Comic Review: Family Bones – Vol 2

Issue: Family Bones Vol. 2
Writer: Shawn Granger
Artists: Brent Giles, Mannie Abeleda, Pablo Agustin Lordi, Stefano Cardoselli, Kyle Strahm, Will Caligan
Letters: Richard Nelson
Publisher: King Tractor Press
Release Date: 2010
Pages: 170
Price: $14.95

“This is the final volume of “Family Bones”, a true crime graphic novel about the elderly serial murderers from Missouri. In their 70’s, Ray and Faye Copeland were sentenced to death for the murder of many farm workers that lived with them. The tale told through the eyes of their unwitting nephew comes to a gruesome conclusion. And through it all somehow this city boy finds young romance with a neighbor’s daughter. Written by the actual great nephew of Ray and Faye Copeland, “Family Bones” is a gritty, fish-out-of-water American gothic that will send shivers down your spine.”

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
I enjoyed the artwork in this volume a bit more than I did in Vol. 1. Not saying that there is better talent on board here, just that I liked the more realistic look that this group of artists brought to the project. Even as the story progresses here, and we see more of the true nature of the cast, it seems to get grittier and darker. A nice touch to this book, that easily lends itself to the overall appeal. Just a great look overall.

Story: 4.5 out of 5
I have to admit that I was kind of shocked at the end of this book, because it was not the ending I was expecting. I just kept waiting for something to happen, and waiting but then it was over, yet I don’t feel let down at all. If anything I can look back at this book and just enjoy how well it was done. I was presented a great story, that had this looming feeling of danger, yet nothing ever fully presented itself. It just lingers throughout and plays on itself so well that a complete story is fully formed. Then at the end you get the recap of what happened after the events in the book. Beautifully done.

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Based on a true story, then how can you not want to know what went on here? Sure it’s a compilation of actual events that is collected into a solid story that is topped of with some Killer artwork, but it is done so well I can’t live without telling you to check it out. This book takes a good group of artists and has them depict the events as they go from a regular childhood to a dark and eerie place. A fantastic read that you should take the time to check out.

If you would like to buy or know more about Family Bones Vol. 2 you can find it at http://www.kingtractorfilms.com/