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lakserk's review
5.0
Some years after Dracula’s destruction, a pale cleric wanders the lands beyond the forest and discovers that there is evil afoot once more.
Beginning in the best possible way (with a traditional Romanian children’s game), Theo’s impressive graphic novel slowly transmutes into a magma torrent which, despite being a tributary of the Stoker D Opus, still meanders in unexpected ways, twisting and flowing with extraordinary passion. The writing (especially when the religious overtones take central stage later on) writhes with the youthful defiance of heavy metal (look for the Per Ohlin reference early on, it’s not easy to miss; or the slight Rotting Christ tint throughout the words of the later half). On the other hand, Prasidis holds delicately a strong lens upon the three main characters’ inner worlds, examining them in depth – there are both physical and mental wanderings in this Transylvania of his. Of especial note are the two protagonistic female characters which are teeming with strength, self-determination, and initiative – it is pure joy to follow them, even (or especially) in that grim and haunted land.
Jodie Muir’s art is spectacular, lush, full of intricate details and a great color palette. Some of the frames have a timeless, transcendental quality reminiscent of self-sufficient paintings – especially loved the 2-page spread of the cathedral/castle which draws upon the spirit of Zdzisław Beksiński.
Despite a few shortcomings (could be just a bit shorter and it could include a bit more action) this is a tremendous work, a truly worthy addition to the Dracula corpus. Definitely recommended, and keep an eye out for Swamp Dogs, Theo’s ongoing comic, as well as any future projects.
Beginning in the best possible way (with a traditional Romanian children’s game), Theo’s impressive graphic novel slowly transmutes into a magma torrent which, despite being a tributary of the Stoker D Opus, still meanders in unexpected ways, twisting and flowing with extraordinary passion. The writing (especially when the religious overtones take central stage later on) writhes with the youthful defiance of heavy metal (look for the Per Ohlin reference early on, it’s not easy to miss; or the slight Rotting Christ tint throughout the words of the later half). On the other hand, Prasidis holds delicately a strong lens upon the three main characters’ inner worlds, examining them in depth – there are both physical and mental wanderings in this Transylvania of his. Of especial note are the two protagonistic female characters which are teeming with strength, self-determination, and initiative – it is pure joy to follow them, even (or especially) in that grim and haunted land.
Jodie Muir’s art is spectacular, lush, full of intricate details and a great color palette. Some of the frames have a timeless, transcendental quality reminiscent of self-sufficient paintings – especially loved the 2-page spread of the cathedral/castle which draws upon the spirit of Zdzisław Beksiński.
Despite a few shortcomings (could be just a bit shorter and it could include a bit more action) this is a tremendous work, a truly worthy addition to the Dracula corpus. Definitely recommended, and keep an eye out for Swamp Dogs, Theo’s ongoing comic, as well as any future projects.
geekwayne's review
4.0
'Black Mass Rising' by Theo Prasidis with art by Jodie Muir is a graphic novel set in the year after the death of Dracula.
Dracula is dead and hope is returning after 100 years of darkness. When a strange man known only as Healer shows up in Aurelia's town, evil rises up again and everything is threatened. Aurelia goes with Healer to see if this new plague can be stopped. Along the way, they find a surprising ally, but is Dracula really gone?
I found many of the twists pretty early on. The art is a painted style but lacks fluiditiy and motion, and yet I enjoyed this religious horror novel and the main character of Aurelia is written pretty well.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from TKO Presents and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Dracula is dead and hope is returning after 100 years of darkness. When a strange man known only as Healer shows up in Aurelia's town, evil rises up again and everything is threatened. Aurelia goes with Healer to see if this new plague can be stopped. Along the way, they find a surprising ally, but is Dracula really gone?
I found many of the twists pretty early on. The art is a painted style but lacks fluiditiy and motion, and yet I enjoyed this religious horror novel and the main character of Aurelia is written pretty well.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from TKO Presents and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
kelamity_reads's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
FINALLY, a vampire story that I can get behind!
As a child, I loved vampires but as I got older that love dwindled more and more with every sparkly, romantic vampire that I came across. I think the last decent portrayal of vampires I read or saw was the film adaptation of "30 Days of Night". So, when I had the opportunity to read a spiritual sequal to Bram Stoker's "Dracula" I was cautiously hopeful for, what I consider, a 'real' vampire story and "Black Mass Rising" did not disappoint!
The story moves at a steady pace and I was fully engrossed by page thirteen. The world building is amazing considering the length of the book and the characters, both primary and secondary, feel fully-formed and genuine. The story is both intriguing and desperately dark. The religious elements were done to perfection. Afterall, can you even call a vampire story 'great' if it doesn't have you questioning just who the ultimate evil truly is?
I loved how tied to "Dracula" the story was and the way that Stoker's characters were reimagined was a lot of fun.
The artwork is beyond brilliant. Seriously.
I hadn't come across any of Jodie Muir's work before reading "Black Mass Rising" but I'll definitely be seeking her work out from now on.
The illustrations are dark, emotive, gorgeous, and polished. They were the perfect accompaniment to the story.
I definitely recommend this book to fans of horror.
As a child, I loved vampires but as I got older that love dwindled more and more with every sparkly, romantic vampire that I came across. I think the last decent portrayal of vampires I read or saw was the film adaptation of "30 Days of Night". So, when I had the opportunity to read a spiritual sequal to Bram Stoker's "Dracula" I was cautiously hopeful for, what I consider, a 'real' vampire story and "Black Mass Rising" did not disappoint!
The story moves at a steady pace and I was fully engrossed by page thirteen. The world building is amazing considering the length of the book and the characters, both primary and secondary, feel fully-formed and genuine. The story is both intriguing and desperately dark. The religious elements were done to perfection. Afterall, can you even call a vampire story 'great' if it doesn't have you questioning just who the ultimate evil truly is?
I loved how tied to "Dracula" the story was and the way that Stoker's characters were reimagined was a lot of fun.
The artwork is beyond brilliant. Seriously.
I hadn't come across any of Jodie Muir's work before reading "Black Mass Rising" but I'll definitely be seeking her work out from now on.
The illustrations are dark, emotive, gorgeous, and polished. They were the perfect accompaniment to the story.
I definitely recommend this book to fans of horror.
cosmiccam's review
4.0
*arc received via netgalley*
I’m still pretty new to graphic novels but this one was just calling my name!
I really enjoyed this! I’ve been on a gothic vampire kick lately so this was perfect for me. The art style was stunning and perfectly matched for the tone of the story. I thought the reveal towards the end was interesting and I didn’t see it coming. I definitely hope there will be more volumes in the future after that last panel!
I’m still pretty new to graphic novels but this one was just calling my name!
I really enjoyed this! I’ve been on a gothic vampire kick lately so this was perfect for me. The art style was stunning and perfectly matched for the tone of the story. I thought the reveal towards the end was interesting and I didn’t see it coming. I definitely hope there will be more volumes in the future after that last panel!
cristinaelenalaaa's review
4.0
As a non-native English speaker, whenever I see an accurate representation of Romanian language & culture in a printed material for native English speakers, I am over the moon! This was the case with the graphic novel “Black Mass Rising”, by Theo Prasidis. The action is set in Transylvania, 1 year after the death of Dracula. Just as life is starting to get back to normal, “Zmeu” starts wreaking havoc in the region, but is met with resistance from 3 heroes.
The graphic is so well done, that if I wasn’t reading an electronic copy, I would have vouched that the images are painted directly on paper! Besides the appropriate cultural representation, there are also themes such as dark, faith, and horror. The only reason I didn’t give it a full 5-stars was the sudden ending of the novel. After all the tension built surrounding the characters, I was expecting a bit more. Good thin there’s always a volume 2, 3... where endings can be improved.
Special thanks to NetGalley, TKO Presents, TKO Studios, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.
If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads!
#LifeLongLearning #BlackMassRising #NetGalley
The graphic is so well done, that if I wasn’t reading an electronic copy, I would have vouched that the images are painted directly on paper! Besides the appropriate cultural representation, there are also themes such as dark, faith, and horror. The only reason I didn’t give it a full 5-stars was the sudden ending of the novel. After all the tension built surrounding the characters, I was expecting a bit more. Good thin there’s always a volume 2, 3... where endings can be improved.
Special thanks to NetGalley, TKO Presents, TKO Studios, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.
If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads!
#LifeLongLearning #BlackMassRising #NetGalley
twiinklex's review
2.0
Man, I wished I loved this more. I mean, a Dracula retelling in graphic novel form? Hell yeah! Sadly this was a book that I actually considered DNFing.
Dracula was such an intriguing character and his flashback love story was the only part that I enjoyed. I initially thought Aurelia was a strong heroine but she faded into the background once the rest of the cast was revealed. Bulk of the story was lost on me and I was left confused about so many things, especially with zero prior background knowledge of Dracula lore and origins.
Overall, I did not enjoy this at all because reading it felt like too much work. Such a shame as it definitely had potential. There were many awesome horror moments and solid frames, but the reading experience was sorely lacking.
Thank you TKO Studios and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
Dracula was such an intriguing character and his flashback love story was the only part that I enjoyed. I initially thought Aurelia was a strong heroine but she faded into the background once the rest of the cast was revealed. Bulk of the story was lost on me and I was left confused about so many things, especially with zero prior background knowledge of Dracula lore and origins.
Overall, I did not enjoy this at all because reading it felt like too much work. Such a shame as it definitely had potential. There were many awesome horror moments and solid frames, but the reading experience was sorely lacking.
Thank you TKO Studios and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
cicialexa's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I originally discovered this graphic novel through goodreads giveaways and was immediately pulled to it. The cover and the description is what sucked me in! While reading this graphic novel I immediately fell in love with the art style. The style is really pretty and unique and I think it goes well with the time period and setting for this novel. I only wish this novel was a little longer! I really loved the main characters that we get introduced to in this book and discovering their backstories. I thought that this was a wonderful Dracula retelling with stunning artwork.
Rating: 4.5
Rating: 4.5
storieswithsoul's review
4.0
The cover was the first thing that attracted me to this story. And I'm glad that I got to read it because it's a great story with beautiful art. I am not a fan of Dracula. And still, I enjoyed this story. Loved the twist at the end. My only complaint is that it ended abruptly. I felt as if there should be more to this tale, and there might be. I'd definitely keep a lookout for a volume II.
therearenobadbooks's review
5.0
Quite cinematographic has great panel design, and the flow of a professional graphic novel overall. Amazing art, awesome story flow, and tension. Teenager Aurelia follows a healer after the brutal murder of her little brother by a demon that changes the child. Seeking an answer to what's ahead she travels with the healer to only find more aggravating signs of the cursed ones.
Awesome end to each chapter and fun repurpose of well-known characters. I liked the drama and the power of choice at the end.
Awesome end to each chapter and fun repurpose of well-known characters. I liked the drama and the power of choice at the end.