Reviews

'Outcast Vol. 1: A Darkness Surrounds Him' will likely be compared to another famous work by Robert Kirkman, but it's really a different story. We get a pretty good setup, but we don't get all the answers. I think I'm okay with that for now.

Kyle Barnes is a guy that seems to be good at getting rid of demons. It's a good thing too, because it's starting to be a common thing around him. We see flashbacks of Kyle and his demon-possessed mother. He gets teamed up with a minister in his hometown who thinks Kyle could do some good. At Kyle's touch, the possessed are in pain. Can Kyle do any good while he battles his own past? And are the demon possessions in this book increasing or is it me?

Pretty good story. Even though we don't get all the answers, I felt satisfied with the story. It's a subtle start, but there is plenty of action here. The possessed have the creepiest smiles on their faces and I found it really unsettling. I do wish the minister were more devout and dependent on supernatural power, but that seems to be the way of these stories nowadays. Writing by Robert Kirkman is as good as we've come to expect. Art by Paul Azaceta and Elizabeth Breitweiser feels a bit washed and bleak, but it's perfect for the story. I'm interested to see where they go with this.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Image Comics, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

herm333s's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5*

Cool artwork and storyline. Really interested in what's coming next.
Very dark and graphic too, which goes perfectly with the story and adds more depth to the characters who overall are not that well developed.

theduchess93's review against another edition

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4.0

I liked the different take on exorcism and possession, but the in medias res style made it difficult to distinguish between a few of the characters. Hopefully the next volume will build on what this volume created.

erincataldi's review against another edition

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4.0

I wasn't sure what to expect since I had only ever read The Walking Dead series, but this was pretty awesome. It hooked me enough that I definitely want to continue reading it. It's very dark and deals with demonic possession. Kyle Barnes has had to put up with demonic possession his whole life and he's sick of it. It has taken everything good away from him. Determined to get some answers he teams up with a local priest, but little do they know the damage their meddling could do. Apparently it's also going to be a tv show. Color me intrigued!

fjordic's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The art and setup were so smooth and professional, it was a pleasure to read. Still, the story itself is a little too paranormal horror for my taste.

Cawpile review:
Characters 4
Atmosphere/art 4
Writing/lettering 4
Plot 3
Intrigue 3
Logic/credibility 4
Enjoyment 3

Score 25, 3.6 out of 5 stars
https://bookriot.com/the-cawpile-review-system/

tani's review against another edition

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4.0

I liked this more than I expected to. It is a bit slow-moving, but in a way where I could tell that Kirkman was building up the world and the character. I've also always been intrigued by possession, so that probably helps my enjoyment levels. The art, I could take or leave, and sometimes I found the flow of the story confusing. However, I read the story pretty much in one sitting. Makes me curious about The Walking Dead comics, which I've never read. Perhaps I will have to add Kirkman to my to-watch list.

stormblessed4's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

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