The classic “zombie” story is generally an old and tired one at this point. Whilst may stories come and go very few make a genuinely good lasting impression. TKO Studios’ latest series Eve Of Extinction does exactly that. In addition to a new and interesting take on the “zombie” genre Eve of Extinction’s two biggest strengths lie in its characters and its truly excellent artwork. Both seamlessly coming togther to tell a dark and gruesome story with some brilliant character arcs littered throughout. If you’re a fan of the genre you’ll recognize Eve of Extinction’s overall story as something we’ve seen before. That didn’t take anything away from the story for me. Instead, it served as a nice foundation for Eve of Extinction to springboard off.
Plot
If you are yet to read Eve Of Extinction I’ll be sure to keep the first part of this review spoiler-free. You’ll be given plenty of warning before we start diving into all the juicy details. Eve of Extinction is written by Sal and Steven Simeone. The incredible artwork is thanks to Nik Virella, who you will know from his previous work on Deadpool. Isaac Goodheart who has drawn before for Under the Moon: A Catwoman tale. Finally, Ruth Redmond offers her skills to the series, you’ll most likely know her from her work on The Amazing Spider-Man.
It’s almost wrong of me to call Eve of extinction a “zombie” story. There are no Zombies in this comic, and it isn’t even a post-apocalyptic tale seen as we pick up mere hours after the “outbreak” occurs. The series is set in a world both filled with monsters and separated by gender. It was something in the water. Something in the rain. Something which changed the men. With their daughter stranded across town and the streets filled with hideous beasts, it’s down to two mothers to get her back.
Whilst the main characters are simply trying to survive and escape. The same tropes featured in almost every survival horror story the interesting family dynamic really sets it apart. Both a foster mother and biological mom must put their differences aside to save their daughter. Throw in a coming of age sup plot, with some absolutely brilliant action and Eve Of Extinction makes for a thrilling read.
priorities
You’ll find whilst reading all the characters have fairly straight forward priorities, Survive. The series itself also keeps its priorities simple too. It doesn’t get bogged down in trying to over-explain stuff or build a wider universe. The core of the story is maintained throughout. This is a story about a family trying to rebuild relationships and survive through the worst possible situation. I found it to be a refreshing change of pace for the genre.
Eve Of Extinction is without a doubt one of the best looking comics I’ve read this year and is incredibly captivating to read. A diverse and interesting cast of characters with intriguing subplots mixed in. You should absolutely consider picking this one up for Christmas. Now if you haven’t given it a read yet skip to the end of this review. Its time for those spoilers.
Spoilers
Eve Of Extinction takes the time to properly introduce and set up its characters. Something I appreciated. The story follows Antonia. A young girl who is living with her dad and Step-Mother. As well as introducing us to Antonia’s situation it also sets up the friction between Antonia and her “real” mother Christine. Likewise, we see Christine and Elizabeths (Antonia’s stepmother) tense relationship. I also enjoyed the fact that in the first two issues various male characters were given ample time to be properly introduced. Eddie, Antonia’s father, Taylor Antonia’s crush and James her obnoxious ex. This allowed all of their turns to be incredibly effective for different reasons seen as you the reader are emotionally connected to them.
When Eddie and Taylor unexpectedly turn I genuinly felt bad for the guys. When James turned what at first was a sense of satisfaction became terror when I realized just how more dangerous he’d become.
Unexpected Allies
I enjoyed Elizabeths and Christine’s unlikely pairing as they both try and reach their daughter. Eddies’ turn was particularly tough and seeing them both deal with it in their own different way was really nice. I started to get some Walking Dead vibes as the series progressed with Elizabeth and Christine trying to cross town. Eventually, they need to repair a burst tire and stop off. I really loved their parallels here, with Christine being slightly harder and coldblooded whilst Elizabeth is quick to help out but doesn’t always think fo the consequences.
They hold up in a weapons store where they meet Jane, a young girl waiting for her older sister Abby. I really loved both Jane and Abby. Abby, a member of the national guard is more than capable of holding her own and only wants to look after her sister. Jane is slightly younger but at times comes across as even more mature than the adults.
Abby was the source of a lot of great action. Not to say Christine and Elizabeth also didn’t have their moments throughout. If you are a fan of action Eve Of Extinction has you covered with utterly fantastic panels that are overflowing with incredible artwork. The four of them escape the weapon store and head over to Antonia’s school.
A school full of monsters
If you think you’re school dance went badly, I bet it was never overrun with monsters. Antonia’s helplessness is a nice contrast to the adults who are more than capable of fending off the monsters. That being said Antonia still thinks on her feet to help protect her friends. A quality I really enjoyed about her.
I also really enjoyed how James continued to be the main villain for the series, even after his gruesome transformation. His presence following Antonia is felt throughout the series and it adds a really eerie vibe to things. Eventually, all our girls find each other inside the school and Abby says she has a helicopter picking her up on the roof of the hospital. On the other side of the Zoo.
This whole segment, including Christine’s selfless act to hold off the monsters chasing them, is littered with both intense action and fantastic character moments. Antonia and Christine find out they have more in common then they think. Abby learns to listen to her sister to try and help out others. Antonia has to deal with the loss of her father and friend. It was all really powerful stuff. It was never buried under the constant action and held its own well.
The Zoo
Eve Of Extinction really steps it up a notch in its final issue. The girls have to cut through the Zoo to reach the Med Center. A Zoo in which all the male animals have also been infected by the rain leading to some awesome looking beasts. James is still on Antonia’s trail, now devouring anything he comes across to grow. Like bacteria. This entire segment was dripping with tension and had some of the best action of the series. The climax at the hospital ends off the series on an incredibly satisfying note, yet still leaving the ending open for possible future projects. Elizabeth puts her scientific skills to good use, allowing Christine and Antonia to finally finish James off before Abbys ride comes and picks them up.
I appreciated the fact the issue didn’t try and round off everything. All our main characters survive. However, the world of Eve Of Extinction is still left up in the air. I’d love to see a continuation of this universe.
Characters
The series core strength is its characters, all of which are written extremely well. Antonia and Christine are the clear standouts. Christine, in particular, has a great arc through the six-issue mini-series. Abby is also a really nice addition. She allows the action to be even better than before, bringing military hardware to the fight.
I would have appreciated a little more personality to the villains of this story. Other than James all the other monsters appear as simply that. Monsters. Rather than genuine people who have been infected. They make an effort with Taylor and Eddie at the start but I would have liked to have seen more.
Artwork
Eve Of Extinction is by far one of not the best-looking comics I’ve read all year. The monsters are the clear standouts, looking completely unique and utterly hideous. The monsters look adds a genuine layer of fear and tension on top of the already Stella atmosphere that the series creates. If you’re an avid fan of the horror genre, Eve Of Extinction is a joy to read, simply for its artwork.
TKO’s newest horror survival story is a great addition to the genre. A genuinly good story, which is elevated to even greater heights by its characters and its incredible Artwork. I am very excited to see where they could take this interesting universe next.
If you want to check out more of our reviews from TKO Studios you can below.
