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Latah
Une légende raconte que quelque part au beau milieu de la jungle vietnamienne se trouve le territoire du Latah. Le récipiendaire des douleurs de son peuple. Et des douleurs, les Américains en ont infligé leur lot... Lorsque leurs membres commencent à tomber, une petite troupe de GI égarée comprend qu'elle vient d'entrer au purgatoire de cet enfer vert. Sur les terres du Latah, les victimes deviennent bourreaux, et vice-versa... Car le bouc émissaire finit toujours par ruer.
Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 4, 2023
The Latah is a figure that bears the burden of suffering for the people who reside in Vietnam, an area of the world torn apart by ethnic and religious wars and invasion. For them, it is a protector, a god, reincarnated inside of a human sacrifice. It bears the pain of the people until the burden becomes too heavy and every ounce of fear, aggression, anger, and terror emerges and it kills blindly until another sacrifice is found to replace it.
This story centres around soldiers trekking through the Vietnamese jungles. Tensions between them revolve around an as-of-yet undisclosed event that occurred before the readers were introduced to them but, over the course of the graphic novel, flashback scenes reveal exactly what this is. Learning about their shared history and that of the Latah unfold in tandem, for a horrifying story to emerge.
Everything about this was tragic but by the story's close I could not view the central characters with any of the warmth I felt at its genesis. Shocking reveals ensured that, as did the fantastical inclusions that aided in the showcasing and understanding of the brutalities of war.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author and illustrator, Thomas Legrain, and the publisher, Europa Comics, for this opportunity.
This story centres around soldiers trekking through the Vietnamese jungles. Tensions between them revolve around an as-of-yet undisclosed event that occurred before the readers were introduced to them but, over the course of the graphic novel, flashback scenes reveal exactly what this is. Learning about their shared history and that of the Latah unfold in tandem, for a horrifying story to emerge.
Everything about this was tragic but by the story's close I could not view the central characters with any of the warmth I felt at its genesis. Shocking reveals ensured that, as did the fantastical inclusions that aided in the showcasing and understanding of the brutalities of war.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author and illustrator, Thomas Legrain, and the publisher, Europa Comics, for this opportunity.
May 1, 2023
Very good surprise. I expected a classic "lost platoon" trip -which it is- but not the welcome fantasy/horror touch spicing it. This part is rather classic too but the overall is very well executed.
The art itself (pencil/inking) is good but nothing to write home about. Legrain’s storytelling and sense of composition are, on the other hand, quite brilliant. He deftly uses large horizontal or vertical panels to highlight landscapes and set tension. The pacing of the action and the twist(s) are top notch, too. A very cinematographic sense of narration, the kind I like so much. His colours are also excellent and greatly contribute in conveying an oppressing atmosphere.
So, to sum it up: good plot, excellent execution; a very enjoyable read indeed.
The art itself (pencil/inking) is good but nothing to write home about. Legrain’s storytelling and sense of composition are, on the other hand, quite brilliant. He deftly uses large horizontal or vertical panels to highlight landscapes and set tension. The pacing of the action and the twist(s) are top notch, too. A very cinematographic sense of narration, the kind I like so much. His colours are also excellent and greatly contribute in conveying an oppressing atmosphere.
So, to sum it up: good plot, excellent execution; a very enjoyable read indeed.
May 1, 2023
Latah is a short, but brutal graphic novel that follows a squad of American soldiers during the Vietnam War.
They encounter a God deep in the jungle and one by one, the bodies pile up.
It was quite short, but the illustrations were very detailed and conveyed the story well.
I would’ve liked to know more about the creature’s history.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author & illustrator, and Europe Comics for a copy.
They encounter a God deep in the jungle and one by one, the bodies pile up.
It was quite short, but the illustrations were very detailed and conveyed the story well.
I would’ve liked to know more about the creature’s history.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author & illustrator, and Europe Comics for a copy.
February 23, 2026
Vietnam, 1965. Skupina amerických vojakov plní svoju misiu. Nie všetky misie sú morálne, nie všetky konania sú morálne, nie všetky legendy sú len strašidelnými príbehmi pre malé deti. Džungľa odkrýva svoje tajomstvá a ľudia svoje najtemnejšie pohnútky. Bavil som sa neskutočne!!
