From the Tomb's Review for Contagion #1

Contagion #1 – Review


Issue: Contagion #1
Writer: Z.M. Thomas
Pencils: Cliff Richards
Colors: Mike Bartollo
Letters: Zach Matheny
Cover: Chris Bolson
Publisher: Trepidation Comics
Release Date: February 2010
Pages: 24
Price: $4.99

“TREPIDATION COMICS’ brand new Zombie graphic novel featuring a brand new story from Z.M.Thomas, artwork from Cliff Richards and colors from Mike Bartolo.”

Artwork: 3.5 out of 5.0
This is good looking comic book. From panel to panel the characters stay true to each other and the zombies have a great look to them. The story takes place at night so it is a little dark, and I kinda get thrown off when there isn’t a lot of background detail, but the characters have a good amount. Just a small thing that gets me. Overall though it comes together great and the final page is Gore-geous.

Story: 4.0 out of 5.0
For what I will say starts off as a typical zombie story, this one has a great feel to it. It is fast paced, but it does consist of what I look for in a first issue. A nice plot to keep me going, a good introduction to the main cast and an ending that makes you want to come back for more. I really liked that all of those were covered in this one, it just felt to move a little too fast.

Dying Breath: 3.5 out of 5.0
The story is really great and an ending like that just screams I need to read more. The artwork was really nice but a tad dark, which is expected for a story taking place a night, but maybe a little too dark. However this issue was really great and while it does present a traditional zombie start to this series I still find myself wanting to know more and more. Worth checking out and hopefully the quality stays just like this and we will have another great zombie book on our hands.

If you would like to buy or know more about Contagion #1 please check out http://www.trepidation-comics.com/

Abe chapter 2 update and news!

Here it is! In all of its glory, issue #2 for Abe the Aborted Fetus in Roe vs Abe. This is the OFFICIAL cover for the comic book. And what's more is that this book has an official release date, and it's not nearly as far as you might think. The book is slated for a July 1st launch! That's right, this explosive issue will be ready in time for the 4th of July. So there you have it! An official release date along with the official cover. Check back for more information. I however, will be out of town as of the morning of May 19th - May 25th on a vacation, so I will update with news when I get back.

Revenant Media's Review of Contagion #1

CONTAGION#1 REVIEW
BY ADAM TIBBOTT

Z.M. Thomas and Cliff Richards have breathed new life into the zombie/horror genre. What I had initially thought to was going to be a Dawn Of The Dead knock-off turned out to be a refreshing new take on a genre that has been beaten to death, literally. Maybe Thomas needs to hook-up with Romero on his next Dead flick. After seeing Richards' art on the last page, you'll understand why.

Richards really captured the dark mood of this horror story. Having this story set in Minneapolis is more reason to invest. With the first issue, we're introduced to 3 of the main characters, Ryan, Tyler and Kate; and all hell is breaking loose.

Can the market handle another zombie apocalypse series? Depends on how this one is handled. Is it worth the $4.99 cover price. Yes. Richards' art is top notch and Thomas is finding his niche in this genre. With the obvious initial comparison being to Kirkman's Walking Dead, CONTAGION takes the outbreak to a whole new level. Contagion doesn't pick up a few weeks after the initial outbreak, we're thrown into the midst of the first few days, something that's not been well documented since the 2004 remake of DAWN OF THE DEAD.

New Abe the Aborted Fetus: #2 Images

That's right folks, here they are... Four new images for the upcoming chapter #2 of Abe the Aborted Fetus: In Roe VS Abe.

Contagion now at Comixpress.com

Contagion "Preview Issue" is now available for sale at Comixpress.com for $4.95. My first zombie story which is becoming a bit of a pet project for me. Check out the preview pages at http://www.trepidation-comics.com/Contagion.html

Available Now At:Comixpress & Ka-blam


Standard Comic
Full Color
Page Count: 24

The dead have come back to life and are destroying everything and everyone in their path. Unfortunately, this isn't the worst part of the night for Minneapolis Police Officer Ryan Gavin... When his brother in-law is bit by one of the undead, Ryan is forced to make a decision that could either save one life, or end them all.

From the creative team of Echoes of Dawn featuring:
Story: Z.M.Thomas (Abe the Aborted Fetus)
Pencils: Cliff Richards (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Colors: Mike Bartollo (Echoes of Dawn)
Letters: Zach Matheny (Red Sonja)
Cover: Cris Bolson (Battlestar Galatica)

Also Available At: www.Trepidation-Comics.com

Abe chapter 2 update

I suppose one could call me selfish, holding onto 25 pages of completed Abe the Aborted Fetus artwork that has yet to be seen by the eyes of anyone other than myself, Anthony Tan and Santosh Rath. Yes, that's right, Chapter two is in its full colored glory, only now waiting in line to be lettered by the very talented Zach Matheny.

But before I go off promising anything, things are moving along quite nicely for the project and I'm hoping that there will be some big announcements in the coming weeks. But as it is now, I can only tell you that the book looks amazing, and I am in the process of receiving some amazing new inks for Chapter 3.

Perhaps I'll post some exclusive pinups of the new artwork on this blog in the next few days.

Anyway, I will be attending the MNCBA's Springcon convention this May 15th and 16th and the Minnesota Fairgrounds for those interested in attending.

Z.M.Thomas

Echoes of Dawn issue # Review by "From the Tomb Magazine"

Echoes of Dawn #1 – Review


Issue: Echoes of Dawn #1
Writer: Z.M. Thomas
Pencils: Cliff Richards
Colors: Mike Bartollo
Letters: Zach Matheny
Publisher: Trepidation Comics
Release Date: Jan 2010
Pages: 24
Price: $4.99


“Echoes of Dawn follows Ethan’s terrifying journey into the city of Eastport, where he is met with the ghosts of the past who help him unravel the dirty secrets tied with the Deray name. “

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5.0
This is a great looking issue. The character designs are really nice and very realistic. They stay nice and consistent throughout the issue. The coloring is spot on and adds a nice photo like quality to the pages. The artwork is easily the highlight of this issue.

Story: 3.0 out of 5.0
So what works here really well is the dialogue. The interactions are great and like the art very realistic. For a first issue though I found myself a little more confused than I would have liked. I think there is a nice plot started, but I didn’t think enough of it was covered. A great introduction to the cast was given, but that in depth look that leads you to want to know more was lacking a little. However it was not enough to make me not want to know more, because there is one creepy element to this book that I want to see played out.

Dying Breath: 3.5 out of 5.0
While the artwork is strong the story can’t keep up in the first issue. Some great plot points were laid, but not enough structural support was really added to hook me after one issue. However the creepy factor is working for this book, as I find my intrigued to see where it is heading. Great looking art and a strange twisted plot seem to be on the horizon for this one so consider me on board for more.

If you would like to buy or know more about Echoes of Dawn #1 please check out http://www.trepidation-comics.com

New... Errr... Character Designs

Here are some of the much promised character designs for the upcoming untitled comic book project that is currently in the works to be released, originally started back in 2005 with Al Rio. However, Cliff Richards has picked up where Rio had left off in 2006, and the first 66 page TPB will be available this spring!





Anyway, I hope you enjoy the images, they're pretty badass in their own right. Hopefully soon I will unveil the title for this upcoming book, perhaps upload a few sample pages for you to enjoy!

Z.M.Thomas

Exclusive New Comic Update #1

So as promised, I am putting up a brand new image for you guys to see. I still haven't decided on what I am going to title this project. I have a few ideas, however those will continue to simmer on my brain until one just jumps out at me.



The artwork above is the very first project Cliff Richards and I have worked on together. However, after some modifications for nearly 5 years, it's finally seeing the light of day.

Anyway, I will post more information on this book when I feel the time is right. Until then, I'll let you enjoy the image and admire the sheer awesomeness that is Cliff Richards' artwork.

(For those wondering, I've worked with Cliff Richards a total of 3 projects, Echoes of Dawn, Contagion & this upcoming Untitled Project. Make sure to check out Echoes of Dawn and Contagion on the website and see some of the completed pages that are available.)

Z.M.Thomas