A great way to introduce Asylum Press to retailers and fans. Featuring a sampling on new and upcoming comics. The Vampire debut issue introduces Angelika, an exotic dancer in the NYC club scene who is unwittingly turned into a creature of the night. As she tries to make sense of what she has become she learns of a bloody Vampire War that is being fought in the streets and subway tunnels of New York City. Black Powder #3, a bloody frontier adventure, by Dwayne Harris, can be described as a “Buckskin Apocalypse Now”. Robert Young and his crew set out on the Mississippi River in search of Molly Livingston, who has been captured by the ruthless river pirate Samuel Mason. Farmhouse is a tale of a drifter who falls in love with an artist undergoing an experimental art therapy regimen, by Elizabeth J. Musgrave and Szymon Kudranski. Also features a retro horror tale by Jason Paulos from his EEEK! series. Steve Mannion’s feisty action hero is back! Can she escape the clutches of “One-Eyed Hans”? Tune in and get the skinny! Meet “One-Eyed Hans”, the roughest, toughest, meanest old hombre ever to bust up the FEARLESS DAWN camp!

Let me start this review by saying that this one is just a preview for the entire comic book. And I read it because I wanted to see if the full comic book was worth the money and time I would spend on it. And I’m gonna give you the answer for that at the end of this review.

This preview presents a dynamic collection of stories that encapsulates the edgy and eclectic style. At the same time this preview provides us as readers with a glimpse into the varied worlds crafted by the talented creators, each offering a unique blend of horror, humor, and intrigue.

This preview kicks off with a selection of stories that showcase the creative range of Asylum Press. Each narrative, though distinct in theme and style, shares a common thread of engaging storytelling and vivid artwork. This diversity ensures that there is something for every reader even picky readers as myself, whether they are fans of horror, action, or dark comedy.

Frank Forte’s contributions stand out with their gritty and atmospheric storytelling. His ability to weave intricate plots with a sense of foreboding and suspense is evident throughout his pieces. Forte’s stories are characterized by their intense pacing and sharp dialogue, which had drawn me into worlds where danger lurks around every corner.

Steve Mannion’s work in this preview offers a lighter, more humorous take on the macabre. His stories blend action and comedy, providing a refreshing contrast to the darker themes present in this preview. Mannion’s characters are vibrant and full of life, navigating bizarre situations with wit and charm. His unique style adds an element of fun to the collection, ensuring a well-rounded reading experience.

Dwayne Harris contributes with tales that are visually stunning and thematically rich. His artwork is detailed and expressive, capturing the essence of his narratives with precision. Harris’s ability to convey emotion and tension through his illustrations enhances the impact of his stories, making them memorable and engaging.

The artwork throughout this preview is a highlight, showcasing the distinct styles of each creator while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. The illustrations are bold and dynamic, using composition to enhance the mood and atmosphere of each story. This visual diversity adds depth to the collection, which again had drawn me personally into each unique world.

The dialogues across this preview are sharp and effective, reflecting the creators’ talents for capturing the essence of their characters and narratives. Conversations feel natural and contribute significantly to plot progression and character development. The balance of humor, tension, and sincerity in the dialogue enriches the storytelling, making interactions both entertaining and meaningful.

One of the strengths of this preview is its thematic exploration. The stories delve into themes of survival, identity, and the supernatural, inviting us as readers to reflect on the complexities of the human experience. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narratives, adding depth and resonance to the collection.

Despite its strengths, this preview occasionally had left me wanting more resolution or deeper exploration of certain plots. However, this sense of mystery and anticipation serves to heighten interest in the full stories, encouraging us as readers to explore more from Asylum Press.

So will buy and read the full version of this comic book ? Yes I will. It might take some time for me to actually read the full version of this comic book because I have been way too optimistic when creating my TBR list for this year and I don’t know if I get the time to read the full version of this comic book this year. But I will read the full version of this comic book at some point in time.

I Give This Book 4 / 5