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Sheltered
Sheltered Volume 1
The men and women of Safe Haven have been preparing for any and all end-of-world scenarios for years. However, their bunkers, weapons, and training can't save them from the one threat they never could have expected: their own children.
Collects SHELTERED #1-5
Collects SHELTERED #1-5
128 pages, Paperback
First published December 11, 2013
7 people are currently reading
511 people want to read
About the author
Ed Brisson
747 books108 followersComic book writer.
Credits include: COMEBACK, SHELTERED, THE FIELD (Image Comics), SECRET AVENGERS (Marvel), ROBOCOP, SONS OF ANARCHY, HELLRAISER (BOOM!) and X-FILES/TMNT: CONSPIRACY (IDW). Plus, you know, a bunch of stuff I can’t talk about yet.
Credits include: COMEBACK, SHELTERED, THE FIELD (Image Comics), SECRET AVENGERS (Marvel), ROBOCOP, SONS OF ANARCHY, HELLRAISER (BOOM!) and X-FILES/TMNT: CONSPIRACY (IDW). Plus, you know, a bunch of stuff I can’t talk about yet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
December 14, 2016
Far-Fetched But Entertaining
Somewhere in the middle of nowhere, a group of survivalist nuts have spent the last few years secretly preparing for the end of the world. They have trained, built underground bunkers, stashed supplies and weapons. The teenage son of one of the hidden community's founders, however, takes the survival-of-the-fittest attitude he has grown up with to the next level - with deadly consequences: he manipulates the community's other children into killing all its grown-ups. A necessary sacrifice, he argues:
"Soon, we have to go underground. For three years. During that time, about ninety percent of North America is going to die. Bunkering down is the only way we can survive. There's only enough supplies to last 18 months, at best. To survive we [have] to half our population..."
While this premise makes for an interesting twist on your typical end-of-the-world narrative, it is arguably also the story's weakest point: the reader is expected to believe that the above-quoted argument somehow manages to convince almost all the community's children and teenagers that their own parents must die... Maybe a few more trips to the supermarket would have been a feasible alternative?!? Hard to swallow, to say the least.
If you are willing to accept this unlikely premise, though, you are rewarded with a surprisingly realistic, well-crafted, subtle, psychologically sound portrayal of the further developments. If you want, you can even read the story as a clever commentary on the psychopathic and ultimately self-destructive tendencies of our increasingly individualized and competitive dog-eat-dog world.
Somewhere in the middle of nowhere, a group of survivalist nuts have spent the last few years secretly preparing for the end of the world. They have trained, built underground bunkers, stashed supplies and weapons. The teenage son of one of the hidden community's founders, however, takes the survival-of-the-fittest attitude he has grown up with to the next level - with deadly consequences: he manipulates the community's other children into killing all its grown-ups. A necessary sacrifice, he argues:
"Soon, we have to go underground. For three years. During that time, about ninety percent of North America is going to die. Bunkering down is the only way we can survive. There's only enough supplies to last 18 months, at best. To survive we [have] to half our population..."
While this premise makes for an interesting twist on your typical end-of-the-world narrative, it is arguably also the story's weakest point: the reader is expected to believe that the above-quoted argument somehow manages to convince almost all the community's children and teenagers that their own parents must die... Maybe a few more trips to the supermarket would have been a feasible alternative?!? Hard to swallow, to say the least.
If you are willing to accept this unlikely premise, though, you are rewarded with a surprisingly realistic, well-crafted, subtle, psychologically sound portrayal of the further developments. If you want, you can even read the story as a clever commentary on the psychopathic and ultimately self-destructive tendencies of our increasingly individualized and competitive dog-eat-dog world.
July 3, 2025
What do you get when you cross Lord of the Flies with Red Dawn? This book that follows the children of 'preppers' who decide that if they kill their parents there will be more food for them to start a 'Brave New World'. Chilling look at how cults start with a charismatic leader who is able to 'filter' communal fear through a new ideology: should be on the reading list of anyone studying sociology. Stark but effective illustrations.
January 12, 2014
Set in the snowy backwoods of rural America, a group of survivalist nuts have been seting up fallout shelters filled with supplies for years in anticipation of the massive volcano in Yellowstone erupting soon and decimating the country. Except their children have other plans and decide to massacre all of the adults! While the kids and their leader, the quietly insane loner Lucas, prepare for the coming apocalypse, two girls, Vic and Hailey, didn’t know about the plan and have hidden away in one of the bunkers - which threat will they survive, their bloodthirsty peers or the volcano?
Sheltered isn’t a bad comic but there’s one major conceit that I couldn’t get past which marred the book for me: why would the kids kill their parents? I realise in the cases of Vic and Hailey that they wouldn’t because they liked their parents, but really, every other kid in Safe Haven would murder their parents because an older kid told them to? Because the older kid believes he has special information on the volcano in Yellowstone and knows more about food rationing than adults? So every kid would think, well, I guess I gotta off mum and dad because this weirdo with no friends and crazy eyes says so?!
Other than that the book is fine. Obviously comparisons to Lord of the Flies are bound to be made as its the kids now running the show and things falls apart as you’d expect, and chaos follows the authority vacuum. The only difference is at the end of the Lord of the Flies, the adults arrive to rescue the kids, and in Sheltered the adults are the first to die.
It’s an especially interesting look at what can largely be called an American story. Fringe groups like paranoid survivalists and cults tend to spring up all over the place in America with guys like David Koresh and Jim Jones being the most famous examples. Lucas very much fits this role of leader of an apocalyptic death cult and the comic is an intriguing look at the group dynamics of how a cult is created and operates through fear and intimidation.
Sheltered is a character-driven piece whose characters are thankfully very compelling. I was rooting for Vic and Hailey, our heroines, to survive and the sequence where Vic busts out of the shelter to look for medical supplies to help Hailey, dodging the guards, was very exciting. It reminded me of the David Fincher movie Panic Room where Jodie Foster runs out of the panic room to grab a phone before the crooks notice she’s out and try to stop her. Lucas is also a good bad guy, creepy and calculating but also vulnerable and ruthless in equal measure. Over the course of the book you see him growing in confidence and becoming crazier so that the series looks to become even more dramatic and exciting over time.
Despite my issues with the setup, Sheltered has an original premise and is well written with a fast-paced, gripping story and a fascinating cast of characters. I didn’t know a thing about the comic and had no expectations but nonetheless found myself caught up in it enough that I’ll be back to check out what happens next in Volume 2.
3.5 stars.
Sheltered isn’t a bad comic but there’s one major conceit that I couldn’t get past which marred the book for me: why would the kids kill their parents? I realise in the cases of Vic and Hailey that they wouldn’t because they liked their parents, but really, every other kid in Safe Haven would murder their parents because an older kid told them to? Because the older kid believes he has special information on the volcano in Yellowstone and knows more about food rationing than adults? So every kid would think, well, I guess I gotta off mum and dad because this weirdo with no friends and crazy eyes says so?!
Other than that the book is fine. Obviously comparisons to Lord of the Flies are bound to be made as its the kids now running the show and things falls apart as you’d expect, and chaos follows the authority vacuum. The only difference is at the end of the Lord of the Flies, the adults arrive to rescue the kids, and in Sheltered the adults are the first to die.
It’s an especially interesting look at what can largely be called an American story. Fringe groups like paranoid survivalists and cults tend to spring up all over the place in America with guys like David Koresh and Jim Jones being the most famous examples. Lucas very much fits this role of leader of an apocalyptic death cult and the comic is an intriguing look at the group dynamics of how a cult is created and operates through fear and intimidation.
Sheltered is a character-driven piece whose characters are thankfully very compelling. I was rooting for Vic and Hailey, our heroines, to survive and the sequence where Vic busts out of the shelter to look for medical supplies to help Hailey, dodging the guards, was very exciting. It reminded me of the David Fincher movie Panic Room where Jodie Foster runs out of the panic room to grab a phone before the crooks notice she’s out and try to stop her. Lucas is also a good bad guy, creepy and calculating but also vulnerable and ruthless in equal measure. Over the course of the book you see him growing in confidence and becoming crazier so that the series looks to become even more dramatic and exciting over time.
Despite my issues with the setup, Sheltered has an original premise and is well written with a fast-paced, gripping story and a fascinating cast of characters. I didn’t know a thing about the comic and had no expectations but nonetheless found myself caught up in it enough that I’ll be back to check out what happens next in Volume 2.
3.5 stars.
October 21, 2014
3.5 if I could.
I hate kids...and this book just make me hate them more. Little shits. All of em.
I also love dogs...and if you've read this volume you know where I'm going with that.
Good book. Full of nut jobs. I like that its pre-apocalyptic and is actually...you know...before the apocalyptic stuff.
Still...it will be interesting to see where the next volume takes us. This first book left off on a pretty solid cliff-hanger so I'm curious as all get out to see what happens next.
I hate kids...and this book just make me hate them more. Little shits. All of em.
I also love dogs...and if you've read this volume you know where I'm going with that.
Good book. Full of nut jobs. I like that its pre-apocalyptic and is actually...you know...before the apocalyptic stuff.
Still...it will be interesting to see where the next volume takes us. This first book left off on a pretty solid cliff-hanger so I'm curious as all get out to see what happens next.
January 6, 2018
This was a pretty fun story.
So the end of the world is coming, or so some people think, so they begin to build a home away from everyone else. As the parents of this community trying to prepare for the end the kids begin to revolt and they murderer every single parent. Two kids see this and run away from the rest of the children of the corn type kids and tus begins a tension filled adventure of survival. Why did they kill the parents? What is coming? Will the two kids who don't agree the rest live? All these questions begin to pop up in this thriller.
Good: The art is pretty solid. The facial emotions and death scenes are well drawn. I also thought the start was horrifying and set it up real well. How merciless the kids were when they mowed down their parents was disgusting and scary. Also the ending sets up some great new ideas.
Bad: The middle portion kind of drags a bit. I also thought the premises, while cool, needs to be flushed out. The reasoning behind what people do what they do. However, this is the first part of a 3 part series.
Overall this is a very solid book. It's intriguing and I really want to see what comes next. Hope it gets even better. A 3.5 out of 5.
So the end of the world is coming, or so some people think, so they begin to build a home away from everyone else. As the parents of this community trying to prepare for the end the kids begin to revolt and they murderer every single parent. Two kids see this and run away from the rest of the children of the corn type kids and tus begins a tension filled adventure of survival. Why did they kill the parents? What is coming? Will the two kids who don't agree the rest live? All these questions begin to pop up in this thriller.
Good: The art is pretty solid. The facial emotions and death scenes are well drawn. I also thought the start was horrifying and set it up real well. How merciless the kids were when they mowed down their parents was disgusting and scary. Also the ending sets up some great new ideas.
Bad: The middle portion kind of drags a bit. I also thought the premises, while cool, needs to be flushed out. The reasoning behind what people do what they do. However, this is the first part of a 3 part series.
Overall this is a very solid book. It's intriguing and I really want to see what comes next. Hope it gets even better. A 3.5 out of 5.
March 8, 2015
I'm not one that usually goes for post-apocalyptic stories. They tend to be bloody (both meanings) intense and that just not my cuppa. However, the blur in the cover got my attention and I also tend to attention to what Image publishes so I gave it a try.
So, this bunch of people are living in a place called Safe Heaven (not really a suitable name after you read the book) preparing themselves in case the world ends or something. All that trouble for nothing, because suddenly their children turns against them and star killing all the adults. Wackos much?...
The leaders of the wackos is a guy called Lucas who is a total nut job. I don't care what he tell everyone or even if he is right, he belongs in a mental hospital. I didn't like the guy at first and he definitely got on my black list by the end of the book. What he does is horrible, but what he did to the dogs is beyond everything. The little fucker. He reminds me of Hitler because he brainwashes everyone, bends the truth or directly lies to his own gain and kills everyone that gets in his way. That a sicko.
Also, are all kids this moronic? I imagine a previous conversation between Lucas and the other:
-Lucas: Hey guys, so, I was just thinking... (in a nonchalant way) we should kill all our parents. 'Cos some random volcano is gonna explode and we don't have enough food for all of us. And we all know there's no such thing called tin cans whose expiration date is a bazillion years from now, nor thing called supermarkets where you can buy them. Also, we kids haven't been around like our parents for longer in the world so we obviously now more about life. Therefore, let's kill ALL the parents. A bunch of kids living together makes more sense. We all know how good high school works.
-Everyone else: Oh yeah, you make a compelling argument, let's do it! Let's not stop to think how stupid everything you say is. Johnny, get your gun!
It sounds like I hate it. I didn't. It actually made a compelling comic (if you just go with how silly the premise is). But what I couldn't take was the killing. The dogs, dammit, the dogs, you bastard!
I regret spending money on this because it's for sure not a comic I would read again in a million years. I seriously can't take animal suffering, especially at the hands of a psico. Life is a hard enough for adorable animals that don't deserve the world us worthless humans make them live in.
I can't recommend this. Watch Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco instead. It's a Disney movie, you know they are gonna be happy in the end.
The colour did suit the book, that's one star.
So, this bunch of people are living in a place called Safe Heaven (not really a suitable name after you read the book) preparing themselves in case the world ends or something. All that trouble for nothing, because suddenly their children turns against them and star killing all the adults. Wackos much?...
The leaders of the wackos is a guy called Lucas who is a total nut job. I don't care what he tell everyone or even if he is right, he belongs in a mental hospital. I didn't like the guy at first and he definitely got on my black list by the end of the book. What he does is horrible, but what he did to the dogs is beyond everything. The little fucker. He reminds me of Hitler because he brainwashes everyone, bends the truth or directly lies to his own gain and kills everyone that gets in his way. That a sicko.
Also, are all kids this moronic? I imagine a previous conversation between Lucas and the other:
-Lucas: Hey guys, so, I was just thinking... (in a nonchalant way) we should kill all our parents. 'Cos some random volcano is gonna explode and we don't have enough food for all of us. And we all know there's no such thing called tin cans whose expiration date is a bazillion years from now, nor thing called supermarkets where you can buy them. Also, we kids haven't been around like our parents for longer in the world so we obviously now more about life. Therefore, let's kill ALL the parents. A bunch of kids living together makes more sense. We all know how good high school works.
-Everyone else: Oh yeah, you make a compelling argument, let's do it! Let's not stop to think how stupid everything you say is. Johnny, get your gun!
It sounds like I hate it. I didn't. It actually made a compelling comic (if you just go with how silly the premise is). But what I couldn't take was the killing. The dogs, dammit, the dogs, you bastard!
I regret spending money on this because it's for sure not a comic I would read again in a million years. I seriously can't take animal suffering, especially at the hands of a psico. Life is a hard enough for adorable animals that don't deserve the world us worthless humans make them live in.
I can't recommend this. Watch Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco instead. It's a Disney movie, you know they are gonna be happy in the end.
The colour did suit the book, that's one star.
November 1, 2020
3.5 stars. In the first issue something happens that I just can’t get on board with. I just can’t believe something like that would happen. With that being said, how does the rest of the story flow after that. It’s pretty good. I enjoy Ed Brissons stuff so I’m not surprised. There’s this community off the beaten path that’s been prepping for a doomsday event. After the events of the first issue, they think Yellowstone park is going to erupt any day now. Everyone is on edge, tempers are flaring and there is also murder. Solid art and great pacing. A real page turner. I flew through this book. Pretty crazy volume 1. Looking forward to the next one.
January 1, 2015
Sheltered Vol 1 courtesy of Image Comics through Netgalley
I simply was not ready for this! I don't know exactly what I was expecting, but Ed Brisson and John Christmas just surpassed whatever expectations I might have had.
Welcome to the pre-Apocalypse - if it'll come at all. Safe Haven is a commune filled with people who spend their lives preparing for the impending end of the world. They have stocked bunkers, plans for every eventuality, they train and raise their children to be ready for the End.
But the End comes to them at the hands of their own children...
There are plenty of post-Apocalyptic dystopias - Sheltered brings a new twist to the genre by setting the story pre-Apocalypse with the ever lingering doubt that the Apocalypse may, in fact, never come.
Every page forces you to keep reading, every issue ends on a cliffhanger, this is overwhelmingly addictive and I, for one, cannot wait to get my hands on the following issues.
If you're tired of the usual post-Apocalyptic dystopias, rest assured that Brisson and Christmas will hook you with a startling new twist.
Worth mentioning, besides the tight and addictive plot, is the artwork. John Christmas' imbues the looks of the characters with their personality traits, and the art presents a fluidity of movement that is awe-inspiring.
I definitely recommend it to everyone.
April 7, 2019
Tohle jsem mel na read listu strasne dlouho a jsem rad ze jsem se k tomu konecne dostal.. Pribeh je napinavej a ryhle odsypa.. Kresba je slabsi, ale nic hroznyho.. Dalsi volume je nutnost
March 4, 2016
A very strong premise that could have been executed better. A survival group's children get it into their heads that the world is ending. From there, everything descends into chaos. I don't want to ruin the plot so I'll stop here. The main antagonist is a real bastard. Johnny Christmas's art is pretty good and fits the gritty nature of the story.
December 23, 2018
The premise is a bit exaggerated - kids who choose to kill their parents to survive in a potential apocalypse. I expect there is more behind it, though. So far the story borrows elements from Lord of the Flies with some more modern mystery and psychology thrown in. It is a fun read, so it's easy to recommend.
Safe Haven is a town inhabited by nuts who are getting ready for the end of the world - bunkers, supplies, guns, the works. They want to stay off the radar, so when somebody threatens to invade their town, they get out the guns to protect it. What they don't know is that the attack was a ruse set up by their own children. The adults get slaughtered and the children assume control.
Safe Haven is a town inhabited by nuts who are getting ready for the end of the world - bunkers, supplies, guns, the works. They want to stay off the radar, so when somebody threatens to invade their town, they get out the guns to protect it. What they don't know is that the attack was a ruse set up by their own children. The adults get slaughtered and the children assume control.
January 5, 2019
There is a preppers community. Far from civilisation, whole families in fenced complex with trailers and underground bunkers. And one day, one psychopathic kid in the idea they will live longer on their supplies if they "get rid off" all the adults. Well with things he predicts to come, the less hungry throats the bigger chance to survive. And so it happens. Yes, some kids even thrive to the new parentless freedom. More just came along with their manipulative leader. But, of course, there is few to resist the whole thing. Well, the idea, the setting, is fantastic. The story, so far is good too, with the absolute minimum of loopholes. So it is also cleverly done. And with simple but neat art, this is a very good way to go for a thrilling story. So keep it coming!
March 13, 2020
I know I've read this before at some point, but never added it to my Goodreads list. Interesting story about a community of survival preppers whose kids massacre all the adults and take over. The premise, that a super-volcano in Yellowstone Park is about to blow, is a little shaky, granted, but once you get past that, the rest of the story is pretty good, with the kids threatening to turn on one another and a few of them holding out hope for some sort of escape or rescue.
December 24, 2014
Before I wrote my review I did something I don't usually do, I read a couple reviews that sort of summarize some of my exact thoughts, from Sam Quixote and Jan (so I'll be brief, read theirs): This is a kind of interesting read about survivalist nuts in rural America who are facing what they see as The Apocalypse, the imminent eruption of Yellowstone volcanoes that will create an unprecedented environmental disaster. Okay… though with the dying of Old Faithful, doesn't seem imminent…
And in this story, will this volcanic eruption happen, really, or is this part of their just-being-nuts belief system? We'e supposed to wait and see, I guess. But then: The kids of said survivalist nutcases, raised in the paranoid way they are supposed to be raised, decide to kill all their parents… why? Well, to have more survivalist food and supplies for themselves… HAD to DO it, folks, totally makes sense… And I'm not convinced, ever, or yet… so maybe that is the point, that they are all just crazy… but then this is a darker tale than I thought it was… just Tea Party spinning out of control….
Still, I sort of still did like it and if I had the next volume in front of me right now, I would read the darned thing. I don't know exactly why, because that part of the premise about the kids is just batshit crazy stupid… I guess because the artwork and the pacing seems better than average. It has that Lord of the Flies vs. The Kids Are All Right debate goin' for it, I suppose…. we'll see how it turns out…
And in this story, will this volcanic eruption happen, really, or is this part of their just-being-nuts belief system? We'e supposed to wait and see, I guess. But then: The kids of said survivalist nutcases, raised in the paranoid way they are supposed to be raised, decide to kill all their parents… why? Well, to have more survivalist food and supplies for themselves… HAD to DO it, folks, totally makes sense… And I'm not convinced, ever, or yet… so maybe that is the point, that they are all just crazy… but then this is a darker tale than I thought it was… just Tea Party spinning out of control….
Still, I sort of still did like it and if I had the next volume in front of me right now, I would read the darned thing. I don't know exactly why, because that part of the premise about the kids is just batshit crazy stupid… I guess because the artwork and the pacing seems better than average. It has that Lord of the Flies vs. The Kids Are All Right debate goin' for it, I suppose…. we'll see how it turns out…
January 19, 2014
One thing that immediately sets Sheltered apart from other post-apocalyptic stories is the fact that it’s actually a pre-apocalyptic story. It begins at a secluded camp of survivalists who have been busily preparing for the inevitable. What they didn't expect is how their preparations would affect their children. Lead by Lucas, who believes that the only chance the younger generation has for survival, is to take their parents' teachings to heart. Meanwhile, Hailey and Victoria, who were not part of the plan, end up doing a lot of nothing for most of the volume, while Lucas tries to maintain his fragile control.
While I really liked the idea behind Sheltered, I felt the motivations of the children were not strong enough to make it truly believable. The Lord of the Flies mentality is easy enough to comprehend, but not before the children bring their deadly plan to fruition. There is no clear reason for the children to follow through with Lucas' plan, no matter how much of a bully he might be or how convincing his end of the world scenario is.
While I really liked the idea behind Sheltered, I felt the motivations of the children were not strong enough to make it truly believable. The Lord of the Flies mentality is easy enough to comprehend, but not before the children bring their deadly plan to fruition. There is no clear reason for the children to follow through with Lucas' plan, no matter how much of a bully he might be or how convincing his end of the world scenario is.
May 27, 2018
Aaaah how much I love the kids.
I find all characters here kinda likeable. I bought this not really expecting anything and it surprised me pretty much. Artwork is a little crude but it kind of makes a great couple with a story.
Really recommend to others, also I'm buying vol.2 as soon as possible.
I find all characters here kinda likeable. I bought this not really expecting anything and it surprised me pretty much. Artwork is a little crude but it kind of makes a great couple with a story.
Really recommend to others, also I'm buying vol.2 as soon as possible.
October 1, 2018
Fucking intense. The children of a doomsday cult kill all their parents, thinking that their limited supplies won't last amongst everyone. The leader kid who started it is one insanely creepy guy. People are slowly learning he's not telling the truth but so far it's not going well for them. I am very interested to see where this goes.
