veggiecats's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
art-wise, this was just absolutely incredible. i hadn't realised that this was a part of a series before reading, and instead was drawn in by the beautiful linework and colours that this is filled with. i guess without knowing it, i tend to lean towards these sort of heist/criminal stories. i think it was really great as a stand-alone, but i just wish there was a bit more elaboration on some of the characters backstories. and to my understanding, based on the afterword, it seems like the series follows the kids in this book. i would have loved to get more background on jane, the p.i., teeg, and more. otherwise, i think it was a well articulated story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Abandonment, Physical abuse, Alcoholism, Drug use, Drug abuse, Car accident, Blood, Alcohol, Violence, Gun violence, Gore, Domestic abuse, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: War, Suicide, Stalking, Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Minor: Rape and Adult/minor relationship
ray_whin's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
yeahjaclynn's review against another edition
2.0
yep, that’s a graphic novel.
picked it up because it was new at my library and i felt like a graphic novel. it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. the art style was really cool, couldn't really get into the plot.
from what i was reading online it sounds like this is part of a larger story line from another series so i may look into that down the road.
picked it up because it was new at my library and i felt like a graphic novel. it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. the art style was really cool, couldn't really get into the plot.
from what i was reading online it sounds like this is part of a larger story line from another series so i may look into that down the road.
apageinthestacks's review against another edition
5.0
I first read this in single issues as it was coming out. Then I just reread the whole thing in this beautiful hardcover. Both were incredible experiences.
The first read through was more mysterious—I would often not remember everything that had happened issue to issue which sort of had the effect of going in blind to each issue, and slowly piecing things together. Honestly, that was a great experience, and I loved looking forward to each new chapter month to month.
Reading it all in one sitting allowed me to really appreciate the story in its structure and storytelling. It was a fantastic single-sitting read, and I can’t wait to go back and reread all of Criminal once the Deluxe editions come out later this year.
Highly recommended if you enjoy crime comics. You don’t need to have read any previous Criminal comics at all.
The first read through was more mysterious—I would often not remember everything that had happened issue to issue which sort of had the effect of going in blind to each issue, and slowly piecing things together. Honestly, that was a great experience, and I loved looking forward to each new chapter month to month.
Reading it all in one sitting allowed me to really appreciate the story in its structure and storytelling. It was a fantastic single-sitting read, and I can’t wait to go back and reread all of Criminal once the Deluxe editions come out later this year.
Highly recommended if you enjoy crime comics. You don’t need to have read any previous Criminal comics at all.
elturko64's review against another edition
5.0
At this point Brubaker and Phillips are some of the greatest duos in comics period. Cruel Summer is another well crafted crime story with lighting fast pacing and amazing characters from the 'Criminal' universe. Each issue flies by and its filled with wonderful art by Phillips. I won't talk about the story, because I think its best to go in blind. But I will say that the story is epic, filled with gut punches and it ties up some great storylines from certain characters in the 'Criminal' series in a neat bow. This is definitely one of the best comics I've read in years and I highly recommend giving not only 'Cruel Summer' a read but the rest of the 'Criminal' series.
zorpblorp's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
esselleayy's review against another edition
4.0
Typically great work from Brubaker/Phillips. There are a few loose plot points I would have liked to tighten up, but they always do killer noir. I would definitely recommend reading the other Criminal books first, because as a stand alone, you don't really see why this particular story needs to be told and how it ties in so nicely with other tales from the Criminal "universe."
etwong94's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jenna02s's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75