Star Spangled War Stories featuring G.I. Zombie #3 Review

Written by: Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti
Art by: Scott Hampton
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: October 22, 2014

Bringing a Severed Arm to a Knife Fight

Whether or not you like this book, you have to admit that there is nothing else like it in the New 52.  It's the Walking Dead meets the X-Files meets Lethal Weapon meets...I think you get the point.  Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray shove a bunch of great things together and a cool, unique title comes out the other end.  This is only the third issue (fourth if you count the cool Futures End book) and we are still getting to know Jared and Carmen, but the more I see, the more I like.  This issue makes me like them even more.



Last issue ended with what might be the greatest cliffhanger ever.  Jared (the G.I. Zombie in the Title) doing his best Slim Pickens impersonation, riding on a rocket heading towards God knows where.  Well, we find out that "where" is actually Sutterville, Tennessee, which now has a little zombie problem.  Yep, those hillbilly bikers seem to be involved in more than loose women and shooting pool.

We do get a brief glimpse at two of those women (Carmen being one of them), but besides a knife to balls threat, the main action is back in Tennessee.  While the town falls prey to the zombie rabies, Jared is running around trying to help.  It's pretty funny as Jared is not surprisingly mistaken as an undead attacker more than once and tries to explain to little avail.  After visiting a doctor and then the Mayor, Jared heads out full of fire power to wait for government intervention.

The rest of the issue involves a huge explosion, a ton of gun fire and then one of the best zombie knife fights I've ever seen.  I hope they never outlaw zombie on zombie violence, because it's pretty damn cool.  The issue ends with a sea of zombies crashing over our undead hero with the idea that he may not survive.  I'm taking bets he does.

I enjoyed this issue for the same reason I've enjoyed the run so far.  It's one helluva mature fun fest. I'll admit it, I'm not a huge zombie fan, but Jared is a great character and the whole zombie thing is only part of the big picture, not the crutch of the entire series.  Throw in Carmen and the Government ties and I'm liking it more with each issue.

One thing I like a little more this month is Scott Hampton's art.  Like may be a bit strong, it's more like I'm getting used to it. While I don't like the overall look of the art in general, I am starting to think it's a good fit for the story.

Bits and Pieces:

Star Spangled War Stories #3 is a good issue with some cool action, a touch of humor and one of the best zombie knife fights you'll ever see.  If you are looking for a mature title with some undead appeal, look no further.  If you are just looking for something unique and well written, give this book a try as well.  Recommended.

8.0/10