Dead@17: The Complete First Series

by Josh Howard

Something sinister is emerging in the small town of Darlington Hills. At the center of it are Nara Kilday and Hazy Foss, your average teenage girls. The best of friends, they share a unique bond. But when tragedy strikes, a dark secret is revealed that will forever change their world forever.

Genres: Comics, Horror, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Fiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2012

Reviews

[Yaakov]

Don't think I'm going to continue this series, but the first several issues were entertaining. It's just a little bland and the characters all have a very similar look to them that makes it confusing to tell them apart at times.

[Andy]

My brother recently got a bunch of comics and trades given to him (for free, lucky bugger) and this was one of them. Rather Buffyesque in nature it tells the story of Nara who (no spoiler given the title) dies and then comes back to kick zombie ass. Roughly. The story is no great surprise, while competent it fails to shine. The art though is rather nice as a mange hybrid, all crisp lines and sexy poses and splash pages.

The old comic book amusement is still prevalent though - they can show a 17 year old girl naked and rather perky throughout but when her best friend, covered in zombie grue looks up to see the resurrected corpse stircking a pose the most hardcore thing she can think to say is 'oh my gosh...'

OMG indeed. Fun and brief.

[Noah Soudrette]

While the story here is somewhat middling and comes across as a generic blend of Buffy, Lovecraft, and the X-Files for Christ, the real draw, and the thing that makes this worth checking out is Josh Howard's wonderful artwork. Usually art doesn't draw me in like this, but Howard's art is very addictive.

[Rob]

I was drawn into this series after reading a few Hack/Slash issues. I liked the art style and it looked like a cartoon version of Buffy, sort of, which I guess was the appeal. Unfortunately, I think I'm above the age range of the intended audience, and it didn't do anything fresh for the genre. But it was kind of fun, anyway.

[Deviancy]

The complete first series tells the story of Nara. Poor Nara is destined to fight off an evil demonic army and still make time to spend with her friends. There's a strong Buffy influence in this story, but the metaphors aren't present. I like metaphors.. dammit.

[Michael Hawk]

Dead @ 17 is the title that jumped my ass back into comic books. Howard's art is insanely hot and the horror/mythical creature storylines are a fun read. Highest recommendation.

[Jc]

Into every generation, a slayer is born... oops! wrong series! An interesting premise, but a bit too long-winded. The artwork was pretty good - had that modern yet retro feel that I like.

[H. Givens]

Derivative, but well-written with attractive art.

[Lance Ferguson]

I liked it, the authors notes at the end helped me appreciate it more. I am interested to see how the story developed from the end of this book and how the author develops the themes he discussed.