Marvel Zombies : Résurrection

Marvel Zombies (Collected Editions) #10

by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Leonard Kirk

THE HORROR SMASH HIT LIVES AGAIN!

When Galactus' corpse appears at the edge of Earth's solar system, the Avengers, X-Men and Fantastic Four investigate. Too late, they discover that Galactus' body is now the vessel of an interstellar terror, which one by one transforms Earth's Mightiest Heroes into the universe's most terrifying predators! As our heroes try to escape the super powered, cannibalistic aberrations that were once their friends and family, will any survive? And even if they do, can they hope to protect Earth from the infestation that has already claimed half of the known universe?

COLLECTING: MARVEL ZOMBIES: RESURRECTION (2019) 1, MARVEL ZOMBIES: RESURRECTION (2020) 1-4

Genres: Comics, Horror, Marvel, Graphic Novels, Zombies, Superheroes, Fantasy

Kindle Edition

First published February 16, 2021

About the author

Phillip Kennedy Johnson earned a Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas, where he served as Teaching Fellow for the Department of Jazz Studies, and a Bachelor of Music degree from Eastern Kentucky University. SFC Johnson has performed with the Lexington Philharmonic, Dallas Opera, Washington Symphonic Brass, and the Moscow Ballet, and was a member of the Glenn Miller Orchestra from 2004 to 2005. SFC Johnson remains active as a composer, arranger, teacher, and clinician, and also enjoys a second career as a writer of comics and graphic novels. His work has been published by DC Comics, Marvel Comics, BOOM! Studios, and more.

Reviews

[Gianfranco Mancini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quella dei Marvel Zombies è probabilmente una delle più popolari versioni alternative dell’universo supereroistico della Casa delle Idee, introdotta per la prima volta sulle pagine di Ultimate Fantastic Four quasi sedici anni fa, continuata poi dal creatore di The Walking Dead Robert Kirkman con una spassosa miniserie che diede poi origine ad una lunga serie di seguiti e spin-off, per ritornare dopo una pausa decennale durante il megacrossover del 2015 Secret Wars, scomparire un’altra volta dalla scena, e ritornare infine tra fine 2019 ed inizio 2021, dopo una lunga gestazione a causa di una ben più reale pandemia, seguendo la scia del recente successo del Dceased pubblicato dalla Distinta Concorrenza.



Ed è proprio con l’apocalisse zombie della DC che questo reboot condivide una storia più seria e matura rispetto a quella pazzeggiante scanzonata ed ironica dei Marvel Zombies originali di Kirkman e compagnia bella, che alterna morti brutali a momenti epici o strappalacrime, pur non rinunciando a qualche truculenta parentesi di humour nero come il fucile-teschio di Ciclope usato da Forge, o lo splendido team formato da Blade ed il micio-alieno flerken che mi hanno fatto ridere non poco.



Alcune scelte dell’autore possono essere discutibili, io per esempio trovo difficile credere che uno street-level character come Blade possa sopravvivere a lungo in uno scenario simile, o che Frank Castle prenda la decisione vista in queste pagine, e probabilmente la miniserie avrebbe avuto bisogno di un altro paio di numeri per svilupparsi come si deve.



Ma i disegni sono davvero niente male e la trama è talmente piena di twist che si finisce lo stesso per affezionarsi al piccolo gruppo di sopravvissuti guidati da un Rick Grimes Peter Parker azzeccato come non mai, che pur passandone di tutti i colori riesce a non perdere mai di vista l’eroe che era, è e sempre sarà.



Ed il finale lascia aperta più di una speranza per un eventuale seguito di questo bel What If, una lettura più che discreta se siete dell’umore giusto per un pastiche tra supereroi ed apocalissi zombie.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll just start off by saying this is not the Marvel Zombies of old. This is a new universe where everything is fine until the X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Avengers investigate why Galactus is floating aimlessly in space. That's the one-shot. It's really good. The miniseries focuses on Spider-Man trying to keep Val and Franklin Summers alive after more of humanity has turned. Johnson doesn't know the characters of the Marvel Universe or their powers the best. Some act out of character or in the case of Magik, he just doesn't understand how her powers work.

