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Marvel Zombies

Writer : Robert Kirkman

Artist : Sean Philips

Marvel Comics

Review by Fuxxy Elf

*Warning* This may be a Marvel book and it may feature Spiderman, various X men and Captain America but it is definitely not for the younger generation. The key word in the title is Zombies, and considering it is written by the premier zombie comic writer Robert Kirkman who writes the highly regarded Walking Dead comics, then that should tell you that this is no watering down of the concept. In fact it would be a very brave book for Marvel to put out, but let me say the risk is highly successful and this is my most enjoyable read of the year (okay it's only a week old but I can't resist hyperbole.)

The premise is simple, the world has been infected by a virus that turns people into zombies. Of course the Marvel universe is populated by various super beings who are far from immune to this disease so the logical conclusion is if Spiderman, Hulk, Wolverine and Captain America became zombies then the rest of the human race would not stand much of a chance. So we come into it as the human population has been decimated, a large amount of famous super heroes are now flesh eating zombies and a small amount of heroes have resisted the disease so far and are out to save what's left of the world led by Magneto.wait! That is what I was expecting when I opened this book and for the first issue it is true showing a battle between Magneto and zombies which is both thrilling and gruesome. But then the book takes a surprising turn as you realise the book is actually from the zombies point of view, which considering although they are flesh eating monsters they have retained some of their personality leads to some great black humour. I'm not actually going to get into specifics of the plot because I don't want to spoil anything, this kind of book where anything can happen and generally it does, should not be spoiled for anyone.

The tone of the book is tongue in cheek black humour, and it is in fact the funniest use of zombies since Shaun of the Dead. Some of the ideas are hilarious counter points to the usual personalities; for instance Spiderman feeling his usual guilt and angst but in a unique way ("I ate my wife -- my aunt! Why?! Why did I do that?!"). Some are witty but logical ideas, just what would happen if the Hulk ate a person and then shrank down to Banner's size without digesting it first? And some are downright disturbing like Hank Pym's way of keeping himself alive since there is now a shortage of fresh flesh. Each new revelation makes you wince, groan and laugh at the same time which is exactly the way I like my humour. Of course if you don't want to read about your favourite heroes ripping apart body parts and slowly rotting away, then you should stay away from this book, this is very much a niche book and not going to be loved by everyone. But that is fine by me, I often find that books that try and appeal to all often lose their identity. When a book has a specific agenda and does not seem to have been messed with editorially like this one that is when you get a modern classic. In fact in the introduction to the hardback version Kirkman says that with each issue he tried to up the ante and with each one Marvel said okay with no reservations which surprised even him.

The art is suitably grim, dark and atmospheric, all greens and blacks in the background with plenty of gruesome and gory events in the foreground. A second reading is recommended to spot all the heroes and villains Sean Philips puts into the splashes and just what state of decay they are in. However, Philips has decided that every zombie should have the same facial expression which can be a little boring after a while. The only way of telling them apart in close ups is often just a piece of ripped mask, the likes of Peter Parker and Bruce Banner look exactly the same in close up which can be frustrating to follow. Besides that the art captures the spirit of the comic and it is refreshing to read a trade that has consistent art these days. Special mention should be given to the multitude of covers that are available in the trade, each issue had multiple printings and each had a unique cover that was a zombie parody of a famous Marvel cover. My personal favourites are the Uncanny X men 1 cover with Beast's hands being ripped off as he swings and Cyclops holding his head as it zaps Magneto; and the wedding of Spider Man as he holds his half eaten dead bride. Sick, hilarious and pure genius. Just like the comic itself.

David Ellis © 2007