Reviews

Reviews of DEADWORLD: WAR OF THE DEAD
(Shipped in August, trade paperback coming in November)


Deadworld: War of the Dead:  “…remarkably literate and starkly imaginative, and is a winner in every scene, in every shot, in every line of dialogue.” ”.---The Lottery Party.

 “This is a fantastic zombie book.  Makkonen has an insanely terrifying style, the writing is beautiful…it’s like reading a nightmare.” ---Drunk on Comics.

“War of the Dead is by far the greatest zombie story out there right now. Its atmosphere combined with great characters and gritty art makes this a must-buy. If it’s one mini-series you should be buying, it’s Deadworld: War of the Dead. 5 out of 5” ----Unleash the Fanboy

“This is a deliciously dark comic.” ---Civilian Reader.

“It is frightening, haunting, gloomy, grave, and delectably mystifying.” ----Talking Comics.

 “Reed writes beautifully, even in spite of the garishness of the set and setting. As strong as the writing is, the art is matching the strides with horrific detail and atmosphere. Makkonen is an unstoppable force of creative hellfire energy, and his pages are simply gorgeous”.---The Lottery Party on issue #1 

 
“Deadworld RULES.  Pick of the Week” .---Third Eye Comics

“This is a really dark zombie story. I really like it, too.”- Comics Round Up

“It is a unique take on the zombie horror genre.”---Comics for Noobs.

“It squeezes in gritty action, deep story-telling, and undead action, on a weekly basis.”---Daniel Alvarez, Unleash the Fanboy

“Dead World is proving to be a solid 5-issue mini-series with strong writing and big ideas.”---Talking Comics  

“Reed excels at developing strong characters and he does a masterful job of using both the characters and the narrative to tell the story and relate past events.  Sami Makkonen’s art I think is best described as a cross between Locke’s gritty and gruesome detailed work and Ben Templesmith’s abstract design.  It works beautifully! “ ----Mania.com

“If you’re new to the series then pick this up! If you’re a fan of the series pick this up!”---Comic Attack.

“This issue had more than I could have ever wanted from a new Deadworld series. The artwork and story are done at such a high level, that you had better get a ladder ready for when this book is in your hands. Hands down a must buy! 5 out of 5.”  ---Decapitated Dan's Reviews

“This book was good, plain and simple, and if you like the Walking Dead, or any other Zombie Comics, you will love this”.---Dennis Barger, Jr. Wonderworld Comics

“Pick of the Week” .---Green Brain Comics

A great comic with literally hundreds of zombies, and an interesting premise.” ---the Rotting Zombie

“It’s a good time to be a Deadworld fan.” --- Laptop Zombie

“This has the promise to be on par with 30 Days of Night and 28 Days later. “ ---Wizard is Oz

“I’m in for issue two of this book. This round goes to Reed, you’ve got me, sir.” ---Amber Unmasked

A MURDER OF SCARECROWS: "Reed has always been very unconventional. He doesn’t go after the quick and easy story but rather he tells stories his way. They might not be best-sellers, but they are of a quality that outdoes most other writers."--Mania.com

DEADWORLD: "...amongst the most essential horror titles of the last twenty years."---Peter Normanton, From the Tomb magazine

OF SCENES AND STORIES: "Regardless of what you like in comics, you will find something you like in this. I can pretty much guarantee that. A must for Gary Reed fans or any comics fan who wants something more to bite into than the typical superhero stuff. Sin City aficionados might find a lot to appreciate here too."---Sequential Tart

DEADWORLD:  The best of the zombie comics I've read. Unfortunately the series only lasted six issues. It was really getting good"-David, GoodReads.com

OF SCENES AND STORIES:  "Blistering Good!"--Rue Morgue Magazine

SAINT GERMAINE:  "Saint Germaine is a churning thriller, electrifying, fast paced, compelling and a gripping page turner! Gary Reed builds suspense to almost unbearable extremes, the kind of mysterious noir setting that readers will love!" ---www.jazmaonline.com

GHOST SONATA:  "There is superb human drama with unforgettable interactions between the characters in this story. This is a scary, but racy read, that skillfully combines old fashioned thrills, intrigue, murder, ambition and retribution!" ---Paul Dale Roberts

OF SCENES AND STORIES: "If you're looking for something far different than the ordinary, something with a little more literary bite with stories much more intellectually stimulating , you must pick up Gary Reed's Of Scenes and Stories ". --Newsarama: Best Shots

