A Fresh View On The Zombie Apocalypse: Reviewing ‘Outbreaks’ #1
by Tom Smithyman
Overview
This premiere issue delivers two zombie tales that differ significantly in terms of tone and visual style. Unfortunately, the more interesting story is given less space to show off, but both are entertaining.
Overall
8/10Surviving the zombie apocalypse ain’t all it’s cracked up to be. Just ask Coach Matthews and Jimmy.
In the first story in Outbreaks #1, called Rotten Luck, the unlikely pair have a unique vantage point for the end of the world: a jail cell. The good news is that the zombie hordes can’t break in. The bad news is the survivors can’t get out. And, as usual, there are lots of hungry walkers waiting for anyone who attempts to rescue them.
In the story written by Will Robson, we learn that the coach was locked up after punching a referee during a big football game. The now-zombified ref is trying to get revenge by eating the coach. Seems fair. There’s not much of a story, but it’s a different take on a familiar tale. Presumably the next issue will tell Jimmy’s story. Bet on it involving copious amounts of alcohol.
Monika Maccagni draws the story, with colors by Cyril Vincent. Maccagni has a broad style, giving the surviving humans wide block chins. While the zombies aren’t too frightening to look at, they are quite deadly as they devour a would-be rescuer.
Framing the stories is Maitre Z – think of him as the Cryptkeeper from Tales From the Crypt. He throws the stories into perspective while doling out one-liners.
Robson draws Maitre Z as well as the second story, Dead Eye Dick, which he also writes. It’s a fairly fresh take – a first-person zombie tale. Daggett is a World War II sharpshooter who lost an eye in combat. We first meet him ripping the heart from his prey and then taking a bite from it, which makes for a pretty compelling opening.
In fact, Dick is the better of the tales, at least in terms of visuals. Robson gives it a pulpy feel, which adds to the intrigue. Unfortunately, it’s so short, the snippet is over before you can really get into it. It would have been better to give more real estate to this story and make Rotten Luck the backup.
The premiere issue comes with a number of covers, many of them loving – and hilarious – rip-offs of famous works by legendary artists including Todd McFarlane and David Mazzucchelli.
Outbreaks #1 is available now through Global Comix.
