Yet another entry to the ravaged world of the zombie
apocalypse, Zombies: A Brief History Of
Decay is a dense read that fully embraces its entrance as both graphic and
novel.
Writer Olivier Peru and artist Sophian Cholet present their
entertaining take on that post-apocalyptical struggle that is now oh-so
familiar. In this world, zombies can be both slow and fast, based on the rate
of their decay, but even more surprising is the fact that humanity abandons the
every-man-for-himself thieving personae most commonly seen and wants to work together to rid themselves
of the plague. Well, except for a band of white trash wanna-be survivalists
held up in, naturally, a Wal-Mart.
Peru has the remains of civilization residing in floating
armadas on both the Mississippi and the coast off Seattle, and scripts the main
characters as a worthy nation looking to survive and rebuild, with a few
personal quests added for spice.
Unfortunately, and perhaps this is a by-product of the collected
edition, there is limited consistency between the several separate plots.
Breaks don’t come naturally forcing the reader to back-up and regroup. In this
regard, Cholet’s incredible layouts and design lapse into a droning sense of
sameness, particularly with the representation of the main male leads who are
all white with dark hair and beards. Removing any familiarity with the
characters reduces that emotional connection.
Zombies shamelessly
captures the worlds of Romero and Kirkman and makes an entertaining quest out
of the venture with plenty of subtle zingers that can be followed up on in a
sequel. Peru and Cholet show both
the decay of humanity and civilization, but tease the reader with something
everyone universally wants, hope and a future.
Many thanks to
NetGalley and Insight Comics for this decaying advance read.
As Always,
theJOE
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