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Hound
During World War I, a young soldier is assigned to one of the most deadly areas along the western front. However, he finds the greatest threat to his life lies not with the enemy, but with a cult formed by his own men.
Found nestled and protected within a den of wolves, the journal of Private Barrow, a fresh young soldier drafted into Britain's royal army during the height of World War I, meticulously and explicitly recounts the events that lead to his death. However, where most men are sent to the trenches, Barrow was sent to a place known only to him as the “gas quarter” — a patch along the western front known for incessant mustard gas attacks. Our story and the journal both begin with Barrow’s introduction to the unit occupying the quarter — a group referred to by the top brass as “The Hounds,” a nickname earned by the appearance of their long-snouted gas masks. Immediately, Barrow is shaken by the sight of them and is soon pulled into a hell that can only come from the savage horror of war.
Found nestled and protected within a den of wolves, the journal of Private Barrow, a fresh young soldier drafted into Britain's royal army during the height of World War I, meticulously and explicitly recounts the events that lead to his death. However, where most men are sent to the trenches, Barrow was sent to a place known only to him as the “gas quarter” — a patch along the western front known for incessant mustard gas attacks. Our story and the journal both begin with Barrow’s introduction to the unit occupying the quarter — a group referred to by the top brass as “The Hounds,” a nickname earned by the appearance of their long-snouted gas masks. Immediately, Barrow is shaken by the sight of them and is soon pulled into a hell that can only come from the savage horror of war.
96 pages, Paperback
Published February 27, 2024
2629 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 2, 2023
Hound GN was unlike any other graphic novel/comic that I have read thus far this year. It is so unique and disturbing, while all at the same time remaining hopeful and maintaining a positive message.
This graphic novel follows our main character as they join a new squad during the First World War. What follows after this initial introduction is nothing short of a terrifying and bloodthirsty initiation. The new squad has some dark and horrific secrets of their own and when our main character makes their choice, nothing will be the same ever again.
This is such a quickly-paced story and it holds the attention of the read immediately. The way this is presented in a "found footage" format definitely was something unique and enjoyable. It felt hopeful about the beautiful parts of life in the face of War and death and destruction. Readers everywhere are going to enjoy this and I can't wait for them to get their hands on it. Check it out!
This graphic novel follows our main character as they join a new squad during the First World War. What follows after this initial introduction is nothing short of a terrifying and bloodthirsty initiation. The new squad has some dark and horrific secrets of their own and when our main character makes their choice, nothing will be the same ever again.
This is such a quickly-paced story and it holds the attention of the read immediately. The way this is presented in a "found footage" format definitely was something unique and enjoyable. It felt hopeful about the beautiful parts of life in the face of War and death and destruction. Readers everywhere are going to enjoy this and I can't wait for them to get their hands on it. Check it out!
December 5, 2023
Over the past few months, I have begun to look closer at Mad Cave Studios and their output of graphic novels. They are going to be publishing some of my favorite properties soon and I've made an effort to read more books from them and found them to be quite enjoyable. That takes me to Hound, which may very well be the best of the bunch (at least so far). The story was moody and tense. The artwork had a very Eduardo Risso on 100 Bullets kind of feel (not a swipe, just a feeling). It was very exciting to read a graphic novel and not really have any sort of idea where it was headed. Well done to the creative team.
Special Thanks to Mad Cave Studios and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
Special Thanks to Mad Cave Studios and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
March 18, 2025
The horrors of war mixed with zombies and spirit wolves…the spirit of war, the soul crushing change to your spirit must be horrible.
This story is just alright, but it is so quick that reading it was a nice experience even if it wasn’t much.
This story is just alright, but it is so quick that reading it was a nice experience even if it wasn’t much.
November 13, 2023
This was a excellently dark and gritty book.
The artwork feels vintage, like the original Heavy Metal science fiction and fantasy comics magazine, it also reminds me of The City a graphic novel by James Herbert & Ian Miller (Illustrator).
The style, and colour fits in beautifully with the bleak and poetic WWI story.
It is works like this that show people that Graphic Novels are a serious storytelling medium.
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.*
The artwork feels vintage, like the original Heavy Metal science fiction and fantasy comics magazine, it also reminds me of The City a graphic novel by James Herbert & Ian Miller (Illustrator).
The style, and colour fits in beautifully with the bleak and poetic WWI story.
It is works like this that show people that Graphic Novels are a serious storytelling medium.
