“Simply stated, Zack the Zombie Exterminator puts the fun back into zombie-splatting. Sure, the story explores the nature of fame and the redemptive power of family. Sure, there will be plenty chills and suspense along the way. Readers will fear for the characters’ lives and maybe even shed a tear or two for their losses. But at its heart, Zack is a good time.”
Reality shows have taken the nation by storm, and these shows are accessible from more media devices than they were in the past. It’s easy and convenient to watch any show “on-the-go” with wireless devices, and this way people won’t miss any of their favorite programs when they’re out and about. Many TV shows have been cancelled due to reality programming, and the list of new reality shows escalate during the “new season” premieres. Another genre that has become popular during the past couple of years are zombies and how the nation would be if there was an actual zombie apocalypse. Some are terrifying, some are comedic, and some are even crime dramas, but one thing they all have in common are the gore factor. So what would happen if a reality show was meshed with a zombie-infested area? Mike MacLean and Brian Pulido proudly present us with “Zack the Zombie Exterminator,” the new graphic novel from Coffin Comics.
Zack the Zombie Exterminator is a 96 page graphic novel written by Brian Pulido and Mike MacLean, art by Djibril Morissette-Phan, colors by Ceci De La Cruz, and lettered by Marshall Dillon. The story revolves around a redneck, metalhead who exterminates zombies alongside his brother Zane, and their whole family is involved in this business as well. The dad is a former rock star, the mom is a homemaker who wears stilettos, and his brother Zane crafts zombie-killing weapons. Together, the Zander family are known as “Z-Gone,” zombie hunters who broadcast their missions on YouTube. Once word gets out of Z-Gone, the Zander family are going to gain a lot of notoriety, fame, endorsements, and a huge fan base.
Of course, when an original idea is publicized, there have to be copycats, and they find ways to one-up the original concept. In this case, a new team is formed to compete and possibly ruin “Z-Gone’s” reputation, and they call themselves “The Dead Patrol: Zombie Hunters.” Who will receive better ratings and have a huge fan base? Who will live and who will perish? The only way to find out is to read this book and enjoy the story. Without spoiling the key factors in the story, it is very well written, by story’s end, readers will not want it to end. The artwork is perfect for this horror/comedy genre, and the colors compliment every panel, from cover to cover.
Overall, this is another original graphic novel from Coffin Comics, that is well crafted. From the moment the story begins, there’s non-stop action, and the story doesn’t have any moments of slow-down time; this is a story that will have readers anxious to see what happens next. The best part of the story is how close the Zander family are, through thick and thin, they stand up for each other, for blood is thicker than water. It’s easy to become an instant fan of these characters, and the ending has a nice closure to this story, but very much opens it up for a sequel. Only time will tell if there’ll be another “Zack” book, but for now, this is a book that comic book fans, horror fans, and zombie fans should be reading. From cover to cover, readers will be captivated by the story and art, and I rate “Zack the Zombie Exterminator” 5 out of 5 stars, perfection, an instant gem, and is highly recommended. By Mike MacLean and Brian Pulido, published by Coffin Comics.
© 2017 Coffin Comics.
**Originally published on January 5, 2016 for Examiner.**
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