by Bryce Holland

Holy shit! It’s been well over two months since I last put together an installment of “Blood Between the Panels” (or as I like to call it, “The Best Damn Horror Comics Review Column Written by Me), but I am back ready to kick ass and chew bubblegum, but since I’m all out of bubblegum I guess I’ll just review some more comics.

Now, before I really get into talking about some of the latest pieces of graphic horror fiction to cross my path, I suppose I should let you good readers in on some changes that have been implemented in this column. First, while horror comics are still the main thing I’m gonna be tackling here, I’ve decided that it’s time to branch out and cover some books that don’t necessarily fall into the terror genre. I mean, we’re horror fans damn it! Man cannot live on blood and guts and zombies and masked maniacs alone (Of course, they do make for a more than palatable meal)! In my experience, horror fans tend to be fairly eclectic in their tastes, and it’s with that in mind that I am going to start reviewing some non-horror books. Don’t worry though. This site isn’t called Brutal As Hell for nothing, so while I am expanding the scope of my intermittent criticisms, all the books I’m gonna be taking a stab at are still going to be of a decidedly more, ahem, brutal nature.

The other big change that’s going on for the column is that for the foreseeable future (or at least until enough people bitch to me about it), “Blood Between the Panels” is becoming a — drum roll please……video column! That’s right. BrutalAsHell.com is in its second year now, so we’ve decide to take that next step and enter the video age. So for the time being, you’ll be getting your requisite dose of comic goodness complete with my ugly mug.

Now, I would have included all this info in my premiere video, but that would have eaten up a fuck-ton of air time, and I seriously doubt that any of you want to hear me ramble about these details, because believe me, I have a tendency to ramble.

Anyway, let’s get on with the show. In this episode, I take a look at:

The Walking Dead # 70 Written by Robert Kirkman, Art by Charlie Adlard – A new story-arc is just beginning with this issue. An arc that looks like it may completely change the lives of Rick and our current cast of survivors. As usual, pitch-perfect storytelling from the modern masters of zombie storytelling.

Choker # 1 Written by Ben McCool, Art by Ben Templesmith – A brand new detective/serial-killer/monster tale with are art by a modern legend in horror comics, the one and only Mr. Ben Templesmith. What more could you ask for? How about some sharp, gritty, and funny dialogue from Ben McCool? These guys have laid the groundwork for one of the most unique stories of the year.

Greek Street # 9 Written by Peter Milligan, Art by David Gianfelice – Greek tragedy gets a modern facelift in this series from legendary scribe Peter Milligan and superstar artist David Gianfelice. Gangsters, strippers, quasi-zombies, and classical mythology — does it get any better than this?

Sweet Tooth # 7 Story & Art by Jeff Lemire – Jeff Lemire’s dark yet whimsical post-apocalyptic saga continues with its titular protagonist caught in the clutches of a mysterious doctor who wants to perform some horrifying experiments. Lemire’s latest epic is heartbreaking, sublimely brilliant mini-masterpiece that is not to be missed.