|
I first read Lord of the Flies, by British author William Golding, in the late 1980s and quickly became obsessed. Having just graduated from high school, I knew the joys and ugliness of teenage tribalism well. A film adaptation starring Balthazar Getty was released soon after, and since I managed a video rental store, I watched it and the 1963 version multiple times, increasing my admiration for the book. (FYI, the ‘63 film is far superior if you need to choose one.) Flies may have been Golding’s debut novel, but its themes were something he understood very well. During World War II, he served in the Royal Navy and took part in the bloody D-Day landings in Normandy. The reality of war deeply influenced his writing, and when he started working on Flies, he, like the rest of humanity, was living under the specter of nuclear annihilation at the dawn of the Cold War. The book’s brilliance lies in distilling these existential threats into a deceptively simple survival story on a South Pacific island. The story begins with a wartime evacuation during what we assume is some kind of nuclear exchange. A plane crashes on a deserted island and a group of British preadolescent schoolboys are the only survivors. Ralph, by virtue of age and physicality, becomes the leader. He befriends Piggy and uses his glasses to start a signal fire. Ralph’s leadership seems very wise for his age as he encourages the group to stay positive, gather resources, and maintain the fire for rescue. However, the boys’ resolve fades as they grow distracted. Fear of a fearsome jungle "beast" takes hold, and a rival boy named Jack gains influence by promising to hunt the monsters down. During one hunt, the signal fire dies out, and a rescue ship passes by without stopping. The boys’ tribalism worsens when a fighter pilot’s corpse lands by parachute onto the island and is mistaken for the “beast.” Jack creates his own tribe, offers a pig's head to the monster, and comes to represent authoritarianism and primal power, while Ralph symbolizes intellect and empathy. Although Ralph is initially baffled and repulsed by how easily the boys follow Jack’s fear-mongering, even he is not immune to mob rule. But his reluctance and regret for his own violent actions appear weak to Jack's tribe, who, now frenzied, hunt Ralph with tragic consequences. RELATED: Dystopian Collection | Young Adult Books | About The Lord of the Flies Graphic NovelLord of the Flies is a stunningly impactful novel... but also one we probably read because it was forced upon us in a high school English class. I get that most young readers will probably bypass the book, so I was heartened to learn it had been turned into a graphic novel. While I would certainly encourage you to read Golding’s original novel, the graphic novel adaptation is a suitable second choice. The hardcover, full-color book is beautiful, and the artwork captures the young characters' initial playfulness as it morphs into fear and violence. The artwork also does a good job of illustrating the book’s dense symbolism, which is probably one of the more challenging aspects for younger readers.
Batman & Robin: Year One by Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, and Matheus Lopes is a captivating blend of action, humor, drama, and retro-styled art that pulls you into the tumultuous early days of Batman (Bruce_Wayne) and his newly acquired sidekick, Robin (Richard "Dick" Grayson). This story doesn’t just delve into the crime-fighting escapades you expect from Gotham’s finest; it also offers an honest look at the developing relationship between Bruce and his young ward. The story kicks off in the aftermath of the tragic murder of Dick Grayson’s parents at Haly's Circus. It’s a heartbreaking start that parallels Bruce’s own history and sets the stage for his dual struggles as Dick’s foster father and crime-fighting partner. Right away, Dick is full of enthusiasm but still raw and impulsive. His first foray alongside Batman is a baptism by fire when Two-Face (Harvey Dent) attempts to blow them up by demolishing an entire building. But Two-Face isn’t the only threat to the Dynamic Duo. General Anthony Grimaldi, a new crime boss with murderous ambitions, has just arrived in Gotham. Meanwhile, Laura Lyn, a concerned social worker, questions Bruce’s suitability as a guardian and knows it came about by the billionaire playboy pulling some political strings. Laura is eager to unmask Bruce and place Dick in a more suitable home. This subplot adds a layer of tension as Bruce must convince both the social worker and the boy that he’s a responsible parent — when both of them know exactly what good parenting does (and does not) look like! Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce’s loyal butler, emerges as the true parental figure, recognizing that Dick's impulsive behavior as Robin stems from his unresolved grief. Alfred’s wisdom and empathy offer a counterbalance to Bruce’s stern and sometimes bumbling demeanor. It also lays the foundation for Alfred and Dick’s lifelong relationship. As Bruce and Dick attempt to maintain a semblance of normalcy for Child Protective Services, the city erupts in chaos. Grimaldi employs the shapeshifting villain Clayface to infiltrate and incite war among Gotham’s crime families. Meanwhile, Two-Face has recovered a secret Gotham City Police Department file listing potential identities of Batman, with Bruce Wayne’s name among them. Using this file to ingratiate himself with Grimaldi, he convinces Clayface to betray his employer for an even more sinister reason than a gang war.
