iZombie #1 – Review

by Chris Roberson (writer), Mike Allred (art), Laura Allred (colors), and Todd Klein (letters)

The Story: We’re introduced to the varied, and mostly monstrous, cast of iZombie.

What’s Good: It seems that for many people, the main attraction for this title is the art provided by the Allreds.  Well, rest assured that they most definitely deliver, even in an issue like this one that is fairly understated, without any pyrotechnics and little to no impressive displays of the supernatural.  The world Allred illustrates is a bizarre mixture of horror, indie quirk, and retro pulp that somehow works out.  More importantly, all of the characters look very distinct and well defined.

For example, Gwen, the main character, is made instantly likable due to her awesome character design.  On the other hand, Ellie, her ghostly girlfriend, stands out due to her vintage appearance; Allred makes her seem like a character from a 70s publication.  While the character work is excellent, Allred also brings in some really fun layouts towards the end of the issue that make for some poignancy that Roberson’s script may not have carried otherwise.

Weekly Comic Book Review’s Top Picks

DS’ Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: X-Force #26 – this whole Second Coming arc is firing on all cylinders and I think Marvel’s got a classic on its hands if they can keep this level of control and discipline on the story.

Most Anticipated: Brightest Day #1 – What!? Like it could be anything else? Johns, Tomasi, and Reis are starting the new Green Lantern epic!

Other Top Picks: Batman and Robin #12, JSA All-Stars #6, Red Robin #12, Superman: War of the Supermen #1, Spider-Man: Fever #2, Uncanny X-Men #524.

Alex’s Top Picks

Pick of the Week: Scalped #37 -A really fantastic issue and a perfect conclusion to what could’ve been just another filler arc.  Brave, gritty stuff all around, Scalped continues to be one of the best books around.

Most Anticipated: iZombie #1 – A new Vertigo ongoing is always something to check out and with Mike Allred behind the art that becomes doubly so.  My curiosity is piqued and I hope that Vertigo continues it’s current hot streak.

Other Picks: Hellboy in Mexico (Or, a Drunken Blur), Sweet Tooth #9, Brightest Day #1, Batman & Robin #12, Secret Six #21

Joe’s Top Picks

Best of the Week: X-Force #26 – Kyle and Yost back to form on the title they made a great read and the death of a major  X-character all wrapped up in beautiful artwork by Mike Choi and Sonia Oback?  ‘Nuff said.

Most Anticipated: Brightest Day #1 – The zero issue was a pleasant surprise and, well, hello?!  White ring to finish my collection?  Yes please.

Other picks: Uncanny X-Men #523, X-Men – Second Coming Revelations – Hellbound #1, Red Robin #12, Secret Six #21, Demo 2 #4, Astonishing Spider-Man/Wolverine #1

Dean’s Top Picks

Pick of the Week: Incorruptible #5 – None of the “big” titles really blew my socks off last week and I smile because that allows Incorruptible #5 to steal the cheese.  This was the best issue yet of this series.  You should definitely be reading this and its sister title, Irredeemable.

Most Anticipated: Orc Stain #3 – The first two issues of this series from Image have been trippy, vulgar fun.  Can’t wait to see what happens in this issue!

Other Picks: I, Zombie #1, Uncanny X-Men #524, Amazing Spider-Man #630, Secret Six #21, Batman & Robin #12