What do you think?
Rate this book
Cold Front
Jules and his older brother Martin are on a trip to Norway. A chance for the young art student to reconnect with his sibling, who appears to be withdrawing deeper and deeper into an obsessive downward spiral. But what is behind Martin's unsettling behavior? What is the secret he refuses to speak of, and which is making him turn his back on his family?
Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2023
1 person is currently reading
111 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 3, 2025
Bela e sensível história entre irmãos, com ilustrações magníficas. Aborda de forma subtil fragilidades e emoções muitas vezes escondidas, e deixa uma marca forte mesmo depois de terminar.
August 25, 2023
"When you read the right books, you learn that above all, the Norse gods are human. They all make mistakes. Like most of us, they have known joy, love, and glory... But also loss and sorrow. And what's more... Each deity has a distinctive personality. It's a lot easier to identify with them. To choose who to pray to. And that's why I feel closer to them."
TW: graphic portrayal of an animal killed by a car, mentions of child death
I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this one but a 3.5 feels like the right score. It's an emotional story about two brothers attempting to reconnect and find common ground again. Martin distanced himself from his family and dove headfirst into the Norse pagan faith as a way to escape. Jules is desperately trying to help Martin find a way to ask for support. While I don't have siblings, the relationship between them felt natural – ranging from smalltalk to light teasing to intense fights.
The plot is subtle and while a lot is left unsaid until the end, the artstyle is quite expressive and relays the emotional state of the characters in a convincing manner. While I didn't love the artstyle of the people in this novel, I found that the scenery and smaller details were beautiful.
Thanks to NetGalley and Europe Comics for the arc.
TW: graphic portrayal of an animal killed by a car, mentions of child death
I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this one but a 3.5 feels like the right score. It's an emotional story about two brothers attempting to reconnect and find common ground again. Martin distanced himself from his family and dove headfirst into the Norse pagan faith as a way to escape. Jules is desperately trying to help Martin find a way to ask for support. While I don't have siblings, the relationship between them felt natural – ranging from smalltalk to light teasing to intense fights.
The plot is subtle and while a lot is left unsaid until the end, the artstyle is quite expressive and relays the emotional state of the characters in a convincing manner. While I didn't love the artstyle of the people in this novel, I found that the scenery and smaller details were beautiful.
Thanks to NetGalley and Europe Comics for the arc.
April 18, 2023
Cold Front, Belçika'dan Norveç'e kamp yapmaya giden, Jules ve Martin adında iki kardeşin hikayesini anlatıyor. Hikaye boyunca Martin'in bir derdi olduğunu anlıyoruz (boşanmış ve eski eşinin aramalarını görmezden geliyor) fakat asıl meselenin ne olduğuna dair ipuçlarına sahip olsak da gerçeğe ancak finalde ulaşıyoruz.
Jean Cremers, yer yer Martin'in eski eş Amandine, fakat asıl olarak küçük kardeş Jules üzerinden ailenin önemini anlatırken, acıların tek başına başa çıkmak için fazla ağır olabileceğini ve içini dökmenin, paylaşmanın acıyla başa çıkmak için en etkili yöntemlerden biri olduğunu vurguluyor.
Cold Front, abi/kardeş ilişkisinin gücü/samimiyeti üzerine de oldukça güçlü bir metin. Bununla birlikte, çizgilerle adeta Norveç'in doğasına yapılan bir güzelleme. Kendinizi metnin gücüne kaptırırken, bir yandan da Norveç'in o büyüleyici güzelliğinin etkisi daima kendisini hissettiriyor.
Jean Cremers, yer yer Martin'in eski eş Amandine, fakat asıl olarak küçük kardeş Jules üzerinden ailenin önemini anlatırken, acıların tek başına başa çıkmak için fazla ağır olabileceğini ve içini dökmenin, paylaşmanın acıyla başa çıkmak için en etkili yöntemlerden biri olduğunu vurguluyor.
