Planet of the Living Dead #1 – Review

Issue: Planet of the Living Dead #1
Writer: Joe Wight, David Hutchison
Artist: David Hutchison
Publisher: Antarctic Press
Release Date: 2011
Pages: 32
Price: $3.50

“A forced landing on a lawless mining planet brings the crew of a small salvage ship face to face with an entire population of flesh-eating zombies. Every soul on the planet has somehow been turned into a brain-starved ghoul, bent on devouring the new arrivals. Time is pitifully short, ammunition is low. The only things in abundance are the slobbering, bloodthirsty masses swarming across the planet of the living dead! “

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5
Imagine your watching one of those great horror movies that takes place in space. Now translate that movie into comic book pages and you have the artwork for Planet of the Living Dead. This is an amazing looking black and white book, that just floored my eye balls page after page. Great environment design, great characters and of course some GORE-Geous zombies just make this one killer book. Pun totally intended!

Story: 4.5 out of 5
With the horror line at Antarctic you never know if your going to get a fun book or a serious one. In all honesty I thought this was going to be one of the fun ones, but I am so glad it wasn’t. The story is hard-edged balls to the wall from start to finish. You get your typical cast of characters in that you now who you want to do because they deserve it. Being based mostly off the dialogue the pacing is near perfect and it’s just damn good survival fun, but in outer space.

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
A great take on horrific future leads way to what transpires in these pages. The team of Wight and Hutchison seem to be right at home working on this title. You get great art and a very solid story from start to finish that I just want more and I want it now. Good thing Return to the Planet of the Living Dead is coming because I can not wait to see how this plays out.

If you would like to buy or know more about Planet of the Living Dead #1 you can find it at http://www.antarctic-press.com/

General Jack Cosmo and the Vampire Men of Kothos #2 – Review

Issue: General Jack Cosmo and the Vampire Men of Kothos #2
Writer: Aaron Shaps
Pencils: Gabe Pena
Inks: Gary Mitchel, Jon Alderink
Letters: Dave Rothe
Colors: Nate Lovett
Publisher: General Jack Cosmo Productions
Release Date: 2008
Pages: 32
Price: $3.00

“Jack finds himself face to face with the dreaded Vampire Men, but new challenges present themselves as the plot thickens and he finds himself a prisoner of their beautiful, deadly queen.”

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
So purty it is, it is. I find it funny though because of the color scheme used I still think of Voltron as I read General Jack Cosmo. This book as great colors, great character designs and jaw dropping backgrounds. It’s even funny that the artwork can fit in with all the words floating around. Panel to panel though this book nails it and it is just done right, a great visual treat.

Story: 4.0 out of 5
I bet in a few years we will all find a book by Aaron Shaps on the Best Sellers list and be shocked that he started by writing some comics. Much like in issues #1, we have words upon words, giving us a in-depth story that is worth the price of 3 books alone. The dialogue is good, but I still lose a little on the specific references. That is not taking away from the overall though, action and humor are in abundance in this one.

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5

I wouldn’t be scared of these vampire men if I had GJC with me. The action is there, the story is there and now you can be there too, just buy this book. The panels look amazing from page to page. Oh and did I mention how much story you’re getting got you $3? Yeah this is one any Flash Gordon or even Flesh Gordon fan should be reading.

If you would like to buy or know more about General Jack Cosmo and the Vampire Men of Kothos #2 you can find it at http://www.generaljackcosmo.com/

Zombie Chuck #1 - Review

Issue: Zombie Chuck #1
Writer: Brian Fyffe
Artist: Brian Fyffe
Release Date: 2011
Pages: 32
Price: $3.50

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
This is what I call a visually fun horror ride. Fyffe’s style is not like what you would find in most comic books, instead is has the feel of a comic strip and that in itself is a plus in a very specific direction. The artwork alone can visually tell the story taking place even if there are not many word. Facial expressions and actions depict everything that the reader needs to know. The other quick mention is that this book has a great classic horror movie vibe to it and I am basing that on the main bad guy’s look.

Story: 3.5 out of 5
I felt that this was a story that grew as it went on. What I mean by that is, when it started it seemed to be a little flat but as things picked up it got stronger and ready to rip up my brain. I liked the dialogue but as I said it took some time to find its legs. The overall concept was just fun and kind of upbeat, plus I like jokes so it’s a win win. I would put this book in with Wulf & Batsy and Betsy Mae Bite.

Dying Breath: 3.5 out of 5
The artwork took the advantage here, but the story gave it a good run for its money towards the end. I like what Fyffe did here, because he went after the right mix of art style and storytelling. This is a good all ages horror read and when you read it and like it, he even has tons of Zombie Chuck merchandise for you to fill your house with.

If you would like to buy or know more about Zombie Chuck you can find it at http://www.fyffo.com

The Grimm: Caelum Simianus #1 – Review

Issue: The Grimm: Caelum Simianus #1
Writer: Michael Beazley
Artist: Michael Beazley
Letters: Michael Beazley
Colors: Michael Beazley
Publisher: General Jack Cosmo Productions
Release Date: 2010
Pages: 28
Price: $4.00

“An unidentified flying object is the source of a disturbance in a small farm town bringing in the Centers of Disease control and Special Missions Unit 13. No communication. Cattle mutilation on an epic scale. And the town populace transformed into post mortem roustabouts. Navy Seal Master Chief Burton MacReady and Jack return to investigate a xenomorph threat and to cull the population of murderous townies in The Grimm Caelum Simianus”

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
Evolution is the word best used to describe what I notice here compared to The Grimm: The Devil Birds of Carencro Isle & Garlu. With this issue I really see a more stylized approach to the overall look of the book. First of all is the Amazing cover. That cow scares me. The interiors have a flatter look to them, but it works better overall. It gives the book a more cohesive feel, compared to the art and story competing for attention, here they in harmony.

Story: 4.5 out of 5
This is one great book. The concept is still young and has time to explain itself as we go into more issues. Most importantly here though we have to talk about a creepy ass monkey who takes over and is hell-bent on domination. The dialogue is on from start to finish with a dull moment never getting in the way, and it has one hell of a cliffhanger.

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Fun and action packed are the names of The Grimm gang. This book plummets to Earth with a great force that is a pure joy to read. The artwork is on point from panel to panel. The story had me at the word 1977 (read it to find out). Beazley has a winner on his hands. Let it be known though that this decapitated reviewer needs to know more about the pumpkin soon… or else!

If you would like to buy or know more about The Grimm: Caelum Simianus #1 you can find it at http://www.grimmspecwar.com/

Nightmare World Vol. 2 – Leave the Light On – Review

Issue: Nightmare World Vol. 2 – Leave the Light On
Writer: Dirk Manning
Artists: Various Artists
Cover: Kristen Perry
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: 2010
Pages: 128
Price: $14.99

“Thirteen new tales of terror peer into the lives of those affected by Lucifer’s diabolical scheme to kick-start the Armageddon! Stories feature characters as diverse as a conniving rock star wannabe, an abused teenager, a pair of star-crossed Mafioso lovers and the world’s last ultra-hero, the last of whom must choose between staying with the love of his life while the world goes to Hell (literally) and fighting the Great Cthulhu in a desperate (and most likely futile) attempt to save the world.”

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
Ugh, yes please! This is one great looking collection. Not a single story seemed  to be any less visually appealing than the next. Some of the stories I liked the looks of best were Strays, No One Knows and Momma’s Boy. I think one thing to point out is that all of the artists did a great job of getting the right feel for their story. Everything just seemed to really fit perfectly. This is seriously a great looking collection.

Story: 4.0 out of 5
Dirk Manning comes at this again with 13 more tales of terror. Personally I think he is a poker player and not just going for the evil number 13. In all seriousness Dirk did a great job on all of these shorts. Each one has its set number of pages and is nicely contained within them. Strong starts followed by great finishes and of course plenty of humor and horror goodness. Personally Momma’s Boy was my top dog, but I also enjoyed Strays and For Those About to Rock.

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
I love this series, and while I can read it online, I like it better in the trades. It just makes me sad to know I am already halfway through the series, but on the upside I still have two more books coming. It’s a win/win people! Great stuff here with solid artwork and stories that will grab you, possibly literally.

If you would like to buy or know more about  Nightmare World Vol. 2 you can find it at www.ShadowlineOnline.com

Fail of the Living Dead #1 – Review

Issue: Fail of the Living Dead #1
Creators: Fred Perry, David Hutchinson
Publisher: Antarctic Press
Release Date: April 2011
Pages: 32
Price: $3.50

“Congratulations, zombies, you've got yourself a mouthful of fresh, juicy, living FAIL! Even the best of zombies (such as they are) don't always get their prey. Slips, trips, flips and other mips - er, mishaps can befall them at any time, usually when it's funniest. We've captured some of these heart-warming, rib-tickling, brain-missing moments to share and enjoy with all of you.”

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5
The art in this book delivers on 2 levels. Level 1 draw some kick ass zombies. What’s that you say, Hutchinson and Perry delivered? Nice! The zombies range from comical to menacing as the shots play out and it all just looks so GORE-Geous. Level 2 is visual humor. This book is so funny in the visuals alone, that there are no need for words, and guess what there aren’t very many.  I can’t sit here and not stopping laughing as I look at this book. So well done.

