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pmileham's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Dark, concise tragedies.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Blood
nickkimball's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
purplesilverink's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A collection of short stories. Reminded me of dark fairytales. My favorite was the story "The Mire".
lanternatomika's review against another edition
5.0
I don't begrudge Becky Cloonan for taking up a job at DC Comics - working at the Big Two is the pinnacle of a career in comics. Still, I feel like her best work definitely came in her indie days, and By Chance or Providence is really hecking brilliant!
This is a collection of three short stories, each one about the length of a single issue of a typical comic. There's also a concept art gallery that makes up half of this pretty svelte book. All three stories feature some flavor of a doomed romance, whether the characters in the romance know it or not.
There's something dark, mysterious and sensual about Cloonan's writing in this collection. She really gets you into the mindset of someone who's risking or sacrificing it all on a love that might cost them everything. I'd happily read a long form story about any of these characters, but y'know, the brevity makes it hit harder.
Almost better than the writing, though, is the artwork. This collection is dedicated to everyone who has a crush on their characters, and Becks is clearly one of them. Her characters are always gorgeous, even when they're not conventionally attractive, and she places them in these moody and creepy settings. This is a book of things lurking in the shadows, forces hiding in the mists, and vengeful spirits just beneath the surface of the water. It is, as the kids would call it, a total vibe.
Hells to the yes, I'm recommending this one! Even if you have little experience with comics, this is one for anybody that likes a spooky romance.
This is a collection of three short stories, each one about the length of a single issue of a typical comic. There's also a concept art gallery that makes up half of this pretty svelte book. All three stories feature some flavor of a doomed romance, whether the characters in the romance know it or not.
There's something dark, mysterious and sensual about Cloonan's writing in this collection. She really gets you into the mindset of someone who's risking or sacrificing it all on a love that might cost them everything. I'd happily read a long form story about any of these characters, but y'know, the brevity makes it hit harder.
Almost better than the writing, though, is the artwork. This collection is dedicated to everyone who has a crush on their characters, and Becks is clearly one of them. Her characters are always gorgeous, even when they're not conventionally attractive, and she places them in these moody and creepy settings. This is a book of things lurking in the shadows, forces hiding in the mists, and vengeful spirits just beneath the surface of the water. It is, as the kids would call it, a total vibe.
Hells to the yes, I'm recommending this one! Even if you have little experience with comics, this is one for anybody that likes a spooky romance.
adrianneadelle's review against another edition
4.0
Well written and beautifully illustrated. Becky is a BA boss lady and I freaking love what she is doing here. I hope she does more. Shes killing it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ppetropoulakis's review against another edition
4.0
A series of three stories of gorgeous art and dramatic story. Economically fitting them all together in a bit more than 100 pages, Cloonan has achieved quite a feat. The stories are atmospheric, dramatic, passionate and ultimately memorable.
crashmore's review against another edition
4.0
Read this for the ircb 2021 challenge, I'm not sure I would have found and read this otherwise. This was a great read across all three short stories and the art is gorgeous. Each was engaging, though provoking and layered with mystery. This is the first time I read a graphic novel and immediately flipped back and re-read it. Highly recommend this book for even non comic fans. I actually think it's a great example of the medium being so much more than just super heroes. (Not that there's anything wrong with superhero books). Exactly the type of read I was hoping to find when signing up for a reading challenge.
crashmore's review
4.0
Read this for the ircb 2021 challenge, I'm not sure I would have found and read this otherwise. This was a great read across all three short stories and the art is gorgeous. Each was engaging, though provoking and layered with mystery. This is the first time I read a graphic novel and immediately flipped back and re-read it. Highly recommend this book for even non comic fans. I actually think it's a great example of the medium being so much more than just super heroes. (Not that there's anything wrong with superhero books). Exactly the type of read I was hoping to find when signing up for a reading challenge.