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Review: DCeased #1

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DCeased #1

A mysterious techno-virus has been released on Earth, infecting 600 million people and turning them instantly into violent, monstrous engines of destruction.

The heroes of the DCU are caught completely unprepared for a pandemic of this magnitude and struggle to save their loved ones first…but what happens to the World’s Greatest Heroes if the world ends?

DCeased #1 is both an entertaining horror spin on DC’s heroes but also a story we’ve seen many times before in other media and with other publishers. Writer Tom Taylor delivers his spin on the zombie-ish virus outbreak story and it generally works.

The story revolves around the Anti-Life Equation and its use makes the story feel like we’ve seen this before in another comic (paging the Dark Multiverse). The first issue is pure setup as the virus infects more and more and we see the horror unleashed. Once we get to this point, things get interesting as readers hold their breath to see who will, and won’t, be infected.

And that’s the successful aspect of the comic. Taylor plays with common horror tropes building tension and delivering scenes all about the “will they or won’t they” focus. As the comic progresses, it feels more like 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later as the virus spreads resulting in a rage like bloodlust frenzy. There’s nothing wrong with that but it is something we’ve seen, just not necessarily with these characters.

Trevor Hairsine, Stefano Gaudiano, and James Harren provide the art and the shift in styles is noticeable but not a problem. Each has their own take on characters and while they’re close at times there is noticeable difference in that and the general art as a whole. The color by Rain Beredo and lettering by Saida Temofonte helps tie things together though and the coloring especially help with the darker tone of the comic and emphasize the horror aspect of it all.

I’m generally not a horror fan but do enjoy the occasional zombie story. This combination of DC’s iconic characters and an outbreak storyline works due to it understanding what it is and using familiar tropes and situations to maximum effect. While it might be familiar, if you’re a fan of this genre, it’s well worth checking out.

Story: Tom Taylor Art: Trevor Hairsine, Stefano Gaudiano, and James Harren
Color: Rain Beredo Lettering: Saida Temofonte
Story: 7.95 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.85 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

DC Reveals an Early Preview of DCeased #1

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DCEASED #1

written by TOM TAYLOR
art by TREVOR HAIRSINE, STEFANO GAUDIANO and JAMES HARREN
cover by GREG CAPULLO
variant cover by FRANCESCO MATTINA
horror movie variant cover by YASMINE PUTRI
ON SALE 05.01.19
$3.99 US | 1 of 6 | 32 PAGES
FC | RATED T+
This issue will ship with three covers.
Please see the order form for details.

“I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was Death, and Hades was following close behind him.”—Revelation 6:8

A mysterious techno-virus has been released on Earth, infecting 600 million people and turning them instantly into violent, monstrous engines of destruction.

The heroes of the DCU are caught completely unprepared for a pandemic of this magnitude and struggle to save their loved ones first…but what happens to the World’s Greatest Heroes if the world ends?

New York Times best-selling writer Tom Taylor (INJUSTICE) returns with a terrifying new tale and is joined by artists Trevor Hairsine (LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT) and Stefano Gaudiano (The Walking Dead).

DCeased #1 main cover

DCeased’s Covers Revealed Including the First Issue Retail Variants

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DCeased, a six issue miniseries, kicks off in May and DC has revealed covers for the first three issues and retail variants for the first.

A mysterious techno-virus has been released on Earth, infecting 600 million people and turning them instantly into violent, monstrous engines of destruction.

The heroes of the DCU are caught completely unprepared for a pandemic of this magnitude and struggle to save their loved ones first…but what happens to the World’s Greatest Heroes if the world ends?

DCeased #1 is written by Tom Taylor with art by Trevor Hairsine, Stefano Gaudiano, and James Harren. The first issue features a main cover by Greg Capullo, and variants by Francesco Mattina and Yasmine Putri.

Check out the covers below!

DCeased #1

  • Greg Capullo and FCO Plascencia
  • Francesco Mattina
  • Yasmine Putri

DCeased #1 Retail Variants

  • Arthur Suydam
  • Ben Oliver
  • Clayton Crain
  • David Finch and Tomeu Morey
  • In Hyuk-Lee
  • Jehyung Lee
  • Lucio Parrillo
  • Shannon Maer

DCeased #2

  • Yasmine Putri
  • Francesco Mattina
  • Leinil Yu

DCeased #3

  • Trevor Hairsine
  • Francesco Mattina
  • Yasmine Putri

Charlie Adlard Posts a First Look at The Walking Dead #187

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The Walking Dead #187 is in stores January 2, 2019 to kick off a new year of comics and artist Charlie Adlard has posted a teaser of some of what we can expect.

In “The Road Back” can Rick Grimes bring peace to the Commonwealth – or will he tear it apart?

The Walking Dead #187 is written by Robert Kirkman, art by Charlie Adlard, Stefano Gaudiano, and Cliff Rathburn, and a cover by Adlard and Dave Stewart.

The Walking Dead #187

Review: The Walking Dead #177

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Meet Officer Mercer, the newest individual we’re introduced to living in the “New World Order” that is the Commonwealth. The Walking Dead #177 is broken up into a few parts and while each segment varies greatly, each emphasizes the focus on the living with the series.

Rick is with Mikey who is working through issues through poetry an interesting aspect in a world where danger is around every corner and the dead have risen. There’s a focus on addressing loss and trauma of what’s going on and with Rick involved he is of course still dealing with the loss of Andrea. It’s an interesting an important segment as it shows that things are relatively stable but there’s still emotional turmoil. A segment with Maggie as well shows this aspect of stability. After everything that has happened, this is a time when you can let your guard down and enjoy things a bit.

Emotion is the name of the game of this issue as Michonne is reunited with her daughter Elodie. We learn Elodie’s story and are reminded of the horrible things everyone has done or had done to them to survive. It’s emotional and writer Robert Kirkman as usual does a solid job of focusing on the human aspect of the story. The series isn’t about surviving the dead, it’s about living in a world of the dead.

We’re also introduced to Mercer and Governor Milton’s son. This is the first sign that things aren’t perfect in the world of the Commonwealth and indicates where the next bit of turmoil is coming from. The series has done a good job of keeping the crazy hidden but we readers know there’s no way this new community can be as good as it’s presented. The cracks are visible here and it’s hard to know who’s right and who’s wrong in this situation. Unlike with other communities, the sides are a bit grey. Kirkman gives us something familiar but changes it up just enough to keep it interesting.

The art by Charlie Adlard, with ink by Stefano Gaudiano, and gray tones by Cliff Rathburn is excellent as always. Each new character has so much personality and the emotion of the story is driven as much by the art as it is by the story itself. That’s equally impressive since the story is in black and white which changes up how we “read” the scenes a bit more. It emphasizes Adlard’s line work and the detail, or lack of, added to each scene and character. The lettering by Rus Wooton too adds to the emotion of it all making it a bit clearer how dialogue is delivered. Slight bolding helps emphasize a word.

This new arc has been a slow but solid build introducing us to this new world and letting the malice (or expected malice) build. Is it in our minds considering the series history? Or, is there something up with these new characters and community that spells trouble for our heroes. Is it all too good to be true and this is the quiet before the storm? Kirkman and team know how to build to a cathartic explosion and this latest arc feels like it’s building to something, I just don’t know what.

Story: Robert Kirkman Art: Charlie Adlard Cover: Charlie Adlard Cover Color: Dave Stewart
Ink: Stefano Gaudiano Gray Tones: Cliff Rathburn Letterer: Rus Wooton Editor: Sean Mackiewicz
Story: 8.15 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.2 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: The Walking Dead #176

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The “New World Order” is here as Michonne and her group has made contact with a new community and things are definitely no longer the same. The Walking Dead #176 picks up right where you’d expect with Michonne distraught over the discovery that her daughter may be alive and has been looking for her.

That emotional ride is the driver of this issue as writer Robert Kirkman plays with that moment extending the tension, fear, hope, and more of the group throughout the issue.

What Kirkman does that’s really interesting is call back to a meeting with another Governor that eventually went off the rails. Like Michonne and our protagonists, we too are weary based on what we know.

