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Ghostlore
Ghostlore
Tales from the living and the dead collide in this supernatural series from Cullen Bunn and Leomacs!
What ghost stories do ghosts tell, and what can they tell us about ourselves? An estranged daughter and her father wander a haunted land; they only have the restless spirits, each with its own story to tell, as company along the way. After a deadly accident of which they are the only survivors, Lucas and Harmony Agate can see the dead–an overwhelming amount of the deceased, all with their own warnings, cries for help, and malevolence alike. But Lucas and Harmony aren’t the only ones with this ability; there are other nearly-deads, some of which have malicious motivations… Cullen Bunn of Basilisk and The Empty Man acclaim is joined by artist Leomacs (Basketful of Heads), bringing readers the most eye-opening spectral story since The Sixth Sense! Collects Ghostlore #1-4
What ghost stories do ghosts tell, and what can they tell us about ourselves? An estranged daughter and her father wander a haunted land; they only have the restless spirits, each with its own story to tell, as company along the way. After a deadly accident of which they are the only survivors, Lucas and Harmony Agate can see the dead–an overwhelming amount of the deceased, all with their own warnings, cries for help, and malevolence alike. But Lucas and Harmony aren’t the only ones with this ability; there are other nearly-deads, some of which have malicious motivations… Cullen Bunn of Basilisk and The Empty Man acclaim is joined by artist Leomacs (Basketful of Heads), bringing readers the most eye-opening spectral story since The Sixth Sense! Collects Ghostlore #1-4
Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2023
4 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Cullen Bunn
2,106 books1,059 followersCullen grew up in rural North Carolina, but now lives in the St. Louis area with his wife Cindy and his son Jackson. His noir/horror comic (and first collaboration with Brian Hurtt), The Damned, was published in 2007 by Oni Press. The follow-up, The Damned: Prodigal Sons, was released in 2008. In addition to The Sixth Gun, his current projects include Crooked Hills, a middle reader horror prose series from Evileye Books; The Tooth, an original graphic novel from Oni Press; and various work for Marvel and DC. Somewhere along the way, Cullen founded Undaunted Press and edited the critically acclaimed small press horror magazine, Whispers from the Shattered Forum.
All writers must pay their dues, and Cullen has worked various odd jobs, including Alien Autopsy Specialist, Rodeo Clown, Professional Wrestler Manager, and Sasquatch Wrangler.
And, yes, he has fought for his life against mountain lions and he did perform on stage as the World's Youngest Hypnotist. Buy him a drink sometime, and he'll tell you all about it.
Visit his website at www.cullenbunn.com.
All writers must pay their dues, and Cullen has worked various odd jobs, including Alien Autopsy Specialist, Rodeo Clown, Professional Wrestler Manager, and Sasquatch Wrangler.
And, yes, he has fought for his life against mountain lions and he did perform on stage as the World's Youngest Hypnotist. Buy him a drink sometime, and he'll tell you all about it.
Visit his website at www.cullenbunn.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 27, 2023
The dad is an asshole who doesn't know how to listen, and like Harmony, I'm very afraid that if he encountered his deceased wife's ghost, he would attack her. I'm sure this is trying to say something about fragile masculinity and I hope the arc eventually brings him around to the realization that he doesn't have to fight, but for now it's very meh.
I was also going to say something about having a clearly non-Catholic minister wear the clerical collar, but apparently a handful of other denominations also do this. Yay for learning things.
*The trade release doesn't drop til November, but I read all four issues contained therein and called it a day.
I was also going to say something about having a clearly non-Catholic minister wear the clerical collar, but apparently a handful of other denominations also do this. Yay for learning things.
*The trade release doesn't drop til November, but I read all four issues contained therein and called it a day.
July 14, 2024
Ghostlore is a dark story of a family that is separated by a rift between differing ideologies. The oldest child is Harmony, a teenager who rejects the faith that her father preaches in a dying congregation. But when a car accident leads to the loss of the rest of the family, they are the only ones left, both with the ability to see and talk to the dead, and vulnerable to evil undead forces.
