Vinyl, Volume 1

Vinyl (2021) #1-6

by Doug Wagner

PLASTIC creators DOUG WAGNER and DANIEL HILLYARD return with Eisner Award winner DAVE STEWART for an unsettling tale of psychopaths, sweet love, and a serial killer named Walter. When Walter’s best friend, the FBI agent charged with his capture, is kidnapped by a death cult of all-female sunflower farmers, Walter finds himself deep within an underground labyrinth filled with secrets and monsters... but are their monsters more horrific than his?

Collects VINYL #1-6

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Horror, Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Comic Book

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 26, 2022

Reviews

[Alexander Peterhans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Serial killers, blood, guts and gore.. it's basically Image out-Imageing itself.

I even read Plastic after reading this, thinking this might be some sort of sequel. It's only a sequel in terms of serial killers and gore, not in characters or plot. It is a better written book, though, it has a more complex plot.

You don't get to see a lot of the violence and fighting, and it becomes clear why when you do get to see some of that action - it's pretty hard to discern what is happening. This does have the effect that you can't see the difference between our main characters dispatching several enemies with ease, and suddenly having a hard time with another. The parameters are unclear, and so are the stakes.

Extra half a star for trusting the reader to get up to speed with what the hell is happening and what these people are to eachother, although I can easily see that being off-putting to other readers.

2.5 stars

(Picked up an ARC through Edelweiss)

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nailbiter vibes, but goofier and with less backstory.

Individual issue reviews: #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6

Total review score: 2.63

[Alex Sarll]

A serial killer with Alzheimer's enlists a few colleagues to help him rescue the FBI agent on his tail from the bunker of the cult holding said agent prisoner. Yeah, that old chestnut. The story isn't always the clearest, but the art carries it through, with a look that reminded me of Invincible, lovely and clean even when the action it depicts is neither. If there are any direct links to the same creators' Plastic, I missed them, but the clear thematic kinship reminded me of Tynion and Donovan's -etic trilogy, and I like that. I was also glad to see some Vegemite representation, though given it was being endorsed by the younger serial killers who are pretty much infuriating wannabes except that they also turned out to have a knack for it, maybe I shouldn't have been.

(Edelweiss ARC)

[Valéria. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully gory, really funny, full of bunch of very interesting characters. Plastic, Plush and Vinyl are truly some top comics when it comes to blood-fun combination.

[Pastels Passions · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the goofiness of this series (because there is a throwaway reference to Plastic in this one!) It's absolutely a blast to read with wonderful colors.

[It's just Deano · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of Vinyl is a pretty strange but straight forward one - a bunch of very bad people are needed to take down another very bad person.

The characters are well defined here and seem incredibly lively - particularly the main serial killer, Walter, who's quirks and afflictions make him a very interesting lead for the story.

That said, the plot itself does suffer for its simplicity - it all seems fairly linear and on the rails. The book never really throws the reader any curve balls or major twists, which does give you a sense you're just going through the motions a little.

The bright and vivid art style is an explosion of primary colours and is in stark contrast to the written content here - all this most definitely gives this book quite a surreal atmosphere and undertone.

Overall, this was an interesting read, but a simple one at that. It's extremely colourful, both visually and with its characterisation, but relies far too much on the gore and splatter rather than any intense plot.
___________________

My Score: 6/10
My Goodreads: ⭐⭐⭐
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[April Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a big long gore-fest, so if you like that sort of thing, you'll dig this. The twisty-turny story is confusing at first (well, throughout), but gets... honestly? Only slightly less confusing as it goes along. You have an F.B.I. agent having coffee with the aging serial killer he's been working on taking down, when a group of cultists from an all-female death cult show up to "escort" the agent back to their compound for whatever revenge the cult leader has planned for him. Serial killer decides he must rescue his friend, and rounds up a gang of fellow serial killers and a kidnapped agent to break into the cult's compound. Along the way we get little hints dropped about why this is happening, and flashbacks to fill in background on some of the characters. And of course, there's lots and lots and lots of gore, blood, guts, eyeballs getting gauged out, limbs being ripped off, bodies being broken, etc. The ending is ambiguous, and I mostly understand what happened, but the why behind everything doesn't really get explained very well, and yeah, I'm kinda lost. Still, it did keep me interested enough to want to finish reading, and while gore really isn't my jam, the art and colors did a fine job of conveying the horror of it all with pizazz. In fact, the vagueness of the story (which could've been developed into something truly horrifying) makes it seem as though the art, the visuals of the story, are the main focus rather than the words being equal. A decent offering, could've been better, but could definitely have been worse.

[RubiGiráldez RubiGiráldez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Desconozco si este Vinilo tiene gran conexión con la anterior historia del equipo creativo Plástico más allá de que ambas presenten a unos psychokillers bastante curiosos. Porque la historia quiere ir de cabeza a un sinfín de escenas hiper violentas gracias a la amenaza de un culto que sale de ninguna parte para secuestrar a un personaje y el equipo de otros asesinos en serie que el protagonista reúne en conjunto a otro agente del FBI "secuestrado" para la operación de rescate... Pero es que esto sale de la nada cuando en apenas 5 páginas Doug Wagner te presenta a dos personajes, los cuales parecen ser unos colegas de hace años y años... ¿El problema? Uno es un agente del FBI y el otro un asesino en serie que presenta un alzhéimer galopante para el que ha encontrado la solución de estar escuchando música 24/7 (porque por lo visto asesinaba con música de fondo y de esa forma identificaba todo lo relacionado con ese asesinato en ese día, mes y año concreto). ¿Cómo es que han podido llegar a la situación de poder quedar a tomar café como si nada (aunque fuese parte de un plan de tratar de incriminarle los crímenes) si ya se establece que la suma de esqueletos en el armario de Walter parece dar para rellenar un par de osarios? Hay un vacío tremendo en cuanto a este pasado no contado (y que no te contarán... al menos aquí. Sí que parece que quieren darle continuidad), lo cual empeora cuando se añaden esos otros psicópatas que también tiene una larga historia detrás con este Walter. El autor solo logra que todo tenga una sensación muy preocupante de desapego que desde luego no mejora cuando descubres que el cómic solo quiere funcionar a un nivel de hiper violencia lúdica. A lo que es cierto que el estilo de dibujo, cercano al buque insignia de Image Invincible (el anterior comic, Plástico, cuenta con una entusiasta cita de recomendación del mismo Robert Kirkman). Presenta ese curioso término medio en el que enseñar evisceraciones continuas, despellejamientos para montarse la pasarela Ed Gein y utilizar tallos de girasoles como puñales "eco friendly", no perturba tanto como debería, pero tampoco puede considerarse una clave de humor de la obra.

Sin duda, en ese planteamiento inicial de esa "enemistad" del avejentado agente del FBI y el psychokiller senil. Vinilo podría haber llegado a resultar una apuesta más interesante que el sencillo y extremo divertimento sanguinolento de leer y olvidar. No sé si Plástico merecerá más la pena.

[Brendan · Rating 4 out of 5]

