Reviews

Box of Bones #1 by John Jennings, Ayize Jama-Everett

indy1527's review

dark

4.0

ljrinaldi's review

3.0

This is only the first chapter in what looks to be a multichapter graphic novel, so it is a bit hard to judge wher ethis will go, but this is very dark and gruesome, so far. Not that what happens in real life is not dark and gruesome, but you have been warned.

Lyndsey Ford is writing a dissertation on something called the Box of Bones, which can, at least in the first story, in this chapter, enact revenge, but at a great price. We are witness to this violence, done as a revenge for gang rape, and a savage beating. In this first story, it happened to her grandfather. I expect the next chapters will see other times, and other places the Box has been enacted for some revenge.

This is very dark, and very gruesome, but if you enjoy horror, it is probably up your alley.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

0xreid's review

dark reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Slavery, Murder, and Racism

Moderate: War

vortacist's review

adventurous challenging dark mysterious fast-paced

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

4.25

jmanchester0's review

4.0

Wow. This was intense.

But pretty cool for an indie horror comic. Maybe not for the faint of heart, but I definitely found it interesting. And I liked the art. I'll be looking for issues 2-10!

Monsters take many forms.

Thanks to NetGalley and Rosarium Publishing for a copy in return for an honest review.

benjaminagardner's review

4.0

First comic book I've read in awhile and it is really amazing. Found through the Imaginary Worlds podcast episode about Inverting Lovecraft (great interview with Victor LaValle, too) and the artist for this book spoke about Lovecraft's influence mixing with his xenophobia.

thistle_and_verse's review

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Gore

Moderate: Rape

undertowsoul's review

2.0

Sadly, I really don't think this is a series that I'll continue, although I may try one more chapter before deciding for sure. The premise of it sounded really interesting to me. As a white person, raised in Christianity, I'm always interested in discovering more about other cultures and religions. This one doesn't really go into any like I thought it might. It shows a very superficial view to the story while at the same time being more descriptive with violence, which I'm just not personally interested in. I don't mind violence but when it replaces story, I don't enjoy it. It was still interesting. The art syle is very unique and almost cartoonish but I enjoyed it. The art somewhat diminished the shock of the violence though this is still definitely an adult graphic novel. There's definitely language, quite a bit of violence, and even a sexual depiction. If you're not sure you want to check it out, I'd have to recommend you pass on this one.

I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

etienne02's review

1.0

Not good! I didn't like the illustrations style. I didn't like the story and I didn't like the kind of horror it try to present. To compare itself to the Tales From The Crypt is very very presomptuous!!

twistedreads's review

4.0

I'm not a huge graphic novel reader but this one intrigued me. I found the content chilling and graphic...just the way it should be. The flashback in the story (which was the main focus it seems) drew me right in and held my interest. This was an incredibly graphic, gory and terrifying first chapter. The graphics were very well done although t=some of the text I had a hard time reading. I definitely want to know what happens next! I may be converted!