What do you think?
Rate this book
Zombies #1-4
Zombies: A Brief History Of Decay
A vivid and richly illustrated graphic novel, Zombies offers an action-packed tour through an apocalyptic vision of America.
Mankind is no longer at the top of the food chain. Zombies have taken their place, and nothing can stop them. Is this the end of humanity? Perhaps, but for some it is only the beginning.
Six billion living corpses are all that remains of civilization. Among the few survivors is Sam Coleman, a man who owes his salvation to Smith & Wesson and a little luck. Fleeing Seattle at the onset of the zombie outbreak, he was forced to leave his daughter behind. Yet now that silence has fallen over the city, he believes that she may still be alive. And his conscience serves up a constant reminder that to be human in this grim world is to have hope—and to keep fighting.
Mankind is no longer at the top of the food chain. Zombies have taken their place, and nothing can stop them. Is this the end of humanity? Perhaps, but for some it is only the beginning.
Six billion living corpses are all that remains of civilization. Among the few survivors is Sam Coleman, a man who owes his salvation to Smith & Wesson and a little luck. Fleeing Seattle at the onset of the zombie outbreak, he was forced to leave his daughter behind. Yet now that silence has fallen over the city, he believes that she may still be alive. And his conscience serves up a constant reminder that to be human in this grim world is to have hope—and to keep fighting.
152 pages, Hardcover
Published April 4, 2017
2 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Olivier Peru
151 books62 followersOlivier Péru (aussi connu sous le pseudonyme Oliver Peru, notamment pour ses romans) est un auteur français, né le 11 octobre 1977 à Montpellier.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 23, 2017
A vivid and richly illustrated graphic novel, Zombies offers an action-packed tour through an apocalyptic vision of America.
Mankind is no longer at the top of the food chain. Zombies have taken their place, and nothing can stop them. Is this the end of humanity? Perhaps, but for some it is only the beginning.
Six billion living corpses are all that remains of civilization. Among the few survivors is Sam Coleman, a man who owes his salvation to Smith & Wesson and a little luck. Fleeing Seattle at the onset of the zombie outbreak, he was forced to leave his daughter behind. Yet now that silence has fallen over the city, he believes that she may still be alive. And his conscience serves up a constant reminder that to be human in this grim world is to have hope—and to keep fighting.
A zombie story always has its appeal, but Sam's story left me indifferent. I didn't care much about him or his daughter, and once he found other survivors, he lost me completely. I tend to dislike post-apocalyptic new societies.
But the ending is great. The last few panels are everything.
*Copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2017
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Originally published in French, Zombies: A Brief History of Decay was a graphic novel that sparked my interest when I came across it on Netgalley, even though I had recently read quite some zombie fiction already, and with different levels of success. But I found, when you don't stop to overthink this one, Zombies was actually a really nice read.
The art was nice and consistent while the story was also okay. It was a bit fast and felt a bit cramped at places, which made that I had to go back and read it again to make sure what had happened, but it didn't bother me too much. It's both a survival story and a father looking for his daughter, so to some extent you know what you'll be getting. If that's your cup of tea, try Zombies and you won't be disappointed.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Originally published in French, Zombies: A Brief History of Decay was a graphic novel that sparked my interest when I came across it on Netgalley, even though I had recently read quite some zombie fiction already, and with different levels of success. But I found, when you don't stop to overthink this one, Zombies was actually a really nice read.
The art was nice and consistent while the story was also okay. It was a bit fast and felt a bit cramped at places, which made that I had to go back and read it again to make sure what had happened, but it didn't bother me too much. It's both a survival story and a father looking for his daughter, so to some extent you know what you'll be getting. If that's your cup of tea, try Zombies and you won't be disappointed.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
December 3, 2021
I found myself giving up on this mess at the 56% mark. It was awful. The writing and characters were too juvenile. On a plus note, I thought the drawings were good.
August 7, 2017
A fresh take on the zombie genre. Zombies have taken over and humans are trying not only to survive but to reclaim parts of the world for themselves. Great art and characterization. I found myself really rooting for the characters to make it.
