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GRAPHIC CONTENT PICK OF THE WEEK: THEoDEAD – ‘Graveyard Of Empires’ Issue #1

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While there has been a lot of talk about Image’s OTHER war-torn zombie story from Mark Kidwell in “’68”, there has been almost the opposite for Mark Sable’s “GRAVEYARD OF EMPIRES”. A travesty really, seeing as the story itself is eerily close to being superior on the script end of things. That is why I have decided to bring you “GRAVEYARD OF EMPIRES” as my pick of the week this week. Read on for the skinny…

WRITTEN BY: Mark Sable
ILLUSTRATIONS AND COVERS BY: Paul Azaceta

“Afghanistan. Marines face a never-ending onslaught of Taliban. But even hell can get worse. The dead are coming back to life in The Graveyard of Empires, and only together can both sides of the today’s conflict survive tomorrow’s undead assault.”

When “’68” hit shelves just a few short months ago it was praised by just about every critic and reader who helped to make the series a sell-out success. Granted, the series, along wiuth its creators, took to the streets in force for many months to help promote their series in a more viral way. But as much as that was a success and a testament to Mark Kidwell and Co. it is surprising to see how few people out there have heard of Mark Sable’s “GRAVEYARD OF EMPIRES”.

The story itself is very comparable, though I hate to press two titles so closely together under the same microscope, but it is true. While both deal with their own time line (“’68” is staged in Vietnam, while “GRAVEYARD OF EMPIRES” takes place in modern day Iraq), there are very few glaring differences on the surface. However, that being said it is also a tragedy in its own right since one would have to think that “GRAVEYARD” will somehow be swept under the rug that is the shadow of “’68”. That wherein the tragedy lies, because “GRAVEYARD OF EMPIRES” is a literal instant classic among the genre.

Much of “GRAVEYARD OF EMPIRES” issue #1 is character development and story-line. Taking a page out of Robert Kirkman’s book, Sable is able to balance drama and horror perfectly to layout a script that makes most titles look like child’s play by comparison. The relationships between all of the soldiers is impressive, and by the time you finally get hit with the realization of what is so horribly awry in their world, any fan that is paying attention will instantly have invested their full interest. Easily the biggest draw of the entire book, and it will be interesting to see if Sable can continue to deliver with the rest of the series.

On the other end of the equation we also have artist Paul Azaceta, who does as good a job as we are used to from him, and delivers here in spades. The art is gritty and dark, but also eerily realistic in its detail. Being able to visually convey such an important (and relevant) story is not easy to do, and that itself is as large a victory as one can achieve within the medium, and as such it cannot be acquired very easily. So for all the praise that is due the scribe of “GRAVEYARD OF EMPIRES”, one must also give the proper pats on the back to Azaceta as well.

When all is done and read there is absolutely NO reason to not pick up “GRAVEYARD OF EMPIRES” issue #1. The book is the most solid investment you will make this week (Or, you know, you can roll the dice on another issue of Marvel’s “THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN”) and well worth the cheap $2.99 price tag. A treat for ANY fan of the genre, “GRAVEYARD OF EMPIRES” is a major “win” in the Image catalog.



“GRAVEYARD OF EMPIRERS” Issue #1 Drops June 15th From Image Comics! (MSRP – $2.99)

Comics

‘The Wicked Trinity’ – Preview New Archie Comics One-Shot Inspired by ‘The Craft’ [Exclusive]

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From Sabrina’s Magical World, Bloody Disgusting has learned this afternoon that Archie Comics will be releasing brand new one-shot comic The Wicked Trinity this coming June.

You’ll be able to meet The Wicked Trinity in the 32-page comic on June 12, 2024.

In The Wicked Trinity, “Sabrina’s magical nemesis Amber Nightstone and her sidekicks, Jade Kazane and Sapphire Gill, are intent on becoming the most powerful witches in the world. Isolated from so many around them, the three have formed a coven based on their individual needs for vengeance and true freedom.

“But when there is some dissent among the ranks, their small coven is threatened to be obliterated from within.”

The Wicked Trinity features a script by Sam Maggs, art by Lisa Sterle, colors by Ellie Wright, letters by Jack Morelli, main cover by Lisa Sterle, and variant cover by Soo Lee.

Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial Jamie L. Rotante tells Bloody Disgusting, “When Editor-In-Chief Mike Pellerito came up with the idea of the Wicked Trinity—Amber Nightstone, Jade Kazane, and Sapphire Gill—I was immediately intrigued. I even had the good fortune to work on the script for Jade and Sapphire’s first appearance in last year’s SABRINA ANNUAL SPECTACULAR comic for younger readers. What I especially loved about these magical teens is that they could seamlessly transcend from classic-Archie stories into more mature, even horror stories. I was eager to start developing their world with a modern sensibility, taking cues from the great work of Kelly Thompson and Veronica Fish on our SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH series, and Sarah Kuhn and Carola Borelli on our recent DARKLING one-shot. Inspired by series like Charmed and films like The Craft, I knew there was so much potential to build up this coven in a story that beautifully blends magical fantasy with horror.”

Writer Sam Maggs previews, “Real witches writing real witches—that’s how we do things over at Archie Comics! I was named after a famous witch—Samantha from Bewitched—and so I grew up absolutely obsessed with everything witchcraft, devouring every book series I could about teen witches. That makes WICKED TRINITY a dream project for me. The power and energy of teen girls is absolutely unmatched (just look at the engine behind fandom culture) and being able to harness that metaphorically for a story like this is such a delight. Everything I write focuses on the power of female friendship, and this story is no exception. And what’s better than a morally grey female character? I struggle to think of anything. Cat familiars, maybe? Also, I’m totally a practicing witch now. So maybe if you read this, you’ll find yourself imbued with magical powers, too.*

Artist Lisa Sterle adds, “I can’t wait for people to be re-introduced to The Wicked Trinity! Witches, fashion, and Archie Comics; this is truly a magical trifecta and I’m so happy to have the opportunity to put my own personal stamp on this. I love to create stories in which girls find their own power, both from within themselves and through their friendships and coven. If you’re a fan of my Modern Witch tarot, you’ll find this comic just as magical.”

Exclusively check out the two covers for The Wicked Trinity one-shot comic below!

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