Issue: Family Bones Vol. 1
Writer: Shawn Granger
Artists: Orlando Baez, Kenneth Landgraf, Benito Olea
Bellido, Mannie Abeleda, Pablo Agustin Lordi
Letters: Richard Nelson
Cover Artist: Kerem Beyit
Publisher: King Tractor Press
Release Date: 2007
Pages: 176
Price: $14.95
“FAMILY BONES is based on the TRUE STORY of the oldest couple of
serial killers, as experienced one summer by their unwitting nephew.
This first volume collects issues 1 – 5 of the popular comic book series
based on the lives of serial killers Ray and Faye Copeland. They were
the kind, elderly grandparents who murders farm hands at their home.
Sean is trapped on the Copeland farm, a slave for his uncle. The heat
simmers his skin to a full boil until the neighbor’s beautiful daughter
appears. Wendy quickly becomes his hope, desire, and fear; not to
mention his one trusted friend. Together they discover each other and
some very bloody family secrets.“
Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
Before I dive into the technical stuff here I want to start off by
saying that I really enjoyed a different artist on almost each chapter, 4
and 5 were the same. So that being said I can’t really break down each
one, so as a whole this is a really great looking Volume. I found the
first chapter a little rough, but it evens out over the rest of the
book. My favorite had to be Benito Bellido on Chapter 2. I really
enjoyed his style the most. Black and white colors work here very well, I
didn’t get lost on anything and nice lettering work.
Story: 4.5 out of 5
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this one. The true story
kinda gets me a little freaked out that someone really went through
this, we all have our horror stories to tell, this one is just really
compelling. So starting with the forward we are introduced to a life I
am familiar with, and that is Midwest living, I really think he hits
home n a few points. Moving into the story itself, it’s not gorey or
disturbing, if anything it just left me uncomfortable. A great job
building up the main character Sean and his relatives Ray and Faye. I
feel scared for Sean on almost every page, and that is good
psychological fear writing.
Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
While at times I found the story to be more compelling than the artwork,
I really feel that they work well together. The story is just eerie to
begin with and it is told in great fashion. You learn to feel for the
main character and almost live through him as he goes through this.
Surprisingly any real murders aren’t seen. So the thought is in your
head that evil is lurking, but your being told what is going on through
an outside source, a great touch on that aspect alone. I can not wait to
dive into Volume 2 and see where this story goes, but I can easily
recommend that you should give this one a chance.