Received an advance copy from Insight and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Received an advance copy from Insight and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2017
It's been awhile since I read a Zombie apocalypse that took itself seriously. The usual plot here but it is executed with style. This is an intelligent, grim and thoughtful take on teotwawki via a virus that turns people into the walking undead. Originally published in France as three bande desinees several years ago, I'm not surprised I enjoyed it so much as I'm quite fond of French "comics". Of interest is that the main character is Canadian and there are many Canadian references. I loved this as so many graphic novels are American centric. The story is powerful, dark and compelling. Nobody is safe from being bit though, so don't get attached to any certain characters! If you are looking for some new zombie fare to read this is a great one to pick up. The ending is ambiguous either leaving us with a message of "it's never really over" or could be a lead-in to a sequel.
September 21, 2017
***Note: I received a copy curtesy of Netgalley and Insight Comics in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the story, the desolate feel of it, and the graphics is quite well done. But there were two major issues that bothered me enough to consider it OK instead of GOOD: the changes of time/place/characters appear out of the blue, with no delimitation whatsoever, sometime making you turn back to re-read some passages; also, the story ended abrupt and very vague, and it doesn't even manages to really build up the suspense . 3+
I liked the story, the desolate feel of it, and the graphics is quite well done. But there were two major issues that bothered me enough to consider it OK instead of GOOD: the changes of time/place/characters appear out of the blue, with no delimitation whatsoever, sometime making you turn back to re-read some passages; also, the story ended abrupt and very vague, and it doesn't even manages to really build up the suspense . 3+
March 19, 2017
Yet another entry to the ravaged world of the zombie apocalypse, Zombies: A Brief History Of Decay is a dense read that fully embraces its entrance as both graphic and novel.
Writer Olivier Peru and artist Sophian Cholet present their entertaining take on that post-apocalyptical struggle that is now oh-so familiar. In this world, zombies can be both slow and fast, based on the rate of their decay, but even more surprising is the fact that humanity abandons the every-man-for-himself thieving personae most commonly seen and wants to work together to rid themselves of the plague. Well, except for a band of white trash wanna-be survivalists held up in, naturally, a Wal-Mart.
Peru has the remains of civilization residing in floating armadas on both the Mississippi and the coast off Seattle, and scripts the main characters as a worthy nation looking to survive and rebuild, with a few personal quests added for spice. Unfortunately, and perhaps this is a by-product of the collected edition, there is limited consistency between the several separate plots. Breaks don’t come naturally forcing the reader to back-up and regroup. In this regard, Cholet’s incredible layouts and design lapse into a droning sense of sameness, particularly with the representation of the main male leads who are all white with dark hair and beards. Removing any familiarity with the characters reduces that emotional connection.
Zombies shamelessly captures the worlds of Romero and Kirkman and makes an entertaining quest out of the venture with plenty of subtle zingers that can be followed up on in a sequel. Peru and Cholet show both the decay of humanity and civilization, but tease the reader with something everyone universally wants, hope and a future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Insight Comics for this decaying advance read.
Writer Olivier Peru and artist Sophian Cholet present their entertaining take on that post-apocalyptical struggle that is now oh-so familiar. In this world, zombies can be both slow and fast, based on the rate of their decay, but even more surprising is the fact that humanity abandons the every-man-for-himself thieving personae most commonly seen and wants to work together to rid themselves of the plague. Well, except for a band of white trash wanna-be survivalists held up in, naturally, a Wal-Mart.
Peru has the remains of civilization residing in floating armadas on both the Mississippi and the coast off Seattle, and scripts the main characters as a worthy nation looking to survive and rebuild, with a few personal quests added for spice. Unfortunately, and perhaps this is a by-product of the collected edition, there is limited consistency between the several separate plots. Breaks don’t come naturally forcing the reader to back-up and regroup. In this regard, Cholet’s incredible layouts and design lapse into a droning sense of sameness, particularly with the representation of the main male leads who are all white with dark hair and beards. Removing any familiarity with the characters reduces that emotional connection.
Zombies shamelessly captures the worlds of Romero and Kirkman and makes an entertaining quest out of the venture with plenty of subtle zingers that can be followed up on in a sequel. Peru and Cholet show both the decay of humanity and civilization, but tease the reader with something everyone universally wants, hope and a future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Insight Comics for this decaying advance read.
October 25, 2017
This is everything I could possibly want from a zombie novel. Can't wait to read the rest. Without giving away any spoilers, it has elements that I wanted to see in The Walking Dead series but never did. It is also very much about people vs zombies rather than people vs people with zombies in the background.
