Dead or Alive #1 (Red 5 – Chitwood / Ruiz)

When two down-on-their-luck cowboys capture the most wanted outlaw in the West, they get more than they bargained for when they discover a Comanche shaman has infected him with an ancient zombie virus. If the zombie doesn’t kill them, the Comanche, rival bounty hunters, and other outlaws will!

The supernatural western is still an evolving genre – but I think Red 5′s Dead or Alive is going to help raise the bar and bring the stories of this genre to a new depth.  The plot not only covers the action and thrill that is promised in the basic premise which you can read about in Red 5′s blurb – basically a  “cowboys vs. zombies” tale.  But it takes the story to a new level as far as the details of the plot – author Scott Chitwood (who also wrote the fantastic series “Drone”) brings both intelligence and depth to this book.  He hooks the readers quick and makes us wish that issue #2 came for Christmas.

The art and layout is very solid – artist Alfonso Ruiz (Abyss: Family Issues) gives a great structure that allows the zombie tale the flow smoothly.  He is able to dial up the thrill and horror without necessarily cranking up the gore – Kudos to Ruiz!

Issue Grade: A

The Bottom Line:  This is a gem for either horror or western fans!