Knock ‘Em Dead, a new series from publisher AfterShock Comics, is a supernatural horror comic about standup comedy from writer Eliot Rahal, artist Mattia Monoco, colorist Matt Milla, and letterer Taylor Esposito.
Inspired by Rahal’s own experiences within standup comedy, the book is being billed as King of Comedy meets The Frighteners. The first issue is headed for shops on Dec. 2.
You can find a full press release about the new book below:
KNOCK ‘EM DEAD #1 / $4.99 / 32 pages / Color / On Sale DECEMBER 2
Writer: Eliot Rahal
Artist: Mattia Monaco
Colorist: Matt Milla
Letterer: Taylor Esposito
Cover: Andy Clarke with Jose Villarrubia
Incentive Cover: Tony HarrisSometimes you kill. Sometimes you get killed. But no matter what, everyone dies the first time they go on stage.
Pryor Brice has always wanted to be funny. And now, he’s taken the plunge and started doing stand-up comedy. Unfortunately, his older sister – Ronan – wants her brother to stop daydreaming and focus on his future.
Pryor is determined to succeed…the only problem is: He totally sucks at stand-up. That is…until an accident changes everything, leading both Pryor and Ronan to discover comedy isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
KNOCK ‘EM DEAD is a supernatural horror about comedy, brought to you by writer Eliot Rahal (MIDNIGHT VISTA, HOT LUNCH SPECIAL) and artist Mattia Monaco.
ELIOT RAHAL ON WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT AND WHY HE IS EXCITED FOR IT TO BE RELEASED:
“Knock Em Dead is about fame, family and addiction. 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.”
ELIOT RAHAL ON SOME OF HIS INSPIRATIONS BEHIND CREATING THIS BOOK:
“I began my journey as a writer performing and writing stand-up comedy. I was a cast member at Chicago’s iconic Lincoln Lodge. And that experience was very formative for me. It’s the time in my life where I made the most mistakes. However, I did and still continue to have the privilege of knowing some incredibly talented/friends who have gone on to such amazing things. Also Stephen King and Jason Aaron’s work we’re huge influences on this. Along with American Werewolf in London.”
ELIOT RAHAL ON (3) REASONS WHY COMIC READERS SHOULD PICK UP THIS BOOK:
“Mattias Art. Matt’s colors. Taylor’s letters.
Also because it beautiful. And that this story is like King of Comedy meets the Frighteners. Or that Aftershock did a really great job helping me put this all together. That’s 6 reasons that are all really just the same.”
MATTIA MONACO ON HIS APPROACH TO THE ARTWORK:
“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.”
