Hayseed's

This is the second of two comics by Dustin LaValley and Kick Save Comics that I picked up at the recent Anthology Convention in New Hampshire.

Title: Hayseed's

Date: 2011

Publisher: Kick Save Comics

Writer: Dustin LaValley

Artist: Don Kunkel

Twelve-page standard format b/w horror comic. The tale of Hayseed's Service Station plays up a fear that most people can relate to: The disgusting gas-station restroom. Kunkel and LaValley do a nice job of capturing all of the unsavory details of this unsavory setting. Of course, in most such places, it's just a matter of getting in, doing your business, and getting out without getting too grossed out. At Hayseed's, you may not come out at all.

Good use of the setting. The ending isn't really much of a surprise, although it's still presented in a pretty nice visual. The little details are what makes this standard horror story into something interesting.

Rating: 7/10

Go Ta Sleep

I'm at Anthocon in Portsmouth NH this weekend. It's a literary SF/Horror convention primarily, but I did pick up a couple of horror comics from Kick Save Comics. Here's the first of those.

Title: Go Ta Sleep

Date: 2011

Publisher: Kick Save Comics

Writer: Dustin LaValley

Artist: Cory Galusha

Cover: Don Kunkel

Classic monster-in-the-closet story. It was pretty clear where this eight-page horror tale was heading, but getting there was still fun, with some nice touches of depth and detail considering the limited length of the story.

The art style is stark but effective, and relies on atmosphere rather than gore. I also really liked Don Kunkel's cover, which managed to make some classic toys look pretty menacing.

Rating: 7/10