Issue: Family Bones Vol. 2
Writer: Shawn Granger
Artists: Brent Giles, Mannie Abeleda, Pablo Agustin Lordi, Stefano Cardoselli, Kyle Strahm, Will Caligan
Letters: Richard Nelson
Publisher: King Tractor Press
Release Date: 2010
Pages: 170
Price: $14.95
“This is the final volume of “Family Bones”, a true crime graphic
novel about the elderly serial murderers from Missouri. In their 70′s,
Ray and Faye Copeland were sentenced to death for the murder of many
farm workers that lived with them. The tale told through the eyes of
their unwitting nephew comes to a gruesome conclusion. And through it
all somehow this city boy finds young romance with a neighbor’s
daughter. Written by the actual great nephew of Ray and Faye Copeland,
“Family Bones” is a gritty, fish-out-of-water American gothic that will
send shivers down your spine.”
Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
I enjoyed the artwork in this volume a bit more than I did in Vol. 1.
Not saying that there is better talent on board here, just that I liked
the more realistic look that this group of artists brought to the
project. Even as the story progresses here, and we see more of the true
nature of the cast, it seems to get grittier and darker. A nice touch to
this book, that easily lends itself to the overall appeal. Just a great
look overall.
Story: 4.5 out of 5
I have to admit that I was kind of shocked at the end of this book,
because it was not the ending I was expecting. I just kept waiting for
something to happen, and waiting but then it was over, yet I don’t feel
let down at all. If anything I can look back at this book and just
enjoy how well it was done. I was presented a great story, that had this
looming feeling of danger, yet nothing ever fully presented itself. It
just lingers throughout and plays on itself so well that a complete
story is fully formed. Then at the end you get the recap of what
happened after the events in the book. Beautifully done.
Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
Based on a true story, then how can you not want to know what went on
here? Sure it’s a compilation of actual events that is collected into a
solid story that is topped of with some Killer artwork, but it is done
so well I can’t live without telling you to check it out. This book
takes a good group of artists and has them depict the events as they go
from a regular childhood to a dark and eerie place. A fantastic read
that you should take the time to check out.