JACK THE RIPPER: " The Illustrated Jack the Ripper is nothing short of spellbinding - fierce and compelling."---Paul Dale Roberts

OF SCENES AND STORIES:: Reed has a lot of excellent ideas, and it would be nice to see more creators tackle a wide variety of genres and themes instead of pigeon-holing themselves.----Comics Should be Good

FRANKENSTEIN: "One of the best graphic novels the Library has to offer. It"s an adapted version of the Mary Shelley book. With its detail art work, classic story and its look into the world of true horror, this one isn't just a must read, it's a must own as well."---Young Adult Book Log, East Meadow Public Library

OF SCENES AND STORIES: "..oh my god!" Check out the diverse stories in this book! You have everything in here! Drama, horror, paranormal, famous fictional characters, historical stories, murder stories, detective stories and everything else in the mix!  It will take some long hours to finish it all, but you will be entertained all the way through! ---www.jazmaonline.com

RENFIELD: "It's a rare treat; a truly classic piece set in a graphic format. Reed's writing talent shines, "--Darenderer, Dimestore Reviews

SPIRIT OF THE SAMURAI:  "...a fun, action-packed adventure, and very vividly written. A story that gives a whole new meaning to family history and family reunions. And one that ends way too quickly! I'm ready to read the next one, now."--Teens Read Too

RENFIELD: "Renfield, the mysterious and tragic bug-collecting character, gets his own back story thanks to the machinations of the gifted Gary Reed, whose talent for the macabre rivals that of H. P. Lovercraft and whose adept comic book storytelling matches that of Steve Niles. "--BookLoons

DEADWORLD: "Reed is one of the most underrated comic writers around. He has the ability to stay several steps ahead of the reader and never fails to deliver several shocks and surprises." - The Comics Review

RENFIELD: "5 stars (out of 5 possible)"A must have for any serious sequential graphic narrative (comics) fan."---Mr. Render, Independent Propaganda

DEAD-KILLER: "So, what are you waiting for? The brains to be served to you on a silver platter? Go check this innovative and downright entertaining book out. Your life might depend on it one day."---Steven G. Saunders, Silver Bullet Reviews

SPIRIT OF THE SAMURAI: "Targeting elementary school children, this is an action-packed Samurai fantasy starring a young female teen whose opponent in a life and death struggle is her older brother. The story line is filled with action while illustrations enhance the first-rate plot".--Harriet Klausner, Alternative Worlds

SPIRIT OF THE SAMURAI:  "Spirit is a notch above the other excellent Actionopolis offering and this initial book in the series will leave you eager for the next.  That earns Reed and Hoberg the full five Tonys."---Tony Isabella, Tony's Tips

RENFIELD: "The series uses the classic literary tradition of showing us the scenes we didn't see in the novel (while working in parts of the original work, as well). I always get a kick out of stories that try that trick, but more so when it is done well. Luckily, it is done well in Renfield, and the result is a creepy story that is still filled with a good deal of class."---Brian Cronin, Comics Should be Good!

DEAD-KILLER: "Dead Killer works because Gary Reed is not just a writer but a storyteller, and storytelling is almost a lost art in comics today."---Tim Janson, Comics Review

RENFIELD: "Mature readers will come away spooked by this intelligent book and applaud Reed and Showman's approach to a familiar story told in an all-new way." ---Sean McGurr, Graphic Novel Journal

RENFIELD: Renfield sits alongside BAKER STREET as Reed's best work in comics and makes a very worthy return to print and bookshelves. Track it down.---Marc Mason, Comics Waiting Room

DEADWORLD: "So far this is turning out to be an intriguing story and writer Gary Reed seems to be finding his stride here. His plotting is intricate and the one thing I am enjoying is how all the story beats neatly fall into place...Again, I can't rave enough about this series." ---Kenneth Gallant, Broken Frontier

RENFIELD: "Reed is a very literary comics writer, one with a very sound base in much of the classic literature that inspired comics. That often helps give Reed's writing a real feeling of depth and power.---Jason Sacks, Silver Bullet

RED DIARIES: "Even if you know nothing about JFK and the circumstances surrounding his death, or have only seen Marilyn Monroe on a poster or on a stamp, I still recommend it simply to see how a talented writer can take a historical theory and rework it into a compelling read. As thrilling as any mystery novel and as historic as any crisis or war, The Red Diaries is a winner.--Hugo Bravo, IGN