Helping Kirkman is the art by Charlie Adlard with ink by Stefano Gaudiano, gray tones by Cliff Rathburn, and lettering by Rus Wooton. There’s a cleanliness and orderly sense of it all that’s emphasized through the art, not just the words. That order ups the tension as things progresses through the story. We get glimpses of reality at times but it’s the small detail in the art that provides more clues as to the world than what’s delivered in the dialogue. The images tell as much of a story as the dialogue.

This issue, while simple, is all about that emotional journey and build up to the cathartic end. It’s an emotional roller coaster that pays off in a build up throughout the issue. Kirkman is a master of this type of storytelling and here’s a prime example of setting the mood, building tension, and letting it build to release.

Story: Robert Kirkman Art: Charlie Adlard
Ink: Stefano Gaudiano Gray Tones: Cliff Rathburn
Lettering: Rus Wooton Cover Colors: Dave Stewart
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: The Walking Dead #175

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New friends. New enemies. New threats. It’s a whole new world as “New World Order” kicks off with The Walking Dead #175.

175 issues and it’s kind of hard to surprise us anymore but write Robert Kirkman has managed to do exactly that with the first part to the new story arc “New Wold Order.” The Walking Dead #175 is impressive in that it not only creates some tense moments but also delivers something that generally feels new and interesting. It also leaves us with an ending that’s a bit shocking.

It’s hard to really review this issue because saying why it’s so good will ruin the fun and surprise.

The issue focuses on Michonne’s group that has been traveling to meet a mysterious individual they’ve only talked to through radio. The last issue ended with them making contact and this new community may or may not be friendly.

Kirkman uses the issue to play with that keeping the interaction tense and leaving the reader to constantly question what’s going to happen. We meet new individuals, and the glimpse of a new community and possibly way of doing things. What’s revealed is intriguing and absolutely lives up to the title of the arc. But, it’s that last few pages where your heart races and what’s revealed is game changing.

The art as always is great. Charlie Adlard, Stefano Gaudiano, and Cliff Rathburn take Kirkman’s script and presents it in a way that enhances the tense nature of it all. New characters too are instantly recognizable with personality. The art especially helps to the story in a way beyond what’s said. Each piece of armor, how characters look, it all allows the reader to get a better idea of what might be going on.

A fantastic issue that has me excited to see what’s next.

Story: Robert Kirkman Art: Charlie Adlard Ink: Stefano Gaudiano
Gray Tones: Cliff Rathburn Lettering: Rus Wooton
Story: Art: Overall: Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Eternity #3

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ETERNITY_003_COVER-A_JELENA

“In a realm beyond the limits of human perception, a group of impossibly powerful beings have laid claim to a human child… Now, to save their son, Abram Adams – the god-like being known as Divinity – and his comrade turned lover, Myshka, must finally reconcile their humanity with the unreal abilities conferred upon them…and journey into the source of their power… Where they will bear witness to the truth of their purpose…and their role in the cosmic reckoning that is to come…”

Eternity #3 is one of two Matt Kindt scripted titles set in the far reaches of space that’s out this week. This one follows Abram Adams, aka Divinity, and Myksha, the Russian Cosmonauts gifted with incredible power after a mission to the far reaches of the galaxy, as they return to the source of their power to rescue their baby from a strange group who are trying to fulfill a prophecy. In it’s simplest terms, Eternity has been about parents literally going to ends of the galaxy for their son, and finding themselves embroiled in a civil war between two factions seeking to take advantage of the death of the Observer.

ETERNITY_003_005Once again Divinity’s preference toward avoiding violence is present, with a poignant internal monologue set against some incredible visuals that show you in moments you’re not in Kansas anymore. The creative team do a fantastic job in introducing you to the world of the Unknown as the story is happening, blending the exposition into the art and dialogue with such effortless grace that you won’t realize how well it’s being done until you’re more than half way through the issue.

Yet despite the comic taking place as far from Earth as you’re likely to get in the Valiant universe, it’s also one of the most intensely human and relatable stories the company have published recently. Eternity #3 is a nigh on perfect comic in a series that brings the focus of the franchise back to Divinity, and the very human soul wielding godlike power and away from the alternate reality Stalinverse. As much as I enjoyed Divinity III, Eternity is shaping up to be a much stronger story in almost every way.

Story: Matt Kindt Penciller: Trevor Hairsine
Inker: Ryan Winn with Stefano Gaudiano Colourist: David Baron
Story: 9 Art: 9.75 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Valiant provided a FREE copy for review, I’ll still pick up a copy from my LCS

Review: The Walking Dead #173

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Jesus is confronted on the road…

When the last issue ended it didn’t look good for Jesus and Aaron as the two were confronted, preyed upon might be a better way to say it, by Beta, the remaining leader of the Whisperers. The Walking Dead #173 kicks off with some action as Jesus and Aaron have to take on Beta and a few followers, fighting for their lives. Writer Robert Kirkman feels like he’s wrapping up this last chapter of the series with this issue. It closes the Whisperers’ chapter in a way as we not only get a solid fight but also a reveal of Beta’s face, and a background in some way.

It’s an interesting choice as it does close a chapter, possibly, but is smart in that it takes care of open ended threads as the series heads into the next announced storyline “New World Order” which looks to be laid out here in this issue. Michonne and her crew have made it to their destination in Ohio and after a few slightly tense issues… well, we’ll leave you to read and find out for yourself.

Charlie Adlard provides the pencils along with Stefano Gaudiano on inks and Cliff Rathburn on gray tones. As always, the art is solid in its depictions and stands out in making every character unique and stand out (even zombies all have their own personalities). This issue in particular uses space and black/darkness to set a tone for both halves of the main story (and the other plots that are touched upon). Space use is an interesting one and emphasizes some of the aspects of each scene. Rick mourning Andrea with lots of space invokes his emptiness and loneliness.

The issue is a decent one and helps wraps some things up but it does so in a way that feels a little rushed and forced in. It’s almost like a “oh crap I need to end this story before we get to the next.” Things easily could have been left open for fans to ponder and never answered, and things would have been satisfying in their own way. With this route a chapter closes and maybe a new one opens through it. It’s an epilogue that’s unexpected and doesn’t feel necessary.

Story: Robert Kirkman Art: Charlie Adlard Ink: Stefano Gaudiano
Gray Tones: Cliff Rathburn Cover: Dave Stewart, Charlie Adlard
Story: 7.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: The Walking Dead #158

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the-walking-dead-158“The Whisper War” part two ups the action and balances a hell of a lot in this tension-filled issue from writer Robert Kirkman, artist Charlie Adlard, with inks by Stefano Gaudiano, and Cliff Rathburn on gray tones.

The Walking Dead #158 is the first massive clash between Rick and the Whisperers with bodies piling up and things looking really grim for every side. I say every side because this issue really sets up a lot of sides as help is sent and not sent by Rick’s various allies.

The issue is one bit battle interspersed with cut scenes at what’s happening outside of the battle back in the various camps/towns, the politicking occurring by the various groups. Those scenes are key as they up the tension leaving you wondering if those battling will see help come or if they’ll be overrun by the hoard of walkers and Whisperers.

Then there’s Negan.

In some ways you could call this “All Out War 2: Electric Boogaloo” as the issue revolves a lot around Negan’s actions. Will he betray Dwight and his team? Is he really on board “Team Rick?” Is he still out for himself and doing what he wants? We expect him to turn at any moment and that’s part of the fantastic tension of the issue. Will he or won’t he? Kirkman keeps us guessing until the very end.

The action is brutal and Adlard, Gaudiano, and Rathburn don’t hold back as intestines fall to the ground, heads are lopped off, and folks are stabbed. There’s lots of stabbing. They also do an excellent job of using the walkers/Whisperer shots to enhance the chaos of not knowing who’s human and who’s not. The art drives that part really well and as a reader I caught myself looking into crowd shots trying to figure that out.

The issue is a solid one packed with action and tension and most importantly has me wanting to see what happens next.

Story: Robert Kirkman Art: Charlie Adlard Ink: Stefano Gaudiano Gray Tones: Cliff Rathburn
Story: 8 Art: 8.45 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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