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quetzelish's review
4.0
This volume of Coffin Hill (the final volume at that) does some good and some bad, as all comics from novelists turned comic writers are wont to do. You can feel the novelist trends in the book with its pacing and at times confusing narrative. Details are left intentionally vague, as there must be some mystery, but then they never get clarified in any substantial way. By the end of the volume, I was left with just a feeling of "what just happened?" and "what are the rules here?" I know that it's best to leave things up to interpretation in horror but being consistent is also important, and that's lacking here. The rules constantly change and we, the audience, aren't privy to any of rules in the first place.
But at the same time, the story felt complete. I could follow the narrative and although the twist at the end really came out of nowhere (I wish we could've be given the option to figure it out along with the characters) I did enjoy this volume much more than the previous one. I think the author could certainly use some more practice with comic writing (as it does have a different flow) and making sure that the art and words work together effectively. One example is the two instances of the two page spread that I need to turn on it's side to read. That's not necessary for what was on the pages and just made it more difficult to read. And other times, the words overpowered the scenes, making panels distracting and requiring unnecessary jumps or close ups.
However, aside from the faces of people looking like fish at times (blank stares and closed, unmoving mouths) the artwork really enhances the horror. The best part of this series is the visual looks that are given to all the ghosts and Gothic scenery, I just wish the sort of bland characters (and Eve's constant pouting and snarking) would take a step back so that the horror could really shine through. But all in all, a great end to a series that was trying to juggle too many things at once.
But at the same time, the story felt complete. I could follow the narrative and although the twist at the end really came out of nowhere (I wish we could've be given the option to figure it out along with the characters) I did enjoy this volume much more than the previous one. I think the author could certainly use some more practice with comic writing (as it does have a different flow) and making sure that the art and words work together effectively. One example is the two instances of the two page spread that I need to turn on it's side to read. That's not necessary for what was on the pages and just made it more difficult to read. And other times, the words overpowered the scenes, making panels distracting and requiring unnecessary jumps or close ups.
However, aside from the faces of people looking like fish at times (blank stares and closed, unmoving mouths) the artwork really enhances the horror. The best part of this series is the visual looks that are given to all the ghosts and Gothic scenery, I just wish the sort of bland characters (and Eve's constant pouting and snarking) would take a step back so that the horror could really shine through. But all in all, a great end to a series that was trying to juggle too many things at once.
murderbot42's review
4.0
Review for the series as a whole.
So, first, this series was absolutely gorgeous. If I was reviewing based on artwork alone, I'd give it 6 stars. Absolutely gorgeous panels mixed with horrifically gory ones and all done with such precision, you can't help but stare at double page spreads for much longer than it takes to actually read them. As well, the writing was absolutely fantastic. Wonderfully confusing and heartbreaking and creepy in equal measure. You can tell Kittredge really knows how to turn a phrase, and although the introduction of the trade I read said she'd never written a comic book before, I'm not sure I believe that, because the pacing of the plot is perfect throughout all 3 volumes, which I know can be hard for first time comic writers, since the act of writing and timing for comics is so different from books or even scripts.
So why did I rate it simply four stars instead of 5? Just stupid personal preference. I like my horror stories a little dark, not super dark, and the horror got a bit darker in places than I find personally comfortable.
So don't worry about that. If you are the kind of person who likes proper horror, this series is definitely for you. Go on, go get a copy. You know you want to.
So, first, this series was absolutely gorgeous. If I was reviewing based on artwork alone, I'd give it 6 stars. Absolutely gorgeous panels mixed with horrifically gory ones and all done with such precision, you can't help but stare at double page spreads for much longer than it takes to actually read them. As well, the writing was absolutely fantastic. Wonderfully confusing and heartbreaking and creepy in equal measure. You can tell Kittredge really knows how to turn a phrase, and although the introduction of the trade I read said she'd never written a comic book before, I'm not sure I believe that, because the pacing of the plot is perfect throughout all 3 volumes, which I know can be hard for first time comic writers, since the act of writing and timing for comics is so different from books or even scripts.
So why did I rate it simply four stars instead of 5? Just stupid personal preference. I like my horror stories a little dark, not super dark, and the horror got a bit darker in places than I find personally comfortable.
So don't worry about that. If you are the kind of person who likes proper horror, this series is definitely for you. Go on, go get a copy. You know you want to.
andrealage's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
larakaa's review
5.0
I'm sad that the story ended. but I liked it all the way. the grand finale was perfect. hope to read more by caitlin kittredge and see more art by inaki miranda soon.
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