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.*
February 28, 2024
Hound is such an incredibly harrowing and grizzly graphic novel that takes an unflinching look at the cruelties of war and how that changes the hearts of men or how some hold true to who they are.
The art team of Sam Freeman and Rodrigo Vázquez capture the dark nature of “The Hounds” perfectly, leaving nothing to the imagination in how brutal they are. I am always happy to see Justin Birch on the lettering because I know we’re in for a good time.
Overall the story plots along a great pace, and shows that this team knows the meaning of “show don’t tell.”
If you like war stories with a dark and sinister twist, you’ll love Hound
The art team of Sam Freeman and Rodrigo Vázquez capture the dark nature of “The Hounds” perfectly, leaving nothing to the imagination in how brutal they are. I am always happy to see Justin Birch on the lettering because I know we’re in for a good time.
Overall the story plots along a great pace, and shows that this team knows the meaning of “show don’t tell.”
If you like war stories with a dark and sinister twist, you’ll love Hound
December 21, 2023
"Hounds" is an eerie and haunting tale that restates that oft learned and more oft forgotten truism that war brings out the monstrous in humanity. The First World War One setting does much to make this point as does the inclusion of light fantastical and horror genre elements However, the actual story is not significantly nuanced or insightful and some readers may find that the horrors of this war are significant enough that embellishments are not needed.
Thanks to NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for providing me with an eArc in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for providing me with an eArc in exchange for my honest review.
December 7, 2023
This is one of the best graphic novels I have read in years. It is up there with Junji Ito, but this story is unlike Ito's work. It will invoke in you some strong emotions that will linger, just the way a graphic novel should.
This magnificent book offers the visceral and raw emotions of Private Barrow as he joins a group of men on the western front during World War I. He shares with us his inner demons and the battles not only in the trenches, but what he experiences internally. Will he always do the right thing? Can he, in the midst of blood and death, chose to remain collected and separate logic from insanity?
"My road has lost its sun and its moon."
The artwork is magnificent as well. It has a dark atmosphere with pops of different shades of red to enhance your experience with the blood and death on the battle fields. If you look closely at the panels (the individual boxes of artwork) you will find the many different faces of fear and pain.
I highly recommend giving this a read, but take your time. Enjoy the artwork and feel the words. You will most definitely come away with a new sense of what war is like.
Thank you #NetGalley and #MadCaveStudios for #HoundGN
This magnificent book offers the visceral and raw emotions of Private Barrow as he joins a group of men on the western front during World War I. He shares with us his inner demons and the battles not only in the trenches, but what he experiences internally. Will he always do the right thing? Can he, in the midst of blood and death, chose to remain collected and separate logic from insanity?
"My road has lost its sun and its moon."
The artwork is magnificent as well. It has a dark atmosphere with pops of different shades of red to enhance your experience with the blood and death on the battle fields. If you look closely at the panels (the individual boxes of artwork) you will find the many different faces of fear and pain.
I highly recommend giving this a read, but take your time. Enjoy the artwork and feel the words. You will most definitely come away with a new sense of what war is like.
Thank you #NetGalley and #MadCaveStudios for #HoundGN
December 29, 2023
As a slight history nerd, with an interest in werewolf mythology, this was right up my alley. I appreciate being provided a free ACR, and my review is voluntary.
Much like the style of narration found overhead in a military or war film, our protagonist Barrow provides an accounting of the experience, which is not just of the horrors found in war, but also of the wickedness that consumes the minds of those present in such conditions. The stages of transition are evident: from being green, overcome by the shadow of dread, to the experiences that induced desensitization at such scale to create our dog soldiers.
The art and color scheme reinforced the atmosphere. Structures in varying states of decay - lacking color, conveying this bleakness. Our characters are rough in design, as to be expected in such a place, yet the faces of each displayed their respective emotions. Our protagonist with his hesitation as a participant, and our Hounds, with their ravenous desires on this battlefield.
For the German soldiers, there was a layer of authenticity when their native-tongue was spoken as text in each respective panel. However, these statements were devoid of translation to English. I took the time to translate, but not everyone will.
This horror comics/graphic novel fan is absolutely satisfied.
Much like the style of narration found overhead in a military or war film, our protagonist Barrow provides an accounting of the experience, which is not just of the horrors found in war, but also of the wickedness that consumes the minds of those present in such conditions. The stages of transition are evident: from being green, overcome by the shadow of dread, to the experiences that induced desensitization at such scale to create our dog soldiers.
