octavia_cade's review
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
This is a combination of form and genre that I don't think I've come across before - a historical urban fantasy comic, set in Detroit in the early 1970s, and it was super enjoyable. The protagonist, Elena, is a journalist known for her investigations into police brutality. Marginalised by both her race and sex, she's able to illuminate the social tensions of the time (before my time, and in another country at that) in a clear and vivid way. Honestly, I was so engrossed in the social commentary that I was actually a little disappointed when the urban fantasy bit came in - I had no idea going in that this was anything more than historical fiction, so the swirling monster that appeared in the alleyway was a surprise. It's not that I don't enjoy monsters and urban fantasy - I do - it's just that I find myself far less interested in it than I am in Elena and her community.
naiadtales's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
lachelnreadingbookss's review
4.0
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review
Elena Abbott is one of the best and toughest reporters in Detroit. While trying to unmask gangs and their dirty affairs, she plays an important role as the Lightbringer to vanquish the evil threating the election campaign of the first black mayor.
When her firm gets a new books, he begins to question her role in the firm. Asking why she isn't lady like and offering unsolicited advice on how Elena Abbott should behave as a woman.
The comic style is not short of beautiful and clear you can read the dialogue boxes easily.
The main characters are all blacks and people of colour. The main lead character, Elena Abbott is a black queer woman. The representation of the challenges black queer women face was covered in this comic.
If you want to experience an urban fantasy and supernatural comic with magic and guns and detective work, Abbott us packed from the first page to the last page.
Elena Abbott is one of the best and toughest reporters in Detroit. While trying to unmask gangs and their dirty affairs, she plays an important role as the Lightbringer to vanquish the evil threating the election campaign of the first black mayor.
When her firm gets a new books, he begins to question her role in the firm. Asking why she isn't lady like and offering unsolicited advice on how Elena Abbott should behave as a woman.
The comic style is not short of beautiful and clear you can read the dialogue boxes easily.
The main characters are all blacks and people of colour. The main lead character, Elena Abbott is a black queer woman. The representation of the challenges black queer women face was covered in this comic.
If you want to experience an urban fantasy and supernatural comic with magic and guns and detective work, Abbott us packed from the first page to the last page.
bookish_calirican's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
therainbowshelf's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
A super fun comic with a historic setting and a strong Black female protagonist! I’m loving watching Abbott journalist detective her way through terrifying situations. The cast of characters is delightful, the art is fun, and the supernatural elements are great. There’s a lot of creative panel work in here, and the social commentary is on point. I’m looking forward to the next volume.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, Alcohol, Blood, Cursing, Animal death, Child death, Gore, Grief, and Racism
Moderate: Police brutality
Minor: Drug use, Car accident, Gun violence, and Homophobia
Death of a spouseheysoph's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.75
captwinghead's review
5.0
This was a wonderful introduction!
Abbott is already a solid character. I feel like I have a pretty good handle on her personality and way of thinking. She's tenacious and headstrong, even when faced with several white men telling her to stay quiet and keep her head down. Her past is still being fleshed out but we got enough to nibble on here and I want more!
I like her boss, Charlie, quite a bit. Can't wait to see more of them interacting in the future. The supernatural element took me by surprise a bit, even having read a little about this series online. Black women don't often get to see ourselves in supernatural stories and even then, we're usually not the main characters. I'm very interested to see where this series goes next! I love the setting, the tone and the art.
5 stars.
Definitely a recommend.
Abbott is already a solid character. I feel like I have a pretty good handle on her personality and way of thinking. She's tenacious and headstrong, even when faced with several white men telling her to stay quiet and keep her head down. Her past is still being fleshed out but we got enough to nibble on here and I want more!
I like her boss, Charlie, quite a bit. Can't wait to see more of them interacting in the future. The supernatural element took me by surprise a bit, even having read a little about this series online. Black women don't often get to see ourselves in supernatural stories and even then, we're usually not the main characters. I'm very interested to see where this series goes next! I love the setting, the tone and the art.
5 stars.
Definitely a recommend.