The Last Call Book 1

The Last Call

by Vasilis Lolos

While out on a midnight drive, two friends - Alec and Sam - are hit by the "Ghost Train," an inter-dimensional soul carrier. They wake up to discover themselves stuck on the train with no way out and no ticket, which is a problem when the conductor comes around. As they desperately search for an escape, the boys uncover clues that lead them deeper into the train's musty cabins and into the path of a killer!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Horror

136 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 2007

Reviews

[Kristen Northrup]

One of the more original comic stories I've come across in a while, especially the setting. Creepy suspense without crossing into horror, with nice bits of humor. I was a little frustrated that the set-up was so gradual, and thus I got to the end without the plot feeling that far along, but I also probably wouldn't have cared as much if there hadn't been so much build-up and development. One of those artists who isn't my style but I still consider talented.

[Matt]

One part Becky Cloonan + one part Hayao Miyazaki + one part awesome = Vasilis Lolos.

Lolos makes his American debut an impressive one. The Last Call just bursts with Wonderland-ish imagination and genuinely creepy character designs. Lolos wields good old-fashioned Zipatone across the page seemingly with both precision and abandon. The net effect lends each scene an appropriately dark and dangerous vibe. There's a good chance this book might have some cross-over appeal to all those middle-schoolers reading free comics in the Borders manga aisle.

[Alex]

Gorgeous ink work, but no clue bout the plot. Too many mysteries without any hints and explanations

[Kyle Vernier]

Picked up on a whim at a used bookstore, mostly because I liked the size of it. Nice art and a YA style story.

[Alex]

Found this tucked away on my book shelf the other day and I couldn't believe I'd forgotten about it. This is another one of those books that ONI put out around the height of the manga craze, along with Scott Pilgrim, Black Metal, etc. And honestly, it could have easily been my favorite had it continued.

Sadly I get the impression there won't be a second volume any time soon. which is a shame because this book is full of fun ideas on each page. Vasilis has this extremely kintetic, cartoony art style that I can only describe as Paul Pope meets Kazuo Umezo, and yeah, I can dig that.

[Doug]

I would have given this four stars, except for the beginning portion in the car. That scene was poorly executed and I almost stopped reading it. The art is interesting...I really like the creatures that occupy the train, but the way the artist draws humans is a little off. Definitely going to read the next volume.

[Derek]

Great art. It's a perfect mix of eastern and western style that creates a perfect indie feel that makes a good juxtaposition to the quirky and, at times, creepy story.
So many unique ideas and characters makes this feel like something greater than what is currently available in independent comics.

[H. Givens]

The art is criminally expressive and detailed, and the timing is mindblowing. In 2011 I was heartbroken there wasn't more, because it's a horror/mystery and this volume barely gets past the opening... Turns out another volume was published in 2013!!

[Andrew Smith]

I love Vasilis. I couldn't help but be jealous reading this, because I could tell how fun it was to create.

[Marilyn]

Creepy story. Some language so recommended for 8th grade and up. The ending was too abrupt for me but I do want to read the next installment. Reminded me of Coraline by Neil Gaiman.

[Drew]

cool b&w art with a strong introduction to what could be a great series

[K T]

Fun images, expressive characters, beautiful brushy inkwork!

[Meg]

A few bits of interesting art, but not much of a story.

[Brea Grant]

this is a pretty amazing comic. a beautiful fantasy book.

[Kendrawesome]

Took a while to set up, but once it did I was hooked! And then it ended entirely too fast. Lots of action and goofy expressions. Time for volume 2!

[Kirsty]

I LOVE this! The story is surreal and the artwork is gorgeous. Every part of it is so vivid in my imagination. I can't wait to read Part 2.

[Jacob]

The art style is very unusual, but the plot intrigues me enough to want to check out volume 2 in order to find out what happens next.

[April]

Definitely intriguing enough for me to seek out the next volume. METAL!

[Elizabeth Sullivan]

Well! That was interesting! Amazing visuals, and an intriguing story so far. Very interested to see what happens next!

Final thoughts
-Poor Benny
-Meredith is the master of backhand remarks
-Mr. S is super interesting so far