The art and color scheme reinforced the atmosphere. Structures in varying states of decay - lacking color, conveying this bleakness. Our characters are rough in design, as to be expected in such a place, yet the faces of each displayed their respective emotions. Our protagonist with his hesitation as a participant, and our Hounds, with their ravenous desires on this battlefield.
For the German soldiers, there was a layer of authenticity when their native-tongue was spoken as text in each respective panel. However, these statements were devoid of translation to English. I took the time to translate, but not everyone will.
This horror comics/graphic novel fan is absolutely satisfied.
December 2, 2023
This was an arc I got from Netgalley:
This was an absolute surprise and I was not expecting to be hit with such real emotion near the end.
A new recruit in WW1 escapes the trenches, only to be assigned with an even worse task. The dehumanization of life in a gas mask is wonderfully portrayed via the artwork, and is turned on its head in the mid point.
The nightmare of war and trying to keep your humanity in a world of horrors was excellent.
The artwork in this really captures the setting and the descent into madness.
This was an absolute surprise and I was not expecting to be hit with such real emotion near the end.
A new recruit in WW1 escapes the trenches, only to be assigned with an even worse task. The dehumanization of life in a gas mask is wonderfully portrayed via the artwork, and is turned on its head in the mid point.
The nightmare of war and trying to keep your humanity in a world of horrors was excellent.
The artwork in this really captures the setting and the descent into madness.
December 3, 2023
90/100 or 4.50 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The artwork, the story, and the messages were done so well. This was so much better than I was expecting. I would definitely want to buy this when it comes out and add it to my collection!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The artwork, the story, and the messages were done so well. This was so much better than I was expecting. I would definitely want to buy this when it comes out and add it to my collection!
February 10, 2024
War is terrible, and sometimes what it forces us to become is worse.
I am absolutely in awe of this book. Hound is a short read, and yet it manages to instill something deep within you. If you've ever wondered what lies beyond the eyes of soldiers returned from harrowing combat... this is the book for you. At first I don't think I quite grasped what I was reading - I knew it was another war book, and I knew that it would contain some element of horror. Hound goes beyond both of these things.
There are no real words to sum up how this book made me feel - if anything, it was an experience. There were times where I grimaced and felt ashamed at our MC's ignorance. There were times where I cried after our MC committed a heinous act. There were more times yet where I smiled at how our MC chose to overcome these experiences.
Hound is a graphic novel that draws you in and keeps you there. It's one that will stay with me for a long time, and one that I absolutely cannot recommend enough. All my thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!
I am absolutely in awe of this book. Hound is a short read, and yet it manages to instill something deep within you. If you've ever wondered what lies beyond the eyes of soldiers returned from harrowing combat... this is the book for you. At first I don't think I quite grasped what I was reading - I knew it was another war book, and I knew that it would contain some element of horror. Hound goes beyond both of these things.
There are no real words to sum up how this book made me feel - if anything, it was an experience. There were times where I grimaced and felt ashamed at our MC's ignorance. There were times where I cried after our MC committed a heinous act. There were more times yet where I smiled at how our MC chose to overcome these experiences.
Hound is a graphic novel that draws you in and keeps you there. It's one that will stay with me for a long time, and one that I absolutely cannot recommend enough. All my thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!
February 12, 2024
This amazing, dark graphic novel drew me straight in, mesmerized me, then spit me out. War is awful. There is no happiness, no matter if your motives are good. This story is brutal, even though it is short. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
January 25, 2024
3.5 Stars.
Review submitted on Twitter (@adamreadscomics) for MadCave Studios.
Review submitted on Twitter (@adamreadscomics) for MadCave Studios.
December 26, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for an ARC of Hound!
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
I typically don't read graphic novels, but there are some I've read that I've thoroughly enjoyed. This was definitely one of them. The graphics were gritty, gory, and extremely fitting for the tone of the story. Short and sweet, this one got to the point quickly and was extremely fast-paced. The story also had a positive message about life and death and war, despite it being so horrific and grim. My only complaint was that it was too short and I wouldn't have been upset if more had been added.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
I typically don't read graphic novels, but there are some I've read that I've thoroughly enjoyed. This was definitely one of them. The graphics were gritty, gory, and extremely fitting for the tone of the story. Short and sweet, this one got to the point quickly and was extremely fast-paced. The story also had a positive message about life and death and war, despite it being so horrific and grim. My only complaint was that it was too short and I wouldn't have been upset if more had been added.
