Comic Review: Family Bones – Vol 1

Issue: Family Bones Vol. 1
Writer: Shawn Granger
Artists: Orlando Baez, Kenneth Landgraf, Benito Olea Bellido, Mannie Abeleda, Pablo Agustin Lordi
Letters: Richard Nelson
Cover Artist: Kerem Beyit
Publisher: King Tractor Press
Release Date: 2007
Pages: 176
Price: $14.95

“FAMILY BONES is based on the TRUE STORY of the oldest couple of serial killers, as experienced one summer by their unwitting nephew. This first volume collects issues 1 – 5 of the popular comic book series based on the lives of serial killers Ray and Faye Copeland. They were the kind, elderly grandparents who murders farm hands at their home. Sean is trapped on the Copeland farm, a slave for his uncle. The heat simmers his skin to a full boil until the neighbor’s beautiful daughter appears. Wendy quickly becomes his hope, desire, and fear; not to mention his one trusted friend. Together they discover each other and some very bloody family secrets.“

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
Before I dive into the technical stuff here I want to start off by saying that I really enjoyed a different artist on almost each chapter, 4 and 5 were the same. So that being said I can’t really break down each one, so as a whole this is a really great looking Volume. I found the first chapter a little rough, but it evens out over the rest of the book. My favorite had to be Benito Bellido on Chapter 2. I really enjoyed his style the most. Black and white colors work here very well, I didn’t get lost on anything and nice lettering work.

Story: 4.5 out of 5
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this one. The true story kinda gets me a little freaked out that someone really went through this, we all have our horror stories to tell, this one is just really compelling. So starting with the forward we are introduced to a life I am familiar with, and that is Midwest living, I really think he hits home n a few points. Moving into the story itself, it’s not gorey or disturbing, if anything it just left me uncomfortable. A great job building up the main character Sean and his relatives Ray and Faye. I feel scared for Sean on almost every page, and that is good psychological fear writing.

Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
While at times I found the story to be more compelling than the artwork, I really feel that they work well together. The story is just eerie to begin with and it is told in great fashion. You learn to feel for the main character and almost live through him as he goes through this. Surprisingly any real murders aren’t seen. So the thought is in your head that evil is lurking, but your being told what is going on through an outside source, a great touch on that aspect alone. I can not wait to dive into Volume 2 and see where this story goes, but I can easily recommend that you should give this one a chance.

If you would like to buy or know more about Family Bones Vol. 1 you can find it at http://www.kingtractorfilms.com/

Comic Review: Family Bones – Vol 1