I looked over the first two issues from the Worst Day Ever comic series, released by Tenacious Comics. The comic was co-created by artist Luke Stone and writer Westley Schomer. The comic is set in an apocalyptic near future with zombies, reminiscent of The Walking Dead and 28 Days Later, except Worst Day Ever mixes a great deal of comedy with the dark zombie scenario.
What’s interesting about this story is that it treats a zombie apocalypse in a way that the world doesn’t come to an end. People still work their jobs, even with zombies walking around everywhere. They aren’t rushing to abandon their homes even with zombies wandering hallways in their apartment buildings and the streets, which adds to the humor of the comic. The main character goes about his job as a hotdog employee while battling these zombies, which is entertaining to read.
To get familiar with the comic series and know what was going on with the story, I looked at the first issue before looking at the second. Overall, the art style looks like it will improve overtime, as there were strong improvements from issue 1 to issue 2. There are good things about the first issue though there were noticeable weaknesses that seem part of the course for an artist early in his comic work. The best part about the art style in both issues is the thick ink outlining of characters, and there are some beautiful panel shots with a lot of action, especially in issue 2. The way characters are drawn is cool at times, with lots of cool shadows, crosshatching, and emotional expressions. The perspectives with characters in environments can be awkward or uneven at moments, and some background shots get weird, but it doesn’t distract from the story. The colors are okay with some glossy use of whites and lighter tones I like.
The art definitely improves in issue 2, where layout artist Luca Cicchitti helped Luke Stone. They make a great team. The characters pop out more against the background, the colors are smoother, and the lines are more smooth, balanced, and organized as well. Noticing the changes in the second issue, I’m confident each issue is going to show Luke developing in his art style.
Along with the action increasing with issue 2, there are also more jokes in the dialogue and narration. Now that the story’s background has been set in the first issue, it gives the author more room to play around with humor in Worst Day Ever, and it works pretty well. The scenario of a working man’s life falling apart is hilarious.
Overall, the comic is worth reading. The action makes it fun, and watching the art evolve overtime is enjoyable.
