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Issue: 28 Days Later #4
Writer: Michael Alan Nelson
Artist: Declan Shalvey

Colors: Nick Filardi

Letters: Ed Dukeshire

Editors: Ian Brill, Matt Gagnon
Cover Artists: Tim Bradstreet, Sean Phillips
Publisher: Boom Studios
Release Date: December 2009
Pages: 24

Price: $3.99

Artwork: 3.8 out of 5
This series has such a great look to it. Each issue is very consistent with the one before it. The colors shine and the covers rock. While this issue had a slower pace than usual, the mood was easily set by the subtle visuals that have that look where you know things are moving at another pace. Great job on the coloring to get that effect.

Story: 3.5 out of 5
This issue pulls in the conclusion of the first arc. So it’s a slower issue that does a great job setting up for what’s to come next. There was one nice action scene but it wasn’t as much as past chapters have given us. Just a great way to transition from one storyline to the next.

This issue looks great, mostly done by the use of colors, and packs a strong story that allows it to transition from one arc to the next smoothly. I am loving this series so far because I think it is doing a great job to bridge the two films. While this issue was moving at a slower pace it does a great job progressing the story and delivers in the end.

If you would like to buy 28 Days Later #4 you can pick it up on Wednesday, December 3 at your local comic shop. For more on Boom Studios please check out http://www.boom-studios.com/
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Issue: Asylum of Horrors #2
Writers and Artists: Tim Vigil, Frank Forte, Symon Billy George, Riste Sekuloski, Nenad Gucunja, Marcin Ponomarew
Cover: Aly Fell
Publisher: Asylum Press
Release Date: October 2009
Pages: 64
Price: $4.95

“This anthology features a great collection of disturbing tales for the discerning horror fan. A programmer gets double-crossed by a greedy girlfriend, ‘Survival Extinction Z’ takes place in a post-apocalyptic Earth, giant worms confront Armageddon, a man finds truth and horror in a classic painting, and a mad doctor tries to find the source for a voice inside his head.“

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
There are a few things that really disturb me visually, and one of them is a dark bleak looking future. You can see things like this in 80’s movies. Maybe it’s just childhood trauma from watching them but it gets me, and that’s what works so well in this issue. It just gets me creeped out instantly and I love it! The mood set by the artwork in all of these stories just shines through. To me the highlight, other than the amazing cover, was the work of Billy George. His art style is so different compared to the rest that it easily stands out. Overall though you can not go wrong by enjoying the look of this issue.

Story: 3.5 out of 5
So while the artwork sets up a great atmosphere for these stories to live in, I just didn’t think they could match up. Now don’t get me wrong I was highly entertained from start to finish, but I didn’t think that the dialogue flowed well in certain stories. My favorite of the stories was Jacked. I’m a sucker for the things that come from Frank Forte’s mind.

Dying Breath: 3.7 out of 5
So overall I liked it. I just have a thing for Asylum’s titles. The more I think about it they really have this edge to them that just feels like you’re reading an issue of Heavy Metal. If I had one main gripe it would be that some of the stories were done to carry over into the next issue. While it will get me to grab the next one, I would have liked this issue to be self contained only because I don’t know exactly when #3 will come out. Other than that this issue is great. I like to see what can come from Asylum Press because they don’t hold anything back and it works every single time.

If you would like to know more about or purchase a copy of Asylum of Horrors #2
please go to http://asylumpress.com/ and http://www.asylumofhorrors.com

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Issue: FVZA: Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency #1
Writer: David Hine
Conceived By: Beau Flynn & Tripp Vinson
Illustrator: Roy Allan Martinez
Letters: Richard Starkings & Jimmy Betancourt
Editor: Luis Reyes
Covers: John Bolton & Clint Langley
Publisher: Radical Publishing
Release Date: October 2009
Pages: 48
Price: $4.99

“In a world where a deadly disease transforms innocent victims into Zombies, a long dormant government task force is called to action: The Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency.

Throughout history, from the Civil War to World War II, the FVZA protected humanity from the blood-sucking, flesh-eating hordes — until a cure was discovered that sent the undead to their graves. When a new incurable strain of the virus ravages a small town in America, Agent Landra Pecos must call upon her lethal skills to eradicate the threat. But as Landra delves deeper into her investigation of the undead menace, she uncovers shocking secrets that will change her life forever.“

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5
There are only a few things that look this good. Typically what I find when I check out Radical titles are dark panels where I can kind of decipher what’s going on. In this issue each panel shines to near perfection. The characters are detailed and well done on each page. The colors are vibrant and fresh. This book is gore-geous and words can’t describe how great it looks!

Story: 4.2 out of 5
The storyline here is really interesting. A great start that leads into a nice recap of what has already come to pass that brings the reader to a nice climactic ending. What is not to love about that? The dialogue is clear and really leaves some nice room for more chapters to be covered some day. I love the idea of the viruses and how they have been controlled over the years. This issue is great from start to finish.

Dying Breath: 4.3 out of 5
This is as close to a perfect issue as you might be able to get in my mind. The artwork is just jaw dropping, especially the final page of the story. The colors add amazing depth to the overall look and then when you add in the story line, the issue is flat out solid. My only prayer is that it won’t be rushed to an end when it comes to issue #3. This is a must read in my book not only because it’s a great first issue, but because we all need to remember why vampires are scary and not little whinny nice guys who fall in love.