December 13, 2023
A rousing World War 1 Werewolf story. Or is it a zombie story? Whatever the case, it's a well-illustrated comic with a thin line that looks like ink on paper, even if it was drawn digitally. The colors are great and moody. The writing is thoughtful. Much of the book is without dialogue or exposition; instead, it relies on well-rendered scenes, movement, and action. It's a quick read, but I really liked this work and will check out more from the creative team.
February 23, 2024
In 2024, Mad Cave is celebrating ten years of quietly putting out comics. This latest slate of books is an eclectic set of distinctive and creator-driven comics. It’s been exciting to read each of these releases, not knowing quite what you are going to get. Even when they are flawed, these books provide a spotlight for creators to express their distinctive voices. The upcoming original graphic novel release, Hound, by writers Sam Freeman and Sam Romesburg and artist Rodrigo Vásquez is no different. A relatively brief novella, this horror-tinged story of war and the dehumanization of violence lays out its story and themes directly, throwing readers into a disorienting and gory nightmare.
Hound centers on a young and innocent sewer worker from London, Private Barrow, who is thrown into the horrors of the first world war. The story is structured around a framing narrative wherein an elderly man discovers Barrow’s abandoned war journal recounting his descent into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Young Barrow tells of the horrors he experienced after being drafted into a special unit of Britain’s Royal Army assigned to the noxious “gas quarter.” This unit is known as the Hounds because of the snoutlike features of their gas masks.
You can read the full review of the upcoming graphic novella on UrbaneTurtle.com
Mad Cave provided an advance review copy via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Hound centers on a young and innocent sewer worker from London, Private Barrow, who is thrown into the horrors of the first world war. The story is structured around a framing narrative wherein an elderly man discovers Barrow’s abandoned war journal recounting his descent into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Young Barrow tells of the horrors he experienced after being drafted into a special unit of Britain’s Royal Army assigned to the noxious “gas quarter.” This unit is known as the Hounds because of the snoutlike features of their gas masks.
You can read the full review of the upcoming graphic novella on UrbaneTurtle.com
Mad Cave provided an advance review copy via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for this review copy.
William Barrow is moved to the darkest part of the war. Not the gas-filled quarter he thinks he's been transferred to, but rather the new group of soldiers he's joined. A dark, twisted group of soldiers known collectively as The Hounds that haunt that quarter. A brutal group of men changed by the war around them.
The writing was engaging and the storyline drew me in as well. I loved Barrow's character and his journey throughout the story to the final page. Each panel pulled me through to the next and I whizzed through it quickly. The art felt a bit gritty and dirty, by design, and was evocative of the place, time, and events that it was portraying. At times, I felt it was a bit looser (I won't say sloppier, but close) than it needed to be to portray that in the panels, but it did its job.
I'd love to see more work from both the authors and the artist. Gripping and engaging in a twisted take on WW1. I got what I came for.
William Barrow is moved to the darkest part of the war. Not the gas-filled quarter he thinks he's been transferred to, but rather the new group of soldiers he's joined. A dark, twisted group of soldiers known collectively as The Hounds that haunt that quarter. A brutal group of men changed by the war around them.
The writing was engaging and the storyline drew me in as well. I loved Barrow's character and his journey throughout the story to the final page. Each panel pulled me through to the next and I whizzed through it quickly. The art felt a bit gritty and dirty, by design, and was evocative of the place, time, and events that it was portraying. At times, I felt it was a bit looser (I won't say sloppier, but close) than it needed to be to portray that in the panels, but it did its job.
I'd love to see more work from both the authors and the artist. Gripping and engaging in a twisted take on WW1. I got what I came for.
March 17, 2024
I didn't fully vibe with the story in this, largely due to the MC's somewhat naive viewpoint of war, but Vázquez's art builds amazing atmosphere and the way action is written makes this already tight book feel like it's rushing by in a single adrenaline-fueled gutpunch.
November 7, 2023
This is the best comic ever written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2023
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Mad Cave Studios for an advance copy of this graphic novel dealing with the horrors of war, how war can change someone, and the benevolent power of wolves.
The idea of war and warfare should be an anathema to humans, but it seems to show no signs of going away. People can always be riled up against the different, jealous of their freedoms, their food and riches. Wave a rag loud and high enough and people will pay taxes for bombs to blow hospitals to the hell where their Gods demand the enemies go. People say that war reduces us to animals, but animals don't seem to kill for the reasons we do, and seems like a slur to animals. Hounds is a graphic novel written by Sam Romesburg and Sam Freeman, illustrated by Rodrigo Vázquez, about war, losing control of oneself, and of the dark things that exist in the dark, in the trenches and in the human heart.
