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Recommend this book:
Dark Cloud
Sandra Wolff
2024 Finalist
110 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Matt Lebois for Readers' Favorite
Dark Cloud is a breathtaking graphic novel by Sandra Wolff, creator and writer of the screenplay it vividly and memorably brings to life, and Jared Barel, who adapted it to graphic format using unique methods. Dark Cloud tells an action-packed story set in the post-apocalyptic Southwestern United States, presenting the eponymous hero, a woman with a murky past, a hardy survivor with the ability to sense spirits of the land. Partnered with a faithful robot guardian, a remnant of the world’s nearly-obliterated past, she is drawn into conflict with a powerful warlord, one of the new would-be rulers of these lands. When a devastatingly destructive force comes into play and threatens to upset what little balance remains for humanity’s survivors, Dark Cloud, though outnumbered and outgunned, puts everything she cares about on the line to prevent tragedy.
The visuals in this book are phenomenal. The desert mesas, sunsets, lighting flares are absolutely gorgeous, and the characters are a stand-out. It wouldn’t be cheating to flip to the end and read up on the creation process first. The blend of live actors, digital and traditional art really pops and gives the book a truly unique look. The story and dialogue are equally cinematic and original. The final result is a pitch-perfect callback to 80s or 90s apocalyptic action flicks, if they had had bigger budgets to work with back then. The creator’s foreword cites The Road Warrior as a foundational inspiration, and I also found myself reminded of Red Dawn, Terminator, Dark Angel, and Battlestar Galactica. I hope we’ll see Dark Cloud on the big screen too.
Dark Cloud is a breathtaking graphic novel by Sandra Wolff, creator and writer of the screenplay it vividly and memorably brings to life, and Jared Barel, who adapted it to graphic format using unique methods. Dark Cloud tells an action-packed story set in the post-apocalyptic Southwestern United States, presenting the eponymous hero, a woman with a murky past, a hardy survivor with the ability to sense spirits of the land. Partnered with a faithful robot guardian, a remnant of the world’s nearly-obliterated past, she is drawn into conflict with a powerful warlord, one of the new would-be rulers of these lands. When a devastatingly destructive force comes into play and threatens to upset what little balance remains for humanity’s survivors, Dark Cloud, though outnumbered and outgunned, puts everything she cares about on the line to prevent tragedy.
The visuals in this book are phenomenal. The desert mesas, sunsets, lighting flares are absolutely gorgeous, and the characters are a stand-out. It wouldn’t be cheating to flip to the end and read up on the creation process first. The blend of live actors, digital and traditional art really pops and gives the book a truly unique look. The story and dialogue are equally cinematic and original. The final result is a pitch-perfect callback to 80s or 90s apocalyptic action flicks, if they had had bigger budgets to work with back then. The creator’s foreword cites The Road Warrior as a foundational inspiration, and I also found myself reminded of Red Dawn, Terminator, Dark Angel, and Battlestar Galactica. I hope we’ll see Dark Cloud on the big screen too.
Recommend this book:
Beyond!
Andrew Howell
2024 Honorable Mention
216 Pages
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Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Beyond is a satirical mystery/fantasy graphic novel by Andrew Howell. When the Baz family patriarch, George, passes away, he leaves his sons, Tibbs and Victor, equal shares of an inheritance while giving specific instructions in his will to blast his dead body into space. But soon, Tibbs is poisoned and ends up roaming the chaotic terrain of Necro England in the afterlife. Meanwhile, Victor becomes the prime suspect in the murders of his father and brother, unwittingly finding himself entrenched in a sinister conspiracy involving the mysterious cult, Brothers of the Watch. With the help of a motley crew of friends he has made in the afterlife, Tibbs must find his father's soul in the north. In the world of the living, Victor is trying to escape the sins of his past.
Flawlessly merging the genres of fantasy, supernatural, satire, and mystery thriller, Andrew Howell delivers an absolute pageturner of a graphic novel. Beyond is morbidly hilarious, beautifully mysterious, and surprisingly poignant. The narrative is surreal, chaotic, but above all, thoroughly entertaining. From the first page, you're in for a wild ride, and that feeling never goes away until the end. Howell has crafted some quirky characters that will make you laugh at the most absurd situations, primarily due to his witty dialogue and use of droll humor throughout. The artwork perfectly captures the narrative tone and makes the characters and the setting even more vibrant. I can't reiterate enough how much I enjoyed this book. If you're a fan of dark humor and graphic novels, don't miss out on this one!
Beyond is a satirical mystery/fantasy graphic novel by Andrew Howell. When the Baz family patriarch, George, passes away, he leaves his sons, Tibbs and Victor, equal shares of an inheritance while giving specific instructions in his will to blast his dead body into space. But soon, Tibbs is poisoned and ends up roaming the chaotic terrain of Necro England in the afterlife. Meanwhile, Victor becomes the prime suspect in the murders of his father and brother, unwittingly finding himself entrenched in a sinister conspiracy involving the mysterious cult, Brothers of the Watch. With the help of a motley crew of friends he has made in the afterlife, Tibbs must find his father's soul in the north. In the world of the living, Victor is trying to escape the sins of his past.
Flawlessly merging the genres of fantasy, supernatural, satire, and mystery thriller, Andrew Howell delivers an absolute pageturner of a graphic novel. Beyond is morbidly hilarious, beautifully mysterious, and surprisingly poignant. The narrative is surreal, chaotic, but above all, thoroughly entertaining. From the first page, you're in for a wild ride, and that feeling never goes away until the end. Howell has crafted some quirky characters that will make you laugh at the most absurd situations, primarily due to his witty dialogue and use of droll humor throughout. The artwork perfectly captures the narrative tone and makes the characters and the setting even more vibrant. I can't reiterate enough how much I enjoyed this book. If you're a fan of dark humor and graphic novels, don't miss out on this one!
Recommend this book:
RIP Corey
My Friend Died and It Sucks!
Chris Buchanan, Emily Ingram-Patel
2024 Bronze Medal
50 Pages
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Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Losing a loved one is never easy. It's a particularly difficult tragedy to get over when you're young and impressionable. Based on a true story, RIP Corey: My Friend Died and It Sucks! by Chris Buchanan is the tale of a high school senior named Sam who loses his best friend Corey. With some beautifully drawn artwork by Emily Ingram-Patel, the book follows Sam as he tries to come to terms with his loss and grief. Two months before, Corey was taken to the hospital for an infection, but after 50 days, Corey lost his life. Sam is still in mourning, and on his counselor's advice, he joins a grief group that allows him to express how he feels. After a while, Sam learns to cherish his friend's memories and celebrate his life with his other friends.
RIP Corey is a heartfelt story about loss, grief, and moving on. Chris Buchanan tells the story in the form of a graphic novel or comic book, with Emily Ingram-Patel's vibrant illustrations breathing life into the characters. The narrative style ensures that the story resonates with children, adults, and even readers on the autism spectrum. Most of us have lost a loved one at some point in our lives. This book provides some valuable lessons to navigate grief and discover ways to remember your loved ones in the best possible light. Sam's story is bound to pull at your heartstrings. The comic book approach to the story somehow makes it even more impactful. I'm glad I read this book, as I found it inspirational, and I highly recommend it to readers of all kinds.
Losing a loved one is never easy. It's a particularly difficult tragedy to get over when you're young and impressionable. Based on a true story, RIP Corey: My Friend Died and It Sucks! by Chris Buchanan is the tale of a high school senior named Sam who loses his best friend Corey. With some beautifully drawn artwork by Emily Ingram-Patel, the book follows Sam as he tries to come to terms with his loss and grief. Two months before, Corey was taken to the hospital for an infection, but after 50 days, Corey lost his life. Sam is still in mourning, and on his counselor's advice, he joins a grief group that allows him to express how he feels. After a while, Sam learns to cherish his friend's memories and celebrate his life with his other friends.
RIP Corey is a heartfelt story about loss, grief, and moving on. Chris Buchanan tells the story in the form of a graphic novel or comic book, with Emily Ingram-Patel's vibrant illustrations breathing life into the characters. The narrative style ensures that the story resonates with children, adults, and even readers on the autism spectrum. Most of us have lost a loved one at some point in our lives. This book provides some valuable lessons to navigate grief and discover ways to remember your loved ones in the best possible light. Sam's story is bound to pull at your heartstrings. The comic book approach to the story somehow makes it even more impactful. I'm glad I read this book, as I found it inspirational, and I highly recommend it to readers of all kinds.
Recommend this book:
Deluge
The People That Melt in the Rain #1
Carolyn Watson-Dubisch, Mike Dubisch
2024 Silver Medal
51 Pages
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Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
When Laura and her mother decide to move from Seattle to Deluge, the last thing they expect is to see frogs raining from the sky the moment they drive into town. Laura believes the unusual rainfall is a bad omen and is not optimistic about the move. On the other hand, her mother feels moving was a great decision, and she encourages Laura to participate in the town's activities and use the opportunity to make new friends. The next day, Laura meets Kevin, a boy who saves her from what she presumes is an acid rainfall. As they converse, Kevin hints that frogs and acid rain are not the only abnormalities in Deluge. Laura seeks more answers from another local, Mrs. Winston. Unfortunately, the answers she gets frighten her because they make her realize she is trapped in a cursed town that no one can ever leave. To find out what happens next, grab a copy of Deluge, a graphic novel written and illustrated by Carolyn Watson-Dubisch and Mike Dubisch.
Deluge is an intriguing story filled with mystery, suspense, and adventure. The story starts off as ordinary, but it quickly turns into an unpredictable tale. I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next. Carolyn Watson-Dubisch and Mike Dubisch showcased their combined creativity by telling this story in text and visual form. The unique storyline and the amazing characters make this novel captivating and memorable. My favorite part is the illustrations. The art gives it an eerie vibe that perfectly corresponds with the bizarre nature of the story. The characters’ emotions were easy to read, and little details like the black cat, the painting, and Mrs. Winston’s trinkets formed clues that could only be visually understood. I enjoyed this story and hope to read more books from these authors. This is just the beginning of Laura’s journey; more is yet to come. Great work.
When Laura and her mother decide to move from Seattle to Deluge, the last thing they expect is to see frogs raining from the sky the moment they drive into town. Laura believes the unusual rainfall is a bad omen and is not optimistic about the move. On the other hand, her mother feels moving was a great decision, and she encourages Laura to participate in the town's activities and use the opportunity to make new friends. The next day, Laura meets Kevin, a boy who saves her from what she presumes is an acid rainfall. As they converse, Kevin hints that frogs and acid rain are not the only abnormalities in Deluge. Laura seeks more answers from another local, Mrs. Winston. Unfortunately, the answers she gets frighten her because they make her realize she is trapped in a cursed town that no one can ever leave. To find out what happens next, grab a copy of Deluge, a graphic novel written and illustrated by Carolyn Watson-Dubisch and Mike Dubisch.
Deluge is an intriguing story filled with mystery, suspense, and adventure. The story starts off as ordinary, but it quickly turns into an unpredictable tale. I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next. Carolyn Watson-Dubisch and Mike Dubisch showcased their combined creativity by telling this story in text and visual form. The unique storyline and the amazing characters make this novel captivating and memorable. My favorite part is the illustrations. The art gives it an eerie vibe that perfectly corresponds with the bizarre nature of the story. The characters’ emotions were easy to read, and little details like the black cat, the painting, and Mrs. Winston’s trinkets formed clues that could only be visually understood. I enjoyed this story and hope to read more books from these authors. This is just the beginning of Laura’s journey; more is yet to come. Great work.
Recommend this book:
The Dirty Parts of the Bible
A Graphic Novel
Sam Torode, Tina Ritchie
2024 Gold Medal
197 Pages
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Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Written by Sam Torode and featuring imaginative artwork by Tina Ritchie, The Dirty Parts of the Bible is an adventure graphic novel set in the first half of the twentieth century. Since he ditched church to go fishing on Easter Sunday, Tobias Henry has seen his father, Reverend Malachi Henry, disgrace himself in the eyes of Remus' inhabitants after a drunken accident. Malachi reveals he used to be in a band and has money hidden away in Gren Rose, Texas, leading Tobias on an adventure of a lifetime. On the way while hopping trains to Gren Rose, Tobias finds himself in the company of a man named Craw, who is never short of a few nuggets of wisdom. In Glen Rose, Tobias will experience love and learn what it truly means to have faith.
Part satire and part adventure tale, The Dirty Parts of the Bible is the coming-of-age story you never knew you wanted. Fans of graphic novels will find a lot to love about this book as Sam Torode balances humor and drama with a few poignant lessons about faith and religion that feel increasingly relevant for our times. Illustrator Tina Ritchie knocks it out of the park with her beautifully drawn sketches that bring life to the characters and add visual stimuli to the story. Torode paces the story brilliantly and packs a lot into a tightly plotted narrative that keeps you engaged on every single page. I adored the dynamic between Tobias and Craw and found myself rooting for him and Sarah to end up together. Overall, this is a fantastic graphic novel I will highly recommend to young adult and adult readers alike.
Written by Sam Torode and featuring imaginative artwork by Tina Ritchie, The Dirty Parts of the Bible is an adventure graphic novel set in the first half of the twentieth century. Since he ditched church to go fishing on Easter Sunday, Tobias Henry has seen his father, Reverend Malachi Henry, disgrace himself in the eyes of Remus' inhabitants after a drunken accident. Malachi reveals he used to be in a band and has money hidden away in Gren Rose, Texas, leading Tobias on an adventure of a lifetime. On the way while hopping trains to Gren Rose, Tobias finds himself in the company of a man named Craw, who is never short of a few nuggets of wisdom. In Glen Rose, Tobias will experience love and learn what it truly means to have faith.
Part satire and part adventure tale, The Dirty Parts of the Bible is the coming-of-age story you never knew you wanted. Fans of graphic novels will find a lot to love about this book as Sam Torode balances humor and drama with a few poignant lessons about faith and religion that feel increasingly relevant for our times. Illustrator Tina Ritchie knocks it out of the park with her beautifully drawn sketches that bring life to the characters and add visual stimuli to the story. Torode paces the story brilliantly and packs a lot into a tightly plotted narrative that keeps you engaged on every single page. I adored the dynamic between Tobias and Craw and found myself rooting for him and Sarah to end up together. Overall, this is a fantastic graphic novel I will highly recommend to young adult and adult readers alike.
Recommend this book:
Fractured Shards
Volume 2
Dan Feuerriegel, Stephen Kok and Shaun Keenan
2023 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Jennie More for Readers' Favorite
Fractured Shards Volume 2 by Dan Feuerriegel, Stephen Kok, and Shaun Keenan is a graphic comic centered around Detective Sebastian Vetro. He was dealing with a host of unsolved murders with no obvious suspects in mind when suddenly another murder took place, and he had no idea where to begin searching. But after meeting Abigail, a prostitute turned hitman, they discover more about the latest murder. Vetro has a troubled but hidden history. It may have caught up with him now, and he might have to deal with some skeletons from his past or those who want to use his record against him. While Abigail seeks revenge for the death of her best friend, she could just be what Vetro needs to find out who’s after him.
Fractured Shards Volume 2 by Dan Feuerriegel, Stephen Kok, and Shaun Keenan is an appealing, engrossing, and entertaining page-turner. The dialogue is short yet precise in depicting the personality of each character. I immediately developed an interest and connection with the main role players, Sebastian Vetro, Abigail, and Belle, because of the dialogue and the amazing graphics. I loved the illustrations as they complemented the storyline perfectly and created a deep interest in what will happen next. I felt that instead of reading a graphic novel I was watching a movie, sitting on the edge of my seat, and waiting in anticipation of the sequel. The creator, writer, and illustrator managed to maintain the reader’s interest while enticing them to read the next one. This is a brilliant comic that captured my attention.
Fractured Shards Volume 2 by Dan Feuerriegel, Stephen Kok, and Shaun Keenan is a graphic comic centered around Detective Sebastian Vetro. He was dealing with a host of unsolved murders with no obvious suspects in mind when suddenly another murder took place, and he had no idea where to begin searching. But after meeting Abigail, a prostitute turned hitman, they discover more about the latest murder. Vetro has a troubled but hidden history. It may have caught up with him now, and he might have to deal with some skeletons from his past or those who want to use his record against him. While Abigail seeks revenge for the death of her best friend, she could just be what Vetro needs to find out who’s after him.
Fractured Shards Volume 2 by Dan Feuerriegel, Stephen Kok, and Shaun Keenan is an appealing, engrossing, and entertaining page-turner. The dialogue is short yet precise in depicting the personality of each character. I immediately developed an interest and connection with the main role players, Sebastian Vetro, Abigail, and Belle, because of the dialogue and the amazing graphics. I loved the illustrations as they complemented the storyline perfectly and created a deep interest in what will happen next. I felt that instead of reading a graphic novel I was watching a movie, sitting on the edge of my seat, and waiting in anticipation of the sequel. The creator, writer, and illustrator managed to maintain the reader’s interest while enticing them to read the next one. This is a brilliant comic that captured my attention.
Recommend this book:
Torment
Descension
Daniel Foster
2023 Silver Medal
136 Pages
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Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Comic book and graphic novel fans will enjoy Torment: Descension by Daniel Foster. Set to satisfy all of our appetites, this graphic novel follows the life of David Mills, whose wife Grace has just given birth to their first child, Matthew. David and Grace couldn't be happier to welcome Matthew into their hearts and home. But when Matthew develops a fever that refuses to go down, David begins to lose his semblance of normalcy. After a shocking visit from Satan, David unwittingly makes a deal with the devil to bring him souls to take down to the netherworld in exchange for happy and fulfilling lives for his son and wife. However, David's conscience becomes his biggest barrier to carrying out his tasks for the devil. To what lengths will David go to protect his family?
A riveting supernatural drama full of chilling thrills and nail-biting suspense, Torment: Descension is a stellar first installment of what promises to be a gripping series of graphic novels. Daniel Foster draws your attention from the first page onward with well-planned character development and beautifully sketched artwork that you simply can't stop admiring. The plot is well-paced, with timely-placed twists and turns that keep you invested as you breeze through the pages in eager anticipation of what's going to happen next. David is a layered protagonist with inner conflicts and a conscience that make him relatable to us. Comic book and graphic novel enthusiasts will love this one.
Comic book and graphic novel fans will enjoy Torment: Descension by Daniel Foster. Set to satisfy all of our appetites, this graphic novel follows the life of David Mills, whose wife Grace has just given birth to their first child, Matthew. David and Grace couldn't be happier to welcome Matthew into their hearts and home. But when Matthew develops a fever that refuses to go down, David begins to lose his semblance of normalcy. After a shocking visit from Satan, David unwittingly makes a deal with the devil to bring him souls to take down to the netherworld in exchange for happy and fulfilling lives for his son and wife. However, David's conscience becomes his biggest barrier to carrying out his tasks for the devil. To what lengths will David go to protect his family?
A riveting supernatural drama full of chilling thrills and nail-biting suspense, Torment: Descension is a stellar first installment of what promises to be a gripping series of graphic novels. Daniel Foster draws your attention from the first page onward with well-planned character development and beautifully sketched artwork that you simply can't stop admiring. The plot is well-paced, with timely-placed twists and turns that keep you invested as you breeze through the pages in eager anticipation of what's going to happen next. David is a layered protagonist with inner conflicts and a conscience that make him relatable to us. Comic book and graphic novel enthusiasts will love this one.
Recommend this book:
Aztec Warrior God
Chapter One, Emergence
David Towner
2023 Gold Medal
56 Pages
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Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Aztec Warrior God is a comic book written by David Towner with art by Carla Andrea and Diego López Mata. The Aztecs were skilled in architecture, warfare, and the arts, and dominated the Mexican highland regions for many years. Unfortunately, their rich culture and knowledge faced extinction when the Spanish invaders attacked them. They realize that war and destruction are not the right way to rule society. They chose to make the world a better place by gathering and preserving vital knowledge and skills and saw the invasion as a sign and prophecy for the rebirth of their culture. The Aztecs selected five warriors and eight intellectuals to be sent into society to learn and teach the arts, sciences, languages, and technology. They were granted immortality and supernatural gifts and were not allowed to influence society, but to protect the Earth's natural resources and defend the vulnerable. They are to emerge after a thousand years, and the first to do so is Amoxtli, the chosen one.
I enjoyed reading Aztec Warrior God because it has a profound message. War, bloodshed, and exploitation are destructive and have not led to any good for humans. Unity and collaboration ensure that we all grow and develop together. David Towner does a great job conveying this lesson with his engaging storytelling, and the art perfectly complements his writing. The book is colorful, eye-catching, and fun to read. The story gave me superhero vibes, which is ideal for comic books. And I believe this story has the potential to be a tv show or book series that follows the adventures of immortal warriors and intellectuals. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about ancient civilizations and protecting our planet for future generations.
Aztec Warrior God is a comic book written by David Towner with art by Carla Andrea and Diego López Mata. The Aztecs were skilled in architecture, warfare, and the arts, and dominated the Mexican highland regions for many years. Unfortunately, their rich culture and knowledge faced extinction when the Spanish invaders attacked them. They realize that war and destruction are not the right way to rule society. They chose to make the world a better place by gathering and preserving vital knowledge and skills and saw the invasion as a sign and prophecy for the rebirth of their culture. The Aztecs selected five warriors and eight intellectuals to be sent into society to learn and teach the arts, sciences, languages, and technology. They were granted immortality and supernatural gifts and were not allowed to influence society, but to protect the Earth's natural resources and defend the vulnerable. They are to emerge after a thousand years, and the first to do so is Amoxtli, the chosen one.
I enjoyed reading Aztec Warrior God because it has a profound message. War, bloodshed, and exploitation are destructive and have not led to any good for humans. Unity and collaboration ensure that we all grow and develop together. David Towner does a great job conveying this lesson with his engaging storytelling, and the art perfectly complements his writing. The book is colorful, eye-catching, and fun to read. The story gave me superhero vibes, which is ideal for comic books. And I believe this story has the potential to be a tv show or book series that follows the adventures of immortal warriors and intellectuals. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about ancient civilizations and protecting our planet for future generations.
Recommend this book:
Dark Cloud
Sandra Wolff
2022 Finalist
110 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Matt Lebois for Readers' Favorite
Dark Cloud is a breathtaking graphic novel by Sandra Wolff, creator and writer of the screenplay it vividly and memorably brings to life, and Jared Barel, who adapted it to graphic format using unique methods. Dark Cloud tells an action-packed story set in the post-apocalyptic Southwestern United States, presenting the eponymous hero, a woman with a murky past, a hardy survivor with the ability to sense spirits of the land. Partnered with a faithful robot guardian, a remnant of the world’s nearly-obliterated past, she is drawn into conflict with a powerful warlord, one of the new would-be rulers of these lands. When a devastatingly destructive force comes into play and threatens to upset what little balance remains for humanity’s survivors, Dark Cloud, though outnumbered and outgunned, puts everything she cares about on the line to prevent tragedy.
The visuals in this book are phenomenal. The desert mesas, sunsets, lighting flares are absolutely gorgeous, and the characters are a stand-out. It wouldn’t be cheating to flip to the end and read up on the creation process first. The blend of live actors, digital and traditional art really pops and gives the book a truly unique look. The story and dialogue are equally cinematic and original. The final result is a pitch-perfect callback to 80s or 90s apocalyptic action flicks, if they had had bigger budgets to work with back then. The creator’s foreword cites The Road Warrior as a foundational inspiration, and I also found myself reminded of Red Dawn, Terminator, Dark Angel, and Battlestar Galactica. I hope we’ll see Dark Cloud on the big screen too.
Dark Cloud is a breathtaking graphic novel by Sandra Wolff, creator and writer of the screenplay it vividly and memorably brings to life, and Jared Barel, who adapted it to graphic format using unique methods. Dark Cloud tells an action-packed story set in the post-apocalyptic Southwestern United States, presenting the eponymous hero, a woman with a murky past, a hardy survivor with the ability to sense spirits of the land. Partnered with a faithful robot guardian, a remnant of the world’s nearly-obliterated past, she is drawn into conflict with a powerful warlord, one of the new would-be rulers of these lands. When a devastatingly destructive force comes into play and threatens to upset what little balance remains for humanity’s survivors, Dark Cloud, though outnumbered and outgunned, puts everything she cares about on the line to prevent tragedy.
The visuals in this book are phenomenal. The desert mesas, sunsets, lighting flares are absolutely gorgeous, and the characters are a stand-out. It wouldn’t be cheating to flip to the end and read up on the creation process first. The blend of live actors, digital and traditional art really pops and gives the book a truly unique look. The story and dialogue are equally cinematic and original. The final result is a pitch-perfect callback to 80s or 90s apocalyptic action flicks, if they had had bigger budgets to work with back then. The creator’s foreword cites The Road Warrior as a foundational inspiration, and I also found myself reminded of Red Dawn, Terminator, Dark Angel, and Battlestar Galactica. I hope we’ll see Dark Cloud on the big screen too.
Recommend this book:
Fractured Shards
Stephen Kok, Dan Feuerriegel and Shaun Keenan
2022 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite
Fractured Shards by Stephen Kok and created by Dan Feuerriegel and Shaun Keenan is a comic book-style graphic novel. Join Detective Vetro as he solves the most horrific and gruesome murders from both worlds of District and the Lights. Being an enforcement officer can be tough enough as it is, but having the power to see exactly how the murders took place in your mind is on another level entirely. Vetro wants justice by blood, but the system is corrupt, leaving Vetro that bit closer to ignoring his higher-ups and reaping justice the way he craves it. This fast-paced comic book will satisfy the needs of any thrill-seeker. Grab a copy of Fractured Shards, and dive into the world of Detective Vetro.
Fractured Shards by Stephen Kok, Dan Feuerriegel, and Shaun Keenan is the first comic book I’ve ever read, and I wasn’t disappointed. The writing was so good that I shared every ounce of adrenalin with Vetro, the main character. The book is action-packed, has you hooked on every page, and I couldn’t take my eyes off it once I’d started. The illustrations by the talented Riccardo Faccini are outstanding and bring the characters to life. This is an amazing comic book that I believe everyone will enjoy. I will certainly be on the lookout for the next book by these innovative creators, as I am eager to know what happens next. I urge anyone with a thirst for graphic novels to check out this story because you will love it as much as I did!
Fractured Shards by Stephen Kok and created by Dan Feuerriegel and Shaun Keenan is a comic book-style graphic novel. Join Detective Vetro as he solves the most horrific and gruesome murders from both worlds of District and the Lights. Being an enforcement officer can be tough enough as it is, but having the power to see exactly how the murders took place in your mind is on another level entirely. Vetro wants justice by blood, but the system is corrupt, leaving Vetro that bit closer to ignoring his higher-ups and reaping justice the way he craves it. This fast-paced comic book will satisfy the needs of any thrill-seeker. Grab a copy of Fractured Shards, and dive into the world of Detective Vetro.
Fractured Shards by Stephen Kok, Dan Feuerriegel, and Shaun Keenan is the first comic book I’ve ever read, and I wasn’t disappointed. The writing was so good that I shared every ounce of adrenalin with Vetro, the main character. The book is action-packed, has you hooked on every page, and I couldn’t take my eyes off it once I’d started. The illustrations by the talented Riccardo Faccini are outstanding and bring the characters to life. This is an amazing comic book that I believe everyone will enjoy. I will certainly be on the lookout for the next book by these innovative creators, as I am eager to know what happens next. I urge anyone with a thirst for graphic novels to check out this story because you will love it as much as I did!
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