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MrBallen Presents: Strange, Dark & Mysterious: The Graphic Stories
A vivid, frighteningly illustrated graphic novel collection of nine strange, dark, and mysterious stories, based on true events, from the mind behind the YouTube channel and hit MrBallen Podcast
John Allen, known popularly as “MrBallen,” has been enthralling audiences with his unique brand of storytelling ever since he burst onto the scene, covering strange and mysterious phenomena ranging from the unexplained screaming heard in parts of Nahanni Valley, the Kandahar Giant found in Afghanistan, UFOs appearing at a cattle ranch in Utah, and Allen’s own brush with the paranormal. Deeply researched and seriously compelling, the show rapidly gained a devoted fanbase for the raconteur himself and for the rarely-before-covered unsettling occurrences and true crimes that have taken place throughout the world.
In MrBallen Presents: Strange, Dark & Mysterious, Allen reveals the creepy underbelly of the human experience, charting bizarre and downright terrifying instances of the paranormal, the horrors of the natural world, and the danger of our own minds. With new, exclusive stories and in collaboration with New York Times bestselling graphic novelist Robert Venditti and acclaimed comic book artist Andrea Mutti, this is a haunting collection filled with twists and surprises that will leave you thoroughly spooked.
John Allen, known popularly as “MrBallen,” has been enthralling audiences with his unique brand of storytelling ever since he burst onto the scene, covering strange and mysterious phenomena ranging from the unexplained screaming heard in parts of Nahanni Valley, the Kandahar Giant found in Afghanistan, UFOs appearing at a cattle ranch in Utah, and Allen’s own brush with the paranormal. Deeply researched and seriously compelling, the show rapidly gained a devoted fanbase for the raconteur himself and for the rarely-before-covered unsettling occurrences and true crimes that have taken place throughout the world.
In MrBallen Presents: Strange, Dark & Mysterious, Allen reveals the creepy underbelly of the human experience, charting bizarre and downright terrifying instances of the paranormal, the horrors of the natural world, and the danger of our own minds. With new, exclusive stories and in collaboration with New York Times bestselling graphic novelist Robert Venditti and acclaimed comic book artist Andrea Mutti, this is a haunting collection filled with twists and surprises that will leave you thoroughly spooked.
208 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2024
166 people are currently reading
14085 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 317 reviews
June 9, 2024
I'm a fan of the strange, dark, and mysterious so I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of this graphic novel ahead of its release and it was just as awesome as I imagined. I can't wait to have it on my coffee table.
As someone who's listened to every episode of the podcast, I hear his voice throughout this and I think it was so clever and original. I think MrBallen is one of the greatest storytellers of our time and I feel lucky to have found him.
If you're interested in more of this content, please invite the Amazon pre-order button over for dinner, but use their phone to order several copies of this book when they're in the bathroom.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and MrBallen for the opportunity to read and review. It's beautiful. I can't wait for more.
As someone who's listened to every episode of the podcast, I hear his voice throughout this and I think it was so clever and original. I think MrBallen is one of the greatest storytellers of our time and I feel lucky to have found him.
If you're interested in more of this content, please invite the Amazon pre-order button over for dinner, but use their phone to order several copies of this book when they're in the bathroom.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and MrBallen for the opportunity to read and review. It's beautiful. I can't wait for more.
September 30, 2024
If you’re a fan of the strange, dark, and mysterious delivered in graphic novel format then you’ve come to the right place!
I watch Mr. Ballen’s youtube videos religiously and have for a few years now. I knew I needed to pick this up immediately when he announced it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Clarkson Potter / Ten Speed Press for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I will admit, graphic novels are not a typical genre for me, but this was great! This book is comprised of a handful of different short graphic stories. Mr. Ballen is such a natural storyteller and this format for his storytelling is no different. The artwork is beautifully done and has good flow with the dialogue. I’ve already ordered a few copies to gift and I think lots of people will enjoy this one!
Content warnings: violence, blood
I watch Mr. Ballen’s youtube videos religiously and have for a few years now. I knew I needed to pick this up immediately when he announced it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Clarkson Potter / Ten Speed Press for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I will admit, graphic novels are not a typical genre for me, but this was great! This book is comprised of a handful of different short graphic stories. Mr. Ballen is such a natural storyteller and this format for his storytelling is no different. The artwork is beautifully done and has good flow with the dialogue. I’ve already ordered a few copies to gift and I think lots of people will enjoy this one!
Content warnings: violence, blood
November 30, 2025
I remember it was a year ago when I had both of my eyes operated on to see clearly.
As a matter of fact, after the operation, I could not see anything due to the severe and excruciating pain that I had been having right after, so basically, I could not do anything except talk to my AI assistant; moreover, I remember vividly that when I came back home, I started listening to Mr. Ballen's content and videos. For literally four constant days, I could not do anything except play his videos to pass my time to recover.
Long story short, I did not have the faintest idea that the accounts of accidents and testimonies he mentioned in his videos are actually based on true events!
