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Two Graves Vol. 1
Emilia and the man with the veil of smoke have set out for the ocean in a stolen truck. There’s a bloody handprint on his neck. She’s beginning to worry it’s hers.
Death stole Emilia—the first time in his very long life that he hasn’t carried over the soul he was assigned to carry over. It would be romantic, except that they’re being hunted.
Death and the Maiden go on a road trip. Nobody gets out alive.
The first volume of a new series from writer GENEVIEVE VALENTINE (Catwoman), illustrated in competing points of view by ANNIE WU (Hawkeye, Black Canary) and MING DOYLE (The Banks, DC Anatomy of a Metahuman).
Collects TWO GRAVES #1-6
Death stole Emilia—the first time in his very long life that he hasn’t carried over the soul he was assigned to carry over. It would be romantic, except that they’re being hunted.
Death and the Maiden go on a road trip. Nobody gets out alive.
The first volume of a new series from writer GENEVIEVE VALENTINE (Catwoman), illustrated in competing points of view by ANNIE WU (Hawkeye, Black Canary) and MING DOYLE (The Banks, DC Anatomy of a Metahuman).
Collects TWO GRAVES #1-6
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2023
149 people want to read
About the author
Genevieve Valentine
203 books319 followersGenevieve Valentine has sold more than three dozen short stories; her fiction has appeared or is forthcoming in Clarkesworld, Strange Horizons, Journal of Mythic Arts, Fantasy Magazine, Lightspeed, and Apex, and in the anthologies Federations, The Living Dead 2, The Way of the Wizard, Running with the Pack, Teeth, and more.
Her nonfiction has appeared in Lightspeed, Tor.com, and Fantasy Magazine, and she is the co-author of Geek Wisdom (out in Summer 2011 from Quirk Books).
Her first novel, Mechanique: A Tale of the Circus Tresaulti, is forthcoming from Prime Books in May 2011. You can learn more about it at the Circus Tresualti website.
Her appetite for bad movies is insatiable, a tragedy she tracks on her blog.
Her nonfiction has appeared in Lightspeed, Tor.com, and Fantasy Magazine, and she is the co-author of Geek Wisdom (out in Summer 2011 from Quirk Books).
Her first novel, Mechanique: A Tale of the Circus Tresaulti, is forthcoming from Prime Books in May 2011. You can learn more about it at the Circus Tresualti website.
Her appetite for bad movies is insatiable, a tragedy she tracks on her blog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 12, 2023
Do you ever get to the end of a book and think, "Huh, well, that's...a thing I read"?
That's basically how I feel after finishing volume one of Two Graves, which follows Emilia, who apparently can't die, and Death on a road trip across the United States. But of course, a road trip with Death wouldn't be much of an adventure if you weren't also being pursued by a trio of Hunters, right? And what's a road story without some underdeveloped, inadequately nuanced emotional angst between the unlikely travelers?
(And while I'm asking questions, what's with the essays that punctuate each of the volume's sections? I get that there's one by each contributor, but...was I supposed to care about them?)
This book is obviously setting up something pretty intricate. However, the whole time I was reading I felt like I was missing something—like maybe I was supposed to have already read a prequel. I also found the artwork to be somewhat uneven—the postcards that ended each issue and the single-frame pages that started them were stunning, but the narrative pages were just kind of meh, neither vivid nor bleak enough to keep me drawn into the story.
I suspect that Two Graves: Wish You Were Here would have read better if I'd had the entire series in hand to binge through in one sitting. Unfortunately, the setup in this volume wasn't strong enough to make me seek out the remaining titles.
[I read an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.]
That's basically how I feel after finishing volume one of Two Graves, which follows Emilia, who apparently can't die, and Death on a road trip across the United States. But of course, a road trip with Death wouldn't be much of an adventure if you weren't also being pursued by a trio of Hunters, right? And what's a road story without some underdeveloped, inadequately nuanced emotional angst between the unlikely travelers?
(And while I'm asking questions, what's with the essays that punctuate each of the volume's sections? I get that there's one by each contributor, but...was I supposed to care about them?)
This book is obviously setting up something pretty intricate. However, the whole time I was reading I felt like I was missing something—like maybe I was supposed to have already read a prequel. I also found the artwork to be somewhat uneven—the postcards that ended each issue and the single-frame pages that started them were stunning, but the narrative pages were just kind of meh, neither vivid nor bleak enough to keep me drawn into the story.
I suspect that Two Graves: Wish You Were Here would have read better if I'd had the entire series in hand to binge through in one sitting. Unfortunately, the setup in this volume wasn't strong enough to make me seek out the remaining titles.
[I read an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.]
