Comics Review: Revival Vol. 1: You’re Among Friends

Written by: Laura Hong-Tuason, CC2K Comics Editor

Zombies, monsters, demons, oh my! Though in all seriousness, such words can do no justice to Image Comic’s “Revival” and there’s a reason why.

Writer: Tim Seeley

Illustrator: Mike Norton

Colors: Mark Englert

“Revival” takes place in the rural city of Wausau, Wisconsin. For one day, the dead have come back to life. Some see the revival of their loved ones as a miracle. Others see it as the work of the devil. As for Officer Dana Cypress? Well, she sees it as one splitting headache and an emotional rollercoaster.

Placed on the Revitalized Citizen Arbitration Team (R.C.O.T) by her sheriff father, Dana must deal with the media, religious zealots, and the revivers. But that’s not all. Countless murders are being committed, odd rituals are taking place, and a strange creature walks the land. Even worse, her sister Martha is acting erratically. Is she good? Bad? What IS she exactly? The mystery never ends in this amazing creator-owned series!

“Revival” is not your typical zombie story. That’s because it’s not really a zombie story. For one thing, the revivers aren’t undead beings taking slow strides with their arms outstretched looking for brains. They’re just alive and normal as you or me… sort of. The psychological well being of the revivers is up in the air. Some appear ordinary, others are unstable, and a few are somewhere in between. It’s an unsettling feeling for both revivers and those who were alive to begin with. The revivers must cope with their sudden assimilation back to life, while the normal individuals must tread lightly around those who have returned.

This story brings up many questions and touches upon an array of genres. Why has this phenomenon happened? Who can be trusted? However, “Revival” is more than a mystery about the undead. It is a drama, horror, and supernatural story packed into one comic book. It’s about cops, family, love, and the open country. Bottom line? It has everything.

And have you seen the cover to this comic? Of course you have, I provided it for you! The cover is just stunning with its gray undertones. It really reflects the dark coldness and disconcerting ambiance of the story. The art and coloring in the comic itself is different, using more solid lines and brighter colors. I was expecting paler tones to echo the noir vibe, but I’m not complaining. It’s still done flawlessly.

“Revival Vol. 1” collects issues 1-5 and is an ongoing series. The last issue in this volume will definitely leave you asking for more. I’m giving this Image comic a 5 out of 5, so give it a read!