Book Review: Stay Alive by James Harberson, Mackie Wildwood, and Stephen Baskerville
James Harberson/Mackie Wildwood, art by Stephen Baskerville
It isn't often that I get to review a graphic novel, and I NEVER get to review splatterpunky graphic novels, so this was a rare treat for me. (Thanks Patrick!)
I have to be real careful here, because it's easy to spoil a graphic novel. Think The Running Man, but add social media and tons of gore. Excellent use of mob mentality and it all culminates into a shocking conclusion. That is all you're getting from me.
Baskerville's art is also delightfully garish. The gore really jumps off of the page. I wonder if Stephen had to take a break and go to the local art supply store to get some more reds...
My only criticism here is the lack of a sympathetic protagonist. However, I do believe this was by design, and Harberson intended to write a fast-moving and fun gorefest while also saying a few things about our media-obsessed society.
If you've been nostalgic for the EC comics days, then look no further than Stay Alive.
Grade: B
Review by Jason Cavallaro
jcavallaro42@gmail.com
Twitter: @pinheadspawn
I received a copy from the author for review consideration.
