The timing of this comic-book adaptation of this cult zombie-comedy movie is perfect, and by "perfect," I mean "completely puzzling." The theatrical and home-video release dates of this already classic film have faded into memory, and I'm at a bit of a loss as to why IDW opted to publish an adapatation instead of new stories with the same characters and/or circumstances. Nevertheless, IDW editor-in-chief Chris Ryall does a decent job of capturing the flavor of the movie. The humor, satire and charm of the characters survives the adaptation, but something is lost in the translation, and that's the energy and style of the film's direction.
Shaun's 28 years old, and his life's at something of a standstill. He's in the same job, with the same friend, doing the same thing day after day. He drinks at the same pub, and he has the same routine every morning. And he rather likes it that way. But what he likes more is his girlfriend, Liz, and she's had enough of his lack of ambition and slacker pal, Ed. Desperate to save his relationship, Shaun makes a half-assed attempt to turn things around, but he screws it up. Oh, and meanwhile, zombies walk the streets, looking for human flesh upon which to feast.
Artist Zach Howard opts not to attempt to capture perfect likenesses of the actors from the film, and I feel it's a smart approach. The same personalities still shine through in the art, and that's what's really important. Howard's work here reminds of Charlie (The Walking Dead) Adlard's style, appropriately enough, but I also see an influence that puts me in mind of Cliff (Brit) Rathburn's angular, intense style. Where Howard goes awry is that he doesn't give the reader a strong sense of place. The Winchester is a key setting in the story, as fans of the movie know, but we don't get nearly as strong an impression of the colorful details of the pub as is needed.
I didn't think he'd be able to pull it off in a print medium, but Ryall manages to bring the same sort of strong comic timing to his script as the actors did in the movie. Ryall does particular well when it comes to bringing Ed's character to life. The same jokes that had me laughing when I watched the movie had me smiling as I read the comic.
There are a number of elements that made the film such a great satire of society, relationships and the horror genre that didn't really stand out as well in this format. The repetition of Shaun's routine isn't there. And the silent moments that set up punchlines and that have something to say about the characters are all but lost here. Still, this adaptation is entertaining. I just hope IDW eventually moves on and tells us some new stories about Shaun and his mates, not to mention the bizarre but hilarious backdrop in which they exist. 7/10
