By: Greg Ansin and Michael Neel
Illustration and Adaptation By: Jerem Morrow
Colours and Graphics By: Shi Blank
Based off of a recently released indie film of the same title, Drive-in Horror Show adopts a anthology method in order to tell their gruesome tales. In issue one we discover quite a bit about this ghoul infested drive-in theatre and experience one of the fatal films they yanked from storage – The Good Luck Charm.
This 50-page, creep packed issue proves that even in a world ridden with apocalyptic events, people still need their entertainment. Whether they have transformed into Zombies, ghosts, vampires, ghouls, or ogres, they now have a place to find all of the many horrors they have yet to experience in this reality. And if the projectionist/owner and his creepy side-kick don’t terrify you enough, this tale of karma and selfish destruction just might.
Generally speaking, when you agree to do someone a favour you best keep your word. The last thing you want is to be known as ‘that guy who screwed so-and-so’, especially when you own a business. That is how Jim’s partner and wife feels they should abide, but, her money-hungry hubby has a different idea in mind.
Let’s play a little game of fates: If someone brought you a precious stone, worth $100,000, for collateral up until the next morning, would you keep it on good faith of their return and later inform them of the treasure they behold? Or, would you take it upon yourself to alter the item for an attempt at a quick sale and an even quicker get-away? Now, choose wisely because this may literally be the factor between your life and death.
If you chose to be an honest jack, than good on yah. The guy shows up tomorrow morning without the money for it’s return and you will be free to sell it as you wish and buy that vacation home you’ve always wanted.
If you chose the more devious option, than it was nice knowing you! This alteration that you place upon the jewel with your selfish intention has damned you to a death like no other. Your flesh is torn apart by the worlds freakiest cursed bug. And upon attempt at changing your ways and bettering your mistake, it makes that final jump through your skull and back into it’s reformed heirloom. Leaving you dead and your honest wife with all that cash money.
Growing up I was obsessed with media like Creepshow, Tales from the Crypt, Masters of Horror and even more childish versions of like Freaky Stories. There has always been something greatly satisfying about short, but equally as demented to their longer counter-parts, horror stories. They seemed to stick in my mind much longer and play sick little games with my fears. So, when I came across a booth pushing this film and comic at Fan Expo, there was no way I dare pass up the chance to re-experience a part of the genre that I, at one time, most appreciated.
Thankfully, this issue really satisfied my craving. There was enough build up through the theatre scenes to allow me to open my mind to a gruesome and in my case, petrifying plot. As far as I’m concerned, there is no plague or death worse than that involving one (or more) insects. Give me the black death and I will be forever grateful that it wasn’t locusts killing me off. The Good Luck Charm really hit that soft spot in me and at one point I even had to look away and take a break because the imagery was so clear and gnarly.
The high majority of the art appears to be hand coloured and the scratchy, dark format that is created by pencil crayons greatly aided in providing a blunt, in your face tale. There are no soft colours to ease you in, no happy go-lucky images to numb the pain; just pure suspense and terror throughout. There were a great many panel additions of items and photos throughout the antique shop which played a major role in helping quickly build anticipation in the reader, leaving you guessing until just the right moment when they throw it all in your face.
Overall, I have zero complaints about this comic. It works as a stand alone and plays into the films essence superbly well. Morrow and Blank deserve a pat on the back for this adaptation because it was one well worth the read.
9 eyeball poppers out of 10.
You can get your hands on this comic here and the DvD here
I will leave you with a trailer for the film, which I recommend you check out:
