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What’s Up Horror Comic Fans!? Rich from the NI Bullpen back with a horror comic review! This is a case of still being new to the Bullpen and paying my dues. As I carve out my niche, I get books that our EIC thinks are in my wheelhouse. Killadelphia is in my wheelhouse, as it marries monsters and hip hop. Urban Monster story, yes please.
Killadelphia #35 is written by Rodney Barnes, art by Jason Shawn Alexander & Germàn Erramouspe, background ink by Robert Melendrez, color by Lee Loughridge, lettering by Marshall Dillon, and edited by Chris Robinson. Killadelphia is published by Image Comics.
Let’s break out our stakes and take to the streets of Philadelphia.
***Minor Spoilers Possible***
Death Be Not Proud
Killadelphia #35 opens seeing the monster wars on the streets of Philadelphia. Tevin is navigating this crazy world, and did I mention he’s a vampire. As he makes his way to his girlfriend’s house to see his son. All he wants is a hug and for this nightmare to be over.
Meanwhile, we get the origin of Prince Mamuwalde aka Blacula. We find out he was cursed by Dracula himself and curses the day he met him. Mamuwalde enlists the help of a witch named Tituba to try and break the curse and return him to being just a man. Although she tries hard, she can’t break the curse leading to a very angry Blacula, who unveils his brides.
Just Dead is All
Killadelphia #35 is not your average horror book. It has layers and tells a very human tale. Rodney Barnes really makes you care for the characters in this book. You feel like they are people who would live in your neighborhood. He even brings humanity to Blacula and makes the reader understand the complex truth of his story.
The art in this book is superb with big kudos going out to Jason Shawn Alexander & Germàn Erramouspe. The illustrations look like a modern oil painting making the book feel epic. The colors are earthy and comforting. Lee Loughridge’s pallet is spot on for this book
Check Out My Destro #3 Review Here
Final Thoughts
Killadelphia is a blend of 1970’s Blaxploitation and modern era empowerment art. It marries the world of horror with an urban experience in a seamless way. The story is detailed and hooks you into the world of the book. The art is the cherry on tap. This may be the first issue that I’ve reviewed, but it won’t be the last. This will be a welcome addition to my Pull List, and it should be on yours too.
Final Grade: 9/10
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