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Retrovirus
When Zoe, a brilliant young scientist who specializes in identifying extinct viruses, is offered a job at a remote research facility in Antarctica, she soon discovers her employer has unearthed a perfectly preserved Neanderthal. That is only one of the many dark secrets lurking at the facility as Zoe races against time to stop a global pandemic.
In the vein of Andromeda Strain, Altered States, and Jurassic Park, Retrovirus seamlessly blends human drama, action, science fiction, and horror into a 64-page graphic novel written by Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray (Queen Crab, Jonah Hex, Creator-Owned Heroes) and illustrated by Norberto Fernandez (The Tattered Man).
In the vein of Andromeda Strain, Altered States, and Jurassic Park, Retrovirus seamlessly blends human drama, action, science fiction, and horror into a 64-page graphic novel written by Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray (Queen Crab, Jonah Hex, Creator-Owned Heroes) and illustrated by Norberto Fernandez (The Tattered Man).
72 pages, Hardcover
First published November 21, 2012
3 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Jimmy Palmiotti
1,663 books174 followersJames "Jimmy" Palmiotti is an American writer and inker of comic books, who also does writing for games, television and film.
Photo by Luigi Novi.
Photo by Luigi Novi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 24, 2013
If I could give this less than one star I would. This is the most scientifically inaccurate and sexist book I've ever read. While the main character is a young female scientist, she is constantly referred to as MISS.... Why not Dr like her male colleagues? And why is she constantly in her underwear, wrapped in towel, or skimpy clothes? I am disgusted. I will never read anything from these authors ever again.
November 26, 2012
Would somebody tell me why there is so much love for Palmiotti and Gray? Between Time Bomb and Retrovirus, they seem more like fanfic hacks than professionals. Bland characters, high-concept plots that flatline into formulaic action, atrocious dialogue, et cetera, et cetera, ad nauseum. And here's a thought, guys: if you're using a Strong Female Character to highlight the sexism inherent in a man's world, don't sexualize her at every fucking turn by doffing her top with the thinnest of explanations. But if you want to include sex, include sex! Your treatment of the subject feels like an 11-year-old chuckling at the mention of "boobies." The only enjoyment I got from this book was the irony of its "Mature" rating.
These are not writers. They are boys playing with action figures.
These are not writers. They are boys playing with action figures.
September 28, 2014
This was pretty damn bad.
December 7, 2012
Dr Zoe Wallace is famous for her work on retroviruses. She's approached by BioPharm with a job offer--she can study a neanderthal who is infected with a dead virus that is related to one the dinosaurs once had. Unfortunately, when she arrives at the research facility it's to find that the virus isn't as dead as she expected...
The artwork is what really sold the novel to me, it does a fantastic job at not just looking pretty, but also portraying emotional scenes. I found that a lot of the panels that had no text were some of the most evocative and compelling ones. And there were a few bits that I loved seeing, such as the stuffed Spock in Zoe's room. It helped show a lot about the character, without the reader needing to be told in so many words, which I think is very important in a graphic novel.
On the other hand, the art was also used to continue stereotypes, with the scientists at the conference who are portrayed as perverts leering at the young and beautiful Zoe, while they themselves are either old, overweight, or both, and the majority of the scientists also wear glasses. There were a few instances where the dialogue could have been eliminated and a panel of art used to show instead, but otherwise it was really well done.
The story, though, was intriguing. I'm not a scientist, but I was fairly certain that the genetic science in Jurassic Park was pretty terrible, and it was probably bad in this as well, but it was consistent and believable which is the most important part of any science fiction. Zoe was a fairly strong female character, she expressed herself well and she was the one scientist who didn't seem to be letting BioPharm pull the wool over her eyes after the first time. She agreed to signing up to work for the company and to her later romantic relationship a bit easily, but for such a short novel it's understandable.
My only real complaint was that the ending felt a little too rushed. I really hope that there is a sequel for this one, because I'd like to know more about Zoe's future research projects with BioPharm.
*In the interest of full disclosure, I received a free copy of this graphic novel through NetGalley. That does not influence my take on this comic at all, though I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to read and review it.*
(A copy of this review can be found on my blog.)
The artwork is what really sold the novel to me, it does a fantastic job at not just looking pretty, but also portraying emotional scenes. I found that a lot of the panels that had no text were some of the most evocative and compelling ones. And there were a few bits that I loved seeing, such as the stuffed Spock in Zoe's room. It helped show a lot about the character, without the reader needing to be told in so many words, which I think is very important in a graphic novel.
On the other hand, the art was also used to continue stereotypes, with the scientists at the conference who are portrayed as perverts leering at the young and beautiful Zoe, while they themselves are either old, overweight, or both, and the majority of the scientists also wear glasses. There were a few instances where the dialogue could have been eliminated and a panel of art used to show instead, but otherwise it was really well done.
The story, though, was intriguing. I'm not a scientist, but I was fairly certain that the genetic science in Jurassic Park was pretty terrible, and it was probably bad in this as well, but it was consistent and believable which is the most important part of any science fiction. Zoe was a fairly strong female character, she expressed herself well and she was the one scientist who didn't seem to be letting BioPharm pull the wool over her eyes after the first time. She agreed to signing up to work for the company and to her later romantic relationship a bit easily, but for such a short novel it's understandable.
My only real complaint was that the ending felt a little too rushed. I really hope that there is a sequel for this one, because I'd like to know more about Zoe's future research projects with BioPharm.
*In the interest of full disclosure, I received a free copy of this graphic novel through NetGalley. That does not influence my take on this comic at all, though I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to read and review it.*
(A copy of this review can be found on my blog.)
January 16, 2013
Retrovirus was unexpectedly not full of T&A shots, only 3-5 pages of them at the most. It would have been easy to go there because Zoe was the only female character in 98% of the story, surrounded by men, half of which didn’t bother hiding their disgusting lust towards Zoe. Thankfully, Zoe’s sexuality was never used against her or a part of the conflict.
I really liked Zoe. She was smart. She was driven. She didn’t let anyone push her around. I liked how she was actually one of the violent characters in the story.
What I didn’t care for were the male stereotypes. The men were either sexually uninhibited and sexists with shades of arrogance, or meek and naive and overall expendable, or thick-headed muscle dudes. Zoe was the only character who seemed to defy stereotypes and really the only likeable character around.
In Conclusion
I rate Retrovirus 3-stars for I liked it. The plot was action-packed. The pseudo-science was sufficiently believable. The art was great; there was nothing for me to nitpick. The ending was a tad rushed but it was satisfactory. I loved the romance that occurred at the last minute; Zoe deserved it.
I really liked Zoe. She was smart. She was driven. She didn’t let anyone push her around. I liked how she was actually one of the violent characters in the story.
What I didn’t care for were the male stereotypes. The men were either sexually uninhibited and sexists with shades of arrogance, or meek and naive and overall expendable, or thick-headed muscle dudes. Zoe was the only character who seemed to defy stereotypes and really the only likeable character around.
In Conclusion
I rate Retrovirus 3-stars for I liked it. The plot was action-packed. The pseudo-science was sufficiently believable. The art was great; there was nothing for me to nitpick. The ending was a tad rushed but it was satisfactory. I loved the romance that occurred at the last minute; Zoe deserved it.
January 17, 2013
This book was a disappointment. While the concept and art is well done, the plot has holes you can drive a truck through. How did the neanderthals know there was water there? Is everyone on the station infected? How did Zoe find the cure? What did she tell whats-his-face at the end? And where is she going at the airport? And what's with the British basically being a giant dues ex machina? The title and cover art will appeal to fans of zombie fare and people might enjoy the bloody action, but anyone looking for plot and story is better off elsewhere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2021
I saw others were complaining that the main character is hot. I must say that is very superficial of you, people. An intelligent, world-class researcher is just as likely to have wavy blonde pornstar hair, luscious rocking knockers, lickable flat abs, a tight ass you can bounce a quarter off of and long legs you won't be willing to unwrap from around you. I mean, come on! Get it together and enjoy the story! Which is respectable from a scientific standpoint. It's a fictional and exaggerated scenario, but the dialogue is anything but banal. The second half is mostly action movie material with more gallons of blood than the Aliens and Predator franchise put together, but it's still fun.