This story is more vibes than actual plotting. The characters of Harmony and Lucas are well-developed and their actions make sense through the visual narrative. The artwork is vivid and nightmarish, but doesn’t clarify the story. I felt like things ended with my level of confusion very high. I didn’t like the feelings I had when I read this story. I enjoy horror and the feeling of being unsettled, but this was more of a yucky and unpleasant feeling. Along with the lack of resolution, even knowing this is an ongoing story, I don’t feel inspired to continue this series. I have questions, but I don’t want to hang in long enough to get answers.
This story is more vibes than actual plotting. The characters of Harmony and Lucas are well-developed and their actions make sense through the visual narrative. The artwork is vivid and nightmarish, but doesn’t clarify the story. I felt like things ended with my level of confusion very high. I didn’t like the feelings I had when I read this story. I enjoy horror and the feeling of being unsettled, but this was more of a yucky and unpleasant feeling. Along with the lack of resolution, even knowing this is an ongoing story, I don’t feel inspired to continue this series. I have questions, but I don’t want to hang in long enough to get answers.
June 9, 2024
This started off rather strong, albeit with somewhat one-dimensional characters, but seems to have laid the groundwork for what could be a really interesting exploration of grief and death.
The individual ghost stories that come along with each encounter are really where this series shines. If it can figure out how to balance the goodness of those with the MCs and their development, this could really be a winner!
The individual ghost stories that come along with each encounter are really where this series shines. If it can figure out how to balance the goodness of those with the MCs and their development, this could really be a winner!
October 7, 2023
This has a lot of potential, but I don’t think that there was enough in this series so far to say that I enjoyed this one way or another. I don’t mind the rotating artists. I think the story is being told well, but the monster elements do bring me out of the story in a way that just the supernatural elements wouldn’t.
August 13, 2023
This was…disappointing. The first issue had me hooked but the next three really just muddied the waters. The story jumped around too much and threw new characters in without any explanation, introduction or ties to the original characters in any tangible way. Sad because I really wanted to love this. Hopefully the next volume tells a more cohesive story.
January 22, 2025
If Supernatural and Ghost Whisperer had a baby, it would be Ghostlore. For a father and daughter to lose the mother and little brother of the family in a car accident that they were all involved in and find out that the supernatural was real all in one day, it would have been incredibly traumatizing. And of course that’s what happened.
Now their life is made up of before and after.
Before, he was a pastor to a dying congregation. Their family was falling apart day by day and he couldn’t fix it. After, he hunts ghosts.
Before, she was planning to move to NYC as soon as she graduated to get away from the small town. After, she listens to how the dead were killed and to what keeps them in this world to help them move on.
It’s interesting to see 2 people who dealt with the exact same thing go in two very different directions. She finds meaning in helping and he finds it in destroying.
I liked the plot. It was very reminiscent of some of my favorite television shows. I’m judging it only on this volume though and something felt like it was missing. Maybe that’s what they’re both searching for??? If I read the next volume, maybe I’ll enjoy it more. But for now, it wasn’t for me.
Now their life is made up of before and after.
Before, he was a pastor to a dying congregation. Their family was falling apart day by day and he couldn’t fix it. After, he hunts ghosts.
Before, she was planning to move to NYC as soon as she graduated to get away from the small town. After, she listens to how the dead were killed and to what keeps them in this world to help them move on.
It’s interesting to see 2 people who dealt with the exact same thing go in two very different directions. She finds meaning in helping and he finds it in destroying.
I liked the plot. It was very reminiscent of some of my favorite television shows. I’m judging it only on this volume though and something felt like it was missing. Maybe that’s what they’re both searching for??? If I read the next volume, maybe I’ll enjoy it more. But for now, it wasn’t for me.
January 9, 2024
I keep saying this and I mean it: Cullen Bunn is hit or miss, and maybe he wants a living wage but him rushing through all these scripts does absolutely nothing for the reading experience. His best titles are where he lets the storytelling breathe, and he's done it before. I'd love to see him do it again. I doubt it'll be Ghostlore, which plows past character development for plot–which is too bad, because he's got two great leads here. If he took a little more time to make them people and not devices, this would be a title to follow. But if all you need is spooky ghosts, their stories, and a mysteeerious dude, here you go. It is entertaining. It just feels like it could be more.
January 26, 2025
3.5 stars
December 11, 2023
An excellent beginning to what looks to be an intriguing series, 'Ghostlore' combines elements of 'The Sixth Sense' with some of the pathos of 'Midnight Mass' and the broken family dynamics of 'Six Feet Under' to create something new about the stories ghosts have to tell us.
