Years ago, when I bought Alice Cooper's "The Last Temptation" CD, it came with a Marvel Music Comic Book. Based on the CD, this 1994 comic was Act I that carried the title of one of the songs, "Bad Place Alone." Credited with writing the lyrics to the song are Alice Cooper, Dan Wexler and Bud Saylor. The lyrics can be found sprinkled throughout the book within the dialogue. "I'm a creature of the street...I got a gangland name and a teardrop tattooed eye." A story presented like only the Coop can!
The comic is written by Neil Gaiman, with Michael Zulli handling the artwork. Todd Klein assisted with the lettering and John Kalisz inserted the melancholy colors. Dave McKean gets kudos for the dynamic cover. The story begins with an atmospheric setting similar to an Edgar Allan Poe piece. Steven is walking down the street with his friends and it makes me wonder if this is the same Steven with all those problems in "Welcome To My Nightmare." Alice Cooper appears out of nowhere like a carnival barker allowing only one of them access to the Theatre of the Real.
Steven is peer-pressured into entering the show with Alice. If Steven remembers anything from being here it's that "Everything here's free!" The mysteriousness of Alice even exists at their stop at the Concession Stand. Mercy checks his ticket and gives him a program. It isn't long before Steven is able to envision himself on the streets with some sick creatures. He is offered a choice of staying on the streets and being part of the problem or staying within the walls of the theatre where he will be safe.
Steven begins to run out of the theatre fearing what his future may hold. He is stopped by the temptation of Mercy. However, Mercy walks away and Alice, who is the ultimate Showman, promises Steven a big finale on his next visit, which will most likely be initiated by Alice. I never did get the next act of this book, or even knows if it exists, but it should lead to an "Unholy War."
