BLEEDING HEARTS #7: The Dead of Winter.

Bleeding Hearts #7 shows us that time may not heal all wounds as months have passed since the events of Outbreak Day and Poke is struggling to forgive himself as he, Mama, and Rabbit are facing the cold dead of winter. The dead have not moved on nor forgotten and are out for revenge as the journey to the livings resting place may never get easier.

Creative Team: Deniz Camp, Stipan Morian, Stjepan Bartolic, and Hassan Otsmane-

The Story:

This issue takes an incredibly introspective and somber tone as Poke made a decision to honor and stand with the living and must face the consequences hereafter. This issue brings about the moral dillemas in a big way as both he and Mama made choices that sacrificed someone in the previous issue and spend this one justifying it to themselves. I will say I am loving how the bond between Poke and Rabbit grows stronger while the divide with Rabbit and her mother grows wider. It’s creating interesting character dynamics and really taking time to make them the focal point over an action focused issue. I truly still do not know how this ends and it’s keeping me on the hook as Deniz is telling a beautiful tale and even adding real world realities into it all.

The Art:

Maybe it’s just me but this cover looks like the package to a Reeses Cup? Sweet tooth aside the art is emotional and matches the somber and cold tone this issue takes. The contrast of the white snow to the dead zombie skin makes their blemishes and horrible looks stand out vividly. Speaking of horrible looks, this issue introduces a pregnant zombie whose baby has an eye peering at us through the bellybutton and it is just enough to make us feel uncomfortable. I love the various character designs Stipan crafts as every single one is vastly unique. The color work from Bartolic makes the blood and other fluids stand out against the snow and the useage of shadows lends its hand to the emotionless feeling we get. There is a panel that stands out to me as a picture is being burned and it appears to be of a certain character when they were living offering a reminder of the world that no longer exists.

Final Thoughts:

Bleeding Hearts #7 is a sad issue as our characters struggle to move forward with the decisions they have made for themselves culminating in a shocking cliffhanger. The artwork is extremely unique and creative immersing us into a world in which there are few beautiful things left in it.

Overall Grade: 10/10

Let us know how you feel about this issue of Bleeding Hearts and check out more reviews by Matt!