The Cemeterians: The Complete Series

by Daniel Kraus, Maan House (Illustrator), Kurt Michael Russell (Colorist)

The X-Files meets Wake the Bones in The Cemeterians: The Complete Series, an eerie, genre-blending story filled with horror, magic, mystery, fantasy, darkness, and bones that grow where they shouldn’t.

Some things won’t stay buried.

After human bones begin growing inside inanimate objects all across the globe, a renegade scientist and brilliant theologian delve into the cemeteries where the bones originated, discovering an otherworldly force tired of being buried in darkness.

The Cemeterians will chill you to the bone.

Written by New York Times bestselling author Daniel Kraus author of The Shape of Water, Trollhunters (both with Guillermo del Toro), Rotters, Graveyard Girls, The Living Dead (with George Romero), The Teddies Saga, Whalefall (his latest), and The Autumnal (for Vault Comics) and illustrated by critically-acclaimed and atmospheric artist Maan House (Witchblade, Krampus, Project Blue Book).

For fans of The X-Files, Poltergeist, Glitch, Wake the Bones, Rotters, Graveyard Girls, The Living Dead, Pet Sematary, Cemetery Girl, and The Resurrectionist of Caligo.

Genres: Horror, Graphic Novels, Comics, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics

124 pages, Paperback

Published April 23, 2024

About the author

“Kraus brings the rigor of a scientist and the sensibility of a poet.” – The New York Times

DANIEL KRAUS is a New York Times bestselling writer of novels, TV, and film. WHALEFALL received a front-cover rave in the New York Times Book Review, won the Alex Award, was an L.A. Times Book Prize Finalist, and was a Best Book of 2023 from NPR, the New York Times, Amazon, Chicago Tribune, and more.

With Guillermo del Toro, he co-authored THE SHAPE OF WATER, based on the same idea the two created for the Oscar-winning film. Also with del Toro, Kraus co-authored TROLLHUNTERS, which was adapted into the Emmy-winning Netflix series. His also cowrote THE LIVING DEAD and PAY THE PIPER with legendary filmmaker George A. Romero.

Kraus’s THE DEATH AND LIFE OF ZEBULON FINCH was named one of Entertainment Weekly‘s Top 10 Books of the Year. Kraus has won the Bram Stoker Award, Scribe Award, two Odyssey Awards (for both ROTTERS and SCOWLER), and has appeared multiple times as Library Guild selections, YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults, and more.

Kraus’s work has been translated into over 20 languages. Visit him at danielkraus.com.

Reviews

[Niina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tämä alkoi todella lupaavasti kauhuelementteineen, mutta loppu ei ollut kovinkaan tyydyttävä. Lisäksi miinusta uskonnollisuudesta, johon tämä nojasi vähän liikaa minun makuuni.

Samankaltaista luettavaa:

- The Sacrificers
- The Strange Tales of Oscar Zahn
- Brynmore
- Tear Us Apart
- The Road (A Graphic Novel Adaptation)
- Eden
- Breathers
- Hollow

[My Giang · Rating 2 out of 5]

Super sick cover. Love the neon. The cover was the reason why I picked up the book, but the story was so mid. I think the premise and the backgrounds of the characters were interesting, but the execution was disappointing and lackluster. I wish everything was stronger. Everything was shallow.

[Dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was super dissapointing....

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

What if random objects all around the world started sprouting human bones? What if, in their investigation, officials learn that the afterlife has an overpopulation problem? These are the questions at the center of Daniel Kraus and Maan House’s The Cemetarians. It’s a very X-Files sort of premise - two people of opposing beliefs team up to solve a supernatural mystery. Unfortunately, The Cemetarians lacks any of the character development or narrative intrigue of its chief inspiration.

To be fair, it’s not entirely Kraus and House’s fault that The Cemetarians feels a bit lacking. The graphic novel's biggest problem is that it feels way too short for the story it’s trying to tell. A mere four issues, 120-ish pages in total. That’s nowhere near enough time to explore a story as earth-shattering as this one nor is it enough time to give its chief characters enough characterization for their respective arcs to have any weight to them. Instead, The Cemetarians is a case of one thing happening after another constantly, leaving no room for any pauses, breaks, or character exploration.

