Dead Romeo # 1 (of 6)

By Koppy McFad
April 5, 2009 - 01:31

In this series, Dead Romeo is one of several deceased people who were allowed out of hell, to roam the Earth once more as vampires-- but on the condition that they kill certain individuals for still undisclosed reasons. Dead Romeo however has befriended the intended target and is now on the horns (or fangs) of a dilemma. Kill her or be sent back to hell. He's damned if he does and he's damned if he doesn't.

The story has elements from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "13 Ghosts" and "30 Days of Night." But the lead character does seem interesting if a little too agreeable compared to the rest of his vampiric gang. The girl (woman?) who he befriends is also a little too "forced" -- from her outlandish clothes and hair to her pet dog and her habit of hanging out in cemetaries. It is like the creators were trying too hard to make her cool, yet lovable. The baddies on the other hand, also try too hard to be "EEEE-vvvvvillll." Dead Romeo gets points by being the closest thing to a normal person in the whole comic.

The art has potential but is still unpolished. Too many figures look undefined and the backgrounds all look alike so it is hard to tell is a scene is happening in a dingy alley or a hotel room. Once again, we get a mystery story that ends up looking all scratchy.

This new mystery series comes just after DC Comic's latest foray in the genre-- namely, "Simon Dark". There are a little too many similarities between the two titles: both have mysterious protagonists who live on the margins of society, protecting the innocent from unholy conspiracies. Even the titles are similar. Maybe next we will have "Mystery Melvin" or "Sherman O'Shadows". At least "Dead Romeo" reveals more about its hero and leaves enough hints in the first issue to have the audience wanting more. It also has a powerful, frightening cover. It is a pity the interior art did not match it-- even if they were done by the same person.

Rating: 6 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12

RSS Mobile Contact Advertising Terms of Service