From Image Comics
Sept. 22, 2012
REVIVAL KEEPS SALES ALIVE
Issue #3 sells out week of release, gets new printing along with #1 and #2
The third issue of the surprise smash hit, REVIVAL, has sold out the same day as its release and will go back to press. The second printing (AUG128229) will be in stores on October 24, the same day that REVIVAL #4 goes on sale. The third printing of REVIVAL #1 and the second printing of #2 have also sold out and will be reprinted as well (#1 fourth printing: AUG128227, #2 third printing: AUG128229), also with an October 24 in-store date.
A "rural noir" by Tim Seeley and Mike Norton, with covers by Jenny Frison, REVIVAL explores the ramifications of the dead returning to life in a small Wisconsin town. Seemingly unchanged, the "revivers" return to their lives, but in time it becomes clear that something is missing from who they used to be. Police officer Dana Cypress is assigned to investigate the revival phenomenon, only to discover that it affects her more closely than she thought.
Along with in-a-flash sellouts, REVIVAL has been garnering wide praise for its nuanced take on death and horror.
"...are there any comics that can truly change comics as a whole? I hope so actually. I hope that someone reading [REVIVAL] is going to try and create their own story with multiple layers and parallel plot lines, with its mystery to rival Twin Peaks, but with the endgame of Lost. Maybe someone will read this review and have their eyes opened to all of the other elements in play that were sitting below the surface of the story staring them in the face."
"With Revival, Seeley is creating an understated psychological and supernatural horror, with genuine humour.... Mike Norton's art has an incredible range – contrast this with his other title It Girl and the Atomics and his webcomic Battlepug.... Having two contrasting styles, in keeping with the tone of two very divergent monthly books, is an incredible feat."
"While the comics market is flush with story lines centered on unsettled dead folks, writer Tim Seeley's Revival burrows deeply under your skin—even in its tranquil setting.... Revival's dread (as well as its occasional chilling gore) is inked to wondrous effect by Mike Norton, but Seeley's dialogue and relatable characters like single mother and police officer Dana Cypress present more of a draw than the blood and guts."
"Revival is a very enjoyable and genuinely creepy series from two creators at the top of their game."
- IGN
As noted in many of the reviews of REVIVAL, Seeley and Norton are prolific comics creators. In addition to REVIVAL, Seeley writes his Image series HACK/SLASH, a twist on the slasher genre in which a would-be victim instead hunts down serial killers, and Top Cow's flagship title WITCHBLADE. Eisner winner Norton has been charming readers with his art in the spin-off of Michael Allred's MADMAN, IT GIRL AND THE ATOMICS, also published by Image Comics.
Replies
Good for Seeley and Norton!
Are you reading this, Chris? Is it worth getting in TPB?
I'm reading it, and so (miracle of miracles) is my wife. It's really entertaining so far, though even three issues in, it's still concerned with building up the world and guiding us through it. The lead character is appealing, and the mystery of the revival is intriguing. And Norton's art is attractive and clear. But it's clear we're in the very early days of a long story.
It'll probably make great reading for a trade.
Let me know what you think when it's done, Rob -- inquiring minds want to know!
Will do -- but I'm pretty sure it's an ongoing, so hopefully it won't be done for a long while, yet.
I'm reading it as well, and I agree with what Rob said.
It's at least three months until the first trade, so there's no hurry!