This is a different kind of zombie. It's really a hive mind organism animating people. It was actually kind of a neat twist extrapolating out of the Marvel Universe. Kirk's art is solid but overly busy at times.

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marvel obviously wanted their own DCeased after it was a mega success (If didn't know the comic sold like hot cakes and the trade sold even better, being on top 100 books of the year for a long time for best seller) so we get Marvel Zombies.

And it's not half bad. Get a solid new writer (Phillip Kennedy Johnson is a solid writer after I read this I'm hyped for his Superman Run) and give solid art with a more mature story than I expected and you got something working here.

Not let me be clear. Marvel Zombies the original is one of the WORST comics I've EVER read so for me to come here and give it a try is saying a lot. But here I am and I'm glad I tried.

The first issue is really the one shot released in 2019 and it takes all the major players heading into space to find out if Galactus is really dead. When they get there, in Alien like fashion, they are attacked from every direction. This is probably the most brutal start I've seen in awhile as even the gods are having trouble here. Just when think something might turn around it only gets worse and ends right into the main series as Galactus body falls to earth.

The main story is actually focused on Peter, Val, and Franklin. Through this post apocalypses type story we are thrown into the future after the zombie infection has taken over a lot of people. We get glimpses of the night the creatures invaded, and it's pretty brutal.

And that's the thing. The dialogue is solid, the pacing is fine, the art is there but...it just isn't new. It doesn't feel as "OMG NO" shocking as Dceased and some of the characters feel a bit odd. I did like the more mature take and not just having everyone die in brutal ways but it felt oddly disjointed on the main storyline and the ending didn't do much for me.

But overall, if like zombies, like Marvel, you'll probably enjoy this. A 3.5 out of 5.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I'm not really one for alternate universe-type stories in general, I am happy to make an exception if the quality is there and, I'm happy to say, in this case the quality is there.

Phillip Kennedy Johnson has written what is, in my opinion, the most engaging Marvel Zombies story to date and the artwork by Leonard Kirk & co. was gorgeous.

I had a couple of minor plot quibbles, most notably that the writer clearly doesn't understand how Magik's soul-sword works. It's a physical manifestation of her soul and, as such, somebody else cannot pick it up and use it if and when she dies. I'd argue her zombified self wouldn't be able to use it either, but we're getting dangerously close to a metaphysical discussion about the nature of the soul, so I'll shut up now.

Be warned, if you're a fan of the previous Marvel Zombies books, this is a reboot, not a continuation of the Marvel Zombies tales of (not very) old. In my opinion, it's all the better for it.

My next book: In the Seven Woods

[Scott Rhee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I suppose this series could go on infinitely, what with all the infinite universes within the Marvel multiverse, and I'd be fine with it, as I've enjoyed (almost) every volume so far. Quality-wise, the series started pretty strong, with Robert Kirkman's initial run (still the best, imo) and Fred Van Lente's writing in "MZ 3 & 4". It stalled a bit with "MZ Supreme" and "MZ Destroy!", mainly because it seemed like the writers were trying to re-introduce superheroes who had a short run back in the '80s and/or traditionally B- and C-list heroes. It also depends on who's writing and illustrating. (I was not at all impressed with Mierco Pierfederici's artwork in "Destroy!".)

Phillip Kennedy Johnson's aptly-named "Marvel Zombies: Resurrection" is a bit of a resurrection for the series, as it is keeping more in line with Kirkman's original run, which was both funny and creepy as hell. Johnson's take is definitely more on the creepy side.

In this alternate universe, Reed Richards and his fantastic family, the Avengers, and the X-Men travel to deep space to investigate the floating body of Galactus, which appears to be dead, but subtle life signs are detected coming from within the body. Stupidly, they all decide to investigate. (Logically, this part of the story breaks down a little, as it doesn't make strategic sense for every major superhero to go investigate, but whatever: I'll let it slide...)

Spiderman and a few other heroes are left back on Earth. When the body of Galactus crashes on earth, hell is unleashed. Flash-forward several years later, when the world is a veritable wasteland, sucked dry by all the super-zombies that have hunted down humans for food. Peter Parker (inexplicably stricken of his spidey powers) leads a small group of survivors.

There's actually a lot of stuff going on in this, and I don't want to spoil it. Johnson's writing is solid and, at times, genuinely scary. As always, this series is NOT for kids, as the gore levels are pretty high.

[Ryk Stanton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boy, I really wanted this to be better. It was okay but nowhere near the original Marvel Zombies series.

[Ayla:) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mate you can't just say to be continued.... It's been 6 years, I want the next issue

[Neyebur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una interesante vuelta de tuerca a los Marvel Zombies, a diferencia de las historias originales esta nueva versión tiene un plan, una trama pensada desde el principio, y eso se nota. Es genial ver como establecen misterios y como son resueltos al final, o ver a Peter hacer de padrazo (un papel que le dan cada vez más).
Sin embargo, los cómics originales tienen algo que hecho en falta aquí, y que ya mencioné en mis reseñas de DCeased, y es que ahora los zombies son más un ejército con una mente colmena, salvo los poderes todos los zombies son iguales. En los cómics originales me gustaba que, después de canibalizar a sus compañeros se sentían mal, trataban de razonar su comportamiento, hacían bromas...

[Ryan Laferney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has gotten mixed reviews and I can understand why. However, as a fan of Zombies, Spider-Man and the Marvel Universe in general, I genuinely enjoyed this comic series.

After the success of DCeased, Marvel relaunched their Zombies series in order to cash in some bucks. While I hear that the other Zombie series are terrible, I actually really, really enjoyed this entry (or resurrection). It's a weird blend of science-fiction terror/horror and super-hero drama but it works. The corpse of Galactus, the world-eater, appears as a vessel of an interstellar virus - that destroys the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four and causes them and the most of the inhabitants of the earth to become ravenous undead zombies. Only a few survive. And one of the survivors is Peter Parker.

Interstellar threats. Viruses. Zombies. That's fun and all but the heart of the story is focused on Peter Parker, one of the last survivors, as he tries to protect the children of Reed and Sue (of the Fantastic Four) from the super-powered, cannibalistic aberrations that were once their friends and family. It turns out to be quite an epic and emotional roller coaster for Peter and his crew. Peter goes through a lot in this series, but he never loses his grip on who he is, no matter how much what he’s gone through has scarred him. Building the series around him was a shrewd move but I think a smart one. In the Marvel universe, he's the everyman character we can all relate to.

Fan faves Wolverine, Blade, Chewie, and Groot all show up. Marvel Zombies: Resurrection #4 leaves the door wide open for a sequel which could be neat. However, this is a perfect standalone story.

The art by Kirk isn't always clear, and it's a bit much and yes, Zombies have been way overdone. But I felt that this was a somewhat fresh spin on Zombies with a good story at its core. Check it out.

[Sam Whale · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I think this lacks the teeth (heh) of the original Marvel Zombies stories, I think there was still a lot of fun to be had with resurrections. centering the whole story on Spider-Man was a good idea, and it almost reminded me of Dark Ages with him as the lead. Blade was very cool and it was nice seeing Viv and Wolverine, one way this improves upon the original is that characters who have some protection from getting bitten and from infections aren't zombified which was always an issue i had with the Kirkman stories.

[Ken Ferreira · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had such a promising start, especially by making Spidey one of the main survivors and introducing the interesting concept of his spider-sense constantly going off—so much so that it’s literally killing him due to the immense headaches caused by the nonstop danger surrounding our hero.
However, the overall story, particularly the big twist revealing how the “zombie infection” came to be, was insanely disappointing.. I mean, the Brood was the best they could come up with ? That’s like if Xenomorphs somehow caused a zombie apocalypse.

[Kevin Carey · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Dtars- It was good. Was hoping there would be more connections to that moment in Donny Cates Thor but nothing here on that possibility. It’s a zombie story that isn’t really like the other Marvel Zombie stories so in a way it’s misleading. Good, not great. I was entertained but I wasn’t left excited for the future of the franchise. If there even is one. For me the art was meh. Just an average book I suppose. I don’t know...

[Ryan Fohl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Non stop action and great story telling. The first issue is like the best parts of Alien. It helps if you know a lot about Marvel. It was a more interesting world than the last marvel zombies; with the robot civilization, and the zombie brood hive mind, and the lovely “nana” character.

What I learned: It’s “goose” in the movies “chewie” in the book; either way you want that non-cat on your side. Teleporting zombies are a whole new level of nightmare.

[Bekka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved this one - I loved the exploration of Peter and how he copes in this post-zombie world, and how he looks after the kids because he made a promise.
It was nice to see the 'human' side to a story like this, while it still being about superheroes!
TW for death, death of a child, blood, gore, loss of parents

[Timothy Pitkin · Rating 2 out of 5]

A modern take on the original Marvel Zombies and it is ok, we get some clear origins of this zombie virus and it was kind of cool but it does lack the humor of the original Marvel Zombies story. It was kind of nice seeing Spider Man in a leader position but still it does take itself a little to seriously.

[Shannon Appelcline · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very Walking Dead variant of Marvel Zombies, meaning that it's focused on human survivors and their characterizations, and the zombies are mostly faceless easily killable hordes (even when they're supers). It's got good characters in Pete, Franklin and Val, and it's got a good beginning, middle, and end, but ultimately it's going to be forgotten by tomorrow.

(3.5 stars)

[Ron Turner · Rating 2 out of 5]

More goofy than anything else. A lot of jumping around to get in cameos. I wish they'd just turn Marvel Zombies into a regular series. There's so much to work with. Let's see individual superheroes deal with the zombie apocalypse at their own personal level.

[Dominic Sedillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty good zombie story set in the MU. The artwork is pretty good and Blade is a standout in this story, but it is a bit too serious compared to the original “Marvel Zombies” by Robert Kirkman. It’s not bad but it’s definitely taking itself very seriously.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had some fun cameos, but was way too messy to be anything good. There were also a few different time jumps that I found really confusing.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here we go again....

[Kylee מזל · Rating 4 out of 5]

A page turner the whole comic, I really enjoyed it

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quality Chewie content in here.

[Buffy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. The 2019 one was better. I said what I said and yall can fight me on it.

[Z · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Got too bored. Art felt subpar along with the story.

[Ahadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

pretty good storytelling and amazing graphics -_- so yeah that is my review of the book

[Brandon Bishop · Rating 3 out of 5]

As usual, Logan is my favorite here; he’s too tough to zombify.

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read, but feels incomplete and very eager to get to the next big fight scene at all times

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Für zwischendurch war das ganz ok.

[PMoslice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better then the original entry this branch brings us to an earth where the plague doesn't exist but lurking in deep space is the plague within a devastated Galactius. When that threat is made present the world spirals quickly despite the best efforts of the worlds heroes. The remaining heroes do what they can to preserve what['s left.

[Jordan Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. This series goes out with a whimper and not a bang.

Johnson’s take on Kirkman’s original zombie superheroes feels weak and relies way too much on many of the same kind of problems Marvel ALWAYS resorts to. Things ALWAYS happen in outer space or some other dimension, characters ALWAYS rely on some kind of foreign/unknown material and/or space age tech, and somehow everyone knows EXACTLY what to do at exactly the right time, despite never having been in a situation even remotely close to what they’re in at the moment.

Resurrection took all of that and made a mess of a story that was hard to follow and made little to no sense. Furthermore, much of this particular iteration used far too many moments from The Eternals as a way to explain things, and as someone who hated that entire series, it made for some boring reading.

And while I generally enjoy Spider Man, he was a terrible choice for the main character. Throw in too many side characters from too many other Marvel IPs and overall, this one was just a convoluted mess that didn’t do it for me.