AfterShock Preview: A New Type Of Killing Joke In KNOCK ‘EM DEAD #1

AfterShock Comics announced a new series about an amateur comedian who accidentally learns to tell killer jokes – in more ways than one – in KNOCK ‘EM DEAD #1, available on December 2nd. The new series, written by Eliot Rahal, takes a fresh stab at the supernatural horror comedy genre.

Says Rahal about the new series: “Knock Em Dead is about fame, family and addiction. It’s a supernatural horror story about a stand-up comedian and the grind of trying to make it…” You can check out a cavalcade of preview images and read the full AfterShock press release below.

Are you a fan of supernatural horror comedies? What did you think of the other AfterShock series written by Rahal – MIDNIGHT VISTA and HOT LUNCH SPECIAL? Let us know what you think in the Comments section, and please share this post on social media using the links below.

KNOCK ‘EM DEAD #1 / $4.99 / 32 pages / Color / On Sale DECEMBER 2

Writer: Eliot Rahal

Artist: Mattia Monaco

Colorist: Matt Milla

Letterer: Taylor Esposito

Cover: Andy Clarke with Jose Villarrubia

Incentive Cover: Tony Harris

Sometimes you kill. Sometimes you get killed. But no matter what, everyone dies the first time they go on stage.

Pryor Brice has always wanted to be funny. And now, he’s taken the plunge and started doing stand-up comedy. Unfortunately, his older sister – Ronan – wants her brother to stop daydreaming and focus on his future.

Pryor is determined to succeed…the only problem is: He totally sucks at stand-up. That is…until an accident changes everything, leading both Pryor and Ronan to discover comedy isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

KNOCK ‘EM DEAD is a supernatural horror about comedy, brought to you by writer Eliot Rahal (MIDNIGHT VISTA, HOT LUNCH SPECIAL) and artist Mattia Monaco.

ELIOT RAHAL ON WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT AND WHY HE IS EXCITED FOR IT TO BE RELEASED:

“Knock Em Dead is about fame, family and addiction. It’s a supernatural horror story about a stand-up comedian and the grind of trying to make it—the mistakes you make and the people you hurt along the way. I love stories about the young artist trying to get big. However, we’ve seen so many different versions of it. And I wanted to make sure Knock Em Dead walked a different way. And thanks to Mattia and Matt’s work. It does. This is something scary. And it feels real.”

ELIOT RAHAL ON SOME OF HIS INSPIRATIONS BEHIND CREATING THIS BOOK:

“I began my journey as a writer performing and writing stand-up comedy. I was a cast member at Chicago’s iconic Lincoln Lodge. And that experience was very formative for me. It’s the time in my life where I made the most mistakes. However, I did and still continue to have the privilege of knowing some incredibly talented/friends who have gone on to such amazing things. Also Stephen King and Jason Aaron’s work we’re huge influences on this. Along with American Werewolf in London.”

ELIOT RAHAL ON (3) REASONS WHY COMIC READERS SHOULD PICK UP THIS BOOK:

“Mattias Art. Matt’s colors. Taylor’s letters.

Also because it beautiful. And that this story is like King of Comedy meets the Frighteners. Or that Aftershock did a really great job helping me put this all together. That’s 6 reasons that are all really just the same.”

MATTIA MONACO ON HIS APPROACH TO THE ARTWORK:

“My goal with the Knock Em Dead artwork was to find a sign that, even with a load of details on both the characters and the environments, could convey a sense of speed, dirt and an almost aggressive feel. I tried to alternate detailed environments, with black and white backgrounds. Sober faces, with grotesque, almost funny faces. Sharp shadows with strong lights.

All surrounded by lines that become darker with the story itself.”