That’s not to say it’s a bad read or anything; it’s not. For what it is, it’s fun enough. It’s quick-paced and Kraus throws enough ideas at the wall that there’s never a dull moment. Plus, House’s artwork is deliciously atmospheric, dripping with gothic body horror and really leaning into the sheer unholiness of the book’s premise. It’s just one of those books that’s all skin and bones; a story that works sheerly due to its premise’s audacity rather than its execution.

Disclaimer: a review copy was provided by the publisher and Edelweiss. All opinions are my own.

[Books For Decaying Millennials · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a Paid Review

The Cemetarians Writing by Daniel Kraus, art by Maan House coloring by Kurt Michael Russell. I recently finished reading this TPB collection from VAULT comics. Yet another reason why everyone should be regulars at their local public library, they might have horror comics that you didn't know existed, just waiting to be read.

The Cemetarians is a comic with a strong cinematic feel, and by cinematic I mean a midnight drive in feature suitable to be hosted by Joe Bob Briggs. Krauses writing moves the story along,
The combined artwork of Maan House and the lurid color palette provided b Kurt Michael Russell creates a truly haunted atmosphere where death and danger lurk very near. Added to that visual atmosphere, House and Russell depict ghoulish imagery and creatures hat would be fitting for a cinematic collab between Tom Savini and Phil Tippet.
As a rule I don't care for heavy utilization of Judeo-Christianity in the books I read. The exception to this rule is when authors/illustrators successfully mess with that accepted cosmology, presenting something fresh and unique. The Cemetarians does exactly this, admittedly I would have preferred to see more of this from Kraus and House.

[Betwixt the Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: mind the gore; ends on an open note; interesting thoughts on death, religion, humanity vs monstrosity, burying vs cremating; graphic, easy to follow art style

HUGE thanks to the authors/ illustrators, The Vault Comics, and to Rockstar Book Tours for the title! My review is voluntarily written and in no way altered or impacted by this gesture.

This graphic novel put an interesting spin on what happens in the afterlife. I was immediately drawn into the story with the graphic, detailed art style and the layout of the panels. The authors/ illustrators took great care to bring these characters and this world fully to life, throwing a little bit of every genre into the story-- from horror to religion to romance, you're bound to find it lurking in these pages.

The ending left a lot open to interpretation and guesstimation. It felt just slightly TOO quick-- as if I blinked, missed part of the story, and suddenly wound up at the end. Right as I was really getting into figuring out where we were headed and what would happen next.... it was over, which was mildly disappointing but understandable.

I definitely recommend this to those who enjoy a good "what if", those who don't mind a little horror with their existential humanity, and those who often wonder just what happens in the afterlife. The Skeletization is occurring, Penguins-- are you ready for what's to come?

[Emm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book for free, in exchange for my opinion via VaultComics.

As it is marketed for fans of The X-Files, I knew I needed to check this book out. I thought this book was an interesting concept and had some good moments. However, ultimately I found it to be a bit lacking. The art was phenomenal and the characters were engaging, but the story felt a bit disjointed and rushed at times. You can’t put this amazing story in a 124 page book. It needed a longer page count to truly do it justice. Overall, it was an okay read, but I wasn’t completely blown away.

Thank you, Rockstar Book Tours, and Daniel Kraus for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.

[Country Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this graphic novel. There is so much happening in this one. There are two MC characters in this book, a scientist named Alan and a theologian named Ms. Bell. They are finding in the world that human bones are coming from everywhere and growing inside objects like teddy bears of young children! Alan and Ms. Bell travel to cemeteries around the US and try to figure out what is happening to the bones and where they are coming from. There is one cemetery they travel to where they meet an older caretaker who shows and tells them about the bones.
This was a great horror book! I loved the plot and the illustrations were creepy and really well drawn. I love the way that the authors wrote the book and I am hoping there may be a sequel to this book! Fingers Crossed!!!!

[Laura Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re reading my review then I’m sure you read the synopsis and high praise for this wild series. It’s out there. In the best possible way.

Human bones start appearing in inanimate objects, sometimes causing harm or death to those who are there when it happens. What’s causing it? Two people with very different views on science and religion go where no man was meant to go and find out.

I had a blast with the series. When I found out what was really going on, it made me stop and appreciate the story even more. I’d never have seen that coming.

And the illustrations. Horror candy is what I call it. Just….. whoa!

I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.

