Right in time for Halloween, Marvel’s Black, White & Blood series reaches its Marvel Zombies universe. An anthology series that has focused on Wolverine and Carnage, what could be a better fit for a bloody good time than zombies? The first issue also offers up icons at work, including Garth Ennis, who hasn’t written at Marvel in some time. With so much potential, this first issue leaves something to be desired.
Containing three tales, Marvel Zombies: Black, White & Blood #1 starts with “Undefeated” by Garth Ennis and Rachael Stott. This story revolves around Daredevil, who has been captured and used in battles hosted by humans. The connection to his father who was a boxer stuck in a never-ending battle is apt, with the tale taking a turn when Punisher enters. The story is fairly basic, revealing a tortured Daredevil who wants the release of death but can’t have it.
The story has a digital visual style that uses red quite frequently in backgrounds and, of course, Daredevil’s costume. Stott comes out swinging with an incredible kick shot by Daredevil that tears a zombie into twirling pieces.
How cool is this kick?
Credit: Marvel
Next up, Alex Segura and Javi Fernandez tell a tale titled “Hope.” This tale features Spider-Man fighting for his life as he attempts to keep J.J. Jameson alive along with a few others. He’s lost everyone at this point and running on steam. Similar to the first story the use of red highlights blood, but also our hero’s costume. Segura keeps you in Spidey’s head with apt monologues via captions. If there was a theme to this tale, it’s that Spider-Man never quits. The story runs on too long, though, making the reader feel as worn out as Peter.
The visuals are great, utilizing Ben-Day dots to create shadow with great depth even with the lack of color. The story ends in a tragic way that Fernandez maximizes through Peter’s painful facial expressions.
Closing things out is Ashley Allen and Justin Mason’s Moon Knight story “Deliverance.” Red is used less frequently than in the previous stories, although it continues to be used it on specific heroes. This time it’s Iron Man, who is a full zombie but Moon Knight isn’t. Allen explores the realm of gods as Khonshu seems to want to use Moon Knight to keep as many humans alive, while Anubis totally loves the zombie uprising.
Mason leans into the brutality of Moon Knight well, capturing the bone-crunching punches and approach to violence. It works well when a snide-looking Iron Man zombie deserves it. The level of blood and detail reminded me of Ryan Ottley’s Invincible.
If you like blood and guts, Marvel Zombies: Black, White & Blood #1 has it in droves. Compared to other stories in previous chapters of this anthology, however, I was still left wanting. Nothing particularly jumped out, but all these tales are perfectly fine.
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