April 10, 2023
Latah, door Thomas Legrain, Uitgeverij De Lombard Uitgaven
Het monster in de oorlog
Ik ben geboren op het einde van de Vietnamoorlog. Dat wil zeggen: ik heb deze oorlog niet bewust meegemaakt; enerzijds omdat ik veel te jong was en anderzijds omdat het een oorlog ver van mijn bed was. Wat ik in de loop der jaren van beeldvorming heb meegekregen is voornamelijk gekleurd door de serie Tour of Duty en films als Apocalypse Now, Platoon en Good Morning, Vietnam. Met andere woorden: het zijn telkens verhalen geschreven uit het standpunt van de Amerikanen, ‘bevrijders’ van het communistische Noord-Vietnam.
Take the bad guys, fight the evil, zo moeten veel soldaten gedacht hebben. Eigenlijk in elke oorlog. Het ironische van de Vietnamoorlog is dat het kwaad voornamelijk bestond uit gewapende boeren die een vreedzaam leven leidden maar door de Amerikaanse invasie naar de wapens moesten grijpen. Omdat de Vietnamezen het terrein door en door kenden (de jungle) konden zij de perfecte guerrilla-tactiek hit-and-hide toepassen. De Amerikanen waren hierin vaak machteloos en sloegen terug met chemische wapens zoals napalm en Agent Orange: een verwoestende vlammenzee vernietigde mens, natuur en cultuur.
Het destructieve aspect van deze oorlog symboliseert Legrain in dit verhaal door een onoverwinnelijk demon genaamd Latah te creëren waartegen een Amerikaanse groep soldaten het opneemt. Ze verdwalen in een onherbergzaam gebied waar zij de lokale bevolking uitmoorden. Ook proberen zij het monster Latah te vernietigen maar vechten zij zonder het te weten tegen zichzelf. Net als menig soldaat reeds bedacht in de loop van de Vietnamoorlog, voelt deze missie ook aan als een verloren zaak: zelfgecreëerde demonen kan je niet bestrijden door anderen te doden.
Legrain heeft met dit album de waanzin en de zinloosheid van elke oorlog opgetekend. Uit dit sombere album kan men besluiten dat welk conflict dan ook eigenlijk nooit een winnaar kent. Enkel doden en overlevenden die nog lang hun eigen oorlogsmonster zullen moeten bekampen.
Het monster in de oorlog
Ik ben geboren op het einde van de Vietnamoorlog. Dat wil zeggen: ik heb deze oorlog niet bewust meegemaakt; enerzijds omdat ik veel te jong was en anderzijds omdat het een oorlog ver van mijn bed was. Wat ik in de loop der jaren van beeldvorming heb meegekregen is voornamelijk gekleurd door de serie Tour of Duty en films als Apocalypse Now, Platoon en Good Morning, Vietnam. Met andere woorden: het zijn telkens verhalen geschreven uit het standpunt van de Amerikanen, ‘bevrijders’ van het communistische Noord-Vietnam.
Take the bad guys, fight the evil, zo moeten veel soldaten gedacht hebben. Eigenlijk in elke oorlog. Het ironische van de Vietnamoorlog is dat het kwaad voornamelijk bestond uit gewapende boeren die een vreedzaam leven leidden maar door de Amerikaanse invasie naar de wapens moesten grijpen. Omdat de Vietnamezen het terrein door en door kenden (de jungle) konden zij de perfecte guerrilla-tactiek hit-and-hide toepassen. De Amerikanen waren hierin vaak machteloos en sloegen terug met chemische wapens zoals napalm en Agent Orange: een verwoestende vlammenzee vernietigde mens, natuur en cultuur.
Het destructieve aspect van deze oorlog symboliseert Legrain in dit verhaal door een onoverwinnelijk demon genaamd Latah te creëren waartegen een Amerikaanse groep soldaten het opneemt. Ze verdwalen in een onherbergzaam gebied waar zij de lokale bevolking uitmoorden. Ook proberen zij het monster Latah te vernietigen maar vechten zij zonder het te weten tegen zichzelf. Net als menig soldaat reeds bedacht in de loop van de Vietnamoorlog, voelt deze missie ook aan als een verloren zaak: zelfgecreëerde demonen kan je niet bestrijden door anderen te doden.
Legrain heeft met dit album de waanzin en de zinloosheid van elke oorlog opgetekend. Uit dit sombere album kan men besluiten dat welk conflict dan ook eigenlijk nooit een winnaar kent. Enkel doden en overlevenden die nog lang hun eigen oorlogsmonster zullen moeten bekampen.
May 7, 2023
Set amidst the turmoil of the Vietnam War in 1965, Latah follows a squad of American soldiers stationed deep within the La Drang Valley. Tasked with marking bombing runs for air support, these men are haunted by a dark, shared secret. As they navigate the treacherous jungle, danger lurks at every turn. The arrival of a reporter triggers simmering tensions among the squad members. However, the real surprises begin when they find themselves lost in a land with no night, relentlessly pursued by a terrifying, inhuman creature. Latah is a gripping, nightmarish tale of violence, guilt, and the burden of trauma.
The graphic novel is brought to life with stunning artwork that captivates the reader. While stories set during the Vietnam War are not new, the supernatural element in Latah adds a chilling twist. Be advised that this war story contains graphic violence and copious amounts of gore. It is worth noting, however, that the font choice can occasionally be challenging to read.
The narrative structure first tells the story of the squad's harrowing present, and theb flashes back to their horrific past actions, heightening the tension and deepening the sense of unease. Vietnamese characters are introduced, speaking their native language. Interestingly, translations are provided only at the end of the story, adding an air of authenticity to the experience.
Overall, Latah is a compelling and haunting graphic novel that leaves a lasting impression. I award this book a solid four out of five stars. Thanks to NetGalley and Europe Comics for the free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The graphic novel is brought to life with stunning artwork that captivates the reader. While stories set during the Vietnam War are not new, the supernatural element in Latah adds a chilling twist. Be advised that this war story contains graphic violence and copious amounts of gore. It is worth noting, however, that the font choice can occasionally be challenging to read.
The narrative structure first tells the story of the squad's harrowing present, and theb flashes back to their horrific past actions, heightening the tension and deepening the sense of unease. Vietnamese characters are introduced, speaking their native language. Interestingly, translations are provided only at the end of the story, adding an air of authenticity to the experience.
Overall, Latah is a compelling and haunting graphic novel that leaves a lasting impression. I award this book a solid four out of five stars. Thanks to NetGalley and Europe Comics for the free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2024
The books that tell us how bad the Vietnam War was, and do nothing with that shock information, are ten a penny. This kind of just tells us how bad it was, but offers a small piece of something else as well. Some American soldiers are on jungle clear-up – they get to a potential threat, flood it with red gas grenades and a plane comes along to blow it up. But when they suddenly gain a local journalist, and find a large threat they are forced to flee, they seem to end up in a different part of the jungle entirely. And the journalist saying it's home to a berserker revenge god that all the locals revere cannot be the best of news…
This is a way of showing us that both sides were capable of much violence and evil, especially the Yanks. A plea for peace, it has the god entity of the title woken up by the violence around it, and set off on a mission of its own, causing no end of mortal threat to the soldiers around. Again, it suffers a little from the 'well, war and violence are bad, and all you're doing is showing us them, so… what is anyone supposed to do about it?' response, but the spiritual side of the "slopes" is not that commonly portrayed. Who knew they had such a berserker god (if indeed it's based in reality)? Some art that could have been better (especially early on when race is an issue), and some that could not, helps this along. It's uneven in being both silent and wordy at times, but it's something to consider for the fresh approach it provides. It's certainly closer to four stars than anything else.
This is a way of showing us that both sides were capable of much violence and evil, especially the Yanks. A plea for peace, it has the god entity of the title woken up by the violence around it, and set off on a mission of its own, causing no end of mortal threat to the soldiers around. Again, it suffers a little from the 'well, war and violence are bad, and all you're doing is showing us them, so… what is anyone supposed to do about it?' response, but the spiritual side of the "slopes" is not that commonly portrayed. Who knew they had such a berserker god (if indeed it's based in reality)? Some art that could have been better (especially early on when race is an issue), and some that could not, helps this along. It's uneven in being both silent and wordy at times, but it's something to consider for the fresh approach it provides. It's certainly closer to four stars than anything else.
July 21, 2025
Being a soldier during the Vietnam war was a harrowing experience. You are far from home, fighting enemies who are engaging in a guerilla warfare that makes use of the unknown land you are on, there are innocent civilians who are simply "in the way" - it was an awful war and a war that cost too many lives.
In Latah, compound that with the fact that there is a mythic evil creature murdering soldiers indiscriminately, not to mention viscously, and the situation becomes a complete and utter nightmare. Latah is that story, where a troop of men encounter this being, and it just rips through them way too easily. After being ambushed by enemy combatants, the troop find themselves in a part of Vietnam that is too quiet, and littered with the bodies of soldiers from both sides. But these are soldiers that are dead from gun fire or explosions, these are ripped apart and shredded. When they find out that the local legend of Latah may be the explanation, many can't accept it, and those that do, realize they are basically dead already.
Thomas Legrain did a great job of not only conveying the sense of danger of the Vietnam war, but the sense of terror and urgency, once the supernatural threat is known to the troop. Legrain also handles the art which is absolutely gorgeous. The landscapes, the character designs, the sense of atmosphere, Legrain really knocks it out of the park with not only the story but the art as well.
If you like war stories with a supernatural twist, this one is for you.
In Latah, compound that with the fact that there is a mythic evil creature murdering soldiers indiscriminately, not to mention viscously, and the situation becomes a complete and utter nightmare. Latah is that story, where a troop of men encounter this being, and it just rips through them way too easily. After being ambushed by enemy combatants, the troop find themselves in a part of Vietnam that is too quiet, and littered with the bodies of soldiers from both sides. But these are soldiers that are dead from gun fire or explosions, these are ripped apart and shredded. When they find out that the local legend of Latah may be the explanation, many can't accept it, and those that do, realize they are basically dead already.
Thomas Legrain did a great job of not only conveying the sense of danger of the Vietnam war, but the sense of terror and urgency, once the supernatural threat is known to the troop. Legrain also handles the art which is absolutely gorgeous. The landscapes, the character designs, the sense of atmosphere, Legrain really knocks it out of the park with not only the story but the art as well.
If you like war stories with a supernatural twist, this one is for you.
April 20, 2023
“Latah” is a graphic novel by Thomas Legrain and published by Europe Comics. The story follows a squad of American soldiers in the La Drang Valley during the Vietnam war in 1965. The soldiers mission is to mark areas for bombing, but the squad seems to hold a dark secret.. With everyone on edge, a news reporter suddenly shows up, day seems to be endless…and the squad is being hunted but an unknown creature.
”Latah” has a very cinematic art style remnant of the war movies of the past like Saving Private Ryan and Platoon. Lush, detailed illustrations of the jungle terrain in Vietnam, horrifying imagery of the horrors of war. “Latah” in particular has a very cool structure in terms of the layout of the panels, often layering them on top of parts of the primary comic panel. It really added to the wonderful visuals of this comic, it’s bleak, claustrophobic, and eerie. While the story isn’t anything original, you don’t necessarily have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to storytelling sometimes. Some of the dialogue was a little hacky, and characters felt a little too stereotypical, it overall told a decent story. At only 128 pages this is an easy one to get through in one sitting and the art style alone is worth checking this one out!
A solid 3.5/4 ⭐️
Expected publishing date is April 26th, 2023 by Europe Comics
”Latah” has a very cinematic art style remnant of the war movies of the past like Saving Private Ryan and Platoon. Lush, detailed illustrations of the jungle terrain in Vietnam, horrifying imagery of the horrors of war. “Latah” in particular has a very cool structure in terms of the layout of the panels, often layering them on top of parts of the primary comic panel. It really added to the wonderful visuals of this comic, it’s bleak, claustrophobic, and eerie. While the story isn’t anything original, you don’t necessarily have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to storytelling sometimes. Some of the dialogue was a little hacky, and characters felt a little too stereotypical, it overall told a decent story. At only 128 pages this is an easy one to get through in one sitting and the art style alone is worth checking this one out!
A solid 3.5/4 ⭐️
Expected publishing date is April 26th, 2023 by Europe Comics
June 2, 2023
3/5
- Thank you to the author and the publisher for putting this title as a "read now" on NetGalley. -
I had mixed feelings while reading this one, mainly because I found an interesting story that started immediately, and I felt disoriented for it, but at the same time while going forward with the read it turned into a gripping narration.
The first like 30 pages were very confusing for me and sort of repetitive.
We simply follow this group of soldiers doing "their job", as one of them says.
The intro tho was immediately enthralling, but as the pages progressed it looked like it was forgotten.
Luckily I was wrong, in fact that intro was very important for the whole story.
The plot development was okay, once got into the setting, the narration starts to go faster with every page, there's no time for anything else than action. In the sort of middle of it the author found a few tables to explain to us what was this Latah making everything more clear for the reader.
After a few twists and cliffhangers, the story has a sort of great finale to wrap everything up.
- Thank you to the author and the publisher for putting this title as a "read now" on NetGalley. -
I had mixed feelings while reading this one, mainly because I found an interesting story that started immediately, and I felt disoriented for it, but at the same time while going forward with the read it turned into a gripping narration.
The first like 30 pages were very confusing for me and sort of repetitive.
We simply follow this group of soldiers doing "their job", as one of them says.
The intro tho was immediately enthralling, but as the pages progressed it looked like it was forgotten.
Luckily I was wrong, in fact that intro was very important for the whole story.
The plot development was okay, once got into the setting, the narration starts to go faster with every page, there's no time for anything else than action. In the sort of middle of it the author found a few tables to explain to us what was this Latah making everything more clear for the reader.
After a few twists and cliffhangers, the story has a sort of great finale to wrap everything up.
April 27, 2023
"Latah" is a tense war story that gets more and more unsettling as you turn the pages. Cracks begin to appear in what seemed like a united group of soldiers, and the signaling mission quickly turns into a fight for survival in an unforgiving jungle. The first casualties appear, seemingly inexplicable conflicts between troop members find their explanation, war atrocities and fantastical elements intervene, before the finale cascades into pure horror. I liked: the drawing (or, more accurately, the penciling) and the well-maintained tension. I disliked: the overly garish colors, the chalk rain, the completely artificial shadows, the utterly predictable ending (I already knew what was going to happen from the first appearance of a certain object in the middle of the jungle) and the walls of text. Yet, it’s a good read. (remember: 3 stars = I liked it)
Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This didn't influence my opinion in any way.
Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This didn't influence my opinion in any way.
August 30, 2023
No meio da guerra do Vietname, uma patrulha americana em missão na selva depara-se com uma estranha ameaça. Uma criatura dos mitos anamitas, mortífera, dizima os soldados sem piedade. Mas dois deles intuem outra verdade. Sabendo que o mito da criatura implica que um homem se lhe entregue para se transformar, um dos soldados irá assumir o manto do monstro, e será o mais violento e amoral que o fará. História de terror passada na guerra do Vietname, tem alguns laivos de Predator, pela forma como usa a selva como pano de fundo para uma caçada a homens.
April 18, 2023
I feel like this book is a 4.5 for the art (it's striking and some pages are just jaw-droppingly beautiful) and a 3 or 3.5 for the story. I'm not sure we need another book exploring the impact and lasting trauma of the Vietnam War-- maybe we do, maybe we don't. But this tale is an interesting spin on a well-worn message and I quite enjoyed it.
April 18, 2023
Arc from Netgalley
I didn't expect much and I was still somehow let down. The art is entirely souless and the story is so thin it's practically one sided. This is the Vietnam war if Platoon and Apocalypse Now were the only reference points.
I didn't expect much and I was still somehow let down. The art is entirely souless and the story is so thin it's practically one sided. This is the Vietnam war if Platoon and Apocalypse Now were the only reference points.
May 8, 2023
Thanks Netgally for my copy
I felt this started off quite slowly, but then got into the swing of the story. I enjoyed reading about the Latah and the legend of it. It has a good plot and I enjoyed the ending. An all round good and quick story.
I felt this started off quite slowly, but then got into the swing of the story. I enjoyed reading about the Latah and the legend of it. It has a good plot and I enjoyed the ending. An all round good and quick story.
April 29, 2023
Recommended
Review posted at Tzer Island book blog:
https://www.tzerisland.com/bookblog/2...
Review posted at Tzer Island book blog:
https://www.tzerisland.com/bookblog/2...
April 30, 2023
Bruh the font is too small to understand wtf they are saying, I couldn’t get attached to the characters at all….
August 12, 2023
My review of this book will be available soon on The Folklore Podcast website. I'll be updating with a link as soon as it is live.
November 14, 2023
Well Predator with a mystic side instead of E.T. hunter... well not bad but déjà vu.
September 26, 2024
A brutal, Vietnam War-era take on Predator. Solid art, better than average writing, and amazing action panels from Legrain.
May 21, 2023
A very captivating story, beautifully drawn.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews