Review: ‘So-Called Living’ #1 Is A Throwback

Writer Mark Maia does a reasonably good job at setting up the rules and threats for this world. Yes, there are some standard things so far in Maia’s rules for zombies, but the apocalyptic amount of bunnies feel like they could be supernatural or science fiction. Also the vampires are like something from the cartoon Clerks: The Animated Series (2000-2002) in terms of comedic tone. Unfortunately, Maia also uses an anti-gay slur in certain parts of the comic. Or at least this seems to be the case, because Maia also attaches another word to it and this series does have the supernatural in its universe. Thus, Maia might not be writing homophobic characters that may or may not return in future issues. Either way this issue’s script might appeal to fans of Kevin Smith’s writing or comedians from the 2000s.

Artist Marco Leone shows some level of confidence in the line work. Leone produces high quality work with only two real flaws. The first is the moon is too omnipresent in certain panels. While the latter flaw is a character missing a finger on the second to last panel. Back on the plus side, Leone’s style is somewhat suggesting one of the influences might be the cartoon Megas XLR (2004-2005). Though there is a scratchy angular quality that suggests other influences.

The hues are by unknown colorists that work at Casbri Studio. They do a good job using a wide range of colors that suits the narrative. These colorists apply the hues in a way that helps make Leone’s images pop off the page. Not to mention that they do not obscure certain bits of line work Leone creates, such as those in the micro-expressions the main character has. Arguably, without the coloring that Casbri Studio does this comic could be worse in quality.

Letterer Simona Di Napoli does an amazing job with suggesting differing vocal volumes via the sizing of the text. Napoli also does a good job with placing the text in a way that helps with the comedic tone’s timing.

The covers are not being examination for this series due to the writer/publisher Mark Maia using A.I. assistance for a set, and this reviewer does not support A.I. Though Maia says on the original kickstarter campaign that only original work that he owns is being put in the prompt generator for assistance.

So-Called Living #1 is out from Maia Comics, and is available on webtoons. Digital, and presumably physical, copies will be available again through the upcoming kickstarter in October for issues 3 and 4.