Everlast

Everlast #1

by Caleb Monroe, Danijel Žeželj, Caleb Monroe

Cover by Scott Keating A pre-apocalyptic tale, Everlast follows Derek Everlast, a man whose destiny in life is guiding others to a place of rebirth for mankind called Haven. Following an instinct called the Nudge, bestowed on him by a higher power, Derek is guided to the next chosen human destined to survive, a little girl named Melissa. In a harrowing adventure, he must deliver her safely to Haven before the End of Days. Everlast tells a story of choice, love, friendship, and, most of all, survival. Will you be chosen?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Supernatural, Dystopia

104 pages, Hardcover

First published June 7, 2011

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought the book based solely on the fact that I wanted to meet Chad Michael Murray but I have to say I actually liked the story and I'm not a graphic novel reader either.
The story follows a man, Derek Everlast, who is chosen to find a select amount of people that will be saved in an Eden like place at the center of the Earth called Haven. He's saved many people who have been chosen to go to Haven so far and is on to find a special one who is one of the "clocks", basically a person whom once is in Haven will start the clock that counts down to the end of the world (there are 12 clocks in total). Along the way, he falls in love, something he's avoided doing thus far, and even though he was brought into Haven, chose to leave to find her again.
I definitely see a second in this series and we'll see, maybe I'll get to meet CMM again :D

[Drea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have to say it was better than what I expected, however, doesn't live up to the full potential. I'm would have liked to know more about the back-story and there def. needed to be more about him being in love. There were tiny, and I do mean tiny, hints but not enough to make me as a reader feel the ending.

As for the artwork--each illustrator is wonderful, but I don't know if having 4 different artists worked for me. It was quite jarring to switch from such drastic styles, especially from the cartoon to hard lines to water colors. For me, seeing the characters the same way/same style is what fleshes them out. As you reach the end the characters are shown so differently that it's hard to know they're the supposed to be the same person. It was an interesting idea, but just didn't gel right. I think if the story had try switch POV rather than just bring in another char/location it would have worked brilliantly.

As a librarian, I read this one to see it if it would fit into my teen collection. While it's rating is "Teen 13+" I don't see there being high teen interest. This is is better suited in the adult department.

[Chadmmurray · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's the best book
enjoy reading it 

[Rachel Bea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I randomly found this graphic novel in the library. I thought it had a cool premise so I checked it out. I liked how the book used 4 different main artists, but I don't know if that choice ultimately worked. I really loved the last style of artwork, the watercolor, and found myself wishing the whole book had been done in that style. I'm only giving the book two stars but I think certain readers would really like it. I think the flaws in the graphic novel were the various styles of artwork, some of the panels weren't easy to understand and I had a little trouble differentiating between characters at times.

That said, I am curious about where the story will go and if the library gets more books in this series then I will definitely read them.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4*. Dark story.

[Carlos González · Rating 4 out of 5]

Involving story, full of creativity, exceed my expectations.

[Jennifer Juffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I definitely got the cult vibe feeling reading this book. Oh, and the conspiracy vibe reading this book.

Did you readers know that a big shot Orthodox Russian priest went to Antarctica on an expedition a few years back?
That’s kinda creepy... lol. But look it up...

The plot was interesting. Creepy, in that “I’m going to start a rapture utopia without God” kinda vibe. The man-made utopia found in Atlas Shrugged but with waaay neater powers, is how I kinda felt about it.

The art I didn’t care for. I don’t know why. None of it. Especially the life like end... way weird.
I still appreciated it. I never knock someone’s artistic skill.
I have none.

So, I’m being like totally serious.
This book gave me the creeps.
I couldn’t tell if it was trying to convert me, at first...
But I get the overwhelming sense that this book is the thinking kind.
You know, it had that weird subtle undertone... “think, reader, think.”.

You know, organized religion is bad. It’s under the guise of good.
The same plot you read a lot in comics... “blah, blah, blah, blah”.
Hey, I named my dog after the German philosopher who said God is Dead. ‘Course I didn’t name him for that... but rather because he lost his mind after watching a horse being abused. I like empathy in a person. But, hey, I digress.

However, I did like how the book was written and edited.
So, I’m going to keep reading.
I’m getting that Nudge to do so.
Must listen to the Nudge...

Kinda like your gut instincts, I suppose, but with more juice and a waaay cooler name.
Nudge.
Nope.
Not subtle, at all.

Still creepy in that conspiracy vibe way...

[Dragan Nanic · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a long time fan of Danijel Zezelj I was aware of this book since it came out. Even then it looked like something to skip. Zezelj's contributed only couple of pages that stood out so much they ended up on the cover as well, but even that wasn't enough.

A poor rip off of Hellblazer, scrambled with pseudo-biblical terminology, underground and h(e)aven references. Barest of character motivation, begging for excuse by employing different artists to give more credit to different point of views but missing the mark by mile.

My only excuse is that I found it on Amazon for less than the price of a beer (together with delivery).

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. I thought I would enjoy it more than I did. The story wasn't bad, just not all that captivating. The artwork, in my opinion, left a lot to be desired. Too many cooks in the kitchen, which resulted in the art being a jumbled mess.

I'll admit it--I bought this solely because Chad Michael Murray wrote it, and I was curious to see how good (or bad) it would be.

[Lanie Goodell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personally, I loved this story. Especially the short story at the end. The imagery in his writing style is well done and vivid. The story is insightful and made me think. It had layers that the description didn't indicate that had a massive impact on my thoughts.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. Kind of a Gregory Widen feel to it. It’s a good story with an open ending.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 still thinking about the implications of the plot

[Devon Munn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This graphic novel had quite an interesting story and some of the art was stunning, Daniel Žeželj's art fit the tone of the story perfectly and Trevor Hairsine's art was solid too

[Dee Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really amazing premise. Execution was spotty.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this book! It's the first graphicnovel I ever read and I really enjoyed it. It was touching, exciting, loving, dangerous and dark. I fell in love with the characters right away.


