Writer Eliot Rahal (“Hot Lunch Special,” “Midnight Vista”), artist Mattia Monaco (“Holtt”), and colorist Matt Milla are collaborating on AfterShock’s new, supernatural stand-up horror comedy “Knock ‘Em Dead.” The story follows an aspiring comedian, his realist sister and the freak accident that changes everything.
“’Knock Em Dead’ is about fame, family and addiction,” said Rahal. “It’s a supernatural horror story about a stand-up comedian and the grind of trying to make it — the mistakes you make and the people you hurt along the way. I love stories about the young artist trying to get big. However, we’ve seen so many different versions of it. And I wanted to make sure ‘Knock Em Dead’ walked a different way. And thanks to Mattia and Matt’s work. It does. This is something scary. And it feels real.”
The comic draws on Rahal’s real life experience as a comedian at the Lincoln Lodge in Chicago, as well as the works of Jason Aaron, Stephen King and John Landis. This all coalesces into a comic that Rahal promises will be like “King of Comedy meets The Frighteners.”
Monaco said, “My goal with the ‘Knock Em Dead’ artwork was to find a sign that, even with a load of details on both the characters and the environments, could convey a sense of speed, dirt and an almost aggressive feel. I tried to alternate detailed environments, with black and white backgrounds. Sober faces, with grotesque, almost funny faces. Sharp shadows with strong lights. All surrounded by lines that become darker with the story itself.”
“Knock ‘Em Dead” #1 releases December 2 for US$4.99 with a main cover by Andy Clarke and Jose Villarrubia, as well as a variant by Tony Harris. Check below for a five-page preview.
