Box of Bones: Book One

"I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. Normally I don't read comics as single issues but this popped up on NetGalley and looked intriguing. It's definitely a really nice start to what could be a very unique horror comic, but it's a bit too short to contain much more than an extended background/flashback story. I did really like the unique art style and overall mood though."

"The artwork and story was good but it was a little too short for me. I would have liked some more character development. This is a good start to what can be a interesting series. Word of warning there is a lot of violence. Enjoy this first installment."

"** Trigger warning for racism, misogyny, and violence, including rape. ** I very rarely read single issues of comic books, let alone review them, for one simple fact: I just don’t have the patience to wait for the next issue in the series! Much like TV shows, I’d rather wait until the entire series has come out and then binge them all at once. But when the fledgling issue of BOX OF BONES popped up on NetGalley, I just couldn’t resist. Luckily, the story in this first issue is somewhat self-contained. While we’re introduced to the concept of the main plot, most of the action takes place in the form of a flashback. UC Berkeley student Lindsay Ford’s research into the appearance of “spectral creatures” at key moments in Black American (North and South) history has landed her in front of the faculty, arguing for the viability of her project. When asked if there’s a personal reason behind her academic interests, Lindsay remembers a story told to her by her grandfather. As teenagers, Jim and his friend Gauge were brutally attacked – beaten nearly unconscious and, in Gauge’s case, raped – by a gang of racist white classmates. Gauge turns to her mother’s “New Orleans voodoo” – in the form of a box of bones to which the practitioner must sacrifice her soul – to unleash her revenge. While I do enjoy a good rape revenge story – because, let’s be honest, the world of fiction is pretty much the only time abusive men are held accountable for their actions – rape is also overused as a plot device. Gauge’s violation takes place off-screen, but it still comes like a punch to the gut, especially since it looks for a hot second like she might escape. Revenge comes quickly and is satisfying as heck. So I guess my feelings are mixed on this one. Otherwise the story is engaging enough; a solid start to what looks like a promising series. Overall I enjoyed the artwork; though the monster has an over-the-top, gonzo feel to it, I quickly found myself digging the style. I especially like how it changes and morphs with each “victim.” (Scare quotes because some of those peeps totally had it coming.)"