August 26, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
I really want to like this more than I do. The character designs are interesting, and so is what little we see of the world. But the plot... I was left in a perpetual state of confusion almost the entire time I was reading this comic. I slightly understood by the very end of the book, but I was lost during the majority of it. It was like I started in the middle of a book, and then finished in the middle as well. It seemed like there was all this prior information I should have known, but had no way of knowing. If there was just a slight bit of explanation of what was going on, I would have liked this more. Also, the plot blurb says "A contemporary interpretation of the Persephone myth". Huh? This entire comic was nothing like the Persephone myth, except her name being mentioned off and on. The art styles were good, but why does it flip-flop between two art styles for the entire comic? I like both of the styles, they were very nicely done. But the constant switching between them kept throwing me off. I felt like I was being forcibly reset every time it switched. Also, why have several pages of walls of text at the end of every chapter? I'm sure this was probably meant to be a style choice, but I personally disliked it. I've said it before, but one of the big things you learn with comic (manga/graphic novel/etc.) making is to NOT inundate the reader with walls of text. Little jarring to have several pages chock full of paragraphs of text between every single chapter. Sadly, this was a miss for me.
I really want to like this more than I do. The character designs are interesting, and so is what little we see of the world. But the plot... I was left in a perpetual state of confusion almost the entire time I was reading this comic. I slightly understood by the very end of the book, but I was lost during the majority of it. It was like I started in the middle of a book, and then finished in the middle as well. It seemed like there was all this prior information I should have known, but had no way of knowing. If there was just a slight bit of explanation of what was going on, I would have liked this more. Also, the plot blurb says "A contemporary interpretation of the Persephone myth". Huh? This entire comic was nothing like the Persephone myth, except her name being mentioned off and on. The art styles were good, but why does it flip-flop between two art styles for the entire comic? I like both of the styles, they were very nicely done. But the constant switching between them kept throwing me off. I felt like I was being forcibly reset every time it switched. Also, why have several pages of walls of text at the end of every chapter? I'm sure this was probably meant to be a style choice, but I personally disliked it. I've said it before, but one of the big things you learn with comic (manga/graphic novel/etc.) making is to NOT inundate the reader with walls of text. Little jarring to have several pages chock full of paragraphs of text between every single chapter. Sadly, this was a miss for me.
October 19, 2023
I really wished I enjoyed this more than I did. The art is beautiful, I love the colors that were chosen. the plot itself is where it lost me. I hardly had any idea what was happening from page 1. the story did get a bit clearer by the end, but still not enough for me to enjoy it fully. I feel like if this volume would have been split into 2 it could have explained the world a lot better, and flesh out the characters more. it's not a bad graphic novel by any means and I know that it will find its proper audience unfortunately I was not one of them
thank you netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
thank you netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
October 24, 2023
Take a gothic Americana road trip with Death in this beautifully drawn and gorgeously written graphic novel.
I love graphic novels and am trying to read and promote graphic novels written by women (because we're tough to find in this genre). So when I saw that this was written by Genevieve Valentine, and illustrated by Annie Wu and Ming Doyle, I immediately wanted to read it.
The book is promoted as a Persephone/Hades retelling, which it lightly is, but I think that's a bit of a marketing spin takes away from the subtly and uniqueness of this story itself. In this volume, Death steals Emilia (a mortal woman) who is grieving the death of her mother. We sit with them in the car and in motels as they venture across the United States towards the ocean. The world-building is soft, and there are a lot of questions that go unanswered as we follow along - but that only adds to the mystery of our characters.
This is a slow moving, deep thoughts, vibe book. While there is an outside force hunting our duo, we spend much more time witnessing their conversations (and silences) around death, love, and life. The artwork is immediately compelling and clues us into the character's emotional states without them needing to say, "I feel XXX".
My favourite part of this volume is the bonus backmatter at the end of each issue from prominent women authors writing in this genre including bestselling Broken Earth trilogy author N.K. Jemisin, Veronica Schanoes (Shirley Jackson Award winner, Nebula, and World Fantasy nominee), and Stephanie Lai (Best New Talent Ditmar Award, 2018). The piece by Sarah McCarry had me floored. It asks, then attempts to answer the question, "Where do stars go when they die?" It's absolute poetry. I am going to advocate for every graphic novel to include these short stories/meditations at the end of each issue.
Thank you to NetGalley and Image Comics for this advanced reader copy.
This book is best read in the passenger seat of a car during a first date while driving to an abandoned cabin in the woods.
I love graphic novels and am trying to read and promote graphic novels written by women (because we're tough to find in this genre). So when I saw that this was written by Genevieve Valentine, and illustrated by Annie Wu and Ming Doyle, I immediately wanted to read it.
The book is promoted as a Persephone/Hades retelling, which it lightly is, but I think that's a bit of a marketing spin takes away from the subtly and uniqueness of this story itself. In this volume, Death steals Emilia (a mortal woman) who is grieving the death of her mother. We sit with them in the car and in motels as they venture across the United States towards the ocean. The world-building is soft, and there are a lot of questions that go unanswered as we follow along - but that only adds to the mystery of our characters.