The setup is tragic and inevitable - you can't tell a story about ghosts without somebody dying, and the first pages of the story go right for the jugular on that note. The overarching story of a father and daughter and the different ways they deal with their loss is worth following on its own, and the little mini stories told by the spirits they now see and talk to add an extra element of intrigue.
The art by Leomacs gives the main story an evocative, honest style, while the ghost stories are illustrated by different hands and a more fantastic, mythical sensibility.
It all comes together in a tale that makes me wonder where it's going...and what we'll see when we get there. I'll definitely be picking up the later installments as they arrive.
The setup is tragic and inevitable - you can't tell a story about ghosts without somebody dying, and the first pages of the story go right for the jugular on that note. The overarching story of a father and daughter and the different ways they deal with their loss is worth following on its own, and the little mini stories told by the spirits they now see and talk to add an extra element of intrigue.
The art by Leomacs gives the main story an evocative, honest style, while the ghost stories are illustrated by different hands and a more fantastic, mythical sensibility.
It all comes together in a tale that makes me wonder where it's going...and what we'll see when we get there. I'll definitely be picking up the later installments as they arrive.
March 18, 2024
In "Ghostlore" a father and daughter survive an accident which brutally kills the rest of their family only to undergo a transformation that allows them to communicate with troubled ghosts. The basic premise has a lot to offer and the book would seemingly be off to a good start. However, the story that develops over the first four issues is slow, disjointed, turgid, pointlessly violent and profoundly uninteresting. It is very hard to find anything compelling about the main protagonists. The daughter character is underdeveloped and the father character, is an arrogant and entitled twit with violent tendencies. As such, there is very little to recommend this book to the average reader.
2.5 stars rounded to 2.
Please note that I read this book in single issue format. I will amend this review if needed when the trade comes out.
2.5 stars rounded to 2.
Please note that I read this book in single issue format. I will amend this review if needed when the trade comes out.
October 27, 2023
Potential here but a lot of the ideas aren't fully explored yet, but the concept is great. I think it could benefit from being a bit more grounded as well, the tentacle monsters aren't really adding much.
November 18, 2023
Looking forward to the next volume!
November 29, 2024
3.5 stars rounded down due to the fact it was a tad short and uneven and the trope is old but there is potential there, certainly enough for me to get the next volume. That said, whoever wrote the blurb on the back cover needs slapped. They spoiled the twist in the first chapter completely.
Harmony and her brother James are being raised in rural somewhere (unnamed) by a preacher father and their mother. James has stopped speaking for some reason and Harmony can't wait to be 18 and free to leave this place, a matter made worse by her father's harsh criticism of how she can't wait to be done with them. A car accident changes everything and ghosts begin to appear to Harmony and her father but they have two complete different reactions to it.
Harmony listens to their stories and takes on that burden freeing them. Her father's approach is more to evoke a god he longer believes in and strike out destroying the spirits in His name. This just adds to the schism between them. And to be fair some of their spirits are violent. Worse, other people who can see them are not benevolent either and one of the more violent psychics is heading their way.
I do feel it was short and rushed. Harmony in particular needed time to grieve because she was the cause of the life changing accident and its not addressed here (maybe later?) The stories need more time and depth BUT to be fair to Cullen Bunn he may have been given a 'get it done in 10 episodes' demand from Boom! comics. I have no way of knowing (it sure feels like it). The art is very good and as I said above I will be getting more.
Harmony and her brother James are being raised in rural somewhere (unnamed) by a preacher father and their mother. James has stopped speaking for some reason and Harmony can't wait to be 18 and free to leave this place, a matter made worse by her father's harsh criticism of how she can't wait to be done with them. A car accident changes everything and ghosts begin to appear to Harmony and her father but they have two complete different reactions to it.
Harmony listens to their stories and takes on that burden freeing them. Her father's approach is more to evoke a god he longer believes in and strike out destroying the spirits in His name. This just adds to the schism between them. And to be fair some of their spirits are violent. Worse, other people who can see them are not benevolent either and one of the more violent psychics is heading their way.
I do feel it was short and rushed. Harmony in particular needed time to grieve because she was the cause of the life changing accident and its not addressed here (maybe later?) The stories need more time and depth BUT to be fair to Cullen Bunn he may have been given a 'get it done in 10 episodes' demand from Boom! comics. I have no way of knowing (it sure feels like it). The art is very good and as I said above I will be getting more.
January 23, 2024
I received a free ARC, and this review is voluntary.
WOW
As a member of the clergy, the father of the family in the story sees the attendance of his flock diminish, while struggles persist within his personal life, pertaining to his role as a dad for a different congregation - his kids, but his faith still intact. While his daughter drove the family home one night after a sacred gathering, she swerved to avoid hitting what she believed to be a person in the road. Cut to the car crash, confusion abound; camera zooming outward, we see that they are not alone. Surrounding their vehicle is the presence of multiple spectres. Their voices separate, yet intertwined in this echo: calling for help, to be relieved of their suffering.
In folklore, when the spirit of an individual is either corrupted, or so stricken with grief, it can delay the transition from this life to the next. Remnants of them left behind in this plane of existence, wandering the Earth, hoping to be relieved of this obstruction. This story plays that angle to the bone. The plot also touches upon how religion can help serve this transition, or hinder it. We see this in the father, and how his faith is tested in light of these new circumstances, unsure of which direction will lead to salvation.
A compelling story with a powerful message, this graphic novel hits the mark. While not directly asking us to take inventory of our own issues, it does present the question. Are we ready to calm our own troubled waters? Are we ready to Confess?
WOW
As a member of the clergy, the father of the family in the story sees the attendance of his flock diminish, while struggles persist within his personal life, pertaining to his role as a dad for a different congregation - his kids, but his faith still intact. While his daughter drove the family home one night after a sacred gathering, she swerved to avoid hitting what she believed to be a person in the road. Cut to the car crash, confusion abound; camera zooming outward, we see that they are not alone. Surrounding their vehicle is the presence of multiple spectres. Their voices separate, yet intertwined in this echo: calling for help, to be relieved of their suffering.
In folklore, when the spirit of an individual is either corrupted, or so stricken with grief, it can delay the transition from this life to the next. Remnants of them left behind in this plane of existence, wandering the Earth, hoping to be relieved of this obstruction. This story plays that angle to the bone. The plot also touches upon how religion can help serve this transition, or hinder it. We see this in the father, and how his faith is tested in light of these new circumstances, unsure of which direction will lead to salvation.
A compelling story with a powerful message, this graphic novel hits the mark. While not directly asking us to take inventory of our own issues, it does present the question. Are we ready to calm our own troubled waters? Are we ready to Confess?
January 25, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
2.5
This story has an interesting premise but the execution is just awful. A Pastor and his daughter have a near-death experience and find that they can communicate with ghosts afterward. The way the two main characters interact with ghosts is bland because of how stereotypical their methodology and approach is. Man is angry and doesn't understand so he destroys and KILLS! Woman is mournful and doesn't understand, so she is gentle and understanding. Blegh. Each chapter is supposed to be a single comic issue, and they barely feel connected when brought together in one volume like this. The plot cohesion is almost non-existent and feels like it stops and starts and goings backward and jumps forward at random. It keeps introducing side characters but with the minimum information provided before they just poof and we're onto the next scene. This graphic novel is also VERY gory. I was honestly startled by how much gore there was in this volume. I'm just completely uninterested in pursuing this story, which is a pity because it had some good concepts. Some of the art styles in the volume were good, but the content changing of art styles annoyed me. I'm used to it changing per issue, even though I don't like it. But changing a bunch within each chapter just leaves you feeling off-kilter.
2.5
This story has an interesting premise but the execution is just awful. A Pastor and his daughter have a near-death experience and find that they can communicate with ghosts afterward. The way the two main characters interact with ghosts is bland because of how stereotypical their methodology and approach is. Man is angry and doesn't understand so he destroys and KILLS! Woman is mournful and doesn't understand, so she is gentle and understanding. Blegh. Each chapter is supposed to be a single comic issue, and they barely feel connected when brought together in one volume like this. The plot cohesion is almost non-existent and feels like it stops and starts and goings backward and jumps forward at random. It keeps introducing side characters but with the minimum information provided before they just poof and we're onto the next scene. This graphic novel is also VERY gory. I was honestly startled by how much gore there was in this volume. I'm just completely uninterested in pursuing this story, which is a pity because it had some good concepts. Some of the art styles in the volume were good, but the content changing of art styles annoyed me. I'm used to it changing per issue, even though I don't like it. But changing a bunch within each chapter just leaves you feeling off-kilter.
