Comic Book Review - Edge of Extinction: Day One [The Story So Far]

Rob reviews Edge of Extinction: Day One...

Baden Mellonie's Edge of Extinction couldn't have dropped into my inbox at a better time. I have just finished reading the entirety of The Walking Dead and had surprisingly started the T.V. series again - only up to Season 4, then it's all filler. My relationship with zombies is a bit hit and miss at the moment. When done correctly, the shambling undead menace can be terrifying, yet more often than not they're reduced to an almost shambolic display of comedy. Thankfully Edge of Extinction is a display of the former. The zombies here are dangerous and considering this is only 'Day One, it's going to get a lot worse - in a good way!

Edge of Extinction shares a few common themes with both 28 Days Later and The Walking Dead. This is more prevalent in that all three feature zombies (or a form of), the collapse of society, and the worst of human nature when faced with insurmountable odds. The story begins by following our protagonist, Jason Mills through his morning routine. There are reports of riots on the morning news, the PM is making a statement, and Football is still happening. Yes, we're at the beginning of the nightmare/Apocalypse. As the title suggests this is 'Day One', the country still has some sort of infrastructure in place and our protagonist is unaware of the imminent threat. Even when Mellonie throws a dying man in the mix, both Mills and the investigating Police Officers put it down to a random attack. 

The opening issue does a brilliant job building the world as it's starting to collapse. Mellonie uses real-world locations to build this horrific version of Bedford. The writer even says that the locations featured in the book are meaningful to his life. And that's what makes Edge of Extinction unique. These are places that are real and they're actual places you can visit. I sadly don't live in Bedford, but I'd get a right kick out of walking through my town and seeing all these living, breathing locations. If anything it gives you a deeper connection to the world and its characters, and it's something that Baden Mellonie has expertly captured. The writing is fast-paced as we're taken through the opening acts. 

Naturally the comic is aimed at mature readers so there's plenty of swearing and more violence than you can shake a severed arm at. 

Whereas The Walking Dead and other zombie comics take place after societies collapse, Edge of Extinction is taking us through it. There isn't roaming bands of cannibals, there aren't the likes of  'Negan' or 'The Governor' roaming the land either. It's just normal people thrust into an abnormal situation. The only downside to the cast is that they fall into typical survivor roles - leader, hard man, rational thinker, crazy religious, and silent expendable. The characters aren't anything new, but I'm hoping as this isn't your typical zombie comic that they're taken in a different direction to what's expected. 

Art comes from Paul Peart-Smith and is a gorgeous black & white style. There's some incredible attention to detail as Peart-Smith delivers some great facial expressions to both the living and dead. Everything has a slightly rough feel to it, which also does wonders in highlighting the current situation. When the action kicks in Peart-Smith gives us plenty of motion lines and words like "BAM" & "DUFF" that show off both the speed and ferocity of what's taking place. 

 

For fans of films such as Dawn of the Dead, 28 Days Later, and REC, you'll feel right at home with Edge of Extinction. It's your classic zombie horror with a UK twist. The setting of Bedford give you a relatable location and the cast of characters, whilst a little clichéd, are believable in their actions. The artwork is a gorgeous yet frantic mix of black & white which builds the horror going on in this world as well as highlighting some great character expressions. Whilst the overall plot is still in the dark, it's been rip-roaring fun so far. 

Rating 8/10

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekCultureRev