Written by: Matt Miner
Art by: Sean Von Gorman
Publisher: Black Mask
Like zombies? Hate bigotry? Well, congratulations! Toe Tag Riot is the comic book that you’ve always wanted! Somehow, I’ve been kept in the dark about this book for the three months it has existed, so unfortunately, I’m just getting on the bandwagon for the series’ penultimate issue. But, as they say, better late than never, and better anything than never with this darkly comedic series. Since it isn’t exactly a mainstream book, I guess that a quick plot summary is in order. Toe Tag Riot is a book about a punk rock group that turns into zombies when they perform. No joke. And, when they get the urge to eat humans, well, they go after bigots – in this issue, a group of dudebros. The book is equal parts gruesome and hilarious, making it perfect for scratching that dark comedy itch.
Part of writer Matt Miner’s brilliance when it comes to Toe Tag Riot is that he openly embraces the utter ridiculousness of of the book that he’s writing. He’s not concerned with making the book feel grounded, and that’s great for this issue’s overall quality. I mean, in this issue they turn Andy Hurley from Fall Out Boy into a zombie in order to save him from mortal wounds by inducting him into the band, then later summon their zombie powers by playing air instruments. I mean, I guess there might be some people who like their comics 100% serious 100% fo the time, but tell me, where is the fun in that?
As for the plot, well, it’s fairly simple. Rather than focus on an intricate plot, Miner is more concerned with fleshing out (Get it?) the main cast, and he does it masterfully. The plot merely provides a backdrop, and the general conceit is that the band, Toe Tag Riot, is on tour across the United States in order to lift the curse put on them, and also eat members of the Westboro Baptist Church. If that insults you, well, jokes on you I guess, because this book’s not for you. Though maybe reading it will do you some good. I can see it now: “Kids, don’t be bigots, or else zombie punk rockers will come munch on your brains in broad daylight!”
I guess what I’m saying is that this book is pure brilliance. Plus, it has art from Sean Von Gorman (the artist for Footprints), which is absolutely beautiful to look at. Seriously, if you’ve never seen his art, check it out in either this book, or the completely different graphic novel that he did, Footrprints. His art is most definitely a sight worth seeing, and this book is a book worth reading. So go forth, and get your hands on this book! Do it now!
