Digital-CAPtionS- “Cold Blooded Chillers #1-2″

November 6, 2008 by Jaymes Reed
Filed under Columns

The first two issues of Robert M. Heske’s “Cold Blooded Chillers” arrived in my mailbox yesterday. At first glance, it appeared to be a horror anthology. Upon reading the two 36 & 40 page black and white issues, I realized it is so much more -the title word “chillers” is actually a play on the word “killers.” It’s an anthology series about serial killers, in one form or another.

Heske writes everything, while the art chores are shared by a variety of talented folks. Mark Chilcot produced wonderful covers and a chilling interior cover page that urged me forward with much zest!

Issue #1 features four short stories with one recurring theme: each deals with the killing of women. Three tales in, it became obvious to me this book would be well-received by anyone with a horrible ex-girlfriend or a wife they’d like to see stuffed into a trunk and pushed into the river. Admit it: don’t some of you at least fantasize it sometimes?

A great example is the story “False Pretenses,” a 4-pager in which a guy brings a sexy lady back to his apartment for some red wine and a good time, but this lady doesn’t care for his rapid advances. She reverses the situation on this wolf, knifing him in the back, only to discover he left his last date’s head in the refrigerator! Talk about sloppy seconds!

Each tale ends with a little shock treatment- never just a mild surprise! Heske has a way to go before anyone calls him another Hitchcock, but he’s definitely studied the manual. My only complaint is that there is not enough buildup to some of the endings. That could likely be the result of writing such short stories. Otherwise, his writing is solid.

The art is creepy throughout. No matter the artist, they all did a terrific job conveying Heske’s “beware of everyone” message. “False Pretenses” was my favorite by artist Zeu.

Issue #2 was only slightly different in that it contained only three short stories. Maybe I’m just a budding fan of Zeu, but his work on “Dead Dog” was fun. The inks kept my attention on the details and this story was a joy to read.

As opposed to the first issue, which centered on the women in our lives, this one focused on neighbors and how much we really know them and what they’re up to. “Her First Day Alone” was psychological suspense at its best.

These two issues featuring “tales of suburban murder and malice” was indeed a page turner in the tradition of some of the worlds best independent comics that entertain and chill you to the bone. “Cold Blooded Chillers #1-2″ can be purchased at http://www.coldbloodedchillers.com for a scant $3 each- well worth it for the amount of ad-free pages and great storytelling you will get in return.

Keep The Vision,
Jaymes Reed

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