Story: 4.5 out of 5
This is the best part. Like I mentioned with the artwork there just aren’t many words. Matter of fact other than the word FAIL I think only a few more show up. Yet the use of Fail is so well done that it’s a huge winner! I can’t say anymore.

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
This book had me laughing from start to finish. The few shorts that run more than one page are hilarious and the one page shorts made me laugh my… um… body off! Haha. I have said it before and I will say it again, Antarctic Press has a crew of great horror creators that you need to be taking a look at. Not all of it is the funny stuff either, but it is a great un-failing attempt.

If you would like to buy or know more about Fail of the Living Dead #1 you can find it at http://www.antarctic-press.com

Discussions with Decapitated Dan #46: Van Jensen & Eric Banister

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

First us is writer Van Jensen. Listen in as the guys go over Pinocchio: Vampire Slayer and so much more.

Then Decapitated Dan is joined by Derby City Comic Con promoter, Eric Banister. Listen in as they talk about what you can expect from this first year show.

Music by Workhorse Kings and Call the Paramedics

The show is sponsored by CuriousGoodandComics.com

This show runs for about 85 minutes.

Tales From the Water Cooler #21

Welcome to the 21st 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 skee-ball championships! Make sure to listen in as they dive into their picks of the week Hellblazer #280, Graveyard of Empires #1 and That Hellbound Train #1.

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 #21

Gary Reed Page Design Done

Many thanks to Gary Reed for asking DanRoyerDesign to work on his Website. The site is now live so you should check it out!

http://reedgary.blogspot.com/

Summit City Comic Con 2011 - Recap

On June 18, 2011 I ventured to Fort Wayne, Indiana with Rafael Nieves (and Dan Dougherty kind of) to the 2nd Summit City Comic Con. Here is a recap on the day.
I am not purposely leaving anyone's names out of the article, so if you are not mentioned it does not mean I do not love you.

So last year when I went to Kokomo Con I learned my lesson, when you need to get up at 3 a.m. to get to a show, make sure to get some sleep before you go, plus I was driving so I crashed early the night before. So waking up at 3 am was no problem and I was out the door by 3:30. I met up with Raf at a Denny's and we loaded up and got on our way. Basically from what it said on Mapquest we were looking at a 3 and a half hour drive. So we figured we would get there around 9-9:30 (we lost an hour heading into the Eastern Time Zone).

Welcome to the Grand Wayne Center

Now let me sidetrack for a second here, Dan Dougherty was supposed to be with us, but due to a few issues he needed to leave later than us and come home sooner than us. So we figured we would just see him at the show. It was about an hour and a half into the trip and that Bearded Beauty passed on on the way there. Luckily we noticed each other and then came into Ft. Wayne together.

This is the entire show floor

Alright so it's 9:45 when we get to the Grand Wayne Center. Raf and Dan have 15 minutes to setup before the doors open. I found the busy Zack Kruse and got my press badge and was ready to cover me some comic show! My initial thoughts on the room, were that is was a perfect size. You'll have to check the website for the correct amount of creator guests, but they were there in abundance! This show was about them, not the dealers and sellers.

Even Vader wants to read comics

When the show started a nice crowd of people came in the doors. I would have to say that the crowd was steady throughout the day, it never became too much. From what I was able to gather from the guests the room was larger than last years show. So there was more space. This can be deceiving on people when you talk how the attendance played out. If you get a high number of entries then it works out, but visually the numbers didn't seem to be all there.

View from Raf and Dan's table

Now the show itself had some great organization. Each row of creators had an Row Aide, who would come by every now and then and see if anything was needed. A nice touch. Each creator was given blank sketch cards to possibly sell. Another awesome touch ( I got a few myself see the full photo gallery).

The Black Rose Crew

As I walked around the show I noticed a good deal of Dan Con alum and some new faces I needed to introduce myself to. Some of the new people to point out are Tim Baron, Jay Fosgitt, Black Rose Comics and Jon Kulczar. These names stand out to me for a few reason. Jon Kulczar did an amazing Iceman picture for me, I can't thank him enough for that. Tim Baron has a book called "The Life and Times of Julius Destructus" which I flipped through and knew I had to buy it right away. The same with the copy of Black Rose #1. The book just looks so stunning I have to read it. I also have interviews coming up with all of these guys.

