Splitting Sides 2: Tales of Humorous Horror

by David Schembri

Splitting Sides returns! Based on the stories from horror writer, David Schembri, Splitting Sides comes back to you with its second issue. Once again, every pages features distinct and dazzling illustrations by the author along with his darkly humorous tribute to horror comics of the 50s. Splitting Sides 2 presents two Crowman and Fangs for Dropping By. Along with more delightfully entertaining advertisements, this comic will leave you horrified and giggling at the same time. Sit back and enjoy this second instalment into the crazy corners of David's mind.

26 pages, Paperback

Published October 4, 2023

About the author

David Schembri is an author, artist, comic creator and poet from Australia. He is the author of Unearthly Fables (The Writing Show, 2013), the Australian Shadows Awards-nominated collection, Beneath The Ferny Tree (Close-Up Books, 2018), and the comics, Splitting Sides: Tales of Humorous Horror #1 & #2, and Crowman #1.
His first novella will be released in 2024 by Odyssey Books.
David’s short fiction has been published by Chaosium Inc, Horror World Press, Things in the Well, Black Beacon Books and Midnight Echo.
His poetry has been published in Spectral Realms, Midnight Echo, Silver Blade Magazine, and anthologies by Rainfall Books.
davidschembri.net

Reviews

[Anthony Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to catch up with David Schembri's latest work. This is the second volume of his Splitting Sides comic series, and the subject matter is right up my alley. Tongue in cheek horror with a nod to the lighter side of the old EC Comics (especially the ads) and the Twilight Zone series.

David is a terrific comic artist (I can't draw for nuts) and the images he whips up sell the narrative exceedingly well. Tere are two tales here, one in which a superhero undoes his nemesis by dismantling him psychologically - super villains have feelings too! The second concerns a seemingly vulnerable femme fatale who's would be male assailants are mere putty in her hands.

Gotta say I love the parody ads though. They take me back to my childhood, and by the way, Dave, I'm still waiting for my Bulk Gel, and those x-ray specs that can see through ladies' clothes.

[Dion Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been getting into comedy horror comic recently, and this one is great. I loved it.

I actually got this one a about a year ago, when I got the first one. (Which I also loved by the way) and I've been holding onto it for emergencies like when I'm in a reading slump, but I just couldn't wait any longer.

This issue reminds me of the Tank Girl comic, and the cartoon, Invader Zim. a favourite of mine from years back, the colours are vibrant and dynamic, there is a bit of gore and humour, which I love.

This is the third thing that I have read of this author and artist, after the first Splitting sides 1 and Unearthly Fables: one of his short story collections.

I already picked up Splitting sides 3, so I guess that says more about how much I like the series, than my ramblings.

So if you like a bit of witty horror, than you will love this.