DEAD LIFE Issue #1 Review – Wonderful Artwork Elevates a Lifeless Cast
Written by Jean-Charles Gaudin
Art by Joan Urgell
Published by Titan Comics
Originally released in France as Dead Life: Crépuscule, Dead Life comes to the USA via Titan Comics’ Statix Press, which brings European titles to the UK and US markets. Written by Jean-Charles Gaudin (L’Ombre du cinéphage, Un village français), the series follows Curtis, a man whose son accidentally sets off a chain of events that creates a zombie epidemic that overtakes the world.
Undeniably influenced by The Walking Dead and Night of the Living Dead, Dead Life aims to set itself apart from such obvious comparisons by introducing what appear to be different kinds of zombies. On top of the obvious walkers that munch quite happily upon anything that lives, there are also zombie dogs, zombies that use tools, and a zombie woman who knows how to handle a gun. If this world wants to create monsters outside of zombies – or at least play with the rules of what a zombie can present itself as – then I’m all for it. Furthermore, that the zombie plague was unleashed by – and I’m not joking here – a magic chalice means that the pandemic is not necessarily viral but rather mystical. Oh, the possibilities!
I find myself torn in terms of Urgell’s artwork. The level of detail is fantastic and the violence splashes across the page with vibrant reds and horrific gore. But what’s lacking is a sense of intensity in movement. Characters obviously change locations but there is no sense of urgency, even when the scene calls for it. Curtis attempts to ram an overturned 4×4 out of the road but his car doesn’t dent nor scratch, even when slamming into the undercarriage. Brady, Curtis’ father, demands that everyone move quickly, and yet the posture and positioning of each character in the frame makes it seem like they’re casually ambling along.
The speech bubbles are also somewhat confusing as they don’t point very well towards the person they’re supposed to be representing. Several times I had to look carefully to figure out who was saying what and in what order.
Judging Gaudin’s writing isn’t easy because I have to rely upon the translations done by Titan’s team. Assuming that they’re 100% spot on, the first issue has some glaring moments that might leave readers scratching their heads, rightfully so. The opening argument with Curtis and his wife Kate as they drive to pick up their son is laid out in a confusing manner that leaps between ideas and accusations. Then, mere panels later, as Curtis picks up Stephen and carries him in a heartwarming moment, Kate’s expression seems to convey that everything is alright once they’re together. But considering the intensity of the argument, I’m at a loss when confronted by these juxtaposing scenes. Brady himself is also confounding as he goes from fatherly (and grandfatherly) love and affection to rage-induced furor in a snap. Admittedly, there is reason for his heightened emotions but his decision to quite literally choke an answer out of Stephen while slapping him seems wildly out of place, although not as much as Curtis and Kate’s seeming lack of actual interest in protecting their son from this assault.
Creating characters that are engaging, emotional, and worthy of investment is no easy task. Dead Life seems to be trying to make that challenge all the more difficult by pushing forward dull, cliched characters that we’ve seen all too many times before. When lifeless monsters are more interesting than the living, something feels off.
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Dead Life #1
Summary
Dead Life has potential to grow into something interesting and exciting. However, it’s going to have to really prove itself if it wants a regular audience.
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