Why? because most people that are fairly new to comics have never read this material, and for $4 you get almost fifty pages of gruesomeness and insane tales of terror! Yoe Comics (through IDW) has done a magnificent job representing these stories, and you’re doing a disservice to yourself, and your country (wherever you live!) if you’re not picking these up!
Alright, now a quick honorable mention list, for those others that didn’t get any love in the paragraphs above!
1. Day Men (BOOM! Studios): I’ve only read the first issue, but it’s very promising with a solid story, and great artwork.
2. Kiss Me, Satan (Dark Horse): After just two issues, this book is becoming a phenomenon. Check it out!
3. Colder (Dark Horse): I’ve reviewed every issue of this limited series that was also just released in trade. The story and artwork are unbelievable!
4. The Vault (Image): Released in 2011, this three issue limited series (also in trade now) was incredible and packed a powerful punch of horror and creepiness!
5. B.P.R.D. (Dark Horse): Easily the best horror/sci-fi book on the shelves for the past few years. Seriously, it’s that good. It is steeped in ten years’ worth of history, but between Omnibus editions (Plague of Frogs vol. 1-4), and digital specials, you can get brought up to speed in no time! Trust me, if I can do it, anybody can!
Well, that’s it for this year, but keep reading horror comics, and every genre of comics for that matter, because there is nothing else like them out there! Don’t eat more candy than your stomach can handle!
Billy Dunleavy
billy@comicattack.net