Tim Baron

I want to thank Michael Moreci, Eric Adams, Dustin Carson, Mike Hoffman, Ryan Brown, Brian Crowley, Scott Simmons and Dirk Manning for all the great chats we had throughout the day. Randy Field and Dirk Manning did some sketch cards for me and Amy too. I also got a sketch card from a boy named Preston.

The day didn't fly by either, again that might be do to the low number of attendees and all the time we had to chat with everyone, but it was still a lot of fun. I was able to get my hands on some new books to check out. I got some Iceman stuff for the wall and setup some upcoming interviews. I was also able to add on another new home for Discussions, as it can now be found on the Underground Video Network.

Hanging out with my Twin Dustin Carson

When the show came to a close Raf and I went out to eat with our good friend Gary Reed. We just went across the street to a sports bar called Champions. Good burger too. After eating Raf and I began out trek home. Dan had left early to get back to Chicago for a gig his band was playing. The fun thing about coming home was the GPS getting us lost. We figured a shortcut would be shorter and instead added more time onto the trip. You can listen to us recap the show on this podcast.

I would say it was about 11:30 when we pulled into my driveway to grab Amy and head to take Raf home, which was an hour away. We got him dropped off at 12:30 and chatted for a few minutes. Then headed home. I walked back into the house at 2:30 am. So basically I pulled a 24 hour comic shift in going to Summit City Comic Con.

All in all the day was fun. The downside was attendance at the show, and the people there didn't seem to be in a big spending mood. So that might add to some people being down about the day. The venue was great, food prices at the show were great and the people there were... great. I had a good time at the show and might have to make it back in 2012.

Click here to see the full photo gallery

Discussions with Decapitated Dan #45: Road Home from Summit City Comic Con

Discussions with Decapitated Dan #45: Summit City Comic Con Road Show

On this very special episode of Discussions with Decapitated Dan, Dan is joined by Rafael Nieves as they drive home from Summit City Comic Con. So listen in is they go over how the day unfolded from a 3 am start to dinner with friend Gary Reed.

Music by Workhorse Kings and Call the Paramedics

The show is sponsored by CuriousGoodandComics.com

This show runs for about 49 minutes.

Tales From the Water Cooler #20

Welcome to the 20th 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 a little Bronze and Silver and a contest is announced! Make sure to listen in as they dive into their picks of the week American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #1, Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #1 and Fear Itself: Fearsome Four #1.

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 #20

Discussions with Decapitated Dan #44: 28 Days Later Series Recap

On this very special episode of Discussions with Decapitated Dan, Dan is joined by David O'Leary to take a look back at the 28 Days Later series from BOOM! Studios. Listen in as the go over how it started, how it ended and how it tied the movie franchise together.

Music by Workhorse Kings and Call the Paramedics

The show is sponsored by CuriousGoodandComics.com

This show runs for about 38 minutes.

Discussions with Decapitated Dan #43: Jon Kulczar

This week Decapitated Dan is joined the crazy funny mad man, Jon Kulczar. So listen in as they talk about Wicket and Imp, Jon's life and so much more!

Music by Workhorse Kings and Call the Paramedics

The show is sponsored by CuriousGoodandComics.com

This show runs for about 65 minutes.

Tales From the Water Cooler #19

Welcome to the 19th 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 take a look at the DC relaunch. Make sure to stick around and listen in as they dive into their picks of the week Ninja's vs. Zombie #1, Hack/Slash meets Zombies vs. Cheerleaders #1 and Shinku #1.

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 #19

Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #1 – Review

Issue: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #1
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Ibraim Roberson
Letters: Pat Brosseau
Colors: Pete Pantazis
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: June 2011
Pages: 48
Price: $2.99

“FLASH FACT! They can’t survive unless they find their maker!”

Artwork: 4.5 out of 5
What a great looking book! easy way to describe it is, from panel to panel this book was so close to perfect, but there were some things that made me go lower on the score. First of all a perfect 5 for the GORE-Geous looking werewolf, that was the best part of the issue. What got me going on the other direction, and yes I know it’s his look, but the outfit on Frankenstein just came off to me as silly. Should it have been changed? Maybe this is an alternate reality after all. Overall I am just being too nit-picky, but this is one great looking issue. On a side note though… way to many ads and filler, I could have done without that Super 8 story.

Story: 4.0 out of 5
I think it’s safe to admit… I don’t know a lot about these characters. Sure I know that the existed and that the 90′s versions were a let down according to some, but to me personally this was a fresh take. So that being said, Lemire did a good job on introducing the cast and getting me to like them and what they were all about. However at the beginning I thought some things were a little odd, like why did Frank side with the Americans right away? And then some more of the back story, mostly the war scenes were jumpy. The story really got me though when these 4 were introduced to the present day and now have to try to find what they are looking for. I can’t say anything else because I won’t spoil it for you.

