Written by: Alex Link and Riley Rossmo 
Art by: Riley Rossmo
Colours by: Riley Rossmo
Letters by: Kelly Tindall
Cover by: Riley Rossmo
Published by: Image
Cover Price: $3.50 (USD)
Anyone who has read any of my Green Wake reviews will know how I feel about Riley Rossmo’s art and anyone that hasn’t read any of said reviews needs only to know that I love it. Without meaning any disrespect to Alex Link or anyone else involved in this comic, it was the prospect of more of Rossmo’s art that was the main appeal for me.
However, Rebel Blood also marks Rossmo’s first foray into the writing side of comics and this is also interesting to see. The story itself focuses on Chuck, a former fireman who sustained an injury meaning that he can now only work an old, quiet, snowy, forest outpost. Chuck’s personal well-being is clearly affected by this, but it also puts strain on his family.
Aside from familial difficulties, the hordes of rabid, zombie animals and humans may also pose a threat.
In terms of narrative, the structure of Rebel Blood is very strong. It begins in the present, throwing the reader right into the action as Chuck defends himself against a pack of wolves. The story then flashes back to the aforementioned family problems, before switching between both present and past, as well as presenting possible futures.
It is these glimpses into possible futures that are most interesting. Each presents a different scenario of what could happen when Chuck fights his way back to his family and each gives an insight into Chuck’s thought process and personality. In times of crisis, the mind will think of everything and in this debut issue we see Chuck think the worst, the best, the uplifting, the heart breaking and the selfish.
The plot and setting of Rebel Blood really suit Rossmo’s art well, which is especially un-surprising as he is co-writer. Regardless of this, the combination of impressive horror and high emotion seems to be what Rossmo does best, and with most of the action taking place in a starkly contrasted setting of dark trees and white snow, each page is just as impressive here as Rossmo has been before and really as anyone else is currently.
Even if the writing was terrible, Rebel Blood would still be a comic worth looking at. Thankfully, the story is just as engaging as the artwork and I am excited to see where this mini-series will go.
8/10
