Review: The Last Book You'll Ever Read #1

It is a fact that we all wear masks. Maybe not the cape and cowl kind, but in our every day life we go along to get along; with partners we compromise, taping that all important ball game in favour of watching the latest episode of whatever and with work colleagues, well ’nuff said in that regard. This latest book from the prolific penmanship of Cullen Bunn asks the question of what would would happen when civility is removed? How would people react to the fight or flight doctrine that we have seemingly been bred to utilise in stressful situations?

Olivia Kade is an author who has a bonafide best-seller on her hands. Her book, Satyr, talks about how civilisation is a lie. To whit, the truth, at least this time around, lie not out there but inside us, clawing its way out. The book and its author who have been blamed for the recents outbreaks of senseless violence and bloodshed that seems to have overtaken the world. When the attacks take a personal toll, Olivia looks for help from outside of the police and is assigned Conner Wilson who has one particular instruction; do not read the book!

Cullen Bunn has successfully transitioned from a superhero book to a horror writer, with a slew of titles from a range of publishers under his belt. This time around, Bunn playas around with a couple of traditional horror tropes, but winds them in different directions. Nothing serves this idea as much as the first act of the book, and its continuation that may be slightly more expected still packs a punch. In Olivia, Bunn has a character that clearly knows more than she is letting on. In fact, could it be Olivia’s knowledge and use of something horrific for her own selfish needs be that strawy that breaks civility’s back? As a first issue, there is a lot exposition to deal with. This handled in one of two ways. Firstly, by pairing excerpts from Olivia’s book and a present day actions the reader is brought up to speed relatively quickly. The other manner is direct conversation, which is probably the ore common, though in this case, is still entertaining with subtle threats and possible loves delicately teased.

The art is supplied by Leila Leiz is a mix of contorting art styles. In places, it reminds me of David Mazzucchellli’s Batman: Year One, specifically the faces. Body poses are a more cartoon, almost exaggerated style which some may find disconcerting for a horror book. Please remind however, that Leiz has to show the normal side of life in an effort to create the true horror for the reader. Maybe not my cup of tea, Leiz work packs a punch that I think will certainly help the story pack its punches down the line. Colorist Giada Marchisio drops a scheme that feels normal, right up to the introduction of all the red! Jim Campbell supplies a font that at first glance seems a little tame for a horror book. But in fact, the svelte style means that the reader has to focus on the writing as much as the art.

It has been a while since I last looked through a Vault book. It is good to see that during my time away the quality that Vault brings to the comic book shop is still there. With #BuyIndieComicDay on 31st July, just around the corner, Vault Comics, along with The Last Book You’ll Ever Read, are both well worth your attention.

Writing – 5 Stars

Art – 4 Stars

Colors – 4.5 Stars

Overall – 4.5 Stars

Written by; Cullen Bunn
Art by; Leila Leiz
Colors by; Giada Marchisio
Letters by; Jim Campbell
Published by; Vault Comics

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