Nevertheless, I managed to finish this book within a day soshould you.
November 30th 2025
Tehran, Iran
As a matter of fact, after the operation, I could not see anything due to the severe and excruciating pain that I had been having right after, so basically, I could not do anything except talk to my AI assistant; moreover, I remember vividly that when I came back home, I started listening to Mr. Ballen's content and videos. For literally four constant days, I could not do anything except play his videos to pass my time to recover.
Long story short, I did not have the faintest idea that the accounts of accidents and testimonies he mentioned in his videos are actually based on true events!
Nevertheless, I managed to finish this book within a day soshould you.
November 30th 2025
Tehran, Iran
December 6, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Critical Score: B+
Personal Score: A-
The stories definitely vary in quality, but on the whole this is a successful horror collection. Just as importantly, the artwork is amazing. So entertaining and eye-catching and well done. I would love for them to put out more volumes of stories. I’d eagerly read the next one.
These stories are surprisingly unproblematic. That was the a pleasant surprise, because with this type of fiction, written by a white male veteran from Texas…tread lightly. But Mrballen seems like a really cool guy, honestly. And his non-profit seems great? I’m cautiously impressed by the little empire he’s built.
The story map was a great touch.
The writing isn’t super mature, and the stories are all taken from Reddit threads, Wikipedia pages, that sort of thing. So it’s all superstitious bs, imo. BUT….it’s highly entertaining and often very scary. As for the writing, this kind of fiction is more successfully creepy when it’s humble, unpolished prose. That’s the creepypasta vibe—you can’t get nearly as creeped out when you feel the talent in the writing shining through. It has to come across like some random teenager could have posted it to a public forum late at night. Then do some copyediting and you’re golden. That’s what this collection is, but then with amazing artwork to really make it shine.
Here’s my thoughts on each story, ranked by personal scores.
A “Bells Canyon” So utterly unsettling, even if the antagonist itself is shown too clearly to remain mysterious. I love, love, love this one.
A- “Cat and Mouse” This story makes a Siberian Tiger feel deeply sinister. Bravo. Don’t go stealing their meat, man…
A- “The Valley of Headless Men” An eerie overview of a truly spooky stretch of wilderness.
A- “What I Saw In My Room Still Haunts Me” A little less scary as it goes, and the “I Love You” isn’t as mystifying as I think is intended, but I was still really creeped out, and the setting is terrific.
B+ “Thorns” Dreams don’t scare me much, but the setup and final reveal are good.
B “The Kandahar Giant” Why is the monster sexy? Was I supposed to be afraid of the poor giant they gun down in his own cave? Lol. Get off their land. Otherwise a very gripping piece.
B- “The Beast of Gévaudan” Basically a fairy tale, so it’s a genre switch that turns away from the fear factor of the rest of the stories.
B- “La Mussara” Plainly not scary, but entertaining enough.
C “Make It Rain” Really disappointing, especially because a PA setting should have been far better utilized. This is silliness that even if I thought any ounce of it was true wouldn’t scare me.
Critical Score: B+
Personal Score: A-
The stories definitely vary in quality, but on the whole this is a successful horror collection. Just as importantly, the artwork is amazing. So entertaining and eye-catching and well done. I would love for them to put out more volumes of stories. I’d eagerly read the next one.
These stories are surprisingly unproblematic. That was the a pleasant surprise, because with this type of fiction, written by a white male veteran from Texas…tread lightly. But Mrballen seems like a really cool guy, honestly. And his non-profit seems great? I’m cautiously impressed by the little empire he’s built.
The story map was a great touch.
The writing isn’t super mature, and the stories are all taken from Reddit threads, Wikipedia pages, that sort of thing. So it’s all superstitious bs, imo. BUT….it’s highly entertaining and often very scary. As for the writing, this kind of fiction is more successfully creepy when it’s humble, unpolished prose. That’s the creepypasta vibe—you can’t get nearly as creeped out when you feel the talent in the writing shining through. It has to come across like some random teenager could have posted it to a public forum late at night. Then do some copyediting and you’re golden. That’s what this collection is, but then with amazing artwork to really make it shine.
Here’s my thoughts on each story, ranked by personal scores.
A “Bells Canyon” So utterly unsettling, even if the antagonist itself is shown too clearly to remain mysterious. I love, love, love this one.
A- “Cat and Mouse” This story makes a Siberian Tiger feel deeply sinister. Bravo. Don’t go stealing their meat, man…
A- “The Valley of Headless Men” An eerie overview of a truly spooky stretch of wilderness.
A- “What I Saw In My Room Still Haunts Me” A little less scary as it goes, and the “I Love You” isn’t as mystifying as I think is intended, but I was still really creeped out, and the setting is terrific.
B+ “Thorns” Dreams don’t scare me much, but the setup and final reveal are good.
B “The Kandahar Giant” Why is the monster sexy? Was I supposed to be afraid of the poor giant they gun down in his own cave? Lol. Get off their land. Otherwise a very gripping piece.
