A review by m560
Cemetery Kids Don't Die Vol. 1 by Daniel Irizarri, Zac Thompson, Brittany Peer

challenging dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

Four teenagers play the videogame Nightmare Cemetery in their sleep every night. A great escape from their not-always-so-great reality. Until one of them gets stuck in the game, and reality and game seem to blend together more and more. 

"Nothing scares me anymore. My worst nightmare has already happened." 

This comic surprised me in the best way possible. The story starts off very strong and keeps evolving throughout by constantly raising the stakes. It's amazing how the authors take you on an incredible journey in just 112 pages. 

They've taken a premise we've seen before, and still created a wholly original story. This comic made me feel a range of emotions. It handles among other things: friendship, family, grief, trauma, disability, escapism, addiction, and substance abuse. All with the gravitas and sensitivity these topics deserve. 

Besides this Cemetery Kids Don't Die instills a genuine sense of terror in its reader through a wonderful combination of story and art. The art style is visceral and perfectly fits the horror and gore. 

I adore so many aspects of this comic, but I especially love the characters. The characters are unique, diverse and memorable. As a disabled person it's rare to see this aspect of myself represented in media, and it is even rarer to see it done with the sensitivity the topic demands. The authors absolutely nail true to life representation. 

"Contrary to what you may think, my chair is my body! It is my life!" 

Cemetery Kids Don't Die is perfect for fans of horror and gore, who love layered storylines and diverse characters. 

Thank you Oni Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.