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Harrow County #1-2
Harrow County: Volume 1
The first chapter of the highly acclaimed, Eisner nominated horror fantasy tale in deluxe, oversized hardcover format.
Collects the first two volumes of Harrow County in a deluxe, hardcover, and oversized format with a new cover, sketchbook material, essays, "Tales from Harrow County" bonus stories by guest creators, and more!
Emmy always knew that the woods surrounding her home crawled with ghosts and monsters. But on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, she learns that she is connected to these creatures--and to the land itself--in a way she never imagined.
Collects the first two volumes of Harrow County in a deluxe, hardcover, and oversized format with a new cover, sketchbook material, essays, "Tales from Harrow County" bonus stories by guest creators, and more!
Emmy always knew that the woods surrounding her home crawled with ghosts and monsters. But on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, she learns that she is connected to these creatures--and to the land itself--in a way she never imagined.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published November 27, 2018
14 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Cullen Bunn
2,096 books1,054 followersCullen grew up in rural North Carolina, but now lives in the St. Louis area with his wife Cindy and his son Jackson. His noir/horror comic (and first collaboration with Brian Hurtt), The Damned, was published in 2007 by Oni Press. The follow-up, The Damned: Prodigal Sons, was released in 2008. In addition to The Sixth Gun, his current projects include Crooked Hills, a middle reader horror prose series from Evileye Books; The Tooth, an original graphic novel from Oni Press; and various work for Marvel and DC. Somewhere along the way, Cullen founded Undaunted Press and edited the critically acclaimed small press horror magazine, Whispers from the Shattered Forum.
All writers must pay their dues, and Cullen has worked various odd jobs, including Alien Autopsy Specialist, Rodeo Clown, Professional Wrestler Manager, and Sasquatch Wrangler.
And, yes, he has fought for his life against mountain lions and he did perform on stage as the World's Youngest Hypnotist. Buy him a drink sometime, and he'll tell you all about it.
Visit his website at www.cullenbunn.com.
All writers must pay their dues, and Cullen has worked various odd jobs, including Alien Autopsy Specialist, Rodeo Clown, Professional Wrestler Manager, and Sasquatch Wrangler.
And, yes, he has fought for his life against mountain lions and he did perform on stage as the World's Youngest Hypnotist. Buy him a drink sometime, and he'll tell you all about it.
Visit his website at www.cullenbunn.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 24, 2020
As I await the eighth and final volume of the Harrow County series, I saw this on my library's new graphic novels shelf and took it home for Halloween to scare the children--or to keep the haints in the house at bay. This is an oversized and sumptuous omnibus collection of the first two volumes of a southern gothic fairy tale about what Harrow County assumes is a reborn witch they once hanged. I won't review this here since I reviewed each volume, but I'll say a couple things here.
Emmy clearly has psychic powers, as she reveals to her father when a dying calf is healed. And there are many haints, ghosts, various monsters, threatening human life in the county. IS Emmy the reborn Hester Beck? Emmy seems to have the power to talk to monsters and intercede on behalf of the town. Emmy's idea is not to eradicate all the haints, but to find a way to accept and live with them, if possible. The tolerant,peace-loving (or "snowflake"?!) approach to monsters! Emmy has a friend, Berenice, whose Grandmother also has psychic powers, and Emmy needs to figure out just what to do with the powers she's got.
And who is Kammi, who looks like Emmy, who suddenly arrives on the scene and claims to be Emmy's sister, whose story gets developed in volume two?
I think it is Mike Mignola who observes in his cover blurb that the series manages to be both charming and disturbing. The series evolved out of Bunn's growing up in the south with various ghosts, haints, and mysterious psychic disturbances. Just part of growing up in the south, he says. But the story flowers and blooms with the highlight of the series you really get to appreciate in the oversized edition: Tyler Crooks's artwork. This is a witch story, but it is a step above the rest because of the quality of the illustration. Worth seeing especially in this edition. Also welcome are a series of essays by Crooks and Bunn about growing up with ghosts, Bunn's obsession with trees, and so on.