B- “The Beast of Gévaudan” Basically a fairy tale, so it’s a genre switch that turns away from the fear factor of the rest of the stories.
B- “La Mussara” Plainly not scary, but entertaining enough.
C “Make It Rain” Really disappointing, especially because a PA setting should have been far better utilized. This is silliness that even if I thought any ounce of it was true wouldn’t scare me.
October 12, 2024
Horror fans: These stories are really good: simply told, yet impactful. The paranormal and night terror stories were scarier to me than the stories involving dangerous beasts, but all the (true, by the way) tales are very different from each other and absolutely engaging. The artistic style is perfectly paired with the storytelling. I really liked how there were layers of events attached to particular sinister places. I bet you've experienced this yourself: having a bad feeling about a place that doesn't feel right and gives you the heebie jeebies.
I had not heard of this author, being out of the loop when it comes to influencers and popular podcasts. John B. Allen, who goes by MrBallen as his professional name, seems like a very interesting person whom any of us would be lucky to count as a friend. I bet he has a TON of stories he has not yet told. He truly stepped into his passion project when his life took a sudden unexpected turn. He is now an advocate for true crime victims, a noble cause.
I won this graphic novel as a Goodreads Giveaway, and I'm so glad I did! If I had not won a copy, I would have purchased it for my graphic novel collection.
I had not heard of this author, being out of the loop when it comes to influencers and popular podcasts. John B. Allen, who goes by MrBallen as his professional name, seems like a very interesting person whom any of us would be lucky to count as a friend. I bet he has a TON of stories he has not yet told. He truly stepped into his passion project when his life took a sudden unexpected turn. He is now an advocate for true crime victims, a noble cause.
I won this graphic novel as a Goodreads Giveaway, and I'm so glad I did! If I had not won a copy, I would have purchased it for my graphic novel collection.
January 30, 2025
This dark mysterious graphic novel is made more entertaining by the beautiful artwork. The stories themselves were entertaining but I felt I had seen them somewhere else before this. The actual text lacked a bit of poise but I think this was due to the audience it was aimed at and surprising made the story richer in some ways. This felt too sort and like there were more stories to come. Some of the stories seemed to be over just as they started , which i found disappointing . This would appeal more to a teenage reader with a passing interest in horror and mystery, my interest was too involved to fully appreciate this on the right level. Having said that I found it entertaining and the illustrations breathtaking, just needing more editing for me. This is rounded up to 4 stars. Thanks netgallery, publisher, author and illustrator.
March 12, 2025
I love MrBallen and regularly watch his YouTube channel and listen to his podcasts and other Ballen studios podcasts. I loved the way the stories were told (and heard them in Ballen’s voice). The illustrations are excellent! I hope we get a volume 2! Personal favourites are Bells Canyon and Cat and Mouse but I absolutely loved the illustrations for all the stories particularly make it rain and Kandahar Giant!
October 10, 2024
I’m giving this 4/5 stars 👻👻👻
The stories are all great but if you watch MrBallen on YouTube (which if you’re buying this book you more than likely do) then you’ve probably already heard all of these stories before. So my criticism is that there isn’t anything new.
My other slight criticism is the artwork. Going by the awesome cover I was expecting better artwork than what we got. My first impression was: this is mediocre. But I will say that as I kept reading the stories, the artwork definitely grew on me. But if MrBallen ever decides to write a sequel, I wouldn’t mind more detailed illustrations.
The stories of course are all great. It was cool and also kinda nostalgic seeing some of the fan favorite stories retold in a different format. Stories like: “Do You Know How to Get to Bells Canyon?”, “The Valley of Headless Men”, & “What I Saw in my Room Still Haunts Me” as well as newer stories that are definitely becoming classics.
I read this book while listening to the audiobook version which is a great companion to this comic. Not only does MrBallen read it but you get really nice ambience to help suck you into the story that you’re reading in front of you.
The stories are all great but if you watch MrBallen on YouTube (which if you’re buying this book you more than likely do) then you’ve probably already heard all of these stories before. So my criticism is that there isn’t anything new.
My other slight criticism is the artwork. Going by the awesome cover I was expecting better artwork than what we got. My first impression was: this is mediocre. But I will say that as I kept reading the stories, the artwork definitely grew on me. But if MrBallen ever decides to write a sequel, I wouldn’t mind more detailed illustrations.
The stories of course are all great. It was cool and also kinda nostalgic seeing some of the fan favorite stories retold in a different format. Stories like: “Do You Know How to Get to Bells Canyon?”, “The Valley of Headless Men”, & “What I Saw in my Room Still Haunts Me” as well as newer stories that are definitely becoming classics.
I read this book while listening to the audiobook version which is a great companion to this comic. Not only does MrBallen read it but you get really nice ambience to help suck you into the story that you’re reading in front of you.
