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Houses of the Unholy
An FBI agent from the cult crime beat and a woman with a past linked to the Satanic Panic are drawn into a terrifying hunt for an insane killer hiding in the shadows of the underworld. Can you ever escape your past, or are all your bad decisions just more ghosts to haunt you, wherever you go?
HOUSES OF THE UNHOLY is a riveting horror thrill ride from bestselling creators ED BRUBAKER and SEAN PHILLIPS, the award-winning team behind CRIMINAL (soon to be a TV series on Amazon Prime), RECKLESS, NIGHT FEVER, and WHERE THE BODY WAS.
HOUSES OF THE UNHOLY is a riveting horror thrill ride from bestselling creators ED BRUBAKER and SEAN PHILLIPS, the award-winning team behind CRIMINAL (soon to be a TV series on Amazon Prime), RECKLESS, NIGHT FEVER, and WHERE THE BODY WAS.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published August 13, 2024
About the author
Ed Brubaker
1,756 books2,820 followersEd Brubaker (born November 17, 1966) is an Eisner Award-winning American cartoonist and writer. He was born at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.
Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.
In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.
Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.
In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
September 24, 2024
The Satanic Panic!
Aw man, I really wanted to like this more than I actually did.
Because I love the premise.
The Satanic Panic is one of those curious moments in history where we wonder how in the world so many people could have fallen for that nonsense. But having lived through the 80s as a kid in an evangelical household, I can tell you truthfully that the adults were terrified. And those of us young enough to still be influenced by those adults were confused and scared, as well.
Ah, the good old days when Geraldo Rivera was reporting on free-range Satanists who were supposedly roaming around raping and eating children or some other equally bananas conspiracies.
Bless his heart.
Brubaker and Phillips take us on a journey that is part crime, part horror, and increasingly realistic in the portrayal of the insanity then and now.
The story follows a woman who was one of the children groomed to accuse adults of ritualistic abuse. It flashes backward and forward in time to show how the guilt and infamy that followed her ruined her life and set her on a path toward the seemingly unavoidable conclusion.
The undertone of false memories that still seem real to her gave the story a wicked edge that helped walk the line into the maybe supernatural.
I don't want to give anything away, but I will say that I found the ending extremely flat.
In fact, it was so unsatisfying, that I immediately started searching to see if there would be more to this story. But if they're planning to continue, I can't find it.
Still.
The concept and execution right up till the end were good enough that I'd recommend it to anyone who is thinking about grabbing it.
Recommended for fans of backward masking.
Aw man, I really wanted to like this more than I actually did.
Because I love the premise.
The Satanic Panic is one of those curious moments in history where we wonder how in the world so many people could have fallen for that nonsense. But having lived through the 80s as a kid in an evangelical household, I can tell you truthfully that the adults were terrified. And those of us young enough to still be influenced by those adults were confused and scared, as well.
Ah, the good old days when Geraldo Rivera was reporting on free-range Satanists who were supposedly roaming around raping and eating children or some other equally bananas conspiracies.
Bless his heart.
Brubaker and Phillips take us on a journey that is part crime, part horror, and increasingly realistic in the portrayal of the insanity then and now.
The story follows a woman who was one of the children groomed to accuse adults of ritualistic abuse. It flashes backward and forward in time to show how the guilt and infamy that followed her ruined her life and set her on a path toward the seemingly unavoidable conclusion.
The undertone of false memories that still seem real to her gave the story a wicked edge that helped walk the line into the maybe supernatural.
I don't want to give anything away, but I will say that I found the ending extremely flat.
In fact, it was so unsatisfying, that I immediately started searching to see if there would be more to this story. But if they're planning to continue, I can't find it.
Still.
The concept and execution right up till the end were good enough that I'd recommend it to anyone who is thinking about grabbing it.
Recommended for fans of backward masking.
May 13, 2024
First I would like to thank Image Comics for allowing me early access to this book.
I've said it before, but I'm a huge fan of the Brubaker - Phillips team, and this new standalone confirms it.
Here they operate in a new setting, 80's horror. The story is centered around the satanic panic and conspiracy theories in general.
I found the tone and the art style particularly adapted to this subject.
I also found here all I love about their previous work, the tragic characters, the gritty world, the twists and turns of the story, the almost open ending.
