Coffin Hill Vol. 1- Forest of the Night by Caitline Kittredge and Inaki Miranda
Release Date: May 20
Review by Lauren
copy from netgalley; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Following a night of sex, drugs and witchcraft in the woods, Eve Coffin
wakes up naked, covered in blood and unable to remember how she got
there. One friend is missing, one is in a mental ward-and one knows that
Eve is responsible.
Years later, Eve returns to Coffin Hill,
only to discover the darkness that she unleashed ten years ago in the
woods was never contained. It continues to seep through the town,
cursing the soul of this sleepy Massachusetts hollow, spilling secrets
and enacting its revenge.
Review: Most of the graphic novels that I read are appropriate for a teenage crowd, but Coffin Hill is different. I would recommend it more for older teens and adults because it does touch on some more adult themes.
As for the novel, I think it was interesting, though a bit confusing. I think my main problem is that I read this on the computer and that’s probably not the best way to experience a graphic novel. Therefore, I would say that what I had trouble comprehending mostly came from trying to follow along on a screen. I would love to check out this book in print format, especially for the wonderful illustrations. They were dark and eerie, but perfectly suited for this novel. I also really liked how the artist overlapped scenes, placing a large picture of a character over two sections. It’s hard to explain, but definitely unique.
Growing up as a teenager, Eve Coffin rebelled against her rich family, running into the woods and practicing magic with her friends. It takes a tragedy for her to realize she’s messing with things she doesn’t really understand. Eve eventually leaves her hometown, but circumstances bring about her return and she realizes the secrets of the woods are not over yet. More kids are going missing, and two of Eve’s old friends are involved.
Coffin Hill is punk rock in book form. It’s black clothes and dark magic. It’s blood, sex, and violence. It’s also Eve Coffin, growing up and wishing she could change her past; feeling guilty for those she hurt and wanting to make amends. It’s Eve Coffin returning to an unwelcome home, but hoping to possibly find love anyway.
I would definitely read more of these Coffin Hill graphic novels. I found this world to be fascinating and perfect for someone like me who is intrigued by the Salem witches (which are related to Eve and her family). I’d definitely suggest grabbing a physical version of this book if you can; it seems like the best way to get the most out of the story!
Punk rock in book form!? Seriously? Count me in! I so rarely read graphic novels, but this very much sounds like my kind of thing.
Huh, this does look pretty different to your average graphic novel! I don't think I'll like it though.
Lovely review! <33
It's been a while since I read a comic but I had 3 last week, well YA ones but I"m curious. I should try more of them because I always have a good time. Thanks for the review, this one is a new to me.
This looks awesome!!! I may have to pick this up for October's Readathon!
I don't really read graphic novels but this sounds cool!
Karen @ For What It's Worth
Sounds intense.
I stopped requesting graphic novels from NetGalley. They're hard to read both on my computer and on my iPad. I'd rather stick to regular text that I don't have to keep enlarging.
Wow! This sounds really interesting! I've never heard a graphic novel about the Salem Witch Trials, a time period I'm fascinated by, but I'm just not sure it will be for me. I'll definitely plan on giving it a try if I'm in the mood for a good graphic novel though! 😀 Thanks for sharing Lauren, and, as always, BRILLIANT review! ❤️
~ Zoe @ The Infinite To-Read Shelf
This sounds really interesting..I haven't seen a graphic novel like this one before with adult situations. Looks like the pictures are pretty amazing. 😉
I found the computer thing really hard to follow too. At some points I had to switch what view I was in just because the panels went all weird, lol. I wasn't as much of a fan of this one, but I loved the concept. I might check out the next volume when it comes out. I'm glad you enjoyed it!!
hummm.. I wondered about this one. I agree though.. graphic novels on digital download is way different then in physical form. I just don't get the great two page spreads and sometimes the words aren't clear.
I haven't read a graphic comic in…gosh, I don't even remember how long it's been…but I do remember that it's one of those things best enjoyed in print. I'm glad you were still able to find some things you liked about this one and I hope your able to read some of the future ones in print. Thanks for sharing.