marklpotter's review
5.0
I'm not a huge horror fan. I burned myself out on it when I was much younger so I tend to avoid the genre unless it crosses over with my general interest in fantasy. Bone Parish seemed to cross over enough into Urban Fantasy to pique my interest and so I grabbed the first volume. I was not disappointed. I'm really picky about graphic novels for no real reason so I've been trying to correct that as so many good stories are told via the medium and by being picky I only deny myself those stories. Bone Parish made this easy as it's just about perfect from start to finish.
mschlat's review
2.0
I have really liked [a:Cullen Bunn|591619|Cullen Bunn|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1288640180p2/591619.jpg]'s horror work with [a:Brian Hurtt|63767|Brian Hurtt|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] (The Sixth Gun series and the Damned series) and [a:Tyler Crook|4615365|Tyler Crook|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] (the gorgeous Harrow County). But the little I have read of Bunn's superhero stuff didn't do much for me, and I haven't looked at the large, large number of horror series he has done with other artists.
This volume didn't convince me to search them out. It's set in modern-day New Orleans where we are following the Winters, a family dealing "ash". This drug (made from the remains of the dead) connects you with the experiences of the deceased, albeit in ways that aren't consistent. Sometimes the user channels memories, sometimes they gain the skills of the deceased, and sometimes they just get to talk with them. And, of course, there's the mysterious dangerous side of ash, where a bad trip leads to a violent occult death. You also get the more expected stories of drug dealing (crooked cops and rival gangs trying to claim the business). [a:Jonas Scharf|15967443|Jonas Scharf|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] provides more realistic illustration than the artists mentioned above with some nice use of panel layouts. But overall, nothing really sang to me. Not a series where I expect to pick up a second volume.
This volume didn't convince me to search them out. It's set in modern-day New Orleans where we are following the Winters, a family dealing "ash". This drug (made from the remains of the dead) connects you with the experiences of the deceased, albeit in ways that aren't consistent. Sometimes the user channels memories, sometimes they gain the skills of the deceased, and sometimes they just get to talk with them. And, of course, there's the mysterious dangerous side of ash, where a bad trip leads to a violent occult death. You also get the more expected stories of drug dealing (crooked cops and rival gangs trying to claim the business). [a:Jonas Scharf|15967443|Jonas Scharf|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] provides more realistic illustration than the artists mentioned above with some nice use of panel layouts. But overall, nothing really sang to me. Not a series where I expect to pick up a second volume.
helterskelliter's review
4.0
This is the second graphic novel series of Cullen Bunn’s that I’ve read and I can say I definitely like his style. Bunn blends the horrifying and the disturbing with a gruesomely compelling plot. It makes for an engaging story.
This story revolves around a drug called “ash” that is made from the ground up remains of corpses. It allows users to experience the life of that person who was made into ash (at least for as long as the high lasts). It’s a very potent drug, though, and results may vary. As readers, we are thrust into a kind of battle for ownership of this drug. Several criminal factions would like the rights to it but the Winters family refuses to sell or to reveal the origins of this drug. This creates a bloody conflict, of course.
Overall, it’s quite engaging and interesting so far and I’m looking forward to reading more~
This story revolves around a drug called “ash” that is made from the ground up remains of corpses. It allows users to experience the life of that person who was made into ash (at least for as long as the high lasts). It’s a very potent drug, though, and results may vary. As readers, we are thrust into a kind of battle for ownership of this drug. Several criminal factions would like the rights to it but the Winters family refuses to sell or to reveal the origins of this drug. This creates a bloody conflict, of course.
Overall, it’s quite engaging and interesting so far and I’m looking forward to reading more~
witchyfingers's review
3.0
Not bad, but I don't think I'll continue the series. I prefer Harrow County - also by Cullen Bunn.
mcsilvey's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
jhstack's review
3.0
Would have liked a little more background and a little character design clarity here and there but intrigued by the necro drug cartel plot.
lady_nett's review
3.0
Interesting story it really pulls you in at the start. I felt as if the start was stronger than the end; somewhere along the way things got jumbled and less intriguing because of the messy storyline. Really great start just wish it had held on to the momenta. I’ll still give volume 2 a chance.