Derek is dark and alone but he's a good soul. I think it's the kind of character everybody loves. Mysterious but pure.
Then he meets Melissa and Naomi and his whole world changes. They touch him. He had a rule not to get close to the unlisted souls but Naomi gets to him nevertheless. And before he knows it he's in too deep and she's taken away again.

Melissa is also alone but not yet dark. She's way too young to be dark. She's scared but because she is still a child Derek and Naomi immediately want to protect her, which is good because she is important.


Loved the story. To be honest, I expected there would be more. The end left me with a lot of questions. I sure hope there will be a next one!

They used a lot of different styles of illustration in this novel. At first it was confusing but after a while it was refreshing to me. I liked how it changed once a new character got an important role in the story. Like the characteristics of the souls that take lead.

For more reviews check out my blog.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first graphic novel I have ever read. I have been a fan of Chad Michael Murray for a while now. I watched him on One Tree Hill, in a Cinderella Story, and in Freaky Friday. I received an autographed copy of the book in the mail. I liked the story and the illustrations were incredible. The book is about Derek Everlast, whose mission in life, is to find the chosen people and protect them from the End of Days. I also love the fact that one of the characters in the book is named Melissa. The villain in the book is Stavros. Naomi is another good character in the book. I probably wouldn't have read the book if it hadn't been for the way it was promoted online. Plus the fact that one of my favorite actors had written the book. I look forward to reading more books by Chad Michael Murray in the future.

[Connor Sheridan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This graphic novel is about a man named everlast who knows the end of the world is coming. He and a small group of people must find a handful of nearperfect humans who will be transported to Eden and preserved to start the world anew. While I thought this was a very interesting plot, the author decided to leave it wrapped up instead of fleshing it out. The dialogue between characters was almost painful, and the ending concluded nothing. Five artists were asked to lend their talents to this book, one for each of the main characters point of view (which was my favorite thing about Everlast), but too many characters looked similar an it ended up being a little bit muddy. I would recommend this to someone looking for a graphic novel to pass the time - not that it's worth it.

[Chekerra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it. I think the illustration was really good and the story line was interesting.

[Lukáš Pokorný · Rating 3 out of 5]

Průměrná urban fantasy akce, která není na začínajícího scénáristu úplně zlá. Je celkem cítit, že Murray je hodně ovlivněný osmdesátkovými a časně devadesátkovými komiksovými řežbami a nejspíš i Gaimanem. Nevyhnul se ale několika ohraným klisché a postavy se občas nechovaly příliš logicky.
Na tom by měl autor ještě zapracovat, pokud se chce dnes svou tvorbou prosadit. Kresba je přinejmenším zajímavá, jak se prostřídávají různí umělci pro zdůraznění perspektivy vyprávění. Graficky je to v podstatě undergroundová záležitost.
Každopádně mě Chad mile překvapil. Kdo by řekl, že to v tom slaďoušovi teenage filmů a seriálů je.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first discovered that Chad Michael Murray was going to be at NY Comic Con, I had to know why. Then when I found out he had written a graphic novel, I was intrigued. I had to see what it turned out like. I mean...it's Chad Michael Murray. I was pleasantly surprised with EVERLAST though. The idea that the art looks different depending on which character's viewpoint you're getting was interesting. I liked that. All-in-all, not bad. The story is pretty good too.

[Andrea Arbit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this because I loved CMM in One Tree Hill and totally had a high school crush on him back in the day. And it's alright. The art is pretty cool (though graphic novels aren't usually my thing), even if a bit dark/hard to tell what is supposed to be happening at times. The story is simplistic enough, and the ending is properly vague/cliffhanger-y to set itself up for several sequels if CMM & Co. so desire.

[Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little cookie-cutter for my tastes but not a bad debut graphic novel for the former One Tree Hill star. The artists are all excellent but the fragmented storytelling style hurts the narrative. Would have loved to see each artist on individual chapters rather than seemingly interrupting each other. Still a solid book though and an interesting beginning.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has a lot of potential, but it doesn't quite get there. It actually falls a little on the short side. More pages would have helped to develop the love story that is so central to what Everlast feels at the end of the story.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great first GN for a new writer to the world of comics. Well done, the story was fresh and the character of Derek Everlast was well crafted. I will definitely be picking up more from Mr. Murray in the future if they are as interesting as Everlast.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loves it! It's the end of the world, but someone's out there to save us ... Or at least, some of us. If you like dark stories with no happy ending in disturbing pictures, go with Everlast. Hope there's more coming.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the story concept. With that being said I wish it hadn't ended without knowing whether Everlast reunites with Naomi. On the other hand the art concept was fantastic. I certainly hope that there will be a sequel at some point.

[Marielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this, although I want more of the story, I wish this had been a giant brick of a book, rather than a short one, because it really has epic potential.
I enjoyed the differences in the story and the artists, and the short story at the end was brilliant.

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't like graphic novels. I didn't really enjoy this one either. I was only interested in it because Chad Michael Murray wrote it. I didn't even know it was a graphic novel until I got it from the library.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a fan of some graphic novels and I liked this one.. I think I would enjoy it more if Chad Michael Murray would just write it as a novel.. You need more of the story..all you get are fragments and are left wondering what happened before and after. WRITE A NOVEL!

[Mallory · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first graphic novel I've ever read so I'm not sure how it compares to others. Comics aren't really my thing and that is what it reminded me of. The story itself wasn't bad. A little rushed but that could be a common thing in graphic novels.