The Damned Vol. 1

The Damned, Vol.1: Three Days Dead by Cullen Bunn is the kind of independent comic book that reminds us why the independent market is so important in the wave of popularity that comic books are once again enjoying. It is now, when the market is so hot, that the big publishing houses, DC and the Evil Empire (Marvel), flood the shelves with big name titles that lack depth and story. So instead they come up with gimmicks, like embossed or variant covers and characters changing their race, sexuality or sexual orientation in a effort to garner attention. All gimmicks. when what they should do. All they need to do really, is tell a good story.
The Damned by Cullen Bunn is just such a damn good story.

It is during the prohibition, when gang warfare was fought on the open streets, that our tale takes place. But behind the criminal organizations is a far more evil trade taking place. It is not illicit booze that these two gangs trade in, instead it is the trade of mortal souls. Two gangs, each run by powerful demons control the soul trade in the city, between them lays an uneasy peace. A deal is about to be brokered to end their war and consolidate power. Only the bookkeeper tasked with the deal is taken hostage along with a ledger that could destroy both families. Each one thinks the other is behind it. Hoping to keep the peace and find the bookkeeper, the demon Big Al has one last resort. He must resurrect the Damned.

Eddie is a corpse, laying in a ditch, his throat slit open. But Eddie has a curse, he just cannot die. Only that isn’t actually true, Eddie can die, he just can’t stay dead. For Big Al, Eddie is the perfect answer and he brings Eddie back to find the bookkeeper, stop a gang war and maybe stay alive long enough to consolidate all the power of the demon underworld for Big Al, until its time to send Eddie back among the Damned.

This is Sam Spade meets Sandman Slim. The supernatural element is not overplayed, this is mystery, crime noire. The demons are simply part of the tale, a darker version of the criminal underworld. Eddie must navigate them as deftly as he does their human counterparts, never really knowing which one is the real danger. There is a mystery here, both normal and paranormal. There is greed and lust and larceny. And yes, there is a femme fatale, because it just wouldn’t be noire without one.

This is one of Bunn’s earlier works. He is now pegged to helm one of the new X-Men releases and yes he has sold his soul to the Evil Empire. Hope he is being paid well for it. Hope he doesn’t forget his earlier audience and his independent work. Because this is something that Marvel just wouldn’t get. Make it bloodier and racier and Vertigo might snap it up, but Marvel, nope this is outside the box for them.

Maybe that’s what makes it so good.

Prohibition but with demons fighting over souls.  An interesting premise, and a solid read, especially if you need a break from capes and tights.

I've been reading a lot of comics so far this year! This is yet another graphic novel that I enjoyed and want to continue with the series. We follow a gun-for-hire who keeps coming back from the dead, as long as someone touches him after he dies, and a bunch of daemons having a gang war in the city. Yeah... it's an interesting concept! It's a classic noir comic with a twist of horror and a big dollop of death, a main character who you want to keep following and an art design that very much fits the genre with its sharp, angular preferences. 

This is a new release of a previously published comic, and the major addition seems to be that this is now in colour. Although a black-and-white theme would suit this style of comic, the addition of colour really brings the world to life and adds a whole new dimension. I don't want to say much more to let you discover what this graphic novel has to offer on your own. Definitely one to pick up if you like action, crime and a little bit of horror (I hate horror books or films but comics I can deal with for some odd reason) with some daemons thrown in for good measure.

I'm a big fan of crossover genres, and this blend of noir mystery/gangster action and fantasy/horror works really well.  Eddie's "condition" and greater quest are intriguing, hitting a lot of the cliches of noir that will keep fans of that genre happy, while the demonology elements add an interesting twist.  The artwork matches the story really well; it's very angular and full of chiaroscuro, giving an air of danger and mystery.  Like a lot of recent graphic novels, this one strikes me as a great entree into the format for fans of more traditional genres.  There's plenty of story here to convince reluctant "Aren't they just comic books?!" types.

I received a free ebook of this title in order to provide this review.

Book – The Damned, Vol 1: Three Days Dead
Author – Cullen Bunn, Brian Hurtt
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 140
Cover – Perfect
Would I read it again – Yes
Genre – Comic, Gangster, Crime


** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **


This was an awesome, original story about old school mobsters. It had a really nice 1920's vibe to it, with the added intrigue of the paranormal element. Having demons acting as mobsters was really clever, especially the way that the authors used curses and deals between humans and demons to add another layer of the paranormal to the plot.

There was great plotting, storytelling, and a host of really well explored characters. The world building was brilliant. On top of that, the ending was intriguing and I can't wait to read more.

Great story, mixing the Millers Crossing with Pans Labyrinth, you invest in the characters, looking forward to volume 2!

A deft mix of noir and the supernatural with original characters that seem as alive and you or me.  Clearly, this will set the standard for the genre for years to come.

This was such a cool unique story. The writing is fantastic and the art is superb, left me wanting more. I cannot wait to continue this story. Definite Recommend.

Great series! I've read and enjoyed Bunn's Six Gun series, so I was glad to see another horror-tinged title from him. Instead of mixing Westerns this time he brings in crime/mafia stories. In this world demons are basically the hidden power behind organized. Crime, trading in souls and magic instaed of money and booze. Our unlikely hero Eddie is cursed with immortality, but along with it comes the burden to uncover a dangerous plot that threatens to end a delicate truce between two rival demon families. The art owes a bit to Hellboy, but it's not slavish imitation. The team does a great job in mixing in cartoony elements to up the creepy factor.