Grindhouse: Drive-In, Bleed-Out #2: Review

Issue #1 of this new Grindhouse launch introduced us to a family being systematically executed by perverse versions of pop culture icons — and issue #2 offered a climax that left me wanting more.

Here’s of official word from Dark Horse:

When you think of comics that really bring the Christmas spirit, put Grindhouse at the top of your naughty list! We’re leaving sex and violence under your tree this year, as the desolate plains of the West fall victim to a terrifying quartet of cold-hearted demons, in “Slay Ride”’s gory climax.

The only thing disappointing about this two-part gem from writer Alex de Campi is that there’s not more of the story left to explore. Issue #1 introduced us to this premise: angels of death have descended upon a family on Christmas Eve, killing them in ways intimately tied to vices that they struggled with in life. These new angels of death look like a fast food spokesman, a mascot for a liquor company, and the iconic Marlboro cowboy. The only survivors are a solitary step-mom and her estranged step-daughter, both of whom hate each other, and have failed the family in some pivotal ways. de Campi’s script is brilliant here in that these characters must join forces to survive, and essentially transform themselves from family villains to nobel heroes if they want to make it through the night. Unlike some of de Campi’s previous efforts, these characters have real depth — they’ve been developed in two short issues, with things to lose and things to gain. The ending is bloody, and satisfying.

R. M. Guéra’s art is gorgeous. The characters “act,” not just respond to the word balloons on the page. It’s clear Guéra labored over these pages we’re treated to some wonderful panels and splash pages here. It’s a joy to read.

Grindhouse: Drive-In, Bleed-Out started strong, and despite the shortness of this particular arc, it finished with a bang. Go grab this thing today.