REVIEW: 'Deadfellows' #1 by Kody Hamilton and Ramiro Borallo

 

DEADFELLOWS #1

Writer: Kody Hamilton

Artist: Ramiro Borallo

Letters: Dave Lanphear

Publisher: Scout Comics

Release Date: March 1, 2023

Cover Price: $4.99

Nonstop Title! Pete Miller has just gotten out of his two-year relationship, reeling from the chaos of it all without friends or family around. As he moves into his new awful, one-bedroom apartment Pete attempts to take his own life but is stopped by a benevolent ghost. Moved by the kindness of this supernatural stranger, Pete sets out to bond with this ghost at all costs-but he quickly learns he doesn't understand the paranormal or their intentions.

Score:

★★★1/2 (3.5/5)

TRIGGER WARNING: This post discusses suicidal and self-harm events pertaining to the comic being reviewed. 

QUICK REVIEW: 'Deadfellows' is a dark comedy about a guy, Pete, who's down on his luck. He just got out of a bad relationship, he's away from friends and family and finds himself alone, depressed, and moving into a small sketchy apartment. Thoughts of suicide float in his head as he tries to cope with his newfound loneliness. It turns out he's not alone in the apartment. In fact, it's full of ghosts sharing the space and the last thing they want is another dead body to drop and a new spirit to crowd their "living" arrangements. It reminds me of the CBS comedy 'Ghosts', where ghosts share a home with new owners. The difference here is Pete is a sad sack whose had enough of life treated him like crap and casually tried to take his life. The premise is a clever one and admittedly dark, but the silver lining here is the ghosts might help to save him from his despair. Suicide attempts are going to be a non-starter for some readers. It's not done in a gratuitous or callous way but it is a sensitive subject that could deter some readers. The ghosts are eclectic and have a charm all their own. It feels very sitcom-like but in a good way. Ramiro Borallo's style fits the tone with exaggerated reaction shots and the characters playing it big emotionally and expressively. The colors are dark earth tones which give the series a gloomy appearance. That may be by design considering Pete's outlook on life. 

'Deadfellows' is a black comedy with a lot of potential given the charming characters introduced in the debut. The underlying suicide setup is a risky choice that will deter some readers. Overall, the conflict between Pete and the ghosts could deliver more comedic moments and perhaps turn his depression around.