Zombie Date Night #2 - Comic Review

Summary from the Author

Still recovering from the awkwardness of their first Zombie Date Night, main characters Jack and Ginger have reached the scariest place to be…the friend zone.

When their survival group realizes they’re running out of food, the enthusiastic and outgoing Ginger leads the charge with a very reluctant Jack to find sustenance before the zombaes (zombies who can only survive with a mate) eat them first. Will the second date be better than the first or will this situationship be food for the undead?

Introduction

I have a confession to make.

I’m no good with names. Recently, I was talking with the founder of comix.one, and he could rattle off every comic creator and publisher like he had a mental Rolodex wired to a database. I was amazed—and, honestly, a little jealous.

But there’s one name I never forget. If someone asks me who my favorite indie creators are right now, Steve Urena is right at the top of that list. I recently reviewed Zombie Date Night #1, and now that I’ve gotten an early look at issue #2, I’m even more convinced: this team is something special.

I don’t think any review can fully capture how much fun, heart, and talent is packed into these pages. All I know is I’m already biting my nails waiting for the next issue.

Story

The second issue of Zombie Date Night doesn’t just pick up where the chaos left off—it cranks everything up a notch. Steve Urena continues to deliver a story that’s equal parts horror rom-com and heartfelt family sitcom, except now the stakes are higher, the zombies are hungrier, and somehow, the dates are even more awkward. 

Jack and Ginger return with the same chemistry that made the first issue so fun, but this time, we get to see more depth in their characters. Their banter feels sharper, and their relationship... well, still complicated. They might be trapped in the friendzone, which, honestly, could be more perilous than the zombie outbreak itself, especially with all that unresolved tension and now, extra blood splatter. 

I love post-apocalyptic comics, but most of them tend to focus on the misfortunes, lonely travels, and emotional pain of one or two central characters. Zombie Date Night #2 takes a different route. There's fresh blood in the story, literally and figuratively, and I absolutely love it. The new characters bring a chaotic energy and distinct personalities that enrich the world without taking away from the personal core that made the first issue so relatable.

Let’s be real, a mall is both the absolute best and worst place to be during a zombie apocalypse. It's got supplies, hiding spots, and maybe even pretzels, but it also seems to be zombie central in every undead story ever told. There’s just something about malls that screams "undead hotspot."

Art

Sergi Doménech’s art continues to impress, combining exaggerated expressions and dynamic panel layouts that keep each moment visually engaging. The mall setting is beautifully chaotic, with broken glass, splattered walls, and cluttered storefronts adding texture and grit to every frame.

Jensen’s colors play a huge role in enhancing the mood. Pops of pink, green, and neon tones stand out against cooler backdrops and give the book a surprising vibrancy. This isn’t your typical post-apocalyptic visual palette. The usual gloom—washed-out grays and muddy browns—is either completely avoided or used sparingly. Instead, the world of Zombie Date Night feels alive with saturated reds, purples, and bright highlights. And yes, the irony of calling a zombie comic "alive" is not lost on me.

This might genuinely be the warmest, most colorful zombie story you’ll ever read.

Letterer Anthony Rella also deserves recognition for helping the story breathe. His dynamic placement of dialogue and expressive sound effects give each scene rhythm and weight, whether it’s a quiet, emotional beat or a full-on undead brawl.

One of the biggest strengths of this issue is how well it balances tone. The horror hits harder this time, but it never overpowers the humor. And the humor? It’s still razor-sharp, perfectly timed, and full of moments that somehow make you laugh even as zombies are chewing their way through the scenery.

Conclusion

Zombie Date Night #2 is a rare kind of sequel that not only delivers on the promise of the first issue but expands its world in bold and meaningful ways. It dials up the danger, doubles down on the heart, and still manages to sneak in a few perfectly timed one-liners. The creative team clearly understands the rhythm of good storytelling, mixing heartfelt moments with horror mayhem like colors on a well-used palette.

If you’re looking for a comic that can make you laugh, wince, cheer, and maybe even get a little emotional—all while dodging zombies in a mall—this one should be on your pull list. It’s gory, goofy, and surprisingly grounded. In short: it’s a blast.---