Zone 4 #115: All Fringe Episode
Brant and Ron are joined by Decapitated Dan, and Bill Gladman... sort of. The four get together for the much anticipated ALL FRINGE episode as they discuss the first three seasons of the show with season 3 just ending a few weeks ago. The also ponder what might be in store for the fourth season, talk briefly about the Fringe comics, and the possibility of a Fringe movie.

This week Decapitated Dan is bringing you a 2 interview show.

Making his fifth appearance on the show is Dirk Manning. Dirk is back to talk about his new titles Farseeker and Tales of Mr. Rhee.

Then Decapitated Dan is joined by CR family member Brant Fowler. Listen in as they talk about some of Brant's upcoming comics and so much more.

Music by Workhorse Kings and Call the Paramedics

The show is sponsored by CuriousGoodandComics.com

This show runs for about 102 minutes.

Discussions with Decapitated Dan #41: Dirk Manning & Brant Fowler

Issue: Vault #1
Writer: Sam Sarkar
Artist: Garrie Gastonny
Colors: Sakti Yuwono
Cover: Bagus Hutomo
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: July 2011
Pages: 32
Price: $3.50

“A small team of treasure hunters struggles to excavate a dangerous and legendary treasure pit before a massive storm hits Sable Island, the ‘Graveyard of the North Atlantic’.Equipped with all the latest technology, the scientists believe they are prepared against all of nature’s fury, but nothing can prepare them for what they are about to unleash from The Vault.”

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
This is seriously a solid-looking issue that doesn’t have a lot of horror elements in it until the end. A huge plus on this book was the characters staying perfect from panel to panel. Every page had so much detail that it was like a moving painting telling a visual story. The colors can stand up there with some of the best on the market today. The underwater scenes especially stand out as some of the best in the issue. The main highlight for me though was the final page when the mystery finally presented itself in a great creepy visual. Oh and the cover... GORE-Geous!

Story: 4.0 out of 5
This story had a lot of build, and I mean a lot of build. Personally I am not a fan of underwater stuff like diving or treasure hunting, but Sarkar did such a great job of keeping me hooked from start to finish that I could not put this book down. The dialogue was perfect from page to page, meaning nothing seemed out of place. Much like the artwork, a great amount of detail went into the story as well. There is a good amount of technical wording here that was, in all honesty, so needed to tell what was going on. Overall this was a good one to read.

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Every now and then I am excited to check out a book early and this one was a perfect example of why. Horror style elements weren’t always there, but a great intriguing story was. Nothing about this issue ever made me bored to where I wanted to put it down, it was so solid from start to finish. The big bang will come in issue #2 and I expect something along the lines of The Thing to take place. Now is the time to put this on your pull list and I am giving it my recommendation with two thumbs… wait I don’t have thumbs… 2 eyeballs looking up!

If you would like to buy or know more about Vault #1 you can find it at http://www.imagecomics.com/

Tonight at 7pm Central we will be recording Tales From the Water Cooler #17 live! If you want to listen in and even call in you can! Just click the link for more info. Books we are talking about this week are:
Drums #1, Uncanny X-Force #10, Rocketteer Adventures #1, Snake Eyes #1 and Snow Angel OGN

http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/98697

Discussions with Decapitated Dan #40: '68 Crew

This week Decapitated Dan is bringing you 3 people on in one interview! Listen in as Dan talks to the men behind Image Comics zombie book '68; Jay Fotos, Nat Jones and Mark Kidwell.

Music by Workhorse Kings and Call the Paramedics

The show is sponsored by CuriousGoodandComics.com

This show runs for about 86 minutes.

Publish Post

Issue: Green Wake #3
Writer: Kurtis Wiebe
Artist: Riley Rossmo
Publisher: Image
Release Date: June 2011
Pages: 28
Price: $3.50

“A deformed creature stalks the dark alleys of Green Wake in search of the murderer, its motivations unclear. With the lead suspect in danger of disappearing, Morley stumbles upon a resident who bestows upon him a powerful vision, unlocking a grisly glimpse into a series of events that could change his life forever.”

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5
There are times when you start to review a title again and again where it seems like your words just become repetitive, but let’s make one thing clear Rossmo has such control over this story that it deserves repeating. Personally I found this to be a very dark issue in terms of colors, minus the “vision” scene. There was an emotionally draining flashback scene done in sepia tones, and I think that helped lead to just the over all gloomy feeling I got from this issue visually. Another amazing issue.

Story: 4.5 out of 5
Alright Wiebe it is time to throw down! Each month I read an issue of Green Wake and each month I am more lost in the mystery than I was when I started. Honestly this book is blowing my mind, because I just keep getting hints of the what might be going on before, I am given something else to try to sit on for another month. There are two main story building concepts at work here. One is that we are being told the main story and it’s engaging at every turn. The second thing is that the entire new realm is being shown to me and in doing so, I need more answers once this story line is done. So basically this needs to be ongoing as of right now.

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Since I read issue #1 of this series I have known one small little thing, this series is the __________. How’s that for a mystery! See I can do it too Kurtis and Riley. When all is said and done I have no doubt I am going to be singing the praises of this first storyline for years to come. It is nothing short of stunning and it’s very easy to say it needs to be on your pull list. Go back , get the first 2 issues read this one and you can join me at the party.


If you would like to buy or know more about Green Wake you can find it at http://greenwakecomic.com/

Welcome to the 16th episode of Tales From the Water Cooler!

Join Infinite Speech, Decapitated Dan and the Southern Sensation each week as they gather around the water cooler of stories to talk about comics.

This week the guys talk about comics that are popular, but for some reason they don't like them. Make sure to listen in as they dive into their picks of the week Zombie Fairy Tales, Flashpoint #1 and Northlanders #40.

All that and more can be found here, each week on Tales From the Water Cooler!



You can also download the podcast here:
Tales From the Water Cooler #16

Discussions with Decapitated Dan #39: Joe Wight & FCBD Road Home

This week Decapitated Dan is bringing you a 2 interview show. First up is Antarctic Press writer and artist Joe Wight. Listen in as they discuss The Last Zombie, Planet of the Dead and so much more.

Then Decapitated Dan, Amy Royer, Rafael Nives and Juan Gomez wrap it up on the drive home from the store.

Music by Workhorse Kings and Call the Paramedics

The show is sponsored by CuriousGoodandComics.com

This show runs for about 80 minutes.

Issue: The Killing Jar #5
Writer / Creator: Justin Zimmerman
Pencils: Russell Brown
Publisher: Bricker-Down Productions
Release Date: April 2011
Pages: 24
Price: $4.00

“A small Colorado town. Three drug runners with a van filled with product. Two police officers investigating suspicious activity. A heroic young woman with a violent past, a mentally handicapped little brother and her dead father’s .38 police special. And a throng of ravenous townspeople out of their minds with drug lust. Mix and…BANG!“

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5
This is the most visually stunning issue of this series yet. Not that Brown needed to adjust much of his style over time, but the way this issue comes off is almost breathtaking. The amount of line work is amazing. The shading, the detail, the depth they all just add to the complete package being done so well. I think he is really stating to nail the facial expressions as well. There wasn’t a single panel that I didn’t just love, and those 2 page spreads… GORE-Geous.

Story: 4.0 out of 5
Sadly this issue didn’t have a lot of dialogue. It was basically just action from start to finish, and it was executed so well. The art direction, which plays into the way this issue played out, was just perfect in terms of pacing. While I would have liked a little more wording to have been in the issue it still held up with the rest.

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
I am 5 issues into this series and still hanging onto the edge of my seat. This issue delivered non-stop action in the form of some stunning visuals. It played out so nicely that I kissed the book when I was done. I like me some Killing Jar and I think it’s about time you did too.

If you would like to know more about The Killing Jar and to purchase copy please go to comixpress.com

Issues: Orc Stain Vol. 1
Creator, Writer, Artist & Colorist: James Stokoe
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: December 2010
Pages: 168
Price: $17.99

“For a million millennia the world has cracked and convulsed under the indomitable mob of the orc. Savage, bloodthirsty creatures, they are without number, staining nearly every corner of the globe. The mighty Orc Tzar, newest leader of the mob, marches ever north to find the lost organ of a forgotten god. Only a lone, one-eyed orc with a mysterious gift can find the key to breaking the cycle forever.“

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5
This book is so Gore-Geous it’s beyond words. Wait I can’t do that to you can I? The character designs go way beyond cool to a level of pure awesome. Add on top of that the ink and you just made me drop my jaw. The real clincher though is the colors. This book is just vibrant, I honestly got lost in its radiance time and time again. I want to go back to the characters now, mostly because of the amazing amount of detail used. Not only is Stokoe creating this world but he is pouring so much life into every panel that I want to see a cartoon or movie on this now. This is just hands down GORE-Geous!

Story: 4.5 out of 5
Sometimes when you get a book that looks the way this one does, the story might be lacking. The same can be said when it comes the entire thing being done by one person. However Stokoe knew I was going to read this and figured he would make it as good as he could to please me, and he succeeded. There are times when a man wants to cringe while reading a story and when the mentioning of a gronch is brought up so many times it makes ya squeamish. The story is very interesting, because like the visuals, it’s all new. The dialogue is great, the action is intense and it was just spot on from start to finish.