🅡🅔🅥🅘🅔🅦

Vinyl
2021
Graphic Novel
Rating: 4/5

Vinyl marks a compelling return to the serial killer genre for writer Doug Wagner, blending crime, horror, and dark humor that captivates from the first page. Illustrated by Daniel Hillyard, the story follows a group of misfits entangled in the chaotic world of a serial killer, revealing layers of darkness yet to be explored. Wagner’s writing is sharp and engaging, expertly balancing intense moments with quirky, offbeat humor. The central characters are well-developed and deeply flawed, making them both relatable and intriguing. Hillyard’s artwork perfectly complements the narrative, featuring a gritty style that enhances the story’s dark themes. The pacing is well maintained, keeping readers on edge while revealing surprising twists that challenge expectations. Themes of obsession, friendship, and the search for identity are woven throughout, elevating it beyond a typical comic story. While it may not reach the heights of Wagner’s wickedly beautiful Plastic, it still offers a gory-fueled escape into the unexplored. This series is just the tip of the iceberg, hinting at the potential for Wagner to revisit this universe in the future. If you haven’t discovered Wagner yet, now is the perfect time to start. Few writers can maintain such a strong narrative over smaller issues, but Wagner feels completely at ease here. Vinyl stands out for its originality and depth, making it a must-read for fans of unconventional comics who appreciate a mix of horror, thrills, and emotional resonance.

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[Bryan Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter recommended this to me, explaining that it was very sweet, about one friend helping another. She was right. The plot of Vinyl concerns a man who wants to help another who's having a hard time. Vinyl is also an over the top horror gorefest, with extreme violence, body parts, blood spatters, and pulp characters in every issue. It is both of these things.

To explain: the kind man at the heart of the action is a serial killer nicknamed Snap. His friend is an FBI agent who gets captured by the sinister head of an evil cult. Snap assembles a team of like-minded homicidal killers to stage a rescue.

A few thoughts:
-I'm impressed by the theme of aging here. Snap has Alzheimer's, and uses digital and vinyl (hence the title) song recording to organize his thoughts. His fellow maniacs are very compassionate about him.
-There are lovely moments of sweetness, like when the sewing woman gets revenge, or when the FBI agent has regrets about how he treats Snap.
-Nice running motif of a colorful butterfly representing Snap's memories.
-Some good narrative playing, jumping back and forth in time.
-The cult was fascinating and I kinda want to have spent more time with them.

[Bandit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insane. Manic. Wildly entertaining.
I enjoyed Doug Wagner’s Beware the Eye of Odin and wanted to see what else he got up to. Apparently, this. A heartwarming tale of friendship, psychopaths, and serial killers.
In Vinyl, a serial killer losing his memory calls up on his murdering buddies to save his bestie who also in a major conflict of interest is an FBI agent.
Murder and mayhem ensue.
Vinyl’s more of a collaboration for Wagner since he no longer is doing double duty with both art and story, but it works out nicely. I mean, yes, the plot is kind of muddled at times, but honestly, who’s going to read a book like this for the plot alone? The in-your-face guts and gore are all there. Set to music, no less. Plus, it’s a quick read.
Fun, if you’re in the mood for this sort of thing. And if not, well, why’d you pick up a book with a cover and plot summary like that? Seriously?


This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/

[Theediscerning · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh dear. For someone who dislikes DNF-ing graphic novels, this was a case of it being perfectly justified. There's something about a guy trying to bring a serial killer in without scaring the natives, only to get kidnapped or his daughter ends up with some sexy death cult thing. And lo and behold said serial killer goes to his rescue, with the teddy bear mask that is clearly supposed to be human skin, and despite the Jedward of the serial killer world, who come complete with their Men at Work-referencing "jokes". Oh, and no six pages are on the same section of the timeline as the ones overleaf. Who's gutting who, who's controlling who, who's bathing in whose blood – questions whose answers mean naff all.

[Ανδρέας Μιχαηλίδης · Rating 3 out of 5]

This follows a similar recipe to the previous installment, "Plastic", except it goes full throttle with serial killer psychopathology instead of examining "common people" issues through it grotesque lens.

A few snippets of dialog reveal that the two series take place in the same worldspace, which is a tad problematic for some depictions, as I was almost certain this time there was something supernatural about some characters. Turns out that, no, they simply have "slasher film strength" when it comes to killing people, so much so that body parts detach as if made of jelly.

However, when you accept you are basically reading a horror flick on paper, with the serial killers as the heroes, the series is quite fun.

