I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This in no way impacted my opinions.
‘ZomCom’ics’ is a charming and visually stunning silent comic that blends the spooky with the adorable. Through a collection of short, dialogue-free stories, it delivers heartwarming and humorous moments with expressive characters and a beautifully illustrated supernatural world. The lack of words doesn’t take away from the storytelling - in fact, it enhances the experience, letting the art speak volumes.
Plot: ★★★★☆
Since this is a collection of slice-of-life and short adventure comic strips rather than a single, continuous story, the “plot” is more about the individual narratives within each strip. Each comic presents a self-contained moment - sometimes funny, sometimes heartwarming, and occasionally with a little eerie charm. There’s a wonderful balance of lighthearted fun and supernatural mischief, and while there’s no grand overarching storyline, the interconnected world makes the comics feel cohesive. Some strips are simple but delightful, while others hint at deeper worldbuilding that leaves you wanting more.
Character: ★★★★★
One of the most impressive things about ZomCom’ics is how expressive and lovable the characters are, despite the silent format. Each one has a distinct personality that shines through purely via body language, expressions, and interactions. Whether it’s the mischievous undead, quirky supernatural beings, or even background characters, they all feel alive (or undead, in some cases). You grow attached to them quickly, and even in short segments, they leave an impact.
Setting: ★★★★☆
The world of ‘ZomCom’ics’ is a delightful blend of spooky and cozy, filled with supernatural creatures, eerie locations, and a playful Halloween-esque atmosphere. The settings are varied and beautifully drawn, adding depth to the short narratives. It’s not an overly dark or scary world - instead, it leans into a more whimsical, comforting take on the supernatural, making it perfect for those who enjoy gothic aesthetics with a softer edge.
Illustration: ★★★★★
The artwork is truly the highlight of the comic. Garrucho’s illustrations are expressive, detailed, and bursting with personality. The use of clean lines, dynamic character designs, and well-thought-out panel composition ensures that every scene flows naturally. The balance of light and shadow, along with the charmingly spooky aesthetic, creates an atmosphere that’s both fun and immersive. Even without words, you can “hear” the emotions and actions just by looking at the panels. The art style suits the theme perfectly, and it’s clear that a lot of love and effort went into every detail.
Engagement: ★★★★★
Despite being wordless, ‘ZomCom’ics’ is incredibly engaging. The pacing is smooth, and each comic invites you to linger over the details, appreciating the expressions and tiny visual gags that might be easy to miss at first glance. It’s the kind of book you can pick up and flip through at any time, and each re-read brings something new to appreciate. There’s never a dull moment, and it’s easy to get lost in the world the creator has built.
Readability: ★★★★☆
For the most part, the storytelling flows effortlessly from panel to panel, making it easy to follow along. However, since it’s a silent comic, readers unfamiliar with the format might need a moment to adjust to tracking the visual cues rather than relying on dialogue or narration. That being said, the expressive nature of the characters makes it accessible, even for those new to wordless storytelling.
Enjoyment: ★★★★★
‘ZomCom’ics’ is an absolute delight to read. It’s cute, funny, a little spooky, and bursting with charm. Whether you’re in the mood for something heartwarming, something mischievous, or just a visually stunning escape, this comic delivers. It’s the kind of book you can revisit time and time again, and it never loses its charm.
A beautifully illustrated, delightfully spooky, and endlessly charming silent comic, ‘ZomCom’ics’ is a must-read for fans of supernatural whimsy. Emi Mena Garrucho masterfully tells stories without words, making each moment engaging and expressive. If you love gothic aesthetics, adorable supernatural creatures, and the magic of visual storytelling, this is a perfect addition to your collection.