CRAWL SPACE: XXXOMBIES – Issue #1 of 4
Image Comics
Written by Rick Remender Art by Kieron Dwyer

I have to be honest here. I’m all “zombied-out” really. There are so many zombie books on the comic book shelf that I even stopped writing my own zombie tale. So when Image Comics unleashed a “Creepshow-like” format in a series entitled, Crawl Space, featuring their first four issue arc filled with… gasp… zombies, I shook my head in disbelief. “How many zombie stories are left?” Well, to my surprise, Crawl Space has a brand-spanking new one for sure!! XXXombies is exactly what the title suggests: Zombies and porn. Now that is a breath of fresh… okay more like hot and sweaty air, but still different enough to keep the interest going past the first page. Not only that, but it takes place in the year 1977. Groovy! And then a plane crashes into the freakin Hollywood sign! I’m in total and complete love with this book, and I’m only at page five. Writer Rick Remender (Fear Agent, and yes, I have to read that book) along with Tony Moore (The Walking Dead) and artist Kieron Dwyer (Remains) band together with their zombie power and craft an original, B-Movie story with X-rated flair, filled with adult industry lingo and rotting corpse madness. If you ever wondered if a zombie could get a boner? Your answer is here. If you ever wondered if a zombie could have sex with the living? Your answer is here. If you ever wondered if a zombie could blow his load? It’s definitely answered here! It’s madness I tell you, and I’m loving it. The art even looks nostalgic from Dwyer, giving a lighted tone similar to late 70’s and early 80’s movies as well as some Mad Magazine moments. Rick Remender delivers tasty dialogue and pitch perfect pacing that allows a much craved second reading. So if you’re fans of both Planet Terror and Boogie Nights, mixed in with a host (a la Tales from the Crypt) named “Crawl Monitor”…well then, this is your book, buddy! Peace, love, sex, drugs, rock n zombie roll!

GRADE: A CONTINUE READING? I’m having fun here! Keep rolling out the new footage, Crawl Space!

FOOLKILLER – Issue #1
Written by Gregg Hurwitz Art by Lan Medina
Marvel MAX Comics

This ain’t no joke. Foolkiller is back, and Marvel is taking it to the MAX! As with Terror Inc., Marvel has resurrected another early 90’s character that had potential, but failed in the direction it was going. Now, with an imprint for more adult material in MAX Comics, Foolkiller has found a home. With best-selling author, Gregg Hurwitz (The Crime Writer) taking a stab at the character, readers are treated to a more suitable approach for the Punisher-like vigilante: film noir. With the help from fan-favorite, Lan Medina, the new series sure looks like Al Capone could pop out at anytime and smile at ya. The best part is that we get the view of who “The Foolkiller” is from various parties, ranging from the sleazy club owner to a bum on the street. It’s great buildup for a man that hides in shadow with a Rottweiler half-breed guarding his side. The use of shadow is very important here as well, and Medina’s days with The Punisher have served him well. The only real hiccup with the first issue is writer Hurwitz and his transition to comics. He starts off with a bang, grasping the comic book format well, but then on page 7, loses control and prestige in the delivery. Towards the end, there are little to no words to the pages, and this is exactly where inner monologue would help it get to the thrilling end where The Foolkiller is revealed. Still, it’s the first issue, and I feel Hurwitz is on to something with the rebirth of The Foolkiller character, and he’ll work out the kinks soon enough. I’m just glad this badboy is back, hanging alongside my homeboy Mr. Terror on the shelf too!

GRADE: B+ CONTINUE READING? Definitely. It’s a great hook, and I want to know more about the fool and The Foolkiller.

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