February 19, 2017
This is the first book that I have reviewed that I can not wait for it to hit the marketplace. I will be buying copies for myself and my family & friends that love the undead as I do. Reading an uncorrected proof electronic copy was a bit difficult sometimes to follow because of the writing style (it is a comic) but it was worth it to keep plugging away. I love zombies and zombie stories. That being said, I do get tired of the same ol' type of zombie story. This felt refreshingly new and I didn't want to put it down. "Dead Beat Dad" Sam knows his little girl, Stacy, is dead. How could she not be, right? He should have went to find her and his ex-wife but of course he didn't. He jumped on the first bus to save himself. But what if she was alive? What if she hadn't been bit? Sam had to try and find out one way or the other, no matter how long it took to travel to Seattle. Along the way, there are people to meet and zombies to kill. This is a great story and I highly recommend it.
February 5, 2017
Good artwork and writing, but story wise it offered nothing new to the zombie apocalypse angle. Which I suppose isn't all that easy in the first place. It was definitely an enjoyable comic and I really enjoyed the fact that they actually used the words zombies. They called them other names to (stiffs, biters, etc) but I love when they just call them what they are: ZOMBIES!
June 5, 2017
I was given this graphic novel for an honest review. This graphic novel is a fresh new perspective on the zombie genre. Let me introduce you to Sam Coleman who is trying to get out of Seattle at the start of the apocalypse. Armed with only his smith & Wesson he has fought his way out but he has left someone important behind his daughter . Now that it has fallen silent he wonders is she still alive . He wrestles with his conscience and realizes what it is like to fight and still be human in his new grim reality
Now I am a zombie lover and will read anything to do with them . So when I was offered this book I was so happy . I actually sat down and devoured this book in one sitting . The author takes us on a roller coaster ride . You cheer for our main character Sam and you pray that he will survive and find his daughter . He is a man that you can't help but want to cheer for . You can see how the guilt of him leaving he daughter behind . But you know that when it comes to the apocalypse its everyone for themselves . Then you see him come to a realization that the grim new world he is the minority and he is going to find his daughter . Which I will tell you to read the book to find out . Yes I am just that mean .
The author uses the Pacific North West as the setting of his zombie story . Which to me is a nice change cause it seems all the zombie stories seem to be based in New York or Los Angeles. The author kept a steady pace through out the story and the action was good . There is gore when the zombies are blown up and shot but that is true in all zombie stories . But the characters are so much more human compared to some books . They are people trying to survive anyway they can . This was a nice good fast read for me the story was set a steady pace and the graphics are well drawn and do the book justice . I would recommend this book to anyone who loves zombies . If you love TWD you will enjoy this book . So check it out . I have given it 5 stars .
September 24, 2017
I imagine Olivier Peru is big fan of zombie movies. The read is quick, action-oriented, and adds some interesting twists to the lore of zombies. The beginning of the story is quite good as it quickly establishes the tone and dilemma. However, as the story adds more characters and the number of zombies increase to black swarm, the emotional core gets lost. The characters all feel the same. At a certain point the story devolves into moving from one location to another. Unfortunately the unique takes on zombie lore also get lost in the mix. No single aspect stands out. Peru tries to cram in a lot, yet I came away not feeling much.
There is a lot of effort put into the art. Although the colors hover in the browns and blues, it still feels very warm and lush. No panel appears rushed or unplanned. Character designs are rather dull besides the movie actor. If anything, the art will makes you keep coming back for more. This isn't as graphically violent as other zombies reads. If you already watch zombie movies it's nothing out of the ordinary. The violence is deadly, but in a fun matinee kind of fashion.
"Zombies" is a brisk survival action tale that can entertain you for a couple of hours. If you're seeking a zombie story that really sticks with you it's hard not to recommend the obvious choice—The Walking Dead.
There is a lot of effort put into the art. Although the colors hover in the browns and blues, it still feels very warm and lush. No panel appears rushed or unplanned. Character designs are rather dull besides the movie actor. If anything, the art will makes you keep coming back for more. This isn't as graphically violent as other zombies reads. If you already watch zombie movies it's nothing out of the ordinary. The violence is deadly, but in a fun matinee kind of fashion.
"Zombies" is a brisk survival action tale that can entertain you for a couple of hours. If you're seeking a zombie story that really sticks with you it's hard not to recommend the obvious choice—The Walking Dead.
July 8, 2024
A okay read 2.5
I think it had potential till 60% into the book or once Sam discovered the other survivors. Him having blk daughter don’t seem believable at all specially when they never show or introduce who her mother was. Sam is immune but always trying to kill himsef ? Ok . Josh should’ve been his kid that was missing, it would’ve made more since .Sam is a terrible father find his kid just to leave her to try be a hero .
One I really hate about this book is the weird energy it gives off . For example the introduction for Clay Harris
“Is always like this ? “
“ I think he likes your sister sister “
Or
“ Hey talk about my sister like that again , I’ll —“
“Too bad.. I’m sure our genes have mad a wonderful mix “
Clay looks like he in his late 20s or early 30s while grooming and flirting with kids. Even tho I’m the book they address that the brother is 17 and assuming because they are sibling that around the same age but that rubbed me the wrong way. But I guess there no rules in the apocalypse so it’s okay huh ?
It ends on a cliff hanger
Mediocre boring reading reminds me of resident evil raccoon city side story or something ( without the P.O.W.’s )
I think it had potential till 60% into the book or once Sam discovered the other survivors. Him having blk daughter don’t seem believable at all specially when they never show or introduce who her mother was. Sam is immune but always trying to kill himsef ? Ok . Josh should’ve been his kid that was missing, it would’ve made more since .Sam is a terrible father find his kid just to leave her to try be a hero .
One I really hate about this book is the weird energy it gives off . For example the introduction for Clay Harris
“Is always like this ? “
“ I think he likes your sister sister “
Or
“ Hey talk about my sister like that again , I’ll —“
“Too bad.. I’m sure our genes have mad a wonderful mix “
Clay looks like he in his late 20s or early 30s while grooming and flirting with kids. Even tho I’m the book they address that the brother is 17 and assuming because they are sibling that around the same age but that rubbed me the wrong way. But I guess there no rules in the apocalypse so it’s okay huh ?
It ends on a cliff hanger
Mediocre boring reading reminds me of resident evil raccoon city side story or something ( without the P.O.W.’s )
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2018
With all the ZA books out there, it was refreshing to not read another Kirkman graphic novel bc that world has just gone off the rails. This huge (literally, this book is a weapon) graphic novel takes place during a ZA. We learn bits and pieces about how it happens from characters that fade in and fade out. Hell, the book even starts in a prison. That guy manages to escape and suffice it to say, he doesn’t last long. Shortly after, we run into our protagonist. He just wants to find his daughter. That’s the motivation.
We follow his story as he searches and runs into other groups of survivors. Some things happen out of left field and made me read the boxes more than once. Midway through, we find out some people and kids are immune to zombie bites and it just gets better and more interesting from there.
I’d like to read a sequel but it ended just fine.
We follow his story as he searches and runs into other groups of survivors. Some things happen out of left field and made me read the boxes more than once. Midway through, we find out some people and kids are immune to zombie bites and it just gets better and more interesting from there.
I’d like to read a sequel but it ended just fine.
June 27, 2017
FULL REVIEW TO BE PUBLISHED SOON!
I’ve never been a big fan of Z fiction. Movies, books, videogames… Not the typ of content I’m used to enjoy, that’s it, but that doesn’t mean I’m not capable of see something good when it is in front of my. This comic was really good for sure.
I had a problem with this at first, as I strongly prefer the art to tell the story by itself, but with so many words and so detailed graphics, I felt overwhelmed more than just once. As I said before, this is not my kind of reading, and neither the style I’m used to in comics, but once you get into it, things become more enjoyable.
Teh last thing I have to say is a big thank you to the publisher for this ARC. I’m sure as heck will be keeping an eye on both the company and the author!
I’ve never been a big fan of Z fiction. Movies, books, videogames… Not the typ of content I’m used to enjoy, that’s it, but that doesn’t mean I’m not capable of see something good when it is in front of my. This comic was really good for sure.
I had a problem with this at first, as I strongly prefer the art to tell the story by itself, but with so many words and so detailed graphics, I felt overwhelmed more than just once. As I said before, this is not my kind of reading, and neither the style I’m used to in comics, but once you get into it, things become more enjoyable.
