I’m a big fan of graphic novels/comics as an art form and as a form of literature. Some of my favorites are Fables by Bill Willingham, the Criminal and Fatale series’ by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. To name just a few.
Also a constant reader and fan of Stephen King, so the comic Creepshow written by King with artwork by Berni Wrightson should be a slam dunk, hole in one, five star review, shouldn’t it?
It’s not.
It’s not at all.
It was actually quite disappointing.
I haven’t seen the movie Creepshow, not sure that matters though.
The comic is pretty badly written.
Example: one character is being eaten alive by a monster and the dialogue goes something like this — “Ah, oh no, it’s biting me. It hurts. It’s biting me.”
I never seen someone eaten alive by a monster but if I did, I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t be giving me a commentary of it.
Steve: Jim? Are you okay.
Jim: No, Steve. I’m being eaten by an ancient creature. It’s chewing my face as we speak.
Steve: That sounds pretty shitty, Jim. Is there something I can do?
Jim: Ah, it hurts!
Steve: I’m sure it does.
Jim: It’s eating my face! Ah!!
Don’t get me wrong, I can see this for what it is. A homage to the great pulp horror comics of the past. The art by Berni is stellar. The actual plots for the stories are awesome. The dialogue is just awful.
Furthermore, it’s all woefully short.
I’ve seen a lot of reviewers say that this project comes across as a quick cash grab, sadly I agree.
3/5 For the great art work and the actual idea.
If you’re hankering for a homage to pulp horror comics of the past you’re better off reading the real deal — Doctor of Horror with art work by Graham Ingels.
Punk Noir Press 