Hey there Boils and Ghouls. Welcome back to another installment of the Dark Delights. This week we dive into the dungeon of reviews and take a look at FVZA: Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency #2, Incarnate TPB, President Evil (1-3), We Kill Monsters (1-3), 28 Days Later #5, Dead Future #2, Dingo #2 and Vegetable Wars #3.
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Issue: FVZA: Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency #2
Writer: David Hine
Conceived By: Beau Flynn & Tripp Vinson
Illustrators: Roy Allan Martinez, Wayne Nichols
Letters: Richard Starkings & Jimmy Betancourt
Editor: Luis Reyes
Covers: Yang Xueguo & Clint Langley
Based on the website: FVZA.orgcreated by Richard S. Dargan
Publisher: Radical Publishing
Release Date: December 2009
Pages: 48
Price: $4.99
“After a successful raid on the zombie-infected town of Corben, the newly reinstated FVZA recruits are on high alert. But as the agency scans the world for new outbreaks of the undead virus, the vampire high council begins its plan for domination of the United States. Only the knowledge of newly appointed agency adviser Hugo Pecos and the battle skills of his grandchildren, Landra and Vidal, will give the FVZA a fighting chance at extinguishing the undead threat once and for all!“
Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
I just can’t seem to get over how great this issue looks. While I would have liked some more action scenes in it, I think it did just an amazing job setting the mood. Just as in issue #1, the panels are all so fresh and clean, the colors really pop, and if you’re like me, you might have to clean up the drool on the horror filled death pages. All in all this lives up to the high quality I expect from Radical.
Story: 4.0 out of 5
The storyline in this issue seemed to just move at a nice steady pace. While it’s not a bad thing, I would have liked a little more action to be thrown in to just give it a different edge. I liked this issue though because it builds a great base for the final issue to stand on. So while it wasn’t as exciting as the first, it gets the job done and I am so hooked on what I have read so far.
Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
I know I say it often, but I love it. The artwork is amazing. The story is original and compelling. I mean what more can you ask for! I wish it came out every day because I just want more and more. I have been a big fan of Radical’s books so far. I only passed on two titles, one of which I just read and reviewed (Incarnate), but everything they do in my opinion is just put out winners. Read FVZA and you will know why; this is one sure-fire hit that true Vampire fans can not miss.
If you would like to know more about or purchase a copy of FVZA: Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency #2 please go to http://www.radicalcomics.com.
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Issues: Incarnate #1,2 and 3
Creator and Writer: Nick Simmons
Pencils: Nick Simmons
Inker: Matt Dalton
Colors: Brian Buccellato, Dami Digital
Assistant Artists: Nam Kim, Shi Hua Wong & Ben Harvey of Studio IL
Letters: Rob Steen
Editor: Tim Beedle
Covers: Jo Chen
Publisher: Radical Publishing
Release Date: August – December 2009
Pages: 160 (combined)
Price: $4.99 (each)
“They cannot die. They feel no pain. They hunger for human flesh. They are Revenants. Centuries ago, the Revenant known as Mot was worshipped as a God. Now, he walks the Earth in search of a purpose to his immortality – but when a secret society discovers a way to kill Revenants, Mot and his fellow immortals must make a choice: Hunt or be hunted. Nick Simmons’ breakout American Manga title reveals a world that challenges even the imagination, planting its tongue firmly in cheek, then biting it off…And swallowing it.“
Artwork: 3.5 out of 5
To me this series was either really on at points or it was off. I was actually surprised to see this manga style used in a Radical book, as it is that much different from all of the other books so far. So what worked is the fact that when I was done reading them all I honestly thought I had just sat down and watched a movie. It all flowed so well that I was honestly amazed. Even while reading it just had that kind of effect on me. What threw me off though was the character designs. I got that they fit within the style, but they weren’t always consistent from panel to panel. However that is just a minor aspect of the whole. The colors pop off of every page and there are some really cool looking death scenes.