A young recruit drafted into the British army by the nae of Barrow is sent to the front for the first time. Barrow was a tosher, one who crawled through the sewers of London looking for things to sell, and is given an assignment with a unit known as the Hounds. The Hounds patrol an area that is constantly under mustard gas attack and where thick gas masks, that make them look like canines. A man used to sewers will be used to gas, and small spaces is the thinking, though the other members of the Hounds don't seem as thrilled, nor talkative as their masks are never taken off. Barrow follows the unit to a farmhouse, with a basement full of horrors and strange talk of what will happen when the night comes. And when it comes things are far, far worse than what Barrow ever expected.
A horror story of war, madness, and redemption, with a lot of violence. This is a short graphic novel, but is pretty complete and reads like an old Weird Tale or a story from one of the English masters of the early last century, with a lot of Métal hurlent artwork and again violence. There are a lot of questions that don't have answers, and how Barrow becomes such a good shot, is never explained, but the story is good, short and succinct. The moodiness along with the propulsive element the story has moves things along well, and really helps keep the reader interested. The art really makes this story. The men are well drawn, with details on the equipment and in the clothing keeping the reader grounded, even while the normal trenches and the scope of the war are just off slightly, eerie and full of fear. I liked the colors, the scenes in nature and even the characters at rest have a very defined role. Detailed yet fantastique.
Recommended for horror readers especially ones that like the feel of older horror stories, the type of story where bad things happen because the world is bad, and that is the only explanation one gets. Also for fans of the artist, as this is the first I have seen by him, but will have to look for more, as the visuals are quite good, disquieting, but good.
The idea of war and warfare should be an anathema to humans, but it seems to show no signs of going away. People can always be riled up against the different, jealous of their freedoms, their food and riches. Wave a rag loud and high enough and people will pay taxes for bombs to blow hospitals to the hell where their Gods demand the enemies go. People say that war reduces us to animals, but animals don't seem to kill for the reasons we do, and seems like a slur to animals. Hounds is a graphic novel written by Sam Romesburg and Sam Freeman, illustrated by Rodrigo Vázquez, about war, losing control of oneself, and of the dark things that exist in the dark, in the trenches and in the human heart.
A young recruit drafted into the British army by the nae of Barrow is sent to the front for the first time. Barrow was a tosher, one who crawled through the sewers of London looking for things to sell, and is given an assignment with a unit known as the Hounds. The Hounds patrol an area that is constantly under mustard gas attack and where thick gas masks, that make them look like canines. A man used to sewers will be used to gas, and small spaces is the thinking, though the other members of the Hounds don't seem as thrilled, nor talkative as their masks are never taken off. Barrow follows the unit to a farmhouse, with a basement full of horrors and strange talk of what will happen when the night comes. And when it comes things are far, far worse than what Barrow ever expected.
A horror story of war, madness, and redemption, with a lot of violence. This is a short graphic novel, but is pretty complete and reads like an old Weird Tale or a story from one of the English masters of the early last century, with a lot of Métal hurlent artwork and again violence. There are a lot of questions that don't have answers, and how Barrow becomes such a good shot, is never explained, but the story is good, short and succinct. The moodiness along with the propulsive element the story has moves things along well, and really helps keep the reader interested. The art really makes this story. The men are well drawn, with details on the equipment and in the clothing keeping the reader grounded, even while the normal trenches and the scope of the war are just off slightly, eerie and full of fear. I liked the colors, the scenes in nature and even the characters at rest have a very defined role. Detailed yet fantastique.
Recommended for horror readers especially ones that like the feel of older horror stories, the type of story where bad things happen because the world is bad, and that is the only explanation one gets. Also for fans of the artist, as this is the first I have seen by him, but will have to look for more, as the visuals are quite good, disquieting, but good.
February 27, 2024
Thank you to Sam Freeman for this beautiful copy of your graphic novel via Goodreads Giveaways! I am very grateful!
"Hound" by Sam Freeman, Sam Romesburg, Rodrigo Vázquez (Illustrator), Justin Birch (Letterer), and James Emmett (Editor) is a haunting graphic novel set against the grim backdrop of World War I. The narrative skillfully weaves together elements of horror, war, and psychological tension to deliver a gripping tale that explores the darkest corners of human nature.
