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I grabbed this May 2013, Image First, about two years ago at a comic shop because of the writer and the suggestion from one of my best friends. Seeley did a Nailbiter/Hack/Slash One-Shot with Joshua Williamson. I posted a review for Nailbiter a little while back! With it being one of my favorite series, I was not surprised when Revival delivered a “rural noir” unlike anything I have ever read. If you look at my copy, you can tell it has seen some love.
The first issue was published in July 2012. The series has done so well that it’s being adapted into a TV show set to air next month. The trailer, which I’ve included in the review, had me glued to the screen, and then hurrying to keep reading the rest of the series.
- Story by- Tim Seeley
- Letters by- Crank!
- Cover by- Jenny Frison
- Art by- Mike Norton
- Design by- Sean Dove
- Colors by- Mark Englert
- Edited by- 4 Star Studios
Let’s start with the art. I eat this style up every time. Mike Norton has an impressive list of creations under his belt, and I have a couple in my collection. The colors, line work, and panel layouts are the perfect frame to hold the story. I love how it has this disarming mask of humor, carrying the mystery of the Revivers.
Now that brings us to the writer, Tim Seeley, who has written several other series in my collection, like Money Shot. If you look this man up, I guarantee you will find something of his you love or have read already. I think this issue does well in luring you deeper into the plot.
Dana Cypress is an officer in central Wisconsin, about two hours from a town I’ve spent months in when I was traveling full-time. There is snow first page. I can confirm the whole state is composed of that, cheese, and barn quilts. She is preparing for another shift on a shorthanded force during her time with her son, Cooper. You get a peek into the demands of a working mother and the sacrifices made on behalf of survival.
She is indulging her donut craving when her dad, Wayne Cypress, pops up to dispatch her to a call in Wausau, WI. I wasn’t expecting the close-knit superiority, so the body language is fun to read. It starts to tell a story itself. Clearly, there are family secrets. It’s also the first time you get an ideal of Revival Day.
On the way to the call, she’s caught off guard by who she realizes to be her sister Em, overlooking the water from the side of a bridge. As sisters do, Dana interrogates her about her car troubles. There is a moment girlhood creeps in and they swear not to tell their dad that Em is riding along. I love the dialogue between them because there is a subtle yearning to be close in the way they communicate about shared experiences.
The crime scene is still buzzing with arguing neighbors and a dead animal when the pair arrive. Attempting to defuse the situation and investigate, she finds evidence pointing in an unlikely direction. This is where I enjoyed the appearance of a couple of adorable creatures. These cute barn kitties! I am going to spoil it to tell you that they aren’t the murderers. You will have to read the series to find out who is.
Revival packs a punch full of suspicious dynamics, and keeps you hooked with its unconventional portrayal of zombies. You won’t regret reading the series, and I’m sure your local comic shop would be happy to help you.
Questions for my readers to answer below.
- Are you planning to watch the show?
- What unspoken things can you pick up on from the art alone?
- How many of you have read the whole series?
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