Zombie Date Night #1 - Comic Review

Introduction

Okay, hold on a second. I usually like to sprinkle a bit of personal experience into my reviews, but this comic is pushing it. I’ve had my fair share of weird first dates—maybe weird enough to share a story or two—but zombies? Yeah, no. Jack and Ginger win this round.

But the more I think about it, the more I realize: take out the zombies, and Zombie Date Night is basically a slice-of-life comic. You've got the awkward first date energy, the overly involved friends who somehow think they're invited, the rambling inner monologue, and yes—even the desperate moves like wearing shoe lifts to look taller for your Tinder date. Not that I did that, of course. I just know a guy… who knows a guy…

Story

I spent enough time with my Abuela (even though we call them Yiayia in Greek) to know one thing for sure: grandmothers have deadly aim with a flipper. Their accuracy, even on moving targets, is basically 100%. Reading Zombie Date Night just confirmed that some things really are universal. Like awkward first dates and overly “helpful” friends showing up at exactly the wrong time.

But it also showed something else: when the zombie apocalypse hits, there’s no one better to have by your side than your friends, your family, and maybe that one date who looks like she’s trained in a little something called Takedown Suckaduck.

I genuinely loved the story. What Steve Urena pulled off in Zombie Date Night is remarkable. On one hand, you’ve got this totally relatable slice-of-life setup. Dating, friends, awkward moments, family dynamics. On the other, you’ve got a full-on zombie outbreak. Mash those together, and you get an action-packed, dramatic, horror-filled, hilarious ride that still manages to feel grounded and real.

If I’m being honest, Zombie Date Night reads like the perfect setup for a TV comedy skit, and I mean that in the best way. I especially loved how Urena wove Spanish dialogue throughout the story. Even though I’m not a native speaker, it all felt familiar, like I understood every word. Spanish is so deeply woven into many of my favorite shows, movies, and books that it added an extra layer of richness and made the characters feel even more real and vibrant.

Art

Sergi Domenech’s art perfectly matches the energy of the story. His style is bold, expressive, and packed with motion. Characters are full of life, even in the middle of total chaos. Domenech doesn’t aim for realism but rather exaggeration and personality. You can see influences that feel like Mad Magazine, The Walking Dead, Shaun of the Dead, and even animated series like Archer or The Venture Bros. Everything feels heightened, and that is exactly what the story calls for.

Anthony Rella’s colors elevate the visuals further. The palette is punchy and dynamic, with a perfect balance of vibrant tones and gory horror (is purple the color of horror… if so is that why I like it so much?). Blood and zombie goo pop without feeling overwhelming. Backgrounds help set the scene without distracting from the action, and each character reads clearly no matter how hectic things get.

One of the best visual gags? Yiayia wielding a chancla with nails in it like a legendary weapon. It’s funny, badass, and somehow emotional all at once. That moment alone is worth the read.

Conclusion

Zombie Date Night is a wildly entertaining blend of humor, horror, and heart. It’s a story that doesn’t just rely on zombie mayhem to carry it, but instead leans into real relationships, sharp dialogue, and unforgettable character moments. Steve Urena’s writing feels personal and punchy, while the art and colors from Sergi Domenech and Anthony Rella give the book its vibrant, chaotic soul. Whether you’re here for the laughs, the gore, or the grandma with the deadly chancla, this comic delivers on every front. It’s a fresh take on the genre that proves the apocalypse can be just as much about love, family, and awkward first dates as it is about survival.