March 11, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Boom Studios for the advanced copy.
Ghostlore is a little bit like The Frighteners, but darker and with Cullen Bunn's cosmic horror twist specialty. I'm a big fan of Bunn -his series, The Sixth Gun, Vol. 1: Cold Dead Fingers, is one of my most favorite- and while this is just the first few issues, I will be picking up the rest of Ghostlore to see where this father and daughter go on their unique journeys.
I'm also getting The Last of Us vibes from this (another big favorite of mine), in the father/daughter relationship and the dichotomy of their viewpoints and the paths they've started down... it's reminiscent of the characterization and growth of Joel and Ellie (jade to innocent and vice versa), which is something else I really like. I can't wait to see where this story takes us, just knowing Bunn's style and being a fan of the stories he weaves.
The art by Leomacs isn't my favorite personally (I kind of wish the inside art had been all Jenny Frison, who did my favorite alt cover for issue one), but the coloring is gorgeous, especially for the ghosts and supernatural moments.
Ghostlore is a little bit like The Frighteners, but darker and with Cullen Bunn's cosmic horror twist specialty. I'm a big fan of Bunn -his series, The Sixth Gun, Vol. 1: Cold Dead Fingers, is one of my most favorite- and while this is just the first few issues, I will be picking up the rest of Ghostlore to see where this father and daughter go on their unique journeys.
I'm also getting The Last of Us vibes from this (another big favorite of mine), in the father/daughter relationship and the dichotomy of their viewpoints and the paths they've started down... it's reminiscent of the characterization and growth of Joel and Ellie (jade to innocent and vice versa), which is something else I really like. I can't wait to see where this story takes us, just knowing Bunn's style and being a fan of the stories he weaves.
The art by Leomacs isn't my favorite personally (I kind of wish the inside art had been all Jenny Frison, who did my favorite alt cover for issue one), but the coloring is gorgeous, especially for the ghosts and supernatural moments.
January 23, 2024
This is NOT your average ghost story... it's better than you can even imagine!
Ghostlore Vol. 1 starts with a terrible accident with a devastating loss. But this accident also opens up a brand new world of understanding for Lucas and Harmony. The dead suddenly appear and they have stories to tell however, there is no avoiding these tales of anguish and horror. As Lucas and Harmony get thrust into this world, they find others who had similar near-death experiences and can see apparitions too.
Cullen Bunn has done it again. with this fantastic graphic novel (and an amazing team of collaborators (Leomacs and Wordie) Weaving a tale of paranormal terror so palpable, that you won't be able to put this down. Not only does this have the classic ideas of creepy ghosts, but there is a cosmic-level horror twist on these tales that I felt was so refreshing and added so many layers of fun horror. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect from this, but I loved it and readers are going to love it too! This does end on a cliffhanger of sorts and I can't wait to read more!
I have been following Cullen Bunn for a while now and if you love any of his work, then you will love this too. Check it out!
Ghostlore Vol. 1 starts with a terrible accident with a devastating loss. But this accident also opens up a brand new world of understanding for Lucas and Harmony. The dead suddenly appear and they have stories to tell however, there is no avoiding these tales of anguish and horror. As Lucas and Harmony get thrust into this world, they find others who had similar near-death experiences and can see apparitions too.
Cullen Bunn has done it again. with this fantastic graphic novel (and an amazing team of collaborators (Leomacs and Wordie) Weaving a tale of paranormal terror so palpable, that you won't be able to put this down. Not only does this have the classic ideas of creepy ghosts, but there is a cosmic-level horror twist on these tales that I felt was so refreshing and added so many layers of fun horror. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect from this, but I loved it and readers are going to love it too! This does end on a cliffhanger of sorts and I can't wait to read more!
I have been following Cullen Bunn for a while now and if you love any of his work, then you will love this too. Check it out!
February 20, 2024
A little bit “The Sixth Sense,” a little bit “Ghostbusters,” and a liiiiiittle bit cosmic horror.
The happy Agate family is ruined utterly when a car accident kills mother and son, leaving father and daughter to limp along through grief, loss of faith, and ghost encounters. Daughter Harmony seems to accept her newfound second-sight, and helps ghosts unburden themselves and move on. Father Lucas, once a preacher of forgiveness, has left that belief behind, and re-kills the dead.
There’s something more eldritch than just the afterlife going on in the background here, with ghosts telling of terrible monsters and two mysterious men closing in on the two Agates. The first volume is only able to look at a little bit of this, though, and we aren’t left with a full storyline. It’s an opening bit, with volume 2 coming out in a few months.
I’m unsure if I’m interested enough to continue. If volume 2 ends up on review sites, I’d probably request a copy, but I don’t think I’ll remember this book in a few weeks, now that my review is done. It’s all just…meh, for me.
Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.
The happy Agate family is ruined utterly when a car accident kills mother and son, leaving father and daughter to limp along through grief, loss of faith, and ghost encounters. Daughter Harmony seems to accept her newfound second-sight, and helps ghosts unburden themselves and move on. Father Lucas, once a preacher of forgiveness, has left that belief behind, and re-kills the dead.
There’s something more eldritch than just the afterlife going on in the background here, with ghosts telling of terrible monsters and two mysterious men closing in on the two Agates. The first volume is only able to look at a little bit of this, though, and we aren’t left with a full storyline. It’s an opening bit, with volume 2 coming out in a few months.
I’m unsure if I’m interested enough to continue. If volume 2 ends up on review sites, I’d probably request a copy, but I don’t think I’ll remember this book in a few weeks, now that my review is done. It’s all just…meh, for me.
Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.
August 13, 2024
[Review for all 3 volumes]
Ghostlore's an interesting idea. A father and daughter lose their wife/mother, and develop the ability to see ghosts. The father uses that power to force them into servitude, while the daughter hears their stories and allows them to move on. Of course, their power attracts the attention of a powerful figure who wants to use it to bring about the end of the world. Business as usual.
The other interesting idea's one we've seen before, a different artist turns up each issue to draw the stories that the ghosts are imparting.
I think the problem with both these ideas is that they're kinda flat overall. I literally cannot remember any of the guest artists across the series, and while the two main characters split up and come back together a few times over the twelve issues, the actual 'lesson' that they're learning as they go along doesn't really feel earned by the end. It feels like this is how the story was supposed to end, so it will, but even the characters don't seem entirely convinced.
The secret's in the execution, no matter how good your ideas are, and while Ghostlore's definitely readable, it never really becomes more than that.
Ghostlore's an interesting idea. A father and daughter lose their wife/mother, and develop the ability to see ghosts. The father uses that power to force them into servitude, while the daughter hears their stories and allows them to move on. Of course, their power attracts the attention of a powerful figure who wants to use it to bring about the end of the world. Business as usual.
The other interesting idea's one we've seen before, a different artist turns up each issue to draw the stories that the ghosts are imparting.
I think the problem with both these ideas is that they're kinda flat overall. I literally cannot remember any of the guest artists across the series, and while the two main characters split up and come back together a few times over the twelve issues, the actual 'lesson' that they're learning as they go along doesn't really feel earned by the end. It feels like this is how the story was supposed to end, so it will, but even the characters don't seem entirely convinced.
The secret's in the execution, no matter how good your ideas are, and while Ghostlore's definitely readable, it never really becomes more than that.
February 1, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. I honestly had so many questions by the end of the first volume of "Ghostlore" that made me stop and ask myself if I would continue reading if given another volume. The tentative answer is "yes", but only because I need to see that Harmony gets the happy ending she clearly deserves. Everyone is oblivious to her suffering, especially her self-absorbed father. My heart broke for her when she lost her mother and brother in the opening pages of this book. It seems like her father is going to be used for gain by nefarious characters, while she's left to fend for herself on the road. I think that even if she did try and share some of her burden with her father, he would be so consumed with his own guilt and shame that he wouldn't be able to help her at all. The premise of the story is interesting, I'm just afraid that the characters will go through the same age-old tropes and suffer needlessly until the conclusion of the story. I would love to be proven wrong, however, and will most likely read at least one more volume of this work.
