Review- RACHEL RISING VOL. 3: CEMETERY SONGS

RACHEL RISING VOL. 3: CEMETERY SONGS (Abstract Studio, 2013; Softcover)

Collects Rachel Rising Nos. 13-18 (cover dates December, 2012- July, 2013)

Writer and Artist: Terry Moore

This title remains a charming, compelling take on the undead. I had to sit and think who does what and why, because there are so many of these “the dead have risen” stories in the wake of the success of The Walking Dead and I am enjoying them all. There haven't been this many cool Horror comics to choose from in at least 40 years.

Rachel Rising isn't a straight up Horror title. It's more of a drama with Horror overtones. Think of it as Northern Exposure meets Twin Peaks. It doesn't hit you over the head, it's not gory, and it's not bone chilling or disturbing...at least not yet, anyways. Zoe is in over her head with Malus (who is not named anywhere in the entire book! New reader friendly fail!), and I am looking forward to watching this unfold. 

There is a subtlety to the artwork that really works for this material. I find the lack of color and the fact that it is constantly snowing to be interesting and appealing as well. There is supposedly going to be a television series based on this comic book. If they do do it, it should be filmed in black and white. I realize that this will never happen, as it would go over like a lead balloon in the 3-D Blu-Ray HD era of home viewing. It would be an interesting artistic choice, though. Anyone looking for a great read or change of pace should check this series out. Having so many great titles to choose from these days is a wonderful problem to have.

Junk Food For Thought rating: 4.5 out of 5.

The OCD zone- While all of the covers are included, they are all in black and white (as is the title itself). I understand that this was an economical choice but thought that it was worth mentioning.

DVD-style Extras included in this book: None. Moore doesn't use chicken shit marketing stunts like variant covers to pad the book's numbers.

Paper rating: 4.5 out of 5. Decent weight uncoated stock paper.

Binding rating: 4 out of 5. Glued binding.

Cardstock cover coating rating: 4.25 out of 5. The cover has that dull low gloss coating. I much prefer the glossier laminated feel that Volume 1 used. The coating seems durable enough with reasonable handling, i.e. no scuffing like some of these dull finish covers. It's just not my preference.

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