Product of Society #5 – Review

May 19, 2012

Issue: Product of Society #5
Creators: Jon Michael Lennon, Leo Perez, Chris Newman, B. Alan Hubbard, Lauren Burke, Andrew Dimitt, Don Hills, Kyle Lawler, Donovan Klingal, Josh Filer, Mat Festa, Thor Fjalarsson and Sarah Hollings
Publisher: CheeseLord Comics
Release Date: March 2012
Price: $5.00

“Synopsis An anthology of Earth’s most disturbed persons. Product of Society features comics covering all known genres from a wide be selection of upcoming indie talents. It is an echo chamber for the despair within the human soul that makes us all products of society.”

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Dirty, Smut, Filth, Trash, Horror GOODNESS! Each word can only bring 1 oz of justice to the pages of Product of Society #5. I want to start with the cover art because that is just GORE-Geous! I want a story based on whatever is going on there. And the back cover is magnificent! Like most anthologies this book is filled with varying art and story telling styles. I really think that every single artist in this issue is amazing in what they do. They all have a unique visual voice that might not look like it’s neighbor story, but they all play together so well. Visually this book is a winner. So how do the stories hold up? What I always seem to notice in an anthology is some kind a variance in what I enjoy, compared to something that just is not for me. I highly enjoyed 6 of the 8 stories in this book. I did find that some could use a little polishing on the dialogue, but overall it is a solid collection of tales. The highlights for me were “Re:Salvation”, “Moon Shits”, and “Her Eyes”. Out of all the stories these 3 were my favorites. Product of Society may be a mature title, but what is collected inside of it, is solid comic silver. Polishing up some of the edges for future issues will easily put this book in a gold class all on its own, it is worth every penny.

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.0 out of 5

If you would like to buy or know more about Product of Society #5 you can find it at http://cheeselordcomics.com/

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Doctor Spektor Archives Volume 4 HC – Review

Matthew Sardo

May 19, 2012

Issue: Doctor Spektor Archives Volume 4 HC
Writer: Donald Glut
Artist: Jesse Santos
Publisher: Dark Horse
Release Date: February 2012
Price: $50.00

“Confronting supernatural threats and vengeful monsters, Dr. Spektor travels from Scottish lochs to cursed swamplands–and from the surreal dreamscape of the Egyptian afterlife to New York City’s Chinatown! Collecting issues #19 to #25 of The Occult Files of Doctor Spektor and a Spektor tale from Gold Key Spotlight #8, plus notes from Spektor’s secret files, including a piece on Dr. Solar!”

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Believe it or not review reader, I have never had a chance to check out Doctor Spektor comics before. Sure I have heard of them, but it was not until Dark Horse supplied me with this great volume that I had my first chance to really check this cast out. The artwork in this volume by Santos is fantastic. He does a great job of keeping the cast consistent from panel to panel. The man can also draw an amazing monster or two. I thought that the Leviathan and the Lurker were the highlights of the bunch, but each stories creature or villain could easily hold it’s own. The stories in this series do feel dated (70’s), but they can hold up with the horror detective tales of today. For those fans of Cal McDonald, Dylan Dog, or John Constantine you might want to check out Doctor Specktor. The same concept applies here, in that something bizarre is happening and it is up to him to solve it. Each story has it’s own tale, and they play out like a weekly television show. You have the mystery and intrigue to capture the readers from the start, but then they are wrapped up by the end. So there is a good deal of story to be had in these pages. My only downside was that I felt some of the stories we really good, but others were not able to live up to that same level. Overall this is an amazing collection, that I am very proud to have had the chance to look at. Fans of the horror detectives will easily fall in love with this book, and I think any old school horror fans will be happy to check this out as well. These stories can stand up with the best of them and this book deserves to be on your horror shelf.

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.0 out of 5

If you would like to buy or know more about Doctor Spektor you can find it at http://www.darkhorse.com

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Bloke’s Terrible Tomb of Terror #3 – Review

Matthew Sardo

May 19, 2012

Issue: Bloke’s Terrible Tomb of Terror #3
Writers: Jason “Bloke” Crawley, Mike Hoffman
Artists: Mike Hoffman, Rock Baker
Publisher: Mike Hoffman & Jason Crawley
Release Date: February 2012
Price: $8.95

“Another 6 tales to keep you entertained and craving more! Retro style artwork and straight to the point story telling, hosted by The Bloke and The Fearleader! The ongoing series from artist Mike Hoffman and writer Jason Crawley continues to help fill the void left behind by those classic mags we read growing up!

