Indie horror comics don’t always get the polish of a big publisher behind them, but every so often one comes along with enough heart and craft that it doesn’t matter at all. If you enjoy post-apocalyptic stories with heart and tension, Avalon is for you! Let’s talk about it.
Avalon #1
Publisher: 1282
Writers: Brandon Starocci, Alan Dingfelder
Artist: Dimitris Nastos
Release Date: March 2022
As a big fan of horror comics, I’m always on the lookout for indie comics that offer something fresh, and this one delivered. You might have seen Avalon on Kickstarter, where it was originally funded, but you can also get the issues on their website. It’s what I did, and I was not disappointed! Starocci and Dingfelder actually started working together as a trio with Nastos back in early 2021, and Starocci has talked about being a longtime zombie fan who kept asking himself how he’d actually survive an outbreak, which pushed him to want a story that felt authentic and raw rather than just another genre exercise. He’s cited Robert Kirkman as one of his influences, which tracks given the family-first approach this first issue takes.
What Is Avalon About?
The story begins with a family dinner at a steakhouse, celebrating the youngest child’s 16th birthday. There’s a sense of uneasiness as news of someone being bitten starts to spread, but it still feels distant and not an immediate threat… Meanwhile, across town, the family’s oldest son, Andy, a cop, is called for what seems like a routine wellness check. Things quickly spiral out of control, setting the stage for a dangerous and unpredictable future filled with… ZOMBIES!
A Strong, Grounded First Issue
I loved how the story started with a normal family moment before things went off the rails. The family dynamics felt so real, and I connected with the characters almost instantly, especially the teenager and his anxiety, written in a real way that made me care even more about what happened to them. And the artwork? The black-and-white style with sudden flashes of red when the blood showed up was a great touch. It made those moments pop in such a cool, intense way. I couldn’t get enough of it! It’s worth noting Nastos’s style has drawn comparisons to Todd McFarlane’s 90s work, and you can definitely feel that influence in how bold and dynamic those panels get once things turn violent.
Final Thoughts
With its strong start and well-developed characters, Avalon is shaping up to be an exciting and emotional journey. I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds in future issues (I already got issue 2 but I won’t be able to stop there). Give it a try, you will like it!
More Zombie Stories Worth Reading
If Avalon has you in the mood for more zombie fiction, we’ve covered a few others worth checking out. The Walking Dead Compendium One is the massive collection that started it all, following Rick Grimes and company through the brutal early days of the apocalypse. Return of the Living Dead brings back the brain-eating chaos of the 1985 cult classic with a new cast of skate punks and theme park interns. And Bleeding Hearts flips the genre entirely with a zombie protagonist whose heart mysteriously starts beating again.
FAQ
Is Avalon #1 worth reading? Yes, especially if you like your zombie stories grounded in real family dynamics rather than just survival action.
Do you need to read anything before Avalon? No. This is the first issue of the series, so it’s the perfect starting point.
Who is writing and drawing Avalon? Brandon Starocci and Alan Dingfelder co-write the series, with art by Dimitris Nastos.
Is Avalon a one-shot, miniseries, or ongoing series? It’s an ongoing series, currently being released issue by issue.
Where can I get Avalon? It’s available through the Avalon Comic website, as well as through past Kickstarter campaigns.