Chris Samnee’s artwork is striking, placing him alongside other favorite artists like Bruno Redondo and Juni Ba. His use of hard outlines, heavy pen and brush strokes, and a limited color palette evokes the classic feel of 1930s comics, reminiscent of Chester Gould’s Dick Tracy. This retro aesthetic is mirrored in the characters’ clothing, hairstyles, vehicles, and architecture, grounding the story in an era that feels both nostalgic and timeless. Batman & Robin: Year One is more than a simple reimagining of a well-known story; it’s a heartfelt exploration of the early days of Batman and Robin’s partnership. The book is funny, clever, and at times, brutally honest. It sheds light on how Bruce Wayne became Dick Grayson’s guardian and how both characters struggled to adapt to their new roles. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of Batman, this graphic novel offers a fresh perspective that is both entertaining and enlightening. RELATED FEATURES: Batman Collection | Nightwing Collection | Nightwing, Batman and Adoption Problems | Dick Grayson Takes Up the Cowl Breaks is a beautifully drawn and written graphic novel series by Emma Vieceli and Malin Ryden. While ostensibly an LGBTQ story about a damaged teen living in the UK who's trying to get by in high school, it's actually much more about bullying — and the regret of bullying. It's a thoughtful and well-executed story with engaging characters and a more mature tone. I read the first two volumes of the series in 2020 during the height of the pandemic (amazing how much reading I got done that year!) but the books actually date back to 2017. Now they're being reissued with a release date in March — and I'm delighted to learn that there's a Volume 3 which was published in 2024! I'll review that in the near future. Because I love these books so much, I wanted to give them a special shout out here. Each book is summarized below with ordering links. Enjoy! BREAKS, VOLUME 1: Cortland Hunt has made some dangerous mistakes. Now he's waiting quietly for those mistakes to catch up with him. Ian Tanner coasts through life denying the spark of anger beneath his laid back exterior. When school politics and personal lives become a battleground, the pair find that what they share may just be their only safe haven. Breaks is the story of two young men discovering who they were, who they are, and who they will become. It's a love story . . . but a bit broken. BREAKS, VOLUME 2: Ian and Cortland are all too aware that the bubble they've made for themselves can't last. Shifting relationships and tested friendships may be the least of their worries, though, as they learn more about each other and the pasts they'd rather leave behind. Familial legacy, fragile ambition and potentially devastating secrets; their budding relationship is going to need a stronger foundation than secrecy if they want to face what life has in store for them together. BREAKS, VOLUME 3: School is over, adult life beckons, and new beginnings lie before Ian and Cortland as their relationship deepens. But when Ian's father is released from prison, questions of trust and deceit threaten to tear them apart. The boys will walk a dark path together as the shadows of the past try to claim the present. The answers to all their questions will be revealed in this final volume, and some may prove dangerous beyond their wildest imaginings... OTHER REVIEWS IN THIS SERIES: Red Hood: Outlaws Vol 1 | Red Hood: Outlaws Vol 2 | Red Hood: Outlaws Vol 3-5 I’ve been behind on writing book reviews, but I’m finally diving into a combined review of Red Hood: Outlaws, Volumes 3, 4, and 5. These are the last three compendiums of the popular Webtoon series, in which the characters are forced to answer tough questions about what redemption truly means as they try to prove themselves to the Justice League. Volume 4 kicks off with the Outlaws caught in a simulation crafted by the Justice League itself. (Mostly Bruce Wayne, because let’s face it, Bruce has a penchant for concocting tests that border on cruelty.) As part of these trials by fire, Jason Todd, Artemis, and Bizarro face off against alternate versions of themselves. Each encounter in the simulation is more than just a battle; it’s a deep dive into past traumas, fears, and failures. For Jason Todd, this means confronting his short stint as the second Robin and his struggle to leave his assassin past behind. His agreement with Bruce to stop killing is not only key to being considered for the Justice League, but also vital if Jason wants to be welcomed back into the Bat Family. Amidst all this introspection, President Lex Luthor throws a wrench into their simulated journey. His corrupt schemes eerily mirror the chaos of our current political landscape, and when Jason decides to take Luthor’s life, the simulation crumbles and The Outlaws fail. The Justice League withdraws its support, leaving the team vulnerable as intergalactic bounty hunters converge on Earth to claim the substantial rewards on all their heads. During the ensuing battle, Artemis makes a confession that surprises even her — she’s in love with Jason. While the feelings between Jason and Artemis are not new, they have remained unexpressed until now. But as the couple celebrates, they pay little notice to how much Bizarro is struggling with the loss of the simulated wife and child he became attached to inside the Justice League’s mind-fuckery. He seeks the help of Dr. Chase Meridian, a psychologist who advises him that the best way to get over his grief is to leave his comfort zone and start forming meaningful attachments to people outside The Outlaws. Jason reaches out to his older brother Dick Grayson for help confronting his past and addressing his long-held grudge with Bruce, the adoptive father he’s always felt rejected by. His journey ends with a compromise: he doesn’t have to be an assassin, but he also isn’t built to be a Justice League-style hero. Artemis puzzles out what it’s like to be in a romantic relationship and to be a “fallen” Amazon — both topics she’s worked hard to avoid. To do this, she visits a kind of all-female spa in Valhalla, described as a place “for women warriors who are tired of fighting.” Okay, it’s a little goofy if you think Artemis would ever be okay spending her days baking cookies and learning how to knit, but she is anxious to at least not wake up every morning looking for her next fight. However, there’s a darker purpose to the “spa” which has nothing to do with helping female warriors get in touch with themselves, but rather stripping the world’s warriors of their weapons. When Artemis fails to show up for a scheduled reunion, Jason and Bizarro realize something is wrong. But infiltrating the “spa” — which has a ban on men — is not going to be easy and requires the assistance of various reluctant allies, including White Cat and Martian Mindhunter. This results in many action sequences, particularly in Volume 5. Artist Nico Bascunan does a good job of rendering these, often in a sequential action-flow that reminded me a lot of Bruno Redondo’s work in Nightwing. The series ends on an unexpected high note: with a wedding. But since I don’t want to spoil too much, I won’t say whose. Volume 5 also leaves some dangling threads — so we’ll have to wait and see how and when those are resolved. Confronting their pasts, presents, and where they ultimately want their futures to lie makes Volumes 4 and 5, in particular, some of the best-written and most engaging in the series. Three anti-heroes, who were originally content to distract themselves from their troubles by fighting other people’s battles, finally become multifaceted. And centered. If you think of Volumes 3-5 as the second and third acts of The Outlaws play, then this makes sense and is handled well. While I don’t necessarily think Red Hood: Outlaws was the best storytelling for these characters, it does scratch an itch or two and is bound to put a smile on the reader’s face. RELATED FEATURES: Red Hood Collection | Batman Collection | Nightwing Collection | Jason Todd's Empty Grave | When Jason Todd Helped Save Superman Red Hood: Outlaws SeriesThe much anticipate Batman / Deadpool crossover comic is now available. Crossovers between these two historic powerhouse rivals have been rare and the last one was over twenty years ago. As the title suggests, the main feature this time has Batman teaming up with Deadpool to resolve a "metafictional threat" from Cassandra Nova, the Marvel Comics supervillain and dark psychic reflection (mummudrai) of Professor Charles Xavier. (You may recall that Cassandra was the primary baddie in the recent Deadpool & Wolverine film.) There are smaller team ups as well. Dr. Strange partnering with John Constantine; Nightwing / Dick Grayson and Laura Kinney / Wolverine; Harley Quinn and the Hulk; and Static and Ms. Marvel. All of the storylines are very different in content and tone, varying from weird to whimsical, humorous to somber. The artwork employs the talents from both DC and Marvel and also varies greatly so the book will offer something for everyone — although I personally enjoyed some stories more than others. The Nightwing / Wolverine team up was especially fun for me, as it reunited two of my favorite Nightwing creators: Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo.
The crossovers were published jointly by Marvel and DC and feature a variety of alternate covers. Check your local comic book stores for a copy as the DC version was released earlier this week. RELATED FEATURES: Batman Collection | Nightwing Collection | Comics Collections HERE BE SPOILERS! Batman: Hush first appeared in Batman issues #608 to #619 between 2002 and 2003. Written by Jeph Loeb and brought to life through the dynamic artwork of legendary DC artist Jim Lee, this story arc stands as one of the most celebrated entries in the Batman anthology. It weaves an intricate tale about Bruce Wayne's past and present, blurring the lines between heroism and villainy. The story does more than just pit Batman against the usual suspects — it challenges the very foundations of Bruce's life and morality. The story begins with Bruce as Batman pursuing Catwoman (Selena Kyle) after she steals the ransom money meant to free a kidnapped boy. Going up against Catwoman, his on-again-off-again nemesis/love interest/person he just can't quit, is perhaps representative of the overarching theme of Batman: Hush. The story is a landscape of trust and betrayal, depicting Batman's allies and adversaries in shades of gray until even The Dark Knight is unsure who he can trust and who he cannot. During the chase, Batman fractures his skull when his grappling line is mysteriously cut. To treat this life-threatening injury, Alfred Pennyworth follows Bruce's instructions and calls upon the expertise of Dr. Thomas "Tommy" Elliot, a childhood friend. Both Bruce and Tommy have similar privileged backgrounds, and both inherited their vast family fortunes at a young age after the tragic deaths of their parents. While Bruce cultivated a public image as an aging playboy to hide his secret identity, Tommy rose to public prominence as a gifted neurosurgeon. Tommy's expertise saves Bruce's life, but their unexpected reunion conjures memories of a complex past filled with unresolved issues and hidden resentments. After recovering, Batman returns to his investigation and discovers Catwoman was under Poison Ivy's mind control at the time she stole the ransom money. Once Batman breaks Poison Ivy's hold, he and Catwoman rekindle their romance and track Ivy to Metropolis, where she's similarly enslaved Superman. Freeing The Man of Steel turns out to be a damn sight harder, but is finally accomplished. However, in doing so, Batman realizes that there are multiple levels of manipulation at play, as Poison Ivy herself was also coerced by a shadowy puppetmaster who calls himself "Hush." Back in Gotham, the unfolding conspiracy takes a dark turn when Tommy Elliot is shot by The Joker while attending the opera — a scenario eerily reminiscent of how Bruce's parents were murdered years earlier. Bruce shares his concerns with Dick Grayson (Nightwing), his eldest son. Because of the complexity of the plot, they both suspect Ra's al Ghul and the League of Assassins might be pulling the strings. To force a confrontation, Batman kidnaps Ra's' daughter, Talia. The ploy works, but Ra's denies any involvement in the plot. However, he does drop a bombshell: someone with links to Batman's past has used the Lazarus Pit! This revelation helps convince Bruce that the puppetmaster is Jason Todd (later Red Hood), the second Robin, who died years earlier. However, this is also a deception — Clayface is actually impersonating the resurrected Jason. Involving Jason, whose death Bruce considers his greatest failure, hits particularly close to home. But it also convinces Bruce that whoever's behind it all has inside knowledge about both his life and his crime-fighting alter ego. The investigation ultimately leads Bruce to Harold, his trusted mechanic, who has been missing for some time. Harold admits to planting an eavesdropping device in the Batcave's computer in exchange for treatment for a disfiguring medical condition — treatment provided by none other than Dr. Tommy Elliot (who faked his own murder, again with the help of Clayface)! Tommy's use of the alias "Hush" is an inside joke referencing his need to keep his true identity under wraps throughout the narrative. Tommy's animosity for Bruce stems from several sources, most notably the fact that Bruce's father saved Tommy's mother after she was in a horrific automobile accident that Tommy orchestrated to seize his inheritance. Although the Waynes were utterly unaware of Tommy's murderous inclinations, accidentally thwarting his plans planted seeds of jealousy and bitterness. Tommy's resentment deepened as he watched Bruce claim his family's fortune when his own parents were murdered. It is ultimately revealed that it was Riddler who used the Lazarus Pit to cure himself of a deadly disease when Tommy Elliot was unable to help him. But immersion in the Pit's magical waters had an unexpected side-effect: it provided The Riddler with an epiphany about Batman's true identity. Sharing the revelation with Tommy, the two villains plotted together to bring down their common enemy by manipulating friends and foes alike. In many ways, Tommy Elliott represents the antithesis of Bruce Wayne — personifying a path Bruce might have taken had he grown up in an abusive and manipulative environment and been afforded the same wealth and resources. Where Bruce channels his resources and trauma to fight for justice, Tommy capitalizes on his intelligence and wealth to enact revenge. (And if you're wondering about the inclusion of Jason Todd, well, his subplot in Batman: Hush was later retconned in the "Under the Red Hood" by Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen. See Jason Todd's Empty Grave for more on this.) In a nutshell, Batman: Hush is a masterclass in storytelling, blending action, mystery, and character depth. It's a must-read for capturing the essence of Batman's enduring appeal—his resilience, his humanity, and the never-ending battle against the darkness, both external and internal. If there’s one deficit, it’s simply that the plot is often over-complex with too many characters plays a role. Frankly, a simpler plot would’ve move along better. That being said, I give major kudos to Jeph Loeb for really embracing the “Batman as detective” concept. The book does play out like a master whodunit, complete with red herrings and enough clues that the reader can probably figure it out on their own if they’re paying attention. It’s no wonder why Batman: Hush remains one of the most iconic comic series of all time. OTHER EDITIONS OF HUSH, PART 1: Batman: Hush (New Edition, 2019) , Batman: Hush: DC Compact Comics Edition, Batman: Hush 20th Anniversary Edition, Absolute Batman: Use (New Edition), Batman: The Hush Saga Omnibus
BATMAN: HUSH 2 ARRIVES IN JULY 2026 Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee return to the Batman saga that changed the Dark Knight forever with the sequel to the original Hush, H2SH! A mysterious villain from Batman’s past has returned, leaving the Dark Knight’s world upended. Now he must use ever resource and every tool in his belt to save both his city and himself. From the legendary creators Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee, the sequel to the original Hush saga has finally arrived, heralding a new age for Gotham and everyone who lives there. ORDER THIS TITLE >> Related Book Collections & Features:Dick Grayson, the former Boy Wonder is unstoppable as Nightwing — one of DC Comic's most beloved characters! And Nightwing fans can look forward to plenty of new book releases between now and 2026! Available titles in order of release:
Nightwing: A Knight in Bludhaven Compendium Two >>
By Chuck Dixon, Pasqual Ferry and Greg Land (Released May 2025) Batman’s first Robin, Dick Grayson, has struck it out on his own! Now an adult, he’s traded his Robin costume for a new identity: Nightwing! And with a new identity comes a new city to protect! The streets of Bludhaven are grittier and more dangerous than Gotham, but Dick will stop at nothing to keep them safe!
Nightwing Vol. 1: On with the Show >>
By Dan Watters and Dexter Soy (Released July 2025) Dick Grayson joins DC’s “All In” initiative with a brand-new creative team for Nightwing. It’s not all sunshine when Blüdhaven erupts into a warzone between rival gangs fighting for the future of crime. Nightwing must push himself further than he ever has to save his home and legacy.
Nightwing Vol. 2: Death Traps >>
By Dan Watters and Dexter Soy (Pre-Order: Releases January 20, 2026) Following the explosive events of Vol. 1 (see above), Blüdhaven remains a city on the edge, where crime never sleeps and trust is a luxury few can afford. As tensions rise between Nightwing and Commissioner Maggie Sawyer, a shocking murder investigation forces them both to question everything they thought they knew.
Nightwing: Leaping into the Light: DC Compact Comics Edition >>
By Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo and Neil Edwards (Pre-Order: Releases March 3, 2026) Dick Grayson is back in Blüdhaven—and this time, he’s not just fighting crime, he’s changing the city. With a new mission, a loyal dog, and a mysterious villain stealing hearts—literally—Nightwing leaps into the light to become the hero his city needs. But when the world learns “Get Grayson,” the stakes rise higher than ever.
Nightwing: A Knight in Blüdhaven Compendium Three >>
By Dan Watters and Dexter Soy (Pre-Order: May 5, 2026) The third volume in the acclaimed A Knight in Blüdhaven compendium series finds Dick Grayson caught in the crossfire of universe-shaking events and personal reckonings. With Gotham in upheaval and global crises threatening from all sides, including the Joker’s devastating Last Laugh, Nightwing must navigate high-stakes missions alongside Batman, Oracle, the Flash, and more. Batman & Robin: Batman Reborn, Volume 1, written by Grant Morrison with art by Frank Quitely and Philip Tan, is a unique exploration of the Batman mythos featuring three major members of the Batman Family following the presumed death of the Dark Knight himself. With Batman gone, Dick Grayson (a.k.a. Nightwing), his oldest adopted son, steps into the iconic cape and cowl. This transition is not without its challenges, as Dick partners with the much younger and very headstrong Damian Wayne, who not only considers himself the sole heir to the Wayne legacy, but to all the secrets of the Bat Cave as well. As a result, the usual dynamic of a grim Batman and a carefree Robin is turned on its head, with a more light-hearted Dick/Batman trying to manage the reckless tendencies of an overly intense Damian/Robin who is desperate to prove himself. Damian's resentment towards Dick, whom he perceives as both a usurper and the "favored son," increases the tension. But despite their differences, the duo manages to work effectively, with only Comissioner Gordon and a few top members of the Gotham City Police Department suspecting that the man behind the mask may not be the original. Their initial mission involves capturing Mister Toad, a drug dealer who ominously promises revenge as they haul him off to jail. Soon after, there's an attack on the GCP headquarters by the Circus of the Strange, a group of criminals with grotesque deformities, led by Professor Pyg. Many officers are killed, due partly to Damian's rash behavior. While the GCP licks its wounds, Dick and Damian chase down Pyg and thwart his plan to unleash mind-altering drugs on Gotham. Pyg is locked up in Arkham Asylum, but his sidekick, Sasha, is later rescued by the enigmatic Red Hood, revealed to be Jason Todd, a rogue vigilante with a complicated history with the Batman Family (see Jason Todd's Empty Gave). Red Hood and Sasha, now renamed Scarlet, go on a vigilante spree against the Penitente Cartel, culminating in a confrontation with Eduardo Flamingo, an assassin-turned-cannibal. Despite Dick and Damian's intervention, in which they save Jason's life from Flamingo, Damian suffers a life-threatening injury. Although Morrison's book often feels muddled by numerous subplots and too many minor characters, it shines when Dick attempts to mentor a defiant Damian, with Alfred playing the role as confidante and counselor. This is reminiscent of Alfred's relationship with Bruce, and it's enjoyable to watch Dick struggle on how to get through to Damian — especially since most things come very easily to Dick. The story certainly contributes to the evolving Batman Family dynamics, but the introduction of Jason Todd feels like a missed opportunity. When Dick reaches out to the former Robin and encourages him to give up his murderous ways, he's rebuffed. "I tried really hard to be what Batman wants me to be... which was you," he tells Dick. "But his world... this dirty, twisted, cruel and ugly dungheap had... other plans for me." Honestly, I wanted more from Jason when he goes up against two other Robins for the first time — certainly more than just self-pity. As for Damian, his recklessness results in a high body count, but it may also serve as a catalyst for growth. Damian doesn't like or trust Jason, but they do have one thing in common: a philosophical disagreement with Batman's no-kill rule. But when Damian gets the extreme violence he seems to crave, he's the one lying on the ground bleeding. Will the injury be enough to temper his hubris? Overall, Batman & Robin: Batman Reborn, Volume 1, offers engaging insights into the Batman Family dynamic, though it may not be the most cohesive story in the Batman universe. Volume 2 was released in September 2025 and details on it can be found in the call out box below. RELATED: Batman Collection | Damian Wayne Collection | Nightwing Collection | Red Hood Collection | Jason Todd's Empty Grave | Nightwing, Batman and Adoption Problems |
RELEASED IN SEPTEMBER 2025: The next chapter of Grant Morrison’s groundbreaking Batman epic!
Experience the bold, genre-defying storytelling of Grant Morrison’s Batman saga in the second installment of this celebrated era of the Dark Knight. In Batman R.I.P., Bruce Wayne’s life spirals out of control as the mysterious Jezebel Jet enters his world, and the Club of Villains rises to plunge Gotham into chaos. This psychological tour-de-force lays the groundwork for Morrison’s sweeping narrative. More Books Featuring Dick, Damian & JasonOn the verge of Halloween, let’s dive into the shadowy, mysterious world of Carmilla, a novella by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, a 19th century author known for his works of gothic horror and mystery. Written as a newspaper serial between 1871 and 1872, Carmilla is one of the earliest known works of vampire literature, predating Bram Stoker's Dracula by a good 25 years. So, let's sink our fangs into this lesser-known yet profoundly influential novella.
Carmilla embodies the quintessential elements of Gothic fiction: supernatural figures, old castles, dark and rambling forests, and superstitious townsfolk. The story unfolds in an Austrian castle, where a young woman named Laura lives a lonely, isolated life with her wealthy and widowed father. But everything changes when a carriage accident outside their home introduces them to Carmilla, a girl of Laura's age. Mysteriously, Carmilla bears a striking resemblance to a girl Laura dreamt about in her childhood. From the get-go, there's a magnetic pull between the two, hinting at the exploration of sexuality that makes Carmilla so groundbreaking. Carmilla isn't just any vampire—she's the prototypical example of the lesbian vampire. Her relationship with Laura is emotionally intense and, theoretically, sexually charged. (It was the Victorian era, so don’t expect any overt sexuality within the text!) Unlike the male vampires of the era, Carmilla is deeply involved with her victims, establishing a mutual connection that defies the negative stereotypes of lesbianism prevalent in the 19th century. Le Fanu's portrayal of women challenges the Victorian view of women as mere possessions. As the story unfolds, Laura begins to notice Carmilla's eccentricities. She never joins in household prayers, sleeps much of the day, and seems to sleepwalk outside at night. Meanwhile, young women in nearby towns begin dying from a mysterious malady. Laura herself suffers from nightmares featuring a large, cat-like creature leaping onto her bed, and her health starts to decline. In a quest for answers, Laura and her father journey to a nearby town to seek medical help. En route, they uncover an old tale of a girl who suffered in a similar way as Laura after a mysterious girl named Millarca came to stay with the family. The chilling revelation comes to light that Carmilla and Millarca are anagrams of the same name—and a vampire in disguise. The tale reaches its climax with the intervention of a legendary vampire hunter who locates Carmilla's tomb and destroys her while she sleeps, immersed in blood. Laura's father takes her on a year-long Italian tour to help her recover, but the trauma lingers. Carmilla leaves an indelible mark on vampire lore, influencing countless adaptations over the years. In 2023, Dark Horse Comics released Carmilla: The First Vampire, a fresh take set in 1990s New York City. Written by Amy Chu with artwork by Soo Lee, this graphic novel integrates snippets from the original story as the main character investigates a series of murders. The graphic novel went on to win the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Graphic Novel.. So, if you haven't yet ventured into the eerie, seductive world of Carmilla, now's the time. It's a tale that not only entertains but also challenges societal norms and explores the complexities of human relationships. Happy reading! RELATED FEATURES: Horror Book Collection | Supernatural Book Collection | Review: Summer Shadows Book 1 | The Bram Stoker Novel That Inspired The Mummy MY ORIGINAL REVIEW OF THE NOVEL: Within the first paragraph of Maggie Stiefvater's The Raven Boys, I was worried I had made a mistake. After all, the first things Maggie tells us about her female protagonist, Blue Sargent, is that she comes from a long line of psychics and that it's been foretold by said psychics that she'll eventually kill her true love with a kiss. Poor Blue has grown up with this grim specter and it's become even more frightful now that she's 18 and seriously interested in boys. At this point, I admit that my cynicism for young adult fiction took over. Ah shit, I thought, I just spent money for another tedious YA paranormal romance. There will be nothing for me in this novel but a rising sense of irritation. Fortunately, I was dead wrong. The Raven Boys turned out to be a highly engaging novel