Miss those glory days of Horror Anthology magazines? Then look no further….”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
6 more tales of terror are coming your way, when you pick up this fantastic horror comic magazine. Jason Crawley, Mike Hoffman and Rock Baker are not afraid to take you into the dark depths of the comic-verse within these 52 pages. The artwork is drop dead GORE-Geous. It screams out that it belongs in the horror world, with its amazing black and white image that will make your bones shiver. I really loved the look of every story, but I am a big fan of Hoffman’s style. Baker, whose work I am new to, is a perfect fit for this kind of work. The two styles combined to bring a me an eyegasm. The stories live up to what I think of as classic horror. It borders on a Twilight Zone kind of feel. Nothing is over the top gory, and they are short enough to contain the right amount of horror fun. I often think of these kind of stories to be like Aesop Fables, as you learn what not to do, to survive. My favorite stories of the bunch had to be “Green Fingers” and “Deja Grue”. This anthology can speak to old school horror fans as well as new comers. It has a great throwback feel that will easily win people over. I enjoyed this issue so much, that I am now going to start yelling at “Bloke” until I get another issue in front of me. You need to check this out, and if you get the chance to do it in person, say hi to Jason because he is there as “Bloke”.

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.0 out of 5

If you would like to buy or know more about Bloke’s Terrible Tomb of Terror you can find it at Bloke’s Terrible Tomb

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Rebel Blood #2 – Review

Matthew Sardo

May 19, 2012

Issue: Rebel Blood #2
Writer: Alex Link, Riley Rossmo
Artist: Riley Rossmo
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: April 2012
Pages: 28
Price: $3.50

“A mysterious infection is sweeping the land turning animals and people into blood-crazed killers! The food supply is dwindling…and you’re on the menu! How bad can things get? You’re about to find out!”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Rats, the issue ended! Rats, are eating away at his flesh! Rat’s I need more of this series now! Riley and Alex are back with issue #2 or this Zombie-rific story and it just blows the doors off the horror comic book world. It is no surprise to me that Riley won the Ghastly Award for best artist of 2011. He shows off his skills in this issue so perfectly because even the rats creep me out. The nail in the coffin to getting a perfect score though is the way he depicts certain action scenes. Seeing a car on one page travel down a road, but being drawn 5 times and all highlighted makes this an animation sequence. Even the scene where the truck flips, just GORE-Geous. The story in this issue takes a little turn from how it was told in the first issue. With issue #1, there was a good amount of jumping back and forth to tell some back story on top of the “live” events. In this issue it’s almost all centered on current happenings, and only takes a look back once, for a nice change of pace. The dialogue is great from page to page, but it doesn’t live up to the same level as the art in this issue. I don’t want this series to end. I think that there is so much to explore within this world and it ALL needs to be presented, even if it is just to me. This book is balls to the wall horror mystery, a serious must read!

Artwork: 5.0 out of 5 • Story: 4.0 out of 5

If you would like to buy or know more about Rebel Blood you can find it at http://www.imagecomics.com

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Mongrel #1 – Review

Matthew Sardo

May 18, 2012

Issue: Mongrel: Son of a Bitch #1
Writer: Edward Dunphy
Artist: Andrew Mitchell Kudlka
Publisher: Velvet Leaf Publishing
Price: $4.99

“Mongrel: Son of a Bitch is a 3-part gritty urban horror comic mini-series created by writer Ed Dunphy and artist Andrew M. Kudelka. It’s about Eric, a vicious werewolf that’s Hell-bent on destroying an established supernatural wolfpack in Chicago, and Will, the tough-as-nails homicide detective who is trying to solve the gruesome string of murders on his turf. The 1st full-color issue debuted at DanCon 2012 and will see a second limited release at C2E2 in Chicago in April. After a planned April Kickstarter campaign, the book will be available for order online at www.VelvetLeafPublishing.com and in select comic shops. The second issue will be ready in early summer, followed by the finale in late summer. Those wishing updates should contact the creators at: VLPcomics@hotmail.com.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Someone call PETA there is a werewolf massacre taking place! From GORE-Geous artwork to a very engaging story Mongrel #1 has it all. The art by Kudelka is spot on from panel to panel. He draws an amazing looking werewolf and has a great grasp on the human form as well. Now personally I know that this book came out in black and white, and while I like it with the color, I do think it worked better in the B&W style, personal preference though. The story by Dunphy is gripping and action packed. For a first issue it does a great job of setting up for the series as well as grabbing my mind and making it want more. The dialogue is perfect and I really got a sense of being there, almost as if I was watching a movie. With more issues on the horizon I can not wait to see how this plays out. With the werewolf resurgence in full effect right now it is awesome to get Mongrel out there for the masses. This is a series not to be missed.