It was a short but great read and I definitely would recommend.
I've said it before, but I'm a huge fan of the Brubaker - Phillips team, and this new standalone confirms it.
Here they operate in a new setting, 80's horror. The story is centered around the satanic panic and conspiracy theories in general.
I found the tone and the art style particularly adapted to this subject.
I also found here all I love about their previous work, the tragic characters, the gritty world, the twists and turns of the story, the almost open ending.
It was a short but great read and I definitely would recommend.
August 1, 2024
This was decent and the art was PERFECT but I just wanted MORE.
In the Satanic Panic era, a woman goes on the run with an FBI agent, but her past is catching up fast.
The story is short - too short. There's so much in this that I wanted to explore further and in more detail but there just wasn't time. This was fast-paced and chose action over exposition. Not a bad thing, as it keeps things interesting and dynamic, but I loved the story of it so much and I wanted to really lose myself in it.
This era of history fascinates me, so it was cool to get a story set amongst it all. The protagonist is a badass but she's not without her issues. I liked the team up of her and the cop, too - they worked well together. Some of the other characters were easy to loathe, but they also raised some interesting points amongst their villainy, so it was beautifully muddied waters. Plenty to think about, and a hint as to why the Satanic Panic took off like it did.
The artwork is just incredible - such a great use of colour, in particular, which is something I really like from this duo. The art always complements the story well, and that was no different here.
Another hit from Brubaker and Phillips - I'll definitely be sussing the hardcover in person when it releases!
With thanks to NetGalley for a digital ARC
In the Satanic Panic era, a woman goes on the run with an FBI agent, but her past is catching up fast.
The story is short - too short. There's so much in this that I wanted to explore further and in more detail but there just wasn't time. This was fast-paced and chose action over exposition. Not a bad thing, as it keeps things interesting and dynamic, but I loved the story of it so much and I wanted to really lose myself in it.
This era of history fascinates me, so it was cool to get a story set amongst it all. The protagonist is a badass but she's not without her issues. I liked the team up of her and the cop, too - they worked well together. Some of the other characters were easy to loathe, but they also raised some interesting points amongst their villainy, so it was beautifully muddied waters. Plenty to think about, and a hint as to why the Satanic Panic took off like it did.
The artwork is just incredible - such a great use of colour, in particular, which is something I really like from this duo. The art always complements the story well, and that was no different here.
Another hit from Brubaker and Phillips - I'll definitely be sussing the hardcover in person when it releases!
With thanks to NetGalley for a digital ARC
July 30, 2024
Brubaker and Phillips latest collaboration. Perhaps the most successful duo in modern comics? Although I haven't loved their last few books, it's always a must read for me.
This one follows a woman who as a kid was part of the Satanic Panic. When she was 7 she testified that she and a few peers had suffered from Satanic ritual abuse. Obviously just a bunch of hooey, but they were believed! It's wild, but it's based on true stories. (This is my first issue with the book - I feel like I had read all the flashback scenes before. I used to read Brubaker's newsletter so perhaps I read a few of the same news articles he read in researching this book).
I liked the present-day story line. It's classic Brubaker with lots of twists and turns.
I was really hoping the end would Instead it's kind of bland.
Feels like by-the-numbers Brubaker. I really need to be less of a completionist.
This one follows a woman who as a kid was part of the Satanic Panic. When she was 7 she testified that she and a few peers had suffered from Satanic ritual abuse. Obviously just a bunch of hooey, but they were believed! It's wild, but it's based on true stories. (This is my first issue with the book - I feel like I had read all the flashback scenes before. I used to read Brubaker's newsletter so perhaps I read a few of the same news articles he read in researching this book).
I liked the present-day story line. It's classic Brubaker with lots of twists and turns.
I was really hoping the end would Instead it's kind of bland.
Feels like by-the-numbers Brubaker. I really need to be less of a completionist.
August 19, 2024
Ed Brubaker?
Phillips?
Cult devil worshipers? SIGN ME UP!
This is a dark tale of devil worshipping stories that went around A LOT in the 80's and 90s. And this is years later where a woman is reflecting back on those events as a child which lead to a current day mystery and murdering spree. Really enjoyed the characters, pacing, and even story even if the end kind of went off the walls and I didn't fully get it. Overall another knockout from the Brubaker as he always has such well done character and dialogue.