which both surprised and pleased me by not indulging in the usual YA paranormal tropes about a demure girl with special powers who's loved by a contingent of dangerous, damaged bastards but is afraid to love them back. In fact, props to Stiefvater for not only providing authentic male characters, but also presenting young male culture as being both supportive and welcoming (because it can be, you know). The meat of the novel revolves around Blue's family gift and its connection to a mysterious energy corridor called a ley line which runs near her hometown of Henrietta, Virginia. Blue's not overtly clairvoyant but when she visits the ley line on with her aunt on St. Mark's Eve — a night when the spirits of those who will die in the next year march by — she has a ghostly vision of a young man who identifies himself as "Gansey." As it turns out, "Gansey" is Richard "Dick" Campbell Gansey, III, a wealthy student at the prestigious Aglionby Academy. The students at the all-male prep school are cumulatively known as "raven boys" by the Henrietta natives who view them with a mixture of intolerance and envy. Blue would normally eschew "raven boys," partly because of their reputation, partly because of that whole I-will-kill-you-with-a-kiss thing. Instead, she's drawn into Gansey's circle and his obsessive quest for a legendary Welsh king called Gwendower he swears is buried someone along the ley line. According to myth, anyone who awakens the sleeping king will be granted a supernatural favor. Gansey's Gwendower fixation and Blue's ominous vision of the boy eventually culminate in an uneasy partnership shared by three other Aglionby students and — unbeknownst to all of them — their unscrupulous Latin professor. Stiefvater's prose is rich and highly atmospheric, sometimes straying close to poetry in a way reminiscent of Neil Gaiman. Her vision of the fictional Henrietta, a southern town curiously populated by powerful psychics and affluent schoolboys, becomes a fascinating backdrop for a variety of subplots. Stiefvater should also be complemented for tying up enough loose threads to make The Raven Boys a satisfying novel on its own while simultaneously leaving enough unresolved so the reader is craving the next book in the cycle. Check this one out! RELATED: Review of The Dream Thieves: The Raven Cycle Book 2 REVIEW OF THE RAVEN BOYS: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL The Raven Boys Graphic Novel, adapted by Stephanie Williams and illustrated by Sas Milledge, breathes visual life into Maggie Stiefvater's bestselling YA supernatural fantasy, The Raven Boys. Originally published in 2012, the novel embarked readers on a mesmerizing journey through The Raven Cycle, a four-book saga steeped in myth and mystery. This graphic novel adaptation, released in August 2025, seeks to capture the enchantment and suspense that endeared the original to countless fans. Williams's adaptation is a testament to the power of storytelling through visuals. The necessity of condensing Stiefvater's intricate plot into a graphic format inevitably simplifies certain elements, akin to a book being translated into a film. As a result, some of rich complexities, especially the nuanced relationships between the Aglionby Academy students—Gansey, Noah, Ronan, and Adam—and Blue, the girl entwined in their quest, are somewhat diminished. Despite this, the core narrative remains intact: a slowburn quest to find the legendary Welsh King Glendower and the looming prophecy over Gansey's tragic fate. Sas Milledge's artwork employs heavy ink work and a limited color palette, perfectly complementing the novel's dark supernatural plot mixed with subplots about abuse, grief, trauma and murder. While Milledge's artistic interpretations may diverge from what readers of the original novel might have imagined, this divergence adds a unique dimension to the story, offering fresh perspectives on beloved characters. Notably, the graphic novel retains the suspense and surprising twists that captivated readers in Stiefvater's original work. Whether you're a first-time reader or a long-time fan, this adaptation promises an engaging experience, allowing you to rediscover the magic and mystery of The Raven Boys through a new lens. RELATED: Reviews of The Raven Boys (novel and graphic novel) |Review of The Dream Thieves: The Raven Cycle Book 2 | Review of Blue Lily, Lily Blue: The Raven Cycle Book 3 | Review of The Raven King: The Raven Cycle Book 4 | Supernatural Book Collection | Paranormal Book Collection Books in The Raven Cycle |
AboutBrowse recommended titles, watch videos, read previews and access links to buy these books, graphic novels and comics — curated to appeal to a wide variety of nerd tastes and interests. Archives
March 2026
Categories
All
|










RSS Feed