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.5 out of 5

If you would like to buy or know more about Mongrel #1 you can find it athttps://www.facebook.com/mongrelcomic

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Alabaster: Wolves #1 – Review

Matthew Sardo

May 18, 2012

Issue: Alabaster: Wolves #1
Writer: Caitlín R. Kiernan
Artist: Steve Lieber
Publisher: Dark Horse
Release Date: April 2012
Price: $3.50

“For nearly as long as she can remember, Dancy Flammarion has fought monsters, cutting a bloody swath through the demons and dark things of the world, aimed like a weapon by forces beyond her control or questioning.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Phew! I have to admit that I originally feared this would be a book along the lines of Twilight, due to the popularity of such franchises being turned into comics. It is not though. What is presented within these pages is a story that is visually breathtaking, mentally stimulating and when combined they create one hell of a first issue. The artwork in this book did take me a little bit to adjust to, but after 5 pages I was on board. The character designs are great, and the consistency is seen from panel to panel. The most GORE-Geous thing in this book though, was the werewolf transformation. Easily the visual highlight of the issue for me. The story itself was something I expect from a #1. It grabs you with what it presents, yet leaves enough mystery to have you come back for more. The dialogue was fun, sadly I was not able to solve any of the riddles (I stink, I know). I love the concept so far and really can not wait to see how it plays out. This issue was more than I expected and now I expect so much more from this series. Check this one out!

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.5 out of 5

If you would like to buy or know more about Alabaster: Wolves #1 you can find it at http://www.darkhorse.com

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Dear Creature OGN – Review

Matthew Sardo

May 18, 2012

Issue: Dear Creature OGN
Writer: Jonathan Case
Artist: Jonathan Case
Publisher: Tor Books
Release Date: October 2011
Price: $15.99

“Deep beneath the waves, a creature named Grue broods. He no longer wants to eat lusty beachgoers, no matter how their hormones call to him. A chorus of crabs urges him to reconsider. After all, people are delicious! But this monster has changed. Grue found Shakespeare’s plays in cola bottles and, through them, a new heart. Now he yearns to join the world above.

Rising from a brine of drive-in pulp and gentle poetry, Jonathan Case’s debut graphic novel Dear Creature is the love story you never imagined!”

Dying Breath: 5.0 out of 5
How in the world did I miss this book when it came out? Inside of the covers of this book, lies a story that blew me away and artwork that melted my eyes out of their sockets. The visuals were so GORE-Geous, and they were only presented in black and white. The real kicker though was the way that Case was able to show expression through facial features and body movements. Every panel had a real life feel to it and it just hit home with me, as it got me invested in the cast on a more personal level, like something you would get from watching a movie. The story itself nailed so many different levels; Horror ✓, Humor ✓, Romance ✓, Mystery ✓. Every single one of those concepts is covered and played out so well. The jokes from the crabs had me rolling on the floor. The horror elements were classic, which is what I expected with a “Monster” being the main character. The huge surprise was the dialogue. The sheer amount of time that Jonathan had to put into this writing to get it right would be mind-blowing to find out. It did take some getting used to, but once I got it down it was just poetry on the page. If you know me, you know I don’t give out 5 out of 5’s often, and this book is more than deserving of the highest score. It is so solid on every single level that I am sad to think it is over now. Do yourself a favor and make sure to check this one out. I missed out when it came out and I regret that I had to wait for it to be nominated for a Ghastly Award to finally have a chance to check it out.

Artwork: 5.0 out of 5 • Story: 5.0 out of 5

If you would like to buy or know more about Dear Creature you can find it at http://www.dearcreature.com/

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Pandemonium OGN – Review

Matthew Sardo

May 18, 2012

Issue: Pandemonium OGN
Writer: Christophe Bec
Artist: Stefano Raffaele
Publisher: Humanoids
Pages: 160
Price: $19.95