Story: 4.0 out of 5
The storyline here shocked me. I will admit that I was on the fence with this title, but after reading the first issue I was sold on the fact that I would get something great to read. Like I mentioned with the artwork, this whole thing felt like a movie. Great dialogue and a killer storyline. I really liked where Nick took the idea of vampires too. He went away from the norm and gave this universe’s characters their own origin. I do want to point out that after reading the first issue, I kinda got the feeling that #2 and 3 didn’t really seem to go along the same action lines. It was like the story shifted completely to another setting. While it works in the long run, I was kinda scratching my head after #1. Overall though I was more than happy when I was done, and cannot wait to see where this cast can go in the future.
Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Alright I was holding off on saying this until the end, but here goes. I was on the fence with this title originally because of the fact the Nick Simmons has a famous dad. This is only the second Radical title I have passed on when it came out, and I regret it. What I got here was a story that was original, fresh, and needed. I think with the way society is trying to soften vampires, we need books like this. The horror fans need to be reminded that these are dark creatures. I say Bravo to Nick and the whole cast on this one because I enjoyed every second of it. Read this series and then go read every series Radical is putting out. There is a reason why they choose the stories they do, and this is yet another example of what you should be reading.
If you would like to know more about or purchase copies of Incarnate please go to http://www.radicalcomics.com.
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Issues: President Evil #1,2 & 3
Story & Art: David Hutchison
Colors: Wes Hartman, David Hutchison, Robby Bevard
Editors: Doug Dlin, Wes Hartman, Joe Wight
Publisher: Antarctic Press
Release Date: July – November 2009
Pages: 24 (each)
Price: $3.99 (each)
“Threat condition Red! Trillion-dollar deficits, machine gun-toting soccer moms, money-hungry contractors and flesh-hungry super soldiers lead by 200 yearsí worth of undead Presidents! Can we stop this new national nightmare? Yes we can! It’s time to set aside our partisan differences and petty bickering and unite behind “Ba-rot” Obama, the one man that can bring hope to our troubled shores. When the outgoing administrationís plan to shore up our depleted militaryís troop numbers goes awry, Washington, D.C. becomes ground zero for all-you-can-eat action, destruction, and some change you can believe in!“
Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
I really enjoyed the overall look and feel of these issues. Not only was the style consistent from panel to panel, but also issue to issue. Sure I can see if you’re not a fan of the anime look you might be turned off, but I plead with you, do it for the zombies! They look amazing! LOL! It’s not what you expect from this specific style, and yet I want more instantly. The actual people that the characters are based off of are really nice, and funny representations too. The colors are almost always spot on and the covers for all three are great reworks of some classics. When all of it comes together it just works.
Story: 3.0 out of 5
Here’s where things got a little off track if you ask me. While from start to finish all of the issues are strong, and they contain a lot of action and some nice interactions, there are certain spots in the dialogue that are just off. Not to say that what is presented is bad, just that repetitions on certain phrases can get old quick. However, the story is filled with humor and nice references to people we see on the political scene daily. So overall the read is just a good ol’ fashioned rib tickler!
Dying Breath: 3.5 out of 5
So before you judge this book by its cover, let me say that I did and I was pleasantly surprised with what I got. I mean expecting what you see on the cover to be inside is a given, but the story is funny and very entertaining. I will say that knowledge on the people involved may be needed, I didn’t know who one of the guys was, but it still turned out just fine. Go into this book looking to have fun and it will deliver, plus you know you always wanted to see Obama solve the zombie crisis!
If you would like to know more about or purchase copies of President Evil please go to http://www.antarctic-press.com/
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Issues: We Kill Monsters #1, 2 & 3
Story: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkom
Writer: Christopher Leone
Pencils: Brian Churilla
Inks: Hilary Barta, Brian Churilla
Colors: Ronda Pattison
Letters: Jeff Powell
Publisher: Red 5 Comics
Release Date: July – September 2009
Pages: 40 (#1), 28 (#2,3)
Price: $3.50 (each)
“Two unassuming auto repair shop owners discover that monsters are infesting the world. When they are attacked, the glowing blue juice from the monster’s brain heals his arm and saves Jake’s life. But this gift only begins a life-long link to the monster invasion. From the creators of Sci-Fi TV’s Lost Room mini-series.“
Artwork: 3.5 out of 5
This is a fun looking action-packed book. I like the character and monster designs. I think that from panel to panel and issue to issue they all stay consistent. What put me off just a bit is the coloring. I just find it to be flat. I guess I would like it if the characters had more pop. Overall though I think that it all comes together just right to make it visually appealing.
Story: 3.5 out of 5
Just like the artwork the story is fun and fast paced. I do think that the storyline is kind of along the lines of the movie The Mist. At least that is what came to mind while I was reading these issues. The similarities are not as obvious as that may have made it sound though. The dialogue is great between the characters, with nice sharp comebacks, which I am realizing is kind of a staple in Red 5 books.
Dying Breath: 3.5 out of 5
I really enjoyed the first half of this series. The artwork and story go hand in hand as they play off each other nicely. I think that minus some minor issues this is going to be yet another solid mini from Red 5 Comics. Really worth checking out if you like monster hunter style stories.
If you would like to know more about We Kill Monsters you can go to http://www.wekillmonsters.com/, or if you want to check out the other Red 5 Comics titles please go to http://www.red5comics.com/
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Writer: Michael Alan Nelson
Artist: Marek Oleksicki
Cover Artists: Tim Bradstreet, Sean Phillips
Publisher: Boom Studios
Release Date: January 2010
Pages: 24
“They are trapped among The Infected. They have no supplies. Most of their crew has been killed. Selena, Clint and Derrick must get to London, but will they make it? Selena knows how to survive, but that was when she was trying to get out of London. Now she’s going back in.“
In this issue we welcome artist Marek Oleksicki into the strange plague-filled world of 28 Days later. First of all, I was kind of surprised to see the change, but I think that he did an amazing job giving this new storyline its own feel. The character designs are kind of the same from person to person, but he did an amazing job capturing the story so I didn’t mind one bit. The covers and colors are just as spot on, and it’s just a nice standard to come to expect this great look for this series.
Story: 4.5 out of 5
This was a great issue. The storyline back tracks on itself and it’s just so fresh. I love how they are going into some detail on what happened in the States and other places in the world when the outbreak took place. This issue does a great job of setting up the new storyline, and while it’s not action packed, it’s good reading.
If you would like to buy 28 Days Later #5 you can pick it up on Wednesday, January 6, at your local comic shop. For more on Boom Studios please check out http://www.boom-studios.com/
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Issue: Dead Future #2
Writers: Sebastian Piccione, Candy Hart, Daniel Palmer
Artists: Martinho Abreu, Julio Falkenhagen, Juha Veltti
Letters: Martin Brandt II, Juha Veltti
Publisher: Grim Crew
Release Date: November 2009
Pages: 40
Price: $3.99
“The stories of undeath continue in anthology two. These tales of the undead, arisen to devour the living, leaving nothing but a wasteland behind them. Yes, that is what you find here. Contained within the pages you will be taken on a twisted ride through the end of the world. From Kindergarten zombie hunters to the last attempt of mankind, finally leaving off with one man’s attempt to reunite with his family. When you reach the end you will truly come to understand our, Dead Future.“
Artwork: 3.0 out of 5
This issue combines three really unique looking stories. I won’t outright say that the artwork jumps off the pages, but I will admit that they do a great job of depicting the stories. I really enjoyed the look that each artist gave to the zombies. Each one was different and that is what I want to see in an anthology.
