Told in old school EC fashion, Dead of Night #1 features a cool caretaker who guides us through a gritty gnarly tale of deceptions and monstrosities.

Ted’s working on a serum, similar to a serum used in WWII, and his goal is to create a drug that will transform man into murderous soldier; the unstoppable machine. By his side is Ellen and Eric, sent to the same remote location to see him through his work. But when Ted discovers there are other plans in store for the serum he panics, and Ellen – his soon-to-be wife and Eric, turn on him in an instant. They don’t give a damn about the man, they just want the goods. They want riches, and now that Ted sees the true motivation behind the operation, he just wants out. Not going to happen… at least not with ease!

When Ellen shoots a fleeing Ted, he’s got no choice; if he hopes to survive, he’s going to have to ingest the serum. He sinks into the nearby swamp, and in one final act, downs the super soldier serum. Hours later, while Eric and Ellen search for something tangible to take back to AIM, the shady company they work for, Ted makes a return, and the two see exactly what’s become of his serum… the effects are… monstrous, to say the least.

Eric and Ellen are brutally killed. Eric, ripped to shreds, Ellen, mutilated beyond recognition. Once a fine scientific mind, Ted is now a full-blown monster of the swamp land.

Stellar work here from writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, who tells a vintage tale with modern day bloody twists. And one can’t look beyond the gruesome artwork of Kano and the absolutely stunning coloring of Javier Rodriguez! Amazing, gripping book right here!

Rating: 5/5