The story unfolds through the meticulously recorded journal of Private Barrow, a young soldier thrust into the heart of the conflict. Barrow's journey takes an ominous turn as he is assigned to the "gas quarter," a perilous stretch along the western front infamous for relentless mustard gas attacks. It is in this desolate and deadly landscape that the true horrors of war are laid bare.
The uniqueness of "Hound" lies in the introduction of a mysterious unit known as "The Hounds," distinguished by their long-snouted gas masks. The eerie appearance of these soldiers foreshadows the unsettling events that follow. As Barrow becomes entangled with this enigmatic group, it becomes apparent that the real threat does not solely emanate from the external enemy forces but also lurks within the ranks of his own comrades.
The illustrations by Rodrigo Vázquez play a pivotal role in conveying the intensity and brutality of war. The visceral depictions of mustard gas attacks, the haunting landscapes, and the unsettling gas masks worn by "The Hounds" contribute to the overall atmosphere of dread and suspense. Vázquez's artistic prowess enhances the emotional impact of the story, immersing the reader in the grim reality of World War I.
Justin Birch's lettering complements the narrative seamlessly, guiding readers through Barrow's journal entries with a sense of urgency and emotion. The editorial finesse of James Emmett ensures a cohesive and engaging storytelling experience, allowing the plot to unfold at a pace that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
"Hound" is not merely a war story; it delves into the psychological toll of conflict, exploring the formation of a cult-like group within the chaos of battle. The tension builds steadily as Private Barrow's descent into the horrors of war becomes intertwined with the unsettling dynamics of "The Hounds." The graphic novel masterfully explores themes of camaraderie, loyalty, and the thin line between survival and moral compromise.
In conclusion, "Hound" is a compelling graphic novel that transcends the boundaries of traditional war narratives. Sam Freeman and Sam Romesburg, alongside the talented artistic team, deliver a thought-provoking and chilling exploration of the human psyche in the face of unimaginable horrors. "Hound" stands as a testament to the power of graphic storytelling in conveying the complexities of war and the darkness that can emerge even among those fighting on the same side.
"Hound" by Sam Freeman, Sam Romesburg, Rodrigo Vázquez (Illustrator), Justin Birch (Letterer), and James Emmett (Editor) is a haunting graphic novel set against the grim backdrop of World War I. The narrative skillfully weaves together elements of horror, war, and psychological tension to deliver a gripping tale that explores the darkest corners of human nature.
The story unfolds through the meticulously recorded journal of Private Barrow, a young soldier thrust into the heart of the conflict. Barrow's journey takes an ominous turn as he is assigned to the "gas quarter," a perilous stretch along the western front infamous for relentless mustard gas attacks. It is in this desolate and deadly landscape that the true horrors of war are laid bare.
The uniqueness of "Hound" lies in the introduction of a mysterious unit known as "The Hounds," distinguished by their long-snouted gas masks. The eerie appearance of these soldiers foreshadows the unsettling events that follow. As Barrow becomes entangled with this enigmatic group, it becomes apparent that the real threat does not solely emanate from the external enemy forces but also lurks within the ranks of his own comrades.
The illustrations by Rodrigo Vázquez play a pivotal role in conveying the intensity and brutality of war. The visceral depictions of mustard gas attacks, the haunting landscapes, and the unsettling gas masks worn by "The Hounds" contribute to the overall atmosphere of dread and suspense. Vázquez's artistic prowess enhances the emotional impact of the story, immersing the reader in the grim reality of World War I.
Justin Birch's lettering complements the narrative seamlessly, guiding readers through Barrow's journal entries with a sense of urgency and emotion. The editorial finesse of James Emmett ensures a cohesive and engaging storytelling experience, allowing the plot to unfold at a pace that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
"Hound" is not merely a war story; it delves into the psychological toll of conflict, exploring the formation of a cult-like group within the chaos of battle. The tension builds steadily as Private Barrow's descent into the horrors of war becomes intertwined with the unsettling dynamics of "The Hounds." The graphic novel masterfully explores themes of camaraderie, loyalty, and the thin line between survival and moral compromise.
In conclusion, "Hound" is a compelling graphic novel that transcends the boundaries of traditional war narratives. Sam Freeman and Sam Romesburg, alongside the talented artistic team, deliver a thought-provoking and chilling exploration of the human psyche in the face of unimaginable horrors. "Hound" stands as a testament to the power of graphic storytelling in conveying the complexities of war and the darkness that can emerge even among those fighting on the same side.