“In 1951, a mother and her young daughter entered one of America’s most prestigious institutions for the treatment of Tuberculosis, The Waverly Hills Sanatorium. The events that befell them shortly thereafter, both of a supernatural and criminal nature, were some of the most sordid of the times. Based on real events. A true tale of horror, literally!”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5.0
It’s always funny to me how things happen in 3’s. Take this book for example, at the time I read this, I had also just seen a movie involving an asylum and I am in the middle of reading a horror novel about one too. I think that those outside factors easily played into why this book was so great . The artwork was something to behold, as it visually depicted this great horror tale. The characters were so consistent and detailed throughout every panel. However it was the horror elements that stole the show. Raffaele had a GORE-Geous way of being able to capture the scenes where it was needed most. I still can not remove the image of a crazy doctor from my mind. The angles chosen in these scenes was just so perfect, but they were few and far between for most of the story. Bec deserves a standing ovation what transpired in these pages. From the very start there was always this eerie vibe that could be picked up on, and while I thought that the horror elements were on the lighter side, when they did come up they packed a punch. The dialogue was sharp, and translated nicely into English. The pacing was fantastic throughout and the ending pulled at my heart-strings A HUGE highlight to this book was getting to the backup material only to find out that Waverly Hills Sanatorium is real, and now I want to know so much more. Overall this is a book that should be sitting in your horror collection. It was an amazing read from start to finish and always had me on the edge of my seat. I really hope that other stories from this particular location can come to life on the comic page, because there seems to be so much more to tell. BUY THIS BOOK, you will not regret it.

Art: 4.5 out of 5.0 • Story: 5.0 out of 5.0

If you would like to buy or know more about Pandemonium OGN you can find it at http://www.humanoids.com/

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Monocyte #4 – Review

Matthew Sardo

May 17, 2012

Issue: Monocyte #4
Writers: Menton3, Kasra Ghanbari, Steve Niles, Barron Storey
Artists: Menton3, Chris Newman, Ben Templesmith
Covers: Menton3, David Stoupakis, Phil Hale
Publisher: IDW
Release Date: May 2012
Price: $3.99

“The world is in in chaos. Monocyte makes his way to Azrael as the human slaves are freed… Series conclusion with art by menton3 (ZvR: Aventure, Silent Hill) and co-written by Kasra Ghanbari with an incentive cover by world-renowned fine artist Phil Hale and side stories by legendary fine artist/illustrator Barron Storey (Sandman: Endless Nights) and superstar horror writer Steve Niles (30 Days of Night, Criminal Macabre).”

Dying Breath: 5.0 out of 5
How can I even begin to put into words what I thought about the final issue of Monocyte without just saying…PERFECTION! That’s all, review over. No, just kidding, but it really does sum up this issue and this entire series oh so damn well. The main story (there are two backup stories) was visually stunning. At one point my eyes melted out of my skull because of how GORE-Geous the pages by Menton3 and Chris Newman were. Since the series is now over, I want to recap how well the art played with the story because it was nailed down with this final issue. The images presented throughout the series were almost like going to an art gallery. I wondered how words could even try to play well with what I was seeing visually, and I think it was a great challenge for Menton3 and Kasra to overcome. Yet, in the hands of these two, a story was crafted that defied visual logic, playing out so poetically that I wondered if the images were even needed! They crafted a world that had so much depth and mystery that it played out beyond what my brain could even comprehend. This issue just solidifies that when the right elements combine you can create something so beautiful it will leave all readers satisfied. Monocyte was a tempting beauty that captured my black heart for months on end. This, ladies and gentlemen, is beyond what comic books strive to be. It is what comic books should be.

Artwork: 5.0 out of 5 • Story: 5.0 out of 5

If you would like to buy or know more about Monocyte you can find it at http://www.idwpublishing.com

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Grim Leaper #1 – Review

Matthew Sardo

May 17, 2012

Issue: Grim Leaper #1
Writer: Kurtis Wiebe
Artist: Aluisio Santos
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: May 2012
Price: $3.50

“A brand new series from the mind of critically acclaimed writer KURTIS J. WIEBE (GREEN WAKE, PETER PANZERFAUST), GRIM LEAPER is a gory romantic comedy. Lou Collins is caught in a cyclical curse of violent, gruesome deaths and new beginnings in the bodies of strangers. With no clue why, Lou desperately searches for a way to break the curse and cross over peacefully to the other side. Then equally doomed Ella comes along. It’s a love story to die for.”

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
WHOA! Did you see that decapitation! In a series that I expect to be filled with tons of GORE-Geous images, Grim Leaper #1 does not disappoint. The artwork by Santos is jaw dropping from panel to panel. I absolutely love the way he uses perspective in such unique ways. The curves of roads play into the odd setting that the story takes place, and gruesome deaths can be found throughout. Story wise, Wiebe has delivered yet again. Mixing in elements of horror and romance sprinkled with some great humor, this story has it all. I love the concept and how it is playing out. I won’t spoil anything, but find that I can not wait to see if this will work out for the main characters. Beauty is really in one’s personality and this series is out to prove it. A fantastic first issue that only makes me crave more and more.

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.5 out of 5

If you would like to buy or know more about Grim Leaper you can find it at http://www.imagecomics.com

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