Ain’t No Grave #1 is written by Skottie Young and published by Image Comics. Artwork is by Jorge Corona, colours by Jean-Francois Beaulieu and letters by Nate Piekos.
Ain’t No Grave #1 is available now, in print and on digital where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
Eisner Award-winning writer SKOTTIE YOUNG and Eisner Award-nominated artist JORGE CORONA, the team behind the hit series MIDDLEWEST and THE ME YOU LOVE IN THE DARK, are back together with an all-new miniseries, AIN’T NO GRAVE! This Unforgiven-style journey is an original macabre Western/fantasy tale for mature readers, told through a Guillermo Del Toro-esque lens.
Ryder put her violent past behind her when she fell in love and became a mother. But that was before she learned it was all going to be taken away. Now she’ll have to pick up her guns once again and ride to kill the one who’s behind the threat. Which just happens to be Death.
The genre-bending adventure begins in this DOUBLE-LENGTH FIRST ISSUE, with forty pages of story and no ads!
Review
From the creative powerhouse duo Scottie Young and Jorge Corona, the imaginative forces behind enthralling series like Middlewest and The Me You Love In The Dark, emerges their latest masterpiece, Ain’t No Grave. This limited comic series masterfully blends macabre, western, and fantasy elements into a mature, engaging narrative that feels innovative and oddly familiar. It unfolds an epic saga that channels the raw intensity often found in Guillermo Del Toro’s imaginative works, viewed through a wholly unique lens.
From its beginning, Ain’t No Grave establishes itself as a tour de force, instantly capturing my attention. Within the first 11 frames, we’re introduced to a vividly depicted world and a cast of characters that leap off the pages, brimming with life, rich backstories, and an intriguing sense of mystery. Among them stands the enigmatic Revolver Ridge Ryder, a famed bandit whose reputation looms large. The narrative that unravels is as enthralling as the characters themselves, embarking on a journey replete with danger, redemption, and the kind of storytelling that captivates you from the outset.
However, what truly distinguishes this comic is its visual storytelling. Jorge Corona’s artistry elevates each panel to a work of art deserving of a museum exhibition. The landscapes, from the daunting mountains to the expansive deserts, are depicted with a stunning depth that immerses you directly into the narrative’s heart. The characters, from our protagonist Revolver Ridge Ryder to the supporting cast, are portrayed with a level of detail and emotional depth that significantly enhances the story.
The story takes a dramatic twist when Ryder, after receiving shattering news, finds herself compelled to undertake a dangerous journey to the city at the world’s edge. The challenges she encounters are as daunting as they are revealing, setting the stage for a saga that explores personal discovery as much as it does survival.
The first issue ends on a big cliffhanger that significantly escalates the stakes for Ryder’s journey. This sharp narrative decision not only leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next instalment but also cements Ain’t No Grave as a captivating start to what is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.
Verdict
With its unique genre blend, breathtaking visuals, and profoundly engaging storyline, Ain’t No Grave #1 showcases the creative brilliance of Young and Corona. It invites readers into a world where the limits of storytelling are expanded to their most thrilling extremes.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
