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Graphic Novel Review: Harrow County Library Edition, Volume 3 by Cullen Bunn, illustrated by Tyler Crook

 

Harrow County, Library Edition Volume 3 by Cullen Bunn, illustrated by Tyler Crook

Dark Horse Comics, 2019

ISBN-13: 9781506710662

Available:  Hardcover, Kindle, comiXology

Emmy finds out more about her real family as she stands against supernatural entities threatening to destroy Harrow County and, ultimately, herself. Additionally, hunters from a neighboring town have heard tales of the creatures wandering the woods in Harrow County and want to prove their mettle by bringing one of them back. They may regret their decision in the end. Later, Emmy’s “haints” lead her to one of their kin who is strung up and dead. Emmy determines the killing was committed by someone familiar with how to kill them. When she finds her friend Bernice is responsible, their bonds of friendship and trust are further tested as they stand on opposing sides. Can they come together to face the evil that Emmy’s family has resurrected from the earth?

Harrow County, Library Edition Volume 3 contains volumes 5 and 6 of the series. It includes a sketchbook, art and painting process notes, a selection of “Tales of Harrow County” shorts by guest creators, and more. I love all the shorts that include the goblin, Priscilla. She’s adorably fierce.

This is a great continuation of Emmy’s story. Bunn keeps the suspense and adventure going well. As with the previous volumes, this is a fast-paced story, but the artwork will keep you on a page longer than you need to read. Crook’s art is fantastic and makes a great pairing with Bunn’s story. This is first time I have reviewed a physical copy, too. The oversized hardcover book is beautiful. The photographs I have included don’t do it justice. If you can get yourself a physical copy, I recommend it. You won’t be disappointed.

 

Contains: blood, body horror, gore

 

Highly recommended

 

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on December 31, 2019 by , Reply

Graphic Novel Review: Moonshine Volume 2: Misery Train by Brian Azzarello, art by Eduardo Risso

Moonshine Volume 2: Misery Train by Brian Azzarello, art by Eduardo Risso

Image Comics, 2018

ISBN: 9781534308275

Available: Paperback, Kindle and comiXology editions

 

I need to be up front about a few things in this volume. There is racist language, and physical and threatened sexual violence against PoC.

The second volume finds gangster Lou Pirlo, Delia, and some of her family in a train car, running from the police. With Hiram Holt missing or dead, with his family wanting revenge, and the gangsters back in New York City equally wanting his head on a pike, Lou  finds himself clapped in chains and thrown in a different type of gang altogether. He also has another problem; he was bitten by a werewolf. When a cottonmouth snake strikes him, and doesn’t end up killing him, his fellow prisoners know something is not quite right. The gangsters are also wise to the werewolf menace in Appalachia, and have sent a deadly monster hunter on their trails.

 

Volume 2 is better than the first, with a more cohesive story and intense action. One of the gangsters from volume 1, L’Ago, is much more front and center dealing with the Holt family. However, the story is still missing something. I still can’t get invested in the characters, perhaps because they are too flawed and stereotypical. I had high hopes, since it is a 2018 Stoker nominee, but I don’t feel invested in any of the characterss. As much as I enjoy reading about flawed characters, there needs to be something redeemable, or at least worthy of respect, for me to engage with the text. I don’t get that here. If you want a good noir crime series by this team, pick up 100 Bullets. Recommended, with reservation.

 

Contains: blood, nudity, racism, threatened rape violence

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker

 

Editor’s note: Moonshine Volume 2: Misery Train is a nominee on the final ballot for the 2018 Stoker Awards in the category of Superior Achievement in a Graphic Novel.

Posted on May 5, 2019 by , Reply

Graphic Novel Review: Harrow County Library Edition Volume 1 by Cullen Bunn, art by Tyler Crook

Harrow County Library Edition Volume 1: by Cullen Bunn, art by Tyler Crook

Dark Horse, 2018

ISBN: 9781506710648

Available: Hardcover, Kindle edition, comiXology edition

Hester Beck is hung and burned for being a witch on the strange, crooked oak tree that stands on the Crawford farm. Emmy experiences recurring dreams about things under the earth. Emmy always knew that the woods surrounding her home crawled with ghosts and monsters. The day before her eighteenth birthday, she learns more than she expected. Emmy discovers secrets her father kept from her, and faces the repercussions of his deception. Through her journey, she uncovers her deeper connection to the creatures in the woods, and to the land itself. Her perceived connection and ability to communicate with them makes her a target by the members of her formerly friendly and loving community.

This is my first delve into Harrow County, and frankly, I am kicking myself for waiting so long to read it. I love Emmy and her desire to live side by side with what the others in her community think are pure evil and dangerous. The reader sees her growth through finding herself and becoming aware of the past of the land and people in her midst, as well as her interaction with the creatures in the woods. Bunn’s storytelling left me wanting more of Emmy’s story—thankfully I have access to the next volume.

It is clear Tyler Crook puts a lot of time and effort into his artwork. Some of his panels are beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Characters’ emotions were palpable. I found myself, upon my second read of the volume, taking the time to really look at the background landscapes and architecture. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Harrow County Library Edition Volume 1. I recommend it to readers who, of course, read graphic novels, but also to readers who like Southern Gothic literature.

Harrow County Library Edition Volume 1 collects the first two volumes, Countless Haints and Twice Told, in a deluxe hardcover and includes essays, sketchbooks, and more. Highly recommended

Contains: blood, execution, gore

 

 

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker

Posted on March 22, 2019 by , Reply
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