ROTTEN continues to sink to new lows of human decadence and rise to heightened levels of zombie gruesomeness in the third issue conclusion of the ‘Tracy Shilo’ story arc and the beginning of a new storyline in issue four entitled ‘Frostbite.’

Issue three concludes a chilling introductory story, displaying the unfortunate level of denial people can reach when it comes to something they cannot understand or refuse to accept. William Wade has found himself fresh out of options and trapped between a ‘miracle’ zombie and dozens of ignorant townsfolk. Tracy’s family are just plain creepy in their determination to keep their eyes shut in regards to what has happened to their beloved daughter, and their willingness to sacrifice an innocent man to feed a monster. There are several scenes in this issue guaranteed to send shivers down your spine, namely the unforgettable two page spread of Tracy’s grisly bid for freedom and food.

Issue four finds our heroes on an undercover mission where a reluctant Wade and John J. Flynn once again don uniforms of the US military in order to learn more of the evolving zombie menace. They are greeted by slovenly soldiers and a complete lack of discipline, but nothing can prepare them for what else they find. While getting these men and their post in order Wade and Flynn discover what these government-trained men have been doing with the zombies, forcing the reader to beg the question, ‘Who are the real monsters?’

A truly excellent zombie story is about more than just the ghouls who rise from the dead; it is about how the surviving people surrounding the horror deal with the nightmare they have found themselves facing. Rahner and Horton continue to deliver complex, honest and horrendous scenarios and characters which keep the blood pumping in between the sparingly used action sequences. Dougherty art is getting better with each issue and each sickening situation Rahner and Horton can come up with. The cover and two page spread in issue four are both packed with disturbing details and an overall feel of finality, as if he spent hours perfecting his work. This team is producing a top quality and unique zombie comic, a must-have for any fan of the genre.

Avril Brown