Emmy clearly has psychic powers, as she reveals to her father when a dying calf is healed. And there are many haints, ghosts, various monsters, threatening human life in the county. IS Emmy the reborn Hester Beck? Emmy seems to have the power to talk to monsters and intercede on behalf of the town. Emmy's idea is not to eradicate all the haints, but to find a way to accept and live with them, if possible. The tolerant,peace-loving (or "snowflake"?!) approach to monsters! Emmy has a friend, Berenice, whose Grandmother also has psychic powers, and Emmy needs to figure out just what to do with the powers she's got.
And who is Kammi, who looks like Emmy, who suddenly arrives on the scene and claims to be Emmy's sister, whose story gets developed in volume two?
I think it is Mike Mignola who observes in his cover blurb that the series manages to be both charming and disturbing. The series evolved out of Bunn's growing up in the south with various ghosts, haints, and mysterious psychic disturbances. Just part of growing up in the south, he says. But the story flowers and blooms with the highlight of the series you really get to appreciate in the oversized edition: Tyler Crooks's artwork. This is a witch story, but it is a step above the rest because of the quality of the illustration. Worth seeing especially in this edition. Also welcome are a series of essays by Crooks and Bunn about growing up with ghosts, Bunn's obsession with trees, and so on.
December 24, 2018
Years ago, the town hung and burned an evil witch. Now as she approaches her eighteenth birthday, the town believes Emmy is the witch reincarnated. Emmy clearly has powers, that much is clear, but is she destined to be evil or can she make her own fate.
This is my second time through the series. It's some of Cullen Bunn's best work. This oversized format brings Tyler Crook's rustic art front and center. His watercolors fit the mood of the story. His use of browns sometimes make me wonder if he's painting from a puddle.
This edition is packed with extras, at least a good 80 pages worth. There's an extensive behind the scenes section with art and commentary. It's surprising how clean Crook's art is before he applies his watercolors. Also included are a series of Tales from Harrow County one page strips and a series of essays about events and stories from his childhood that influenced the story.
I really enjoyed this. Is it too late to ask for this for Christmas?
Received a review copy from Dark Horse and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
This is my second time through the series. It's some of Cullen Bunn's best work. This oversized format brings Tyler Crook's rustic art front and center. His watercolors fit the mood of the story. His use of browns sometimes make me wonder if he's painting from a puddle.
This edition is packed with extras, at least a good 80 pages worth. There's an extensive behind the scenes section with art and commentary. It's surprising how clean Crook's art is before he applies his watercolors. Also included are a series of Tales from Harrow County one page strips and a series of essays about events and stories from his childhood that influenced the story.
I really enjoyed this. Is it too late to ask for this for Christmas?
Received a review copy from Dark Horse and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
April 1, 2020
It's the last century, it's the rural South, and the people of Harrow County are burning a witch, Hester Beck, who even as she disintegrates, promises to come back, and mess them up! And this is just the first few pages of #1.
This is, the almost 18 yrs old, Emmy Crawford's story of how Beck's legacy not only impacted on her, but on her friends, family and Harrow County as a whole. A County full of 'Haints', mostly monstrous or demonic spirits or beings that were given life during Beck's time.
Not a haunted house tale, but haunted county, or should that be Hainted? Although with an OK concept and a few innovative ideas, for me, the book fails to be really scary, intense or that interesting, there's still hope, as this series has a lot of potential to becoem more. The non-conventional art, although charming doesn't sit right for a horror book? 6.5 out of 12... Undecided.
This is, the almost 18 yrs old, Emmy Crawford's story of how Beck's legacy not only impacted on her, but on her friends, family and Harrow County as a whole. A County full of 'Haints', mostly monstrous or demonic spirits or beings that were given life during Beck's time.
Not a haunted house tale, but haunted county, or should that be Hainted? Although with an OK concept and a few innovative ideas, for me, the book fails to be really scary, intense or that interesting, there's still hope, as this series has a lot of potential to becoem more. The non-conventional art, although charming doesn't sit right for a horror book? 6.5 out of 12... Undecided.
October 21, 2025
This was absolutely amazing to read. I really liked Emmy and the world that Bunn and the other contributors created. It’s just awesome. The haints were really fun and cool (especially the one called Abandoned), and Emmy’s sister (introduced in the 5 issue) was a great foil. The back matter was really good, there were some letters from the team behind Harrow County as well as a sketch book and some one-page one shot stories. Would definitely recommend!
March 12, 2020
Just excellent all round, I thoroughly enjoyed.
October 7, 2020
There is nothing wrong with Harrow County, we have cute looking characters with spooky origins and an at first mysterious story which turns into a weird mesh of brutal and hopeful. We have conflict, with a twist character showing up altho out of nowhere including an awfully obvious plan. I really liked some of the character concepts which sadly ends up not being used to its full potential, probably because the focus was on the world building.
So nothing seems wrong but everything seems like a dad joke, it has creepy moments but nearly every time it feels off, think of a scary prank that doesn't work, just on kids maybe.
And that's fine, it's just not for me.. I would give it a 3 star rating if it weren't for all that hype. The best thing for me is the great art / coloring combo that really is masterfully done. My expectations were somewhat high because of said hype but if you really are into horror, I mean really scary stuff then this is not for you.
It's for the folks that think harry potter is scary (not hating on anyone here).
2.5 out of 3 stars
So nothing seems wrong but everything seems like a dad joke, it has creepy moments but nearly every time it feels off, think of a scary prank that doesn't work, just on kids maybe.
And that's fine, it's just not for me.. I would give it a 3 star rating if it weren't for all that hype. The best thing for me is the great art / coloring combo that really is masterfully done. My expectations were somewhat high because of said hype but if you really are into horror, I mean really scary stuff then this is not for you.
It's for the folks that think harry potter is scary (not hating on anyone here).
2.5 out of 3 stars
September 3, 2019
★★★★1/2
At first, I wasn't sure if I would like this as I've had bad luck with horror in graphic novels. And the art didn't seem like a good fit for a horror story. But I was so very wrong.
This first deluxe installment of Harrow County is a gorgeous and passionately rendered story about a haunted town, the witch that cursed it, and a young girl named Emmy, who realizes that she has a deep connection to the supernatural happenings there. The textured watercolor-style art and it's memorable imagery is actually the best thing about this book and now I admit is a great fit for the creepy country folklore. It definitely doesn't come off as cartoony as I expected it would. There's some spooky stuff in here too, like the fact that Emmy carries around the skin of a dead boy that whispers to her in the night.
I'm convinced that these Library Editions from Dark Horse Comics are THE best constructed deluxe released from any comic book company and this volume is prime proof of that. It has thick pages, a great spine, wonderful color reproduction, and comprehensive special extras. It's definitely a must have for collectors.
At first, I wasn't sure if I would like this as I've had bad luck with horror in graphic novels. And the art didn't seem like a good fit for a horror story. But I was so very wrong.
This first deluxe installment of Harrow County is a gorgeous and passionately rendered story about a haunted town, the witch that cursed it, and a young girl named Emmy, who realizes that she has a deep connection to the supernatural happenings there. The textured watercolor-style art and it's memorable imagery is actually the best thing about this book and now I admit is a great fit for the creepy country folklore. It definitely doesn't come off as cartoony as I expected it would. There's some spooky stuff in here too, like the fact that Emmy carries around the skin of a dead boy that whispers to her in the night.
I'm convinced that these Library Editions from Dark Horse Comics are THE best constructed deluxe released from any comic book company and this volume is prime proof of that. It has thick pages, a great spine, wonderful color reproduction, and comprehensive special extras. It's definitely a must have for collectors.
December 1, 2018
It's too bad my library already bought the individual volumes of Harrow County. This would have been an awesome addition to our graphic novel collection! I'm personally glad I waited to read the story in this format; the additional material really enhanced the experience.
Bottom line: read Harrow County no matter what and this edition especially if you're a sucker for behind-the-scenes featurettes (like me!).
I received a digital ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss+.
Bottom line: read Harrow County no matter what and this edition especially if you're a sucker for behind-the-scenes featurettes (like me!).
I received a digital ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss+.
October 20, 2020
This is a wonderful Halloween read. Folk horror has become more and more appealing to me with age. I think this is due in large part to living in such a rural setting. Horror with an urban setting doesn’t scare me as it feels like it could never apply to me. But give me a horror story set on a farm, or in the woods, and I might be spooked the next time I go walking down the road alone. Emmy’s story delivers both of those settings. I found her story interesting, especially as her origin story was revealed. But the setting is what sold me. The idea of haints lurking in the woods is just so…familiar, I suppose. That mythos would fit right in where I live. While the art isn’t my favorite stylistically, it served the story very well. Harrow County is a series that I’ll continue.
November 10, 2019
★★★★1/2
Для мене це ідеальний приклад осіннього горрору. Історія доволі проста: у сільській глибинці колись повісили відьму за її погані вчинки. Але вона пообіцяла, що повернеться і помститься. Через декілька років ми знайомимось із маленькою дівчинкою Еммі, підлітком, яка наче й не схожа на відьму, але деякі супутні події натякають на лихо. Така готична складова мало чим когось здивує, але ми прекрасно знаємо, що справді важливі й цікаві речі не завжди інноваційні, а часто майстерно зроблені або перероблені. Каленн Банн відомий тим, що пише багато. Дуже багато. І часто шлаку. Проте серед усього непотребу можна віднайти справжні скарби - як-от "Земство Герроу" (чомусь мені хочеться вжити саме такий переклад).
Цей комікс бере й пробирає атмосферою. Його читати справді лячно, моторошно, але тут нема перегинів за деякими моментами. Скажімо, ідея skinned boy або хлопчика без шкіри - це взагалі просто вихід поза межі жанру. Еммі носить його шкіру, яка щось подекуди булькоче, у своїй сумці як талісман. Водночас справжній власник цієї шкіри пересувається в тіні, захищаючи Еммі від небезпеки. Банн занурює нас у світ темної американської готики, в яку також запихнув створіння та істоти зі світової міфології. Зрозуміло, що темна сила в Еммі актуалізує усі ці монстриська, але й водночас ця ж сила контролює та приборкує їх. Мені дуже сподобався цей аспект роботи Банна, своєрідне зміщення акцентів від статичного "добра" та "зла". Межа між ними умовна, говорить нам історія.
Атмосфера таємниць, прокляття і якоїсь дивної осінньої романтики ніколи б не вийшла без малюнку Тайлера Крука. Багато кому не заходить його манера, але мені взагалі нема за що причепитись. Крук працює у змішаній техніці, міксуючи туш, акварель і частково цифрові технології. Його товсті чорні лінії поєднуються із розмитими акварельними тінями, сонячними плямами й усіма відтінками осені (так, це абсолютно ідеальне чтиво для пізньої осені). Відчувається, як добре художник розуміє намір сценариста, тому й відчуття органічності та природності не покидає від початку до кінця. А ще подивіться як Крук малює монстрів. Для любителів такої екзотики це просто знахідка!
Що тут підсумовувати? Це чудовий приклад поєднання майстерності сценариста та художника, реалізації чіткого задуму та, зрештою, любові до своїх читачів. Кожна сторінка зроблена із великою шаною до читачів і загалом жанру. Радію, що читав комікс у бібліотечному виданні, що допомогло ще більше зануритись у містичний світ "Земства Герроу".
Для мене це ідеальний приклад осіннього горрору. Історія доволі проста: у сільській глибинці колись повісили відьму за її погані вчинки. Але вона пообіцяла, що повернеться і помститься. Через декілька років ми знайомимось із маленькою дівчинкою Еммі, підлітком, яка наче й не схожа на відьму, але деякі супутні події натякають на лихо. Така готична складова мало чим когось здивує, але ми прекрасно знаємо, що справді важливі й цікаві речі не завжди інноваційні, а часто майстерно зроблені або перероблені. Каленн Банн відомий тим, що пише багато. Дуже багато. І часто шлаку. Проте серед усього непотребу можна віднайти справжні скарби - як-от "Земство Герроу" (чомусь мені хочеться вжити саме такий переклад).
Цей комікс бере й пробирає атмосферою. Його читати справді лячно, моторошно, але тут нема перегинів за деякими моментами. Скажімо, ідея skinned boy або хлопчика без шкіри - це взагалі просто вихід поза межі жанру. Еммі носить його шкіру, яка щось подекуди булькоче, у своїй сумці як талісман. Водночас справжній власник цієї шкіри пересувається в тіні, захищаючи Еммі від небезпеки. Банн занурює нас у світ темної американської готики, в яку також запихнув створіння та істоти зі світової міфології. Зрозуміло, що темна сила в Еммі актуалізує усі ці монстриська, але й водночас ця ж сила контролює та приборкує їх. Мені дуже сподобався цей аспект роботи Банна, своєрідне зміщення акцентів від статичного "добра" та "зла". Межа між ними умовна, говорить нам історія.
Атмосфера таємниць, прокляття і якоїсь дивної осінньої романтики ніколи б не вийшла без малюнку Тайлера Крука. Багато кому не заходить його манера, але мені взагалі нема за що причепитись. Крук працює у змішаній техніці, міксуючи туш, акварель і частково цифрові технології. Його товсті чорні лінії поєднуються із розмитими акварельними тінями, сонячними плямами й усіма відтінками осені (так, це абсолютно ідеальне чтиво для пізньої осені). Відчувається, як добре художник розуміє намір сценариста, тому й відчуття органічності та природності не покидає від початку до кінця. А ще подивіться як Крук малює монстрів. Для любителів такої екзотики це просто знахідка!
Що тут підсумовувати? Це чудовий приклад поєднання майстерності сценариста та художника, реалізації чіткого задуму та, зрештою, любові до своїх читачів. Кожна сторінка зроблена із великою шаною до читачів і загалом жанру. Радію, що читав комікс у бібліотечному виданні, що допомогло ще більше зануритись у містичний світ "Земства Герроу".
April 25, 2020
(4,4 of 5 for this horror-ish beauty)
Harrow County is beautiful comics. I stumbled over the first book and as soon as I saw first Library edition, I dropped the first hardcover (Czech edition, otherwise great job) and started patiently collecting Library editions. They are lovely books. Big, good quality, it's how the Harrow County supposed to be read (and owned in the library), I believe. Bunn is a great author and as the short "stories from life" in the bonus part of the book shows he has a pretty strong inspiration for an occult thing as Harrow County. But the main show here is Tyler Crook. I love the work of mister Tyler Crook. It's magnificent. The inks are perfect but watercolour colouring is the ace. It's unforgiving hard work. And it's worth it because the results are splendid. This is an exceptional comics book and I can't recommend it enough. If you're into gloomy occult things, southern countrysides and beautiful watercolour art this is something you need to try. I enjoyed it very much, hell, I even enjoyed the personal spooky tales from authors (and missus Crook) and pages of plain text are usually the last thing I would like in comics book.
Goddamit Buttler, bring me the next one! Double time!
Harrow County is beautiful comics. I stumbled over the first book and as soon as I saw first Library edition, I dropped the first hardcover (Czech edition, otherwise great job) and started patiently collecting Library editions. They are lovely books. Big, good quality, it's how the Harrow County supposed to be read (and owned in the library), I believe. Bunn is a great author and as the short "stories from life" in the bonus part of the book shows he has a pretty strong inspiration for an occult thing as Harrow County. But the main show here is Tyler Crook. I love the work of mister Tyler Crook. It's magnificent. The inks are perfect but watercolour colouring is the ace. It's unforgiving hard work. And it's worth it because the results are splendid. This is an exceptional comics book and I can't recommend it enough. If you're into gloomy occult things, southern countrysides and beautiful watercolour art this is something you need to try. I enjoyed it very much, hell, I even enjoyed the personal spooky tales from authors (and missus Crook) and pages of plain text are usually the last thing I would like in comics book.
Goddamit Buttler, bring me the next one! Double time!
October 26, 2021
Wow! The story was so creepy and so wonderful. The art work was just fabulous! I loved the watercolors. Well, in perspective - it is about ghouls and ghosts and things that go bump in the night. But it was vivid, beautifully done and added so much to the feel of the story. Even the bloody parts!
December 8, 2019
Це найліпше втілення духу класичного горору із усіх, що я за останній час бачив. Так, це не надто добре у якості саме гібридного мистецтва, бо замість графічної подачі більше використовує літературну: закодровий голос та міжпанельний текст. Але ж поєднання акварельок, які без прямого копіювання відсилають до ретро-горорів своєю кольоровою гамою, та чистої міськолегендної кріпоти, взятої за основу сюжету, є просто ідеальним для втілення атмосфери. Ну, і та міжпанельна літературність із накалюванням пристрастей та штучним загущуванням навколишнього мороку на кшталт оповідок коло ватри + самі ті стилізовані оповідки у форматі міні-історій в кінці кожного випуска додають серії ваги.
Якщо прохолодні про Сабріну вам здаються не надто ж зимними та надмірно підлітковими, то візьміться за "Земство Гарроу". Відьми тут розкриті зі значно потойбічнішої та ірраціональнішої, бо не оккультної, сторони. Замість поклоніння Сатані та угод із Вищим Злом, тут є страх творіння та Зла Абсолютного, значно ближче до друїдського єжнання із природою, в якій уся нечисть і сама страждає від свого становиза та не є суто ворожою.
Шкода, але схоже, що українською "Земство Гарроу" виходитиме не у форматі бібліотечного видання, що прискорило б збір усіх арок.
Якщо прохолодні про Сабріну вам здаються не надто ж зимними та надмірно підлітковими, то візьміться за "Земство Гарроу". Відьми тут розкриті зі значно потойбічнішої та ірраціональнішої, бо не оккультної, сторони. Замість поклоніння Сатані та угод із Вищим Злом, тут є страх творіння та Зла Абсолютного, значно ближче до друїдського єжнання із природою, в якій уся нечисть і сама страждає від свого становиза та не є суто ворожою.
Шкода, але схоже, що українською "Земство Гарроу" виходитиме не у форматі бібліотечного видання, що прискорило б збір усіх арок.
June 22, 2024
4.5 Stars
Wow this is good. This southern gothic comic is very different than most comics on the shelf. If you're familiar with the author Tom Piccirilli, this reminds me of his writing. The art is different than most comic art as well, but it fits the story well. As many others have said, it's strange how this series manages to be both whimsical and disturbing at the same time.
The story is a little complex, but it involves witches, monsters, ghosts and more in a southern gothic setting.
One of the better horror comics I've read (and I've read a LOT.)
Wow this is good. This southern gothic comic is very different than most comics on the shelf. If you're familiar with the author Tom Piccirilli, this reminds me of his writing. The art is different than most comic art as well, but it fits the story well. As many others have said, it's strange how this series manages to be both whimsical and disturbing at the same time.
The story is a little complex, but it involves witches, monsters, ghosts and more in a southern gothic setting.
One of the better horror comics I've read (and I've read a LOT.)
October 1, 2019
Welcome to Harrow County...
Emmy always knew that the woods surrounding her home crawled with ghosts and monsters. But the eve of her eighteenth birthday, she learns that she is connected to these creatures, and to the land itself in a way she never imagined.
This is a beautifull book, the Dark Horse Library editions are a joy(and not to expensive) the oversized art is great, and with watercolored colors a really original style that sucks you right in. The story set in the rural south, a mix of horror, folklore and fantasy with a great dash of scaryness is really good. Also some cool extras, a few chapters in book form(he wanted to make this a book first) and some cool sketches and essays, make this a worthy editions to any horror fan out there.
