Review: Die!namite Bloody Valentine One-Shot

Who doesn’t love a zombie apocalypse? With Die!namite we have a kind of Walking Dead meets the Dynamite universe. A simple idea that has been done extremely well. The cast is copious to say the least, with every hero getting some sort of place in which to thrive, for the most part. But even in tying times, love can blossom.

The book has a main story and a back-up, both written by Fred Van Lente. Being as this book serves as a break from the ongoing battle, it is quite fitting that both stories are a more slower pace. First up, in “This is Love” we have a smitten kitten in Peter Cannon trying to work out how to win his hearts desire in the red haired form of Red Sonja. Rather than go to the source, Peter decides to court a variety of advice, each alluding to a variety of help. The second story, “Chivalry is Undead”, features a comic type of caper with zombie Dejah Thoris and zombie John Carter which asks one important question; what do you get your undead lover as a gift for Valentine’s Day?

Both stories have a level of humour, with the first one certainly more reflective of situations that everyone has faced at some time or another. It’s well observed, allowing that different things work for different people. Of all the advice, I think Vampi’s would work for me! As the story progresses I was totally caught up in the will they / won’t they elements that are in play. The second story is more slapstick in tone and pace. With no dialogue or monologue, Van Lente has to rely on the artist to get the key points across.

Drew Moss provides the art for the first story with a style that seems to be less is more in an easy going way. For example, the characters are recognisable, but their features are not taken to extremes. This may be disappointing for the legions of steel bikinis and swimsuit clad heroine fans. Still there is a certain charm, even if the action scenes could have stronger direction or camera angles. Kike J. Diaz provides the colors with a subtle switch from a bolder scheme, possibly to visualise the relative end of the world. Lee Ferguson provides the slapstick, comic strip style that at first glance could be off putting in comparison, though upon further review, fits the pace and fu element of Van Lente’s script. Ellie Wright’s colors are a tad darker than the first half, with nuanced greys added into the mix seen on zombie Dejah and zombie John. Letters are provided Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, who uses a range of tricks to emphasise conversational traits. It’s Dynamite, so you know that there are a range of covers to choose from. The standard A cover is gorgeous, as is the Joseph Michael Lisner B cover (which has become the norm for me).

Two books from Dynamite this week have a Valentine’s theme of sorts, though this one’s vine is more evident. As a sojourn from the main Die!namite story it works more so, giving the reader a kind of breather from the main battles.

Writing – 5 Stars

Art – 4 Stars

Colors – 5 Stars

Overall – 4.5 Stars

Written by; Fred Van Lente
Art by; Drew Moss & Lee Ferguson
Colors by; Kike J. Diaz & Ellie Wright
Letters by; Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Published by; Dynamite Entertainment

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network