Glitterbomb Vol 1: Red Carpet Review

Reviewed By Justin D Williams

Farrah Durante is a middle-aged actress hunting for her next gig in an industry where youth trumps experience. Her frustrations become an emotional lure for something horrifying out beyond the water...something ready to exact revenge on the shallow, celebrity-obsessed culture that's led her astray. Fan-favorite JIM ZUB (WAYWARD, Thunderbolts) and newcomer DJIBRIL MORISSETTE-PHAN (The Ultimates, All-New Wolverine) tear into the heart of Hollywood in GLITTERBOMB, a dramatic horror story about fame and failure. The entertainment industry feeds on our insecurities, desires, and fears. You can't toy with those kinds of primal emotions without them biting back...

Glitterbomb Volume 1 is a very fun, entertaining read with some supernatural elements. As describe in the synopsis you follow Farrah Durante a middle aged actress in the hunt for her next gig. Unfortunately for Farrah she is at the point in her career and life where most middle aged actress are past up. Farrah is no longer in her prime and trying to find work is very hard in the entertainment field. Farrah is viewed as an old relic in this day and time. Nobody believes in her abilities, her agent is ready to drop her and she is a single mother with a lovely son to take care of. One thing I really do love about this story is the realism of life of an actress. The story does well to depict the life of an actress. Farrah has to deal with auditions where she is told she’s too old or doesn’t fit the criteria. She has to deal with former co-stars being more successful and the book even hints at the infamous casting couch. Anyone that wants a comic book that focuses on the entertainment industry look no further. As much as I love the realism in Glitterbomb the supernatural aspect is the most intriguing. Farrah has something within her that comes out when angry. It’s not like a Hulk situation but she there is something completely off about Farrah. The beast within is still a mystery and why does it control Farrah has me looking forward to the next installment.

The characters is what really makes the story move and engaging. Farrah is a broken down women with a lot on her plate. The world seems dark and bleak and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. I would say the only light in her life is her son, but she is so busy trying to get on top her babysitter is the one who raises him. Farrah does have a supporting cast that do get enough characterization. The standout character is her babysitter who like Farrah dreams of becoming an actress. She tolerates Farrah behavior in hopes Farrah will introduce her to an agent. Her character is very fun to read because she has her goals and at the same time has a mother who wants her to come back to reality. Overall the story is pretty good. The focus on Farrah struggles is the strongest aspect of the entire volume. The inclusion of realism to show the process of landing a gig, dealing with an agent and actress dealing with middle age in an appearance over talent society is spot on. I did enjoy the supernatural aspect but at times I felt that it took away from the realistic tone it starts off with. Other than that minor criticism I enjoy reading this story and look forward to the next installment.

Final Grade 4 out of 5 Stars