The following review contains spoilers.

Every so often there’s a comic that comes along that makes you go “Wait, what?” and Star-Spangled War Stories Featuring G.I. Zombie (or G.I. Zombie) is that comic. Coming from the creative minds of Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray (All-Star Western, Batwing, The Ray) comes the story of Jared, a man who just wants to serve his country as a soldier but who also happens to be a zombie. I have to imagine that he can skip the required physical.

The first issue finds us in Nowhere, Mississippi (literally, the place is called Nowhere, Mississippi) as we meet Tiff, a young blond who seems like she has a story behind her. Palmiotti and Gray quickly establish her as a character, she’s confident in her abilities and not afraid to show it. If there’s something I’ve always appreciated about Palmiotti and Gray’s work, it’s the ability to consistently give the reader some strong female characters, something often lacking in comics.

We also get to meet Duke and his motorcycle gang, not exactly a group of people who you would see volunteering down at your local soup kitchen. Unfortunately for “J. Edgar”, the fed who was caught spying, he took the wrong night to find himself meeting Tiff and Duke. The book quickly establishes it has no problem showing some violence, certainly not surprising considering the authors previous work with All-Star Western.

Arguably one of the best things about the first issue and an example of good storytelling is the misdirection to make us think Tiff had outright murdered a federal agent. Instead, we find out she is working with Jared, the title character G.I. Zombie. The two are investigating the previous shown motorcycle gang. After chopping him up in the bar, we get a semi humorous scene of Tiff now getting the pleasure of helping G.I. Zombie put himself back together again. Humpty Dumpty he is not.

Despite being a zombie and having just been chopped up, G.I. Zombie seems intent on doing his duty. He even takes the time to recite the soldier’s creed while watching Tiff undress. Of course, the bits of humor are wonderful (G.I. Zombie wanting to watch TCM) and add a great deal to the book.

Of course, the issue goes on to show us that G.I. Zombie isn’t as in control as we may initially think. This was a nice addition to the issue and will certainly play out in future issues as an interesting plot point. The issue also takes the time to establish some of G.I.’s more interesting powers. The end of the issue was also a great cliffhanger and left me wanting to pick up next month’s issue.

It’s worth taking a moment to give a great deal of credit to the art by Scott Hampton. It’s very unique and does a really wonderful job of contributing both to the tone and mood of the book. It also helps that Hampton does a great job of emphasizing some of the smaller details alongside the more grisly scenes.

G.I. Zombie is unlike anything else being produced by DC right now and that’s a good thing. The New 52 can always use some more diversity, and thankfully Palmiotti & Gray always seem able to bring it. The first issue was a good introduction and leaves the reader wanting more. If you didn’t already pick it up this Wednesday, definitely do so while your local comic book store has a copy.