By Keigen Rea — I mean it in the best way, but Dead Day 3 was not a comic I was prepared to enjoy as much as I do. For some reason, what I expected was something generic and tried, but instead I got a fun blend of concepts, good storytelling, and a great cliffhanger even while delivering a story that’s easy to pick up and follow. 

The simple pitch of Dead Day is Purge+The Leftovers+Zombies, and it turns out that really works! This issue brings in some cult-y stuff reminiscent of The Leftovers, and we get some gun shots in. This issue focuses on the horror of the concept and really leans into the drama. The three storylines are dovetailing nicely, but at the same time they feel like they’re touching on different genres of horror/zombie stories in a fun and effective way. The creative team is somehow getting me into a zombie story, and I’m surprised and delighted. 

I’m not sure I’ve read anything from artist Evgeny Bornyakov, but he’s got some great storytelling chops on display here. Page 7 of the comic, where a simple conversation is still dynamic while having a simplicity that’s great to see. Writer Ryan Parrott likely had something to do with this as well, but the body language and specific “shots” that Bornyakov drew are executed to near perfection. 

The closest thing to a weak link here would, in my opinion, be colorist Juancho!, whose work isn’t bad by any means, but isn’t an aesthetic that I like a bunch. It’s fine, the lighting is good, and I genuinely like the way the flashback sequence looks, but otherwise it just looks a little wet to me. 

I also want to note, this issue isn’t a traditional jumping on point or anything, but it really feels like anyone could jump onto the series with this issue. Every issue has a BKV-style cliffhanger and if this is a series you’re interested in, you could probably figure stuff out across the comic.

Overall: I was surprised that this comic worked as well as it does for me, and I’m happy about that as well! If The Leftovers+Purge+zombies sounds like a good time, pick this book up. 7.5/10

Review - Dead Day #3

Dead Day #3
Writer: Ryan Parrott
Artist: Evgeny Bornyakov
Colorist: Juancho!
Letterer: Charles Pritchett 
Publisher: Aftershock Comics
Price: $3.99
Jeremy attempts to track down the monster responsible for his murder as well as uncover the terrifying secret behind it. Brandon finds himself amongst the dead and at the heart of the Revivalists' most sacred ritual. From writer Ryan Parrott (OBERON, VOLITION, Power Rangers) and artist Evgeniy Bornyakov (DESCENDENT, YOU ARE OBSOLETE) comes an unnerving tale of existential horror with grave consequences.
Release Date: September 16, 2020
Buy It Digitally: Dead Day #3

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Keigen Rea enjoys coming up with new bios but also sometimes forgets, but when he forgets, know that he still loves you and wants what’s best for you. Find him @prince_organa on Twitter because addiction.