Andrew Newton reviews Zombie Tales: Complete Collection from Boom! Studios…
Boom Studios’ Zombie Tales: Complete Collection is a hefty anthology packed with over 40 stories set after the zombie apocalypse. That might sound like a lot of undead to take in, but the beauty of this collection lies in its variety, not just in storytelling, but also in tone and art style.
There are plenty of stories to appeal to a wide audience. Some tales are touching and heartwarming, while others are just heartbreaking. There are even a few that are just outright bizarre, but in the best way, throwing weird ideas into familiar zombie tropes and seeing what sticks. There’s a real sense of experimentation by the writers in this collection, and more often than not, it pays off.
Visually, there’s a huge variety in the artwork as well. Some stories feature art that is smooth and detailed, while others are raw and full of expression. This changing of art style works well, giving each story its own identity and keeping things fresh throughout the collection. Even though the subject matter overlaps, as is often the case with zombie stories, no two tales feel the same thanks to the range of art styles.
What I enjoyed was how much character and emotion these short stories managed to squeeze into the space available. Each story provides the reader with glimpses of well-developed worlds and fleshed-out characters, sometimes in the space of a half dozen pages. As you read through, there’s a strong sense that some of the writers were having fun pushing the boundaries of what zombie fiction can be, without ever losing sight of the horror at its core.
If you’re after a straightforward, single story, this probably isn’t the comic for you. But if you enjoy your zombie fiction with a variety of creativity, and the occasional emotional gut-punch, Zombie Tales delivers in bucket loads. It’s a great choice for horror fans who appreciate heart as well as brains in their zombie fiction.
Rating: 8/10 – This collection of zombie tales will make you glad to be alive
Andrew Newton