March 10, 2024
This is a story of war and its effects on the human mind and sanity. The message is clear and the artwork reflects the harsh reality and chaos that happened to the men and boys during the World Wars.
Yet, there were elements that just didn't make sense. I could understand how the situations could turn the "Hounds" into monsters. But what sort of monsters were they? At first I thought the gas turned them into werewolves. They kind of had that type of look to their facial features. Yet, they could also be described as zombies or mutants. Were the "prisoners" supposed to be zombies or something? They certainly looked dead when they were revealed to Barrow. But, then at nightfall they seemed to be revived and running away. It was hard to tell what was going on in the chase scenes. Then there were the wolves. I got that they didn't like the "Hounds;" they probably could smell or sense the evil on the men. But where did they come from? Why were they added to the story? It just didn't make any sense.
In the end, I could get the message that the story seemed to loosely convey, but the elements were confusing at best. And chaotic at worst. I would have liked to see more of an explanation behind the cult activity, the wolves, and how/why they went from eating the faces off of people to the farmer finding a bunch of...statues....preserved bodies....sleeping...wolves in an old tree.
Yet, there were elements that just didn't make sense. I could understand how the situations could turn the "Hounds" into monsters. But what sort of monsters were they? At first I thought the gas turned them into werewolves. They kind of had that type of look to their facial features. Yet, they could also be described as zombies or mutants. Were the "prisoners" supposed to be zombies or something? They certainly looked dead when they were revealed to Barrow. But, then at nightfall they seemed to be revived and running away. It was hard to tell what was going on in the chase scenes. Then there were the wolves. I got that they didn't like the "Hounds;" they probably could smell or sense the evil on the men. But where did they come from? Why were they added to the story? It just didn't make any sense.
In the end, I could get the message that the story seemed to loosely convey, but the elements were confusing at best. And chaotic at worst. I would have liked to see more of an explanation behind the cult activity, the wolves, and how/why they went from eating the faces off of people to the farmer finding a bunch of...statues....preserved bodies....sleeping...wolves in an old tree.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2023
World War One. A poor kid is sent to the front - and assigned to a squad that hides some terrific secrets, to fight some enemies with terrific secrets of their own. Scarred by the war, the kid tries with all his might to keep his humanity - but sometimes, no matter how hard you try, destiny has a way to catch up with you…
This graphic novel feels like a short story from one of those old Creepy / Eerie horror comics anthologies of the seventies, only needlessly bloated and uglier. Sorry, I get why the art style is the way it is, but I just couldn’t care for it - doesn't have that creepy / nauseating vibe the best horror comics do. What the art does well, though, is convey the emotions of the characters and highlight the clash between the light and darkness within them.
An OK comic, like a quick snack when dinner is too far away.
Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This didn't influence my opinion in any way.
This graphic novel feels like a short story from one of those old Creepy / Eerie horror comics anthologies of the seventies, only needlessly bloated and uglier. Sorry, I get why the art style is the way it is, but I just couldn’t care for it - doesn't have that creepy / nauseating vibe the best horror comics do. What the art does well, though, is convey the emotions of the characters and highlight the clash between the light and darkness within them.
An OK comic, like a quick snack when dinner is too far away.
Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This didn't influence my opinion in any way.
December 30, 2023
An extremely dark story about a new soldier arriving to the front during World War I. Due to his experience working in sewers, he's assigned to the Hounds, a group that goes off on its own, always wearing gas masks. He's given an initiation that he must pass in order to stay alive. Things continue to head south from there.
A lot of the story is wordless, trusting the art to tell the story and therein lies the rub. I get why the art is so rough. The problem is it's too rough at times to clearly tell the story and there were multiple times where I was confused about why certain things were happening. There also a large passage that is in untranslated German. If there's anything that takes me out of a comic, it's needing to use Google Translate on my phone in order to read it.
A lot of the story is wordless, trusting the art to tell the story and therein lies the rub. I get why the art is so rough. The problem is it's too rough at times to clearly tell the story and there were multiple times where I was confused about why certain things were happening. There also a large passage that is in untranslated German. If there's anything that takes me out of a comic, it's needing to use Google Translate on my phone in order to read it.
January 10, 2024
3.75 rounded to four stars.
I received an e-ARC of Hound by Sam Romesburg and Sam Freeman, drawn by Rodrigo Vazquez, and lettered by Justin Birch, from NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios in exchange for a fair review.
