Chained to the Grave – Issue #1
Andy Eschenbach & Brian Level (Authors) • Kate Sherron (Art) • Micah Myers (Letters)
Reviewed By A.S. MacKenzie
When I read the summary for Chained to the Grave I was immediately intrigued. It stated there was a man, risen from his grave, cursed to carry his literal headstone around with him on a long chain as he sought those who had wronged him, whilst saving his family. This seemed like a unique take on the risen antihero genre so I gave it a shot.
The first thing to know is that artwork isn’t as you’d expect and that is good. It’s a style not seen often in comics and Sherron gives the whole thing its own feel. I really didn’t think I would dig the style, though to be honest, but as I read through the issue, I came to enjoy its odd angles and near caricature-like presentation of the main character. I will look for their name as an artist in upcoming books.
The storyline, however, is where I have some issues. We’re introduced to the main character right away, which isn’t an issue, but there really isn’t much more to them than a gruff personality and a desire to get home to his wife. Who is oddly non-plussed to see him shambling up to the house, half-decomposed and half-faced, carrying a headstone with him. Even his kids don’t seem the right level of freaked out by this. The story immediately takes off in a direction involving a native woman, a shaman, a magic crime boss, and a host of other new story points. While I hope the series does end up catching up with itself, this first issue raises way more questions than answers. A worrying trend if some resolutions don’t come quickly.
The writing is good, and the dialogue fits for the most part to the characters. If the story keeps up with the art, this will be a great series when it wraps up. If the story doesn’t, then it’s at least a good opportunity to see some good art design.
Chained To The Grave
Outlaw Roy Mason has come back from the dead, chained to the headstone that marked his grave. It’s a lawless time, a magical time, and the undead Roy soon finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place as he sets out in search of treasure. But Roy, trying to do right by the wife and children he left behind, soon finds out that everything is not always as it seems…
You can buy Chained To The Grave from IDW Publishing
A. S. MacKenzie
A. S. MacKenzie is an Atlanta based author who loves all things books, movies, games, and comics. He lives with his wife, spoiled dogs, and an unhealthy obsession with building things. He can be found building worlds in books, building plastic models, or building with wood. Check out his website at asmackenzie.com for ways to join his newsletter and read free stories. Also, he’s been known to frequent Twitter (@a_s_mackenzie) to say something vaguely interesting and Instagram (a.s.mackenzie) for food, travel, and random pics.
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