October 2, 2018
Zombies not zombies
May 25, 2018
Kdesi v Americe se mala komunita potaji chysta na apokalypsu, kterou ma (udajne) prinest erupce supervulkanu. Vsechno jde tak nejak podle planu, dokud se vsechny deti nerozhodnou vzit osud do vlastnich rukou a zbavit se zbytecny priteze v podobe rodicu.
Sheltered sem objevil kdysi davno, kdyz bylo #1 zdarma digitalne a uz prvni sesit me hodne nalakal. Konecne sem se k tomu dostal a slape to pekne. Kresba je sice takova nemastna neslana, nasly by se i nejaky diry ve scenari, ale ma to atmosferu, ktera pekne graduje.
Sheltered sem objevil kdysi davno, kdyz bylo #1 zdarma digitalne a uz prvni sesit me hodne nalakal. Konecne sem se k tomu dostal a slape to pekne. Kresba je sice takova nemastna neslana, nasly by se i nejaky diry ve scenari, ale ma to atmosferu, ktera pekne graduje.
January 15, 2014
Review copy provided by NetGalley
Safe Haven. The place where you can go for any end-of-the-world scenario you can imagine. The men and women here have been ready for years for anything that might come. They've got bunkers, weapons, food and drink stocks, training, and everything else they'll need to last. The one thing they aren't prepared for? Their own children.
I'm not exactly sure what I was thinking that this comic would be about, but I was at least hoping for something that was creative and chilling. Maybe even something that made light of these types of places and that the children were going to stage a revolt and embarrass the hell out of everyone. Instead...it isn't. Don't get me wrong, it's definitely chilling and alarming at the callousness and horror that shows up here. But the story echoes closely to that of "Lord of the Flies" or "Children of the Corn," without the allegorical references, at least in this volume. While the writing is relatively solid, there's just nothing that makes it standout. It moves slowly, the premise is predictable to this point, and the only thing that is different is that the major plot point of the children killing their parents makes no sense whatsoever. I mean seriously, the listen to a loner kid? Maybe he's revealed to have magic powers, I don't know. But at this point, the story is overly predictable and it gives me no reason to look forward to future issues.
The artwork itself is different from what I'm used to seeing and all to often feels uneasy on the eyes, in a good way, if such a description makes sense. The characters and line work feel jagged and slightly distorted, which creates a different vibe when looking at the artwork. It makes me, as a reader, feel the tension and drama that the series is trying to create. In all honesty, I think the comic might have been better without words and letting the pictures speak by themselves. It would have created a much darker tone to the story line and given it an added layer of depth that I think it is missing.
Overall....ehhhh I just have trouble recommending the story. It isn't that it's bad, but there's nothing different in this volume to make it standout, even taking into account the artwork. Its just OK. Which isn't something that makes me want to tell people to read this book. Maybe I'll give it another look when the second volume comes out, but I've got to here something positive about it, other than it has good artwork.
Safe Haven. The place where you can go for any end-of-the-world scenario you can imagine. The men and women here have been ready for years for anything that might come. They've got bunkers, weapons, food and drink stocks, training, and everything else they'll need to last. The one thing they aren't prepared for? Their own children.
I'm not exactly sure what I was thinking that this comic would be about, but I was at least hoping for something that was creative and chilling. Maybe even something that made light of these types of places and that the children were going to stage a revolt and embarrass the hell out of everyone. Instead...it isn't. Don't get me wrong, it's definitely chilling and alarming at the callousness and horror that shows up here. But the story echoes closely to that of "Lord of the Flies" or "Children of the Corn," without the allegorical references, at least in this volume. While the writing is relatively solid, there's just nothing that makes it standout. It moves slowly, the premise is predictable to this point, and the only thing that is different is that the major plot point of the children killing their parents makes no sense whatsoever. I mean seriously, the listen to a loner kid? Maybe he's revealed to have magic powers, I don't know. But at this point, the story is overly predictable and it gives me no reason to look forward to future issues.
The artwork itself is different from what I'm used to seeing and all to often feels uneasy on the eyes, in a good way, if such a description makes sense. The characters and line work feel jagged and slightly distorted, which creates a different vibe when looking at the artwork. It makes me, as a reader, feel the tension and drama that the series is trying to create. In all honesty, I think the comic might have been better without words and letting the pictures speak by themselves. It would have created a much darker tone to the story line and given it an added layer of depth that I think it is missing.
Overall....ehhhh I just have trouble recommending the story. It isn't that it's bad, but there's nothing different in this volume to make it standout, even taking into account the artwork. Its just OK. Which isn't something that makes me want to tell people to read this book. Maybe I'll give it another look when the second volume comes out, but I've got to here something positive about it, other than it has good artwork.
September 1, 2015
Do you hate kids?
No?
Well, give this one a read and we'll talk again.
Apocalypse is near... The end is coming. A little town called Safe Haven (ha) is preparing for the apocalypse collecting resources and everything they need in bunkers while earthquakes all of the world keep happening every single day, thousands of them.
Everyone is already stressed out and everything is going according to plan(?) for the little town to get ready before the big bang.. that is.. until the children of the town take matters into their own hands.
I Just finished the first volume and I'm left wanting for more, so I already had the second volume and I'm currently writing this review as fast as I can so I can go back to continue the series. It's REALLY interesting. I'm always guessing what's going to happen, but rarely I get what I'm thinking in front of my eyes. It's such a unique story, very intense, and such an easy and fun read without frustrating you or having to remember lots of stuff that are happening, so that's great.
It has some shocking moments, and some sad moments.. some WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN NOW? moments and some DAMN THAT KID IS STUPID moments. You'll love it and most importantly hate a bunch of characters in it. I was kinda expecting to start cringing until the end of the world with what the kids choices would be or their voices inside, but Brisson is really doing a great work, there was no cringing or even a moment of getting me out of the story of what's happening, I'm really into the story and everything. Can't wait to see what happens next so that's all I'm going to say.
Brisson's writing is solid and Christmas' artwork is so nice, with awesome expressions on every single character and the situations they get into.
GO READ IT.
PS. And use condoms.
No?
Well, give this one a read and we'll talk again.
Apocalypse is near... The end is coming. A little town called Safe Haven (ha) is preparing for the apocalypse collecting resources and everything they need in bunkers while earthquakes all of the world keep happening every single day, thousands of them.
Everyone is already stressed out and everything is going according to plan(?) for the little town to get ready before the big bang.. that is.. until the children of the town take matters into their own hands.
I Just finished the first volume and I'm left wanting for more, so I already had the second volume and I'm currently writing this review as fast as I can so I can go back to continue the series. It's REALLY interesting. I'm always guessing what's going to happen, but rarely I get what I'm thinking in front of my eyes. It's such a unique story, very intense, and such an easy and fun read without frustrating you or having to remember lots of stuff that are happening, so that's great.
It has some shocking moments, and some sad moments.. some WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN NOW? moments and some DAMN THAT KID IS STUPID moments. You'll love it and most importantly hate a bunch of characters in it. I was kinda expecting to start cringing until the end of the world with what the kids choices would be or their voices inside, but Brisson is really doing a great work, there was no cringing or even a moment of getting me out of the story of what's happening, I'm really into the story and everything. Can't wait to see what happens next so that's all I'm going to say.
Brisson's writing is solid and Christmas' artwork is so nice, with awesome expressions on every single character and the situations they get into.
GO READ IT.
PS. And use condoms.
March 27, 2014
This volume collects Sheltered #1-5. The premise is a pre-apocalyptic time with what seems to be a group of preppers who are convinced things are about to get bad. They've been preparing for awhile, have a secluded location and lots of food in reserve. But before they can go completely off the grid, all the kids in the community turn on them. The teen leader has convinced his compatriots that to survive the pending disaster they had to get rid of their parents. And of course, he doesn’t tell the truth about everything as he struggles to keep control. This definitely has a bit of a Lord of the Flies feel to it, in the best way. The story is intriguing enough to keep reading; I want to find out how badly things will go, how long until the leader is taken down or outed. The art is stark and appropriate to the ambiance of the plot. The volume includes a bit of extra information at the end - a sketchbook, a script to final layout segment. Overall, Sheltered seems to be a good book for anyone wanting a tale of the potential apocalypse in a real-world setting.
February 12, 2014
The premise of this series is pretty interesting. The children of libertarian survivalist whack-jobs turn out to be even bigger whack-jobs (whoddathunkit). Unfortunately, the characters are rather flat. The most developed is Lucas, resident tween dictator, who apparently believes everything he reads on the internet but has yet to take that anthropology class where they explain to you that small-scale societies thrive best as commune-based, non-centralized tribal units. His nemesis/our heroine is spunky outsider Victoria, who has the potential to be a great character if she continues to be developed as the series moves on.
Of course, this has been done before. Setting the story in a survivalist compound, however, feels like a new take on an old lesson. I want to see what the kids end up doing, and whether or not Lucas' end-of-the-world prediction comes to pass.
I'm going to stick with this series and see where it goes. Hopefully the other characters will be fleshed out more in subsequent volumes. Too much Lucas could get old quick. I vote for more Victoria and Mitch.
Of course, this has been done before. Setting the story in a survivalist compound, however, feels like a new take on an old lesson. I want to see what the kids end up doing, and whether or not Lucas' end-of-the-world prediction comes to pass.
I'm going to stick with this series and see where it goes. Hopefully the other characters will be fleshed out more in subsequent volumes. Too much Lucas could get old quick. I vote for more Victoria and Mitch.
January 25, 2014
As usual I received this book for free. This time it was via NetGalley. Despite that kindness my candid thoughts follow below.
On the positive side, the comic has a unique premise that basically boils down to a combination of Doomsday Preppers, The Walking Dead and Lord of the Flies. Despite being a hybrid, this is one I would have never anticipated so it earns great points for originality. Graphically speaking, the artwork is gritty and realistic and more than any comic I've ever seen, it has a great sense of action and motion.
To the negative, the story is unique but at points somewhat improbable unless the characters are simply psychotic. Which, as the story unfolds, does seem to be increasingly possible.
In summary, a gritty adults-only story of rural America that's worth a download. Reading time is under a half an hour but it'll be a very attention-grabbing 30 minutes.
On the positive side, the comic has a unique premise that basically boils down to a combination of Doomsday Preppers, The Walking Dead and Lord of the Flies. Despite being a hybrid, this is one I would have never anticipated so it earns great points for originality. Graphically speaking, the artwork is gritty and realistic and more than any comic I've ever seen, it has a great sense of action and motion.
To the negative, the story is unique but at points somewhat improbable unless the characters are simply psychotic. Which, as the story unfolds, does seem to be increasingly possible.
In summary, a gritty adults-only story of rural America that's worth a download. Reading time is under a half an hour but it'll be a very attention-grabbing 30 minutes.
February 1, 2014
Safe Haven residents are preparing for doomsday. They are convinced it is fast approaching. Lucas, a charismatic teen, convinces most of the other teens there won't be enough supplies for all residents to survive three years so steps must be taken. Violent steps.
While highly reminiscent of "Lord of the Flies", this graphic novel/comic adds its own flair through Lucas' specific obsession, the addition of a handful of females, but particularly through the way the madness seems to creep and be more specific to individuals.
The specificity and development, especially visually, of the characters was rather intriguing.
Overall, an interesting read.
While highly reminiscent of "Lord of the Flies", this graphic novel/comic adds its own flair through Lucas' specific obsession, the addition of a handful of females, but particularly through the way the madness seems to creep and be more specific to individuals.
The specificity and development, especially visually, of the characters was rather intriguing.
Overall, an interesting read.
April 16, 2016
Kids, huh? Echoes of Lord of the Flies, but in a good way. Left me wanting more, though wondering maybe how much more there is actually left in the story. An extra point for taking post-apocalyptic tales a step backwards - pre-apocalyptic? Worth examining too, and highlights that before or after the collapse of society, people are still (often, depressingly) people. Some really well illustrated characters that ring true, one or two that came off a little hollow - every story needs archetypes, but it doesn't hurt to flesh them out a little. Maybe in the next collection?
December 1, 2013
I fucking LOVE this.
January 12, 2014
Excellent " end of the world" story
with a twist. Their kids take over and hell breaks loose.
with a twist. Their kids take over and hell breaks loose.
August 1, 2015
Lord of the Flies all over again but way more jacked up! Very enjoyable, wondering where the author will go next.
May 10, 2021
Cool concept, but there's something about this volume that just doesn't catch my full interest. This takes place in the middle of nowhere, where a group of people have set up camp. Over several years they've created underground bunkers, horded food and tried to keep as off the grid as possible, for hypothetical apocalypse type of situations that will surely occur sooner rather than later.
Little do they know that it's their own kids - led by resident psycho Lucas - that will be their ultimate downfall. The first issue introduces the camp, and also sets in motion the assassination of all the adults, so the rest of the volume is a bit anti climactic. A couple of kids are not so sure it's the right thing, some want to be able to do whatever they want, and Lucas himself over sees everything in a very controlling manner.
There are bits and pieces that are interesting to read, but I feel that no time is given to any character, so why would I care what happens to them? Weeks pass and not much happens, the ending does set up a bit of a cliffhanger but ultimately I don't think I'm willing to spend money on finding out what happens next. This whole series is only three volumes long so I'm already 1 third the way through the whole story, and I'm not sure what to make of it.
Little do they know that it's their own kids - led by resident psycho Lucas - that will be their ultimate downfall. The first issue introduces the camp, and also sets in motion the assassination of all the adults, so the rest of the volume is a bit anti climactic. A couple of kids are not so sure it's the right thing, some want to be able to do whatever they want, and Lucas himself over sees everything in a very controlling manner.
There are bits and pieces that are interesting to read, but I feel that no time is given to any character, so why would I care what happens to them? Weeks pass and not much happens, the ending does set up a bit of a cliffhanger but ultimately I don't think I'm willing to spend money on finding out what happens next. This whole series is only three volumes long so I'm already 1 third the way through the whole story, and I'm not sure what to make of it.
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