Knock Em Dead #1 Review

by Carlos R. on December 02, 2020

Knock Em Dead #1 Cover Graphic
Written by: Eliot Rahal
Art by: Mattia Monaco
Colors by: Matt Milla
Lettered by: Taylor Esposito
Publisher: AfterShock Comics

It is a good week to try out a new series and Knock Em Dead is one you’re going to want to pull. This a supernatural horror book about comedy and the world of standup and if any of that intrigued you, pick up this first issue.

It is such a great time to be a fan of horror comics, there are some amazing titles out there and I have high hopes for this series. Eliot Rahal has got a wicked concept going and I enjoy the development of Pryor’s delivery of his jokes. There’s a deeper focus on Pryor and his endeavors to get better at stand-up, but we do learn a bit more about his familial situation. The relationship between his sister and him is wonderful, there’s definitely issues there, but they feel so human in their reactions and the way they speak to one another.

Monaco and Milla’s designs in this book are incredible, the shadows alone are something to behold! This book feels lifelike, each setting has small details that add to its history in this world: the clutter and displays of Pryor’s room, to the train Pryor rides in the beginning, to the Globe Pub. The design of Pryor’s evolution through his stand-up routine has a great design and flows very well. Esposito’s letter work blends into this issue tremendously. The effects are there, but almost translucent in that they don’t affect the pacing of the book, but they add volume to characters movements.

Rahal has created a great character in Pryor; set up one heck of a premise; and Monaco’s, Milla’s, and Esposito’s art is perfect for this series. Knock Em Dead is definitely getting added to my pull list!
 

Our Score:

9/10

A Look Inside