ZOMBIE HIGHWAY: DIRECTIONLESS – One Shot
Written by Jason Pell Art by Juan Romera
Digital Webbing
Bughouse Comics
Growing up, I was a huge fan of the popular Choose Your Own Adventure book series. So when this book finally landed in my lap, I jumped for joy as I learned that this was indeed a book filled with two of my favorite things: page jumping decisions and zombies! Jason Pell busts his ass and his big brain putting together this fun adventure in his Zombie Highway universe, and it pays off nicely. I’m loving how comic books like this are giving readers something original and extra for their hard-earned dollar, a la Bad Planet #3 in 3-D. What better way than to be a character in the comic book, and make your own ending!? Death by zombie, or live to listen to music next to a cute girl? Choose wisely, girly man! The art is pretty good for this black and white, “pick a door” adventure, though I feel it would pull the reader into the book more if it were in color. Still, the writing is great as usual from Pell, giving readers not only a bonus backup story featuring a traveling salesman turning men into monsters in the creepy The Slithering Blither, but also, a mix-tape listing of favorite songs to help feel what your character is feeling. A well-thought out machine by Pell and Romera filled with zombies, wrong turns, and Modern English. Directionless is definitely a fun ride. Oh, and you’re probably wondering… Did I make it to the end without getting killed? You bet your ass I did! I’m a CYOA Master!
GRADE: A- BONUS: Want more Zombie Highway? Check out the Zombie Highway MySpace page and read the graphic novel now… for free??? See for yourself! http://www.myspace.com/zombiehighway
BUMP – Issue #3
Fangoria Comics
Written and Drawn by Mark Kidwell
For a moment there, I thought I was reading issue #2 again. Not much new happens in this great start of a series, and it stalls here for what I’m assuming is a big reveal in the fourth and final issue. Again, you have your hot wooden cheerleaders tearing up the house filled with stragglers, and Edgar Dill making trouble in both the ghost and physical form. Still, a new twist could have been added here as a normal four issue series would have the rising action and a turning of events happen in the third issue, so it falters there a bit in the story structure. The art also kind of suffers here, and I believe that along with the writing that this issue was simply rushed in every aspect. Perhaps because the first two issues were exceeding expectations and demand was high to get it out sooner? Or maybe the movie is coming out pretty quick? Or the eagerly awaited crossover with Tim Seeley and Hack/Slash is taking up Kidwell’s time? I’m not quite sure, but it’s definitely an issue that feels a bit rushed. I’m sure the fourth issue will turn it around though.
GRADE: C CONTINUE READING? Just a “bump” in the road, so definitely keep reading.
FRIDAY THE 13TH: PAMELA’S TALE – Issue #2 of 2
WildStorm Entertainment
Written by Marc Andreyko Art by Shawn Moll
I had high hopes for this second issue, as it featured one of my current favorite comic writers, Marc Andreyko, as well as the Friday the 13th legend, but it didn’t dive too deep into Pamela Voorhees backstory. Only a lead in to the first Friday the 13th movie, and I still feel like I don’t know Pam too well. It’s unfortunate as well that the overly-used cliché of the little kid that would be a popular killer started out by mutilating animals. True, behavioral psychology states that a process is involved from childhood in order to become a full-fledged serial killer, and the first step is generally taken by killing smaller, animal lifeforms. But seriously, I just saw Michael Myers start out that way in Rob Zombie’s flick, and hey, wait, so is my favorite serial killer on Showtime, Dexter, started out with those damn garden destroyers. Granted I still love Dex, Mikey, and Jay, I don’t need another boy killing animals to make sense of it all. I’m educated enough in the different fields of psychology, as well as watch enough 60 Minutes and Dateline to know that sometimes… people just freak out. Anyhoo, before this tangent really gets out of control, I’ll just say that this is still a worthy read for those interested in Pam’s story, and unlike Sheriff Hoyt’s terrible one shot that I reviewed a couple weeks ago, actually adds something to the Friday the 13th series.
GRADE: C+ SERIES: B-
CHUCKY – Issue #3
Written by Brian Pulido Art by Josh Medors
Devil’s Due Publishing
PullBox Online
I’m surprised Brian didn’t send me any hate mail for my issue #2 review. But hey, I’m not going to lie either. This series could be better. As for issue #3, it’s a great improvement from the second as Chucky gets back on track to killing people and not pondering on a bed like a little girl. I like how Chucky wants to find new and innovative ways to kill, and I think Brian should keep going with that. The pacing improved as well, as I didn’t struggle to get to that last page which Brian is a master at setting up memorable cliffhangers. Still, some work needs to be done with the story itself as I felt like I’ve seen this many times before. It plays more like Child’s Play 3 than Bride of Chucky, and it needs to evolve to that tongue and cheek style the later installments fully embraced. The dialogue wasn’t all that great either here as the girls spoke like idiots. Maybe the problem is Chucky. Maybe he’s just gotten old. (Now here comes the hate mail from those Chucky lovers!!) Anyway, I think Brian just needs to get back on his own creation, and build that field of dreams, and you know the rest of how that phrase goes. Chucky will always be there to terrorize us with his donkey laugh, so let’s see something new from ya, Mr. Pulido.
GRADE: C+ CONTINUE READING? Chucky is on the ropes to be honest. I’ll be reading issue #4 for the final countdown.
BENEATH THE VALLEY OF THE RAGE #3
Fangoria Comics
Written by John Bisson and Robert Kurtzman
Art by Stephen Thompson
This is my favorite book at the moment, tied with Hack/Slash. Fangoria Comics is pumping out some great stuff, but Beneath the Valley of the Rage is truly something special. The website for the movie from which it’s based upon, The Rage, appears to be getting great reviews from the horror community (how?), so immediately it comes into question on whether or not this is based on the movie word for word or in its own little universe? It excels in every area, as John Bisson and Robert Kurtzman continue to turn up the volume in the story department, leading the reader deeper and deeper into this amazingly original idea. I just keep thinking Dirty Sanchez is going to get it in the ass, and yet, the dude keeps on ticking, even getting busy with the Eternal Queen herself! I love that dude! The art is top notch as Stephen Thompson appears to love the writing just as much as I do, and those colors are vividly wild by Jason Jensen. It’s a wonderful trip down “Grindhouse” lane, shortly put. So put down that Stuff magazine you’ve “read” ten times already, and dive into this series head first. Beneath the Valley of the Rage is as cool as they come in the horror genre.
GRADE: A CONTINUE READING? I’ve already peed my pants in excitement for both the fourth book and the movie.
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