[Ricky · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hey. you like what you like. It's all subjective but the high ratings on this baffle me. I hated reading this. So many meaningless characters, so many panels cropped in awkward ways so you can't decipher what's happening not to mention constantly jumping "one day earlier, one hour after, today, tomorrow, before that". Just so much going on and none of it meant anything. Also, this was suppose to be funny? I didn't get any laughs. Just face palms. I didn't like Plastic much so I didn't have high hopes here but I didn't think I'd hate it as much as I do. Sorry if I offend anyone who does like it, like I said to each their own.

[Harry Jahnke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like this could have been really great had I known what the hell was going on. This is a solid second half of a great story with just no beginning. We're immediately thrown into a universe where a super hero team of serial killers is fighting a sexy Karen who walks around naked in a curtain and trying to rescue an FBI agent. And im not necessarily complaining about that, mind. I just wish I knew who we had gotten here. Everything moved so fast and made such little sense that I found myself getting lost a lot. Cool idea, neat art, poor execution.

[Mike Jorgensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this 3.5 stars, sadly Goodreads doesn't have that option. I liked it a lot, especially for a hack-and-slash serial killer story. It is a fund, good characters, but nothing particularly profound. Whether you take this as good or bad, it felt like a Quentin Tarantino film. I could have use about 4 more issues to give more background for Walter and Dennis, but I appreciate a good standalone story that does what it came to do and that is what you've got here.

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting. I could not put it down! I appreciate books that make you root for the "bad guys". They were relatable in some ways but also very human.They made you feel the closeness of relationships and humanized most of the characters. (Some arent meant to be humanized.) The way various forms of love and living were shown whether we agreed with it or not were all respected. I would totally read more about any of these characters if more books came out. I Loved this!

[Ben Long · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seemed like a really interesting premise (serial killers attempt to save FBI agent from deadly cult), but just drops you into the plot with zero backstory for characters. Things were happening in the moment, but I didn’t much care about any of it because of the lack of context. Lots of blood and guts, which is fun, but a lot of the action was confusing as well. Read it in one sitting, but really wanted it to be better.

[Paul Allard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Horror comic - hope you like the colour red! - a wee bit different.

If you are into serial killers, this comic book volume is for you. A story pitching deranged serial killers against each other may not entertain everybody. The artwork is generally very good but there's a lot of blood spilt (thus the colour red). With a hefty death count, this is quite good but not really my cup of tea. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Benjamin Ervin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is as gruesome as horror can get, without ever breaking me like other series (Nailbiter being an example). However, there was some flaws in like telling where or when the characters are interacting even with all the title cards, I was sometimes a little loss till some serious violence happens. So, it's a mixed bag for sure.

[Rob McMonigal · Rating 4 out of 5]

this does use the "ask a serial killer to catch a worse serial killer" trope but the strangeness of the anti-hero, the absolutely killer art (Especially Stewart's colors), and the premise (music) was more than enough to win me over. Would have been a contender for 2021 favorite had I gotten to it.

[Bill Coffin · Rating 1 out of 5]

There's a lot that didn't work for me in this, but the thing that didn't work the most was how the notion that simply being a serial killer somehow confers extraordinary abilities. None of thsi really made sense or held together.

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never read a graphic novel quite like this. The violence of Nailbiter, art reminiscent of Tradd Moore, gore everywhere.

[Bert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great art, but the story is a bunch of gratuitous violence without any purpose. Worse of all is that the ending was spoiled in the first pages.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, gory, and somehow also touching? Love a serial killer found family, apparently.

[Shell Silvers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fucking love it

[Steve Bearfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great serial killer story with some heart to it...pun intended

[melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABsolutely loved this whole trilogy!
Graphic as hell. Like a car crash you can't look away and will quickly devour the books.
*Digital copy downloaded via Hoopla from my public library*

[Mee Too · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well it ended in so much mystery!! I must know more ! 😂

[crisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

a bit confusing at the start but i really loved it once i understood the premise ! also i really love rennie ♥️