William Tucci

Katana + Fish Stink + Shark Bite-resistant Wetsuit make for Zombie-sama!
Review of the pdf eBook edition (2019)

Writer/Illustrator Billy Tucci is best known for his samurai-inspired series of female warrior Shi comics. Zombie-sama is a character invented in 2005, which Tucci has revived for a series of crowd-funded graphic novels in 2019. The story lines are by Tucci but the illustrator is John Broglia, who has a more cartoony style which suits the dark humour of the material.

The story line is well done with allusions to Kurosawa movies and the inclusion of various historical samurai quotes. It also incorporates the latest technology in shark-bite resistant wetsuits to provide delivery boy Jim Okami with a layer of zombie-resistant protective armour.

The pdf version of the comic includes all of the variant covers as bonus material including Tucci's first 2005 sketch of the character. There is an additional bonus (non-graphic novel) background story of Tucci's Company Z, a troop of WWII re-enactors who parachute in to rescue people in zombie-infested zones.

Zombie-sama will return in Zombie-sama 2: Dorm of the Dead.… (more)

Sgt. Rock and Easy Company are brought back to life by writer/artist Tucci in this vibrant imagining of the real-life story of the "Lost Battalion." Trapped in the mountains of France by German forces, Rock and his company are knocking at death's door. While they wait it out against the Germans, a group of Nisei (Japanese American) soldiers go through hell to save Rock and his remaining soldiers. Realistic dialog and impeccably crafted artwork shine through on each page. However, the spotlight belongs to the characters. Full of such unique personality and grit, they are what will keep you reading page after page.

Well researched and beautifully crafted, this work welcomes back the series with open arms. Tucci's eye for detail in the script and the artwork takes the book to the next level. The result is an immersing read that will not only satisfy fans of war-related stories but also will entice those not familiar with the genre to give this beautiful graphic novel a chance.

NOTE: This review originally appeared as a Library Journal Xpress review here: http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/reviews/xpress/885666-289/xpress_reviews-the_fi...… (more)