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A review by vanmeers
Black Mass Rising by Theo Prasidas
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Black Mass Rising is described as a sequel and reimagining of Bram Stoker's Dracula and as I've just finished reading Dracula for the first time, I thought this would be a fun way to continue on from the book. I do think while it is most definitely a reimagining of Dracula, it would be a lie to call it a sequel. There is simply too much noncanonical storylines in this graphic novel compared to the novel.
That said, I did really enjoy this. The artwork is absolutely beautiful, the way the artist plays with light and darkness as a visual narrative works so well in a story that is exactly that: the (internal and external) fight between good and evil, light and dark. The art is not only beautiful, it's hauntingly beautiful with gory and bloody details - perfect for a vampire graphic novel. The story, and writing, in itself is also quite good. The story follows three characters, each with their own struggles, and you come to understand them while reading the graphic novel. The writer also seems to have been considerate of being authentic in describing the people and their culture, which brings more realism into the story and makes it worth reading.
I'm not sure if there'll be a continuation of the story and while I didn't like some aspects of the story (again, the noncanonical choices made) I still think it's worth reading and I would love to see where this story could be taken in the future!
(I received a review copy from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review)
That said, I did really enjoy this. The artwork is absolutely beautiful, the way the artist plays with light and darkness as a visual narrative works so well in a story that is exactly that: the (internal and external) fight between good and evil, light and dark. The art is not only beautiful, it's hauntingly beautiful with gory and bloody details - perfect for a vampire graphic novel. The story, and writing, in itself is also quite good. The story follows three characters, each with their own struggles, and you come to understand them while reading the graphic novel. The writer also seems to have been considerate of being authentic in describing the people and their culture, which brings more realism into the story and makes it worth reading.
I'm not sure if there'll be a continuation of the story and while I didn't like some aspects of the story (again, the noncanonical choices made) I still think it's worth reading and I would love to see where this story could be taken in the future!
(I received a review copy from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review)