Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Comics Review: "KILLADELPHIA #29" is Designed to Fill Your Mind

KILLADELPHIA #29
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes
LAYOUTS: Jason Shawn Alexander
PENCILS: Germán Erramouspe
INKS: Jason Shawn Alexander with Robert Melendrez
COLORS: Lee Loughridge
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Christopher Shy
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (March 2023)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“There's No Place Like Home” Part V: “My Country, 'Tis of Thee”

Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander.  Published by Image Comics, it centers on a conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia.  The series is currently written by Barnes and drawn by Alexander and Germán Erramouspe.  Colorist Lee Loughridge and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr., a ragtag team of fighters, and a menagerie of gods and monsters on one side or the other or both in the vampire invasion of Philadelphia.  Of note are a special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”), Anansi the Spider-God, and the infamous rebel leader turned monster hunter, Toussaint Louverture, and his army of killers.

As Killadelphia #29 (“My Country, 'Tis of Thee”) opens, it is the sunset of former President John Adams, slave owner turned vampire.  The smoldering skeletal remains of the detective, James Sangster, Sr.; former Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson; Adams' wife Abigail; and two loyal slaves, are his to ponder.

Now, Adams must finally, truly contemplate what he and the “Founding Fathers” wrought?  Was it really meant to be perfect, especially if it were created by the imperfect?  And what is freedom, really?  And time is short for the answering.

THE LOWDOWN:  We are at the penultimate chapter of Killadelphia's fifth story arc, “There's No Place Like Home.”  Before this arc debuted, creators Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander warned readers that they were not prepared for what was coming in the arc – which has proven to be true, very true.

I am at a loss for words again.  So, I'll take the easy way out.  Rodney Barnes script is great.  Jason Shawn Alexander and Germán Erramouspe are a great art team.  Lee Loughridge is always a good colorist.  And Killadelphia could not be great without a great letterer – Marshall Dillon.

If The 1619 Project offends you, then, dear readers, your ass is really going to be chapped by Killadelphia.  I can't imagine that public libraries and public and private school libraries in the states of the old Confederacy will allow any copies of Killadelphia trade and hardback collections on their shelves once they discover what it is.  Killadelphia, however, so bold, that it'll get on those shelves anyway.

I love reading Killadelphia so much.  Guys, I'm on my knees, too, but in a slightly more dignified manner.

NOTE: Killadelphia #29 is also available in a “Noir Edition,” featuring black-and-white line art interiors.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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