Redneck, Vol. 2: The Eyes Upon You

Redneck

by Donny Cates, Dee Cunniffe (Artist), Donny Cates

The Bowmans are lying low from the law with a new member of the family in tow. But there are rules to being a vampire...and when the rules are broken, the family will surely suffer...

Collects REDNECK #7-12.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Horror, Vampires, Graphic Novels Comics, Fantasy, Comic Book

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 23, 2018

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perry is easily the most interesting thing about this series, and this is a Perry-heavy story.
You might even call it her origin story.



Or at least, it's where she finds out about her origins.



I know hick vampires aren't everyone's bag, but for those of you looking for something a little different than the capes and tights comics, Donny Cates' Redneck is worth taking a peek at.

[Donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redneck is a vampire story for people who hate vampire stories. It takes and advances vampire tropes to their natural end—hyperbole, philosophy, and the reckoning of their existence. It’s southern Americana, bloody violence, thrilling drama, and vampires waxing existential—what it means to be immortal and yet still somehow inescapably human. Volume two blows up with huge character arcs, reveals, and new plot threads. I’m loving this series.

[RG · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* I enjoyed this alot more than volume 1. The story built on the toens backdrop of vampires. Other parties get involved. Reslly cool story telling here. The art has grown on me alot more.

[James DeSantis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redneck is probably my second favorite comic of the year so far. First goes to Babyteeth volume 1. Oh, look at that, both done by Donny Cates!

SO yeah, if haven't read my volume 1 review, I fucking loved this series. Take a bunch of rednecks and make them vampires and put them in a story that doesn't FEEL like a regular vampire story, and you got redneck. So take a Gothic southern horror vibe and put it with Donny's crazy dialog and you have a special little gem here.

So after the major events of the last volume we have the group of vampires on the run. Well, it actually is more of them staying in a Cabin trying to figure out their next move. When JV starts training the new vampire things go way wrong. Betrayal, twist, reveals, and more are all contained in this crazy volume.

Good: Once again this series has some of the best dialog ever. From JV internal thoughts, to how people talk to each other, it's high end, always entertaining, and fucking fantastic. The art is still something I love. Gritty, dark, sometimes hard to follow, but the brutal moments really hit. Also, let me just say there's one twist in here I kind of saw coming, but what I love was what the character did with it and the powers on display.

Bad: Nothing really.

Overall another fantastic fucking volume in a awesome series. I want more, I need more, I hope this goes for 10 volumes.

[Zack! Empire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was on the fence about this series after reading the first volume, but this one got me hooked. In fact, I'm pretty excited for the next volume. It's mostly because I want to know what happens, but also because, I have no clue what WILL happen! Donny Cates is really good at throwing curve balls at you!

[A Fan of Comics · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series never disappoints!

Redneck is probably one of the few books I look forward to every month. I've been reading since issue 3, rarely am I disappointed, let alone bored with it. They use their time wisely and the story is always moving forward, there's no slow arches or unfinished story lines. I can honestly say I like every character (even the bad guy, hes bad but still interesting) and every character has a unique story to them, sometimes much sadder than I was expecting! They even have some cool nods to other Image books, which I'm a sucker for. I can see the art not being for everyone but I think it fits the story well and they have some sweet coloring in the explosions in this volume. If you liked the first volume, youll definitely like this one. If you didn't, I'd still say give it a try. Volume 2 is much more wild than the first.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A slight improvement on the previous volume as we get to know some of the characters better, particularly Perry with her unique powers and backstory. But The Eyes Upon You moves right past the quiet moments into slam-bang action as the police and Feds pour on firepower against the Bowman's in their little Waco hideout.

Also, how is it any surprise that Landry, the unexplored villain from the previous volume, isn't following the family's vampire rules and is, y'know, being villainous? It was more a surprise when he became a big softie, curious about vampire lore.

Just not engaged with this series at all, but at least it's fast-paced so I can probably race through the next few volumes.

[Aldo Haegemans · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5/5

[Imogene · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s funny how the most monstrous part of this story isn’t the vampire, but the human parts.
Jeepers. Very Near Dark, quite heart wrenching.

There were a LOT of twists in this arc.

[47Time · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot is all over the place here. The Bowmans can't get a moment's peace, so there is more action here than in the last volume. Too bad that it was sparked by a flimsy plot twist that came simply out of the blue. I sure do hate the deus ex machinas.

Relocated to the middle of nowhere, the Bowmans try to wait out the storm until things quiet down. JV goes missing after being attacked by a strange party. Landry returns to his dushy self and attacks Perry while his people surround the Bowmans. After being turned into a vampire he slowly created a bunch more vampires who now follow him. They draw the FBI down on their heads and a whole mess of trouble that will leave many dead in its wake.

During the chaos Perry escapes her psychic restraints and free Bartlett as well. She demands to know why she has this power. She is in reality a Landry who was killed while in her mother's belly in retaliation by Grandpa. The escape is then revealed to have been in Bartlett's head, guided by Perry who officially sides with the Landrys. She attacks the FBI agents telepathically.

The Bowman's familiar Phil deals the Landrys a major blow by rescinding their invitation which forces them to exit the house in agony. The FBI takes the brunt of the assault, Phil is killed, JV returns to kill father Landry and the Bowmans barely get away.

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as excellent as the first volume. This one continues on the Landry vs Bowman feud from a different angle and some secrets never known before about the origin of that feud are revealed. Lots of violence and blood as expected from a vampire story but most of all this is a story of family loyalty, fealty and love. Excellent characters and a quick fast-paced read. Great developments leave me excited for the next volume.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Review is for vols 1-5 read back to back

Horror with a heart, and a reverence for the genre that precedes, underlies, and validates its irreverence.
The series builds slow and then explodes, going from local to global in the seeming blink of an eye, but with such a grounded foundation that the whiplash of altered scope isn't a fatal problem for the telling or a bald attempt to paper over story flaws with spectacle.

[Jamie Connolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another good one from Donny Cates. Mainly about some hillbilly vampires just trying to live their lives feasting on animal blood in piece but can’t because trouble keeps finding them. It’s not exactly bursting with layers of depth but it’s certainly entertaining enough to keep me reading. I’ll probably read the next one. 4 stars.

[Cory Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these comics. So unique and entertaining. This second installation wasn’t quite as good as the first, but I’m a sucker for origin stories. Looking forward to the third.

[Tar Buendía · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una de mis cosas favoritas de la trama es la manera de Cates de introducir anticipaciones. Aunque sea una historia muy violenta y bastante predecible cada vez que se ata un nuevo cabo sonrío. Es una lectura muy satisfactoria, muy ágil y que representa muy bien determinados tipos de familia.

A nivel gráfico todo va muy bien también.

Más en: https://gorgonas.com/2020/07/23/resen...

[Brian Rosenberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Redneck Vol. 2: The Eyes Upon You
Image, Collects issues 7-12

“There is no such thing as hope.”

The Bowmans are on the run. To be expected, them being vampire. They settle in Waco, TX. Maybe you’ve heard of it. Great spot for would-be Messiahs, cults, and vampires. It’s also the birthplace of Dr Pepper. Not sure that’s connected. Possibly, a spin-off series.

Bartlett and Landry patrol the perimeter and discuss the rules – crosses, sunlight, stakes, garlic, etc. Hours later, Bartlett returns but no sign of Landry. JV investigates only to be staked by Landry who has been draining his victims dry, turning them into vampires.

Phil and Evil go on a food run and run afoul of the police. Some locals have gone missing. Thanks Landry. Phil buys Evil time to warn the Bowmans.

Landry confesses his deeds, “This is my calling. I am the way. I am the shepherd. And I will protect my flock.” He tells Bartlett he killed JV making Bartlett… laugh.

“No, you didn’t… Well, I hope your lord still loves you… cause you ‘bout to find out what a real monster looks like.”

While in police custody, Phil tells his history with the Bowmans and Gabriel Villalobos better known as Evil.

Landry has Bartlett chained in the basement. Bartlett tells Perry her true history. The truth does not sit well.

Another twist courtesy of a Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free-Card Phil sends Landry’s flock out of the house where the gathered police open fire. Some survive. Some don’t. Enter sadness and the return of… JV.

Best quote – “They got kids eating cats out here!”

Sloppy art but it works. This series has a definite “Near Dark” vibe to it, much more than “American Vampire,” another great vampire series.

There is a Vol. 3. Review coming soonish.

[Rodolfo Santullo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continúan las desventuras de los Bowman, una familia de vampiros tejana quienes -muy por lo contrario a lo que uno podría asumir- pasan bastante más tiempo cómo presas y perseguidos de los humanos que viceversa. Será porque está familia -que acaba de sumar por completo a desgano a un nuevo miembro, el reverendo Landry, que era para colmo su mayor antagonista hasta entonces- sabe de primera mano lo destructivo que puede resultar destacarse demasiado cómo chupasangres y que los humanos también tienen lo suyo a la hora de las tortas. Justamente, el volumen uno terminaba con la familia en fuga, dejando atrás sus territorios ancestrales y ahora los reencontramos en Waco, Texas -famoso por David Koresh y su congregación suicida- tratando de pasar desapercibidos al menos por un par de décadas. De más está decir que tal cosa no será posible. Cates una vez más destaca cómo gran constructor de personajes y de diálogos -vampiros sureños no es lo que uno diría una premisa tremendamente original pero la hace funcionar perfecto- y en este tomo relucen los dos “renfields” humanos de la familia -Phil y Evil- por mérito propio. El apartado gráfico sigue siendo una completa maravilla. Estherren está en su salsa -grim, gritty, sangre y personajes tan recios cómo austeros-complementado por el gran color de Cunniffe. Otro gran tomo de una gran serie (que acaba de lanzar su cuarto TPB) que tendremos de regreso muy pronto en las reseñas.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like once again when I was in the action I was having a great time, but I'm docking a star because getting to that action kind of felt a bit awkward and stumbling towards it. But boy once we were there! I loved the idea of the feuds between the family taking on new shapes and new drama. Now that we have a newly made vampire with cult leader tendencies things got very interesting! I also really enjoyed the reveal that Perry was actually from the other family as well. It had the right amount of gravitas with how the closely held secret was revealed. Far and away though the stand out moments in this book were Evil and Phil and their relationship. As well as Evil's response to Phil's death. I'm definitely checking out the next one, because I need to see how everyone's going to deal with the aftermath of so much drama!

[Two Envelopes And A Phone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fresh from their forced and frenzied re-settlement, the Bowman clan and their human familiars have no chance to rest. Landry, recently turned, proves to be a worse problem than ever, Perry’s past gets delved into and she is unhappiest of all about that - ignorance was not bliss, but kind of doable. JT goes missing, the FBI come around where they are not wanted - but that’s what happens when vampires arrive and don’t behave.

The art has a scratchy appeal; I’m not being dazzled, but I think we’re going for gritty, gross at times, with the colour palate coming out to play mainly for blood and explosions. So that’s fine. More of a cliffhanger ending here, than what brought Vol. 1 to a close, but I’m certainly up for Vol. 3 not too long from now.

[Paul Allard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuation of redneck vampire series - plenty of bloodshed

This volume comes straight after the previous one and deals with the aftermath of the events forcing the family to hide out. It’s a story of revenge, revelations and discovery with the police and FBI getting involved. Some major characters die during the various confrontations.

The characters are developed and interesting and the plot moves along at a fair pace. The artwork is not as clear for me to distinguish between various bearded individuals and the series is original and worth a look if you’re after something a little different. Volume 3 to come.

[Nate]

The Bowmans go on the run with Landry in tow, setting up camp in middle-of-nowhere Waco, Texas. Guess how long it takes for things to go bad again? There’s nothing especially deep about this series; it’s junk food horror. But I find myself enjoying it, I think because Cates takes time to develop the characters and make them interesting. I also like that it’s a somewhat unique take on vampires - Redneck doesn’t have overtly gothic overtones (well, southern gothic), nor is it a Buffy-esque hero’s story. It reads like a noir family drama with vampires, and it mostly works. Still not a fan of Estherren’s art, though. I have trouble sometimes telling characters apart.

[Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third story arc by Donny Cates, the previous two being arc one of Redneck and God Country. I continue to be impressed with his story telling and Redneck is such a unique take on a vampire story.

Bartlett remains an interesting hero but he gets overshadowed by a landslide by Perry in this story. You will not believe her origin story. Second place in persons of interest is Evil and his origin story as well.

Well done Cates. I look forward to the next arc to an already crazy story.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a first volume that dug into a basic vampires-hiding-in-Texas story, Volume 2 moves the plot along while giving more necessary backstory for the vampire's mortal assistants Phil and Evil, as well as more with the Bowman-Landry feud, rules for how vampires work, and what's so special about the youngest Bowman, the girl called Perry. Things go worse for the characters, but get a lot better for the readers.

[Subham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book, we join the Bowmans on the run from the last arc but then we find thr truth about the Landry and what he has done to them. Its Bowmans vs Landry and the Feds and more secrets as to who Perry is, what happened to JV and that cliffhanger omg. The battles are bloody and brutal here and there are real stakes. More story about Phil and Evil, the familiars of the Bowman family. Perfect read.

[Michela Cacciatore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meno brillante rispetto al primo volume, soprattutto non mantiene lo stesso livello di storytelling, che nel primo era assolutamente magnifico. Comunque la scrittura è brillante e molto piacevole da leggere.

Less brilliant than the first volume, above all it does not maintain the same level of storytelling, which in the first was absolutely magnificent. However the writing is brilliant and very pleasant to read.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent series. This volume might be a bit of a step down from the first, but mainly because I now know what to expect and there's a bit of wheel-spinning here. Also, the artwork could be cleaned up a bit--it's just a bit too lean and muddy to really be effective. But, really, this continues along at the high standard set by the first volume and I am looking forward to the next one.

[Hugo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick respite and then straight back into full-blooded action, with flashbacks filling in pieces of the puzzle, offering twists and revelations. Cates's scripting keeps up the pace, with naturalistic dialogue, and Estherren's loose and stylised art (ably deepened by Cunniffe's atmospheric colouring) continues to impress.

[Chad Jordahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixed feelings on this one but the climax was pretty exciting and held my attention, enough to give 4 stars and motivate me to read the next volume. Enjoyed the name check to the Runnin' Rebs of Craw County from Southern Bastards. I'm bored by the family feud / honor culture aspect of the story... it's not at all a compelling motivation to me (even though I understand it is for some). It's adolescent, illogical, and destructive.

[Aron · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.1 Stars. Wow, this was so much better than I was expecting since I thought Vol. 1 good but not really good. This volume got better with every issue, as opposed to Vol.1 dragging middle. Definitely looking forward to Vol. 3

[Kris Ritchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this volume! Here we come to find out just how dark and twisted the Bowman family can really be, and they still pale in comparison to the newly turned Brother Landry and his threat to the secrecy of vampires. And then Perry learns a secret...