A big 🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars.
Emmy always knew that the woods surrounding her home crawled with ghosts and monsters. But the eve of her eighteenth birthday, she learns that she is connected to these creatures, and to the land itself in a way she never imagined.
This is a beautifull book, the Dark Horse Library editions are a joy(and not to expensive) the oversized art is great, and with watercolored colors a really original style that sucks you right in. The story set in the rural south, a mix of horror, folklore and fantasy with a great dash of scaryness is really good. Also some cool extras, a few chapters in book form(he wanted to make this a book first) and some cool sketches and essays, make this a worthy editions to any horror fan out there.
A big 🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars.
January 3, 2019
Review for Monster Librarian forthcoming.
September 28, 2019
Great illustrations and so very creepy.
June 10, 2021
For some reason everyone’s just crazy about this book. Our library system uncharacteristically got most of them, deluxe editions, no less. And sure, the initial appeal was definitely there…a gothic tale of creepy small towns and witches with such striking art.
Then I read the entire thing and it was quite long. The deluxe edition means that about fifth of the book is taken up by supplemental materials. Normally I enjoy those very much, the initial sketches, the inspiration behind the story, but this was…possibly excessive, featuring numerous essays from the creators about their own spooky experiences plus 10 (short at least) chapters of an unpublished novelization. Or maybe not too much, probably not for fans, but might be too much for a casual reader.
That’s me, the casual reader. Someone who appreciated certain aspects of the book, especially the really gorgeous watercolor art and was left mostly indifferent by the story. Surprisingly so, normally I love a good scary story, but this didn’t really sing for me somehow. Was it too familiar? Was it too drawn out? Was the character too young? Something along those lines, especially the latter. Just made me think of this as Emmy the Teenage Witch. And mind you that show got rebooted pretty boombastically by Netflix, but it’s still very much a teeny bopper fare.
Don’t get discouraged by my review though. It’s just one opinion and one that’s very much at odds with all the praise these books have gathered from acclaimed sources…such as Michael Chabon’s raving about a comic edited by his baby brother.
Basically it’s an interesting enough, atmospheric conglomeration of various genre clichés with really awesome art. Kind of horrific, not exactly harrowing. Guess as a genre fan I was somewhat disappointed. Not sure if I’ll continue with the series, but who knows.
Then I read the entire thing and it was quite long. The deluxe edition means that about fifth of the book is taken up by supplemental materials. Normally I enjoy those very much, the initial sketches, the inspiration behind the story, but this was…possibly excessive, featuring numerous essays from the creators about their own spooky experiences plus 10 (short at least) chapters of an unpublished novelization. Or maybe not too much, probably not for fans, but might be too much for a casual reader.
That’s me, the casual reader. Someone who appreciated certain aspects of the book, especially the really gorgeous watercolor art and was left mostly indifferent by the story. Surprisingly so, normally I love a good scary story, but this didn’t really sing for me somehow. Was it too familiar? Was it too drawn out? Was the character too young? Something along those lines, especially the latter. Just made me think of this as Emmy the Teenage Witch. And mind you that show got rebooted pretty boombastically by Netflix, but it’s still very much a teeny bopper fare.
Don’t get discouraged by my review though. It’s just one opinion and one that’s very much at odds with all the praise these books have gathered from acclaimed sources…such as Michael Chabon’s raving about a comic edited by his baby brother.
Basically it’s an interesting enough, atmospheric conglomeration of various genre clichés with really awesome art. Kind of horrific, not exactly harrowing. Guess as a genre fan I was somewhat disappointed. Not sure if I’ll continue with the series, but who knows.
September 17, 2019
Celkem příjemná záležitost. Fajn kresba, nálada i monstra a spousta super momentů. Scénář mě dohromady ale moc nebavil a celkem mě rušil ten pastelovo/akvarelovej coloring. Barevný schéma sedne ale chvílema to bylo hodně rozpatlaný, což je skoro nevyhnutelný, když se akvarel musí podřizovat lince a kombinuje se s jinejma technikama.
Vlastně bych vůbec nepotřeboval druhou část hlavní story. Stačila by mi první abych chápal o co jde a pak už jen samostatný, krátký povídky. Tales of Harrow County, jednostránkový rychlovky, mě vlastně bavily asi uplně nejvíc.
Kolem a kolem je to ale atmosférická, trošku grimmovská pohádka, ke který se asi budu stabilně jednou ročně vracet před tím halloweenem. Jsem zvědav na pokračování.
Vlastně bych vůbec nepotřeboval druhou část hlavní story. Stačila by mi první abych chápal o co jde a pak už jen samostatný, krátký povídky. Tales of Harrow County, jednostránkový rychlovky, mě vlastně bavily asi uplně nejvíc.
Kolem a kolem je to ale atmosférická, trošku grimmovská pohádka, ke který se asi budu stabilně jednou ročně vracet před tím halloweenem. Jsem zvědav na pokračování.
January 12, 2019
One of my favourite comic books. I've read it as single issues, trades and now in a gorgeously produced Library Edition. Cullen Bunn spins a horrific yarn like he's telling the tale around an old campfire while Tyler Crook manages to produce page after page of gorgeous art. If you love horror this will really get under your skin.
June 22, 2019
Super fun to read! Love the art style, the watercolors were amazing and it's nice to see a horror comic done in that muddier - less defined - style. Also all the haint designs are neat! I would also like one of those cat creatures that was in the attic to be my friend please. And I'd like to thank this book for introducing me to the word 'haint'.
April 9, 2019
I adored this book.
I loved it so much I immediately bought the second volume.
I loved it so much I immediately bought the second volume.
May 15, 2019
This started off creepy and different, but when the evil twin showed up I almost bailed. It ended with promise, so I'm hoping the next book is good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2020
Rating this series as a whole..
Finally got the 4th and final book of this wonderful series and finished it in about an hour.
This is perfect fall reading, or anytime reading, really. It’s about witches and haints and other things that lurk in the darkness. It features a female protagonist, and antagonist actually, and finishes up so nicely that I can see myself re-reading this come Halloween once a year.
The library format is recommended to pull everything out of the amazing hand-painted artwork, and it lends the story an ethereal feel it might otherwise have lacked.
This feels like a timeless story in the tradition of all the best folk horror tales, and I highly recommend it.
Finally got the 4th and final book of this wonderful series and finished it in about an hour.
This is perfect fall reading, or anytime reading, really. It’s about witches and haints and other things that lurk in the darkness. It features a female protagonist, and antagonist actually, and finishes up so nicely that I can see myself re-reading this come Halloween once a year.
The library format is recommended to pull everything out of the amazing hand-painted artwork, and it lends the story an ethereal feel it might otherwise have lacked.
This feels like a timeless story in the tradition of all the best folk horror tales, and I highly recommend it.
October 23, 2020
This is a horror story but it's also a coming-of-age story and I couldn't think of a better artwork to fit this kind of tale. So many panels that could have been stand-alone works of art, it's incredible! Plus, the library edition makes the whole experience even more "ritualistic".
November 7, 2020
Two words: wasted potential.
December 30, 2018
The best graphic novel I’ve read all year. Hands down.
Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook do a great job creating an atmosphere that is creepy yet endearing. The vibe of this series definitely has a Mignola or Del Toro feel yet creates something unique and new. Needless to say, I’m hooked.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for something fresh, creepy, and genuine. READ IT!
Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook do a great job creating an atmosphere that is creepy yet endearing. The vibe of this series definitely has a Mignola or Del Toro feel yet creates something unique and new. Needless to say, I’m hooked.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for something fresh, creepy, and genuine. READ IT!
January 22, 2020
Creepy and charming... I adore this !
May 30, 2019
The decision to use watercolours to colour the artwork was a brilliant one and really made everything more…lifelike.
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