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The Hunger and the Dusk #1-6

Les Affamés du crépuscule, Tome 1

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Sur cette terre en voie d'extinction, seuls les humains et les Orcs ont survécu. Ces ennemis mortels luttent pour le territoire et pour le pouvoir, mais vont cependant devoir accepter une alliance fragile pour résister à un nouvel ennemi commun, les Vangol. Pour cela, il va leur falloir désapprendre une vie d'antagonismes et joindre leurs forces.

176 pages, Hardcover

First published June 11, 2024

45 people are currently reading
851 people want to read

About the author

G. Willow Wilson

471 books3,316 followers
Hugo, World Fantasy and American Book Award-winning author of novels and comics, including THE BIRD KING, INVISIBLE KINGDOM, and ALIF THE UNSEEN. Co-creator of Ms Marvel. Honorary doctor of letters, Rutgers University. I accidentally started a dutch baby baking cult during quarantine. Not very active on here right now, but often found on Twitter.

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5 stars
349 (33%)
4 stars
496 (47%)
3 stars
178 (16%)
2 stars
24 (2%)
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6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
Profile Image for Megu.
187 reviews2,537 followers
December 29, 2023
I LOVED IT. But that was anticipated the second I saw this was G. Willow Wilson's doing. We land in a fairly classic fantasy realm, where an usual humans vs orcs feud needs to end up in an alliance that would bind their forces together in a fight against much worse enemy (think: elves "meth not even once" type of creatures, 'cause these beasts were clearly ruined by some nasty addiction). We follow two parties - orcs in the north, struggling with dying land and lack of fields to feed their cattle, as their leader gets into an arranged marriage for political reasons (a happy one though); and humans in the south, where the alliance makes an orc aristocratic healer join a fighting squad that hunts murderous elven junkies. There are two romantic subplots, lots of fighting and adventure. The characters clicked for me from page one. It's cool that orcs seem to be a more developed civilization here, with complex rituals and spirituality. Also the art is superb and exactly the way I like it in fantasy comics.
I got an advance copy before proof and it seems that the 6th issue misses all dialogue bubbles (although it is still possible that a "mute" chapter was a creative decision, since I didn't have any problems with understanding it anyway). I'm definitely getting back for future issues.
Profile Image for Sean Gibson.
Author 7 books6,115 followers
June 17, 2024
A great start to what I hope will be a long series. And those Msassyk colors? Divine, as always.
Profile Image for Stewart Tame.
2,476 reviews120 followers
November 10, 2024
Looks like this is shaping up to be a memorable Fantasy series.  We've got at least three major races: Humans, Orcs, and the Vangol.  There are Dwarven ruins, but no actual Dwarves.  And there are hints of *something* that the Vangol are fleeing, that drove them across the sea and into conflict with the Humans and the Orcs.


Humans and Orcs have been fighting each other for control of the same lands.  The Orcs want grazing land for their cattle, and the Humans want the same land to grow their crops.  The world seems to be in decline, with basic survival a constant struggle for all.   The arrival of the Vangol from across the sea have given Humans and Orcs a common enemy, and the series begins with the first tentative alliance between the two peoples.  The most powerful Orc overlord, Troth Icemane, sends his cousin Tara, herself a powerful healer, to join The Last Men Standing, a Human battle company led by Callum Battlechild.  Can the two races put aside their enmity and fight back the invading Vangol?


Well we certainly don't find out in this volume.  It's an ongoing series, and this is just the beginning, spending its pages introducing us to the characters and to the world they inhabit.  I'm liking the feel of this so far.  These are not D&D or Tolkien Orcs, more like nomadic herdsmen.  Think more Mongols or Bedouin in terms of culture.  It's a nice, fresh take that I'm really digging.


If this book has a failing, it is that it's too short.  Just as I was starting to get really into it, it's over.  I love the characters, the setting, the writing, the art … all of it, but I just know that the momentum it's built up in my head is going to diffuse by the time I get my hands on Volume 2.  If you can stand it, you might be better off waiting for the inevitable Omnibus.  Or, you know, just buy the comics as they come out.   Anyway: top notch Fantasy!  Highly recommended!

Profile Image for Lukasz.
1,827 reviews461 followers
December 8, 2023
3.5/5

Willow Wilson's Hunger is a well-written (if sometimes tropey) comic book about a treaty between humans and orcs against deadly Vangols who look like oversized anorectic psychos.

Most fantasy readers are used to orcs vs. humans scenarios, and I liked how the author revitalized the trope. Both sides are good people and have their reasons not to trust each other. I admit I would prefer orcs to be more alien and not humanlike in stature and behavior, but you get what you get.

The art looks great— clean lines and saturated colors fit the story and the lore. And the high fantasy aesthetic, too. Action sequences are excellent.

In all, The Hunger and The Dusk is an immersive high-fantasy story that spins well-known tropes.

ARC through NetGalley
Profile Image for Spens (Sphynx Reads).
754 reviews39 followers
March 18, 2024
I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, what a surprising new favorite graphic novel! Aside from the gorgeous artwork, there's a lot to love here already: an interesting cast of characters, a compelling conflict, and magnificent worldbuilding. I didn't expect to love this as much when I requested the ARC but I'm definitely going to continue this series. Can't wait for the next installment!
Profile Image for Michael J..
1,042 reviews34 followers
October 4, 2024
Based on the high quality of this series plus INVISIBLE KINGDOM, I suggest picking up any original, creator-owned series penned by G. Willow Wilson. Her world-building, drama and suspense, and character development are at a high level. This first volume is an excellent introduction to the fantasy world of HUNGER AND THE DUSK, which I hope is a long-running series. Volume Two is out in single issues, which I'll be collecting so I can read them at one time (which is exactly what I did with Volume One.)
The art is compelling and the visuals in the battle scenes are dynamic and fluid. This is a title worthy of multiple readings.
Profile Image for taylor.
76 reviews4 followers
January 10, 2024
I thought I would love this from the cover art and description alone and I am glad to say that I did! I was kindly gifted an advanced reader copy via IDW Publishing and read this in a whole sitting. As a player of Dungeon and Dragons and an avid defender of half-orcs (and orcs) in a fantasy setting where they are often perpetuated with racist anti-indigenous tropes of savagery and pillaging/sexual assault/etc this was a breath of fresh air not only to see the orc characters portrayed as highly intelligent and compassionate people but also that this is somewhat addressed in the story itself! There is a bard character who felt like a fun comic relief who, when Tara joins the group as a healer, realizes all his songs have bad stereotypes about orcs in them and writes a new song instead. There are several instances where characters are retroactively fixing their perspectives upon the other with the human character, Cal, being the "bastard born illiterate" and Tara, the orc healer, being the compassionate healing character who was born into nobility.

Even with sparse dialogue we learn so much about the characters and while Troth and Faran are less present due to being in a separate area everyone was interesting. I really hope to see more of them in the future as the small bits of their building romance we get was right up my alley! I also adored the complicated dynamic between Cal and Tara, they both are (despite us not knowing their ages) seemingly young and can get heated in arguments quickly. It was compelling and I am a slut for angst!

It also goes without saying that the artstyle is beautiful. I am a fan of other popular fantasy graphic novels as well but something about how haunting the Vangol are portrayed looking akin to rats with their weird pointy teeth and emaciated bodies is SO good for fantasy villain work. They freaked me out! I also love the style of the orcs in particular they are beautiful, elegant, and all so distinct. I loved Faran's design in particular, couldn't tell you why but everytime she was on page I knew I loved her and cannot wait to see more of her!

In final thoughts, I am stingy on five stars. This was fantastic and I have very few complaints it is difficult with this kind of structure to fully develop and flesh out every character. I know personally I would love to see more of the side characters but there is a chance this will happen in the future as it is not done and ended on one crazy cliffhanger!

