Writer: John Freeman
Art and Letters: Michael Yakutis
Editor: Jason Snyder
Publisher: Freefall Comics
WHAT IS IT?
A zombie thriller taking place on the rarely explored setting of a reservation, casting an unflinching light on the systemic racism Native American people experience.
Imagine indie horror film Blood Quantum with The Walking Dead.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
(Minor Spoilers)
When government agents arrive on a reservation to deliver an eviction notice, their arrival is not well-accepted by the local Native-American populace. As the underhanded politics of the system are laid bare, tensions rise.
Before things reach a boiling point, the location becomes ground zero for a zombie apocalypse. Oppressor and oppressed must work together to survive the onslaught of undead. But the agents seem to know more than they let on...
Who will survive, why is this happening here, and what aren’t the agents telling us?
WHAT WORKS?
John Freeman is a writer with awareness. Inviting people to discuss the political ideas behind Crow Creek rather than simply closing the story at the end.
It’s a solid script, hitting all the points a good zombie thriller should. The dialogue is solid, if not necessarily exceptional, and keeps everything moving as it should.
A major reveal is well-executed and is easily the best part of the story.
Michael Yakutis has an impressive resume, having worked with everyone from Stan Lee to William Shatner. His talent is on display with every panel, taking on all the aesthetic duties.
Action, in particular, looks great and the movement feels dynamic and satisfying.
The colour palette is very subdued, but this emphasizes the setting and, when action occurs, the vivid red of blood stands out more so.
WHAT DOESN’T WORK?
Apart from the aforementioned reveal, the plot can feel quite predictable.
Though the core theme of the story is the oppression of the Native American people, I felt like it could have explored it more thoroughly.
Encompassing an entire story into a 27-page one-shot definitely sacrifices character development and plotlines.
WHY SHOULD I READ IT?
Zombies are ever only a vehicle to drive the plot, and Crow Creek is no different. As you come to the end, you'll be asking yourself who the real monsters were.
Utilising a setting that breaks the norm and combining it with some drop-dead gorgeous art, enthusiasts will lap this up. Those who are a little more jaded with the zombie apocalypse genre should give it a go anyway, due to its short length and great twist.
HOW DO I BUY IT?
Click one of these:
Available on Kickstarter until the 2nd March. Back it here.
The image(s) used in this article are from a comic strip, webcomic or the cover or interior of a comic book. The copyright for this image(s) is likely owned by either the publisher of the comic, the writer(s) and/or artist(s) who produced the comic. It is believed that the use of this image(s) qualifies as fair use under the United States copyright law. The image is used in a limited fashion in an educational manner in order to illustrate the points of the author and not for the purpose of entertainment or substituting the original work. It is believed the use of this image has had no impact on the market value of the original work.
All John Freeman and Michael Yakutis characters and the distinctive likeness(es) thereof are trademarks of and copyright John Freeman and Michael Yakutis or their respective owners. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.