The Waking: Dreams End #1
Publisher: Zenescope
Writer: Raven Gregory
Artist: Novo Malgapo
Cover: Eric Basaldua
It’s been quite some time since Zenescope’s zombie tale The Waking came to its conclusion. Now a new chapter begins, and it looks like someone has found a safe way to start killing again. I use the word “safe” because when a murder was committed, the dead would later rise and take revenge on whomever took their life. Though she doesn’t know it yet, it looks like the events that changed the life of Detective Pelagreno are once again about to repeat themselves.
If you read the first volume of The Waking, then Gregory’s opening in this issue immediately brings you to question how all this is happening. He also sets up what Pelagreno has been up to, and continues to give us a determined though troubled antagonist. She’s still a bit broken after killing Jonathan Raine, and with several quick flash backs Gregory makes this story comfortable for anyone new to this title. The slow and steady pacing is still there that helps to build the drama and reinforce the horror element of the story.
Novo Malgapo is the artist here and sets up a very strong visual story in the beginning of this issue. It’s got everything you need for a good horror/murder sequence, and was made even better with Michael Garcia’s colors. As the story moved on, it seemed as if the more creepy moments in the book were handled a lot better than the more normal scenes. Especially towards the end when each panel brings the reader closer and closer to Madison’s face. Those panels are creepy as hell, and it’s one of the strongest scenes in the book.
There is so much mystery surrounding this series, and it’s been one of its strengths that Gregory hasn’t shown his entire hand yet. This also helped to set the bar pretty high in the first volume, and it will be nice to see if he can reach that again, or even surpass how cool it was. So this is a must read if you’re looking for a twist to your standard zombie story, with a bit of police drama thrown in.
Infinite Speech
infinitespeech@comicattack.net
Looks creepy!
Did you read Vol 1, Billy?
I did not, sir. I remember Dan and Aron talking about a while back though. Good read?
Yep!
Perhaps I’ll investigate!