Chopper #1 is the first issue of a five part mini series from Asylum Press, which focuses on a rebellious high school cheerleader, Christina Winwood, who has started to sell a brand new drug called “Stairway to Heaven” to her classmates. Similar to Ecstasy, only five times more potent, the drug also comes with rather dangerous side effect. Once you ingest the drug it instantly opens up your sixth sense, allowing you to cross the threshold that separates the world of the living from the realm of the dead. During the drugs high period, users are able to see and interact with spirits; the problem is not every ghost is friendly like Casper. Soon, a headless Hell’s Angel biker, who collects the souls of sinners, makes its presents known in the form of a body count.
Much in the vein of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Chopper blends high school drama with blood soaked horror creating a campy, fun, and always entertaining reading experience. The series also has a tie in web series by the same name starring Tyler Mane (Halloween, X-Men) as the infamous headless biker. The first issue does a great job at introducing you to Christina, and developing her personality as the not your typical cheerleader who is surrounded by your typical stereotypical air head socialites. Christina Winwood is very much living a double life, I am curious to see how long she can manage to keep the two worlds separate. The debut issue successfully did its job by leaving me wanting more; I for one am looking forward to learning more about the biker and the origins of the drug itself.
Imagine a strange cross between The Legend of Sleepy Hallow and Ghostrider with the drama and humor of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and you will have a good idea of what is ahead of you in the world of Chopper. The artwork is stunning, and captures the terror of victims of the biker flawlessly, their facial expressions are very life like and make each kill that much more gruesome and visceral. In addition, I was impressed by how “high” the characters appear to be visually, eyes wild, and expressions perfectly conveying the fact they are under the influence of strong mild altering substances and lost in an overwhelming sense of euphoria. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of issue #2, and recommend horror fans go out and grab a copy of the first.
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