Edit: I will say also the only thing that had me like that meme of that woman with the math equations all confused (you know the one) was when Troth was mentioned wanting to marry his cousin. Are Tara and him actually cousins? Is that just a saying because....
Profile Image for Zana.
873 reviews311 followers
April 2, 2024
I requested this arc because I love G. Willow Wilson's Ms. Marvel run.

After reading the intro/hook, the beginning started out with all the typical fantasy adventure tropes: funny/idiotic bard with a ranger type male lead. Where have we seen this before? Literally everywhere nowadays.

I was about to write this off because of that, but I'm glad I stuck with it! This ended up being an interesting take on the orc vs. human fantasy genre in that humans and orcs are now forced to work together to conquer a bigger threat: the Vangols.

This volume sets the mood, the politics, and the relationships between characters (humans and orc nations). It did this well enough that I'm now invested in the next volume. Why are the Vangols here? What's the history between orcs and humans? (This volume mentions land scarcity and prejudice, but focuses more on the politics and interpersonal relationships.)

Tara, the magic-wielding orc healer is my favorite character so far. But honestly, they all grew on me. And lbr, I'm a sucker for human/non-human romances.

The art is beautiful. You can tell that the illustrator spends careful time with the details in each panel.

Thank you IDW Publishing and NetGalley for this arc.
Profile Image for James DeSantis.
Author 17 books1,203 followers
April 3, 2025
The Hunger and the Dusk was a book I went into with zero expectations, but I came out seriously loving it. Written by G. Willow Wilson—who’s behind the iconic Ms. Marvel and the incredible Poison Ivy and illustrated by Chris Wildgoose, who absolutely crushes it, this book is a blast. The story of orcs and humans teaming up to fight a deadly race of creepy, pale skinned creatures is surprisingly compelling.

What really works, though, is how well each character is brought to life. Within just a few pages, you can feel their emotions and motivations, making them easy to root for. I adored both Callum and Faran, but honestly, everyone, from Troth to Gruakhtar to even Sev, brings something great to the table. The politics are engaging, the world-building is rich, and the art just elevates everything. This is easily one of my favorite first volumes in a long time.
Profile Image for Luke.
83 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2025
This is more a 3.5 stars - damn it Goodreads make your shit be better!

The world is fantastic, the art and action are amazing, and the story is appropriately-ish fast paced. But Tara & Troth? Way fucking weird. I had to look past some of the smuttiness of this but the cousin-love story, really not great. Why did they need to be cousins? The answer - no reason really.

K idk if I'll read volume 2, the cliffhanger to me was frustrating as hell.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ettelwen.
617 reviews164 followers
August 24, 2025
Příjemný překvapení, který na mě dýchlo atmošku starých dobrých fantazáren!
Profile Image for Teresa.
Author 4 books89 followers
November 25, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, IDW Publishing, G. Willow Wilson, and Chris Wildgoose (illustrator) for the opportunity to read this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.

The Hunger and the Dusk Volume one is an amazing installment to a new high fantasy graphic novel series. Featuring the race of orcs and men, alliances must be made to fight of a greater threat. With the political intrigue that comes with high fantasy, as well as brilliant artwork, this series has a lot of potential to be something epic.

I like the art style and the story is very well put together. I enjoy the dynamic between the orcs and humans, for what it has going for it in this volume, as well as the creatures that pose a threat to both. A great start to a fantasy series that any high fantasy, lover of Tolkien, or D&D fanatic will enjoy.
Profile Image for Mohan Vemulapalli.
1,148 reviews
November 19, 2025
With "The Hunger and the Dusk" G. Willow Wilson and Chris Wildgoose have created a paradigm shattering work of epic fantasy that hearkens back to the intensely detailed word building of the "Lord of the Rings" while addressing modern concerns such as climate change and distinctly clashing cultural values. Notable for its portrayal of both a wide range of Orc and human characters this book subtly introduces issues of race and class that are often absent from fantasy tales. The result is a world that feels nearly as real as our own and a deeply nuanced plot that will resonate with a wide range of readers. The impact of this book is likely to be felt for years to come and readers with a strong interest in fantasy should explore it now.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, IDW Publishing, for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Syki.
1,167 reviews218 followers
July 3, 2025
Hrdinských fantasy komiksů s postapokalyptickým světem, špetkou romance a krásně detailními ilustracemi zase tolik není. Nejspíš právě proto získal Hlad a soumrak ve Spojených státech čtenárskou Cenu Ringo 2024 pro nejlepší komiksovou sérii. A pokud jste fanoušky World of Warcraft, přijdete si na své ještě tím tuplem.

Tohle je totiž nebezpečný svět, kde se orkové a lidé, kteří mezi sebou neustále zápasí o úrodná území, musí spojit proti společnému nepříteli. Rasa Vangolů si rozhodně nebere servítky a kosí jejich řady jednu za druhou. Pokud chtějí přežít, musí vytvořit křehké spojenectví a najít způsob, jak se Vangolů jednou pro vždy zbavit. Jenže Vangolové možná není to nejhorší, co se na ně všechny valí…

Nečekala jsem, že mě příběh tolik chytne už od prvních stránek a já budu otáčet stránku za stránkou a číst jednotlivé panely, jen abych přišla na to, co se vlastně děje. Ne, že bych byla po těch 160 stránkách zase o tolik chytřejší, ale uteče to neuvěřitelně rychle, že se ani nenadějete. A závěr vás nechá řádně napjaté na to, co teprve přijde.

Hlad a soumrak se bude líbit všem milovníkům WoWka a družin ve stylu Společenství prstenu. Děj je napínavý, postavy poměrně sympatické, troška romance taky, prostě skvělá kombinace. Jen tomu něco málo chybělo, proto dávám knize 4 hvězdičky a už se nemůžu dočkat dalšího dílu, protože potřebuju vědět, co se bude dít.


-----------Reakce po dočtení knihy-----------
Krásná kresba, ale něco tomu chybělo.
Profile Image for Jenn Marshall.
1,158 reviews29 followers
February 26, 2024
The art is pretty. I love how the colors change to create some emotion. Softening in parts and becoming darker in others. The battle scenes are busy, but not difficult to follow the action. I am a big fan of G Willow Wilson and this was no exception. It was an interesting story that was very emotional. I will be adding this to my pull list.

4 stars
54 reviews
May 21, 2024
Plot:
Orcs and humans work together to fight Vagrols, an enemy so vicious, I had never read a more badass introduction to an enemy. The first ten pages hooked me, but the mystery, the action, and the budding romance kept me going. It was a steady predictable plot, but there were interesting moments thrown in.

Characters:
Callum Battleborn is figuratively born from battle. Orphaned from a war, he leads an incredible group of The Last Men. He’s a pretty straight forward leader, but his motives are pretty flimsy with getting the job done vs. caring for his men.
Tara is a healer with powers that are severely underplayed. She pretty much carries whatever scene she’s in. In the next installment, I hope to learn more about her.
Thoth

Art:
I loved the character designs of the orcs. They’re not your stereotypical warriors.

Overall: Thank you to #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of #TheHungerandtheDuskVol1. 5/5 Graphic Novel was approximately 170 pages and I finished it under an hour.
Profile Image for Anna  Quilter.
1,677 reviews50 followers
July 10, 2025
its a crowded market of comic fantasy titles currently...but this one stands out.
A unique idea of Humans and Orcs forming an uneasy alliance and an enemy who are not what they seem to be.
Great writing draws you in and beautiful art makes you want tho stay there
Profile Image for Matty Dub.
665 reviews8 followers
February 26, 2024
I wish the first arc had more of an ending but not as much as I wish they weren’t taking a few months off before arc 2, I’ve loved every page of this series.
Profile Image for Cindy.
326 reviews30 followers
July 20, 2024
This new fantasy comic is not one to miss. I absolutely loved the artwork and the story kept me turning the pages. I wish vol 2 was out already.
Profile Image for Larakaa.
1,049 reviews17 followers
August 4, 2024
Wilson does it again, I'm already fully emotionally invested.
Profile Image for Alex Sarll.
7,057 reviews363 followers
Read
November 9, 2023
I don't know what it is, but when G. Willow Wilson does stories set in our world through a fantastic lens, she tends to produce warm, weird, wonderful work like Ms Marvel, Air, or her novels. And yet if she creates worlds from scratch, it results in uneven, overfamiliar filler like her science fiction series Invisible Kingdom, or this plod through the big book of fantasy clichés. A century of failing crops has heightened the tensions between pastoral humanity and nomadic orcs - yet when it also brings the return of an old enemy, an uneasy peace must be forged. One which some are keen to undermine for their own short-term ambitions. Meanwhile a scrappy human warrior is entrusted with an orc princess-magician, and the two of them seem to be on the verge of romance when a convenient and unconvincing argument sunders their bond... This is the worst of it; it's not just that the worldbuilding is hackneyed, but even the characters within that tissue-thin world feel like they're going through the motions, as against the Khan family who felt so solid from their first issue. And where Invisible Kingdom at least had Christian Ward art, the visuals here are competent but entirely unremarkable. I struggled to finish this, and can't see myself returning to this faded photocopy of a world.

(Netgalley ARC)
Profile Image for Katharine.
571 reviews11 followers
November 22, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

I am honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. The concept was interesting and a lot of the characters were both believable and likable. However, I noticed very early on that the Orc culture seems to be largely based on Mongolian culture in real life. The plot of the story seems a little disconnected going from chapter to chapter, but seeing as it's technically a collection of six volumes of a comic, that stands to reason. I do enjoy that there is some political intrigue to this as well. It also handles switching perspectives between the two groups very smoothly. I really liked the art! The color palettes were very pretty, and the designs of different locations were beautiful. I also really liked the character designs and how diverse the body types of both the men and the women are, for the Orcs and humans alike.

The only side thing I take issue with is the whole "We know you wanted to marry your cousin" line. Which...uh. I still can't figure out if she's ACTUALLY his cousin or just like, a family friend from childhood. I am hoping that it's the latter cause I don't know if I can handle it if it's the first one.
Profile Image for Sem.
598 reviews30 followers
March 3, 2024
G. Willow Wilson is a master at fun, straightforward character work that makes you root for the characters and that serves long-form stories like this so, so well.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
474 reviews
August 13, 2025
Už staletí lidé a orkové válčí o půdu, kterou lidé potřebují k pěstování obilí a orkové jako pastviny pro dobytek. Jenže teď na zbídačený svět přišli krutí a krvelační Vangolové, kteří zabíjí všechny bez rozdílu. Jedinou nadějí na přežití je spojenectví mezi lidmi a orky… jenže jak má jedna smlouva vymazat staletí vzájemné nenávisti?

(Recenze vznikla v rámci barterové spolupráce s nakladatelstvím HOST, kterému tímto děkuji za poskytnutí recenzního výtisku.)

Troth, náčelník mocné orkské dynastie Ledohřívy, uzavře s lidmi mírovou smlouvu a svou sestřenku, léčitelku Gruakhtar „Taru“ Ledohřívu pošle k lidské skupině Posledních bojovníků vedenou Callumem Bojesynem. Poslední bojovníci jsou sice malá a chudá skupina, ale rozhodně jim nechybí odvaha a odhodlání bojovat do posledního dechu tváří tvář smrti.

Hlad a soumrak je hrdinskou fantasy odehrávající se v postapokalyptickém světě. Nechybí v něm spousta akce, bojů, krve ani smrt. Postavy mají osobnost, chyby i traumata. Zažívají pocity smutku, ztráty, nepřijetí a odmítnutí, truchlí nebo se trápí se zlomených srdcem. To vyvažuje ironický smysl pro humor, odvaha nebo trocha romantiky. Ta má náznak milostného trojúhelníku, aniž by ale k němu doopravdy sklouzla. Tara byla totiž od malička přesvědčená, že se provdá za svého bratrance Trotha, jenže ten se stal náčelníkem a musí uzavřít politický sňatek s paní Faran.

V Hladu a soumraku nechybí ani intriky, tajemství a záhady, protože nikdo neví, kdo přesně jsou Vangolové a co všechno vědí o minulosti a budoucnosti světa. A podprahově se tu objevují i vážnější témata, jako je střet kultur, rasová nesnášenlivost, předsudky nebo oteplování planety a úpadek lidstva.

Komiks Hlad a soumrak se pyšní krásnými, barevnými a životnými ilustracemi. Jih je laděný do zemitých tónů – různých odstínů hnědé, okrové, oranžové a žluté – které evokují horko a sucho, sever je zase zahalen převážně do modravých a šedavých barev připomínajících zimu. A ve chvíli, kdy dojde na boj, stránky zaplaví karmínové odstíny, stejně jako hrdiny krev nepřátel i jejich vlastní.

Autorkou scénáře je oceňovaná G. Willow Wilsonová. V češtině už jí vyšel román Alíf, neviditelný, který doporučuju. G. Willow Wilsonová ale taky vytvořila řadu scénářů k úspěšným komiksům od Marvelu a DC. Za kresbou stojí ilustrátor Chris Wildgoose, který zase nakreslil spoustu komiksů pro DC.

Hlad a soumrak doporučuji čtenářům, kteří chtějí s komiksy začít nebo je nečtou příliš často (jako já). Užijí si ho podle mě, jak muži, tak ženy. Pro chlapy je tu spousta akce a krve, pro ženy zase životné postavy a komplikované vztahy. První svazek Hladu a soumraku spojuje šest dílů. Díly sedm až jedenáct, které by měly příběh uzavřít, vyjdou v originále v jenom svazku v květnu 2026. Takže na český překlad si budeme muset počkat, ale věřím, že to bude stát za to!
Profile Image for Jeremy.
507 reviews7 followers
June 11, 2024
I’m so glad I finally got to read through volume one of this series. It’s just a good fantasy world and the team does an excellent job building up the history in just six issues. Even more than that, I love the characters - from Tara and Callum to Troth and Faran and all of the more minor characters. They all shine in different ways.

The art team on this blew it out of the water with incredible character designs and vibrant world-building. This story feels like it is pacing to be more of an epic fantasy, but with just one volume so far it’s hard to say for sure. I absolutely loved it and if you love fantasy stories and graphic novels, this is one not to miss!
Profile Image for Nicky Martin.
156 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2024
An epic fantasy in the vein of Dungeons and Dragons, where orcs and humans need to work together to fight an even bigger threat. The world felt deep and lived in, the characters are interesting and carry the journey, the art is crisp and the action is fluid. The writer did a good job structuring each issue to progress the larger story but still have a contained narrative with cliffhangers. I especially liked the last issue in the volume and I'm going to keep reading. D&D players and readers who enjoyed Elfquest, Bone, or even Berzerk would enjoy The Hunger and the Dusk. Thanks Image and Netgalley for the advanced copy.
Profile Image for Billy.
378 reviews85 followers
February 11, 2024
I want to thank netgalley for the arc, this has had no influence on my opinion whatsoever.


I really enjoyed this one! It gave me Rat Queen vibes and with a good swirl of DnD.
I really liked the characters and already felt invested in the story after this first volume. I find the world very intriguing and I’m very excited to read more about the characters. I feel like this is going to be a big hit and I’m very interested in reading more.

So, if you are into fantasy, DnD and a good bit of political intrigue, The Hunger and the Dusk will be your cup of tea
Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews

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