October 1, 2024
Honestly it’s just super cool that this book exists. If you’re familiar with the name, you’ll probably dig it, if not, you may find a new YouTube channel to check out! Anyhow, the stories MrBallen tells on his YouTube channel translate well to the graphic novel format. The art style is sort of pen and ink/ watercolor. Unsolved mysteries and unsettling tales, I’d read another installment for sure! Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy!
June 5, 2024
4. This is one lower level readers in high school will love, spooky stories and strange happenings are the name of the game for Mr. Ballen. I wasn’t sure how it would work in graphic novel from, but it’s great. I like that the stories are all very different and come from a variety of places around the world, it adds nice texture. As a English teacher it would fun to use this as the place to start researching similar tales from other countries. Students could also try to change well know spooky stories into a graphic novel format. Plenty of uses!
March 14, 2025
4.5 stars.
This is a graphic novel of true crime / dark stories from Mr Ballen. Some are well known stories he has told before and some are brand new for this book.
The artwork is insanely good and adds so much to help tell the story in ways just listening to or reading the story can’t.
Some stories were better than others and I particularly loved the historical ones set in Europe. My only criticism is that some stories were too short and needed more pages for it to feel complete.
This is a graphic novel of true crime / dark stories from Mr Ballen. Some are well known stories he has told before and some are brand new for this book.
The artwork is insanely good and adds so much to help tell the story in ways just listening to or reading the story can’t.
Some stories were better than others and I particularly loved the historical ones set in Europe. My only criticism is that some stories were too short and needed more pages for it to feel complete.
March 24, 2024
so excited!!!😭😭😭😭😭
March 13, 2025
I'm a fan of Mr. Ballen and I enjoyed this graphic novel of his YouTube stories, just a couple of notes. Of course, none of this is shade against Ballen, it's more the stories he and the artist, Andrea Mutti, had to work with.
The Valley of Headless Men: I heard this story in one of his YouTube videos and it was pretty creepy, but I feel it's more about the dangers of nature and how animals survive in the wild than it being a gold curse. I think greed may have also played a part, but again, these people most likely either ran into predators, dangerous homeless people who have basically claimed certain parts of the woods, or did just get too carried away over the gold they found. Either way, nice start.
Thorns: Now this one kind of got me! To dream about thorns being shoved on your head and to actually feel the excruciating pain of it only to wake up and find out an animal was eating you starting from your head? No thank you!!! I can sometimes feel my dreams too, but luckily I wake up with more a phantom feeling than it being something actually hovering over my bed and attacking me!
What I Saw In My Room Still Haunts Me: This is Ballen's personal story and this one actually gave me the creeps. For one thing, my sister suffered from sleep paralysis for years and her accounts were terrifying and my mom experienced once while staying at the hospital with me. Ballen still believes his experience was one of sleep paralysis and his friend's mom just in grief over her dead husband, but to never experience something like it before or ever again after? Fucking scary man!!
La Mussara: I honestly kind of forgot what happened in this one. Guy, his wife, and their friends go mushroom hunting in a supposed haunted town. Guy goes missing, there's a possible cult. Feels more like a cautionary scary story about ignoring people's beliefs. I feel for the people if this is 100% true, but kind of mid the way they tell it in this book by scary standards.
Bells Canyon: Supernatural or not, finding a crazy person in the woods, I feel, is everyone's fear when camping! One of the reasons I don't camp even when I want to give it a try.
The Beast of Gevaudan: Again, this one kind of mid. Feels like a retelling of the Boy Who Cried Wolf, except no one really lies and it's just a bunch of kids coming together to kill the wolf to save their friend. Good on the kid if this is also 100% real, but didn't really scare me.
Make It Rain: Another geared more toward the supernatural than a real plausible story, but it does have multiple accounts. Not sure I found it scary though. If I was actually there I feel I'd actually be terrified, but it was another mid one. Feel like there was a miniature piece of guilt in the guy for being happy his abusive grandfather died, but hopefully this event set him free from that shadow of his past. Gotta say though, I'd be annoyed than scared if my friend's dead grandfather made it rain inside my house.
The Kandahar Giant: Honestly lost me at this one. I feel the guy telling Ballen this story was just trying to freak out the new recruit, but the government has hidden some strange stuff from the general public so not gonna say it was a total BS story. Still don't believe in giants, but that's more a me problem than anything else.
Cat and Mouse: JESUS CHRIST you're gonna leave us on THAT story???? Tigers are vindictive!!!! That poor guy, those poor puppies, that motherfucking friend who refused to help a guy out being "marked" for next!!!! Never piss off a tiger!!!! Tiger King needs to sends those suckers back to the wild before he becomes a symbol for other humans!!! Good God!!!
The artwork: Not really my style, but gotta give the artist props, detail and love shown in each stroke-- Chef's kiss!
I enjoyed this, some good chills from about three out of nine of these stories, will read again! Hope another, or maybe a book series, will be published soon!
The Valley of Headless Men: I heard this story in one of his YouTube videos and it was pretty creepy, but I feel it's more about the dangers of nature and how animals survive in the wild than it being a gold curse. I think greed may have also played a part, but again, these people most likely either ran into predators, dangerous homeless people who have basically claimed certain parts of the woods, or did just get too carried away over the gold they found. Either way, nice start.
Thorns: Now this one kind of got me! To dream about thorns being shoved on your head and to actually feel the excruciating pain of it only to wake up and find out an animal was eating you starting from your head? No thank you!!! I can sometimes feel my dreams too, but luckily I wake up with more a phantom feeling than it being something actually hovering over my bed and attacking me!
What I Saw In My Room Still Haunts Me: This is Ballen's personal story and this one actually gave me the creeps. For one thing, my sister suffered from sleep paralysis for years and her accounts were terrifying and my mom experienced once while staying at the hospital with me. Ballen still believes his experience was one of sleep paralysis and his friend's mom just in grief over her dead husband, but to never experience something like it before or ever again after? Fucking scary man!!
La Mussara: I honestly kind of forgot what happened in this one. Guy, his wife, and their friends go mushroom hunting in a supposed haunted town. Guy goes missing, there's a possible cult. Feels more like a cautionary scary story about ignoring people's beliefs. I feel for the people if this is 100% true, but kind of mid the way they tell it in this book by scary standards.
Bells Canyon: Supernatural or not, finding a crazy person in the woods, I feel, is everyone's fear when camping! One of the reasons I don't camp even when I want to give it a try.
The Beast of Gevaudan: Again, this one kind of mid. Feels like a retelling of the Boy Who Cried Wolf, except no one really lies and it's just a bunch of kids coming together to kill the wolf to save their friend. Good on the kid if this is also 100% real, but didn't really scare me.
Make It Rain: Another geared more toward the supernatural than a real plausible story, but it does have multiple accounts. Not sure I found it scary though. If I was actually there I feel I'd actually be terrified, but it was another mid one. Feel like there was a miniature piece of guilt in the guy for being happy his abusive grandfather died, but hopefully this event set him free from that shadow of his past. Gotta say though, I'd be annoyed than scared if my friend's dead grandfather made it rain inside my house.
The Kandahar Giant: Honestly lost me at this one. I feel the guy telling Ballen this story was just trying to freak out the new recruit, but the government has hidden some strange stuff from the general public so not gonna say it was a total BS story. Still don't believe in giants, but that's more a me problem than anything else.
Cat and Mouse: JESUS CHRIST you're gonna leave us on THAT story???? Tigers are vindictive!!!! That poor guy, those poor puppies, that motherfucking friend who refused to help a guy out being "marked" for next!!!! Never piss off a tiger!!!! Tiger King needs to sends those suckers back to the wild before he becomes a symbol for other humans!!! Good God!!!
The artwork: Not really my style, but gotta give the artist props, detail and love shown in each stroke-- Chef's kiss!
I enjoyed this, some good chills from about three out of nine of these stories, will read again! Hope another, or maybe a book series, will be published soon!
February 9, 2025
I was originally expecting a book with stories in written format with some illustrations on the side, but this is written more like a comic.
(Which is not a critisism)
Some stories come from older episodes of the podcast and some are brand new. I see it as a nice read for both new and old MrBallen-fans.
The drawings by Andrea Mutti look to be hand painted and adds some extra atmosphere that fits the stories very well. I'm giving it 4 stars, not because I particularly find something lacking. Moreso that it's just the type of book that you experience once, can finish fairly quickly and doesn't warrant much re-readability.
If you like stories of the strange, dark and mysterious I do recommend picking it up. Especially if you know the way to Bells Canyon.
(Which is not a critisism)
Some stories come from older episodes of the podcast and some are brand new. I see it as a nice read for both new and old MrBallen-fans.
The drawings by Andrea Mutti look to be hand painted and adds some extra atmosphere that fits the stories very well. I'm giving it 4 stars, not because I particularly find something lacking. Moreso that it's just the type of book that you experience once, can finish fairly quickly and doesn't warrant much re-readability.
If you like stories of the strange, dark and mysterious I do recommend picking it up. Especially if you know the way to Bells Canyon.
December 2, 2024
I love me some MrBallen - and I love the strange, dark and mysterious in every format!!! The stories themselves were terrifying, the fox in the tent/thorn dream and Bells Canyon might have been my favorite? Hard to pick.
I read the Graphic novel and then turned on the Audiobook before bed over the week and I loved it all. Only gripe is I wish it came together almost like a “read along” but I guess if I really wanted to, I could have clicked on the audio on my phone and pulled up the graphic novel on my IPad.
I read the Graphic novel and then turned on the Audiobook before bed over the week and I loved it all. Only gripe is I wish it came together almost like a “read along” but I guess if I really wanted to, I could have clicked on the audio on my phone and pulled up the graphic novel on my IPad.
August 15, 2025
Would give a five but, I had heard some of these stories before. That is my fault for listening to Mr. Ballen frequently and, it was nice to experience these stories through a different medium.