After being dumped by a paranoid boyfriend and fiancee of 3 years, professor Zoe Wallace gives an impressive lecture on retroviruses. She believes the dangers of researching them far outweigh the benefits of finding new cures - like releasing new viruses into the world. She is offered the opportunity for further research into the matter by Bio-Pharm. She is to research a perfectly preserved neanderthal who lived 30,000 years before. She soon discovers she and her colleagues are all infected with the caveman's virus and won't be allowed to leave the facility unless they develop a cure. Their only ally is Conri Davis the Bio-Pharm head of security who develops a relationship of trust with Zoe.
After being dumped by a paranoid boyfriend and fiancee of 3 years, professor Zoe Wallace gives an impressive lecture on retroviruses. She believes the dangers of researching them far outweigh the benefits of finding new cures - like releasing new viruses into the world. She is offered the opportunity for further research into the matter by Bio-Pharm. She is to research a perfectly preserved neanderthal who lived 30,000 years before. She soon discovers she and her colleagues are all infected with the caveman's virus and won't be allowed to leave the facility unless they develop a cure. Their only ally is Conri Davis the Bio-Pharm head of security who develops a relationship of trust with Zoe.
November 22, 2017
I really enjoyed this book.
I don't expect comics to be scientifically accurate. If they were, they'd be pretty darn boing.
I don't expect characters in comic books to be politically correct. If they were, they'd be pretty pretty darn boring.
I liked the message. I liked the plot. It was a pretty short comic, and I wish it could have been longer with more character depth, but it wasn't.
I enjoyed what I read. I took it at face value and let my imagination wander with the story without imposing banal "reality" on the plot and characters.
Turns out, I like the idea of their projects. I think more short story graphic novels need to come into the world. Each one has a message.
This one... I definitely received. Don't go digging in Antarctica. lol
I don't expect comics to be scientifically accurate. If they were, they'd be pretty darn boing.
I don't expect characters in comic books to be politically correct. If they were, they'd be pretty pretty darn boring.
I liked the message. I liked the plot. It was a pretty short comic, and I wish it could have been longer with more character depth, but it wasn't.
I enjoyed what I read. I took it at face value and let my imagination wander with the story without imposing banal "reality" on the plot and characters.
Turns out, I like the idea of their projects. I think more short story graphic novels need to come into the world. Each one has a message.
This one... I definitely received. Don't go digging in Antarctica. lol
September 2, 2019
Started strong, finished a bit weak and felt rushed. 3/5 stars but still an enjoyable read.
March 18, 2020
Decent story and great art. Just didn't enjoy the focus on the sex appeal of the main character, rather than the fact that she was exceptionally intelligent.
June 1, 2020
Ugh
Ugh, why are these comics with good concepts so lame? To think I purchased this expecting more and got less. AVOID THIS COMIC!
Ugh, why are these comics with good concepts so lame? To think I purchased this expecting more and got less. AVOID THIS COMIC!
December 20, 2023
Ok but Norberto Fernandez's art is pretty great. And it was a decent read
March 27, 2024
A Weak 3/5 Graphic Novel
December 21, 2012
Zoe is a brilliant young scientist specializing in extinct viruses. She has always avoided working for corporations. However, due to a major snag in her love life and an offer she can't refuse, she finds herself in a remote research facility in Antarctica. She soon discovers that her new employers have unearthed a perfectly preserved Neanderthal and she has been hired to identify the virus which killed him. Unfortunately, this is not the only, or even the worst, of her new employers' secrets and, before she is completely settled in, all hell breaks loose.
I have to say that, for the most part, I liked this graphic novel. It is not particularly original - did we learn nothing from Jurassic Park, Big Pharma - but it is fun. The art especially is worth the price of admission. I also liked the use of a strong female protagonist. However, and this may be just my own prejudice but, just once, I would love to see a fictional female scientist who looked more like Marie Curie than a young Pamela Anderson. But this is a small thing and probably won't bother other readers.
