Spotlight: Avalon
Six issues in!
With six issues already in the bag, Avalon is a dark, frantic read with plenty to get into.
Avalon is a new and original post-apocalyptic story that will have you hooked from the moment you pick it up. You will follow the Castle family through this nightmarish world where they must confront a new type of zombie infection. On top of this new zombie infection, you immediately see that the family has a dysfunctional past. Some of the family members are dealing with anxiety and depression, while others are dealing with ongoing health issues.
Creator/Writer: Brandon Starocci, Artist: Dimitris Nastos, Co-Writer: Alan Dingfelder, Co-Writer: William Dalton & Editor: Rachel Bulock
I always thought that zombie comics could be pretty hard to do. The Walking Dead redefined the genre, and others move in the other direction, such as Crossed or Marvel Zombies. Nevertheless, Avalon brings a new aspect to the genre and some excellent character moments, combined with blood and undead violence.
Across the first six issues of Avalon, the series begins laying the groundwork for the infection that will ultimately devastate the community. We’re shown familiar elements of the genre—such as infection through bites—but Avalon takes a more measured, unsettling approach to the transformation. The gradual decline of infected characters is genuinely tragic to witness. As readers, we can see the inevitable outcome creeping nearer. Yet, the story maintains a fragile thread of hope that both characters and audience cling to, making each loss more impactful.
One of the series’s most substantial achievements is its cast's development and the tension between them. Rather than relying on one-note archetypes, Avalon gives us layered relationships—between parents and children, siblings, partners, and close friends—and allows these dynamics to evolve as the crisis escalates. Minor interpersonal conflicts and moments of tenderness feel just as important as the battles against the undead or the paranoia spreading among the living. The real heartbreak often stems not from the zombies but from the strain on these relationships, the miscommunications, and the impossible choices forced upon the characters.
The setting itself plays a key role in the story’s atmosphere. Avalon is neither a sprawling global narrative like World War Z nor a tightly contained bottle setting. Instead, it strikes a compelling balance: the town is large enough to host multiple outbreak points, hidden pockets of survivors, and distinct communities reacting in different ways—but small enough that every consequence feels personal. Whispers of potential safe havens add intrigue and inequality, especially when those sanctuaries seem accessible only to the wealthiest residents. This creates an undercurrent of class tension that enriches the stakes.
Another standout element is the thoughtful depiction of mental health. Several characters are introduced with emotional or psychological challenges before the infection begins, which adds complexity to their arcs. The outbreak doesn’t define them—it intensifies what was already present. This narrative choice allows for nuanced storytelling: some characters regress, others find resilience, and a few experience moments of catharsis or growth amid the chaos. It makes their journeys feel more authentic and grounded, especially within a horror setting.
Visually, Avalon excels. The artwork heightens both the horror and the humanity of the series. Strategic splashes of red draw the eye and emphasise danger, emotion, or turning points without overwhelming the page. There are several brilliant scenes where the art reveals threats or clues to the reader that the characters themselves cannot see, increasing tension through visual irony. Facial expressions and body language are rendered carelessly, making the characters’ fears, grief, anger, and fleeting joy resonate strongly.
In short, Avalon is an emotionally rich, tension-driven, beautifully illustrated zombie genre entry. It offers gripping drama, meaningful character arcs, and a fresh sense of realism that sets it apart from its peers. If you’re a fan of thoughtful horror that blends human storytelling with undead terror, these first six issues are absolutely worth your time. Do yourself a favour and pick up Avalon—you won’t regret adding it to your collection.
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