The Extinction Parade #1 (Avatar)

Rating: 3.5/5 – A good beginning, but what happens next?

We’ve seen a LOT of zombie apocalypse stories over the past decade but Max Brooks takes this one in a different direction.  Brooks is best known for the zombie outbreak novel “World War Z”, which was MUCH better than the Brad Pitt movie, similar only in name to the book.  The art is ably (and gruesomely) rendered by Raulo Caceres.

In Extinction Parade we’re introduced to a world where there have been many zombie “eruptions” over the centuries, usually put down by the humans (called “solbreeders” by the vampire narrating the story).  It’s the narrative format that gives this story it’s unique twist.  We’re seeing this from the viewpoint of a vampire, and the vampires have a vested interest in not seeing their human food supply completely taken out by a zombie apocalypse.

I’ve seen zombie stories with vampires protecting their human food supply before but this one feels different.  This issue is mostly setup with some pretty cool insights into the vampires and their outlook on “life”.  What’s really going to make or break this series is what happens next.  I’ve got the setup, where is Brooks going to take us with it.  I’ll be back for #2, I’m very interested in seeing where this goes.

Reviewed by: Bob Bretall – bob@comicspectrum.com
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