However, my other criticism is somewhat larger - the ending. The story moves along at a breakneck pace, blood and gore flying in all directions and then, suddenly, flowers and sunshine and happily ever after. Don't get me wrong, I'm not opposed to happy endings but, even in graphic novel, they should flow smoothly from the story, not look pasted on to meet a deadline.
All criticism aside, though, the story has enough action to keep it moving along and it kept my interest right up until the rather abrupt ending. If you are looking for a fun, fast story with a strong female protagonist, some pretty fine art, and plenty of action, Retrovirus might be just what the doctor ordered.
I have to say that, for the most part, I liked this graphic novel. It is not particularly original - did we learn nothing from Jurassic Park, Big Pharma - but it is fun. The art especially is worth the price of admission. I also liked the use of a strong female protagonist. However, and this may be just my own prejudice but, just once, I would love to see a fictional female scientist who looked more like Marie Curie than a young Pamela Anderson. But this is a small thing and probably won't bother other readers.
However, my other criticism is somewhat larger - the ending. The story moves along at a breakneck pace, blood and gore flying in all directions and then, suddenly, flowers and sunshine and happily ever after. Don't get me wrong, I'm not opposed to happy endings but, even in graphic novel, they should flow smoothly from the story, not look pasted on to meet a deadline.
All criticism aside, though, the story has enough action to keep it moving along and it kept my interest right up until the rather abrupt ending. If you are looking for a fun, fast story with a strong female protagonist, some pretty fine art, and plenty of action, Retrovirus might be just what the doctor ordered.
December 5, 2012
Retrovirus, a Kickstarter book from Jimmy Palmiotti, Norberto Fernandez, Justin Gray and Bill Tortolini tells the story of Zoe Wallace, a Professor in the Classification and Identification of Retroviruses and a Big Pharma company with a shadowy agenda. The cover by Amanda Conner is interesting yet minimalist, as compared to most comic fare. It does convey a certain dread of perhaps what is to come.
Beginning with a bang 30,000 years ago in the time of the Neanderthal, we witness a husband, his wife and son being chased for an unknown reason. This plays out in Neanderthalic grunts and roars which leaves it up to the reader's imagination as to why this is happening. This leads to the introduction of the main character Zoe and her seemingly unhappy relationship as she fights the NYC rain to attend a conference. The character of Zoe is drawn to be quite beautiful, thus the story helps explain some of her trials as a "pretty" PhD in a nicely done clipped scene.
For spoiler reasons, I do not wish to give away much more of the story, only to say the second half of the book deals with Zoe's job acceptance with a Big Pharma company and the occurring events one might glean from the cover. The ending left me a bit flat, as did some of the dialogue. I realize this was a Kickstarter comic and it is obvious the creators had much more to say. The ending feels rushed under the monetary constraints of the book. Retrovirus isn't a bad book, nor is it great. It is decent. Perhaps someday the creators will get the chance to tell their full story.
Beginning with a bang 30,000 years ago in the time of the Neanderthal, we witness a husband, his wife and son being chased for an unknown reason. This plays out in Neanderthalic grunts and roars which leaves it up to the reader's imagination as to why this is happening. This leads to the introduction of the main character Zoe and her seemingly unhappy relationship as she fights the NYC rain to attend a conference. The character of Zoe is drawn to be quite beautiful, thus the story helps explain some of her trials as a "pretty" PhD in a nicely done clipped scene.
For spoiler reasons, I do not wish to give away much more of the story, only to say the second half of the book deals with Zoe's job acceptance with a Big Pharma company and the occurring events one might glean from the cover. The ending left me a bit flat, as did some of the dialogue. I realize this was a Kickstarter comic and it is obvious the creators had much more to say. The ending feels rushed under the monetary constraints of the book. Retrovirus isn't a bad book, nor is it great. It is decent. Perhaps someday the creators will get the chance to tell their full story.
February 27, 2013
A young scientist, expert in identifying extinct viruses, accepts from a big pharmaceutical company a research position in Antarctica. There she finds out that they've found a perfectly preserved Neanderthal. What they don't tell her is that they cloned this Neanderthal and in the process "revived" an extinct virus, the one that was responsible for the end of the Neanderthal people: a virus that sterilises those it infects. Add to that the fact that the virus is airborne and that all the scientists working in the lab are already infected by it (including our pregnant heroine). And then factor in the twelve-or-so Neanderthal clones' "escape" from the observation bay and subsequent murderous rampage through the research facility.
Are they going to find a cure to the virus? Not doing so means they can never leave Antarctica.
Will it even matter if they do, considering the rampaging Neanderthals (who are much bigger & stronger than Homo sapiens - and really handy with an axe)?
Overall, this is a decent book. The story's interesting (even though there's probably nothing there you haven't read [or seen in a movie] before), the art by Norberto Fernandez is consistent and the style is reminiscent of Leandro Fernandez (are they related?). It is also very reasonably priced, and I think that was a smart move: people are more willing to take a chance on a book when it's cheaper, especially when said book comes sealed, as is the case here.
Are they going to find a cure to the virus? Not doing so means they can never leave Antarctica.
Will it even matter if they do, considering the rampaging Neanderthals (who are much bigger & stronger than Homo sapiens - and really handy with an axe)?
Overall, this is a decent book. The story's interesting (even though there's probably nothing there you haven't read [or seen in a movie] before), the art by Norberto Fernandez is consistent and the style is reminiscent of Leandro Fernandez (are they related?). It is also very reasonably priced, and I think that was a smart move: people are more willing to take a chance on a book when it's cheaper, especially when said book comes sealed, as is the case here.
December 22, 2012
Arquivar na categoria de promissor mas aquém do prometido. Palmiotti arranca com uma premissa interessante: uma corporação de pesquisa biomédica sequencia o código genético de neandertais, clona-os numa base secreta da antártida e observa os comportamentos das tribos ressuscitadas que depressam aprendem a fugir aos ambientes artificiais onde são enjaulados. Este panorama ficcional fantástico fica-se como cenário a uma história banal de uma cientista boazona louraça que é levada à base secreta para descobrir uma cura para um vírus de que os neandertais são portadores, apenas para sobreviver ao previsível massacre dos seguranças e cientistas humanos frente a uma horde de neandertais mais espertos do que pareciam. E apaixonar-se pelo chefe de segurança, um belo naco de carne que gostava de conversar com ela através das câmaras de segurança estrategicamente colocadas nos seus aposentos privados. Quanto ao vírus, não causa doença nenhuma, apenas esterilidade, e estava a ser desenvolvido como arma bacteriológica.
O que é interessante neste comic é a forma como tudo o que desperta o interesse é relegado para segundo plano, para cenário, e o previsível e entediante formam o cerne da história. Um caso puro de tiro ao lado. A ilustração de Norberto Fernandez é competente sem se tornar memorável.
O que é interessante neste comic é a forma como tudo o que desperta o interesse é relegado para segundo plano, para cenário, e o previsível e entediante formam o cerne da história. Um caso puro de tiro ao lado. A ilustração de Norberto Fernandez é competente sem se tornar memorável.
November 1, 2014
Saw a cheap comic that looked like it was about a science-y chick who gets to kick some butt. Was pretty let-down.
After the main character gives a (really, really brief) lecture at the beginning of the story to establish her smartitude, she's pretty much immediately degraded into a helpless damsel whose oustanding feature is "being hot". Readers get "treated" to a page of softcore "teasing" ("on camera" to another character in the story), and she winds up flashing another guy on camera to get his attention. She's oggled by basically everyone, including the nigh-brainless neanderthals she ends up running from, and is almost raped until a guy with a gun shows up to save her.
SPOILER ALERT: She never really gets to kick any butt. (Well, once, but given the context, it doesn't really help her character at all.)
I'm not sure if there's a sequel of some kind or anything; the ending was rather abrupt and seemed to suggest the possibility. Unless the writing (and editing) improves, though, I wouldn't really recommend it. It was a mildly-entertaining little romp, but there certainly wasn't much originality or depth to it.
After the main character gives a (really, really brief) lecture at the beginning of the story to establish her smartitude, she's pretty much immediately degraded into a helpless damsel whose oustanding feature is "being hot". Readers get "treated" to a page of softcore "teasing" ("on camera" to another character in the story), and she winds up flashing another guy on camera to get his attention. She's oggled by basically everyone, including the nigh-brainless neanderthals she ends up running from, and is almost raped until a guy with a gun shows up to save her.
SPOILER ALERT: She never really gets to kick any butt. (Well, once, but given the context, it doesn't really help her character at all.)
I'm not sure if there's a sequel of some kind or anything; the ending was rather abrupt and seemed to suggest the possibility. Unless the writing (and editing) improves, though, I wouldn't really recommend it. It was a mildly-entertaining little romp, but there certainly wasn't much originality or depth to it.
December 29, 2016
If this book had been long enough to actually tell its story, I might have given it a third star. As it is, it was rushed and unconvincing, and each "reveal" made the story weaker, not stronger. Oddly, one of the seemingly sexist aspects turned out to be a plot point...the main character's shortage of clothing was deliberate on her part, as those who actually finish the book will finally learn. The artwork of Norberto Fernandez was pretty good, although the weird Neanderthals with their apparent superhuman speed and strength were kind of strangely portrayed. They were proportioned like a Rob Leifeld superhero. The other parts, including every aspect of the science, were okay to bad.
Thinking closely about what was actually said in the story, the resolution to the book happens in a conversation to which the reader is not privy. I'm wondering if even Gray and Palmiotti couldn't figure out a real way out of the plot corner the characters were painted into.
Quite disappointing. I usually like their work.
Thinking closely about what was actually said in the story, the resolution to the book happens in a conversation to which the reader is not privy. I'm wondering if even Gray and Palmiotti couldn't figure out a real way out of the plot corner the characters were painted into.
Quite disappointing. I usually like their work.
December 14, 2012
Wow. I thought I was in a mood today because none of the GN I'd picked were doing anything for me. Then came Retrovirus. Great story. The art really added to the tale. The drawings are a little odd, almost immature but on purpose. I can't explain but it reminded me of something you'd see in creepshow or the like.
The story of Zoe as she makes what could be the biggest choice of her career is just a train wreck to watch but you can't turn away. It has everything - cavemen, weird biological warfare, military men, nerdy scientists and it's set in Antartica.
I do think the location was wasted and this could have been longer but I'm not really complaining. The story did skip ahead too much because I wanted to linger. I wanted to see the relationships between the characters build. I wanted to see just how evil the head of the corporation was.
I loved Zoe - that woman kicks ass. She is the next generation's Alice.
The story of Zoe as she makes what could be the biggest choice of her career is just a train wreck to watch but you can't turn away. It has everything - cavemen, weird biological warfare, military men, nerdy scientists and it's set in Antartica.
I do think the location was wasted and this could have been longer but I'm not really complaining. The story did skip ahead too much because I wanted to linger. I wanted to see the relationships between the characters build. I wanted to see just how evil the head of the corporation was.
I loved Zoe - that woman kicks ass. She is the next generation's Alice.
November 29, 2012
Background: Zoe Wallace is offered the job of a lifetime right after a depressing time in her life, only to realize that said dream job is just as horrible as everything else. Retrovirus focuses on long extinct Neanderthals and the viruses they once carried.
Review: I saw the cover for this graphic novel on Netgalley and scooped it up to read, I figured it would have a strong female character busting ass and taking names...well sort of. Zoe started off awesome, not taking crap from anyone, then it turned into the traditional sexualized female of comics. There was even a few boobie jokes here and there, now don't get me wrong boobie jokes can be funny, but it really took away from the strong female they portrayed in the beginning. The story line was interesting and a little predictable, but overall good and entertaining. Very graphic in the violence department.