The storytelling is reminiscent of a Mr. Ballen video. The images add to the stories told and are eerie and incredible.
Was a quick read but, I am glad I bought the book. A fan of Mr. Ballen so it makes sense to have this on the shelf.
Also would 10/10 go camping with the author. Dude would have me so scared I would be trying to crawl up in a sleeping bag with him.
The storytelling is reminiscent of a Mr. Ballen video. The images add to the stories told and are eerie and incredible.
Was a quick read but, I am glad I bought the book. A fan of Mr. Ballen so it makes sense to have this on the shelf.
Also would 10/10 go camping with the author. Dude would have me so scared I would be trying to crawl up in a sleeping bag with him.
October 1, 2024
This graphic novel, brought to life by one of my favorite storytellers, is absolutely amazing!
Having followed Mr. Ballen’s work for quite some time, I was thrilled to have the privilege of reading this ahead of its release. The collaboration between this captivating storyteller and Andrea Mutti’s stunning artwork made the stories leap off the page.
Although four of the stories are being reserved for the final release, the five I read were fantastic. I especially loved that Mr. Ballen shared one of his personal experiences, as well as, wove elements of his military background into another story.
Overall, this was a quick, beautiful and absolutely delightful read.
I’ll definitely be purchasing the full version to add to my collection and to dive into the remaining stories.
5 Stars!
Having followed Mr. Ballen’s work for quite some time, I was thrilled to have the privilege of reading this ahead of its release. The collaboration between this captivating storyteller and Andrea Mutti’s stunning artwork made the stories leap off the page.
Although four of the stories are being reserved for the final release, the five I read were fantastic. I especially loved that Mr. Ballen shared one of his personal experiences, as well as, wove elements of his military background into another story.
Overall, this was a quick, beautiful and absolutely delightful read.
I’ll definitely be purchasing the full version to add to my collection and to dive into the remaining stories.
5 Stars!
Read
October 29, 2025How strange
January 7, 2025
Amazing. I love MrBallen.
October 3, 2024
I am a big fan of Strange, Dark, and mysterious.
I found MrBallen a couple years ago on YouTube, and loved his stories. When I learned that MrBallen was releasing this, I knew I had to preorder, and to my excitement, this book came today!
The art did not disappoint. The stories did not disappoint. I just loved it.
I hope MrBallen will go ahead and publish more in the future!
I found MrBallen a couple years ago on YouTube, and loved his stories. When I learned that MrBallen was releasing this, I knew I had to preorder, and to my excitement, this book came today!
The art did not disappoint. The stories did not disappoint. I just loved it.
I hope MrBallen will go ahead and publish more in the future!
October 9, 2024
I've been watching MrBallen for several years now, so better believe I preordered this book.
There's not much inherently wrong with any of the stories, but the reason MrB stands out amongst the other content creators in the true crime/related sphere is his personal brand of storytelling. Strangely, the storytelling in this graphic novel is lacking. I don't remember all of the stories since some were from years ago and I haven't rewatched them recently, but there is a lack of detail in the narration here that I think the art was supposed to make up for. It didn't.
That's not to say that the art is bad or doesn't convey events clearly. Quite the opposite, as it's very gritty and fits the vibe while filling in the blanks for the most part. But there are clearly pieces of the original video scripts missing from these stories, and the balance is just not there. It's also just a very different experience from hearing MrB's voice and seeing his mannerisms as he tells a story. It's a graphic novel and not a video, I know, duh. This is just not as vivid an experience as I was expecting in an adaptation of his videos.
On its own, not a bad collection. There are a number of other stories I would have picked instead of some of these, but the gist is there for anyone who isn't familiar with the channel and what MrB is known for.
There's not much inherently wrong with any of the stories, but the reason MrB stands out amongst the other content creators in the true crime/related sphere is his personal brand of storytelling. Strangely, the storytelling in this graphic novel is lacking. I don't remember all of the stories since some were from years ago and I haven't rewatched them recently, but there is a lack of detail in the narration here that I think the art was supposed to make up for. It didn't.
That's not to say that the art is bad or doesn't convey events clearly. Quite the opposite, as it's very gritty and fits the vibe while filling in the blanks for the most part. But there are clearly pieces of the original video scripts missing from these stories, and the balance is just not there. It's also just a very different experience from hearing MrB's voice and seeing his mannerisms as he tells a story. It's a graphic novel and not a video, I know, duh. This is just not as vivid an experience as I was expecting in an adaptation of his videos.
On its own, not a bad collection. There are a number of other stories I would have picked instead of some of these, but the gist is there for anyone who isn't familiar with the channel and what MrB is known for.
September 4, 2024
Are you a fan of the strange, dark, and mysterious then this graphic novel is for you! YouTube sensation, podcaster, and master storyteller John B. Allen has curated a truly haunting collection of stories to keep you up late into the early morning hours listening to every bump in the night.
When I first heard that Mr. Ballen was releasing his first graphic novel filled with an assortment of mysterious and chilling phenomenons such as UFOs, giants, and all the eerie paranormal hauntings I immediately knew I had to read it! Upon reading this it is abundantly clear the amount of time, dedication, and passion that has went into this project and to say I was blown away by this graphic novel is an understatement. I absolutely devoured every bone chilling tale! The formatted short stories are just the right length, making reading one story at a time an easy addition to your nightly pre-sleep reading. I also loved the decision to make these short stories into a graphic novel as it added an extra immersive layer to the hauntingly mysterious tales with the amazing illustrations of Andrea Mutti’s bringing them to life. Truly the star of the show tho without a doubt is the way in which Allen weaves these terrifying stories in such a way that you find yourself easily at the edge of your seat completely invested, waiting to see what horror is lurking on the next page. Bottom line whether you choose to share this with friends around the campfire or alone hiding under the covers consuming late into the night this is an absolute must read for spooky season!
Mr. Ballen Presents: Strange, Dark, & Mysterious: The Graphic Stories comes out October 1st, 2024. Thank you NetGalley and Ten Speed Press, Ten Speed Graphic for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
When I first heard that Mr. Ballen was releasing his first graphic novel filled with an assortment of mysterious and chilling phenomenons such as UFOs, giants, and all the eerie paranormal hauntings I immediately knew I had to read it! Upon reading this it is abundantly clear the amount of time, dedication, and passion that has went into this project and to say I was blown away by this graphic novel is an understatement. I absolutely devoured every bone chilling tale! The formatted short stories are just the right length, making reading one story at a time an easy addition to your nightly pre-sleep reading. I also loved the decision to make these short stories into a graphic novel as it added an extra immersive layer to the hauntingly mysterious tales with the amazing illustrations of Andrea Mutti’s bringing them to life. Truly the star of the show tho without a doubt is the way in which Allen weaves these terrifying stories in such a way that you find yourself easily at the edge of your seat completely invested, waiting to see what horror is lurking on the next page. Bottom line whether you choose to share this with friends around the campfire or alone hiding under the covers consuming late into the night this is an absolute must read for spooky season!
Mr. Ballen Presents: Strange, Dark, & Mysterious: The Graphic Stories comes out October 1st, 2024. Thank you NetGalley and Ten Speed Press, Ten Speed Graphic for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 29, 2025
Can't wait for more!
I’ve been binging MrBallen’s YouTube channel for a long time now, and he truly has a gift for storytelling that not everyone has. It hooks you into the story and tells “true crime” style stories (although not all of them deal with crimes) in a way that’s more than factual. The people in these stories feel more relatable and realistic. The art was really good, and I enjoyed seeing the visuals. There were a lot of new stories I hadn’t heard him tell before, and a few I’d already heard, but I still enjoyed reading them in graphic novel form. I can’t wait for his next one coming out September 30th—just a month.
Also I hit a bit of a reading slump after reading a ton of big books for months at a time, and this graphic novel helped me get out of it and gave me something quick and easy to read—and relaxing, despite the type of content it is!
Thrilling, exciting, just what I needed!
I’ve been binging MrBallen’s YouTube channel for a long time now, and he truly has a gift for storytelling that not everyone has. It hooks you into the story and tells “true crime” style stories (although not all of them deal with crimes) in a way that’s more than factual. The people in these stories feel more relatable and realistic. The art was really good, and I enjoyed seeing the visuals. There were a lot of new stories I hadn’t heard him tell before, and a few I’d already heard, but I still enjoyed reading them in graphic novel form. I can’t wait for his next one coming out September 30th—just a month.
Also I hit a bit of a reading slump after reading a ton of big books for months at a time, and this graphic novel helped me get out of it and gave me something quick and easy to read—and relaxing, despite the type of content it is!
Thrilling, exciting, just what I needed!
November 11, 2024
2/5 + 1 star because I know how much work went into this graphic novel. I love and respect MrBallen and his work, but I have many issues with this graphic novel.
I’m so disappointed that all of the stories within this graphic novel have already appeared more than once across MrBallen’s many platforms (YouTube, podcasts, etc.), so this graphic novel and the accompanying audiobook felt like a bit of a waste… feels more like a “best of” summary/recap rather than a standalone work.
The art was not the quality I was expecting either; the art is nice, but the messy, haphazard splashes of watercolour take away from the line art. I wish the colour was done with more precision - in a way that would enhance the line art rather than take away from it.
Overall, I’m so disappointed. The folks reading this graphic novel are likely the same folks watching MrBallen on YouTube or listening to his podcasts, so it would be greatly appreciated to have had NEW content in this book… otherwise, this feels more like a money grab (identical content in yet another format for the same followers to consume). 😣
I hope MrBallen eventually makes another graphic novel, but hopefully with completely new and original content.
I’m so disappointed that all of the stories within this graphic novel have already appeared more than once across MrBallen’s many platforms (YouTube, podcasts, etc.), so this graphic novel and the accompanying audiobook felt like a bit of a waste… feels more like a “best of” summary/recap rather than a standalone work.
The art was not the quality I was expecting either; the art is nice, but the messy, haphazard splashes of watercolour take away from the line art. I wish the colour was done with more precision - in a way that would enhance the line art rather than take away from it.
Overall, I’m so disappointed. The folks reading this graphic novel are likely the same folks watching MrBallen on YouTube or listening to his podcasts, so it would be greatly appreciated to have had NEW content in this book… otherwise, this feels more like a money grab (identical content in yet another format for the same followers to consume). 😣
I hope MrBallen eventually makes another graphic novel, but hopefully with completely new and original content.
May 25, 2024
1. The Valley of Headless Men ★★★★✩
2. Thorns ★★★★✩
3. What I Saw In My Room Still Haunts Me ★★★★✩
4. Bells Canyon ★★★✩✩
5. The Kandahar Giant ★★★✩✩
I still remember when I found Mr. Ballen's channel about a year ago and became engrossed in his videos. I couldn't stop until I had binged them all, and I've been watching every Sunday since then, eagerly anticipating each new upload. That's why I was so thrilled to receive this arc. The storytelling translated well into this format, and the illustrations were absolutely stunning. The only downside is that the arc is missing four stories out of the nine total. However, I thoroughly enjoyed each of the five included stories and look forward to reading the rest once the book is officially released!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
2. Thorns ★★★★✩
3. What I Saw In My Room Still Haunts Me ★★★★✩
4. Bells Canyon ★★★✩✩
5. The Kandahar Giant ★★★✩✩
I still remember when I found Mr. Ballen's channel about a year ago and became engrossed in his videos. I couldn't stop until I had binged them all, and I've been watching every Sunday since then, eagerly anticipating each new upload. That's why I was so thrilled to receive this arc. The storytelling translated well into this format, and the illustrations were absolutely stunning. The only downside is that the arc is missing four stories out of the nine total. However, I thoroughly enjoyed each of the five included stories and look forward to reading the rest once the book is officially released!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2024
I am such big fan of MrBallen Presents: Strange, Dark & Mysterious, and this graphic novel was just as great . I enjoyed the illustrations and the flow of each story. I can't wait to add this to my coffee table. I would definitely recommend this book. I can't wait to have it and read some of the stories a loud around a campfire.
Thank you to @Netgalley and @clarksonpotter & @tenspeedpress for the advanced copy for my honest review as well as @mrballen for a great story.
Thank you to @Netgalley and @clarksonpotter & @tenspeedpress for the advanced copy for my honest review as well as @mrballen for a great story.
October 16, 2024
This book is a graphic depiction of the types of Dark and Mysterious stories I look forward to hearing on the Mr.Ballen podcast. This has been a wonderful book to cozy up with when I'm trying to detach from technology and my phone.
I loved each different story and I certainly recommend it to anyone looking for just quick little little Mysterious stories to perhaps share with friends or creepy stories to tell around a campfire. ( as on the cover)
I loved each different story and I certainly recommend it to anyone looking for just quick little little Mysterious stories to perhaps share with friends or creepy stories to tell around a campfire. ( as on the cover)
October 7, 2024
A must for Ballen fans!
I love everything Mr. Ballen does. He is a truly great storyteller who knows how to keep his audience captivated. The artwork of this book is a perfect match for these stories.
I love everything Mr. Ballen does. He is a truly great storyteller who knows how to keep his audience captivated. The artwork of this book is a perfect match for these stories.
December 9, 2024
My favourite story teller, I've spent so many hours watching Mr Ballen on YouTube and loved every minute, I was so excited when I heard about this new project and I'm so glad I was right to be! I loved all this new content.
August 28, 2024
Having been a big fan of the Mr Ballen you tube channel (the original) when I saw this book on netgalley I jumped at it.
Its a graphic novel that tells the tales of people like the videos, but now with images to follow along.
I cant really get into the stories that were available (there are missing chapters in the arc, which was weird as I have not run into this for an arc before) as they are not long and can be spoiled.
There is of course a chapter talking about "What I saw in my room" - those who have seen his videos mostly likely will remember that one.
I have to say that this was not really for me. I love horror, I love graphic novels, but I do not want to see real life stories setup this way. That is a me thing, if you like it then that is wonderful.
It also did not have his wonderful way of telling the story. Without that - it was just another set of random stories.
All in all, if you have not seen his videos, then this is a good intro.
Its a graphic novel that tells the tales of people like the videos, but now with images to follow along.
I cant really get into the stories that were available (there are missing chapters in the arc, which was weird as I have not run into this for an arc before) as they are not long and can be spoiled.
There is of course a chapter talking about "What I saw in my room" - those who have seen his videos mostly likely will remember that one.
I have to say that this was not really for me. I love horror, I love graphic novels, but I do not want to see real life stories setup this way. That is a me thing, if you like it then that is wonderful.
It also did not have his wonderful way of telling the story. Without that - it was just another set of random stories.
All in all, if you have not seen his videos, then this is a good intro.
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