A few months ago I heard about a comic book series called Revival, and that it had been optioned for a SYFY television series. How did I miss this? Me being me, I hit my local comic shops, bought all the back issues, and read the entire series in a frenzy. It was fantastic, and I’ve been looking forward to seeing the new show ever since.
The first trailer for Revival dropped yesterday and the SYFY series premieres June 12. Click here to view the trailer.
In the meantime, here’s a quick review of the comic book series. I’m one of those who just can’t wait for the movie or TV series, but has to read the book, or in this case the comic books, before I see it on screen.
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Revival, written by Tim Seeley and illustrated by Mike Norton, is a compelling, genre-blending story that explores the chilling consequences of a miraculous event in a small Wisconsin town. When the dead suddenly begin returning to life—not as mindless zombies, but seemingly as their former selves—the town of Wausau is placed under quarantine. What follows is not just a tale of the undead, but a layered and emotionally charged mystery that examines faith, trauma, family, and what it truly means to be alive.
One of the series’ greatest strengths is its grounded approach to supernatural horror. Rather than relying on jump scares or gore, Revival builds a tense, eerie atmosphere through character-driven storytelling. The protagonist, Dana Cypress, a local cop tasked with managing the chaos, serves as the lens through which the story unfolds. Her relationship with her younger sister, Em—who is one of the “Revivers” herself—is central to the narrative and provides both emotional depth and philosophical complexity. The series slowly reveals its secrets over 47 issues, balancing small-town drama, procedural elements, and larger existential questions with remarkable skill.
Mike Norton’s art complements the tone perfectly—realistic and expressive, it captures the bleak beauty of rural Wisconsin in winter, while also delivering effective visual horror when needed. The muted color palette and sharp linework reinforce the somber, contemplative mood.
What sets Revival apart is its refusal to conform to typical genre expectations. It doesn’t just ask what would happen if the dead returned, but what it would do to a community’s social fabric, religion, and personal identity. Revival is not just any comic book, but a thoughtful, eerie, and deeply human story for readers looking for a fresh take on horror with a strong emotional core.
If you’re a fan of horror and love a good story, you should definitely check this one out. Revival Conpendium is available on Amazon or, if you’re strapped for cash, check them out the graphic novles at your local library.
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