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
This book is going to be towards to the top of my list for a long time. While it did make me sad to see how long it took to get the issues out, it was rewarding in the end. Plus I bought the trade. The visuals will floor you and the story will have you hooked. Be warned though, this book might not be for the timid. There is a lot of male member talk, and well I wore a cup reading the final 2/3 of it. All in all I think if you read my reviews and like most of the stuff I do, than Orc Stain is perfect for you. POXA GRONKA

If you would like to know more about Orc Stain Vol. 1 you can go to http://www.imagecomics.com/

Decapitated Dan has shared his pick of the week, along with the other CM Staff Members.
Click this link to see what it Dan has chosen this week. 

Discussions with Decapitated Dan #38: Free Comic Book Day

This week Decapitated Dan is coming at you early with an all FCBD episode. Dan sits down with Seamus Patrick Burke, Ryan Brown, Brian Crowley and Sparky Bobby King all recorded on the scene from Evil Squirrel Comics FCBD Event. Then Decapitated Dan, Amy Royer, Rafael Nieves and Juan Gomez wrap it up on the drive home from the store.

Music by Workhorse Kings and Call the Paramedics

The show is sponsored by CuriousGoodandComics.com

This show runs for about 45 minutes.

Welcome to the 15th episode of Tales From the Water Cooler!
Join Infinite Speech, Decapitated Dan and the Southern Sensation each week as they gather around the water cooler of stories to talk about comics.

This week the guys about their awesome Free Comic Book Days! Make sure listen in as they dive into their picks of the week iZombie #13, Gladstones School for World Conquerors #1 and Heroes for Hire #6.

All that and more can be found here, each week on Tales From the Water Cooler!



You can also download the podcast here:
Tales From the Water Cooler #15

This week Decapitated Dan is back to just a one interview show, but it has 2 guests! Dan is joined by creators Chandra Free and Drew Gaska. So listen in as they talk about their books from Archaia The God Machine and Critical Millenium.

Then Dan talks about Free Comic Book Day for a few minutes.

Music by Workhorse Kings and Call the Paramedics

The show is sponsored by CuriousGoodandComics.com

This show runs for about 70 minutes.

On Free Comic Book Day this year I will be heading up to Evil Squirrel Comics in Chicago to hang out with some of the most awesome people in comics. Check out what will be going on as I have been working with Sparky Bobby on this one for a few months now.  We will be taking pictures, shooting video and of course recording podcasts all day long!

Joining us all day long we've got Rafael Nieves author of Bob Howard Plumber of the Unknown (http://www.facebook.com/bob.howard.plumber) & The Apocalypse Plan (http://www.facebook.com/apocalypse.plan) and Juan Gomez (http://www.whothehex.com/wth/HOME.html)

11am-12pm Seamus Patrick Burke http://ohgoodie.net/

12pm-1pm Brian Crowley from Hamster Rage - http://www.hamsterrage.com/ & Ryan Browne from God Hates Astronauts - http://www.godhatesastronauts.com/

1pm-2pm Neko Pilarcik - http://lulucthulhu.com/
& Randy Field - http://problemtown.com/

2pm-3pm Robert Burns http://www.brutally-frank.com/

3pm-4pm Matt Kubiniski (Marauder's & Superbia)

4pm-5pm Alejandro Rosado http://sofakingdomstrip.blogspot.com/

5pm-6pm The Creators of P.I. Jane http://pi-jane.com/

ALSO....The Incredibly Awesome, Kitty Zombie, will be joining us to...well to be truthful I'm not sure what he'll do. He's Zombie whose had pieces of his mind replaced by bits of dog brain. SO bring him a treat and perhaps he won't piss in the shop!!
http://kittyzombie.com/

Issue: Green Wake #2
Writer: Kurtis Wiebe
Artist: Riley Rossmo
Publisher: Image
Release Date: May 2011
Pages: 28
Price: $3.50

"Green Wake claims another mutilated victim and the disfigured body leaves little evidence behind. The secrets of this sleepy town begin to creep through the blood filled cracks when Morley Mack confronts one of its oldest residents. Is the key to stopping another macabre murder in the hands of an insane recluse?"

Artwork: 5.0 out of 5
I want to start this review very simple and make sure that you know to look at everything in this book, ahem... LOOK AT EVERYTHING IN THIS BOOK. Read it, love it but come back for seconds on the visuals. Riley you sly bastard you snuck in so much extra goodness, it was like eating a Milky Way but then as you go along you realize that your candy bar is turning into a Snickers. Layer upon layer and it all leads up to one creepy as hell ending that made me go, AHHHH!!!!! I'm not even talking about the story yet people! Plain and simple perfect artist for this book, the perfect score shows that.

Story: 4.5 out of 5
A Mystery huh? I can take what you can dish out Mr. Wiebe, and I can enjoy it all. Unlike issue #1 some of the mystery of this place called Green Wake begins to come together, but that doesn't mean more questions can't arise. The dialogue in this issue was amazing, what the cast discusses leads to some of the smaller answers I was after. The pacing is great, and I have to say that this book works page after page because of how well it is plotted out. Still some good things need to be sorted out here, but overall I am just loving what I am reading.

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
I guess you all read my advance review on issue #1, ran out and bought it right? I mean it sold out so fast. The reason it did that was because of the talent of the creative team. Rossmo was made to draw this book and Wiebe is nothing short of Picasso like writer on the story. This story is so close to perfection it's scaring me. Matter of fact I think it's safe to say that this head is hooked and well I need more and I need it now. You need to be reading this book, because it is going to get turned up to 11 very soon.


If you would like to buy or know more about Green Wake you can find it at http://greenwakecomic.com/

Check out these podcasts hosted by Decapitated Dan:

(Links go to iTunes Feed)

Monsters & Metal

Each month Decapitated Dan and Co-Host Dirk Manning combine Horror Comics and Heavy Metal into one amazing show! This podcast can also be found on ComicAttack.net, and ComicRelated.com.

Tales From the Water Cooler

A weekly podcast where Decapitated Dan is joined by Infinite Speech and the Spider-Man Geek to do reviews on the past week in comics. This podcast can also be found on ComicAttack.net, and ComicRelated.com.

Dan has also been a guest on these podcasts:

(Links go to web pages)

Zone 4: Episode #115
Brant and Ron are joined by Decapitated Dan, and Bill Gladman... sort of. The four get together for the much anticipated ALL FRINGE episode as they discuss the first three seasons of the show with season 3 just ending a few weeks ago. The also ponder what might be in store for the fourth season, talk briefly about the Fringe comics, and the possibility of a Fringe movie.

Zone 4: Episode #106
The crew returns in part as Ron and Brant are joined by two very special guests in Decapitated Dan Royer and Dustin Carson for the full show to talk about C2E2 and SPACE respectively. Much fun is had, and thanks to one of their esteemed guests, a very special extra edition of Zone 4 Trivia returns this week! Listen to win! But don't send your answers to us, details in the show!

Zone 4: Episode #99
Ron and Brant are joined by Bill Gladman for the start of the show, shortly thereafter joined by Chuck as the guys talk some smack towards another CR podcast (all in good fun) and do trivia. Then Decapitated Dan enters the zone to promote Dan Con 2011. Following that, Ron talks some pulp news, and then the four discuss various headlines from movies to comics to television in the 99th episode of Zone 4!

The Related Recap: Episode #242
Chuck Talks to Decapitated Dan Royer About His Upcoming Show and Much More!

The Related Recap: Episode #214
While Chuck, John and Brant cover Comic-Con, Decapitated Dan interviews Dark Horse's Aaron Colter!



Dan has also hosted these podcasts:
(Links go to web pages)

Discussions with Decapitated Dan

A weekly podcast where Decapitated Dan interviews horror comic creators, publishers and fans. This show can also be found on Comic Attack, Comic Related, DriveThru Comics, Underground Video Network, Chicago Comic Vault and Horror News.

ComicMonsters.com Podcast

A monthly podcast where Decapitated Dan is joined by Rob Caprilozzi and David Pinckney to talk about all things horror comics, from recent reads to what has come before. This podcast can also be found on ComicMonsters.com

Who is Decapitated Dan?

Decapitated Dan is a horror comic journalist living in Illinois. He has been covering horror comics since 2009. He currently hosts two podcasts; Monsters & Metal and Tales From the Water Cooler. Dan is affiliated with numerous websites, most notably ComicRelated.com, and ComicAttack.net. It is on these sites that you can find all of his columns, reviews and audio shows.  

In 2011 Dan started Dan Con, a small local Chicago Comic Book show, focused on showcasing local Chicago area comic book creators and dealers. www.danconcomiccon.com   

In 2011 Dan founded the Ghastly Awards. Along with Mike Howlet, Mykal Banta, Steve Banes and Lonnie Nadler, they started an award that yearly honors excellence in horror comics. www.ghastlyawards.com

Want to meet Decapitated Dan in person?
Well now you can. Dan will be at:

Dan Con 2013 Spring • 3-16-13
(Promoter) 


Dan Con 2013 Fall • 9-21-13
(Promoter)  

Sites Dan Contributes to:
Comic Attack
Comic Related
DriveThru Comics
Flames Rising
From The Tomb Magazine
Horror News

Want to ask Dan to do a review of your horror comic or schedule a time to be on one of the podcasts?

Just drop him a line at:

decapdan[at]gmail.com