In Bleeding Hearts #3, Deniz Camp continues to build out his unique post-apocalyptic world, exploring zombie communication and the moral compass of our protagonist zombie, Poke.
Deniz Camp’s DC Vertigo series Bleeding Hearts continues momentum after a strong start with issue #1 continuing its excellent world building, while grounding the story in human (and undead) emotion. Camp offers a story that comes at you from the perspective of both surviving humans and the zombie community, except young Poke is different. He may be undead, but he has a beating heart and a moral compass.
When the series kicked off with issue #1, I was impressed but not blown away. However, when issue #2 came along, I saw what Camp was building and, suffice to say, I was completely invested and fully on-board. In issue #3, Poke returns to his undead horde after meeting Mama and Rabbit. Following his human encounter, he finds himself changed. He seems like the only one there with a moral conscience, feeling. Both empathy and compassion are things zombies are not typically associated with.
He tried his best to communicate with Mama, but naturally, things are lost in communication. What’s more, he provokes a response from Rabbit, who sees Poke in a way that Mama does not. Camp brings Poke and Rabbit together through the idea that innocence of youth; everyone can be friends. Whereas Mama takes a more cynical view, not least because she knows she must protect her child in the dangerous world. Her actions are perfectly vindicated, even when we as readers see otherwise. Zombie stories tend to be about perspective, but Camp brings a type of perspective not often seen. It’s completely fresh and entertaining to read.
As always, the work from the team — Stipan Morian (artist) Matt Hollingsworth (colorist), and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (letterer) — is outstanding. Every page and spread is breathtaking and completely engaging.
With issue #3, Bleeding Hearts continues its stellar run.
Pick up 'Bleeding Hearts' #3 here!
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