Phillips?
Cult devil worshipers? SIGN ME UP!
This is a dark tale of devil worshipping stories that went around A LOT in the 80's and 90s. And this is years later where a woman is reflecting back on those events as a child which lead to a current day mystery and murdering spree. Really enjoyed the characters, pacing, and even story even if the end kind of went off the walls and I didn't fully get it. Overall another knockout from the Brubaker as he always has such well done character and dialogue.
May 17, 2024
The artwork in this graphic novel reminds me of vintage crime comic books. Comparing the art style with the storyline of this tale, they fit together nicely bringing you, the reader, an interesting reading experience.
Natalie Burns and five other children made claims of being forced to engage in satanic rituals by counselors. This was during the Satanic Panic of the 80's, so her name along with the rest became front page news. The problem was that the whole thing was fake, and it haunted her to the present day, where this story takes place.
Natalie is picked up by the FBI to participate in an investigation into the deaths some of the other children involved in the Satanic Six, leading into a micro-adventure that explores more of Natalie's past.
I can't tell if there will be a sequel to this, possibly not, but the quick pace of the story was good with moderate text throughout. The comic was easy to read, although the story progression was too predictable. Nonetheless, a great comic book for horror fans. I recommend this comic and the authors / artists involved who created it.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Image Comics for providing this comic in exchange for an honest review.
Natalie Burns and five other children made claims of being forced to engage in satanic rituals by counselors. This was during the Satanic Panic of the 80's, so her name along with the rest became front page news. The problem was that the whole thing was fake, and it haunted her to the present day, where this story takes place.
Natalie is picked up by the FBI to participate in an investigation into the deaths some of the other children involved in the Satanic Six, leading into a micro-adventure that explores more of Natalie's past.
I can't tell if there will be a sequel to this, possibly not, but the quick pace of the story was good with moderate text throughout. The comic was easy to read, although the story progression was too predictable. Nonetheless, a great comic book for horror fans. I recommend this comic and the authors / artists involved who created it.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Image Comics for providing this comic in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2024
I'm a huge fan of the Brubaker/Phillips collaborations, but this wasn't among their best. HOUSES OF THE UNHOLY is a noir-ish spin on Satanic-panic that doesn't really go anywhere, or should I say, doesn't go anywhere unexpected. The same can be said about ALL of Brubaker's work. The characters and plots are excellent, but he never takes you anywhere new and daring, and the stories always come out pretty much the way you expect they will. This one just fell flatter than most for me, because if you're doing Horror, I expect a horror ending. This was more like a modern-day spin on RACE WITH THE DEVIL, with a much less satisfying climax.
October 5, 2024
I liked the premise of a woman who was a childhood false accuser during the Satanic panic of the 1980s coming to terms with her past by way of a murder mystery. I even felt genuine suspense throughout despite the story playing out in a predictable manner. I only wish the ending had taken a different direction; it just didn't work for me.
For what came before though, I'm still willing to give the book a mild thumbs up.
For what came before though, I'm still willing to give the book a mild thumbs up.
September 4, 2024
This atmospheric tale finds the team of Brubaker & Phillips examining childhood and religious trauma in the 1980s Satanic Panic and how that has impacted the life of our main character Natalie as an adult. Someone is killing people who were coerced into testifying about their counselors subjecting them to Satanic rituals as kids. Natalie is drawn back in by an FBI agent with demons of his own to track the killer.
This book has the usual dark and gritty atmosphere and dialog that's expected of Brubaker and Phillips. The art and coloring is top notch as usual. My only complaint is that the ending felt rushed and could've wrapped up loose ends a little better. Still a quality read and highly recommended! My thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for gifting me a digital copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
This book has the usual dark and gritty atmosphere and dialog that's expected of Brubaker and Phillips. The art and coloring is top notch as usual. My only complaint is that the ending felt rushed and could've wrapped up loose ends a little better. Still a quality read and highly recommended! My thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for gifting me a digital copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
August 19, 2024
Brubaker and Phillips do it again. Great work on characters that you seem to know already when meeting them right away in a world that feels very much like one that existed in our own world. This one was very creepy and thrilling and had me eager to turn each page and continue with the story. These books read as if they’re true stories of crime and violence. I’m not saying this duo is perfect at telling stories, but if they aren’t, they’re pretty dang close.
July 12, 2024
This was actually pretty good, but I gave it 3 Stars because I felt it was a bit rushed. I would have loved to have more detail as the plot was very interesting. I didn't realize this was a graphic novel but enjoyed it and felt like it was a quick read for me. I would still read a second installment in hopes of more content!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips & Image Comics for this ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips & Image Comics for this ARC!
October 6, 2024
If it remains above average for the genre, this book falls into the middle range of what we generally expect from the Brubaker-Phillips duo.
The plot is solid and the main character very well developed.
But...
As solid as it is, the plot is very formulaic and the twists predictable. The ending is certainly rather dark but also surprisingly very anti-climactic - especially after a deus-ex-machina that was frankly disappointing.
In short, all Brubaker/Phillips fans can enjoy this good, but not brilliant, read. For the others, I'd recommend starting with a title more representative of the high level of quality they've delivered over the years.
The plot is solid and the main character very well developed.
But...
As solid as it is, the plot is very formulaic and the twists predictable. The ending is certainly rather dark but also surprisingly very anti-climactic - especially after a deus-ex-machina that was frankly disappointing.
In short, all Brubaker/Phillips fans can enjoy this good, but not brilliant, read. For the others, I'd recommend starting with a title more representative of the high level of quality they've delivered over the years.
September 27, 2024
Chilling modern noir thriller that brings a fresh angle to the 80s hysteria about satanic cults and teenagers.
It's hard to describe the feelings of the time properly, since we didn't record and photograph our lives. Mostly we look back using footage from the mainstream media. This story gives a human face to the strangeness of the times.
The story stands alone with the same brilliant writing and art you expect from Ed Brubaker
& Sean Phillips. This one is particularly chilling. It explores many topics and eras. It is actually better when you read it twice.
It's hard to describe the feelings of the time properly, since we didn't record and photograph our lives. Mostly we look back using footage from the mainstream media. This story gives a human face to the strangeness of the times.
The story stands alone with the same brilliant writing and art you expect from Ed Brubaker
& Sean Phillips. This one is particularly chilling. It explores many topics and eras. It is actually better when you read it twice.
May 13, 2024
For years now, Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips have been putting out amazing graphic novels that blur the line between different genres, and in Houses of the Unholy, they turn their gaze to the aftermath of false childhood Satanic Panic accusations and see our now grown-up heroine teaming up with an FBI agent to save the surviving members of her "Satanic Six". I wish it had been a little bit longer as the conclusion came really fast and hard and I would have liked a little more. Nevertheless, a four-star Brubaker/Phillips book is still better than most five-star graphic novels out there.
Special thanks to Image Comics and NetGalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
Special thanks to Image Comics and NetGalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
August 25, 2024
Firstly, a thank you to NetGalley and Image Comics for the ARC provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
5 out of 5 stars.
Houses of the Unholy by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips is a horror / mystery / thriller in graphic novel form about the eighties 'Satanic Panic' era of cults and the Devil and his followers. A one of the Satanic Six our main character finds out others of the six are dying and investigates further.
Can I just say that I haven't read a graphic novel this good in a long time, even with the back and forth I experienced I found myself really enjoying this novel and I struggled to put it down.
I would recommend this to all my followers and horror loving friends.
Fantastic.
5 out of 5 stars.
Houses of the Unholy by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips is a horror / mystery / thriller in graphic novel form about the eighties 'Satanic Panic' era of cults and the Devil and his followers. A one of the Satanic Six our main character finds out others of the six are dying and investigates further.
Can I just say that I haven't read a graphic novel this good in a long time, even with the back and forth I experienced I found myself really enjoying this novel and I struggled to put it down.
I would recommend this to all my followers and horror loving friends.
Fantastic.
September 16, 2024
From the last few 'one shots' of this well known creative duo this one is most disappointing. Theme of satanic panic had great potential, but Houses of Unholy felt unfinished and some character's actions didn't make any sense. Phillip's art is cool as always, but it looks like something they started doing and at one point just wanted to be done with...
May 15, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Image Comics for the early access to this book! This was my first graphic novel and I loved it! I was hooked into the story from the start. My only wish is that it was longer! I feel like a lot was left unsaid, hopefully there's more parts to this.
July 22, 2024
With past ties to the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, a woman spends her days helping families locate members who have joined cults. She tries to remove and deprogram them from the cult so they can return home. Her past quickly catches up to her when she crosses paths with an FBI agent specializing in cult crimes.
I am perpetually fascinated by the Satanic Panic. It was essentially a modern-day witch hunt in many respects. On the surface, it might seem like older generations were only in a frenzy over kids playing Dungeons and Dragons. In truth, it had devastating real-life consequences for some people. Now, with movements like QAnon stirring up new controversies and outdated traditionalistic sentiments gaining traction in America and Canada, it begs the question if we're on the cusp of another witch hunt. This book delves into the aftermath of the Satanic Panic and its potential implications for the future when similar fear-mongering happens in the modern day.
The story would have benefited from more room to develop. Everything unfolds quickly, which leaves some aspects feeling underexplored. Despite pacing issues, the narrative is compelling, complemented by exceptional artwork. Jacob Phillips, in particular, excels in capturing the moody atmosphere of the book with deep moody colors.
With more fleshing out, this book would have easily earned more than 4 stars from me. I anticipate incredible future works from Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. They are certainly talents to watch.
Thank you, NetGalley and Image Comics for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I am perpetually fascinated by the Satanic Panic. It was essentially a modern-day witch hunt in many respects. On the surface, it might seem like older generations were only in a frenzy over kids playing Dungeons and Dragons. In truth, it had devastating real-life consequences for some people. Now, with movements like QAnon stirring up new controversies and outdated traditionalistic sentiments gaining traction in America and Canada, it begs the question if we're on the cusp of another witch hunt. This book delves into the aftermath of the Satanic Panic and its potential implications for the future when similar fear-mongering happens in the modern day.
The story would have benefited from more room to develop. Everything unfolds quickly, which leaves some aspects feeling underexplored. Despite pacing issues, the narrative is compelling, complemented by exceptional artwork. Jacob Phillips, in particular, excels in capturing the moody atmosphere of the book with deep moody colors.
With more fleshing out, this book would have easily earned more than 4 stars from me. I anticipate incredible future works from Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. They are certainly talents to watch.
Thank you, NetGalley and Image Comics for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
August 28, 2024
Another tight graphic novel from the legendary Duo, which has turned into a trifecta with the addition of Jackob Phillips. This one has all the Satanic Panic highlights you would expect and was reasonably well sourced from a few of the stories in rotation of this strange time in American history.
I enjoyed the pace of this one and was soon ripping the pages as things began to get tense. Not a fan of that ending though...
This one definitely feels like a typical book from these guys by this point but won't be leaving fans dissatisfied by any means. I've been enjoying these one and done stories over the last few years, but I would love to see these guys cook up a long running series when they are rdy
I enjoyed the pace of this one and was soon ripping the pages as things began to get tense. Not a fan of that ending though...
This one definitely feels like a typical book from these guys by this point but won't be leaving fans dissatisfied by any means. I've been enjoying these one and done stories over the last few years, but I would love to see these guys cook up a long running series when they are rdy
July 24, 2024
I enjoyed Houses of the Unholy as a reading experience at least as much as Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ last collaboration, Where the Body Was, but ultimately felt that this project didn’t come together quite as successfully by the end. I was unconvinced by several characters - worrisome in a cast this small - and unimpressed by the third act climax.
Jacob Phillips’ colouring is striking and works impressively well with the vintage-comic art style, especially as a means of visual demarcation (separating the present timeline from flashback scenes), and Houses of the Unholy is still a pacey, satisfying read. It will work particularly well for you if, like me, you’re fascinated by the Satanic Panic of the 1980s.
The tight, at times even predictable plotting means that nothing much is left open-ended or up for interpretation in this one, but in a story that’s over this fast, I think I prefer that to too many loose ends.
Thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jacob Phillips’ colouring is striking and works impressively well with the vintage-comic art style, especially as a means of visual demarcation (separating the present timeline from flashback scenes), and Houses of the Unholy is still a pacey, satisfying read. It will work particularly well for you if, like me, you’re fascinated by the Satanic Panic of the 1980s.