Teh last thing I have to say is a big thank you to the publisher for this ARC. I’m sure as heck will be keeping an eye on both the company and the author!
July 31, 2018
The art and colors were crisp and vivid (although extremely violent) throughout, and I found myself empathizing with several of the characters by the end. That said, the flow felt disjointed and jumped around frequently in location, characters, and time, so the whole thing was a little hard to follow. The punk rock t-shirts worn by some of the characters was a fun and realistic touch!
May 31, 2022
My first graphic novel. And wow, it sure was graphic. Variations on pretty much every zombie theme I’ve encountered in print and on screen. Read the first half, then flipped through the rest. I did appreciate the use of colour to signpost each subplot. A nice touch. Not in a bitey, zombie way … 2/5 stars
January 28, 2017
Solid Zombie survivor graphic novel. great artwork and interesting writing. A lot of dark points, but with a Zombie story it is hard to avoid such things.
June 19, 2019
The artwork was amazing, but for me the story was a bit flat.
March 18, 2024
One of the best zombie apocalypse story I have read. This story has my heart in it. Waiting for tge next part of the story, if there is any.
August 24, 2022
This was fantastic. Just a perfect zombie comic - every bit as good as early Walking Dead, when it was still about zombies. It played the apocalypse absolutely straight, didn't try to do anything subversive with the zombie genre, and just delivered an entirely solid undead story. I was so satisfied with the story and the art. This is now definitely on my go-to list of zombie recommendations.
December 26, 2022
A good book.
I'll be happy to keep it in my collection.
The art work is A tier and the story is a wet B.
Unfortunately nearly everything in this book have been done often in medias, its feels tropie, and I'm to blame the writing for that.
I bet If this was read by a kid as first introduction to zombies, its gonna be great!
I'll be happy to keep it in my collection.
The art work is A tier and the story is a wet B.
Unfortunately nearly everything in this book have been done often in medias, its feels tropie, and I'm to blame the writing for that.
I bet If this was read by a kid as first introduction to zombies, its gonna be great!
March 28, 2017
Yup – Zombies.
At this stage in the game, with six and a half years of The Walking Dead's variable success and all of the apocalypses (is there a different plural for that?) that it's spawned, it's almost surprising to me that people still feel they have something new to say in the genre. Some think they do and actually don't, which is why so many tend to roll their eyes when another z-story (or vampire story, or whatever) comes along. (I admit, I see "vampire" in a book description and my eyes glaze over.)
But now and then someone does have something new to say, or a new way to say similar things to what's been said elsewhere. And even though I've kind of sworn off trying z-poc tales (there are only so many times I can get lucky), I clicked "request" on this one at Netgalley.
I'm very glad I did. There are new and different elements to the story – which I won't talk about because I don't want to spoil them. Yes, all the basics are there: somehow something got loose in the world, somehow it spread, and a few weeks later, as the graphic novel begins, the vast majority of the population is shambling and looking for human flesh to eat. Except for the ones who are sprinting after humans to eat their flesh. And of the minority of un-undead who remain, chaos has set in, and anarachy, and all those fun after-effects of an apocalypse, until no one can trust anyone. Not even Sam, the hero of the story, whose only reason for staying alive is that maybe, somehow, somewhere his daughter is still alive. Maybe.
I loved this book. I enjoyed the artwork consistently – and that's rare; so often either one book/chapter in a series will be well done, and the next will be by a different artist who doesn't seem to have ever picked up a pencil before – but here there is one writer, one artist. Sophian Cholet (colors by Simon Champelovier). The characters were vivid and believable, and I never found myself thinking "hm, that's the Daryl of the group". A lot of the characters were children, and it occurs to me that this was very smart – I mean, yes, they're going to be at risk from parents and other caretakers who turn, but they're also going to be the first priority of any adult in the area, related or not, stashed in the safest possible place and protected tooth and nail, and sometimes in groups. I loved the fake-out mind-bleepery prologue; I loved the way information was revealed and surprises were sprung, and new characters introduced and tied in. I loved the paint job for the Pentagon. I loved the character arcs. I loved that unintended consequences were given attention: the thing that saved one group of survivors, the brilliant idea by what was almost their Eugene, was the death of untold other survivors. It was a beautifully told story.
