When one finds two volumes of a comic for $5, one would question if the story is any good. Luckily during the most recent Free Comic Book day, we came across a series from Image Comics called Cannibal. This is a horror crime mystery from Brian Buccellato and Jennifer Young. The art is by Matias Bergara. It uses the idea of cannibalism as a virus. The concept captured our attention from the moment we picked it up. Unfortunately, its letdown by characters and better options that are similar.

Cannibal basically writes itself, the title alone tells the reader what they are about to read. Bucecllato and Young through 8 issues explore how a flesh eating virus can destroy a small town. A swarm of ancient mosquitoes impacts a small region after a category 5 hurricane sweeps through the south. These mosquitoes carry a flesh-eating virus. One year later, with no cure in sight, the citizens decide to take care of those that show any signs.

Suddenly when the Hansen family, whom kills those affected by the virus is suddenly impacted by the virus as well, the drama starts. As the family is very much like their small town, they are too stubborn to change during the pandemic. Due to stubbornness, the Hansen’s and the town faces against their worst enemies, themselves.

This series came out in 2017, a few years before the COVID pandemic. Reading this now, one can relate to the hysteria and the fear of change that we saw during COVID. I wouldn’t compare it to The Walking Dead. It seems to be what they were aiming for. However, it does not have that great human element that The Walking Dead does. There was a reason this story only lasted 8 issues. The story only allows so much to happen to this small group. The characters especially the male characters, all acted and looked alike. This caused for some moments of confusion. In one panel, two of the male characters are in a jail cell and I couldn’t tear them apart. Not sure if that is a problem with the artwork or overall storytelling. Left me with the feeling of where The Walking Dead thrives, Cannibal fails with its characters.

For $5, this was a fun pick up and read to jump start the spooky season. Some really good moments throughout the eight issues but pacing and characterization are its downfall. The first four issues move fairly slow, setting up the story and the final four issues move at breakneck speed. It feels like a 90 minute movie that has too many characters to even care when something happens to them. Which hey, it’s spooky season. We tend to like movies and stories that give the feeling of something crawling under your skin. Sure enough, that is what Cannibal does.

Cannibal #1-8 ( volume 1 and 2): 2.5 out of 5 stars. Really liked the slow build up in the first volume but the fast paced final four issues took away any connection to the characters. For a better story by Buccellato, I recommend the Aftershock title Chicken Devil with Hayden Sherman on art.