This is a slow moving, deep thoughts, vibe book. While there is an outside force hunting our duo, we spend much more time witnessing their conversations (and silences) around death, love, and life. The artwork is immediately compelling and clues us into the character's emotional states without them needing to say, "I feel XXX".
My favourite part of this volume is the bonus backmatter at the end of each issue from prominent women authors writing in this genre including bestselling Broken Earth trilogy author N.K. Jemisin, Veronica Schanoes (Shirley Jackson Award winner, Nebula, and World Fantasy nominee), and Stephanie Lai (Best New Talent Ditmar Award, 2018). The piece by Sarah McCarry had me floored. It asks, then attempts to answer the question, "Where do stars go when they die?" It's absolute poetry. I am going to advocate for every graphic novel to include these short stories/meditations at the end of each issue.
Thank you to NetGalley and Image Comics for this advanced reader copy.
This book is best read in the passenger seat of a car during a first date while driving to an abandoned cabin in the woods.
August 12, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this e-ARC.
I have to admit, I was pretty lost for a majority of this. The artwork is wonderful. The story needs some work. There were many allusions to the mystery of what was happening. I feel this would just be better off revealed after the second or third time it is brought up. The premise of this story, as mentioned in the synopsis, is Death "kidnapping" Emilia. I feel like the I read it the other way around: Emilia made Death her bitch, and they're being hunted by beings who want to stop him when they should be stopping her LOL. Other than that, the characters were flat and didn't offer any redemption for the weak plot.
With editing and redrafting, this story would make more sense to readers.
I have to admit, I was pretty lost for a majority of this. The artwork is wonderful. The story needs some work. There were many allusions to the mystery of what was happening. I feel this would just be better off revealed after the second or third time it is brought up. The premise of this story, as mentioned in the synopsis, is Death "kidnapping" Emilia. I feel like the I read it the other way around: Emilia made Death her bitch, and they're being hunted by beings who want to stop him when they should be stopping her LOL. Other than that, the characters were flat and didn't offer any redemption for the weak plot.
With editing and redrafting, this story would make more sense to readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2024
Once again I've encountered a graphic novel in which an interesting premise is floated, yet the execution is so uneven that I often found myself wondering exactly what was going on, and why I should be invested at all in certain characters. I'd really like to know what is going on in the graphic novel world in which this situation has become so prevalent--I'd blame it all on myself were not many other readers saying the exact same things.
September 19, 2023
Two Graves was immediately an appealing read. The art set the mood perfectly, with muted tones during darker parts if the story, but with vibrant colors at other points. I appreciate the way the characters were all drawn. The fire/smoke-obscured face of Death was an interesting feature for a character so mercurial, and I liked that Emilia was not portrayed as a typical comic book heroin, but as a far more natural human being. I also really enjoyed the Columbarium portions, each had an interesting story, and honestly these were my favorite portion of the book. The main story was interesting, but a little hard for me to follow. I felt at times like the tension between characters alluded to some shared past that I, as the reader, was not privy to, but it's a testament to the storytelling because I did still feel that tension while reading. The cover art and the special features at the end were awesome to get a glimpse into how the story came into being, and I look forward to reading the next volume!
September 13, 2023
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
2.5, rounded up. This might be a case of poor marketing, but the Persephone-Hades connection is tenuous to me. Also, while the art is beautiful and eerie, the plot is confusing and tough to follow (though I enjoyed the vignettes I was able to understand). This might have to do with the asides from different authors interspersed throughout the issue--I particularly enjoyed N. K. Jemison's contribution--which didn't make sense to me. I don't think I'll pick up the next volume, but it was fun to try something new.
2.5, rounded up. This might be a case of poor marketing, but the Persephone-Hades connection is tenuous to me. Also, while the art is beautiful and eerie, the plot is confusing and tough to follow (though I enjoyed the vignettes I was able to understand). This might have to do with the asides from different authors interspersed throughout the issue--I particularly enjoyed N. K. Jemison's contribution--which didn't make sense to me. I don't think I'll pick up the next volume, but it was fun to try something new.
February 14, 2024
Eye-catching and curious. I think I am not quite smart enough to appreciate all its subtleties, but I know they're there, and I feel the art and writing both evoke the nostalgia I have associated with death.
I really appreciated that each issue/chapter was broken by what I understood to be essays and poetic prose. I think it really allowed the surreality of the comic itself to shine all the brighter. That being said, the story itself was surprisingly straightforward. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience, though.
Content warning for references to isolation and suicide.
I really appreciated that each issue/chapter was broken by what I understood to be essays and poetic prose. I think it really allowed the surreality of the comic itself to shine all the brighter. That being said, the story itself was surprisingly straightforward. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience, though.
Content warning for references to isolation and suicide.
September 19, 2023
I am confused!!
The art was very dark and eerie which I love! However the story left me with a lot of questions. I couldn’t see the Persephone connection beyond the pomegranate references. There were also these random pages filled with text that didn’t seem to fit the story? 🥴 Even more confused after those.
But thanks Image Comics and NetGalley for the ARC 🤪
The art was very dark and eerie which I love! However the story left me with a lot of questions. I couldn’t see the Persephone connection beyond the pomegranate references. There were also these random pages filled with text that didn’t seem to fit the story? 🥴 Even more confused after those.
But thanks Image Comics and NetGalley for the ARC 🤪
March 4, 2024
DNF @ page 38/ 2 stars
This graphic novel was very beautifully drawn, but I was not invested. I have promised myself to DNF books when I don't feel obligated to read them any longer this year. This is a casualty of my DNF year. I also saw that the majority of reviews were not positive, so that didn't convince me to continue.
This graphic novel was very beautifully drawn, but I was not invested. I have promised myself to DNF books when I don't feel obligated to read them any longer this year. This is a casualty of my DNF year. I also saw that the majority of reviews were not positive, so that didn't convince me to continue.
October 7, 2025
3.5 ☆
Some beautiful and poetic ideas, though the whole thing was a bit vague and undeveloped for me. Although the art was beautiful, I feel like the plot and characters would have worked better in a short story or film, with more space to develop all elements.
Some beautiful and poetic ideas, though the whole thing was a bit vague and undeveloped for me. Although the art was beautiful, I feel like the plot and characters would have worked better in a short story or film, with more space to develop all elements.
Read
May 22, 2024Dnf
August 28, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for this ebook for review
Quality Rating: Three Stars
Enjoyment Rating: Three Stars
While a fascinating concept driven by very interesting characters, this graphic novel didn’t feel like it had much substance beyond the existential conversations about death. I actually found the plot and exposition really hard to follow and had to just let go of trying to understand how these characters had found themselves in this situation and just enjoy the ride. Ultimately, it’s a pretty insular story that moves dramatically fast to its resolution, but it’s fun enough as the pages turn.
Quality Rating: Three Stars
Enjoyment Rating: Three Stars
While a fascinating concept driven by very interesting characters, this graphic novel didn’t feel like it had much substance beyond the existential conversations about death. I actually found the plot and exposition really hard to follow and had to just let go of trying to understand how these characters had found themselves in this situation and just enjoy the ride. Ultimately, it’s a pretty insular story that moves dramatically fast to its resolution, but it’s fun enough as the pages turn.
August 30, 2023
Summary:
Emilia's story is unique. She and a mysterious man are headed to the ocean. That in itself sounds slightly strange, but not in the realm of abnormal. Until you realize the man is disguised by smoke and possibly the embodiment of death.
Not that this fact is slowing Emilia down any. She's made a promise to her mother, and she intends to keep it even as everything else seems to keep slipping away. Even time. Especially time.
Review:
Two Graves Vol. 1 is one of the most interesting graphic novels I've read. It was strange and almost lyrical. Likewise, it was difficult to tell what was happening at points. This made it quite a unique read, and it is proving a challenge to write a review.
First, let's talk about that artwork. It's stunning! It's certainly a highlight of the series, to say the least (all credit to Annie Wu and Ming Doyle). I'm not sure the story would have had the same weight or feel without the visual elements accompanying it.
As far as the story goes...well, that's something. Sometimes, I would flip back and forth between pages, wondering if I had missed something. I didn't. It's more like the story didn't feel compelled to hold the reader's hands. Either we saw the connections, or we didn't, I think.
I can see why some readers didn't enjoy Two Graves Vol. 1. That said, I personally enjoyed it, especially the overall aesthetic and promise it had to offer.
Highlights:
Death Incarnate
Lingering Mystery
Trigger Warnings:
Death
Graphic Elements
Thanks to Image Comics and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
Emilia's story is unique. She and a mysterious man are headed to the ocean. That in itself sounds slightly strange, but not in the realm of abnormal. Until you realize the man is disguised by smoke and possibly the embodiment of death.
Not that this fact is slowing Emilia down any. She's made a promise to her mother, and she intends to keep it even as everything else seems to keep slipping away. Even time. Especially time.
Review:
Two Graves Vol. 1 is one of the most interesting graphic novels I've read. It was strange and almost lyrical. Likewise, it was difficult to tell what was happening at points. This made it quite a unique read, and it is proving a challenge to write a review.
First, let's talk about that artwork. It's stunning! It's certainly a highlight of the series, to say the least (all credit to Annie Wu and Ming Doyle). I'm not sure the story would have had the same weight or feel without the visual elements accompanying it.
As far as the story goes...well, that's something. Sometimes, I would flip back and forth between pages, wondering if I had missed something. I didn't. It's more like the story didn't feel compelled to hold the reader's hands. Either we saw the connections, or we didn't, I think.
I can see why some readers didn't enjoy Two Graves Vol. 1. That said, I personally enjoyed it, especially the overall aesthetic and promise it had to offer.
Highlights:
Death Incarnate
Lingering Mystery
Trigger Warnings:
Death
Graphic Elements
Thanks to Image Comics and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
January 16, 2024
**Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4)/5**
I had no expectations coming into *Two Graves*, I was genuinely surprised by how moving I found this graphic novel retelling of the Persephone myth.
I initially picked up Two Graves solely based on the intriguing read-alike comparisons to two works I love dearly–The Sandman and The Invisible Life of Addie Larue–and I think these comparisons actually really capture what worked for me about Two Graves. Graphically and stylistically, it reminds me very much of The Sandman with dark, and otherworldly imagery. Narratively–like Addie Larue–the work has a sort of moody, impressionist, and lyrical nature that communicates strong emotion with a surprisingly limited amount of dialogue/direct explanation.
That being said, this work should not be reduced to its comparisons–this is a really unique retelling with a captivating story (a difficult feat, considering the number of Persephone retellings I’ve read in the past year). The interplay between short essays and then graphic sections conceptually interesting and not something I’d seen done quite in this way in a graphic novel before. I also enjoyed the bonus content and “behind-the-scenes” looks at the development at the end.
Between the plot and the visual style, I do think this is not a book you can speed through, so it may not work for readers who want something quick or easy to follow or with a clear narrative arc from the jump. I was initially unsure how I felt about this book, but I’ve come to appreciate it more on reflection. I would definitely recommend reading and then re-reading this one to appreciate the details and thoughtfulness of everything happening in this graphic novel.
I can think of many young adults and adults who love graphic novels, mythology, science fiction, and fantasy who I would recommend reading Two Graves. I personally look forward to reading more in the series!
**Acknowledgments & Disclaimers**
✨ Thank you, NetGalley, Image Comics, and Genevieve Valentine, for providing an ARC and the opportunity to share an honest review of this book.
✨ All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
✨ My reviews and ratings strive to evaluate books within their own age-demographic and genre.
I had no expectations coming into *Two Graves*, I was genuinely surprised by how moving I found this graphic novel retelling of the Persephone myth.
I initially picked up Two Graves solely based on the intriguing read-alike comparisons to two works I love dearly–The Sandman and The Invisible Life of Addie Larue–and I think these comparisons actually really capture what worked for me about Two Graves. Graphically and stylistically, it reminds me very much of The Sandman with dark, and otherworldly imagery. Narratively–like Addie Larue–the work has a sort of moody, impressionist, and lyrical nature that communicates strong emotion with a surprisingly limited amount of dialogue/direct explanation.
That being said, this work should not be reduced to its comparisons–this is a really unique retelling with a captivating story (a difficult feat, considering the number of Persephone retellings I’ve read in the past year). The interplay between short essays and then graphic sections conceptually interesting and not something I’d seen done quite in this way in a graphic novel before. I also enjoyed the bonus content and “behind-the-scenes” looks at the development at the end.
Between the plot and the visual style, I do think this is not a book you can speed through, so it may not work for readers who want something quick or easy to follow or with a clear narrative arc from the jump. I was initially unsure how I felt about this book, but I’ve come to appreciate it more on reflection. I would definitely recommend reading and then re-reading this one to appreciate the details and thoughtfulness of everything happening in this graphic novel.
I can think of many young adults and adults who love graphic novels, mythology, science fiction, and fantasy who I would recommend reading Two Graves. I personally look forward to reading more in the series!
**Acknowledgments & Disclaimers**
✨ Thank you, NetGalley, Image Comics, and Genevieve Valentine, for providing an ARC and the opportunity to share an honest review of this book.
✨ All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
✨ My reviews and ratings strive to evaluate books within their own age-demographic and genre.
August 18, 2023
I have mixed feelings about this book. I read the first two issues and just could not get into the story. I had to leave it and go read something else, but came back and finished it. In my opinion, the last four issues of this volume were better than the first, at least they got me more interested in the story and main characters. By the end of the sixth issue, the end of this volume, I was even piqued to know what was next for the two main characters. I am also left wondering about the title, "Two Graves" always brings to my mind the Confucius quote about revenge ('Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.'), but that may just be me...
The art was quite good and both Ming Doyle and Annie Wu blended their work together well. The bonus content contributed by other authors was a bit distracting, though I liked a few of the essays, they broke up the story a bit more than I would have wanted. And midway through, I skipped over and then came back to them after finishing the comic story.
In the end, I would say that the book improved as it went along and although it was not my favorite comic/ graphic novel featuring death (Neil Gaiman stole that spot a long time ago), I did find the story interesting.
I received advanced digital access to this book thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Image Comics) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
The art was quite good and both Ming Doyle and Annie Wu blended their work together well. The bonus content contributed by other authors was a bit distracting, though I liked a few of the essays, they broke up the story a bit more than I would have wanted. And midway through, I skipped over and then came back to them after finishing the comic story.
In the end, I would say that the book improved as it went along and although it was not my favorite comic/ graphic novel featuring death (Neil Gaiman stole that spot a long time ago), I did find the story interesting.
I received advanced digital access to this book thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Image Comics) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
April 2, 2024
2/5 stars
this would be a dnf if it wasn't a netgalley book.
i feel so uncomfortable rating a book i disliked so much. i had most of the same problems as everyone else. the book felt like it needed a few more drafts. i was confused the whole time.
there was so much potential with the various stories, postcards, and death mythology to be something i really loved/loved pondering. i love horror comics and i know sometimes they are supposed to make you feel unpleasant, but this did not balance enough story development to counteract the overwhelming existentialism. i just felt horribly stressed about being alive while reading it.
that being said, it does get some stars for novelty. i feel like american road trip novels rarely hold such an eerie and fantastical vibe. also, the stories at the end of each "issue" in this comic volume brought a unique element to the whole book. beyond the novelty, there's three main things i enjoyed:
1. the art style/paneling was beautiful
2. the ending text bubble transformation
3. the quote "power cannot stand even one hard truth; never could."
i may have disliked most of the book, but i think this group of collaborators has so much potential.
this would be a dnf if it wasn't a netgalley book.
i feel so uncomfortable rating a book i disliked so much. i had most of the same problems as everyone else. the book felt like it needed a few more drafts. i was confused the whole time.
there was so much potential with the various stories, postcards, and death mythology to be something i really loved/loved pondering. i love horror comics and i know sometimes they are supposed to make you feel unpleasant, but this did not balance enough story development to counteract the overwhelming existentialism. i just felt horribly stressed about being alive while reading it.
that being said, it does get some stars for novelty. i feel like american road trip novels rarely hold such an eerie and fantastical vibe. also, the stories at the end of each "issue" in this comic volume brought a unique element to the whole book. beyond the novelty, there's three main things i enjoyed:
1. the art style/paneling was beautiful
2. the ending text bubble transformation
3. the quote "power cannot stand even one hard truth; never could."
i may have disliked most of the book, but i think this group of collaborators has so much potential.
August 16, 2023
Two Graves is a dark, contemporary interpretation of the Persephone myth
first volume in an ongoing series.
Story:
This had soooo much potential! I am down with anything that involves death and a potential love interest. In the beginning, we were just thrown into the deep end and left figuring out what the heck is going on. I love the fact it was Death and this girl (who is pretty much immortal), "Going on a Road trip" and on the run from some underworld Corpo people. I just feel like there was so much missing. There were flashbacks, but they felt very brief. Like I said, It was easy for me to follow. I just wish that there was more "in-depth" storytelling. I do also wish there was romance build up between Death and Emilia. It felt very brief and just thrown in there for the sake of having some romantic vibes. I honestly thought they were platonic. I was just was left with so many questions. After finishing, I was just left with the words "That’s it?" IDK, I was hoping for more.
Illustration: The best part, for me, was the artwork. It was beautifully drawn and colorized. You can visually see the emotions. Death was so cool looking.
first volume in an ongoing series.
Story:
This had soooo much potential! I am down with anything that involves death and a potential love interest. In the beginning, we were just thrown into the deep end and left figuring out what the heck is going on. I love the fact it was Death and this girl (who is pretty much immortal), "Going on a Road trip" and on the run from some underworld Corpo people. I just feel like there was so much missing. There were flashbacks, but they felt very brief. Like I said, It was easy for me to follow. I just wish that there was more "in-depth" storytelling. I do also wish there was romance build up between Death and Emilia. It felt very brief and just thrown in there for the sake of having some romantic vibes. I honestly thought they were platonic. I was just was left with so many questions. After finishing, I was just left with the words "That’s it?" IDK, I was hoping for more.
Illustration: The best part, for me, was the artwork. It was beautifully drawn and colorized. You can visually see the emotions. Death was so cool looking.
January 19, 2024
rating from personal enjoyment
“To drive a helpless person mad, give them knowledge. Then, to make a monster: Give them power. To make a monster yours: …”
I was intrigued from page one. Plays with themes of Persephone and Hades in a fun way with Death unable to let go of one terse, cranky woman, so he keeps her around as a helper.
I still don't understand all the worldbuilding and the character motivations. Death didn't finish the job and inadvertently let Emilia alter him. Emilia's got some type of power when she touches someone. There's a mentorship when you become Death apparently.
You can tell two different artists are working on this book at the same time and not in a way I particularly liked. The art style isn’t cohesive.
I didn’t like the article excerpts at all (not that they weren’t interesting). But it took me out of the flow of the story.
But I enjoyed the narrative voices for Emilia and Death. I’d read volume two for sure.
4.5
“To drive a helpless person mad, give them knowledge. Then, to make a monster: Give them power. To make a monster yours: …”
I was intrigued from page one. Plays with themes of Persephone and Hades in a fun way with Death unable to let go of one terse, cranky woman, so he keeps her around as a helper.