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
It’s tough for me personally to review a book from the big 2 without having a big bias in the opposite direction. I tend to have a mean side when it comes to what they do if it is not done at a high enough standard. Having a fresh look on this cast in particular worked out very well, and made me want to head to the LCS to dig for the older stuff, as well as other art by Roberson because that man can draw me a monsterous mutt any day of the week. If you like war stories and the classic monsters this one is for you, and if you don’t like either of those this one is for you. It’s a safe place to check this out and it’s a lot of fun. More please!

If you would like to buy or know more about Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #1 you can find it at dccomics.com

Discussions with Decapitated Dan #42: Matt Sturges

This week Decapitated Dan is joined by his Tales From the Water Cooler co-host, The Southern Sensation, to talk to Matt Sturges. So listen in as the both ask Matt about who he is, what he is working on and so much more.

Music by Workhorse Kings and Call the Paramedics

The show is sponsored by CuriousGoodandComics.com

This show runs for about 74 minutes.

Kankakee Fantasy Con - Recap

On Saturday, June 4 the Kankakee Public Library teamed up with Amazing Fantasy Comic Shops to bring the Kankakee Fantasy Con to the South Chicago area. Of course this being in my neck of the woods I was going to be their in full force representing the sites I contribute to and of course getting the word out on all that I do. So relax and enjoy the recap of the days events!

So like most shows we go to these days, the day began with Amy getting all dressed up as Phoenix while I had to decide what black shirt to wear. I know a tough decision ain't it! Luckily this show was kind of in our backyard and only about 20 minutes away. So we were not super worried about running out the door.

Kankakee Public Library

It was about 10:30 when we made it to the Library. I have to say that I had never been to this building before, but from the outside alone I was looking at a 7 story house of books. I later came to learn that the library has the bottom 4, but still a huge place. So we went in and made our way to the fourth floor where the Con was happening.

The first room of creators and guests

I have to give this show huge props for finding a way to get people to check out every table in the show. They had a "signing" sheet that had a box for every specific guest to sign. When you had them all signed you would be able to get extra raffle tickets. Genius I have to say. Maybe something I will implement for DanCon 2012, LOL. Anyways we went into the first room and there were our good friends Raf Nieves and Dan Dougherty waiting to hang out with us.Of course a lot of our friends were at this show and I don't want to forget anyone so I won't name anymore, but lets leave it at I LOVE YOU ALL.

Raf Nieves and Dan Dougherty saying hello

The first thing I did after dropping off my bag was walk around the show to get a good idea of how things were laid out. They did an awesome job of having things in the right spots. There were two main rooms for the creators and sellers, 2 gaming rooms and one panel room. Also in the main room was a stage where events took place all day.

The second room of creators and guests

What I think I like most about this show was the lack of sellers. This allows for people to interact with the creators and find out what they are working on, instead of spending all day long box diving. One thing I think people need to make sure they do more often when they head to shows, get to know the creators.

Talking live with Charlie Adlard on Skype

Some of the larger events to take place throughout the day on the stage were a How to Draw with Gene Ha,  a live Skype chat with artist Charlie Adlard and a Chicago Jedi lightsaber demonstration. The kids loved the lightsaber event because they got to go up on stage and learn how to have a saber fight.

The lightsaber demonstration

The event was coming to a close, I think maybe a half hour left, when the tornado sirens began to go off outside. The event staff quickly and calmly asked everyone to make their way down to the first floor. So we all gathered on another floor to have a chance to really sit back and relax and chat about the day as a group, which was nice because it's not something that really happens at a show. I will say that as intense as the moment was, it honestly added that icing on the cake to make it that much more memorable.

Aaron Shaps & Mike Beazley

Basically when we got the all clear to head upstairs it was just time to pack and go. So we said our goodbyes and walked out the doors on a fun filled day. Nothing beats leaving with a bag full of horror comics after spending the day with some of the best people I know in comics.

The Kankakee Library Staff

All in all I would say that Kankakee Fantasy Con was a success. They had people coming in all day long, it was laid out well, that there was never a swell of traffic in one location at a time. Events were taking place all day long to offer something else to do and enjoy. To Vicki, Lori, Joe and everyone else involved behind the scenes you did an awesome job and I can not wait to come back again.

Click here for the full photo gallery

Tales From the Water Cooler #18

Welcome to the 18th 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 explain what is worth saving when disaster strikes! Make sure listen in as they dive into their picks of the week Skullkickers #7 , Venom #3 and American Vampire #15.

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 #18