Reviews

Abbott by Saladin Ahmed

Only show reviews with written explanations

This was a story that I came across randomly but I'm glad I did. I'm always up for any kind of noir type of story, and if it has a supernatural twist? Sign me up. This takes place in the 70s with Detroit as the background. The period setting was woven perfectly in the storytelling as Abbott encountered much of what was going on in the Detroit 70s-racism, sexism, white flight, etc. Even the backstory of the supernatural was perfectly woven in for a shorter graphic novel. Nothing felt rushed and the only thing I wish was elaborated on a bit more was the villains intentions. We didn't really get to hear the 'why' until that last couple pages, but none the less I'd recommend it.

emcorliss's review

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Art and character design was A+

sincrusade's review

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

nicoelle's review

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adventurous mysterious

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.25

thecolourblue's review

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adventurous challenging emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

TPB compilation of the five-issue miniseries.

Follows a black journalist in 1970s Detroit who gets pulled into a supernatural conspiracy linked to her own dark past.

In the course of the story it's revealing that the force killing young black men in the city is the same one that killed her late first husband. With the help of her ex-second husband and a magician of sort (who enjoys illicit substances) she repells the evil forces by coming into her role as Lightbringer.

Elena Abbott is a good character, one with flaws and a past that leaves her paranoid and with a need for control and routine, but also someone who is smart and skilled and passionate about what she does. Her world feels real and grounded with real stakes. The art is good quality, especially the constructed magical creatures.