The Waking #1
Publisher: Zenescope Entertainment
Writer: Raven Gregory
Art: Vic Drujiniu
Cover: David Finch (A)
Variant Covers: Eric Basaldua (B) & Talent Caldwell (C)
Price: US $3.99
Release Date: March 10, 2010
Four detectives. Two murders. One deep, dark secret. Lots of blood.
How’s that grab ya? Sounds good, right? Back in January, Genelle Andrews reviewed the entire four-issue series. Here, I’ll break down the action as it becomes available to us each month.
Writer Raven Gregory does a great job of setting up the story in The Waking #1. He doesn’t give us too much, just yet. Only enough to peak our interest and get us to come back for issue #2. It is very much a character driven story. The meat of this issue is introducing us to the four detectives working the two murder cases. What I like about this issue is that not only do we learn about the kind of people the detectives are just from reading about the situations they are in, but after the issue wraps up there is a “character bio” page that gives us some more details.
Vic Drujiniu’s art is clear, crisp, and dark. The gloomy atmosphere is also supported by half of the book taking place in the rain. What’s cooler than a rainy whodunit? I dare you to say something bad about a rainy whodunit!
This issue gives us a nagging sense of gloom. I like a book that can affect my emotions. I can’t wait to see what #2 does with that nagging feeling. It’s great!
With as well as this story was introduced, what could I possibly have to complain about? What could I not like? Well, I’ll tell you. In the early pages, there is a common “your/you’re” mix up in the editing. That’s okay. I’ve seen worse from the “Big Two.” Also, this book is only a mini-series. I really wish this thing was an ongoing. Both of these faults are easily forgiven, because this issue also includes my favorite joke of all time. You know, the one where the guy walks into a bar…! Any writer that can work that joke into their story is A-OK with me! Props to Mr. Gregory for throwing a sense of humor into horror!
So there we have it! The first issue of The Waking gives us a great set up of characters in a gloomy, rainy whodunit, with a twist of horror and a pinch of humor. This is my first encounter with a Zenescope comic. I don’t regret it, but I wonder why I’ve never picked one up before. Go ahead and pick this issue up when you head into your favorite store. If you don’t see it, ask for it. They should take care of you. If you still can’t get a hold of it, you can always try the Zenescope Shop! Why would I want to spend money on a mini-series in this economy when I am already reading a lot of titles, you ask? Because this one is worth it, that’s why! It’s a whiff of clean shorts in a world full of spandex costumes where good horror comics are hard to come by.
For more on the man behind the words and his insight on The Waking, be sure to also check out Genelle’s interview with Raven Gregory! Then, come back here after issue #2 drops and together we’ll take a look at how this gloomy, rainy whodunit with a twist of horror and a pinch of humor…fleshes…out.
Oh, and one more thing! Never turn your back on the dead. Not even to get something to eat!
Aron White
aron@comicattack.net
I didn’t regret ordering this and can’t wait for the 2nd issue. Though I felt this issue ended a little too quickly I did enjoy the little bit of character background about the cast provided for us at the end
I can’t wait for the 2nd issue, either! It is supposed to come out next week and I hope my local shop gets it. Sometimes they are wishywashy with Zenescope titles. They didn’t get AGON #1 in and told me that it didn’t even come out this week. I wasn’t happy.
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I’m glad someone liked this. It was not my cup o’ tea as they say somewhere other than here.
Well, I thought it was awesome and #2 should throw everything into high gear! So I can sip the tea.
I didn’t realize zombies were into strippers. lol
Everybody loves a good ankle bracelet model Billy lol
My store kept selling out before I could give this a read. It’s on my list though!!
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Billy, I didn’t know that strippers were into zombies!
Andy, they are still sitting on the shelf out her in Kansas. People don’t know what’s good for them out here!
You said it Aron. I mean people out there root for the Chiefs.
Yikes.
I know! It’s disgusting! It was truly awesome to be in Arrowhead Stadium, the season before last, when the Bills SLAUGHTERED the Chiefs! It was a lot of fun!
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