RED DIARIES: "Somewhat in the manner of Alan Moore's historical and literary reconstruction of the Jack the Ripper mythology, From Hell, Reed balances generous doses of straight historical text and imaginative conjecture throughout the central narrative."---Chris Barsanti, Publishers Weekly

RENFIELD: "Renfield calls Dracula his master, but I must say that Gary Reed proves that he is the master of storytelling and Renfield proves it!"  ---Paul Dale Roberts, Jazma Online

RED DIARIES:  "The amount of research and detail the author put into this book is astounding."---Marc Mason, The Comics Waiting Room

DEADWORLD: "Gary Reed has certainly crafted a truly horrifying story, full of engaging characters, terrifying menaces and an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. And Dalibor Talajic's, the series' new artist (taking over from Vincent Locke), is an amazing talent. His solid lines and heavy blacks lend the whole book a sense of encroaching darkness and almost claustrophobic tightness that makes the book seem even more frightening. This is oneheck of disturbing book and I'd definitely recommend it to new and old fans alike."---Paul Milligan, They Live to Serve

RENFIELD: "Most intelligent graphic novel I've ever read."---Combo Magazine

PENGUIN GN (Dracula and Frankenstein): "These classics deliver a real experience of the tradtional literary piece while meeting new readers in a comfortable medium"----Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library

RENFIELD: "A gothic jewel..."----Comics Buyers' Guide

RED DIARIES:  "I place THE RED DIARIES right up there with Dan Brown's DaVinci Code, it's a must-read! If you are going to read any book this year, this is the book to read. A book filled with intrigue and mystery....Gary Reed has proven himself a genius with THE RED DIARIES, after I finished reading this graphic novel, I kept asking myself...'how did he come up with this?" ---Paul Dale Roberts, Jazma Online

DEADWORLD:  "I'm not sure what possessed writer Gary Reed to start offing the cast this quickly, but I take my hat off to him for dispensing with the formalities and getting right down to it. He sure knows how to pace his story and I have been enjoying the freshness he puts into every single character".---Kenneth Gallant, Broken Frontier

PENGUIN GN (Dracula and Frankenstein): "Overall these books are fun adaptations of great literature...good choice."---Voice of Youth Advocates library magazine.

SPIRIT OF THE SAMURAI: "Gary Reed and Rick Hoberg have woven a rich tapestry of intrigue, character and dazzling art into SPIRIT OF THE SAMURAI: OF SWORDS AND RINGS. Graphic storytelling at its absolute best!"---Mike Grell - DC COMICS artist on GREEN ARROW and LEGION OF SUPERHEROES

RED DIARIES: "Writer Gary Reed is smart. He doesn't explicitly draw lines, nor does he play favorites among the various theories. Instead, Reed's looking to write an interesting and dramatic graphic novel, which is what he absolutely does....it's a big task reconciling all the various threads and theories around the deaths of Kennedy and Monroe, and Reed does a masterful job of sorting them out in a very intriguing way."---Jason Sacks, Silver Bullet Reviews

SPIRIT OF THE SAMURAI: "SPIRIT OF THE SAMURAI is a singular work; Gary Reed combines the sensitivity of a father who understands the mentality of youth with the skilled craft of a writer who knows his audience, while Rick Hoberg's illustrations are beautiful and evocative. As a father myself, I can guarantee that this book will find its way onto my daughter's library shelf (and I'll horde a copy for myself, as well.). All in all, stellar stuff. If SPIRIT OF THE SAMURAI is representative of the entire Actionopolis line, then readers young and old should rejoice!" ---Rafael Nieves- The PHANTOM, Marvel's TALES FROM THE HEART and Narwain's THE APOCALYPSE PLAN.

DRACULA: "....proves that not only can they translate a great work into a different medium (a graphic novel), they can also produce a versatile piece that children (eight and up) can enjoy and adults too will find captivating. Even the more violent scenes are well-crafted, delivering the action but not dwelling on it."---Lance Eaton, Book Loons Reviews

SAINT GERMAINE: "The best parts of the book involve the characters contemplating their lives. There's a haunting scene about halfway through the book where Lilith talks about the burning of Leningrad during the Nazi attack on the city that's reminiscent of the best of Neil Gaiman."---Jason Sacks, Line of Fire Reviews

SPIRIT OF THE SAMURAI: "Adventure-loving boys and girls are going to flip for this kickin' supernatural-samurai story! Gary Reed's SPIRIT OF THE SAMURAI had me turning the pages as fast as I could read them, and Kat Anderson is a great new heroine"---Steven Jones, author of the novels, BUSHWACKERS and KING OF HARLEM

SAINT GERMAINE: "St. Germaine is legendary and his story has been passed on through word of mouth for generations. To determine what is truth and what is false is a challenge for the greatest detective.  Now, you are ready to add on to his mytho, his legend and somewhere in the future, a historian will probably add on Gary Reed’s marvelous tale and incorporate it into the legend of what is Saint Germaine.... There is so much to reveal and explore with this story. I have become enchanted and swept away into this story and will be anticipating more of the "aura of mystery" that surrounds this comic... I am in awe".---Paul Dale Roberts, Jazma Online Reviews

PENGUIN GN (Dracula and Frankenstein):  "...this graphic novel does a good job of both condensing and capturing the spirit of the novel. The artwork, done in b/w by Frazer Irving, is dark and atmospheric; it eloquently conveys the characters' anguish. Gary Reed's adaptation is well done..."---Kliatt

BAKER STREET: " No matter how you look at it, HONOUR AMONG PUNKS is a fantastic value for your money... it's a pretty solid brick of a graphic novel with great production values. It is also a pretty darn good read, featuring early work from artistic talent Guy Davis and former Caliber head honcho and writer Gary Reed. And Reed's stories feature some twisted, intricate mysteries that ably blend the punk and Victorian sensibilities of the whole thing." ---Randy Lander, Snap Judgment.

SAINT GERMAINE: Saint Germaine is history and the metaphysical blended into one, a cosmos of its own---legend and fact woven into the fabric of a new reality. Those willing to do more than just flip through a story will find much gold to mine here. If you want a comic book that will entertain you, there are plenty of them out there. If you want a comic that will entertain you and make you think, pick up Saint Germaine".---Barry Lyga, Diamond Comics

BAKER STREET: "HONOUR AMONG PUNKS: The Complete BAKER STREET Graphic Novel is a fascinating take on the Sherlock Holmes mythos. Not just cool, it is extremely well done. Guy Davis and Gary Reed are smart. ...If you like mysteries, if you like Sherlock Holmes type tales, you'll find yourself fascinated by this interpretation." ---Cindy Lynn Speer, SF Site.

HELSING: "Gary Reed did a superior job with the writing of this story and I will be looking forward to more. The artwork throughout this comic book was beautifully done with different contrasts that fits well with the story. Is this comic book a winner? You know it is!"---Paul Dale Roberts, Compuserve Forum Reviews

PENGUIN GN (Dracula and Frankenstein):  "Although the original novel is much longer and more intricate than its graphic version, the latter makes the story and the questions it explores accessible to readers who might otherwise never see it. The illustrations reflect a softer quality--- one that is almost film-like..."---Deborah Abbott, Chicago Sun Times

BAKER STREET: " The late 1980s produced a number of groundbreaking, compelling books. Most are still revered today, notably WATCHMEN and DARK KNIGHT RETURNS. But nipping at their heels is another important, though generally overlooked, work - BAKER STREET. Davis and Reed give us just enough of the story at one time, wisely doling out more details only when we're ready - or when they'll deliver the most shocking of surprises. BAKER STREET is full of compelling characters with rich, well-reasoned backgrounds, and I dare you not to care for them deeply after a few chapters." ---Doug Giffin, Digital Webbing.

BAKER STREET: "Guy Davis and Gary Reed really make Sharon's fine intelligence believable, something that can be difficult in a mystery. There's definitely a strong Sherlock Holmes air about her, but at the same time she's got her own unique traits and character points that make her someone in her own right. Even Sam, who gets the least screen time of the three, is a fascinating character to read about, and the twists and turns she's put through should enthrall even the most jaded reader."  Greg McElhatton- icomics.

BELOW ARE SOME OTHER REVIEWS AND/OR FULL REVIEWS OF ABOVE

They Live to Serve-
A review of Deadworld #4

Silver Bullet Review
A review of Red Diaries

Broken Frontier Review
A review of Deadworld #3

BookLoon Review-March
A review of the Dracula graphic novel

Jazma Online Review-
A review of Red Diaries

Silver Bullet Review-
A review of Saint Germaine

Broken Frontier Review
A review of Deadworld #2

Ain't it Cool News
Review of Deadworld #1

Indianapolis Star Review
Review of Frankenstein graphic novel