- Writers: Andy Eschenbach and Brian Level
- Artist: Kate Sherron
- Letterer: Micah Myers
- Editors: Elizabeth Brei and Megan Brown
- Designer: Samuel Murray
Thanks to IDW Publishing for the review copy!
CHAINED TO THE GRAVE is a wild west tale in which the main character, Roy, is brought back to life. After a brief introduction to the main characters, the reason Roy has been resurrected is revealed and the plot goes from there. Interestingly, in the CHAINED TO THE GRAVE universe, this doesn’t seem to be a big deal to anyone.
CHAINED TO THE GRAVE uses an exaggerated art style and a pastel color palette to evoke the west. Roy’s character design is a high point to this issue. He’s a hulking zombie with the bullet hole damage from when he was killed exposing half of his skull and eye socket. While this could be gross, Roy is quite likable. He kind of reminds me of Johnny Bravo with his exaggerated upper torso. The best part of his design (and likely the inspiration for the book’s title) is the fact that he is literally chained to a tombstone. This becomes the set piece for the book’s most inventive action sequences.
CHAINED TO THE GRAVE also sets itself apart from many other stories set in the old west in its depiction of women. The female characters in this book are not damsels in distress. They are not afraid to take action and some are quite deadly.
In addition to the constant reminder that Roy got shot in the head, the title has some comic violence, curse words and a near adult situation that is interrupted before young readers would probably know what is happening. The first issue sets up a pretty straightforward ‘go find this’ plot that suits the characters perfectly.
CHAINED TO THE GRAVE #1 is now available.
Check back soon for my thoughts on the 2nd issue of the series.
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