The artwork does a wonderful job of telling the story of William Barrow a young British soldier in Germany during WWI. Barrow's journal is found in a den of large wolf-like creatures by an old man and we experience the story of the events leading to Barrow's death as the old man reads it. What unfolds is a horrific tale of violence and the animalistic side of war and humanity.
The artwork fit the style of the story and had a feeling of movement with the color pallet well suited to the mood. The amount of dialogue and text boxes was appropriate for the story being told.
The only place it falls a little for me is in the explanation of events.
There is also quite a bit of text in untranslated German that I had to go to Google to understand.
I received an e-ARC of Hound by Sam Romesburg and Sam Freeman, drawn by Rodrigo Vazquez, and lettered by Justin Birch, from NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios in exchange for a fair review.
The artwork does a wonderful job of telling the story of William Barrow a young British soldier in Germany during WWI. Barrow's journal is found in a den of large wolf-like creatures by an old man and we experience the story of the events leading to Barrow's death as the old man reads it. What unfolds is a horrific tale of violence and the animalistic side of war and humanity.
The artwork fit the style of the story and had a feeling of movement with the color pallet well suited to the mood. The amount of dialogue and text boxes was appropriate for the story being told.
The only place it falls a little for me is in the explanation of events.
There is also quite a bit of text in untranslated German that I had to go to Google to understand.
March 19, 2024
This is a really gritty horror graphic novel. It took me some time to understand all the nuances and twists and turns, and I am not sure I understood the ending, but it is a great book.
A young soldier during World War One is assigned to a new battalion called the hounds on a special mission, but he discovers the enemy is entirely not as he expected. He takes on this new assignment with the help of the supernatural but can he survive the horrors of war and the horrors of a new threat?
The artwork is dark and fitting for the story. It is a good one for horror fans.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
A young soldier during World War One is assigned to a new battalion called the hounds on a special mission, but he discovers the enemy is entirely not as he expected. He takes on this new assignment with the help of the supernatural but can he survive the horrors of war and the horrors of a new threat?
The artwork is dark and fitting for the story. It is a good one for horror fans.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
May 28, 2025
Hound was definitely a fun read, but I really wish that it was a bit longer so that it could truly build up the suspense leading to certain reveals.
An example of where I wish there was a stronger buildup is actually pretty early on the story with the reveal of the cult. Going into this graphic novel, I thought that there would be a slow but satisfying buildup to the cult’s reveal; however, the protagonist’s unit revealed their true colors just a couple pages after their introduction.
Maybe I was just looking for a different story and hyped myself up with all the Hound ads that were targeted at me, but I just felt the story was rushed… even by the expectations of a graphic novel.
An example of where I wish there was a stronger buildup is actually pretty early on the story with the reveal of the cult. Going into this graphic novel, I thought that there would be a slow but satisfying buildup to the cult’s reveal; however, the protagonist’s unit revealed their true colors just a couple pages after their introduction.
Maybe I was just looking for a different story and hyped myself up with all the Hound ads that were targeted at me, but I just felt the story was rushed… even by the expectations of a graphic novel.
February 15, 2024
Hound GN is a classically illustrated graphic novel about war and what it does to its combatants.
Private Barrow is a tosher, who hunts for sellable goods within the London sewers. He is the newest recruit in The Hounds, a special unit in the British army during World War I. The unit is sent into a zone plagued with both mustard gas and German troops. But the worst enemies come from within… 4 stars!
Thanks to Mad Cave Studios and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.
Private Barrow is a tosher, who hunts for sellable goods within the London sewers. He is the newest recruit in The Hounds, a special unit in the British army during World War I. The unit is sent into a zone plagued with both mustard gas and German troops. But the worst enemies come from within… 4 stars!
Thanks to Mad Cave Studios and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.
June 22, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ honestly too short for what it wanted to accomplish, iffy on the cult thing and then the wolf part was very small part of the story it didn't feel like a complete story and maybe it wasn't supposed to but for how it started it seemed to be heading that direction. Low-key seemed to focus more on dark and brooding and gore than a cohesive storyline. I guess you can rationalize it away by saying war makes anyone insane but even insanity has a structured course to incoherence
June 28, 2024
I loved the way the author and graphic artist worked together to create this beautiful graphic novel. When I can read something about war and be entertained at the same time, while learning life lessons, that's a good time. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me an e-copy of this book, in return for an honest review.
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