Story: 3.5 out of 5
I don’t care what the mainstream fan has to say, I love me some zombie stories. Each story here was really fun to read. The first story, “With a Whimper,” had what I like to call the classic horror twist of irony. That always makes me smile and laugh. “Kindergarten Zombies” was really cool just on its topic alone, but also delivered my favorite story of the three. “The Rest of the Story” was a typical no-one-wins zombie story. All are done very well, and make for a nice collection.
Dying Breath: 3.5 out of 5
Zombies damn it! You know you love them, especially if you’re a collector of horror comics. This anthology isn’t the best looking issue, but delivers on the stories. Nothing but fun to be had here, from some new voices that should be heard. Check this book out, you know if you don’t it will be on your BRAIN!!!
If you would like to know more about or purchase a copy of Dead Future #2 please go to http://www.grimcrew.com/
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Issue: Dingo #2
Creator & Writer: Michael Alan Nelson
Artist: Francesco Biagini
Colors: Stephen Downer
Letters: James Dashiell
Editors: Matt Gagnon, Dafna Pleban
Cover Artists: Francesco Biagini, Paul Harmon
Publisher: Boom Studios
Release Date: January 2010
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99
This book has a great look to it. The character designs are nice, but to me the highlight is Cerbeus the dog. That is one good looking pooch. I think what I like best is the use of color in this one. It’s not the typical flat color, but if you pay attention to it you can see it. Just an awesome job by the art team.
Story: 4 out of 5
This issue just adds to the mystery that is “The Box.” I want to know what’s in it already. The story progresses very well here. I think that the interactions between the cast are great, but it just leads to more mystery. I can not wait to see how it all unfolds in the end.
If you would like to buy Dingo #2 you can pick it up on Wednesday, January 6, at your local comic shop. For more on Boom Studios please check out http://www.boom-studios.com/
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Issue: Vegetable Wars #3
Writer: Peter Caton
Artist: Greg Hiatt
Publisher: Caton-Hiatt Comics
Release Date: October 2009
Pages: 24
Price: $4.50
“The nightmare has brewed. Simmered. And now boils over! At last! The vegetable army is unleashed. Emerging on to the good people of Town’s Historic District. The sounds of thunder can be heard rampant in the air. The cut-cut-cut, of gun fire breaking the once quiet night in two. Divided. Destroyed. The vegetable army mash and march on. Can Town withstand the terror? Can Town withstand the pressure? Find out, only in the Vegetable Wars Issue 3: The Ever Present Sound of Thunder!”
Artwork: 3.5 out of 5
Another great looking issue of Vegetable Wars has been bestowed upon me. To me the back story really shined here though, while the main story seemed to lack the great look of the previous issues. That is not to say it was bad, I just didn’t think it lived up to the first two. The coloring didn’t give the characters as much depth as it had before. The backup story though is dark and twisted, and just consumes my eyes with a sense of visual delight. Great work.
Story: 4.5 out of 5
I am seriously starting to think that Caton may be the best kept secret in the world of comic writers. This story has so much depth and is way too compelling. I see no hope on the horizon as we keep getting dragged further down into the dismal abyss that comes with having vegetable masters. This issue, like the last few, is told in more of a story format and it is amazing how well it works. You can almost think of it as an “adult” children’s book. Just solid from start to finish.
Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Like previous issues this one is a novel in disguise. You only get 24 pages, but it will take you a half hour to read. So you get your money’s worth and then some in terms of entertainment value. The world created here started off nice and sweet, but as each issue comes out it gets darker with no sense of hope left. I can not wait to see what is on the horizon for this. This issue just proves that these two know what they are doing. Take note readers: this book is fantastic!
If you would like to know more about or buy Vegetable Wars #3 go tohttp://www.thevegetablewars.com/.
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Decapitated Dan
decapitateddan@comicattack.net
So many good Radical books and they all look amazing!
Really Vegetable Wars?? But then again I’m the guy that bought every Final Crisis issue as well as Amazing Spider-Man BND lol
Cover to issue #3 of Incarnate looks pretty good.
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