by Joshua Skye:
I want to start my review by stating openly that I’ve grown very weary of zombie stories, they are a dime-a-dozen with few, if any, offering anything new to the sub-genre. We either get varying degrees of Romero’s allegorical brilliance or we’re treated to sanctimonious attempts at Anti-Romero mythology that often only removes the intelligence of his work and/or merely has the zombies run instead of shamble along. I desperately long for something new in the undead genre. Kevin A. Ranson’s “The Spooky Chronicles” was a most welcomed original voice.
Well, guess what? Here’s another.
“Legends of the Night: Horrors of War” is epic and personal at the same time. It is beautifully illustrated, skillfully written, and flawlessly presented. Forget any preconceptions of what you may believe comic books to be, this is a must-read. Although classic in character, this one transcends the stereotypes to become not just a great horror story but also an ambitious and profound work of art.
There are traditional zombie elements here, but they are enhanced by fresh ideas, grandiose in scope and frighteningly fascinating. Our journey takes place during the wake of the 1945 atomic bombing of Japan. The Horrors of War are only worsened by the subsequent release of a terrifying virus spread by the most common and resilient of all pests. A group of soldiers is sent out to try to contain the virulent disease. It’s not just the story of one man; it is also the tale of many. Like all great comics, it leaves us wanting more. I am completely hooked.
DarkMedia contributor Joshua Skye’s short stories have appeared in anthologies from STARbooks Press, Knightwatch Press, Sirens Call Publications, Rainstorm Press, JMS Books and periodicals such as Blood and Lullabies. He is the author of “The Singing Wind,” “Bareback: A Werewolf’s Tale,” “Midnight Rainbows,” the forthcoming “The Grigori,” and “The Angels of Autumn.” You can find him on his website.
Legends of the Night: Horrors of War can be found (for free) here.
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