Cold Front, abi/kardeş ilişkisinin gücü/samimiyeti üzerine de oldukça güçlü bir metin. Bununla birlikte, çizgilerle adeta Norveç'in doğasına yapılan bir güzelleme. Kendinizi metnin gücüne kaptırırken, bir yandan da Norveç'in o büyüleyici güzelliğinin etkisi daima kendisini hissettiriyor.
July 1, 2023
This was a beautiful and in the end very emotional story following two brothers on a trip to Norway. Covering loss, family and men's mental health, with some Norse mythology sprinkled in. I liked the art style and its use of earthy tones, I just found the font style a bit hard to read at times. Thank you to Netgalley and the writer for a copy of this story, I would definitely recommend it!
July 5, 2023
des illustrations d’une grande beauté et une histoire qui me plaisait mais dont je décrochais facilement. le personnage du jeune frère avec sa personnalité pleine d’espoir et taquine avait parfois l’air d’un personnage de cartoon vis-à-vie son aîné.
October 5, 2024
Une sorte de périple en terre inconnue, qui servira notamment de voyage spirituel à l'un des deux protagonistes, à la suite d'un drame familial.
J'ai trouvé que le choix de la Norvège comme destination était une bonne idée, non seulement parce que les dessins représentent des lieux que je n'ai jamais eu la chance de visiter, mais aussi parce que ce décor a permis à l'artiste d'évoquer les anciennes croyances de cette contrée.
Néanmoins, j'ai trouvé que la BD manquait de profondeur... J'aurais notamment voulu en savoir plus sur les événements qui ont précédé le voyage, ainsi que sur ceux après le retour en Belgique. La relation entre les deux frères n'était pas suffisamment étouffée, selon moi, et les grandes étapes de l'histoire étaient plutôt prévisibles...
J'ai trouvé que le choix de la Norvège comme destination était une bonne idée, non seulement parce que les dessins représentent des lieux que je n'ai jamais eu la chance de visiter, mais aussi parce que ce décor a permis à l'artiste d'évoquer les anciennes croyances de cette contrée.
Néanmoins, j'ai trouvé que la BD manquait de profondeur... J'aurais notamment voulu en savoir plus sur les événements qui ont précédé le voyage, ainsi que sur ceux après le retour en Belgique. La relation entre les deux frères n'était pas suffisamment étouffée, selon moi, et les grandes étapes de l'histoire étaient plutôt prévisibles...
July 3, 2023
This was actually a decent read. I was a bit skeptical about the drawing style at first and then simply fell in love with it! So, I really liked the artsy side, the two characters were also quite interesting but plot-wise, the story lacked some development and pace.
Thanks to the NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to the NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
November 27, 2023
*3.5/5
Simple but profound.
Simple but profound.
November 7, 2024
Très beau livre et l'histoire est touchante! Ça donne envie de faire un voyage en Norvège!
June 10, 2025
3 ⭐️
Belle histoire mais manquait un peu de profondeur à mon sens!
Belle histoire mais manquait un peu de profondeur à mon sens!
May 28, 2023
This was a beautiful read, definitely my thing. I'm writing this right after reading and I'm still teary over it. I had a good ol' cry at the end, it was wonderful.
A wonderful exploration of the relationship between these two very different siblings, traverssing a mountain range, dealing with bears and strange shepherds, meeting strangers along the way, and dealing with their own history and emotions.
There's a great build-up as you go on, you learn more about the characters every chapter, and unfolding Martin's backstory was so emotional.
The art style is simple but expressive, and the use of brighter and darker colours depending in the setting really work.
This is the kind of story that will stick with me, I desperately wish there was more of them. I definitely recommend this one!
ARC courtesy of NetGalley.
A wonderful exploration of the relationship between these two very different siblings, traverssing a mountain range, dealing with bears and strange shepherds, meeting strangers along the way, and dealing with their own history and emotions.
There's a great build-up as you go on, you learn more about the characters every chapter, and unfolding Martin's backstory was so emotional.
The art style is simple but expressive, and the use of brighter and darker colours depending in the setting really work.
This is the kind of story that will stick with me, I desperately wish there was more of them. I definitely recommend this one!
ARC courtesy of NetGalley.
January 2, 2024
Jolie histoire où les relations familiales y sont dépeintes de manière réaliste. Cependant, la représentation des deux personnages est un peu inégale : le petit frère a parfois l'air tout droit sorti d'un cartoon, ce qui fait tâche dans l'univers de cette BD.
July 12, 2023
“Cold Front” by Jean Cremers is a graphic novel that tells the story of two brothers, Jules and Martin, who are on a hiking trip to Norway together. Jules is on the trip in an effort to reconnect with his older brother; whereas Martin, who believes in the old Norse gods, views the trip as more akin to a religious pilgrimage. Quite quickly we become aware that Martin has had some kind of traumatic event in his past that is causing him to withdraw from those who care about him, and over the course of the story we are slowly learning more and more about what happened.
I appreciated the way this book dealt with grief, faith, and the strength of family relationships. I have only ever seen representations of old Norse religion in tv shows about Vikings so it was interesting to have that mythology explored in a more modern context and woven into the storyline. It seems as though the story is at least semi autobiographical which makes it even more powerful and reminds me of other travel-themed graphic memoirs like Lucy Kinsley’s “An Age of License” and Sarah Glidden’s “How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less”
I really liked how the art in this book used exclusively a cool tone palette of blues, greens, and brownish neutrals which made for a beautiful, cohesive look that suited the setting. However, I did find the font used for the text difficult to read at times.
*DISCLAIMER: I received an eARC of this book from Europe Comics through NetGalley for the purposes of providing an unbiased review.*
I appreciated the way this book dealt with grief, faith, and the strength of family relationships. I have only ever seen representations of old Norse religion in tv shows about Vikings so it was interesting to have that mythology explored in a more modern context and woven into the storyline. It seems as though the story is at least semi autobiographical which makes it even more powerful and reminds me of other travel-themed graphic memoirs like Lucy Kinsley’s “An Age of License” and Sarah Glidden’s “How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less”
I really liked how the art in this book used exclusively a cool tone palette of blues, greens, and brownish neutrals which made for a beautiful, cohesive look that suited the setting. However, I did find the font used for the text difficult to read at times.
*DISCLAIMER: I received an eARC of this book from Europe Comics through NetGalley for the purposes of providing an unbiased review.*
January 23, 2025
A dense but quickly-read literary graphic novel, of two Belgian brothers on a hiking holiday in Norway. One is Jules, the feistier, brasher upstart kind of affair, the other, Martin, a more sullen type, and with reason – his marriage has fallen apart, their father has decided it was all Martin's fault, and he's struggling to get his brother to admit his belief in Odin, Thor and the rest of the Norse pantheon could help him spiritually. The slightly weird story will focus both on their individual journeys – literally, as they have a hike to a particular rock's outlook in mind – and their fractious relationship with each other.
The artwork tends to the rough and ready, and allows the scope and silence of the landscape to come through – as well as errant sheep, ravens, boxer shorts, and the sheer bloody-mindedness of Martin, as he refuses the help (and perhaps judgement) of his birth family over the end of his chosen one. It is a book about male stubbornness, principally – although nobody will do the whole eye-removal thing to get their way. I found a lot of sensibly wrought emotions on these pages, even if the weather acts as a pathetic fallacy far, far too much. All told it's a healthy four stars, and it's all easily recommendable.
The artwork tends to the rough and ready, and allows the scope and silence of the landscape to come through – as well as errant sheep, ravens, boxer shorts, and the sheer bloody-mindedness of Martin, as he refuses the help (and perhaps judgement) of his birth family over the end of his chosen one. It is a book about male stubbornness, principally – although nobody will do the whole eye-removal thing to get their way. I found a lot of sensibly wrought emotions on these pages, even if the weather acts as a pathetic fallacy far, far too much. All told it's a healthy four stars, and it's all easily recommendable.
June 26, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley, the writer Jean Cremers, and the publisher Europe Comics for sending me a free electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Cold Front is the story of two brothers from Belgium, going on a trip to Norway to hike. As the story progresses over beautifully illustrated pages, we learn about Martin's faith, belief in the gods of Norse mythology, and the somewhat estranged relationship between Martin and the rest of his family.
The art style is lovely, almost watercolour, and had a real sense of movement, and captured the beautiful landscapes perfectly. I enjoyed slowly unravelling the relationship between the main characters, including seeing Martin at his lowest point. My one criticism would be that the lettering was sometimes a little hard to read. Granted, I did read this on my phone, but I had to zoom in quite often and haven't really faced this with other graphic novels. This may have purely been because of my device, but I thought I should mention it.
Overall, it was a lovely, slow paced, beautiful graphic novel!
Cold Front is the story of two brothers from Belgium, going on a trip to Norway to hike. As the story progresses over beautifully illustrated pages, we learn about Martin's faith, belief in the gods of Norse mythology, and the somewhat estranged relationship between Martin and the rest of his family.
The art style is lovely, almost watercolour, and had a real sense of movement, and captured the beautiful landscapes perfectly. I enjoyed slowly unravelling the relationship between the main characters, including seeing Martin at his lowest point. My one criticism would be that the lettering was sometimes a little hard to read. Granted, I did read this on my phone, but I had to zoom in quite often and haven't really faced this with other graphic novels. This may have purely been because of my device, but I thought I should mention it.
Overall, it was a lovely, slow paced, beautiful graphic novel!
July 11, 2023
eARC received in exchange for honest review
This graphic novel was slow paced and beautiful.
I wasn't sure if it would be my thing, two brothers from Belgium on a trek in Norway, with a lot of deep talks about one's depression. It seemed a bit heavy to me when I started but honestly it was an emotional read.
The artwork was stunning, watercolour like drawings, especially captured through Jules as an art student. Lots of silent panels that depicted the beauty of the landscape, but also wonderful portrayal of the characters' emotionals and expressions. This was honestly a testiment to a picture tells a thousands words.
The estraged relationship between Jules and Martin, especially pushed further with recent tragedies and Martin's belief in the Norse mythology, unfolded slowly, almost hauntingly...for want of a better description it was like a plaster being removed so slowly. The hurt and raw emotion prolonged, but somehow in the most perfect way.
I honestly was not prepared for this book and cannot recommend it enough.
This graphic novel was slow paced and beautiful.
I wasn't sure if it would be my thing, two brothers from Belgium on a trek in Norway, with a lot of deep talks about one's depression. It seemed a bit heavy to me when I started but honestly it was an emotional read.
The artwork was stunning, watercolour like drawings, especially captured through Jules as an art student. Lots of silent panels that depicted the beauty of the landscape, but also wonderful portrayal of the characters' emotionals and expressions. This was honestly a testiment to a picture tells a thousands words.
The estraged relationship between Jules and Martin, especially pushed further with recent tragedies and Martin's belief in the Norse mythology, unfolded slowly, almost hauntingly...for want of a better description it was like a plaster being removed so slowly. The hurt and raw emotion prolonged, but somehow in the most perfect way.
I honestly was not prepared for this book and cannot recommend it enough.
June 5, 2023
This was an interesting graphic novel with a lot of renderings of silent panels and landscape scenes. It tells the story of Jules and Martin, two brothers from Belgium who go to Norway to trek a difficult mountainous trail while the younger Jules tries to get his older sibling to open up about his depression following a recent tragedy.
Martin seems to have developed a fascination for Vikings and Norse mythology which is also something Jules tries to understand.
The story moves at a slow pace with the illustrations of expressions of the characters serving to explain what the dialogues do not. Jules,an art student on the lookout for inspiration to complete a sketchbook assignment, captures some wonderful scenes of their journey.
The art was good ,especially the nature depictions. The font was a little difficult to read in the electronic format.
Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Martin seems to have developed a fascination for Vikings and Norse mythology which is also something Jules tries to understand.
The story moves at a slow pace with the illustrations of expressions of the characters serving to explain what the dialogues do not. Jules,an art student on the lookout for inspiration to complete a sketchbook assignment, captures some wonderful scenes of their journey.
The art was good ,especially the nature depictions. The font was a little difficult to read in the electronic format.
Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 14, 2023
This is one of Europe Comics' 2023 offerings, which I was able to read via NetGalley. The story follows two brothers on a trip. One is dealing with some personal issues and the other is just trying to be a good brother and find out what's been going on. Through a lot of self-exploration and misadventures, the two just might come out stronger on the other side.
I like the art, I like the premise, and I like how many emotions are packed into this graphic novel. It's a very good story. One thing I didn't particularly like was the font of the lettering. It might be better in print, but on digital via NetGalley I had some issues making out some of the letters. I kept having to zoom in. Hopefully it's just a matter of font size or NetGalley's e-reader.
Otherwise, I really enjoyed this graphic novel. It's an emotional and intriguing adventure through a frosted landscape. I liked both characters and empathized with their struggles to communicate and connect.
I like the art, I like the premise, and I like how many emotions are packed into this graphic novel. It's a very good story. One thing I didn't particularly like was the font of the lettering. It might be better in print, but on digital via NetGalley I had some issues making out some of the letters. I kept having to zoom in. Hopefully it's just a matter of font size or NetGalley's e-reader.
Otherwise, I really enjoyed this graphic novel. It's an emotional and intriguing adventure through a frosted landscape. I liked both characters and empathized with their struggles to communicate and connect.
May 25, 2023
Cold Front took me on a very emotional journey. I didn't expect it to be so sad and hopeful at the same time. First of all, the drawings are beautiful! The tonal range is from ochre to blue with a lot of green, which gives a very natural feel.
As for the characters, I quickly got attached to Martin and his very mysterious aspect. We could feel that he was carrying a heavy burden in his heart and that this initiatory journey was a way to succeed in getting rid of it. In the end, his journey with his brother proved to be very therapeutic, but I would have liked to know more about him, his brother and his story. Especially about things like the conflicts with his father.
Overall, a very good read !
As for the characters, I quickly got attached to Martin and his very mysterious aspect. We could feel that he was carrying a heavy burden in his heart and that this initiatory journey was a way to succeed in getting rid of it. In the end, his journey with his brother proved to be very therapeutic, but I would have liked to know more about him, his brother and his story. Especially about things like the conflicts with his father.
Overall, a very good read !
May 25, 2023
This book was fantastic.
The drawings are beautiful with touches of line where the colors predominate and gives form. It's something that impacts us.
The story develops throughout the book, and little by little we get to know the characters, and in line with that we have connections with the Norse Gods.
There are funny moments of brotherhood and you can feel the connection between them, but it also has deep and intimate moments. It's wonderful how the emotions reach the reader and make us feel alongside the characters.
I totally want to read more from this author.
Thank you so much for letting me have this ARC.
the author Jean Cremers
the publisher Europe Comics
and Netgalley
Thanks!
The drawings are beautiful with touches of line where the colors predominate and gives form. It's something that impacts us.
The story develops throughout the book, and little by little we get to know the characters, and in line with that we have connections with the Norse Gods.
There are funny moments of brotherhood and you can feel the connection between them, but it also has deep and intimate moments. It's wonderful how the emotions reach the reader and make us feel alongside the characters.
I totally want to read more from this author.
Thank you so much for letting me have this ARC.
the author Jean Cremers
the publisher Europe Comics
and Netgalley
Thanks!
May 14, 2023
Reading “Cold Front,” a graphic novel by Jean Cremers, made me wonder what it would be like to travel with a sibling. The novel follows two estranged brothers, Jules and Martin, as they journey and hike through snowy Norway. However, the harsh cold is the least of their challenges, as the moody Martin makes everything more difficult than necessary. While I would've preferred more lavish illustrations and colors in the book, Cremers' simple water-work like artwork is quite engaging and complements the plot pretty well.
Full review - https://abstractaf.in/cold-front-revi...
Full review - https://abstractaf.in/cold-front-revi...
May 26, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for a arc in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very beautifully illustrated book. The art style really captures the wilderness of Norway, especially as it plunges into the cold. The style changes slightly to match both the environment and the mental state of our main characters - this had me flying through the pages as the tension ramped up.
The story itself is simple and beautiful. Two brothers embark on a hiking trip, semi-estranged, with one fighting battles that are slowly revealed to us throughout the story.
It's a touching, haunting story told through the lens of the Norse gods.
This is a very beautifully illustrated book. The art style really captures the wilderness of Norway, especially as it plunges into the cold. The style changes slightly to match both the environment and the mental state of our main characters - this had me flying through the pages as the tension ramped up.
The story itself is simple and beautiful. Two brothers embark on a hiking trip, semi-estranged, with one fighting battles that are slowly revealed to us throughout the story.
It's a touching, haunting story told through the lens of the Norse gods.
July 1, 2023
"Cold Front" is a beautiful book. The gorgeous illustrations are awe inspiring, and the story is heartfelt. Jules and his brother Martin are traveling to a mountain in Norway, taking the chance to reconnect, while the trip is a sort of spiritual journey for Martin, who follows the old Norse gods. Martin has been spiraling into a deep depression, and despite Jules' many attempts to talk to him about it, Martin continues to push Jules away, refusing to talk about what's happening to him. The truth, when it comes out, is intense, but it's handled gracefully. This is a deeply real and tender story. Highly recommended.
July 18, 2023
I wasn't sure first if I would enjoy reading this graphic novel but quickly started to really enjoy it. This was a beautiful written story about two brother that end up going away to Norway together. This novel covers loss, family issues and mens mental health. I really enjoyed the mythology element of the storyline. I like the art work through out the only down side to this was the font was sometime hard to make out but i would definitely recommend reading this. Thank you netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this arc.
June 13, 2023
Thank you Netgalley for gifiting me a copy of this book.
I loved this graphic novel! The story as well as the design were beautiful and engaging. I particularly enjoyed the Norse mythology in it as I don't know much about it.
The only thing I didn't enjoy was the format. I read it on my phone and I had to zoom in everytime, but it doesn't change my rating as it's not the book's fault if I read it on my phone!
I loved this graphic novel! The story as well as the design were beautiful and engaging. I particularly enjoyed the Norse mythology in it as I don't know much about it.
The only thing I didn't enjoy was the format. I read it on my phone and I had to zoom in everytime, but it doesn't change my rating as it's not the book's fault if I read it on my phone!
July 4, 2023
Thanks netGalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review
A touching story about family and grief, Sometimes intense and painful but never in a "painpornography" way. The story felt real and sometimes it was heavy on my heart but i really cared about this two brothers. Loved the simple artstyle and the amazing colors in this snowy and cold setting. The font was a bit of a problem because it destroyed my eyesight lol
A touching story about family and grief, Sometimes intense and painful but never in a "painpornography" way. The story felt real and sometimes it was heavy on my heart but i really cared about this two brothers. Loved the simple artstyle and the amazing colors in this snowy and cold setting. The font was a bit of a problem because it destroyed my eyesight lol
April 9, 2023
This is exactly what I love. Something different and honest. I adored nature stuff, hiking, family drama, and brotherly love. Also, it is a bit creepy so that it makes you question and think deeply about your own situation. I absolutely loved this. And to top it all off... mental health awareness 🙏.
July 21, 2023
This has a lot of family bonding, and usually I'm in the mood for such spiritual and mystic stories but, seems like it wasn't my time to read Cold Front. Although I would recommend to you If you want to spend some time reading something thoughtful and soft (Have you seen brother bear? Well, that's it basically)
August 2, 2025
« Je dis juste que si tu règle pas tes problèmes à la source, ils referont toujours surface. »
Il faut juste savoir lâcher prise et se pardonner, en composant et en affrontant notre passé avec autant de douceur que de compassion… Un roman graphique à l’effigie même de tout cela.
Il faut juste savoir lâcher prise et se pardonner, en composant et en affrontant notre passé avec autant de douceur que de compassion… Un roman graphique à l’effigie même de tout cela.
June 4, 2023
A beautiful story of brothers, family and loss. I struggled with the font a bit and the art was not really my thing. Overal a good story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews