Brooklyn Blood by Paul Levitz, art by Tim Hamilton

Dark Horse, 2018

ISBN-13: 9781506706306

Available:  Paperback, Kindle edition, and comiXology edition

Afghanistan vet Billy O’Connor returns to his hometown of Brooklyn to work as a detective. He tries returning to his routine, but his PTSD  haunts him. His hallucinations worsen over time and concern his partner, Hasan. When they begin investigating a strange homicide case, O’Connor experiences what he chalks up to as PTSD, but it turns out to be something more. The case turns into the hunt for a serial killer, one who is making human sacrifices to raise a demon from the depths.

Readers who enjoy a good Lovecraftian noir should pick this up. Brooklyn is gritty, and the cops and detectives fit perfectly in this environment. O’Connor tries to come to grips with his inner demons and disturbing hallucinations throughout the investigation, when he discovers there may be more to his experiences than he or his partner think. O’Connor also must confront his own racism. Seeing the horrors of war in Afghanistan, he has a skewed view of anyone “other”. Hasan thankfully doesn’t pull her punches when she confronts him about his words or actions. While there is nothing overtly gross or terrifying, young readers might find this disturbing. Teen readers may find this a great read.

This volume collects all sixteen chapters which were originally serialized in Dark Horse Presents Volume 3 #17-#22 and #24-#33!”

Contains: racism, some blood

Recommended

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker