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Riven
Creators Bo Hampton and Robert Tinnell rip into the werewolf legend with a viciously sexy, modern twist! Katya was in a coma for five years, and when she awakes, everything has changed. Now she is a gorgeous teenager with a mysterious, gruesome past, becoming aware of a growing, terrifying power inside her body, triggered by the touch of the full moon, eager to break free. Can Katy solve the mystery of her blood-drenched nightmares before they become reality?
176 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 22, 2017
Video review - https://youtu.be/0shqY_yvB-k
July 8, 2017
Prilično mračna priča o devojčici Katji usvojenoj u nekoj rumunskoj zabiti, koju njeni novi roditelji odvode u Ameriku. Možda ova rečenica kojom otprilike započinje ova priča najbolje opisuje događaje u ovom stripu
-Neki parovi nikada ne bi trebali da postanu roditelji, a neki siročići nikada ne bi trebali da budu usvojeni.
Sa usvojenom devojčicom nije baš sve u redu, nakon njenog puberteta i kome u kojoj se našla nesrećnim slučajem, počinje serija mračnih događaja. Grozna serija ubistava, rascep ličnosti, pomahnitali vukodlak, strašne i uznemirujuće vizije koje proganjaju Katju, unose nemir u živote njenih roditelja i prijatelja. Rasplet ove misterije leži u Katjinoj prošlosti.
-Neki parovi nikada ne bi trebali da postanu roditelji, a neki siročići nikada ne bi trebali da budu usvojeni.
Sa usvojenom devojčicom nije baš sve u redu, nakon njenog puberteta i kome u kojoj se našla nesrećnim slučajem, počinje serija mračnih događaja. Grozna serija ubistava, rascep ličnosti, pomahnitali vukodlak, strašne i uznemirujuće vizije koje proganjaju Katju, unose nemir u živote njenih roditelja i prijatelja. Rasplet ove misterije leži u Katjinoj prošlosti.
August 17, 2012
Adopted as a small child from her native Romania, Katya grows up in idyllic Islington, Vermont. After suffering a serious head injury at 14, the Americanized Katy enters a five year coma. Upon waking, the confused young woman begins to experience horrific visions of brutal and violent murders. Hampton produces a lush and beautiful vision for the story, full of disturbing images set upon a largely realistic tableau. The characters behave intelligently and with a proper reverence and fear for the events unfurling around them. The excellent Riven delivers a new twist on the classic, well-worn werewolf tale.
June 24, 2023
C+
After years spent trying to conceive a child, it seems like a godsend when a Romanian orphanage contacts the Harringtons with an offer to adopt a little girl. The adoption process is expedited, and the Harringtons are heading back to America with Katya a day after they meet her.
Over the years, Katy falls into a traditional American childhood. At the onset of puberty, however, Katy is involved in an accident that leaves her in a coma. During the coma, doctors notice brain activity every twenty-eight days.
Coincidentally, when her brain activity spikes, Katy has visions/dreams of a monster who stalks and kills people, eating their flesh. These visions continue after Katy wakes from her coma, but they aren't the only thing strange about Katy. Her recovery is unnatural. She's physically stronger and more agile than she was before her coma.
Is there an explanation for Katy's miraculous recovery? What about her visions?
The first two-thirds of Riven is a fresh take on the werewolf trope, but the conclusion gets messy. Robert Tinnell makes two plot choices that aren't as well-developed as they should be. These choices were meant to be plot twists, but one isn't needed, and the other needs in-story development before it's revealed.
Without those creative decisions, Riven is a sold four-star/B book.
On the other hand, Bo Hampton's art is spectacular throughout. The panels flow well, and Hampton uses colors and perspective to create a haunting atmosphere. The artwork throughout Riven works to advance the story.
After years spent trying to conceive a child, it seems like a godsend when a Romanian orphanage contacts the Harringtons with an offer to adopt a little girl. The adoption process is expedited, and the Harringtons are heading back to America with Katya a day after they meet her.
Over the years, Katy falls into a traditional American childhood. At the onset of puberty, however, Katy is involved in an accident that leaves her in a coma. During the coma, doctors notice brain activity every twenty-eight days.
Coincidentally, when her brain activity spikes, Katy has visions/dreams of a monster who stalks and kills people, eating their flesh. These visions continue after Katy wakes from her coma, but they aren't the only thing strange about Katy. Her recovery is unnatural. She's physically stronger and more agile than she was before her coma.
Is there an explanation for Katy's miraculous recovery? What about her visions?
The first two-thirds of Riven is a fresh take on the werewolf trope, but the conclusion gets messy. Robert Tinnell makes two plot choices that aren't as well-developed as they should be. These choices were meant to be plot twists, but one isn't needed, and the other needs in-story development before it's revealed.
Without those creative decisions, Riven is a sold four-star/B book.
On the other hand, Bo Hampton's art is spectacular throughout. The panels flow well, and Hampton uses colors and perspective to create a haunting atmosphere. The artwork throughout Riven works to advance the story.
October 14, 2020
An interesting and gruesome family tale. Good artwork and good mystery
June 3, 2021
One of the best werewolf graphic novels I have read!
April 17, 2023
I love this werewolf story: the way it unfolds, the characters and the atmosphere. Amazing read. I started reading it before bed and I couldn't fall asleep until I finished it. Great work.
June 29, 2012
I received this book from a publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'll be upfront. I have never read a lot of graphic novels. The extent of my knowledge is the one Buffy comic that I picked up after the series ended because I was having such bad withdrawal. That said, I thought the premise of this comic sounded interesting so I requested it. Riven by Robert Tinnell is about Katy, a girl who was adopted from Romania as a young girl by an American family, but there is a horrible massacre in her past for unknown reasons. As she develops into maturity, odd events keep happening to her, and her journey takes her back to Romania where she uncovers the secrets to her identity.
There are a lot of great things about this comic. The drawings are very good, dark and sinister, which is exactly the what the tone of this comic should be. I thought that Katy was an interesting character, and there were some good plot twists that I was not expecting--- always a plus for someone who is rarely surprised anymore.
That said, I was still a little confused by her odd bursts of sexuality that never got explained. I also thought there could have been a little more development of the "love interest" of the book, who never really grabbed my interest. The best friend was a great character, however.
Overall, I think this comic was entertaining and fast paced; definitely worth reading.
I'll be upfront. I have never read a lot of graphic novels. The extent of my knowledge is the one Buffy comic that I picked up after the series ended because I was having such bad withdrawal. That said, I thought the premise of this comic sounded interesting so I requested it. Riven by Robert Tinnell is about Katy, a girl who was adopted from Romania as a young girl by an American family, but there is a horrible massacre in her past for unknown reasons. As she develops into maturity, odd events keep happening to her, and her journey takes her back to Romania where she uncovers the secrets to her identity.
There are a lot of great things about this comic. The drawings are very good, dark and sinister, which is exactly the what the tone of this comic should be. I thought that Katy was an interesting character, and there were some good plot twists that I was not expecting--- always a plus for someone who is rarely surprised anymore.
That said, I was still a little confused by her odd bursts of sexuality that never got explained. I also thought there could have been a little more development of the "love interest" of the book, who never really grabbed my interest. The best friend was a great character, however.
Overall, I think this comic was entertaining and fast paced; definitely worth reading.
July 16, 2012
First. I have to say I have never read a paranormal horror graphic novel. The extent of my knowledge is almost none but I love the genre paranormal and almost everything with werewolves so... And with this Month's Events is thought it would be appropiate!
Riven is about Katy, a girl who was adopted from Romania as a young girl by an American family, but there is a horrible massacre in her past for unknown reasons. As she develops into maturity, odd events keep happening to her, and her curiosity brings her back to Romania where she uncovers her families secrets.
There are a lot of great things about this comic. The drawings are very good, dark and sinister, which is exactly the what the tone of this comic should be. The story line was also good but i missed here and there some inside information. One sexual scene was out of place and a little forced. Just because Katy is discovering that she is something else doesn’t have to be a reason to planed a scene of humping in a alley without cause. I thought that Katy was an interesting character and there were some good plot twists that I was not expecting.
For the paranormal lovers I can recommend this quick graphic novel! Just try it!
Paranormal Cravings
http://www.paranormalcravings.blogspo...
publication date post: 19th august 2012
Riven is about Katy, a girl who was adopted from Romania as a young girl by an American family, but there is a horrible massacre in her past for unknown reasons. As she develops into maturity, odd events keep happening to her, and her curiosity brings her back to Romania where she uncovers her families secrets.
There are a lot of great things about this comic. The drawings are very good, dark and sinister, which is exactly the what the tone of this comic should be. The story line was also good but i missed here and there some inside information. One sexual scene was out of place and a little forced. Just because Katy is discovering that she is something else doesn’t have to be a reason to planed a scene of humping in a alley without cause. I thought that Katy was an interesting character and there were some good plot twists that I was not expecting.
For the paranormal lovers I can recommend this quick graphic novel! Just try it!
Paranormal Cravings
http://www.paranormalcravings.blogspo...
publication date post: 19th august 2012
June 27, 2012
Usually I pass on Werewolf stories. I'm a vampire kind of gal, and most of the time I think the Weres are just big, smelly, slobbery dogs, but this story was a definite exeption. I found Riven to be suspenseful, and highly entertaining. The artowrk is appropritely done in dark, gloomy colors that add to the air of mystery surrounding the young woman at the center of the story.
After an accident puts Katy into a 5-year coma during which she has strage spikes in brain activity every 29 days she awakens - only to suffer incredibly vivid halucinations about a series of brutal murders every 29 days. Is Katy psychic? Did her coma cause brain damage that is leading to these visions? Is she a werewolf? Is she astrally projecting? How can she know about crimes that happened thousands of miles away? Not only that, but why does she suddenly find herself losing time during her regular life - at one point getting up to use the restroom at a bar and then suddenly finding herself in a dirty alley having sex with a stranger?
The answers are revealed in a suspenseful conclusion with elements of gothic horror that wrat the story up in a neat package.
After an accident puts Katy into a 5-year coma during which she has strage spikes in brain activity every 29 days she awakens - only to suffer incredibly vivid halucinations about a series of brutal murders every 29 days. Is Katy psychic? Did her coma cause brain damage that is leading to these visions? Is she a werewolf? Is she astrally projecting? How can she know about crimes that happened thousands of miles away? Not only that, but why does she suddenly find herself losing time during her regular life - at one point getting up to use the restroom at a bar and then suddenly finding herself in a dirty alley having sex with a stranger?
The answers are revealed in a suspenseful conclusion with elements of gothic horror that wrat the story up in a neat package.
July 9, 2012
A netgalley ARC
Graphic novel, horror, werewolves
This is a graphic novel (cartoon strip book).
The plot is tight and complete and the characters and their actions are believable.
There is a little too much swearing for my liking, it is not really necessary to the plot.
The pictures are well drawn and the colours chosen help to create the requisite mood.
It is a little too simplistic for adults and too explicit for children.
If the swearing were to be removed I feel it would be most enjoyed by children aged 12 and up.
I didn’t love this book and it didn’t really grip me but it was a quick read and good light entertainment so I will give it a star rating of 3/5 – I liked it.
Graphic novel, horror, werewolves
This is a graphic novel (cartoon strip book).
The plot is tight and complete and the characters and their actions are believable.
There is a little too much swearing for my liking, it is not really necessary to the plot.
The pictures are well drawn and the colours chosen help to create the requisite mood.
It is a little too simplistic for adults and too explicit for children.
If the swearing were to be removed I feel it would be most enjoyed by children aged 12 and up.
I didn’t love this book and it didn’t really grip me but it was a quick read and good light entertainment so I will give it a star rating of 3/5 – I liked it.
July 1, 2012
As a standalone graphic novel, this was actually quite interesting. I wasn't sure who was what or what was going to happen next, which I like. Sometimes that's hard for authors to do for someone like me who has read so much.
There was a side story in there with a hospital employee that was never fully explained. I think I know what happened. It was certainly eluded to, but nothing was confirmed.
Overall, an interesting GN and one you should look into if you like paranormal storylines.
There was a side story in there with a hospital employee that was never fully explained. I think I know what happened. It was certainly eluded to, but nothing was confirmed.
Overall, an interesting GN and one you should look into if you like paranormal storylines.
March 16, 2013
Nice art, although not flashy and modern like the recent "Welcome to Hoxford".
Story quite interesting, but didn't feel particularly original, with shades of "Ginger Snaps" and "The Orphanage".
If you liked this and haven't already read these then you should.
Welcome to Hoxford
Only the End of the World Again.
Both of these are Werewolf comics that offer something really new with their plot, or art.
Story quite interesting, but didn't feel particularly original, with shades of "Ginger Snaps" and "The Orphanage".
If you liked this and haven't already read these then you should.
Welcome to Hoxford
Only the End of the World Again.
Both of these are Werewolf comics that offer something really new with their plot, or art.
October 9, 2021
above average werewolf story with really great art.
The artists take on the classic werewolf - with - snout I found to be incredibly unsettling. its all in the eyes. look at the panels where the eyes are full rendered such ad the scene in the cabin. It has that crazed look that is bone chilling. Not because its monstrous, but because its so human and recognizable.
well done.
The artists take on the classic werewolf - with - snout I found to be incredibly unsettling. its all in the eyes. look at the panels where the eyes are full rendered such ad the scene in the cabin. It has that crazed look that is bone chilling. Not because its monstrous, but because its so human and recognizable.
well done.
January 27, 2016
I found the pacing slow, then too fast nearing the end. It was in turns predictable, then implausible. How convenient the Romanians could speak English. The family timed their transatlantic flight to coincide with meeting their daughter in the nick of time. Etc. The characters didn't present enough for me to connect with them. When I'm halfway through and am eager for it to end this is telling.
September 7, 2012
Full review on HorrorTalk.com: http://www.horrortalk.com/comic-revie...
December 23, 2014
Interesting concept, but the execution didn't really grab me.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews