Comic Book Review: Survivors’ Club # 1 (Vertigo Comics)

It starts with a mysterious email. The recipients, six in total, were found on a list on the internet.  All of the other individuals on the list or missing or dead. The survivors are all in the Los Angeles area, and something horrorific happened to them in 1987.  The email suggests a meeting, which they all consent to. All but one.

One was possessed by a poltergeist. Another was trapped in a haunted house. Still another has a life-like doll with murderous intentions. Something connects them all. They are survivors of a horrific actions that took place in the late 80s.  It is only together that they can find answers that explain what happened then...and what may be happening again.

I have been counting down the days until I could hold this comic in my hands.  Originally hinted at several months ago, when I heard the great Lauren Beukes (Broken Monsters) was collaborating on a new comic series, I was sold.  All I knew at the time was this teaser: “What if 80’s horror movies were real? Where are those kids today?” DUDE.

So, I finally got my hands on this much desired comic last week. And my expectations were not only met, but exceeded. We don’t learn much about the characters in this first issue, instead more of what brought them together.  The one character we do learn about is Zira, who grew up in South Africa under apartheid. Her mother was a victim, her father turned to alcohol. She spent most of her time in an arcade.  It is there that she comes across a game called Akeron. It takes hold of her, she finally feels alive inside.  When a bolt of lightning hits the arcade, Zira believes the game is responsible. She continues to play, certain that whatever door she opened in playing it needs to be closed. The arcade burns around her, killing her father. She survives.

With reason, she becomes obsessed with this game. In doing some research online, she uncovers a game that is strikingly similar to Akeron.  The title, Happy Hero Toast, sounds less than ominous. Yet when she shows a video of the game to the “Survivor’s Club,” they are all taken back to the horrific acts in 1987. The game has an effect on them, and apparently others across the world. The occult events that transpired in 1987 are happening once again. Somehow this game, and these individuals, are connected.

Ok, so I probably gave away more than I should have, but can you understand why I am so excited about this title? Hello! 80’s horror movies! I grew up on them; they shaped my love of the horror genre.  I was a bit wary, as this whole “old is new” fad with things sometimes fails miserably. In this case it is completely the opposite. I’m sold.

If you add all the other comic elements to this, you get a completely absorbing and truly phenomenal reading experience.  Two-page spreads, vividly drawn characters and an impressive and evolving color palette.  Diverse characters (including a strong, POC female character, that doesn’t seem forced or like she was thrown in there to appease readers). I can’t wait for the next issue!

STORY BY: Lauren Beukes, Dale Halvorsen
ART BY: Ryan Kelly
COLORS BY: Eva De La Cruz
LETTERS BY: Clem Robins
COVER BY: Bill Sienkiewicz

Photo credit: Emily Ellsworth