Red Border

Red Border #1-4

by Jason Starr, Will Conrad (Contributor), Ivan Nunes (Contributor)

A young Mexican couple narrowly escapes the Juarez Cartel by fleeing across the border into Texas, only to be run down in the desert by the Cartel’s most brutal thugs. Rescued by a mysterious local who takes them to the safety of his family’s ranch, the couple soon realize they must escape a house of horrors beyond their wildest imagination. In this exciting conclusion to the series, the couple finds that the army of assassins closing in on them might be their only hope for survival.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Crime, Horror

96 pages, Paperback

First published October 7, 2020

About the author

Jason Starr is the international bestselling author of many crime novels and thrillers, including Cold Caller, The Follower, The Pack and The Next Time I Die. He also writes comics for Marvel (Wolverine, The Punisher) and DC (Batman, The Avenger) and original graphic novels such as Red Border and Casual Fling. In addition, he writes film and TV tie-in novels including an official Ant-Man novel and the Gotham novels based on the hit TV show. His books have been published in sixteen languages and several of his novels are in development for film and TV. He has won the Anthony Award for mystery fiction twice, as well as a Barry Award. Starr lives in New York City.

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Mexican couple must cross the border when they are pursued by a Cartel. What they find on the other side of the border may be just as bad in this mashup of Sicario and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

[A.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty predictable, but a fun horror comic. Surprised I enjoyed this since the only other thing I have read by Jason Starr was Wolverine Max, and I thought that was the single worst Marvel Max book I have ever read. These AWA books are fun and concise, and the TPBs are super cheap as they range from $9.99-$14.99 for a volume of a 4-8 issue mini-series. Highly recommend all of these AWA books to comic fans, they really are one of the best new indie publishers.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

So down in Mexico, the rule is, don’t talk to police about the crimes you might see. Well, one woman did and now the cartel is after her. Her and her BF narrowly escape and are now on the run for the US border. However, who the meet at the border takes this story down the path it’s going to go. Although a tad bit predictable, it was still somewhat decent.

[Oscar · Rating 3 out of 5]

White cannibal racists, the mexican cartel, and a traitorous scumbag! 3.25 🌟

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Red Border is a pretty disturbing, B-flick horror movie about Mexicans trying to escape the vicious life of the Cartel while dealing with Rednecks who are just as bad.

If you don't take it too serious it's actually pretty fun. A husband/wife are on the run after their friends and family are gunned down. This book doesn't take a second to breath as they are running away almost 4 pages in. When they get close to the border they are ambushed by more cartel but then a redneck comes and shoots them up and saves the couple...only for them to be thrown into a even more twisted world.

It's stupid, but it's fun. It's disturbing, yet I wanted to know what would happen next. While not grade-A writing or fantastic art, both are solid enough for me to read this is 3 sittings. Want some crazy texas chainsaw type fun? This one might be worth checking out. A 3 out of 5.

[Michael J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the title and cover image, you might think this is a commentary on immigration issues and conflicts. While it does take place along the Mexico-Texas border, this is pure escapist entertainment with a smidgeon of social commentary utilized more in service of character development rather than a vehicle for a poignant message.

Instead, this is a taut, tense thriller with some horrific elements. Recommended for mature readers only. Good story, with expressive photo-realistic art.

Karina is a strong, calculating protagonist who gets in trouble when she does the right thing and passes information on the Mexican cartel to the authorities. The cartel sends a gang to kill her at a dinner gathering of friends, and when a beloved nephew dies in the melee, the crime boss vows revenge on the escaping Karina and Eduardo, her professor boyfriend.

They avoid capture and manage to cross the border into Texas, only to be trapped in a house of horrors. The weird Texas family, still reliving the battle of the Alamo and killing as many Mexicans as possible, reminds me of a familiar family from a 1970’s Texas horror movie involving chainsaws.

[Shaun Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Red Border collects issues 1-4 of the series written by Jason Starr and art by Will Conrad.

A couple from Mexico are in the run from the cartel after information was given about the gang to reporters. The couple decides the only way they can live free of worry is to sneak into the United States. As they approach the border, the cartel catches up to them only to be massacred by a vigilante Texan. Now the couple must place their lives in this stranger’s hands who has a hidden agenda.

Fun isn't the right word but this book is pretty entertaining. It doesn't add anything new to the horror/survival genre but it does it's job of providing a captivating story. My one problem is that I wish the book contained one or two more issues to flesh out our protagonists more for us to care about them other than just because they are running from the cartel. I was pleasantly surprised with the art throughout the book as well. This has a very B-rated horror/survival film vibe that I wouldn't be surprised becomes an actual movie. I found this book on sale on Comixology and would recommend it to horror/Survivor story fans.

[Dariusz Płochocki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dwójka obywateli Meksyku cudem ratująca swoje życie po ataku mafii, próbuje uciec przeprawiając się przez granicę...
Dla miłośników dużej ilości krwi i mało ambitnego sensacyjnego komiksu lekko w klimatach Walking Dead (nie, nie ma zombie) będzie w sam raz. Cztery zeszyty, spoko kreska.

[Quentin Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read from AWA, and I am very impressed. This is a dark horror story that pulls no punches. What came most to my mind while reading this was The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, although there's a lot more going on here than that. This really needs to be made into a movie.

The basic premise involves a Mexican girl witnessing a murder which sends the Cartels after her. Her and her boyfriend flee across the border and things just keep getting worse. This isn't sugar coated horror, but dark and gritty.

Great story and the art is top notch. The subject matter is politically charged, but it never really comes across as any type of political diatribe as the opinions remain those of the characters rather than the author.

Overall this is a strong showing, and if the quality of other AWA books is this good then the company has found a new fan.

[Adam Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

By far, the best of the AWA Upshot's first run of titles, Red Border is a political horror story about a couple fleeing gangsters in Mexico, only to be rescued by Americans who may not be what they seem.

The pacing, and the character interactions in this book seem hyperbolic, but in a This Is A Compressed Horror Story sort of way, which works really well. I had no problem believing the twists and turns, and I didn't have half the desire to yell at the characters that I do when watching an average horror movie.

If you like psychological horror with a touch of realism and topical political themes, this book should be at the top of your list.

[Marcus · Rating 3 out of 5]

A series of unlikely events, yet the outcomes moment to moment are cliched. Time and time again would-be assassins are taken out by another bad guy at the last opportunity. The art however is decent in this drama on the US border and you’ll be wanting Donald to build a wall around all the homicidal gangsters and rednecks.

[alonso · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una millenial empoderada se peino con la chota sobre el narco y ahora escapa con su pareja sabelotodo al otro lado donde se topan con un letherface redneck.

Siento que no se toma el tiempo de contar la historia, en menos de 4 páginas ya hubo una masacre y se encuentran en huida. Le falto respirar un poco a la historia. Personajes algo genéricos. Una historia pa pasar el rato.

[47Time · Rating 3 out of 5]

Karina Santiago revealed the details of a crime to the police in Juarez, Mexico. Unfortunately, the Juarez Cartel found out about it. They send two men to kill her, but she and her boyfriend Eduardo escape. Eduardo even manages to fatally stab one of hitmen, Cesar, the Cartel boss's nephew. On the way to the US border, the duo meet Tito who also wants to cross into the US illegally. The trio get to the border only to have the gang's men catch up to them. When all seems lost, a man named Colby snipes the bad guys and invites the three illegals to his ranch. It's the best option right now, but the danger is far from over.

Eduardo is on pins and needles about everything and everyone around them. Karina is a bit too trusting with both Tito and Colby, though there are faint signs that all is not what it seems. It turns out Colby has a cellar with several mounted human heads on the walls. They decide to play it cool for a while longer. They inform Tito and make their getaway.

Now the duo are being hunted by both the Cartel and Colby's family. Tito reveals he is working with Colby when he leads them back in his grasp. Edoardo pushes Karina down a small cliff to give her a chance to escape. He is captured by Colby while Colby's father goes after Karina. She smashes his head in and soon stumbles over the Cartel.

Karina steals a truck and has the Cartel follow her right to Colby's house. Colby whips out the Gatling gun, the Cartel fights back, only Karina and Eduardo make it out alive. Now they have to decide where to go. Whatever their choice is, it's one they will make together.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like B-movie horror that lacks the self-awareness to be funny. A hapless Mexican couple is targeted by a ruthless, though quite inept, cartel for talking to the police. They make a run for the border and an orgy of violence begins. The Americans are inbred, redneck, racist cannibals who are also inept. The two groups collide. Predictable mayhem ensues.

Don't waste your time.

[Eye-ra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad read, but pretty generic. You know exactly the ride you’re in for if you’ve ever watched Texas chainsaw massacre or the sort.

[Martti · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful art, but a stereotypical mafioso mexicans deal with stereotypical rednecks while a young couple crosses the US border illegally. Nothing original.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good artwork but unfortunately an average story

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

Jason Starr has written a wonderful limited series. It’s a horror comic starring the worst savage of all time, man.

[Reshma Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

True horror - racists Southern yt people lol

[kesseljunkie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but Falls a Little Short

A predictable horror story, but put together well enough. Not a bad read, but the. endong is a bit too messy for its own good, which burns away a lot of good will before it's over.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty quick horror/thriller set on the Mexico/Texas border. As a huge horror fan, I could appreciate the quick and to the point plotting and violence, but I could see how others could be turned off by it. You aren't going to come out of this with new insights into the plight of migrants, the ideology of proud Texans, or the inner workings of Mexican Cartels. Just the same flashy fun you would get from a well paced and shot blockbuster movie.

[Andrei · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like watching a B-movie slasher with a group of friends - you know immediately what you're going to get in terms of story (especially if you read the synopsis), but you're still going on the ride for the fun of it. The writing is good, the story is largely predictable yet it's enjoyable enough to read on and see what exactly happens to everyone. The art is crisp and vivid, making it easy to follow along.

[Greg Trosclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the easiest work that AWA has published to date. If part of their companies mantra is to put out material that can be readily adapted and sold to Hollywood this might be their best shot. Red Border is a great, scary horror story with solid real world dealings. Both the writing and art is top notch.

[IU_read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disturbing comic. One couple run from cartel and must cross the border. Meet with the "cannibal" family. This is a messed up story. There is a big RED FLAG there, you shoudnt followed a guy who take selfie with a dead body. That is a big NO!

[s.j.hannaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the Frying Pan & into the Fire ...

One surprise after another & one shock after another, in this fast paced excellent thriller, I’ll be watching out for more.

[Steve Howells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fin little read with good art work. A simple story that may offend some but it is a fun story.

[Kris Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rock solid writing and artwork. Totally plausible and contemporary take on the border crisis.

[Robert Bussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is strongly influenced by the movie The Texas Chainsaw Massacre mixed with the dangerous violence of Mexico's criminal underworld with disturbing racism added in.

The story is exciting with plenty of action and twists and turns to keep the reader engaged.

The art work and coloring are both excellent.

[Robert · Rating 1 out of 5]

A standard, predictable, serviceable torture-horror story is then liberally larded with racism for some unnecessary & distasteful reason. The whole experience is not made better by the authors attempt to excuse it with the trite comment in the afterward 'it's not me, it's the characters'.

No, it's you.

[Elise Chandler · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was DARK.