Jeff
Scott
Reviews
Sean Murphy, Comic Book Reviewer
Dead Man’s Party #3 (of 4)
This is the penultimate chapter in the story that continues to intrigue. The Ghost finds out who has been setting him up. There is a lot of action and the storytelling is brisk. Rated mature, the ending promises to be a doozy!
Dead Man’s Party #2 (of 4)
The Ghost is still on the lam and the reader comes along for the ride. He is looking for clues about who set him up and encounters people who want him dead. Rated mature, the body count continues to rise. Can’t wait for the next issue!
Dead Man’s Party #1 (of 4)
This is one of the best independent titles out there! Creators Scott Barnett and Jeff Marsick have created a gripping story, a real page-turner that is a blast to read. Rated mature, this is a must read.
Check out Comic Book Reviewer at- http://comicbookreviewer.com/DMP.htm
Bahiyud-Deen Aquil Shaheed, Talk 2 Me Nerdy
This is probably one of the best comics/graphics novel we have read in quite some time. Not necessarily action packed but the plot is so well put together and keeps you on your toes while reading. Dead Man’s Party could easily be adapted to a HBO or Showtime mini series as long as Jeff Marsick and Scott Barnett are involved no doubt it would be a great show. Who do we have to write to, to make this happen? But if you looking for bold, plot twisting espionage adventure we definitely recommend you go out and read this series.
For the full review, go to- http://www.talk2menerdy.com/dead-man-s-party-review
Robert Sodaro, Examiner
Jeff Marsick (writer) and Scott Barnett (illustrator) have managed to stage a high-octane, compelling, action tale full of pathos, emotion, and well high-powered kill shots. This is the comicbook version of James Bond meets Jason Bourne, via Charles Bronson’s The Mechanic.
Dead Man’s Party is a self-published B&W four-issue Indie comicbook series that is targeted for a mature audience. Currently, the first two issues are out and leave the reader wanting more. The writing is crisp, offering very natural dialogue and the illustrations are clean and flow smoothly from one panel to another moving the action forward at a comfortable pace. This one is the full package; Marsick and Barnett have managed to develop a truly interesting story and then wrap it in very professional art.
So, if you are looking for top-notch storytelling in a comicbook format that proves you don’t have to wear a mask and a cape to appear in comics, then you need to seek out and acquire for yourself this series, as it easily one of the better comics that we’ve read recently. No, this isn’t just The Punisher without the Skull shirt, this is a fully-fleshed out story that draws you into the life of the main character and allows you to feel his pain as he struggles to make some semblance of sense with the complete and utter chaos that his world has become.
For the full review, go to- http://www.examiner.com/review/welcome-to-a-dead-man-s-party
Angel, Girls Read Comics Too
Marsick and Barnett have constructed a story that’s equal parts action, noir and thriller, and manages to incorporate a few twists and turns at the same time.
The title of Dead Man’s Party comes from the book’s unique concept: a hit-man has the option of going out with a bit of dignity when the time comes, calling a hit on themselves. The contract must be fulfilled by his peers within 30 days, and the winner gets the hit’s Swiss bank account. And in the case of Ghost, the main character of Dead Man’s Party, the bank account is presumably pretty sizable. In itself, the idea of the Dead Man’s Party letting an assassin go out with a bang is enough to have me hooked on this book. It’s a fantastic premise, and hit-man versus hit-man stories are always fun, but things very quickly become much more complicated for Ghost.
In a lot of ways, Dead Man’s Party reminds me of Frank Miller’s Sin City. While Barnett’s art is different— the only similarity being the choice of black and white— the writing reminds me of That Yellow Bastard and John Hartigan. The story is somewhat gritty in the same way, without being distracting, as some of the over the top violence in Sin City often was. It’s one of the things this book has going for it: Marsick and Barnett know when to use violence in the story— and it’s a story about a hit-man, so of course things are going to get bloody— but not to the point of excess. With two issues of four available right now, it feels like the story is just ramping up for Ghost and that it’s going to be a hell of a ride.
For the full review, go to- http://girlsreadcomics.com/2012/10/09/review-dead-mans-party/
Dustin Cabeal, Comic Bastards
The pacing for this issue is perfect; there is no other word to describe it. Your interest is held the entire time and a ton of information is giving to you at the same time. Literally, the world in which the Ghost lives is created for you in this first issue and his origin essentially established at the same time. There are series that take six issues to do the exact same thing and don’t feel half as real as this series.
The writing is great, but I’ve said numerous times in reviews that if the art isn’t good or better, then the story will suffer. To me it looks photo referenced, but I can tell that there is way more skill going on there than that. The expressions and posture of the characters is all very realistic and gives the comic a movie feel to it. The panel design is spot-on for the action and even the dialogue-heavy scenes.
I was very impressed by this first issue. It’s a very cool concept that is new to the hit-man genre. The fact that this comic is independently produced is beyond impressive. The production value goes behind just the cover and layout; it’s the writing and the art as well. This is a complete package and I’m glad that it’s a comic book. The industry needs more books like this and I’m not talking about the genre. I’m talking about the talent level of this comic. If you like assassins, hit-men or gun play, then you’re required to read this book; it’s that good.
