Reviews

The Butcher of Paris by Jason Wordie, Dean Kotz, Stephanie Phillips

atalinay's review against another edition

The concept is really intriguing and drew me in, but this didn't quite deliver in adding to that. Some moments could've been expanded on. It seemed like when things felt climactic we just skipped right over them.

wolfalex's review against another edition

dark emotional informative mysterious fast-paced

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

2.75

shelfquest's review against another edition

1.0

The characters were confusing to me and this version made the story not very interesting. If I hadn't already read a book about this guy then it would have been even worse.

moto1480's review against another edition

3.0

I'd heard about Marcel Petiot before, but I was hoping for a deeper dive into his crimes. This was more of a stylized fiction that culminated in a "this is why you suck" speech that was unnecessary. The are was good, but the story was thin. Oh well.

shannonleighd's review against another edition

2.0

Individual issue reviews: #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5

Total review score: 2.2

wesleyrose's review against another edition

4.0

My biggest complaint with issue #2 was the lack of background about Marcel Petoit. This issue filled in a lot of his history gaps that I was craving. We see him blow himself up in WW1 and hear terrible stories of him as a child. Is it all hearsay? I am highly doubtful.

We jump to the questioning of Mme. Petoit about her husband. Jodkum seems to do a poor job interrogating her. Georges Victor-Massau tries a gentler approach with his questions. She claims he is innocent, despite the couple blips on his criminal record. The police have no idea as to why and how he killed those people. He is bold enough to leave a note for Georges. He is almost caught in a chase but manages to get away.

I liked this issue more than the last. It was fascinating. I think Georgette Petoit knows more than she is letting on, and hopefully, I will get to find out next issue.

melrailey's review

dark mysterious

3.75

the_midnight_witchery's review against another edition

3.0

3.25 stars

As a lover of true crime and history I was pleasantly surprised to discover this graphic novel of Marcel Petiot, aka the ‘Butcher of Paris’ who terrorised the streets at the cusp of the end of WW2.
I read the complete series in one sitting, and found it intriguing however I thought the shortness of these volumes hindered it being a comprehensive coverage of his victims and Petiot’s motivations.... it just felt rushed ya know?
Had this been longer this would have been fantastic tho!
The graphics/ illustrations were cool and edgy, adding the right tone and mood. I would recommend this if you can read it online or borrow it from the library.
This has really intrigued me in finding out more about this case and I would personally love to see it covered on a YouTube or Netflix documentary series.

shadowagentzero's review

challenging dark informative sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

jackelz's review against another edition

4.0

The Butcher of Paris is a graphic novel written by Stephanie Phillips and art Dean Kotz. It is a historical, true crime thriller about a killer wanted by both the Nazis and allied forces for the death of nearly two-hundred victims.

In 1944, as Swastikas flew over Paris, one of the most notorious and prolific serial killers in history turned the occupied city into his personal hunting ground. Under the guise of opportunity and freedom, a killer preys on those desperate to flee until a gruesome discovery alerts the police. In a city on the brink of war, the hunt for a serial killer begins as a French detective races to catch the villain before the Nazis beat him to it.

For fans of true crime and serial killer stories, this ones for you. But be warned, it’s obviously graphic. I really appreciate the research that Phillips put in to tell this story. This was a serial killer I had no previous knowledge of, so this graphic novel was very educational. However, I would’ve liked more details, as the ending came too quickly!!

There are so many told, and untold, stories that occurred during WWII that continually blow my mind. The horrors. The tragedies. How so many people covered up and stood by and watched these things happen.