The tight, at times even predictable plotting means that nothing much is left open-ended or up for interpretation in this one, but in a story that’s over this fast, I think I prefer that to too many loose ends.
Thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2024
Yawn.
I was so excited for this read, I wanted to sink my teeth into some horror that would actually scare and creep me out. The cover was so promising, the stylization of the artwork was great, the "beats" of the slowly bleeding pentagram were effective, but the only mildly creepy panel was a guy standing behind a tree. I wouldn't class this as a horror at all, genuinely more thriller + historical fiction than anything.
The story starts out intriguing, I know nothing of the Satanic Panic situation so was interested to learn about it, but the writing is weak, the "twists" so disappointingly predictable, and the motivations of the mc vague. You want me to believe she was so dumb about literally everything happening because of... weed? Fuck outta here.
Boring, bye
I was so excited for this read, I wanted to sink my teeth into some horror that would actually scare and creep me out. The cover was so promising, the stylization of the artwork was great, the "beats" of the slowly bleeding pentagram were effective, but the only mildly creepy panel was a guy standing behind a tree. I wouldn't class this as a horror at all, genuinely more thriller + historical fiction than anything.
The story starts out intriguing, I know nothing of the Satanic Panic situation so was interested to learn about it, but the writing is weak, the "twists" so disappointingly predictable, and the motivations of the mc vague. You want me to believe she was so dumb about literally everything happening because of... weed? Fuck outta here.
Boring, bye
May 14, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for the advanced copy.
I'm a big fan of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips collaborations - I honestly feel they are what Riley Sager aspires to be, but their execution is always on point. Even when it's not top tier great, like in the case of Houses of the Unholy, you still get a terrific story.
Houses of the Unholy doesn't hit as hard as their more recent collabs, Where the Body Was and Night Fever (the latter being a top fave of mine). Brubaker likes leaving the audience questioning but I felt in the case of this newest book, that's all it was, question after question. I loved Night Fever for the surrealism and dream-like quality of the story, which is also present here, but just doesn't satisfy in quite the same way.
But I still loved my time with it. It reminded me of an episode of The X-Files, where you're left wondering just what is real and what is fiction. There is no happy ending, just a continuation of what already was.
I don't imagine this book ending up on a many Best of Brubaker+Phillips lists, but I can see a small but strong fanbase for it. It feels like something Hulu would turn into a film haha
I'm a big fan of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips collaborations - I honestly feel they are what Riley Sager aspires to be, but their execution is always on point. Even when it's not top tier great, like in the case of Houses of the Unholy, you still get a terrific story.
Houses of the Unholy doesn't hit as hard as their more recent collabs, Where the Body Was and Night Fever (the latter being a top fave of mine). Brubaker likes leaving the audience questioning but I felt in the case of this newest book, that's all it was, question after question. I loved Night Fever for the surrealism and dream-like quality of the story, which is also present here, but just doesn't satisfy in quite the same way.
But I still loved my time with it. It reminded me of an episode of The X-Files, where you're left wondering just what is real and what is fiction. There is no happy ending, just a continuation of what already was.
I don't imagine this book ending up on a many Best of Brubaker+Phillips lists, but I can see a small but strong fanbase for it. It feels like something Hulu would turn into a film haha
May 9, 2024
I LOVE A GOOD HORROR GRAPHIC NOVELLLLLLL! Full Stop.
I am so thankful to Image Comics, Netgalley, Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips for granting me advanced digital access to this thrilling graphic novel before it hits shelves on August 27, 2024.
Natalie Burns has a dark and sinister past, one that includes the Satanic Panic of the late 80s where schoolkids blamed teachers and camp counselors of satanic torture, only for society to realize that they’d been bamboozled by a bunch of pre-teens, ruining the lives of countless adults in their town.
Years later, Natalie is a private investigator/bounty hunter, of sorts, who works to save kids from cult-like activities but when a job goes wrong, she’s picked up by a rogue FBI agent who is all-too-familiar with her case from decades ago. Agent West is attempting to save the remaining members of the Satanic Six, as they are being picked off ritualistically one by one, and it’s perceived that Natalie is next.
Told through Rated-R illustrations, the creators of the Houses of the Unholy will leave you wondering if these ritualistic cults are real or just a brain fog from some very mentally ill individuals.
I am so thankful to Image Comics, Netgalley, Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips for granting me advanced digital access to this thrilling graphic novel before it hits shelves on August 27, 2024.
Natalie Burns has a dark and sinister past, one that includes the Satanic Panic of the late 80s where schoolkids blamed teachers and camp counselors of satanic torture, only for society to realize that they’d been bamboozled by a bunch of pre-teens, ruining the lives of countless adults in their town.
Years later, Natalie is a private investigator/bounty hunter, of sorts, who works to save kids from cult-like activities but when a job goes wrong, she’s picked up by a rogue FBI agent who is all-too-familiar with her case from decades ago. Agent West is attempting to save the remaining members of the Satanic Six, as they are being picked off ritualistically one by one, and it’s perceived that Natalie is next.
Told through Rated-R illustrations, the creators of the Houses of the Unholy will leave you wondering if these ritualistic cults are real or just a brain fog from some very mentally ill individuals.
May 11, 2024
Houses of the Unholy is truly spectacular!
Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips are a powerhouse duo delivering some fantastic storytelling that pairs with some amazing illustrations. This story in particular was just so dark and twisted that I found myself glued to the pages! This story follows Natalie, our heroine, who just so happens to have some personal history with the Satanic Panic. However, she is doing her best to move beyond that until her past seemingly catches up with her.
This was truly a riveting story. It starts out with such an interesting grab that immediately I was questioning what was going on. Then the storytelling continues to evolve creatively, you get some orange/yellow side stories that align to tell some background and it just weaves so perfectly together. Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips have generated a truly harrowing adventure. Along with this adventure the illustrations and images are just so absolutely terrifying. I really did love this story!
Check it out and prepare to revisit the Satanic Panic in a deliciously devious way!
Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips are a powerhouse duo delivering some fantastic storytelling that pairs with some amazing illustrations. This story in particular was just so dark and twisted that I found myself glued to the pages! This story follows Natalie, our heroine, who just so happens to have some personal history with the Satanic Panic. However, she is doing her best to move beyond that until her past seemingly catches up with her.
This was truly a riveting story. It starts out with such an interesting grab that immediately I was questioning what was going on. Then the storytelling continues to evolve creatively, you get some orange/yellow side stories that align to tell some background and it just weaves so perfectly together. Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips have generated a truly harrowing adventure. Along with this adventure the illustrations and images are just so absolutely terrifying. I really did love this story!
Check it out and prepare to revisit the Satanic Panic in a deliciously devious way!
June 23, 2024
Houses of the Unholy is an 80ies-inspired comic which tells the story of Natalie Burns, one of the last survivors of the "Satanic Six"—a group of children who became famous for their satanic accusations. A murderer is picking them off one by one and Natalie could be next. Together with FBI agent West, she tries to solve the mystery and save her own life.
I really wanted to rate this five stars, but some of the events in the book happen too conveniently. Natalie always seems to be in the right place at the right time. I think we needed volume 1 and 2 or maybe an additional one hundred pages to explore those moments “in between” during the investigation and flesh out the characters a bit more. I still enjoyed reading the story, though, and I definitely recommend it for fans of old-school comics. Natalie is a well written character, and the plot does keep you guessing until the bitter end.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for granting me access to the ARC.
I really wanted to rate this five stars, but some of the events in the book happen too conveniently. Natalie always seems to be in the right place at the right time. I think we needed volume 1 and 2 or maybe an additional one hundred pages to explore those moments “in between” during the investigation and flesh out the characters a bit more. I still enjoyed reading the story, though, and I definitely recommend it for fans of old-school comics. Natalie is a well written character, and the plot does keep you guessing until the bitter end.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for granting me access to the ARC.
May 8, 2024
This was such a good horror graphic novel.
The story follows Natalie Burns, a private investigator with a dark and sinister past. In the 80s, during the Satanic Panic, she and several other kids, known as the Satanic Six, accused camp counselors of satanic torture, which destroyed their lives. Natalie now focuses on saving kids from cults/cult-like activities. When a job goes wrong she‘s picked up by a FBI agent and together they try to save the remaining members of the Satanic Six.
The artwork is chef’s kiss. I loved the eerie atmosphere, the story was very well written and the pacing felt just right.
I absolutely loved the flashbacks to Natalie‘s childhood.
I do think this book would’ve benefited from being a bit longer. And I wasn’t the biggest fan of the ending.
All in all, a solid 4 star read that I‘d definitely recommend.
Thank you @NetGalley for an arc of this book.
The story follows Natalie Burns, a private investigator with a dark and sinister past. In the 80s, during the Satanic Panic, she and several other kids, known as the Satanic Six, accused camp counselors of satanic torture, which destroyed their lives. Natalie now focuses on saving kids from cults/cult-like activities. When a job goes wrong she‘s picked up by a FBI agent and together they try to save the remaining members of the Satanic Six.
The artwork is chef’s kiss. I loved the eerie atmosphere, the story was very well written and the pacing felt just right.
I absolutely loved the flashbacks to Natalie‘s childhood.
I do think this book would’ve benefited from being a bit longer. And I wasn’t the biggest fan of the ending.
All in all, a solid 4 star read that I‘d definitely recommend.
Thank you @NetGalley for an arc of this book.
September 30, 2024
I enjoyed the build up of this story in the way it used the real life fear of "Satanism" that actually happened back in the 70s and 80s, but something about this didn't really click for me.
I like that the protagonist is a woman who made accusations as a child that continues to haunt her and I liked that Brubaker links the "Satanic Panic" with the kind of people who believe insane conspiracy theories today.
I found the ending a let down, it was building up too something but it never quite got there for me.
Sean Phillips' art is fantastic as usual, as well as Jacob Phillips' colours.
I like that the protagonist is a woman who made accusations as a child that continues to haunt her and I liked that Brubaker links the "Satanic Panic" with the kind of people who believe insane conspiracy theories today.
I found the ending a let down, it was building up too something but it never quite got there for me.
Sean Phillips' art is fantastic as usual, as well as Jacob Phillips' colours.
June 21, 2024
The title and the creepy little (Poltergeist-esque) girl on the cover really intrigued me.
I had a good time with this comic, I found it difficult to put down at first, there were so many twists and turns. I did lose momentum towards the end and I felt there wasn’t a proper ending - could possibly mean there will be more instalments? But I did find the storyline interesting, it had lots of tension and suspense to keep the pages turning.
The illustrations were good and the colours set the horror tone, with their red and black vibe. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for more in this series.
Thankyou to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this for an honest review.
I had a good time with this comic, I found it difficult to put down at first, there were so many twists and turns. I did lose momentum towards the end and I felt there wasn’t a proper ending - could possibly mean there will be more instalments? But I did find the storyline interesting, it had lots of tension and suspense to keep the pages turning.
The illustrations were good and the colours set the horror tone, with their red and black vibe. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for more in this series.
Thankyou to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this for an honest review.
July 5, 2024
Thank you to Image Comics & NetGalley for the e-ARC of Houses of the Unholy!
I had to restart this a couple of times to get into it & that was probably just my brain not braining, but at some point, I was all in. This is very Satanic Panic & has cults which I absolutely love! There’s also an unexpected twist that made this story even more fun.
Art wise, it wasn’t a style that I’d swoon over, but I absolutely respect the vintage-y vibes it was giving & the color scheme was definitely fitting for the story!
I had to restart this a couple of times to get into it & that was probably just my brain not braining, but at some point, I was all in. This is very Satanic Panic & has cults which I absolutely love! There’s also an unexpected twist that made this story even more fun.
Art wise, it wasn’t a style that I’d swoon over, but I absolutely respect the vintage-y vibes it was giving & the color scheme was definitely fitting for the story!
September 14, 2024
Another solid story for the best duo in the comics industry.
It has an interesting premise revolving around the 80s satanic panic and perfect art, as always.
The only thing that bugged me was that it was easily predictable, and the main character fell for every single trap. Like how did she manage to survive as a PI up until now?!
It has an interesting premise revolving around the 80s satanic panic and perfect art, as always.
The only thing that bugged me was that it was easily predictable, and the main character fell for every single trap. Like how did she manage to survive as a PI up until now?!
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