Review- JOHN CARPENTER'S ASYLUM VOL. 1 and #7-9

JOHN CARPENTER'S ASYLUM VOL. 1 (Storm King Comics, 2014; Hardcover)

Collects John Carpenter's Asylum #1-6 and an exclusive twelve page prologue (cover dates 2013- 2014)

Writers: Sandy King, Bruce Jones, and Trent Olsen

Artist: Leonardo Manco

Colorist: Kinsun Loh

This is a reread, since I gladly double dipped after buying the single issues. Reading it as a trade as opposed to bi-monthly singles has a different vibe. I honestly preferred reading it in installments, which may sound strange coming from someone who almost exclusively buys collected editions. I guess it was the down time between issues making me wonder what was coming next as opposed to reading it all in one sitting. This is the comic book equivalent of watching a television series week in and week out as opposed to binge-watching the entire season on DVD or whatever. 

This title is one the best things going on in comics right now, a no-nonsense story with beautiful artwork by the vastly underrated Leonardo Manco. It's a good old-fashioned demonic possession, battle of good versus evil with the fate of the world hanging in the balance type of tale. 

While the price point may seem a bit high for a six issue book ($34.99 MSRP), there is an exclusive twelve page story as well as plenty of DVD-style extras (character sketches, etc.) in the back of the book. Also, Storm King is an independent company, so the economy of scale afforded to larger publishers is not there. There is a softcover available for the more budget-minded fan. This is a very nice book that I am proud to add to my collection.

Junk Food For Thought rating: 5 out of 5.

The OCD zone- The covers are collected as a cover gallery in the back of the book, making it difficult to know where to break.

There are two sketch cards included, a nice and completely unexpected touch.

Paper stock: Thick glossy coated stock.

Binding: Perfect binding. It is a bit stiff but loosens up with play.

Hardback cover notes: Thick glossy casewrap lamination. The logo is embossed with foil stamping.

John Carpenter's Asylum #7-9 (cover dates July- December 9, 2014)

Note: #9 actually released in January 2015.

Writers: Sandy King and Trent Olsen

Artists: Tom Mandrake (#7 and most of #8) and Leonardo Manco (part of #8 and all of #9)

Colorist: Kinsun Loh

I have been lackadaisical in my reviews as of late, sometimes forgetting to review something that I read. Case in point being these issues. #7 and 8 are something of a bridge between the first arc and the second, focusing on King Leo on his journey to the Barrens. #9 is the first part of the second arc. Beckett and Duran are now wandering the country, with their journey takes them to the small town of Arlington where something is stealing children. Great stuff. I look forward to seeing where it goes next.

Junk Food For Thought rating: 5 out of 5.