Review: I saw the cover for this graphic novel on Netgalley and scooped it up to read, I figured it would have a strong female character busting ass and taking names...well sort of. Zoe started off awesome, not taking crap from anyone, then it turned into the traditional sexualized female of comics. There was even a few boobie jokes here and there, now don't get me wrong boobie jokes can be funny, but it really took away from the strong female they portrayed in the beginning. The story line was interesting and a little predictable, but overall good and entertaining. Very graphic in the violence department.
November 21, 2012
Great story from two great writers. One of the enjoyable aspects of great Science Fiction is how it always challenges us to think about the issues that scientific advances raise. This story is no different. A group of Neanderthals are cloned from DNA. The results are, shall we say, not pretty. This has a little of everything. The beautiful scientist, the special forces security guard, the quirky secondary scientists, and of course the evil corporate mogul.
Palmiotti and Gray have proved themselves to be excellent writers time and again. Their one-shot graphic novels are always a wonderful treat. This was their second Kickstarter project and proves all that is good about the world of crowd-funded projects. I look forward to more of these kinds of projects.
I highly recommend this.
Palmiotti and Gray have proved themselves to be excellent writers time and again. Their one-shot graphic novels are always a wonderful treat. This was their second Kickstarter project and proves all that is good about the world of crowd-funded projects. I look forward to more of these kinds of projects.
I highly recommend this.
September 26, 2013
So this book was a kickstarter project and after reading I could see why it did well on the website. The base of the story takes the lead character Zoe who is an expert in old viruses that aren't around anymore. She gets hired by a weird shady company called Bio-pharm. Now she is tasked with finally a cure for a deadly 'Retrovirus'.
While, I did enjoy the book I felt it ended too soon. The book was very graphic and had lots of death and gore. It wasn't too over the top either but, sadly even thought the boom tried to make care for some characters that meet their doom it didn't hit home. The story ended to soon and we weren't allowed ti develop any investment in these characters. Over if this book has more issues hided away somewhere it has tons of potential.
While, I did enjoy the book I felt it ended too soon. The book was very graphic and had lots of death and gore. It wasn't too over the top either but, sadly even thought the boom tried to make care for some characters that meet their doom it didn't hit home. The story ended to soon and we weren't allowed ti develop any investment in these characters. Over if this book has more issues hided away somewhere it has tons of potential.
September 9, 2013
The story seems too condensed with its short form structure and in need of fleshing out to be enjoyable. No real bond was made between the title character Zoe and the reader nor any other characters leading us to make assumptions based more on each character's look. In the end it feels more like the outline to a bigger story that will never be written.
May 8, 2014
This was an interesting take on the zombie genre, and I appreciated that. I also generally liked Zoe as a character. However, there was a lot of unnecessary sexualization of her, which bothered me a lot. I also felt like the end of the book was quite rushed, and that this maybe should've been a miniseries instead of just a one-shot.
October 21, 2015
I liked the premise, but the plot kind of fell short for me. The end felt rushed. I also don't like the way the female lead (and only woman in the comic) was sexualized. If you want a strong female lead, don't have her flashing people to get their attention. Otherwise, I did like the art work.
September 8, 2013
Sometimes we come across great surprises. While Palmiotti is far from my favourite author - too sexist, too 'in your face' - Retrovirus is an awesome pulp comic, with great characters and an incredible pace.
November 28, 2015
I will always support creator-owned projects by comic writers and artists. Retrovirus was no exception to that. The story was a lot of fun. A little campy but overall a fun sort of tale. I only wish it had been longer and a bit more fleshed out!
September 27, 2015
An interesting story about a virus and neanderthals.
The story is nicely setup, has good concepts and some nice progression.
At first glance, it is all slash and mash, but it really isn't; there is plenty to think about after finished reading.
The drawing is mostly well done; nice modern style.
The story is nicely setup, has good concepts and some nice progression.
At first glance, it is all slash and mash, but it really isn't; there is plenty to think about after finished reading.
The drawing is mostly well done; nice modern style.
November 22, 2012
Full review on HorrorTalk.com: http://www.horrortalk.com/comic-revie...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews