Review - Severed #2

Severed #2 by Vertigo/DC Comics. Written by Scott Snyder and Scott Tuft. Drawn by Attila Futaki. $2.99

Issue two of this new series is just more of the same. It does have a couple things that I didn't expect, but once again it is a very slow going comic. Reading other comics by Scott Snyder, it makes me wonder how much of the actual writing is done by him or if he just came up with the idea and Scott Tuft is the actual one writing it, because it just doesn't read like one of his normal titles.

The artist is still unique and would go well with this or any other horror type comic, but again the story just isn't there. I think they really wanted to build the suspense, hoping to draw you in as you are given more and more of the mystery, but it is just not happening. I'm not saying that it needs a slasher or blood and guts to get it going, but it is more of a story about a son looking for his father that abandoned him, than it has any semblance of a horror comic.

Maybe by the end of the story, it will be the horror comic it is trying to be, but the way it is written, I think they should have gone with a trade paperback format instead of monthly issues. Because, there is just too long of a wait for the next issue to build any real suspense that would keep the reader going. As it is, as a monthly title, I'm not willing to wait.

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Review - Gore #4

Gore #4 by GG Studios. Written by Alex Chippa. Drawn by Emilio Laiso. $2.99

Ahhhhh, when your horror title is not going as well as you want, just add lots of blood and guts and gore that should do it. Especially if you name your title Gore to start off with.

Ok, they make Hans and Gretal into fucking cannibals, that chop up young women, and eat them with salt, or as the book says too much salt. It is inventive but sheesh, it seems to me their creativity is going on the wayside in place of just blood and guts.

The art itself, which to start off intrigued me to get the comic, has come to make this almost a joke in its cartoon-like panels that that make this even worse. The main character looks more and more like Bruce Campbell with each issue and the story is going so far south anyone, even reading from the start, would be lost as hell in trying to figure this title out. It is a shame because the concept and overall art really could have made this a very unique horror comic, but they just fell back on the old adage that when in doubt, try to gross the hell out of your readers and they will just bypass the fact you did a shitty job on the story. Definitely pass this one up.

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Upcoming Horror Items For Sale

NEW SOON TO BE RELEASED HORROR ITEMS

Tru Blood Soda 4-Pack

Tart and slightly sweet, Tru Blood pours like a regular soda but appears stormy and mysterious when poured into a glass. The Tru Blood beverage features a stunning bottle design that is an exact replica of bottles featured on the HBO tv series: stained in rich red with raised English lettering and matching Japanese Kanji! 14oz. per bottle. NOTE: Sold in multi-pack quantities--check your retailer for availability. Price: Varies Set By Retailer.

The Walking Dead (TV): Zombie Mini-Busts

Two brand New Collectible mini-busts from the smash-hit AMC television series, The Walking Dead! Designed and sculpted by the KNB EFX Group--the same team responsible for the series' awesome make-up effects--each resin piece is hand-painted and comes packaged in an illustrated box. Choose from the Bicycle Girl Zombie (The left mini-bust in the picture) (6.5") or Tank Zombie (The Right mini-bust in the picture) (6.5") mini-busts. Scheduled to ship in November 2011. Check your local retailer for pricing and availability.

S.H.Monster Arts: Godzilla Action Figure

A revolutionary new Kaiju Action Figure series will destroy stores this November in a Tamashii Nations first time ever worldwide simultaneous release! Introducing S.H.MonsterArts! The S.H.MonsterArts series is based on the sculpts rendered by the renowned Yuji Sakai and feature unprecedented detail! Godzilla will feature 29 points of articulation allowing for a never-before-realized range of movement--including a swimming pose! And each figure features unprecedented levels of detail and coloring--from the pupils of Godzilla's eyes to his back plates. Constructed from ABS, PVC and POM materials fro enhanced detail, each figure will include bonus effect parts and a special display stand for these effect parts, that will only be included in the initial production wave as a First Edition Bonus! Scheduled to ship November 2011. NOTE: Available only in the United States, Canada, and U.S. Territories. SRP: $67.99

Stay Puft Caffeinated Marshmallows

Stay Puft Marshmallows brings back the classic brand from the Ghostbusters series, just in time for the upcoming Ghostbusters 3. These gourmet marshmallows, with caffeine added for a unique energy boost, are produced using top-quality ingredients by the best small-batch marshmallow producer in the United States. Check your local retailer for price and availability.

Remote Control Zombie Figure

Run! Hide! Barricade yourself in the basement of an abandoned farmhouse! This 7 3/4" tall, plastic Remote Control Zombie will trudge forward and groan when you activate him by pressing the button on the 2 3/4" long brain shaped remote. Horrifyingly entertaining! Articulated at the neck, shoulders and hips, the figure requires three AAA batteries (not included) to operate. Clamshell packaging. Check your local retailer for availability and pricing.

Resident Evil: S.T.A.R.S. Badge & Leather Wallet Set

The Special Tactics and Rescue Service (S.T.A.R.S.) is an elite special forces division within the Raccoon City Police Department, comprised of hand-picked specialist personnel. This solid die-cast metal replica S.T.A.R.S. badge (based on the Resident Evil game) is intricately detailed and is complete with a genuine leather badge wallet. This black leather wallet features an ID card window and the front is embossed with the S.T.A.R.S. logo. Scheduled to ship in October 2011. SRP: $49.95


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Upcoming Horror Items For Sale

NEW SOON TO BE RELEASED HORROR ITEMS

Resident Evil: T-Virus & Anti-Virus Display

For the first time ever, an officially licensed T-Virus and Anti-Virus from the Resident Evil film series are available! Each vial measures just over 5" long and is an accurate replica of this quintessential prop. Constructed of aluminum and Plexiglas, each vial has internal LEDs so that they can be independently illuminated. They come complete with an Umbrella Corporation themed display base. Limited to 750 pieces worldwide. Check your local retailer for Price and availability.


Gremlins 7-in Series 1 AF Action Figures

The villainous Gremlin monsters join the Mogwais to celebrate NECA's successful re-launch of the Gremlins toy line! The first assortment of Gremlins figures includes all-new figures as seen in Gremlins 2: The New Batch. Fans will be able to get their hands on George, Daffy, or Flasher, each of whom comes with a costume and accessories as seen in the film. Scheduled to ship in November 2011. NOTE: Available only in the United States, Canada, and U.S. Territories.
SRP: $17.99


True Blood: Tru Blood Logo Mug

The vampires of the HBO series True Blood quaff a blood substitute beverage, Tru Blood. The logo of that drink features on this coffee mug. Revive yourself in the mornings with a dose of coffee or tea, just as vampires revive themselves with blood substitutes! SRP: #13.99



A Nightmare on Elm Street Series 2 7-Inch Action Figures

NECA celebrates the original Nightmare on Elm Street films with the definitive action figure versions of Freddy from the third and fourth films. The Dream Warriors Freddy includes a replica of the Elm Street house, the chest of souls, two different heads, and a removable hat. The Dream Master Freddy features the bodies of his victims as they claw their way out of his body. Each figure stands 7" tall and will be cherished by any fan of the series. Blister card packaging. Scheduled to ship in November 2011. NOTE: available only in the United States, U.S. Territories, Canada, and the U.K. SRP: $17.99 each


Friday The 13th Part IV: Jason's Mask Replica

For the first time ever, an affordable replica is available of the hockey mask worn by Jason in Friday the 132th Part 4: The Final Chapter. Made from resin and hand painted, the mask includes leather-like straps so you can wear it or hand on the wall for display. Includes the cracked battle damage wound with bloody deco! Accurate to the film in every way. Scheduled to ship in October 2011. NOTE: Available only in the United States, Canada, and U.S. Territories. SRP: $29.99


Nightmare On Elm Street (1984): Freddy's Glove Replica

At long last, a handmade replica of the original Nightmare on Elm Street Freddy Glove from the 1984 series debut! Hand-crafted and made of real metal, the glove has every detail as seen on screen, including distressed leather-like material and metal attachments riveted to the glove. Scheduled to ship in October 2011. NOTE: Available only in the United States, Canada, and U.S. Territories. SRP: $69.99

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Exclusive Test Post

Review - Hellblazer #282

Hellblazer #282 by Vertigo/DC Comics. Written by Peter Milligan. Drawn by Simon Bisley. $2.99

Simon Bisley continues to be a master in drawing horror and expressions. John Constantine is asked by his wife Epiphany's gangster father to enter a prison that has anyone that goes there so frightened they would rather kill themselves than go back inside.

Once inside he finds out an old Demon that was brought into the world by a whore of Ishtar to bring misery to man. This bastard is one sadistic little shit. The things he does to the prisoners on a day to day basis would break any man ten times over.

Peter Milligan has really come into his own with is writing for this title. Many writers have said that Hellblazer, or any of the Vertigo titles, can be a bitch to write for due to the subject matter. But Milligan brings Hellblazer back as a well thought out horror comic.

Hellblazer is a consistent horror/arcane comic series that keeps the reader coming back for more every time. And even if you only collect certain story-lines, it is hard to pass up this Vertigo title.

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