If you would like to know more about or purchase a copy of FVZA: Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency #1 please go to http://www.radicalcomics.com.

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Issue: Howard Lovecraft and the Frozen Kingdom OGN
Writer: Bruce Brown
Artist/Colors: Renzo Podesta
Editor: Dwight MacPherson
Covers: Thomas Boatwright, Nicholas Brondo, Rob Corless, Karsten Klintzsch
Publisher: Arcana Studio
Release Date: September 2009
Pages: 96
Price: $14.95

“After visiting his father in Arkham Sanitarium, young Howard Lovecraft ignores his father’s warning and uses the legendary Necronomicon to open a portal to a strange, frozen world filled with horrifying creatures and grave danger. Alone and scared, Howard befriends a hideous creature he names Spot who takes him to the castle of the king where he is captured and sentenced to death.“

Artwork: 3.0 out of 5
The overall look and feel of this book is really nice. The only thing that got me to not judge it so highly was the handling of the characters from panel to panel. They were not as consistent as I would have liked. Now that being said a lot worked really well in this book. I loved the wide eyed children as a way to express their age. The colors were spot on to set the mood and I was never left wondering what I was looking at. I was also a big fan of the cover and chapter artists pages. I think it was a cool way to showcase different looks for the story.

Story: 3.5 out of 5
I didn’t expect what I read. So is that good or bad? If you ask me it’s good, because I am not a big Lovecraft fan. Not saying I don’t like the genre, just don’t know a lot about it. So what I liked here was a nice build up into a cool story that was solid from start to finish. I liked the fact that anyone could pick this one up, and by that I mean someone of any age too. It kinda read more like a kids book than anything else. Which for me not knowing much, I liked.

Dying Breath: 3.5 out of 5
This is a really great self contained story to check out. Sure the subject matter might not appeal to everyone, but you might be surprised at what you find. Nice artwork and a fun solid story just make this a complete package all around. Check it out, you might find there is a little Lovecraft hiding inside of you.

If you would like to know more about or purchase a copy of Howard Lovecraft and the Frozen Kingdom please go to http://www.arcanastudio.com/ or you can grab a copy on amazon.com.
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Issue: A Very Zombie Christmas
Writers: Joseph Wight, Fred Perry, David Hutchinson
Artists: Joseph Wight, Fred Perry, David Hutchinson
Editor: Doug Dlin, Wes Hartman
Cover: Lee Duhig
Publisher: Antarctic Press
Release Date: December 2009
Pages: 32
Price: $3.50

“Remember that classic holiday film about what the world would’ve been like if someone had never been alive? Well, this isn’t quite the same… This winter, the weather outside isn’t the only thing that’s frightful! The wrong sort of holidays spirits are on the loose as zombies roam the streets, spreading their own gift that keeps on giving. You’d better watch out…“

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
I LIKE IT! Not one part of this entire issue was unappealing to my eyes. The first story had a really great realistic gritty feel to it, the second was a mix of gore and childlike imagery and the third was this awesome sketchy noir feel. Overall what worked the best was the black and white look. Any color and I think it would have killed this issue. The characters in each story are unique and very well done. Just awesome overall.

Story: 4.0 out of 5
This is an anthology that gets it right. Each story is self contained, packs a great punch and makes me want more. Each story was unique too. The Littlest Zombie Meets Santa is by far my favorite because it is something I would never expect to read. Every story though is just done right.

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
There is really only one way to sum this issue up; it’s an amazing anthology. I know that non-horror readers wonder how the zombie genre has not worn thin yet, and this book is a great example on why it hasn’t. The stories are solid and the artwork is high above the bar. This is not what I expected when buying this issue but I am so pleased with what I got. This one is a must buy on my Christmas list (for 2010).

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

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Issue: The Field on the Edge of the Woods: Book 1
Writer: Mike “Frick” Weber
Pencils: Gary Morgan
Inks: Loran Skinkis
Publisher: Films and Comics
Release Date: December 2009
Pages: 48
Price: $3.99

“Just beyond the final breath of our years, lies a field…The field on the edge of the woods. To the North, The Great White Wall, a beacon of hope on remorseless landscape, and to the South…The Woods, the dark twisted closet of the world…A place that never forgives, and never forgets.“

Artwork: 3.5 out of 5
This is a really nice looking comic. The character designs are solid and consistent. Hands down I love the reaper and little demons; they just put a big smile on my face. The inking is spot on and gives each panel that extra touch to make it shine through. I also really liked the design with the wording fading in and out in the first section of the book. It added to the overall look and feel of what was needed. Great job.

Story: 3.0 out of 5
I really think they got something good to build on here but I was a little lost towards the end. I don’t mean to say that the book isn’t solid all the way through, because it is. What I mean is that I am not sure I really see how the two settings will flow together just yet. The dialogue is done nicely with some great bits of humor here and there. I really can’t wait to see where the story goes so I can get a better grasp on it all as a whole.

Dying Breath: 3.5 out of 5
To me the artwork stood out a bit more than the actual story in this one but overall I just have the feeling that this book is really going somewhere good. The idea is different and that’s what it takes to get out there and be noticed. Check this one out: it combines nice elements of horror and action on top of a story that has some solid depth.

If you would like to know more about or purchase a copy of The Field on the Edge of the Woods please go to http://www.filmsandcomics.com. You can also grab a copy on amazon.com. Also don’t forget to check out the trailer for the issue on youtube.com
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Decapitated Dan
decapitateddan@comicattack.net