I liked that the creators' pop culture tastes seemed to be reflected in the t-shirts characters wore.
In fact, I loved this book enough to give it five stars right off the bat … but then I thought about it a little more. And while it was very good, and very enjoyable, there were a handful of things that bothered me a little while I was reading and survived my satisfaction upon finishing. For one thing, as the creators' names might indicate, the book was originally written in French, and while for the most part the translation gave me no problems every now and then there was something that just didn't click. The children were the biggest problem, and there were a lot of children in the story; there were quite a few frames in which their dialogue seemed far too old for them. Things like "zombies are too numerous", talking about psychopaths, and even smaller things like using the word "adult", just didn't feel right. (This actually was true in other cases as well, with (ahem) grownups using language that was more formal than called for.)
I was a little annoyed that only rarely did anyone seem to use a weapon other than a gun; on one page someone even warns that gunfire will attract the zombies' attention, and then in the very next frame someone else is blam-blamming away. There were a few times that people used hammers and whatnot, but I would have loved to have seen some creativity in the weapons. Come the end of the world I for one will be looting museums with medieval collections as early as possible: polearms for the win. And bows of all kinds, cross and not: distance weapons that make much less noise than firearms, and which are much easier to create new ammunition for.
I was also a little annoyed, in retrospect, that there were really no women among the fighters. That doesn't come from a feminist standpoint – that just comes from a sensible standpoint. (Well, that's the same thing, quite often.) Every survivor with reasonable physical condition should be trained to use as many weapons as possible in the event of the end of the world. If nothing else, give a girl a gun – a decent pair of eyes and a trigger finger doesn't depend on gender. Again, this didn't strike me while I was reading – but afterwards I said "Hey waitaminnit!"
Oh, speaking of women and how they were handled in the book – a group of the good guys comes upon a group of bad guys who keep two women tied to their beds … and I don't think … Nope, I just went back and checked. The fate of those two women is never mentioned. It would have been nice to have had them being wrapped in blankets and helped away in the background of a scene.
The last thing that bothered me was a Big Reveal at the very end of the story. It was almost well done; there was a teaser earlier on, and then at the end when someone finally puts into words what is being kept from everyone (including the reader) for their own sanity, I … missed it. I had to go back and read it again. It was something that made the first survivor who heard it exclaim in horror – but all it got out of me was a "huh?" So what on earth is it that is going to happen that the survivors need to give half a damn about? Don't know. Maybe that was the point – but if I knew, I'd have finished the book with a pang in my heart for these people, instead of just …confused.
Still and all, while it wasn't after all quite a five-star read, Zombies: A Brief History of Decay (to give it the full title on my copy) was very, very good, and very, very enjoyable.
Just don't think about it too much after you finish it.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
At this stage in the game, with six and a half years of The Walking Dead's variable success and all of the apocalypses (is there a different plural for that?) that it's spawned, it's almost surprising to me that people still feel they have something new to say in the genre. Some think they do and actually don't, which is why so many tend to roll their eyes when another z-story (or vampire story, or whatever) comes along. (I admit, I see "vampire" in a book description and my eyes glaze over.)
But now and then someone does have something new to say, or a new way to say similar things to what's been said elsewhere. And even though I've kind of sworn off trying z-poc tales (there are only so many times I can get lucky), I clicked "request" on this one at Netgalley.
I'm very glad I did. There are new and different elements to the story – which I won't talk about because I don't want to spoil them. Yes, all the basics are there: somehow something got loose in the world, somehow it spread, and a few weeks later, as the graphic novel begins, the vast majority of the population is shambling and looking for human flesh to eat. Except for the ones who are sprinting after humans to eat their flesh. And of the minority of un-undead who remain, chaos has set in, and anarachy, and all those fun after-effects of an apocalypse, until no one can trust anyone. Not even Sam, the hero of the story, whose only reason for staying alive is that maybe, somehow, somewhere his daughter is still alive. Maybe.
I loved this book. I enjoyed the artwork consistently – and that's rare; so often either one book/chapter in a series will be well done, and the next will be by a different artist who doesn't seem to have ever picked up a pencil before – but here there is one writer, one artist. Sophian Cholet (colors by Simon Champelovier). The characters were vivid and believable, and I never found myself thinking "hm, that's the Daryl of the group". A lot of the characters were children, and it occurs to me that this was very smart – I mean, yes, they're going to be at risk from parents and other caretakers who turn, but they're also going to be the first priority of any adult in the area, related or not, stashed in the safest possible place and protected tooth and nail, and sometimes in groups. I loved the fake-out mind-bleepery prologue; I loved the way information was revealed and surprises were sprung, and new characters introduced and tied in. I loved the paint job for the Pentagon. I loved the character arcs. I loved that unintended consequences were given attention: the thing that saved one group of survivors, the brilliant idea by what was almost their Eugene, was the death of untold other survivors. It was a beautifully told story.
I liked that the creators' pop culture tastes seemed to be reflected in the t-shirts characters wore.
In fact, I loved this book enough to give it five stars right off the bat … but then I thought about it a little more. And while it was very good, and very enjoyable, there were a handful of things that bothered me a little while I was reading and survived my satisfaction upon finishing. For one thing, as the creators' names might indicate, the book was originally written in French, and while for the most part the translation gave me no problems every now and then there was something that just didn't click. The children were the biggest problem, and there were a lot of children in the story; there were quite a few frames in which their dialogue seemed far too old for them. Things like "zombies are too numerous", talking about psychopaths, and even smaller things like using the word "adult", just didn't feel right. (This actually was true in other cases as well, with (ahem) grownups using language that was more formal than called for.)
I was a little annoyed that only rarely did anyone seem to use a weapon other than a gun; on one page someone even warns that gunfire will attract the zombies' attention, and then in the very next frame someone else is blam-blamming away. There were a few times that people used hammers and whatnot, but I would have loved to have seen some creativity in the weapons. Come the end of the world I for one will be looting museums with medieval collections as early as possible: polearms for the win. And bows of all kinds, cross and not: distance weapons that make much less noise than firearms, and which are much easier to create new ammunition for.
I was also a little annoyed, in retrospect, that there were really no women among the fighters. That doesn't come from a feminist standpoint – that just comes from a sensible standpoint. (Well, that's the same thing, quite often.) Every survivor with reasonable physical condition should be trained to use as many weapons as possible in the event of the end of the world. If nothing else, give a girl a gun – a decent pair of eyes and a trigger finger doesn't depend on gender. Again, this didn't strike me while I was reading – but afterwards I said "Hey waitaminnit!"
Oh, speaking of women and how they were handled in the book – a group of the good guys comes upon a group of bad guys who keep two women tied to their beds … and I don't think … Nope, I just went back and checked. The fate of those two women is never mentioned. It would have been nice to have had them being wrapped in blankets and helped away in the background of a scene.
The last thing that bothered me was a Big Reveal at the very end of the story. It was almost well done; there was a teaser earlier on, and then at the end when someone finally puts into words what is being kept from everyone (including the reader) for their own sanity, I … missed it. I had to go back and read it again. It was something that made the first survivor who heard it exclaim in horror – but all it got out of me was a "huh?" So what on earth is it that is going to happen that the survivors need to give half a damn about? Don't know. Maybe that was the point – but if I knew, I'd have finished the book with a pang in my heart for these people, instead of just …confused.
Still and all, while it wasn't after all quite a five-star read, Zombies: A Brief History of Decay (to give it the full title on my copy) was very, very good, and very, very enjoyable.
Just don't think about it too much after you finish it.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
April 4, 2017
An adult comic with an impressive look, but so very little new to show us about how people survive against the plague/apocalypse/whatever of zombie majorities. You can see every expected trope and stereotype of the genre on these pages, and with awkwardly attributed speech bubbles, and some very peculiar ways that changes of scene are NOT addressed, and an at-times terrible wordiness due its large-sized format, it's even more avoidable. Not too bad, but not worth clamouring over.
August 18, 2017
While it had similarities to the Walking Dead it was different enough to be interesting and an excellent addition to the ongoing Zombie genre graphic novels. I like how the story develops a way of moving the zombies away from populated centers, but at the same time putting others in jeopardy if they happen to be in the way of the horde. There are a lot of characters that come and go, not good to get attached. But it's a Zombie story, so be prepared for that. It's never when they will go, but how they will go. And they go quite well in this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews