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dungeonmasterteacher's review
4.0
This was an interesting comic. I wish the blurb on the front page didn't refer to it as a mystery. It's more of a horror and coming of age story. The story is pretty tight thematically. It mostly revolves around the importance of family. The Celtic folk elements are cool. I feel like the story would also work well as a film or hour long tv special.
The way the art in this story was structured was fascinating to me. I know Helen Mullane has a background in film, and that comes across in the comic. Scene transitions often involve characters walking off panel one direction, then entering the next panel on a page turn. There were also several sequences that struck me as having interesting cinematography. It made me wonder what process she used for working with the artist. It reads to me like she drew out storyboards rather than just providing a script. I also noticed that the layouts got more vibrant around page 70 when Matthew Dow Smith got involved.
Overall, I liked this. I would say this is probably a 16+ comic. There are some age dynamics and graphic visuals I would be uncomfortable putting in my classroom. This would have really resonated with me and some of my creepy friends in high school though.
The way the art in this story was structured was fascinating to me. I know Helen Mullane has a background in film, and that comes across in the comic. Scene transitions often involve characters walking off panel one direction, then entering the next panel on a page turn. There were also several sequences that struck me as having interesting cinematography. It made me wonder what process she used for working with the artist. It reads to me like she drew out storyboards rather than just providing a script. I also noticed that the layouts got more vibrant around page 70 when Matthew Dow Smith got involved.
Overall, I liked this. I would say this is probably a 16+ comic. There are some age dynamics and graphic visuals I would be uncomfortable putting in my classroom. This would have really resonated with me and some of my creepy friends in high school though.
magicalmartha's review
5.0
I received a promotional PDF of this graphic novel for purchasing consideration, and I adored it. The art and tone are reminiscent of Mike Mignola's Hellboy, and the story is engaging, creepy, and ultimately satisfying. Nissy, our protagonist, is easy to root for although sometimes hard to like (like most 15 year olds, honestly!), and I really enjoyed the way that Mullane spins out the mystery that's at the heart of the story. It's more of a "why" than a "who," as it was pretty clear to me early on who the culprit is for the murders happening in the book - but unravelling the motive and the secrets of Nicneven's family was very rewarding. I could wish there was more at the end of the book, but mostly I hope we get a sequel.
seawarrior's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
leighwright's review
5.0
Both uncanny and deeply human, Nicnevin and the Bloody Queen is a tale that will linger on in your imagination.