For the full review of issue 1, go to- http://www.comicbastards.com/homepage/2012/10/8/review-dead-mans-party-1.html
This issue is twice as thrilling and packed with more action than the first issue but still has the same charm and excitement. As I said on the podcast, I actually read this issue before reading the first issue, so I have to say that I’m partial to this issue more. The impressive thing is that it’s so well constructed you could actually begin reading the series from this issue and not be lost or out of the loop on the plot of the series.
The pacing on this issue is intense. Just like the Ghost, the reader barely has a moment to relax and breath. It’s great because it transports you into his situation so that you can see how serious the character is. The character is very smart and it’s entertaining to see what he’ll do to throw people off his trail and get the info he needs. The writing is just as strong as the first issue for sure and the narrative recaps are perfectly placed, but not dominating or very obvious.
This issue, we’re given two intense action scenes that are easy to follow and entertaining. The second action scene is something straight out of a movie. It’s one of the best scenes in the series for sure and the outcome is gritty and realistic.
I’m a huge fan of this series because of this issue. It’s so much fun to read that it becomes that book you give to all your friends so that you can talk about it. Personally, I think this book will continue to blow up from word of mouth as more people read it.
For the full review of issue 2, go to- http://www.comicbastards.com/homepage/2012/10/12/review-dead-mans-party-2.html
Andrew Young, Geek Hard
From what I’ve read of the series (the first issue debuted last year and issue #2 was released this past August), it’s a wild ride. The pacing of the story is quick and the action is tight. Marsick knows how to raise the stakes. And just when you think you’ve got the situation figured out, he introduces a new variable to the equation. And he manages to keep the pace rolling fast and hard without sacrificing any character beats. Ghost is the quintessential perfect killer. He’s never had an obstacle he couldn’t hurdle. Now his luck’s run out and the handicaps to his situation keep piling up. Not since The Button Man have I seen this perfect of a mix of crime noir, spy thriller, and action adventure. The art by Scott Barnett adds to this feeling. It’s a nice blend of gritty and sleek. I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but there is no way to explain it. Never has the dark world of wet work looked so cool. Scott also does a good job of raising the tension of the scenes with his panel layout.
If you’re a fan of crime fiction, action, interesting characters, and mysteries, Dead Man’s Party is for you.
For the full review, go to- http://geekhardshow.com/2012/10/a-bloody-afair-my-reviewpreview-of-dead-mans-party/
David Nemeth, The Comic Book Layman
Jeff Marsick (words) and Scott Barnett (art) have created a gripping story of the expert hit man and how everything starts to go wrong in his life. Barnett’s artwork is beautifully done. Though printed in black and white, Barnett’s use of grey shades, crisp blacks and small amounts of whites make the images come to life, very film noir. Marsick tells a great story, which I won’t get into much detail about, but I found the characters' actions as well as dialogue believable in a completely unbelievable setting. Dead Man’s Party is fast paced and lots of fun. I’m patiently awaiting issue 3 and lamenting that there are only 4 issues in this limited series.
For the full review, go to- http://www.thecomicbooklayman.com/dead-mans-party-1-2/
Amber Love, Amber Unmasked
In a word: Riveting.
I didn’t realize Barnett’s talent for sequentials since I was familiar with his pin-ups only. He brings a realism to comic panels that is rare and refreshing. Since it’s pure grade noir, the black and white washed in greys is the only true palette to consider – so, well done, Scott.
As for Marsick, well I thought he was a just a pain in my ass on the internet but it turns out this guy has chops that rival Bendis with one exception: Marsick does it better. He pulls off genuine conversational tone between people in a close relationship without those annoying near constant quips found in popular mainstream noir comics. The two main characters have their own identities which is something that gets lost in some of Bendis’ work. Not too many people have the good sense to show their assassin and handler talking in an office and chilling out with a fat tabby cat on the couch. Kudos for that.
There you have it. Make sure you have your whiskey ready. These guys have balls and loads of talent. DEAD MAN’S PARTY is perfectly suited for a major blockbuster action film. All I ask is that I get the femme fatale part.
For the full review, go to- http://www.amberunmasked.com/review-dead-mans-party-by-jeff-marsick-and-scott-barnett/
Joe Hottendorf, PsychoRelik Studios
Outstanding, diverse and original, to say the least. Once again, Jeff Marsick dishes up a splendid story that will fill any comic fans empty belly with a 5-course meal and dessert to boot. The main character Ghost is an hired gun with the finesse that James Bond and Jason Bourne wish they had. I have read a lot of books and I can't recall reading anything in the league of DMP.
Now for my forte- Scott Barnett's art works with this book like he was destined to do it. The action is fast-paced and his work captures the essence of Ghost and the surrounding cast. I really appreciate his work in black and white because the detail really captures the eye. The shading shows the quality of his work and the time put into each and every panel, and the covers for the first two issues are fabulous and inspiring to say the least.
I must say I can not wait to catch up with these two at NYCC this weekend and I wish them the best on all their artistic adventures. We will just have to wait for the further adventures of Ghost and issue #3 cannot come fast enough.
For the full review of issue 2, go to- http://psychorelikstudios.blogspot.com/2012/10/review-dead-mans-party-2.html?spref=fb
For the review of issue 1, go to- http://psychorelikstudios.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-dead-mans-party.html