October 31, 2024
A preacher wrestles with his faith when tragedy occurs. The family structure was already starting to crumble before the car accident but now that he and his remaining daughter can see ghosts. Life has gotten crazy. They now have this ability to not just see ghosts, but help them find their end. However, the line between ghost and demon is not strict and sometimes the entity wants more than just to be told they’re free. This book is odd. The illustrations are great. It goes well with the theme of the book. They’re colorful, but in such a dark way, it helps the horror jump from the pages. But the continuity of the story is what is weird. This ends at an odd place and seems too short. It is only volume one, but there are so many unanswered questions. Half of the basic background is missing. It at once leaves the reader wanting more, but at the same time leaves the reader are wondering if they even care. Is there enough here to make me wait for the next volume? It’s not a question I can answer at this time, but this could possibly be worth it for the right person.
January 23, 2024
I received an ARC through NetGalley; my review is voluntary and honest.
Ghostlore is the story of a Reverend and his teenage daughter, who stay alone in their family after a tragic car crash. Along with losing their family, they gain the ability to see troubled souls who are desperate for somebody to listen to their story before they can move on. Unfortunately, Lucas and Harmony have a very different strategy towards dealing with these ghosts, which deepens the already existing chasm between them.
Ghostlore is a decent beginning for a horror story, with plenty of gore, demons and evil spirits. I admit it was more focused on gore than I expected, when I generally prefer more subtle horror, so I wasn't a big fan of the art style. I'm curious to see where Harmony and Lucas (especially Harmony) go from here.
Ghostlore is the story of a Reverend and his teenage daughter, who stay alone in their family after a tragic car crash. Along with losing their family, they gain the ability to see troubled souls who are desperate for somebody to listen to their story before they can move on. Unfortunately, Lucas and Harmony have a very different strategy towards dealing with these ghosts, which deepens the already existing chasm between them.
Ghostlore is a decent beginning for a horror story, with plenty of gore, demons and evil spirits. I admit it was more focused on gore than I expected, when I generally prefer more subtle horror, so I wasn't a big fan of the art style. I'm curious to see where Harmony and Lucas (especially Harmony) go from here.
March 5, 2024
In a world where we listen to ghost stories for entertainment, is it such a surprise when the ghosts themselves want to tell their own stories? Would you be brave enough to listen? This graphic novel is a story of an estranged daughter and her father as they try to figure out how to put their lives back together after a deadly accident.
I expected a lot of gore and violence in this graphic novel. What I was unprepared for was that one of the main characters is a Pastor and that his daughter self-harms. I do not enjoy books that feature religious leaders as main characters. Nor do I read books that include self-harm as a main character flaw without addressing the underlying psychosis that causes it. Because of this, I cannot give this a full, fair review.
Content Warnings:
Major
Violence, Death, Death of a Parent/Child/Animal, Blood, Gore
Moderate
Drug Use
I expected a lot of gore and violence in this graphic novel. What I was unprepared for was that one of the main characters is a Pastor and that his daughter self-harms. I do not enjoy books that feature religious leaders as main characters. Nor do I read books that include self-harm as a main character flaw without addressing the underlying psychosis that causes it. Because of this, I cannot give this a full, fair review.
Content Warnings:
Major
Violence, Death, Death of a Parent/Child/Animal, Blood, Gore
Moderate
Drug Use
December 29, 2024
This series starts off with a really interesting premise—a father and daughter who can communicate with ghosts after experiencing a traumatic death. The setup is engaging, and I liked the idea of different artists illustrating each ghost’s death story. However, things quickly get messy. The story jumps around a lot, introducing new characters without any real explanation or connection to the original ones, making it hard to follow.
The dialogue also feels a bit too formal at times, and the pacing feels rushed, like they were trying to cram too much into a short space. There’s just not enough detail to make everything work. Still, there are some cool moments, like the creepy demons and spirits, and the art is definitely a highlight. But overall, it’s a bit frustrating—there’s potential, but it needs more polish. I'm interested enough to read the rest of the volumes eventually.
The dialogue also feels a bit too formal at times, and the pacing feels rushed, like they were trying to cram too much into a short space. There’s just not enough detail to make everything work. Still, there are some cool moments, like the creepy demons and spirits, and the art is definitely a highlight. But overall, it’s a bit frustrating—there’s potential, but it needs more polish. I'm interested enough to read the rest of the volumes eventually.
