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Published by: Image Comics
Released on: June 4, 2014
Writer: Mark Kidwell
Artist: Jeff Zornov
Cover artist: Nat Jones
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This '68 story line, Rule of War, has a number of secondary stories taking place at the same time as the main one, the story of CIA agent/Lieutenant Declan Rule. He's a man desperate to punish the one who turned his son into zombie bomb and his mission of vengeance has taken him into Cambodia. He manages to get himself captured by his newly acquired enemy Morneau, an insane doctor who relishes in torturing Rule, mentally and physically. With his dog Nero and an entertainment photographer left behind, but not far from him, Lt. Rule is on his own to figure out a way out of his captivity. Or maybe his isn't entirely on his own. At any rate, enjoy that tiger pit, Lieutenant.
Samson, Yam, Watson and their group of survivors have more than just flesh eaters to deal with when they land to fix the plane and fuel it up at an overrun airstrip. An unexpected visitor could lead them to salvation or death, but either way they have no choice but to follow. Meanwhile, Kierney, the skin-masked whack-job who is working on training zombies, has a bit of a run in with his former platoon mate Tremaine. The two don't see eye to eye on Kieney's plan and their discussion isn't exactly a friendly one. Over in the other story, taking place in New Jersey, Yam's parents continue on their voyage up the shoreline toward their destination: Pitt Island. What awaits them there? A Shirley Temple-type movie star named Ardelia Brower, who is now an old lady living in seclusion with a son. What kind of son? The kind who carries a butcher's knife and displays a tattoo the Zodiac symbol, that of the serial killer active during that time (it's probably not related or even referring to the Zodiac killer, but I couldn't help but notice it).
Zarnov's art is so perfect for this book: it's dark, gory as can be, and his zombies are totally disgusting. There's certainly more to his work that that: his art contains great details and his inks really bring said detail out. And Jay Fotos coloring contribution is a big part of the success of the art, and the choice (his or someone else's) of making the zombie skin with a blue hue might make fans of the real Dawn of the Dead movie smile. Kidwell's script is easy to follow and he has some interesting ideas. One in particular this reader looks forward to is the story of the Kierney, the soldier trying to train the zombies to do what he tells them to do. Kidwell's transition from story to story is seamless and never gets confusing to the reader. He's got a lot of balls in the air and he manages well. Oh and dig the wraparound cover by Nat Jones.
This issue really opens up the notion that once the fourth and last issue of this arc is over, there are plenty of other stories to finish. That is, unless every single character is pulled apart and eaten in the next issue.