I still don't understand all the worldbuilding and the character motivations. Death didn't finish the job and inadvertently let Emilia alter him. Emilia's got some type of power when she touches someone. There's a mentorship when you become Death apparently.
You can tell two different artists are working on this book at the same time and not in a way I particularly liked. The art style isn’t cohesive.
I didn’t like the article excerpts at all (not that they weren’t interesting). But it took me out of the flow of the story.
But I enjoyed the narrative voices for Emilia and Death. I’d read volume two for sure.
4.5
February 10, 2024
If you're craving escapism, being untethered from expectations and performances, this might hit the spot for you.
It's a brisk, existential journey of grief and spirituality that left me wanting more, but with the understanding of why it didn't give it to me. It reads like (and directly references) a poem from Greek mythology. You aren't given a proper backstory to either of the main characters, just the implications that their stories exist without you, and regardless of your opinion. I can see why that garnered a lot of critiques from other reviewers, along with the interspersed essays that punctuate every chapter, and I don't blame you if that's not your cup of tea.
I just happened to be able to meet the story where it was, and for what it was, I enjoyed it. The two main characters hold their own through the story. They're both lost and damaged in completely different ways that kept me invested in their journey, even though you don't really learn too much about them by the end.
I would say don't try to speed through it, as short as it seems. I think you'll get the most out of it if you treat it as a meditation rather than a linear narrative.
It's a brisk, existential journey of grief and spirituality that left me wanting more, but with the understanding of why it didn't give it to me. It reads like (and directly references) a poem from Greek mythology. You aren't given a proper backstory to either of the main characters, just the implications that their stories exist without you, and regardless of your opinion. I can see why that garnered a lot of critiques from other reviewers, along with the interspersed essays that punctuate every chapter, and I don't blame you if that's not your cup of tea.
I just happened to be able to meet the story where it was, and for what it was, I enjoyed it. The two main characters hold their own through the story. They're both lost and damaged in completely different ways that kept me invested in their journey, even though you don't really learn too much about them by the end.
I would say don't try to speed through it, as short as it seems. I think you'll get the most out of it if you treat it as a meditation rather than a linear narrative.
September 24, 2023
Thank you to the publishers for providing me with an eArc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
As a lover of mythology and graphic novels, I was immediately intrigued when I read the blurb for this book.
I thought the illustrations were beautiful and in-depth, but I felt confused when reading the book. It felt like I was missing something the entire time while reading.
I also love Persephoneas as a character and, seeing how this story changed her character was definitely new and something I'd never seen before but sadly it was not for me.
I couldn't connect or feel anything for any of the characters nor did I think any of the emotions the characters felt were real or held any meaning (including the slight romance plot, that is for what I can tell, barely there).
I understand that this is a first volume so I would be slightly interested to see where the story goes.
As a lover of mythology and graphic novels, I was immediately intrigued when I read the blurb for this book.
I thought the illustrations were beautiful and in-depth, but I felt confused when reading the book. It felt like I was missing something the entire time while reading.
I also love Persephoneas as a character and, seeing how this story changed her character was definitely new and something I'd never seen before but sadly it was not for me.
I couldn't connect or feel anything for any of the characters nor did I think any of the emotions the characters felt were real or held any meaning (including the slight romance plot, that is for what I can tell, barely there).
I understand that this is a first volume so I would be slightly interested to see where the story goes.
October 26, 2023
‘Two Graves Volume 1: Wish You Were Here’ by Genevieve Valentine with art by Ming Doyle and Annie Wu is a graphic novel about an unusual road trip.
When we meet Emilia and the strange man, they are on a road trip to the ocean to say goodbye to Emilia’s mom. Along the way, we learn that Emilia was supposed to have died and the two are being hunted. Emilia and her strange friend form a strange bond and Emilia finds herself tapping in to strange new powers. It can’t last and the ones chasing them are relentless. Each chapter ends with essays of backmatter from people like N.K. Jemison and Veronica Schanoes.
The story starts right out and fills the reader in as the story unfolds. The art and character design are interesting. The essays are interesting, but feel more extra than actually adding anything to the story. This is not a complaint as the essays, while a bit odd, were interesting.
When we meet Emilia and the strange man, they are on a road trip to the ocean to say goodbye to Emilia’s mom. Along the way, we learn that Emilia was supposed to have died and the two are being hunted. Emilia and her strange friend form a strange bond and Emilia finds herself tapping in to strange new powers. It can’t last and the ones chasing them are relentless. Each chapter ends with essays of backmatter from people like N.K. Jemison and Veronica Schanoes.
The story starts right out and fills the reader in as the story unfolds. The art and character design are interesting. The essays are interesting, but feel more extra than actually adding anything to the story. This is not a complaint as the essays, while a bit odd, were interesting.
Read
July 30, 2023Less of a Persephone riff than it styles itself, nor yet the revenge tragedy the title implies, and certainly not the first story recently in which (a) Death falls for a mortal and deserts their duty. Early on I found it stilted and unconvincing; even Ming Doyle's art, which I usually enjoy, seemed stiff on the characters, though the landscapes are gorgeous throughout. But at some point it settled into itself, became looser both in its adherence to any template and in the flow of individual scenes, and by the end I was finding it quite moving. I'm also glad the collection kept the backmatter essays by guest contributors, which initially seemed like they would all be about aspects of death, but which also include one on proms that's by far the most open autobiography I've ever read from NK Jemisin.
(Edelweiss ARC)
(Edelweiss ARC)
September 30, 2023
This was a unique take on the idea of Death and the grim reaper. Emilia needs to take her mother's ashes to the Atlantic Ocean, it's her final promise. Except as she keeps going, she begins to lose the ability to taste food and is tired all the time. She's also seeing ghosts and people's time throughout and wants to make changes, though never knows what touching each person actually does. Death is trying to help her, and three other reapers follow to stop them. In between each chapter there's a short essay from another author detailing some strange unique story about life. I'm not sure I understand the point of them, but they were interesting to read. I loved watching the change on the postcards at each chapter too. The art style, especially for Death, is beautiful and reminds me of something but I can't place it. I hope this story continues.
December 19, 2023
I don't get it. I just don't get it. And judging from the other reviews, it's not a me problem. There surely is more to the lore behind the plot of Two Graves, but none of it was revealed in volume one. I don't expect a full resolution of the characters' motivations in the first volume of many, but at least give me something to work with and get my attention? The dialogies felt clunky and only raised more questions rather than answer them. All of my three stars go out for the artwork and panel composition, but especially the more dynamic poses (oh the action scenes look bad) looked wooden. This might get better with the continuations, but I won't be there to witness it.
***I received a digital copy from the publisher through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.***
***I received a digital copy from the publisher through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.***
January 4, 2024
I have to say, this comic had many elements that would have made me like it, but the execution is so weird as to be rather forgettable in the end. Emilia and "Death" (not actually Death, probably, but maybe a ghost turned reaper - that is also not clear) travel around the US towards the ocean, exchanging one-liners that tell you very little, while being hunted by other reapers.
Meanwhile, Emilia has both the powers of a reaper and the ability to "kill" (consume?) other reapers, which again is never explained. "There has never been anything like you before" is the comic's mantra, seemingly mystery for mystery's sake.
It reads like a not-very-good David Lynch movie and it's a bit of a shame, as it sacrifices the story in favor of feel. Furthermore, though done by one artist, the art is not very consistent, which also grates on me.
Meanwhile, Emilia has both the powers of a reaper and the ability to "kill" (consume?) other reapers, which again is never explained. "There has never been anything like you before" is the comic's mantra, seemingly mystery for mystery's sake.
It reads like a not-very-good David Lynch movie and it's a bit of a shame, as it sacrifices the story in favor of feel. Furthermore, though done by one artist, the art is not very consistent, which also grates on me.
November 26, 2023
Emilia promised to put her mother’s ashes into the Atlantic, and so she’s now headed there. But she doesn’t remember how she met her companion or why he has a bloody handprint on his neck or why his head is veiled in smoke. She does know that he’s helping others to pass over when they die, and that she doesn’t have much more time. She also knows that she is being hunted because she is different.
A weird graphic novel about a woman who goes on a road trip with death. It is odd, and enigmatic, and confusing because it’s a bit too enigmatic for most of it. It does finally explain what’s happening by the end, but it feels a little too late. It's not bad, but it's not great.
Content Warning: attempted suicide, death
A weird graphic novel about a woman who goes on a road trip with death. It is odd, and enigmatic, and confusing because it’s a bit too enigmatic for most of it. It does finally explain what’s happening by the end, but it feels a little too late. It's not bad, but it's not great.
Content Warning: attempted suicide, death
July 7, 2023
Doyle and Wu paint an ensnaring picture with Valentine’s potent prose. A road trip between Death and the woman he stole, a pilgrimage to deposit ashes in the ocean, leads to a game of cat and mouse where who is the cat is unclear and ever-changing. Two Graves Volume 1: Wish You Were Here paints a complex and thoughtful picture of death and love that is difficult to ignore and is not banished from one’s mind easily. Perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman and V.E. Schwab, this graphic novel will make you contemplate your own relationship with the unstoppable forces of both death and love, of the end and of the beginning.
November 7, 2023
I received an eARC from Image Comics via NetGalley. Emilia is on a seemingly ambiguous self discovery road trip with death to scatter her mother’s ashes in the ocean. This was a really intriguing story but felt largely unfinished or like I had started in the middle of a storyline. There were a lot of parts that I felt like I didn’t fully understand what was going on. I really enjoyed all the characters, I just wish there was more context. The artwork is absolutely gorgeous and I will definitely be giving this a reread once a volume two is available- hopefully it can fill in some gaps for me because this is a great story idea.
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