Sunday, May 16, 2010

I, ZOMBIE - A NEW TAKE ON ZOMBIE COMICS




I’ve been reading lots of wicked cool horror comics lately, but a new comic that has a unique feel to it is I, Zombie published by DC’s Vertigo line of comics. I was drawn (no pun intended) to this title by Mike Allred’s art, as I’ve been a long-time fan of his Madman comics for years. However, once I read the first issue of I, Zombie - a bargain at the introductory price of just $1.00 – I was even more impressed by the subtle writing style of Chris Roberson. Roberson gradually introduces you to the setting (Eugene, Oregon), the main character (Gwen Dylan) her occupation (gravedigger) and her unusual friends (Ellie – a ghost - and Scott: aka: Spot – a were-terrier). Not until the end of the first issue is it confirmed that our P.O.V. character Gwen is a zombie and that she needs to eat a fresh human brain at least once-a-month or she will go all “Night of the Living Dead”. Unfortunately, eating recently deceased human brains has a nasty side effect for Gwen – other than their foul taste: She is overcome by the dead person’s recent memories. In the case of her most recent meal, those thoughts include his murder and she finds herself compelled to find his murderer. I, Zombie is a unique blend of horror, mystery and humor that I recommend to fans of any of these genres. Check it out freaks!

Check out a short preview story introducing Gwen and her friends from I, Zombie, that was originally published in The House of Mystery Halloween Annual last October.











5 comments:

  1. I'm a big Walking Dead fan, and always up for some new zombie comics. I really dig the artwork in the preview. Definitely going to check it out. Thanks!

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  2. Wicked cool of you to check in, Anthony1138! I missed out on The Walking Dead comic initially and have been reluctant to start reading it now that it's up to well over 70 issues! From what I know about it, The Walking Dead seems to be more of a straight-dramatic horror take on Zombies. Whereas I, Zombie is more along the lines of a quirky-humorous horror take on Zombies and supernatural creatures in general. The closest comparison I can think of is Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse novels, on which HBO's True Blood series is based. Speaking of cable series: As a fan of The Walking Dead comics you must be excited by the news that AMC will be making a series based on the comics, which is due out this October.

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  3. Yup, The Walking Dead is a dramatic series. But also being a fan of True Blood, I, Zombie sounds like it's right up my alley. And yeah,I can't wait for the AMC series. Judging by the quality of Breaking Bad and the fact that Frank Darabont is producing/directing/writing, I have really high hopes. The only thing I worry about is how much AMC will tone down the gore. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

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  4. Great write up. I am really digging this comic book so much. I pimped it on the radio show and my blog too - it's a fun ride!

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  5. Thanx for the props, J.T.! I'm no blogger newshound like yourself, but when something I freak on is comming out, I like to give everyone a heads up (as opposed to a heads off). Keep pimpin' dem wicked cool comics on your blog and Hauntcast, Johnny and I'll keep readin' and listenin'!

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