itsjoenna's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking, Violence, and Animal death
Moderate: Death, Car accident, and Child death
Minor: Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
shaipanda's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Omg I LOVEDDDD THIS!!! Definitely one of my new favorite graphic novels I’ve read :) I loved the characters, the diversity, the art style, the plot everything was just done so so wellll
I was also really happy to find that as someone who has never read the full Sleepy Hollow story I was able to fully follow the story and graphic novel.
I’m sure there are additional layers to the story that I would gain if I read the original story and then reread this so I might do that at some point but for now I was really happy that I could still understand and appreciate this novel without that
I was also really happy to find that as someone who has never read the full Sleepy Hollow story I was able to fully follow the story and graphic novel.
I’m sure there are additional layers to the story that I would gain if I read the original story and then reread this so I might do that at some point but for now I was really happy that I could still understand and appreciate this novel without that
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking, Animal death, and Violence
Moderate: Child death, Car accident, and Death
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
dinipandareads's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
TL;DR: I knew I was going to enjoy this graphic novel the minute I started reading it! You'd think a story about the legend of sleepy hollow would not be my jam (as a notorious scaredy) and normally, you'd be right, but this had a cosy mystery + modern take to it that made it more fun than scary. It would be the perfect addition to your spooky season reading lists!
I adored the illustration/art style and the colour palette captured the autumnal/spooky vibe perfectly! I also loved the diversity in the story with the inclusion of queer and POC characters. I don't know how much of a twist this is on the original sleepy hollow tale but I found it really fun and I loved the character twist for the headless horseman—it was totally unexpected but had me laughing out loud because it was awesome.
Izzy, Vicky, and Croc were such great characters with their own distinct personalities. Croc was a cute himbo jock who was a great friend to Vicky. I loved the "coming of age" aspect that we get to see for Vicky in particular. She faces a lot of pressure to live up to and carry the van Tassel name and instead of enjoying the role she was "born to embrace", the pressure has become a burden. Izzy brought a relatable outsider perspective to a town that was fully and weirdly obsessed with the spooky legend but I loved the unexpected yet strong friendship/bond that forms between the trio.
The only parts of the story that I wished had been better developed had to do with the villain and the romance. I wished that his purpose was actually explained because I didn't get it and I wished the romance had been less rushed (it escalated very quickly). Overall though, a great Halloween-y read that's perfect for those who aren't big fans of spooky things but love a cosy mystery with an intriguing plot and wonderful characters!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
ashylibrarian's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Hollow is a fun, unique twist on the classic haunting story of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The town of Sleepy Hollow is obsessed with the literary history and the legend of the headless horseman. After being forced to move here due to her mom's work, Izzy is not too impressed. She finds all of the hype a bit much and doesn't believe in ghosts...that is until she is chased down by THE headless horseman. Choosing to confront them, Izzy learns a truth that could be fatal.
This is a charming graphic novel that brings together three unlikely heroes who are set forth to find answers, discover who they want to be, and protect each other along the way.
This can be read at any time of the year, and I think it will make a great spooky season recommendation.
This is a charming graphic novel that brings together three unlikely heroes who are set forth to find answers, discover who they want to be, and protect each other along the way.
This can be read at any time of the year, and I think it will make a great spooky season recommendation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Animal death, and Stalking
Moderate: Death and Car accident
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, and Murder
indeedithappens's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Car accident, Death, Child death, Fire/Fire injury, Stalking, and Violence
spooderman's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Stalking, and Violence
Moderate: Death and Murder
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, Child death, and Car accident
melaniereadsbooks's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Thank you to BOOM! Studios and Netgalley for an arc of this one!
200 years after the events of Washington Irving's "Legend of Sleepy Hollow," the town celebrates every year...awesome for most, kind of torture for Vicky Van Tassel, who is made to play Katrina in the festival every year. When Izzy Crane moves to town, she senses something strange is happening that the smiling faces of Sleepy Hollow might not realize.
I knew almost nothing about this book going in other than it was queer. I'm gonna be honest, I didn't even know it was based on The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. I loved it though! It was so cute and Izzy is such a great character! Also Vicky is an incredible versatile mid-size queen and I love her character design so much!
This was super cute and I enjoyed reading it immensely!
200 years after the events of Washington Irving's "Legend of Sleepy Hollow," the town celebrates every year...awesome for most, kind of torture for Vicky Van Tassel, who is made to play Katrina in the festival every year. When Izzy Crane moves to town, she senses something strange is happening that the smiling faces of Sleepy Hollow might not realize.
I knew almost nothing about this book going in other than it was queer. I'm gonna be honest, I didn't even know it was based on The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. I loved it though! It was so cute and Izzy is such a great character! Also Vicky is an incredible versatile mid-size queen and I love her character design so much!
This was super cute and I enjoyed reading it immensely!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Stalking, and Violence
Minor: Child death, Car accident, Kidnapping, and Death
theequestrianslibrary's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I don't feel as though this comic needs a content warning, but I'll put one anyways.
I actually really loved this comic. I binged it easy in an hour and enjoyed it from start to finish. The future retelling was very cute and I liked Izzy's exasperation with Sleepy Hollow's love for "The Legend!" The characters were quirky, all had great personalities, and the talking pumpkin surprised and delighted me.
The character traits were definitely a spot of light for this book. Vicky and her outfits and how she may come across as a "spoiled rich kid" but is very clearly, the total opposite. Then, to Croc who looks to be a typical jock but is actually very kind-hearted without a mean bone in his body. Izzy and how they might be portrayed as "nerdy," and maybe they are, but I'd like to consider them far more logical and precise. They insist on evidence for everything which makes the whole ghost story vibe even funnier.
I don't have a lot to say about this one except that I really, genuinely loved it. It's a cute retelling with active wlw rep and good representation all around. The art style is lovely to read and look at and is perfect for the comedic timing of some scenes and characters.
Definitely will reread this one on the regular! 10/10, highly recommend!
I actually really loved this comic. I binged it easy in an hour and enjoyed it from start to finish. The future retelling was very cute and I liked Izzy's exasperation with Sleepy Hollow's love for "The Legend!" The characters were quirky, all had great personalities, and the talking pumpkin surprised and delighted me.
The character traits were definitely a spot of light for this book. Vicky and her outfits and how she may come across as a "spoiled rich kid" but is very clearly, the total opposite. Then, to Croc who looks to be a typical jock but is actually very kind-hearted without a mean bone in his body. Izzy and how they might be portrayed as "nerdy," and maybe they are, but I'd like to consider them far more logical and precise. They insist on evidence for everything which makes the whole ghost story vibe even funnier.
I don't have a lot to say about this one except that I really, genuinely loved it. It's a cute retelling with active wlw rep and good representation all around. The art style is lovely to read and look at and is perfect for the comedic timing of some scenes and characters.
Definitely will reread this one on the regular! 10/10, highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Violence
bisexualwentworth's review
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
I have spent a lot of this year looking for good queer graphic novels, and this one absolutely fits the bill. This sapphic reimagining of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is adorable and spooky and has a gorgeous art style, fun characters, and an engaging plot. I read it in two sittings. It's a bit slow at the beginning, but by about the 1/3 mark, the story really picks up. I would absolutely recommend Hollow to anyone who enjoys graphic novels, sapphic teen stories with no homophobia, or Halloween.
I have spent a lot of this year looking for good queer graphic novels, and this one absolutely fits the bill. This sapphic reimagining of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is adorable and spooky and has a gorgeous art style, fun characters, and an engaging plot. I read it in two sittings. It's a bit slow at the beginning, but by about the 1/3 mark, the story really picks up. I would absolutely recommend Hollow to anyone who enjoys graphic novels, sapphic teen stories with no homophobia, or Halloween.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Death
rowanhill's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
What can I say? This queer romance graphic novel set in a modern day Sleepy Hollow is an absolute delight and perfect for the spooky season. Though a retelling, this version of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is not nearly as dark as its predecessors and has a good mix of humor and warmth to go with the spookier elements. Those looking for a truly scary and close retelling should probably avoid this one. However, anyone else who is here for a good time and some light Halloween vibes should definitely check this one out!
After her mom gets a new job at a high end restaurant, Isabel “Izzy” Crane and her family make the move from San Francisco, California to the small town of Sleepy Hollow. As if adjusting to a totally different lifestyle and school weren’t enough, everyone in town seems absolutely obsessed with the legend of the Headless Horsemen. Academically minded Izzy has little time for town legend and superstition, but finds herself drawn in after meeting the beautiful local celebrity Vicky Van Tassel. Vicky wants nothing more than to escape her family legacy but even as she tries to forge her own path, evil forces are conspiring against her. When it becomes clear Vicky’s life is in danger, she teams up with Izzy and fellow classmate Croc Byun to solve the mystery of who, or what, is targeting her. With Halloween fast approaching, their time to put an end to the threat is short. Thankfully, an unexpected ally is here to help.
I absolutely adored the characters in this book! Though it seems like each character will fall into old tropes at the beginning, that is definitely not the case. Izzy is very intelligent, but she is also warm and very in touch with the people around her. Croc is a jock and prankster, but he is not mean spirited and is willing to take whatever he dishes out. More importantly, he is supportive of both Izzy and Vicky throughout the story and he truly contributes to the group. Though a town celebrity, Vicky is not at all snobby and is trying to discover her identity in her own way. She doesn’t fully reject her family and history, she just doesn’t want to be defined by it. All of these things make the characters feel real and lovable. Izzy and Vicky’s blossoming relationship is just the icing on the cake. Not only is it adorable, it is also made to feel completely natural. The fact that they are both young women is not brought up at all over the course of the story and they are allowed to simply experience falling in love. For me, this was probably the best part.
Though I loved the characters and was completely invested in what happened to them, the overall plot itself was very straightforward. Frankly, I liked that for this piece. However, I know some might find it a little too ‘on the nose’. There are plenty of clever references to the original legend throughout the story, but I think some of it will be missed if you are unfamiliar with the source material. For example, Vicky makes a big deal of Izzy’s last name (Crane) but the book never explains its significance to the legend. It also never ties Izzy to Sleepy Hollow’s past which seems like a missed opportunity. People who are unfamiliar with the legend won’t have any trouble following this story, but certain parts will have less impact. This along with a few minor inconsistencies in the art style are the only reasons this didn’t get top marks from me.
Special thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Car accident, Violence, Death, Child death, and Fire/Fire injury
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