Revival, Vol. 1: You're Among Friends

Revival Vol One is a story of rural American reanimation without the dark humor. The story begins to explore a potential downside of what if our loved one’s could come back from the dead which is further explored by grotesquely beautiful illustration which add to this macabre mystery of human revival.

A good but somewhat underwhelming start to a new series that takes a fresh look at an old idea: the dead rising from their graves. Revival turns zombie stories on their heads by making the dead not brainless, flesh feasting monsters, but rather sad, lonely, shell-shocked versions of their former selves, clearly traumatized by the experience of dying.Unfortunately, as great of an idea as that is, the book doesn't always live up to it. It gets off to a very slow start, such a slow start that you're left feeling like maybe things aren't really going to get good until the next volume. In that way, it actually feels much more like a new television show than a comic series, where it might take a few episodes to truly find its footing and its voice. I know this isn't unheard of in comic series either, but at this point I'm fairly used to Image publishing these great, challenging books that seem fully formed from the get go. Part of the disappointment I had with this title is the fact that it doesn't hit a home run at its first at-bat, and maybe that's an unfair expectation. Whatever the case, though, it doesn't feel like the book ever quite lives up to its potential.Tim Seeley's story is well written enough, with above-average dialog, and I'm glad to see a competent female lead, though the seeking-approval-from-Daddy stuff is a bit played out, don't you think? The protagonist's younger sister, on the other hand, is the most interesting character in the book, and it would be great to see much more of her.The series also suffers from not being exactly sure what it wants to be, spending an inordinate amount of time as a police procedural or aping noir conventions rather than doing what it does best: exploring themes of death and resurrection, afterlife, alienation, and family. That said, I'll be the first to admit that maybe I just want this book to be a little more cerebral than it's every going to be.The art was actually a bit of a sticking point for me. I know that Mike Norton is supposed to be one of the hottest artists in the industry, but if I'm being honest, his style doesn't really do much for me, and doesn't really fit with my expectations for this book. It's a bit too comic book-y, or, to be more specific, it looks like the kind of stuff we see in superhero books, whereas a book like this could use more of an edge. All that said, Jenny Frison's covers are truly remarkable, and I wish the whole book could have that same style.One big plus for me was seeing familiar landscapes, as I'm from a rural Northern Wisconsin community not too far from where the events of Revival take place, and Norton does a fantastic job rendering the setting.In conclusion, while I'm not rushing out to grab this book each month, I'll definitely check out the next trade when it comes out. I think Revival has a lot of potential, and it may just take a few more issues to fulfill that potential. If this book can become as great as it could be, it'll really be something special.

Zombie type stories have been done so many times with not much variation. Usually its a matter of whether they lurch along at a slow pace or run. The difference here is that they seem to return as the person they were, although with a couple of interesting differences. One is that they can heal fast from new injuries and the other that they carry back an evil spirit, or just have the potential to host one. My reason for four stars versus five is that at the end of this first volume I'm not intrigued to the point where I feel I must see what happens next like I have been with other titles. The story takes place in unfamiliar territory for me being that it is in Wisconsin so I'm unfamiliar with day to day winter life in such a place. And that also makes it harder to relate to the characters and some of the dialog. But I'm still on the fence about going into purchase mode for the remaining volumes as I do see how the story could get more interesting as big government takes a more active role and causes obstacles for the protagonist. It remains a definite maybe for me to continue forward.

What's this, you ask? Oh, it's nothing special, just a little old comic book called Revival, AND IT ROCKS.This year, creator-owned Image Comics titles like Saga and Fatale have proven that there's plenty of high-quality reading to be done outside the superhero genre. Enter Revival Volume 1, the genesis of what's sure to be a stellar series. I won't give you a summary, as the description tells you all you need to know going in. Just know that when it says "the dead came back to life", these aren't the zombies of The Walking Dead fame. These are friends and loved ones, back from the dead, just as they were. Almost. And it makes for one heck of a story.I can't say I've ever read a "rural noir" before, but Tim Seeley writes a fantastic one. With this first volume, Seeley introduces a multi-layered story woven with elements of mystery, horror, and drama. It's wonderful to read this book and follow the different threads the author has set up. The dialogue is entertaining and telling of the characters, and Seeley does a bang-up job not just in presenting solid, vibrant, distinctive characters, but in giving them heart. It's terrific writing.Speaking of the characters, where would this book be without the brilliant art of Mike Norton? One of the things I love about Norton is that he's wonderful at distinguishing his characters; no one person looks like another, even those who are related. "Classy" is the word I'd use for Norton's art. It's classy, it's clean, and it's got character. Also, the layouts are simple and stark, but never monotonously so.Just so you know before you buy it, this book is rated mature, as it contains explicit language and a fair bit of violence. But good Lord, if it isn't a great story, and I can't wait to see where it goes from here. If you like comics, and Revival sounds like your cup of tea, read this book, and you'll be just as eager for more of the series as I am.

Great adult story from Tim Seeley. I always enjoy reading his work, whether it's DC, Marvel, or his own stuff. Looking forward to the rest this series.

Good story, interesting character, I really can't wait to read the second one ...I just hope it won't turn in a sci-fi more than an horror comic ...

Beautiful story and artwork and characters that you can connect with. Really one of the best graphic novels out there, a must read!

cool story

Two things attracted me to this new comic: the artwork was reminiscent of Cleaners which I enjoyed very much and it's a zombie comic. As a huge fan of The Walking Dead before it became an awesome TV series, I did wonder if I could stomach another zombie comic but c'mon...there's always room for a good zombie story.The difference here is that there is a supernatural element and when the dead come back to life, they come back as your loved ones - not brain dead, drooling, rotting cadavers with the spark of who they once were long gone - your actual loved ones...only they're dead.While I did enjoy this comic, I am not sure where the writers are going to go with the supernatural element and I have my doubts about whether I'll like it. But for now I'll stick with it as it's an intriguing idea - dead people, zombies, but recognisably your family.

Really likes this one. Like most first graphic novels the 1st issue is mainly story and character building but it really got me gripped. I like the artwork and the new spin on the dead coming back to life. While I love a zombie story it's nice to see something a bit different. Also has something ghostly going on and looking forward to see where that's going. All in all this could go either way for me but I certainly enjoyed the first issue. Issue two ordered now.