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 Evil Inside #1, 28 Days Later #1, Planet Lovecraft #1, Deadmen and Poodleskirts #1, Pandora’s Garage: The Misguided, Starscape Presents: Dead, Warlash: Dark Noir #3 and The Franchise: War of Angels Vol. 1.
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Issue: The Evil Inside #1
Writers: Bart A. Thompson
Artists: Paul Schultz Jake Sumbing, Giovanni P. Timpano
Letters: Brant Fowler
Publisher: Approbation Comics
Release Date: June 2007
Pages: 28
Price: $3.00
“Within this first issue are the stories of “Southern Hospitality,” “Word is Bond,” and “Fox in the Henhouse.” Horror short stories (sometimes with a touch of sci-fi) that will make you take a look inside yourself and pull out everything morbid, twisted, and gruesome.”
Artwork: 3.8 out of 5
A great collection of art by three very different artists. To me Timpano’s style stood out the most. I liked the look of his characters, very Scott Wegener like. The other two seemed a bit jumpy from very good looking polished panels to a more rushed style. However they were all great looking and really complimented the stories. The shadows and grey tones used in each really stood out.
Story: 3.8 out of 5
I enjoyed this anthology. I kinda got the feeling that Thompson was trying to get the hang of a shorter story style though as it did seem see a little rushed. “Southern Hospitality” had an awesome twist and stood out to me as unique and original. Overall if this was a first effort it was very well done and I can’t wait to see where he can take his stories in the other issues.
Dying Breath: 3.8 out of 5
This is a nice anthology to pick up and enjoy. The stories are very nicely done and the artowork is spot on. I have read some of Thompson’s other books and I know that he has what it takes to stand out in the horror genre. So while this was just his first issue I know that the rest will only be better as his craft improves.
For more info on Evil Inside #1 please go to http://www.approbationcomics.com/ If you would like to get issue #1 and other titles please go to http://www.indyplanet.com
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Writer: Michael Alan Nelson
Artist: Declan Shalvey
Cover Artists: Tim Bradstreet, Sean Phillips
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Release Date: September 2009
Pages: 24
Here we are yet again: another amazing set of covers to choose from. Of course if you ask me, I take the Bradstreet one. The interiors seemed to be getting better IMO. The coloring in this issue appeared to be so much sharper than before; I loved how certain items have bright ass highlights. The artwork itself is great and the gore scenes just pop! Amazing job on this one, I love it.
Story: 3.9 out of 5
Picking up the pace now and it’s a good thing. This issue is about 3/4 action and it works. The pace is actually nice and steady too. By that I mean in some books you can see it become rushed when the action picks up, but not here; very nice job on that. The story moves along nicely too and I just find myself enjoying this world even more. The characters are all getting their distinct voices and I’ve got some suspicions as to what’s going to go down.
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Issue: Planet Lovecraft #1
Writers: K.L. Young, Lee Davis
Artists: D.E. Christman, John Fulton, Lee Davis, Tim Sparvero
Publisher: Lightning Strikes Twice Entertainment and Saturna Ink
Release Date: January 2008
Pages: 56
Price: $7.99
“Frightening first issue! Sparvero’s “The Nameless City”, Davis’ “Cadaverizer”, Young and Fulton’s “Knightgaunt”; interview, book review. Cover by D.E. Christman, additional art by Allen K!”
Artwork: 3.5 out of 5
Alright this is a tough one to judge and come up with a combination rating to be honest. The first story’s artwork was kind of plain and had some rough edges. But basing that against the other two stories in this issue I have to say it all worked out well. I personally am a big fan Lee Davis’ style; it’s so unique, fresh and fun. The final story by Sparvero started off really nice, but towards the end it came off as a completely different look by the way it was shaded. Overall though, they all work together just fine and you get a nice finished book.
Story: 3.2 out of 5
Now I know I said it before but I am a Lovecraft newbie. So reading the stories I look at them more from a horror aspect than what they might actually represent in terms of the Lovecraft world. What I mean by that is with the character names, I don’t know how to associate them with Lovecraft’s work. But that aside, I liked the way these stories played out. The dialogue in the first two was nice. Interactions were good and there was some decent humor in “Cadaverizer.” But you can easily tell that it was a first effort. I have read #4 and I know that it gets better so no worries!
Dying Breath: 3.4 out of 5
This is a nice first effort on putting a collection together. You get 3 comic stories and 2 news articles. I love where this series is headed, as it is unique and a must for Lovecraft fans. The stories range from action to humor to horror, and last I check that’s some good range. I can not wait to dive into issues 2 and 3 and see what lurks within them. This series is only going to get better as it goes along and I’m onboard.
If you would like to get Planet Lovecraft Magazine #1 please go to http://planetlovecraftmagazine.com/ or get your comic shop to order it through Haven Distribution
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Issue: Deadmen and Poodleskirts #1
Writer: Chris McQuaid
Artists: Brain Typhair, Daniel Wong, Brian McKay, Jet Amago
Publisher: McHozer Comics
Release Date: September 2009
Pages: 40
Price: $4.99
“In this issue: Dead Menace: Trevor James is your typical 1950’s family man. He has a wife, two kids, a picket fence and a steady job. His life would be perfect… if it wasn’t for the fact that he’s turning into a flesh eating zombie. Ripper: From the pages of Celtic Shaman comes Ripper. Someone or something is stalking the streets of downtown Toronto. But all is not as it seems. Who is the mysterious man the media have dubbed “The Ripper?” XUL The Gabriel Pope Diaries: How far can one person fall and still find redemption? In this special sneak peek of an upcoming graphic novel we meet Thomas Sanders, a man who is willing to sacrifice his humanity to hide from his guilt. Grim Origins: “Ducky” Bruce is a small time hood with a really big problem. What was supposed to be a routine pickup turns lethal when Death comes to collect a debt. Preview of an upcoming graphic novel. McHozers Comics presents Deadmen and Poodleskirts an all new horror anthology series that features a collection of original work from different artists and writers.”
Artwork: 3.8 out of 5
An awesome collection of artists in a nice looking first issue. The cover will grab enough of your attention that you won’t even notice you already bought it. Every style in this book is unique and can easily stand alone. I happen to lean more towards Wong’s stories just because of the detail and I like how realistic his characters are. Very awesome job and I want to see more by these guys soon.
Story: 3.6 out of 5
I loved the the first two stories. “Dead Menace” in particular really pulled that Tales From the Crypt vibe. Just a hopeless story that makes you feel for the guy, only to have him spit in your face at the end. “The Ripper” was kinda strange in that I felt it was split in two, but both halves had me so interested in the characters. The final two stories I didn’t think had the intensity to draw me in like the first two. However, as a whole the stories are all solid.
Dying Breath: 3.7 out of 5
I think that the main thing to point here is that this is a first issue in a large anthology driven genre. What it does, it does well. The stories are all good enough to stand on their own, and if they were separate books they would all still be interesting. The artwork is what shines the most in my opinion, but all together you get your money’s worth. Check this one out because I see a lot of potential in its future.
If you would like to buy Deadmen and Poodleskirts #1 or find out more about McHozer Comics please go to http://mchozers.blogspot.com/
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Issue: Pandora’s Garage: The Misguided (issues 3 & 5)
Writer: Alan Bennett
Artists: Alan Bennett
Editors: Carrie Brawn, Rowan Watson
Publisher: Black Box Comics
Release Dates: 2007 & 2008
Pages: 22
Price: $4.95
“In The Misguided a ancient evil is released from a quarantined planet using a unsupecting vessel.”
Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
The artwork in these stories grows on me fast. The first installment in issue #3 is so retro looking. It has just solid blacks with minor shading and it screams 70’s sci-fi horror. I LOVE IT. In part two there is a minor shift in style but it still works well. To me it looks like it was done on scratch board which flips the black and white. The characters are still spot on in both and together they just shine.
Story: 3.8 out of 5
It’s kinda hard to judge a two part story when you know more is to come, but as a whole it equals one standard comic. That being said the story is depressing. Not depressing in a way to say that it’s crap and I wouldn’t read it again, but it has that dark feel of sci-fi and horror that make you sleep with the lights on at night. It’s the same feeling I get when I watch the Alien movies. Awesome job so far.
Dying Breath: 3.8 out of 5
So you’re probably wondering why I just chose one story from these two anthologies. Well to be honest, it was the one that stood out the most to me and they were the ones with a horror theme. That being said the other stories in them are worth checking out too. Now onto the story at hand, and it rocks. The art style is spot on and the story is very good. Like I said it leaves me feeling creeped out and trapped, and that’s an alright thing in my book. Check out Pandora’s Garage, you get different genres for your anthology love and you will like it!
If you would like to buy Pandora’s Garage or find out more about Black Box Comics please go to http://indyplanet.com
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Issue: Starscape Presents: Dead
Writer: Gary Simpson
Artist: Lee O’Connor
Publisher: Starscape
Release Dates: 2009
Pages: 24
Price: $2.99
“The Living Dead have invaded the Wild West and only one kick-ass beautiful female sheriff stands between the frightened townsfolk and zombie hell!”
Artwork: 4.2 out of 5
I want you to imagine my decapitated head with my mouth open and drool just pouring out. You got it? Good. That’s what was going on when I was looking at the visuals in this issue. I was just floored by how amazing the zombies looked! Combine that with the settings and the shading and this was one hell of an amazing solid effort.
Story: 3.8 out of 5
The story here was great but fast. I would love to see this redone in a 3 issue mini where it dove more into itself and fleshed out the cast a bit more. However, what is presented is a fast paced thrill ride to Hell and back. The story jumps a bit here and there but overall what a fun ride. I love the interactions, while brief, between the cast. Overall a winner.
Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
I love the idea of mixing zombies and the wild west. With books like Graveslinger and Rotten out there already, this one is fast paced and fun and can easily stand up with them. The artwork is mind blowing and the story just takes off from page one. You cannot go wrong dropping $3 on this one and I highly recommend you do. Now if you excuse me I have to persuade the creative team to make more and fast because I need it now!
If you would like to buy Dead or find out more about Starscape please go to http://starscapeonline.com/
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Issue: Warlash: Dark Noir #3
Writers: Frank Forte, Royal McGraw
Artists: Szymon Kudranski, Frank Forte, Aly Fell, J.C.Wong
Letters: Frank Forte, Royal McGraw
Editor: Elizabeth J. Musgrave
Publisher: Asylum Press
Release Date: September 2009
Pages: 48
Price: $2.95
“Rocket’s Red Scare” pits Warlash against a biogenetically engineered villain who goes by the name of Trotsky De Sade, the crazed leader of the Gene Communist Militia. De Sade is a Neo-Cold War menace who has taken the form of Joseph Stalin to try to wreak havoc upon the capitalist pigs of Pittsburgh. Can Warlash and his new ally Vigil stop him? Or will De Sade be allowed to unleash his stalinococcus virus on an unsuspecting populace? In “A Touch of Deadly”, a neo-noir tale, Warlash is deceived by a sexy D.A. to uncover a murder of an old Black Ops buddy. The plot thickens Warlash uncovers a Russian cyborg smuggling ring. Wrtiiten by Frank Forte and illustrated by Szymon Kudranski. This issue concludes the “Phlegm Fatale” storyline wherein Warlash battles a biogenic beast in the sewers below Pittsburgh, but the battle is not over even after the beast has been destroyed.”
Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
Fantastic artwork! This issues shines. I have praised the titles over at Asylum Press before and this book will join those ranks. The drawing styles are dark and muddy and they just add so much depth to the stories. The coloring is what makes it shine the most. The cover draws you in to this unique world of dirt and grime that is easy to fall in love with. Amazing job by everyone.
Story: 4.0 out of 5
What I love about the Warlash: Dark Noir books is the way they get you into the stories. The combination of detective/hero/fantasy just draws me in. The writing styles shine in this issue. I highly enjoyed the first story only to have it end on me when I needed more. The other two stories that follow are just as interesting. Just looking at the covers for this series, you can get a sense of what is inside these pages. I am hooked on what’s going on with this character; it drives me nuts that it doesn’t come out more often.
Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
It can’t be easy to cross genres the way it is done here. This is a noir book that dips into horror, fantasy and heroism, and delivers on all levels. The artwork alone is enough reason to buy this, but you won’t be let down with the stories that accompany them either. All around this is what I want to read every time pick up a comic book. Amazing job.
If you would like to buy Warlash: Dark Noir #3 or find out more about Asylum Press please go to http://www.asylumpress.com/
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Issue: The Franchise: War of Angels Vol. 1
Writer: Anthony Garcia
Artists: Jim Jimenez, Reno Maniqui
Colors: Sonny Leader
Publisher: Twenty ToSix
Release Date: 2008
Pages: 166
Price: $15.99
“WALL OF ANGELS is a series of inter-related story arcs that explores the boundaries between technology and mythology, science and superstition, good and evil, angels and demons, human and inhuman. In THE FRANCHISE, a watershed moment has been reached. A mysterious figure known only as Ignacio has manipulated the CEO of Talbot Security into finding an ancient artifact of unknown power that will change the world forever. A classic story of adventure and intrigue, good versus evil, THE FRANCHISE is a six issue miniseries in the WALL OF ANGELS universe.”
Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
The artwork in this collection shines. I like how nothing was over shadowed, which when working with black and white can easily happen. That characters were nice and solid throughout, and maintaining the look throughout the entire book was nice. Then at the end you get a very nice looking pin-up section. Overall an excellent job.
Story: 3.7 out of 5
Overall I liked what took place in this story. The main plot stayed constant throughout. However, there were a few sub plots that to me were unnecessary. I didn’t see a real need for the heroes; the description on who they were I got, but any side trips to cover them wasn’t working for me. I think if the story as a whole had remained along one solid path it would have read better.
Dying Breath: 3.8 out of 5
The artwork is great. The story strays back and forth but comes together nicely in the end. So overall you get a nice book to sit down and enjoy. I like the fact that this universe is left open for more to come. I think that there was a lot left unexplained and I want to see them go more into it in future issues.
If you would like to buy The Franchise: War of Angels Vol. 1 or find out more about Twenty ToSix please go to http://www.twentytosix.com/
You can also grab copies at amazon.com
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Decapitated Dan
decapitateddan@comicattack.net
You haven’t read Lovecraft!? I’m shocked!
Picturing your decapitated head with drool coming out of it made my day. Nasty.
Good to hear the new Warlash issue was a solid read! I’m a fan of the work Asylum Press puts out.
And Dead sounds really cool!
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Wow, those are some fantastic covers. Especially the “poodleskirts”.