Blood & Gourd #2: Escape from Henderson Farms (Comic)
Kieran Fisher
|
Written by Jenz K. Lund & D.H. Shultis
Illustrated by Juanan Ramirez
Published By Dead Peasant Comics
Available from Blood & Gourd
Autumn is here. The leaves have fallen and left trees skeletal, the days waning as the night closes in, there’s a refreshing chill in the air and Halloween is just around the corner. For those of us with neighbors who don’t get offended over harmless decor, it means decorating our lawns with pumpkins and immersing our homes in all things spooky. Well just imagine those pumpkins on your lawn sprung to life and started munching on you and your family… Sounds pretty awesome, right? Well unfortunately pumpkins don’t come to life and go on killing sprees – except for in Blood and Gourd, the excellent independent comic series from creators Jenz K. Lund and D.H. Shultis.
If you aren’t familiar with Blood and Gourd until now, the story centres on a Washington farm under attack from homicidal pumpkins, giant plants and an evil sect on Devil’s Night. As expected, mayhem ensues, blood is splattered and people are feasted upon like the meat vessels they are. It evokes the spirit of EC Comics stories like “Tales from the Crypt,” but with with blood-soaked sensibilities of 80’s B movies like Re-Animator and Return of the Living Dead. There’s even a little bit of Troma influence in there for good measure. Furthermore, it has that autumnal essence imbued throughout that really hits the spot this time of year. If these things sound like your cup of spooky brew, then Blood and Gourd is the comic for you.
The second installment of the series, titled “Escape from Henderson Farms,” picks up where the first issue left off: in the midst of chaos and pandemonium. It’s full of colorful panels comprising of killing and pitch black comedy, and if you have a ghoulish sense of humor it’ll have you grinning from ear to ear in no time. Throw in some endearing characters and dialogue that’s laugh out loud hilarious and it won’t take long before you’re wondering why this wasn’t a B movie staple of your childhood. It’s a throwback to the halcyon days of horror at its most demented, vibrant and fun – and it’s just what this dark world needs at the moment.
One of the best things about Blood and Gourd is the mythology it’s created, and here we get to learn some more about that. Without going into spoilers, I’ll say that this is a must read for those who appreciate well-crafted, imaginative storytelling. There’s a lot more going on in this series than uncontrollable bloody disarray, and while it never takes itself seriously for one second, the universe in which it’s set is one you’ll want to explore further. But like all good series’, Blood and Gourd will tease you with revelations but ultimately leave you craving more, which means the next issue is an essential pick up.
There’s something truly cinematic about the Blood and Gourd comics which makes you wonder why they aren’t movie adaptations already. There’s seasonal viewing just waiting to be lifted from this source material, and that’s one of the biggest compliments I can give this series – it’s not throwaway and forgettable, and chances are it’s something you’ll want to return to after you’ve read it. It hits the spot because it captures the spirit of its inspirations perfectly, as well as the time of year in which its set.
Art duties come courtesy of Juanan Ramirez, whose work you’ll also find lighting up some of Dark Horse Comics’ and Marvel’s exciting titles. The artwork is absolutely top drawer, and it’s plain to see why the majors have taken notice of his talents. That said, this is the type of unhinged madness that you just don’t see from the mega imprints, and it’s a title that benefits from letting the creative minds behind it cut loose and have fun.
All in all, Blood and Gourd is just a lot of fun – smart, witty and intelligent fun. There’s an underlying environmental message to its madness, but it’s not in your face to the point of preaching. This is the perfect comic to pick up after a long day and laugh along with, and it’s the perfect comic for the Halloween season. I can’t recommend this enough if you’re a fan of the aforementioned titles. You’ll have just as much fun spotting the nods to horror classics as you will experiencing the shit hit the fan.
-
Comic
Categorized:Reviews
