Box of Bones: Book Two

by Ayize Jama-Everett

Hellraiser meets Black history as the Box of Bones exacts revenge throughout time and space. When Black graduate student Lyndsey begins her dissertation work on a mysterious box that pops up during the most violent and troubled time in Africana history, she has no idea that her research will lead her on a phantasmagorical journey from West Philadelphia riots to Haitian slave uprisings. Wherever Lyndsey finds someone who has seen the Box, chaos ensues. Soon, even her own sanity falls into question. In the end, Lyndsey will have to decide if she really wants to see what's inside the Box of Bones. Described as "Tales from the Crypt Meets Black History," Box of Bones is a supernatural nightmare tour through some of the most violent and horrific episodes in the African Diaspora. Ayize Jama-Everett and John Jennings have assembled a talented group of artists for this ten-issue project, including cover artist, Stacey Robinson ( I Am Alfonso Jones ), David Brame ( MediSIN ), Avy Jetter ( Artists against Police Brutality ), and Tim Fielder ( Matty's Rocket ).

170 pages, Paperback

Published November 21, 2023

Reviews

[EVN the Bioethicist · Rating 5 out of 5]

In continuation of the themes from book one, Box of Bones: Book Two shows us that even we are not above letting hate consume us. After learning of these destructive conjurings and the harms they’ve done to both friend and foe alike, our main character makes the same choices as those she learned about in her quest to collect every encounter with the box of bones….. how does obsession, hurt, and hate become a cycle? How does Black drama compound Black pain and violent events of today? Box of Bones: Book Two seeks to force that reflection on its readers…. Opening the box always comes with its price.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Volume 2 feels more like Hellraiser than a look at all of the atrocities committed against black people over the last few centuries. I didn't feel the pain like I did in volume 1 as it was more about the rage and anger. The art varied a lot from artist to artist. Some are definitely better than others. The story was brought home decently, although I was a bit confused about that last scene.

[Shannon Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pulls no punches in showing the horror - past and present. Supernatural and all to natural.

It is not an easy book but is rich in details and importance. Well worth reading (though I recommend reading book one first) and don’t neglect the essays and other writings in the back.

[Red🏳️‍⚧️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The circle closes.