Comic Review: Happy Doomsday #1

Happy Doomsday #1

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Writers: Alexander Zinenko, Igor Zinenko

Artist: Igor Zinenko

I’m a fan of the apocalypse. Not this current one, but apocalypse in fiction. It appeals a lot more to me than most other genres. I’ll take a post-nuclear wasteland over swords and magic any day. That’s why the title of this comic drew my attention. I like doomsdays, and the “happy” in the name implies it won’t be beating me down with sadness. Happy Doomsday #1 really sets up an interesting concept right from the start. The Earth moved further away from the sun, causing there to be an eighth day of the week. But, on the 8th day of the week, there’s always some kind of doomsday happening. Zombies, monsters, some kind of Santa/tentacle monster. No one knows why, but they keep happening. 

There’s parts to this issue that I really enjoy, and there’s parts to it I think don’t live up to the potential. In the “random doomsday every week” scenario, this first issue is about zombies. I’m a fan of zombies, but there’s some panels in the first few pages that show some really interesting scenarios. I mean, one is a giant shrimp/lobster/crustacean rising out of the ocean. But, zombies are fine too. The main character we follow is Oliver, an everyman I think we can all see part of ourselves in. While there are literally zombies roaming the streets, he’s inside watching TV and playing video games.

I”m kind of split 50/50 on his character. I like the comedy that comes from him being completely unaware of the zombies. Then on the other hand, a rock hits his TV, and he marches outside and steals a wallet from the guy who he thinks did it. The guy is a zombie, but still. He’s an ass. We don’t really get anyone else in the way of characters besides a mysterious woman who kicks all the zombie ass, and it looks really good. Hlf the creative team, Igor Zinenko handles all the art, coloring, the cover and design of it all. It’s a bright, more cartoonish style, but there’s energy to it, especially the more action based panels. It all really helps add to the comedic tone.

The creators of this comic are, I believe, Russian. Or somewhere around there, Eastern European, I believe (forgive me if i’m wrong). I only mention this because I don’t think this comic was originally in English. There’s a lot of translation errors that make some of the dialogue feel clunky. It’s not anything severe, and it won’t affect whatever rating I give this issue. I just figure it’s worth mentioning, in that in the few instances they pop up, it breaks the flow of the comic a little.

I love the initial premise of this comic, about the random weekly doomsdays. It’s an interesting concept, and I’d like to see it get more exploration. I think there’s a missing opportunity in making the first issue about zombies though. As it is, I still like this issue, even though it doesn’t do that exploring. It’s a straightforward zombie story, with a bit of a Shaun of the Dead vibe to it.  Again, I like it. There’s some really good art and action sequences going on. The main character is relatable, if only a little unlikable. If you’re looking for a lighthearted read, or a new zombie story, you should check this one out.