November 12, 2024
Thanks NetGalley and BOOM! Comics for this arc
2/5 stars
This was honestly really boring, and it has such a good premise it shouldn't be. I didn't feel connected to any of the characters so I didn't really care about anything that was going on. It feels like there's hardly any background info on the main characters besides a little bit at the start, which wasn't nearly enough. It just felt like things happened and then moved to the next thing, without explaining what or why or even hinting at anything enough to make me care. Maybe it if was longer it would've helped, especially as there were so many pages showing all the covers and alt covers of each issue, they could've used some of those pages to keep the story going instead. I won't be continuing this series.
2/5 stars
This was honestly really boring, and it has such a good premise it shouldn't be. I didn't feel connected to any of the characters so I didn't really care about anything that was going on. It feels like there's hardly any background info on the main characters besides a little bit at the start, which wasn't nearly enough. It just felt like things happened and then moved to the next thing, without explaining what or why or even hinting at anything enough to make me care. Maybe it if was longer it would've helped, especially as there were so many pages showing all the covers and alt covers of each issue, they could've used some of those pages to keep the story going instead. I won't be continuing this series.
October 12, 2025
If Mike Flanagan wrote Paranorman it would probably be something like this. This one could become a really interesting series. The foundation’s there: a family ripped apart by tragedy, the conflicting ideologies of father and daughter, and a shared power granted to both but very different approaches. When Lucas and his daughter Harmony experience the loss of their wife/mother and son/brother, they are granted the ability to see and hear spirits lingering in this world and quickly realize they have the power to release them from this purgatory. They both approach this burden differently, and the question quickly becomes: which one is right? Beating back the cosmic demonic horror back into the abyss, or taking a gentler approach to shepherding these lost souls into the great beyond?
August 29, 2025
The premise of the comic is very interesting and the ghosts’ stories (the ghost lore) are really interesting, but I can’t get past the flatness of the main characters. A broody teen with a past habit of self harm looking for a place to belong and a preacher who lost (? Gave up? Just doesn’t care for?) his faith anymore are so cliche. The comic would have benefited from setting up the universe more slowly and attaching the reader to the main characters more before diving into the twisty plot. I flipped through the second volume and decided the story just isn’t for me. Someone may like it and it could get better but it wasn’t my cup of tea.
January 26, 2024
Interesting concept which had promise but was too short to really decide of if I would continue or not. I found it a little confusing without enough clues doled out to keep me hooked on the story. I’m always curious about what holds people on earth, not able to move on, and this delves into their stories. I wanted more of this. Not sure if I will continue with the series. The illustrations conveyed the story well.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #Boom_Studios for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #Boom_Studios for an honest review.
January 28, 2024
This graphic novel is a wonderful addition for lovers of horror, ghosts, and questions about the dead active among the living.
Lucas, the dad, and Harmony, the daughter, survive a deadly car accident that kills two family members. The two have a strained relationship about everything except for one: they both see and hear what the dead have to tell them.
The graphics and artwork are amazing, especially when the reader needs to know that some ghosts have bad intentions.
An adult graphic novel, I am looking forward to volumes 2-4. Thank you #NetGalley and BOOM! Studios for the ARC!
Lucas, the dad, and Harmony, the daughter, survive a deadly car accident that kills two family members. The two have a strained relationship about everything except for one: they both see and hear what the dead have to tell them.
The graphics and artwork are amazing, especially when the reader needs to know that some ghosts have bad intentions.
An adult graphic novel, I am looking forward to volumes 2-4. Thank you #NetGalley and BOOM! Studios for the ARC!
February 14, 2024
Ghostlore volume one does not disappoint. From beginning to the end, it leaves you wanting more. To know more about this strange father/ daughter duo.
After an accident that tragically changes their family it leaves daughter Harmony and her father Lucas with the ability to see the spirits around them. All want to have their stories heard and the spirits will not be ignored.
as a horror fan and comic book collector I had to have all the original comic.to add to my collection. The story continues to a climax you would not expect. Definitely recommend to those who love a good scare.
After an accident that tragically changes their family it leaves daughter Harmony and her father Lucas with the ability to see the spirits around them. All want to have their stories heard and the spirits will not be ignored.
as a horror fan and comic book collector I had to have all the original comic.to add to my collection. The story continues to a climax you would not expect. Definitely recommend to those who love a good scare.
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