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It’s time to enter the graveyard once again to hear some creepy tales from the Gravedigger. This month we find out why it’s better to keep the forbidden fruit forbidden, to give credit where credit is due, and that sometimes good fortune will cost you everything.
Epitaphs From the Abyss #7
Letters By Richard Starkings & Tyler Smith
Edited By Sierra Hahn & Matt Dryer – Published By EC Comics/Oni Press
***Minor Spoilers Possible***
Prohibition
Written By Cullen Bunn – Art By Andrea Sorrentino – Colors By Jordie Bellaire
Fenny is a local drunk who frequents the local dive bar The Stag’s Neck. He has a way of making himself unwelcome, cutoff, and thrown out. One night he inquires about three barrels that are set up in the corner of the bar. The bartender tells him they are from the prohibition era and are for decoration as anything that may be left in them is deadly. Fenny of course wants to try the product, and no won’t stop him. However, when Fenny breaks into the bar to drink from the barrels, he finds out how deadly they can be.
The first tale is a great start for the issue. Dealing in consequences and not listening to warnings. The twist on the deadly barrels no one can see coming, well the mean-spirited fate of Fenny is a first-class finale to a story. The art is very cool, with the red hue making the story feel gloomy and desolate.
A Splice of the Action
Written By Chris Condon – Art By Valeria Burzo – Colors By Inaki Azpiazu
Dorthea is sitting in a theater watching a movie she had written, when to her surprise the credit went to John G. Robbins. This injustice must be corrected at any cost. As she goes through the channels and gets cut off at every pass. She then realizes she must take care of this herself, giving a new meaning to the term final cut.
This tale is about injustice and revenge. The story does a great job of taking you through Dorthea’s ups and downs as she tries to rectify being slighted. As the story goes on you can feel her desperation. The art matches the mood and tone of the story seamlessly. The colors are dim which gives that desperate feeling a real boost. The final page is a great exclamation point on this tale.
Check Out My Review of Epitaphs from the Abyss #6
Black Gold Cemetery
Written By Jordan Thomas – Art By Andrea Mutti – Colors By Michael Atiyeh
Frank lives in the middle of nowhere on some barren land. With these surroundings it’s no surprise he’s a serial killer. He murders travelers who have the misfortune of having car problems on the roads surrounding him. He also sells their personal belongings to a pawn shop to support himself. After over thirty years of killing and selling, its time for his fortunes to change, but is it all that it cracks up to be.
The final tale in the issue feels a little slower but has a good get what you deserve ending that makes up some ground. This is a tale that would more than likely be better if it was a longer form story. Even with that being said it is still a fine short story. The art looks great and really encapsulates the world in which Frank lives. The use of earth tones makes the story feel desolate and sets a perfect tone for the story.
Final Thoughts
Epitaphs from the Abyss #7 is a fun and amusing read. It gives you that horror comics fix you are looking to scratch. This is an issue you should pick up at the LCS and if you enjoy it, you should then add this title to your Pull List as it’s one of the best horror anthology books out today.
Overall Grade: 8.5/10
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