by
Decapitated Dan
Issue: Yuck! #5
Creators: Various
Publisher: Milk Shadow Books
Release Date: 2011
Price: $4.00
Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Eww, gross, sick… Yuck! That’s right readers, my all time favorite Down Under-Ground Comic is back and packing a punch. This issue contains 13 different stories and pin-ups for your viewing/reading pleasure. I do think it has to be mentioned that this is a Mature title, so it contains topics like sex and death, and really everything possible that is in between. Some of my favorite creators from past issues are back in this issue and they deliver the laughs. Dexter Cockburn has a very funny story that plays on early Sci-Fi movie, and of course his artwork is amazing. David Degrand is back with some really hilarious comic strip style shorts. Frank Candiloro brings back the Millennial Monsters in what I think is their best short yet. My highlight of the issue though, was being introduced to Mady ‘Shimee’ G on the story “Black Acid”. Not only was it a fun read, it was GORE-Geous to look at. Every single page of this book has something unique and beautiful on it. I love getting new issues of Yuck! to take a look at, because it reminds me that you can have tons of fun with comics. This title delivers a home run with each and every single issue.
Artwork: 4.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.5 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about Yuck #5 you can find it at http://milkshadow.wordpress.com/
by
M.I.K.
It’s ALIVE (again) !
The Back From The Depths 2012 HALLOWSCREAM! Hallowe’en Special has returned from the depths once more and is available to download as a totally free pdf file!
60 pages of horror for your delectation, a bevvy of beasties and brutality behind a monstrous cover by Malcolm Kirk!
SEE the stomach-churning sideshow freak!
HEAR the bellowing countryside beast which feasts upon unwary wanderers into its domain!
SMELL the bodily emissions of the not exactly undead!
They sing! They dance!
You can download this issue from BACK FROM THE DEPTHS, MEDIAFIRE or DROPBOX, or view it online at MYEBOOK, (login required for myebook due to gory content).
File size is 26.5mb.
Full contents are as follows…
Page 3 : Beaten Path Story by John J Owens, Art by Neil Roberts
Page 9 : The Gravedigger Story by Matt Garvey, Art by Erick Marquez
Page 14 : Sucked Story by Dirk Van Dom, Art by El Chivo, Letters by Jim Campbell
Page 17 : Farmin’ Story by Paul Eldridge, Art by Chow Martin
Page 19 : Cash 4 Souls Story & Art by Gordon Innes
Page 20 : Youkai Chronicles : Mokumokuren Story by Dirk Van Dom, Art by Antony Rothwell
Page 25 : Terrorvision Guide by Malcolm Kirk
Page 26 : Gaki Story by Paul Bristow, Design by Malcolm Kirk
Page 29 : Charles Wynford Lodge Movie Posters by Julian Jones
Page 30 : Buck Tucker : Enemy of Love Story by Dirk Van Dom, Art by Bhuna
Page 33 : Terribly Bad Monsters : To Be Frank Story & Art by Christopher Geary
Page 34 : The Pond Story by Chris Sides, Art by Chris Travell
Page 41 : Terribly Bad Monsters : A Curse Unwound Story & Art by Christopher Geary
Page 42 : A Grim Tale : Freakshow Story & Art by Malcolm Kirk
Page 43 : Dead Wood Story by Dave Roberts, Art & Letters by Michael Kennedy
Page 47 : The Nuisance Story & Art by Antony Rothwell
Page 49 : Rayne : Demon Hunter Story & Art by Rattan Bhagwandin
Page 54 : AAIIEEE! Advertisement
Page 55 : The Wanbies Story by Tim West, Art by Neil McClements
Page 59 : Deadvertisements by Malcolm Kirk
…and…
Page 60 : Back Cover Skull by Malcolm Kirk
by
Decapitated Dan
Issue: Rose Black: Demon Seed
Writers: Ed Murphy, Tom Campbell
Artist: Joel Carpenter
Publisher: Rough Cut Comics
Price: $15.99
“Sexy bloodsucker Rose Black, fully enrolled back into the British Secret Service, comes face-to-face with a truly terrifying adversary: a genetic super-being whose powers equal her own and who, ultimately, has become the world’s first ‘Vampire’ “
Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Rose Black: Demon Seed is an action packed thrill ride that combines horror and intense drama like I have not seen before. The artwork in this book is GORE-Geous. Carpenter’s cast is near perfect page after page. A big highlight to me was his representation of the vampires themselves. Giving them what I would consider more of a spider face, with very large fangs, they easily stand out in the crowded genre. I also want to throw mention to colorist Derek Dow, because his work on these pages was outstanding. While the artwork is great, the story is what really won me over here. Murphy and Campbell did a fantastic job on this book. The pacing is great, and there is no such thing as a dull moment with this book. The dialogue is sharp, and the whole package comes off so well. I definitely think that this book falls into the line of something like the new Vampirella and the Anita Blake books. Mixing military with vampires could only work if done right, and this creative team nailed it. When you see this book it doesn’t look to overwhelming, but it seriously took me 2 hours to read it. It is packed with story. This is a great read that looks beautiful, and I am proud to have siting on my shelf.
Artwork: 4.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.5 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about Rose Black: Demon Seed you can find it at http://www.roughcut-comics.com/
by
Decapitated Dan
Issue: The Scarifyers #1
Writer: Simon Barnard
Artist: Simon Gurr
Publisher: Cosmic Hobo
“Ghost story writer Professor Dunning doesn’t believe in the supernatural. So he’s more than surprised when an invisible demon appears in his living room.
The Metropolitan Police’s oldest-serving officer, Inspector Lionheart doesn’t believe in the supernatural either, wings or no wings. So he’s less than impressed when Russian émigré’s begin dying impossible deaths all over London.
Together, Lionheart and Dunning must face quarrelsome Generals, sinister clowns and Russian demons, in the first adventure for THE SCARIFYERS.”
Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
I have to call Simon Barnard one of these days to tell me how to pronounce this title. I will say that no matter how you say it, I say this book was awesome. The cover art kind of scared me a little, but when I saw the interior art I did let out a little sigh of relief. What I am trying to say is that I personally would have shown some of the interior work on the cover, because it is GORE-Geous. The black and white work, with the halftone dots is so visually appealing, and the opening scene makes my eyes melt. The characters themselves have apparently been around for a while, I did not know this. This issue does a very good job of introducing me to the cast, who they are and what they do. What I really enjoyed was the amount of content in this book. While it may only be 32 pages, it felt like there were a lot more. That is how you know you are getting you money’s worth. If I had one issue with the dialogue though, it was with terminology. Being an American, I don’t always understand the meaning of something said by someone who is British. It does not take anything away from the whole though. A great horror mystery is taking place in these pages and this team delivered on making me want to come back again and again. Great first issue, and I can only see it going up and up from here.
Artwork: 4.0 out of 5 • Story: 4.0 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about The Scarifyers #1 you can find it at http://www.cosmichobo.com
by
Decapitated Dan
Issue: Trench Coats, Cigarettes & Shotguns #1
Writer: Chuck Brown
Artist: Philip Neudorf (A), Nat Jones (C)
Publisher: Asylum Press
Release Date: 2012
Price: $0.99 (digital)
“In a world filled with mech-wielding gangsters, demonic Mafioso and demons that run wild on earth, a mysterious hitman named Trypp only relies on three things — his trench coat, cigarettes and shotguns.”
Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
I ask myself, just based on this title alone, what is there not to like? Nothing, I like trench coats, cigarettes and shotguns, so how on Earth could this book not entertain me? The artwork by Neudorf is great, and it was all summed up at the very end in a GORE-Geous decapitation scene. Of course I am going to point that out, why wouldn’t I. What I liked most about this art style was that it all seemed to be done on wood, using paint. I really enjoyed his technique. There were some panels where I found things to be a little to jumbled, but if you stare at it, you can figure it out just fine. The story by Brown is really interesting. There seems to be an influential mix of Hellblazer, the Darkness and (insert a detective comic here) in the concept behind this book. The mix plays out very well as the issue goes on and you can consider me intrigued to be on board for more. There were some scenes though, where I thought that the pacing was a little off. Overall this was a great first issue. There was plenty of story build with some great intense action. I plan on being on board for this whole run, and you should be too. This was a great start.
Artwork: 4.0 out of 5 • Story: 4.0 out of 5
Trenchcoats, Cigarettes and Shotguns will be available on Comixology, Comics Plus (Iverse), Graphicly and
MyDigitalComics.com. The digital comic will also be available as a stand alone ebook on KindleFire, Nook, Kobo, Ibookstore, and Googlebooks.
by
Decapitated Dan
Issue: Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Book 2 – The Chosen
Creator: Michael Mendheim
Writers: Michael Mendheim, Mike Kennedy, Sean Jaffee
Artist: Simon Bisley
Publisher: Heavy Metal
Release Date: August 2012
Price: $14.95
“The End is Here – Welcome to the Apocalypse! Raised by the Order of Solomon, Adam Cahill is one of a rare handful of highly trained warriors bound by bloodline to guard the Seven Holy Seals that contain the End of Days. But ageless forces have conspired toward a prophetic event foretold by numerous cultures and multiple religions, and when that cryptic date arrives, they strike against the order without mercy! Adam’s world is shattered, his family murdered, and he is sent spiraling into Hell itself. There, he must find three corrupt souls, chosen by Divinity, to join him in battle against the legendary Horsemen of the Apocalypse. These broken individuals must band together to not only save their own souls but decide the fate of Humanity.”
Dying Breath: 5.0 out of 5
The Horsemen are back, and you better be strapped in for what is about to go down. Book 2 is a balls to the wall non-stop thrill ride that is going to punch you in the face and not look back. Following the events of the first book, Helldiver, The Chosen shows the rest of the formation of the group that will save Earth from its impending doom. You would think that the visuals could not get any better than they were before, but they did. Each page is alive with such vibrant color. The art by Bisley is so GORE-Geous. His character designs are flat-out jaw dropping, and the amount of detail in each panel is stunning. There is no way in Hell (pun intended) that this book could look any better. His designs for the Horsemen alone, left a craving in this decapitated head for posters, t-shirts and so much more. The story kicks it into full gear as we round and head towards finish line. Mendheim, Kennedy and Jaffee deliver a story that is perfect on every level. The highlight of this issue to me, was the explanation of why this cast was being chosen to save the world. The amount of detail in their pasts added a level of compassion to my mind that most comics can not make happen. I love these characters, and I love how they are being presented. Of course this is the middle book of the trilogy, so it covers what it needs to and leaves you craving more. I can not express how amazing this series has been so far. I am deeply saddened that it will end with the next book, but I think that there is so much more to explore in this universe. I would say run, don’t walk to your local shop to pick this one up, but I would be lying. You need to get a transporter and just zap yourself there, because you are missing out already if you do not have this book in your hands. READ IT, you will not be sorry. This is easily going to be in my top books of 2013 list.
Artwork: 5.0 out of 5 • Story: 5.0 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse you can find it at http://fourhorsemen.heavymetal.com/
by
Decapitated Dan
Issue: Lenore Vol. 2 #6
Writer: Roman Dirge
Artist: Roman Dirge
Letters: Roman Dirge
Colors: Roman Dirge
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: August 2012
Price: $3.99
“‘Lenore wants a sammich. She wants it bad. The rumble in her tummy has its own rumble within a rumble, Inception style. The problem is the angry, cold-loving, slimy thing in her fridge won’t let anyone in. After giving up all hope, Lenore calls in an Exterminator to deal with the fridge squatter. Following an unfortunate terminal incident, Ragamuffin covers the Exterminator’s corpse with Lenore’s favourite blanket, ‘Woobie’. But when the corpse and blanket goes missing, the gang must set out to recover Woobie, cover up a suspicious death, and get a *&#@% sandwich made!”
Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
I want a sammich too, but I bet you I don’t have to go through all of the trouble that poor little Lenore did. This hilarious series is back in my face with a new issue that will left my sides in pain from laughing so hard, I mean cheeks in pain since I have no body. While the solicit tells about the ‘Sammich Adventure’ the real fun in this issue takes place between Pooty and Ragamuffin. The way that he writes his characters to play on his creating process is pure horror/humor gold. Dirge has such an amazing talent at capturing facial expressions and emotions on the page. You know he is a mad genius at it when Pooty, a character whose head is a bucket with holes in it that do not change, can express emotion so damn well. The story that takes place here had me cracking up panel after panel. Favorite moment of the issue came at the end when the statues got their time to shine. No matter what issue of Lenore I pick up, I know I will laugh. Everything about this book is above and beyond what I could even ask for. Horror and humor are the perfect combination for me, and this series is seriously at the top of my all time favorites list. READ LENORE!
Artwork: 4.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.5 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about Lenore Vol 2 #6 you can find it at http://titanbooks.com/ and http://www.spookyland.com/
by
Decapitated Dan
Issue: Horror in the West
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Publisher: Alterna Comics
Price: $9.99
““Horror in the West” is a horror anthology featuring eleven stories that combine the mysticism of the Old West with demons, zombies, aliens, and blood-curdling storytelling. A man who cannot be killed by the hangman’s noose, alien cattle-drives for human flesh, demon-slaying bounty hunters – all of these stories can be found here. “Horror in the West” will take you by the reigns and drive you straight over the edge!”
Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Well now we got ourselves a bit of a situation here pardner. You see ol’ Decap he is not to big on Western Comics, but he does love his Horror Comics, so what on Earth could he even like about Horror in the West? How about everything! This is one great looking, great reading, hootenanny of a good time! The artwork in this entire collection is GORE-Geous. I will admit that they set the bar high starting with sam Agro’s style, but no story in this ever let me down. Personally I prefered the art styles of Agro, Brian Evinou, Chris McFann and Dan Simon the most, but again they were all great. There is some really great horror scenes depicted in this book and Jeff McComsey actually takes home the prize for drawing the scariest panel. The stories, like the artwork were all very well done. As a person who doesn’t love Western stories, it’s a tough thing to make me care. Each short was original, nothing like the others in the book, and just overall fun. So many different concepts only adds to the overall value of this collection. My personal favorites were “Star Calf”, “The Hunters”, “Pinkerton Express” and “The Amulet”. I will say it once again, this collection was great. It was able to make me enjoy something I don’t typically care for, so that is a win right there. This is an Anthology that you should be adding to your bookcase. YEE HORROR!!!!
Artwork: 4.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.5 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about Horror in the West you can find it at http://alternacomics.com
by
Decapitated Dan
Issue: End Times #1
Writers: Jeff Edmond, Vin Davis, Charles Anthony
Artist: Vin Davis
Price: $5.95
“Premier collectors issue!”
Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Yes, my favorite printing style for horror comics is magazine sized, and End Times #1 knows that, so lets put a +1 in the positives column right off the bat! What this issue brings to the table is a great sense of horror comic nostalgia, mixed with some great modern tales. Now I throw in the nostalgia line because of the way this book is presented in terms of printing, and because of the overall feeling I got while reading it. The stories are a good mix of Creepy and Eerie styled themes, mixing both horror and sci-fi genres throughout. The artwork is consistent throughout, but at times I didn’t care too much for the shading styles. I kind of felt that the grey’s took away from the great line work. But that is me being nit-picky. The stories are fantastic. My favorite had to be “De-Cap-Puc-Cino”, because of the overall presentation. Davis did a great job on drawing that entire cast, and the story by Edmond was funny and creepy. Overall, this is a great first issue from this bunch. It has room to move forward with future issues, and I will only expect it to get better and better. It is easy for me to tell you to pick this one up and check it out, because I had a great time reading it.
Artwork: 4.0 out of 5 • Story: 4.0 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about End Times you can find it at http://www.horrorgeddoncomics.com
by
Decapitated Dan
Issue: Koma OGN
Writer: Pierre Wazem
Artist: Frederik Peeters
Colors: Albertine Ralenti
Publisher: Humanoids
Price: $29.95
;
“Addidas is a bright and quirky young girl who spends most of her time helping her widowed father in his job as a chimney sweep in the industrial metropolis they live in. When Addidas ventures too far into a chimney, she encounters a bizarre new friend…”
Dying Breath: 5.0 out of 5
I don’t even know how to start this review without just saying, Book of the Year front-runner. I was so blown away with what happened on these 280+ pages that I feel like trying to sum it up will only come across as a gushing love letter to the creators. So let’s do just that. I went into this book not knowing what to expect, well I expected to read about a little girl and her new Monster friend, but instead I was introduced to a world that was so imaginative and original. If I even try to compare this to anything, and keep in mind that I am just basing this off of the overall feel I had when I was done reading this, I would have to say Spirited Away. Yes I know that one is a movie and the other is a comic, but that is as close to any kind of comparison I can even make. The art work is so GORE-Geous from page to page. The facial expressions are so key to the telling of this story and Peeters delivers ever single time. While the colors are mostly dark in the book, dealing with a drab cityscapes, chimneys and underground monsters, it still shines page after page. The art just jumps right into your face and demands your attention. Towards the end of the book, when you are shown the scenes of the countryside, you see the full potential of this team. This story alone should be winning awards left and right. Every time I thought that I knew what was going to happen I was slapped in the face and told no. Wazem’s dialogue, which is translated into English, is done so well. His voices for the entire cast are so believable for who they all are. The story has so much mystery and depth to it. The relationship between Addidas and all of the characters will pull at your heart-strings, and when all is said and done, you will just feel alive. Is that enough gushing for you? I can not suggest a book more than I will this one. This is the whole package and so much more. I will be reading this over and over for years to come.
Artwork: 5.0 out of 5 • Story: 5.0 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about Koma you can find it at www.humanoids.com
by
Ghastly McNasty
Horror comic royalty team-up alert! Back in 83, award winning horror comic artist Bernie Wrightson, along with Marvel, released an illustrated version of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s Frankenstein which pretty much received universal acclaim as a masterclass in combining written text with i
“This is an idea that’s been rattling around somewhere in the back of my mind for a good many years,” said Wrightson. “I mentioned it to Steve and we started talking. In about two minutes I realized that not only were we on the same page, we shared a vision. I’m very excited to see this finally happening. It’s going to be lot of fun.”
said, Wrightson.
Have a read of Niles interview with Wrightson over on www.steveniles.net
by
Decapitated Dan
Issue: Debris #1
Writer: Kurtis Wiebe
Artist: Riley Rossmo
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $3.50
“In the far future, humanity has doomed planet earth to rot and decay, covering her surface with garbage. Now, ancient spirits called the Colossals rise from the debris and attack the remaining survivors, forcing the human race to the brink of extinction. One warrior woman, Maya, sets out to find the last source of pure water to save the world before the monsters bring it all to an end.”
Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
What in the world is going on here? This book is awesome and WAAAY too short! Oh man I want it all right now, this was so good people! The Wieley tandem is back and in full force. If you ask me Rossmo is always out doing his own work. The way he went from Rebel Blood, which was a dark horror tale, to a bright and vibrant futuristic world full of machines, is simply amazing. He really shows off his talent with the cover alone, look at the machine aspects involved. This book is just beautiful to look at, which again leads me to wanting more RIGHT NOW! If you are not reading Wiebe’s work, then you are missing out at a man who is ascending the comic writer mountain right now. His concept for this story is mind-blowingly good, and he is writing it to perfection. The story is gripping, and if issue #1 is only a sign of things to come, then this one will be something you are all going to be talking about. Sure this is not my typical horror fare, but when I get a chance to cover anything by Wieley, I will. They are a team to be reckoned with, pushing the envelope on great original content, and proving why comics will always be a fun medium. Read Debris, you will not be disappointed.
Artwork: 4.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.5 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about Debris you can find it at www.imagecomics.com
Latest Posts
Previous Posts
