Happy Birthday to Mr George. A Romero from the gang at Buy Zombie. In celebration and recognition of the father of modern zombie films and literature I thought I’d take a peek at his latest venture in the Dead world he has created.
Released with the first issue in Jan 14, and the second issue out this week, Romero has collaborated with Marvel and artist Alex Maleev to create a brand new slice of his genre smashing world. This comic, Empire of the Dead, is set some time after the dead have arisen, with references within its panels to the original Night of the Living Dead (1968). The mini series, set in NY, now renamed Empire of the Dead, sees Dr Penny Jones being sent to Manhattan to investigate the zombie phenomenon, or the ‘stinkers’ to find out to what extent the monsters can be rehabilitated, much like Bub in Day of the Dead. In the first few panels we are shown zombies who exhibit remembered behaviour such as playing chess or checkers. We also find out that the group Jones is working with is an officer down; Officer Xavier. Pay attention folks, because the next few panels reveal that Xavier is important to this new world Romero has created. Similar to Land of the Dead and AMCs
The Walking Dead we also have an arena scenario in which the living Dead are pitched against each other to fight as entertainment for the masses. This post apocalyptic nightmare is run by Mayor Chandrakes nephew Bill, an enigmatic, notably eye patched party hound who revels in the entertainment.
Dr Jones aims to bring back a zombie to the compound and make it nit entirely tame but at least non aggressive. And she truly believes she can do this.
Tightly paced, sparsely written and beautifully drawn and coloured, Empire of the Dead is an exciting addition into Romeros Dead World and the final few panels offer one hell of a cliffhanger. I, for one, can’t wait for issue two out this week. My subscription is done. So, happy birthday Mr Romero; still rocking it large after all these years.