[Jame_EReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with my 👧🏻 on the available ebook and this is definitely dark and mysterious. We actually enjoyed the story with so many gory characters and images that had us thinking what the heck was the author thinking and the amazing illustrations done by the illustrator. The ending felt short and a bit of a
cliffhanger because we were hoping for more. My daughter enjoyed it more because it’s her favorite genres, sci-fi and horror, but so far the story didn’t really disappoint as per her review.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kraus is a great writer, with interesting ideas that he develops well. Usually. This one is just a bit too far out there: all the dead bodies from centuries past are revolting and sending their bones back to our reality (or something). This was atmospheric and scary in the early going, when it wasn't clear what was happening or why. Why were people suddenly finding bones inside stuffed animals? Or teeth inside baseballs? Once the "explanation" comes along, then the whole thing kind of falls apart. It's got some really good artwork, though.

[Jaimes_Mystical_Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting concept and story. There was so much packed into this graphic novel that made it a very quick and intriguing read. I absolutely loved the art style and color palette and they really helped bring the story to life. This book did a great job of blending a handful of different genres which made it a very unique and enjoyable read.

Thank you to Vault Comics for this gifted copy for review.

[Niche · Rating 1 out of 5]

Weird horror mystery

Bones keep appearing/replacing things. A reverend and a genius with a device to talk to the dead investigate. It had a weird horror mystery suspense vibe, but the story kind of kept dragging and I found myself pretty bored by the time the conflict with zombie-poltergeist-afterlife happened and just got more bored to the ending.

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do if one day bones started showing up everywhere? If stuffed animals were found to have bones in them...and there was no explanation. This is a very creepy book that has a very interesting undercurrent dealing with how we deal with death. Without giving anything away think
The X-Files and Kolchak: The Night Stalker and you will get a taste for what happens next.

[Salla Hiltunen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Erilaisista arkisista esineistä alkaa kasvaa ihmisluita ympäri maailmaa, ja tieteilijä ja pastori alkavat selvittää kummaa tapausta. Idea ja etenkin alku on mielenkiintoinen, ja sarjakuva on tyylikkään näköinen. Mielestäni homma kuitenkin vähän lässättää, kun mysteerit alkavat selvitä. Tarina olisi myös kokonaisuutena kaivannut ehkä hieman enemmän sivuja. Ihan kiva lukukokemus kuitenkin.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a weird one. Out of nowhere, bones start appearing in places. Skeletons inside of teddy bears, piano wire changing to bones, that kind of thing. It's an interesting supposition. It quickly spirals out of control to apocalyptic lengths and that's where it gets kind of silly. I can't say I enjoyed the ending just because of how out there it gets.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so creepy and incredibly inventive. I absolutely love this concept behind it and how it is executed by Daniel Kraus, Maan House, and the team. The dialogue is clever and I easily grew to love Alan and Ivy as the investigate the phenomenon of “skeletonization.”

Maan House’s art is made for horror and combined with Kurt Russell’s colors is creepy, delightful and impactful. His art is so damn good and needs to be seen more in comics. With Jim Campbell on Letters the team is hitting at such a high level that this is a must read.

Buy it now to either read now or save for the spooky season because this is a must read graphic novel.

Thank you to Vault Comics and Rock Star Book Tours for my copy of this Graphic Novel. All thoughts are my own.

[Jeff Wait · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know that whole “is it cake” thing? This is like that except “does it actually have bones in it?” Super scary book. I hope there’s more to this story because it rapidly turns into a new spin on zombie literature. The art also rules.

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had an interesting concept and started out really well. It got a little too spiritual for me at the end, but I mostly enjoyed it, though I did think the coloring was a tad dark. I know it was for atmosphere, etc., but I'd have liked to be able to see a bit better.

[Devyn Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one started off super interesting and keeps the momentum going with it's mystery but as soon as the apex of the plot hits it all kind of goes mush.

[Ella-Louise Davey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started strong ended… weirdly. Beautiful art and concepts

[Bob Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great artwork telling a silly story about two people who fall in love while old bones destroy their world.

[Eric Benson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story and great artwork, but the ending seemed very rushed.

[Rowena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very confusing, it all was very fast paced and the plot didn't really have time to unfold at the end. It was very abrupt and hard to grasp. 

[Jason Rico · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great art and an interesting premise. I was genuinely creeped out throughout the first half of the book. Unfortunately, it just did not stick the landing and left me a bit disappointed.

[Fuzzy Buzzy · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

Less than 25% and I lost interest. My first unfinished book this year.