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Beetle Hands #1
Beetle Hands Vol. 1
The full-color webtoon/comic released on Naver’s WEBTOON platform is now in print! This thrilling English-original horror tale follows two friends fighting for survival in a realm where their worst nightmares come to life.
Welcome to the Heartland, a nightmarish realm where your memories literally come back to haunt you—and hunt you down. Dragged into the Heartland by the terrifying Beast that lives inside it, Matthew must survive long enough to free himself and his best friend Kenma before the Beast consumes them both. Better run fast, Matthew, before the Beast can catch you.
Welcome to the Heartland, a nightmarish realm where your memories literally come back to haunt you—and hunt you down. Dragged into the Heartland by the terrifying Beast that lives inside it, Matthew must survive long enough to free himself and his best friend Kenma before the Beast consumes them both. Better run fast, Matthew, before the Beast can catch you.
286 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
You know you're in for something heavier when a cute little monster tells you the trigger warnings before the story even starts.
The premise sounded great, but the story itself didn't really fully deliver what I expected after reading the blurb.
I'm pretty conflicted, because I enjoyed it (but not as much as I hoped I would), the artwork is so pretty and the idea (as I already mentioned) was something that made me go "I NEED TO READ IT", but most of the first volume felt pretty repeatable. Secondly, almost everything that was happening, ended almost as fast as it started, before I could really find myself in the situation and we already moved onto the next part.
I can feel, that there's something deeper here, because we could see it in the glimpses of Matthew's memories, but it was really hard to think about it, when almost all of what we could see so far was running away from the monster.
Overall, I'm curious about the second volume and I do hope, that we will get more than running from room to room for almost 300 pages.
You know you're in for something heavier when a cute little monster tells you the trigger warnings before the story even starts.
The premise sounded great, but the story itself didn't really fully deliver what I expected after reading the blurb.
I'm pretty conflicted, because I enjoyed it (but not as much as I hoped I would), the artwork is so pretty and the idea (as I already mentioned) was something that made me go "I NEED TO READ IT", but most of the first volume felt pretty repeatable. Secondly, almost everything that was happening, ended almost as fast as it started, before I could really find myself in the situation and we already moved onto the next part.
I can feel, that there's something deeper here, because we could see it in the glimpses of Matthew's memories, but it was really hard to think about it, when almost all of what we could see so far was running away from the monster.
Overall, I'm curious about the second volume and I do hope, that we will get more than running from room to room for almost 300 pages.
October 27, 2026
First up, thank you for allowing me to read this one. Sadly, I didn't entirely enjoy this one. I mean the art was cool, the idea was there. But the plot? The pacing? I had the feeling I had to have read something ANYTHING before this one. Right from the bat we see Matthew in his room without a door and something is not good, next up his friend calls/ comes by and all of the sudden there are nightmarish monsters, something is knocking on the door, and then his bestie is dragged to a strange place. Yup. All that in the first few pages. No explanation. Just go. Very confusing. Then next is him having to find keys, there are memories that get bad, and there is more. I just felt like someone grabbed me by the hand while they were driving a Lamborghini and I was just flying along. I just wanted a bit more intro, a bit calmer pacing, and most of all, I want more deets. Because at this time I don't see why they are such good friends. I don't get why Matthew would go this far.
October 30, 2026
𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 𝚂𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚜 𝙴𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚟𝚒𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚟𝚒𝚊 𝙽𝚎𝚝𝙶𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚢. 𝙰𝚕𝚕 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚘𝚠𝚗. This book was marked as Read Now on NetGalley and I'm so glad that I was able to read this book at the correct time. This book may include spoilers that will be marked with (Spoiler) tag.
𝚆𝚑𝚘 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔?:
- comic lovers who were fans of the comic artist from Webtoon.
- dark, alice in wonderland style stories that keep going on a loop.
- this is the first part of the story. It ends in a cliffhanger. So anyone who doesn't like series should avoid this.
- lovers of ride or die buddies, true friendships and and a creepy demon haunting your present and your past stories.
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍:
- I liked how the art was so raw and so dark. I had to hold my breath each time I flipped through the pages. Each chapter was like a wormhole dragging you into your next nightmare.
- I liked the concept where
- This story was on a similar level with Jarrod Shillcutt's Graywater. It starts as something else and it ends as something else. Two friends racing to find their third friend, etc.
- The design of the comic panels was lowkey genius in this type of story. It trapped the reader into two minds— is the current story real or is it fake?
- The villain and the concept of the key emerging emerging from the
- The pacing was wonderful and I was on edge the whole time. I liked how fast paced this one was. I am sure this comic will haunt me in my nightmares.
- There were many unanswered questions but I guess they will be answered in the second book whenever it releases.
𝚆𝚑𝚘 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔?:
- comic lovers who were fans of the comic artist from Webtoon.
- dark, alice in wonderland style stories that keep going on a loop.
- this is the first part of the story. It ends in a cliffhanger. So anyone who doesn't like series should avoid this.
- lovers of ride or die buddies, true friendships and and a creepy demon haunting your present and your past stories.
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍:
- I liked how the art was so raw and so dark. I had to hold my breath each time I flipped through the pages. Each chapter was like a wormhole dragging you into your next nightmare.
- I liked the concept where
- This story was on a similar level with Jarrod Shillcutt's Graywater. It starts as something else and it ends as something else. Two friends racing to find their third friend, etc.
- The design of the comic panels was lowkey genius in this type of story. It trapped the reader into two minds— is the current story real or is it fake?
- The villain and the concept of the key emerging emerging from the
- The pacing was wonderful and I was on edge the whole time. I liked how fast paced this one was. I am sure this comic will haunt me in my nightmares.
- There were many unanswered questions but I guess they will be answered in the second book whenever it releases.
October 28, 2026
This definitely gives “Stranger Things” vibes that look to be the Upside down world (I’f you know you know). I am intrigued with the storyline with Matthew going into different memory places and his friends Kenma and Amelia. It’s disturbing but intriguing. Defo check this out!
Thanks Netgalley and Seven Seas for suggesting this book to me!
Thanks Netgalley and Seven Seas for suggesting this book to me!
November 5, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Beetle Hands Vol. 1
Unfortunately with manga and graphic novels that are broken into volumes, the first one really needs to be able to stand on its own. This one does not. Either I am too neurodivergent or not neurodivergent enough, but I have little to no understanding of what is going on in this, which makes me not want to continue the series.
Unfortunately with manga and graphic novels that are broken into volumes, the first one really needs to be able to stand on its own. This one does not. Either I am too neurodivergent or not neurodivergent enough, but I have little to no understanding of what is going on in this, which makes me not want to continue the series.
November 16, 2024
2.5 but I rounded up because some of the imagery was genuinely creepy.
October 24, 2026
Beetle Hands Vol. 1 is a wonderfully strange and unsettling graphic novel that blends surreal horror with surprisingly emotional themes.
The first thing that stood out to me was the artwork. (The cover itself is absolutely gorgeous and immediately drew me in.) The use of color throughout this volume is absolutely incredible. It's clear that herhumanist has a strong understanding of color theory, and each page feels intentionally crafted to create a specific mood. The vibrant palettes and shifting tones enhance the horror elements, making the story visually engaging from beginning to end.
While I enjoyed the overall experience, I did find parts of the story somewhat repetitive. There were stretches where the characters seemed to move from one dangerous encounter to another, and after a while some of those sequences began to blend together. I found myself wanting a bit more progression between the monster-focused moments and flashbacks of Matthew and Kenma. This could help us understand why Matthew is fighting so hard for Kenma and have a root even harder for the two of them to make it out.
What ultimately elevated the story for me, however, were its deeper themes. Beneath the horror elements is a story about trauma, how it lingers, and the ways it can continue to haunt people long after the original wounds were inflicted. I also appreciated the exploration of friendship, particularly the fear of drifting apart from someone you once cared deeply about and the desire to hold onto a connection that feels as though it's slipping away.
By the end of the volume, I was invested enough to want to continue the series. I'm especially curious to see what happens next with Kenma and Matthew and how their story develops moving forward.
Overall, Beetle Hands Vol. 1 is a visually stunning and atmospheric start to a surreal horror series. While the story occasionally felt repetitive, the gorgeous artwork, strong use of color, and emotional themes kept me engaged and eager to see where the narrative goes next. Thank you, NetGalley and Seven Seas Entertainment for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The first thing that stood out to me was the artwork. (The cover itself is absolutely gorgeous and immediately drew me in.) The use of color throughout this volume is absolutely incredible. It's clear that herhumanist has a strong understanding of color theory, and each page feels intentionally crafted to create a specific mood. The vibrant palettes and shifting tones enhance the horror elements, making the story visually engaging from beginning to end.
While I enjoyed the overall experience, I did find parts of the story somewhat repetitive. There were stretches where the characters seemed to move from one dangerous encounter to another, and after a while some of those sequences began to blend together. I found myself wanting a bit more progression between the monster-focused moments and flashbacks of Matthew and Kenma. This could help us understand why Matthew is fighting so hard for Kenma and have a root even harder for the two of them to make it out.
What ultimately elevated the story for me, however, were its deeper themes. Beneath the horror elements is a story about trauma, how it lingers, and the ways it can continue to haunt people long after the original wounds were inflicted. I also appreciated the exploration of friendship, particularly the fear of drifting apart from someone you once cared deeply about and the desire to hold onto a connection that feels as though it's slipping away.
By the end of the volume, I was invested enough to want to continue the series. I'm especially curious to see what happens next with Kenma and Matthew and how their story develops moving forward.
Overall, Beetle Hands Vol. 1 is a visually stunning and atmospheric start to a surreal horror series. While the story occasionally felt repetitive, the gorgeous artwork, strong use of color, and emotional themes kept me engaged and eager to see where the narrative goes next. Thank you, NetGalley and Seven Seas Entertainment for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2026
The comic opens with a trigger warning, which I always appreciate. In a horror novel — web novel or not — I always assume going in there’s going to be horrific elements, but some people do better with a heads up so they can brace themselves (or open a different book), so kudos to the book for including this.
The story has Matthew heading into a dark and mysterious basement where he has to dredge through his memories of Kenma while running from a monster determined to eat him. There are hints of an abusive parent, a secret Matthew is keeping, and a painful schism between he and Kenma …with no answers to be had in this volume.
White Matthew is an easy enough character to follow along, an angry and confused every guy, Kenma — the person Matthew is doing all of this for — is undefined. They’ve been friends since kindergarten, but beyond that all we know are Matthew’s memories which are warped and fractured, hardly reliable; Matthew himself seems eager to overwrite certain parts in favor of a more acceptable and palatable narrative. Palatable to himself, at least.
It’s interesting, and with the introduction of Amelia there’s an implication that this nightmare involves other people … or does it? It’s a twisty comic and I’m interested enough in the story to pick up the next volume. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
The story has Matthew heading into a dark and mysterious basement where he has to dredge through his memories of Kenma while running from a monster determined to eat him. There are hints of an abusive parent, a secret Matthew is keeping, and a painful schism between he and Kenma …with no answers to be had in this volume.
White Matthew is an easy enough character to follow along, an angry and confused every guy, Kenma — the person Matthew is doing all of this for — is undefined. They’ve been friends since kindergarten, but beyond that all we know are Matthew’s memories which are warped and fractured, hardly reliable; Matthew himself seems eager to overwrite certain parts in favor of a more acceptable and palatable narrative. Palatable to himself, at least.
It’s interesting, and with the introduction of Amelia there’s an implication that this nightmare involves other people … or does it? It’s a twisty comic and I’m interested enough in the story to pick up the next volume. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
October 28, 2026
I really wanted to fall in love with this story but the plot was really hard to follow. Granted, it was super interesting from the premise. Mathew and his friend getting sucked into an unknown world by an unknown creature where he has to try and save his friend before the creature eats them both. I love horror and I love graphic novels so I was excited to get my hands on this after reading that. It started off strong, up until we get pulled into the void and the scenes seem to be sped through. It was very much a fever dream and when I thought I understood where it was going, with the memories not really being real for example, it would twist into something I didn’t understand. There’s a lot of repetition in the book which makes sense when it comes to Mathew’s main goal, but it felt like it didn’t make much sense. I really enjoyed the author’s notes at the end, and how we see a glimpse at how much they’ve improved in their artwork. I think with more novels I might be able to understand the story better and the direction it’s going, but for the first novel I felt kind of lost.
October 28, 2026
Hmm.. ich kann's nicht so recht beschreiben. Optisch find ich's eigentlich ganz cool gemacht und thematisch interessant, aber es konnte mich dann doch nicht so richtig catchen. Teilweise wiederholt sich sehr viel, weshalb ich die Szenen dann oft übersprungen hab. Es taucht neben den beiden Protagonisten noch eine weitere Person auf, die das ganze nochmal etwas auflockert, aber dennoch bleibt das Muster dasselbe. Das Monster versteh ich auch noch nicht so ganz - also insgesamt alles noch recht unklar. Vielleicht bringt Band 2 Licht ins Dunkel, aber aktuell hab ich da wenig Bedürfnis weiterzulesen. Dem ein oder anderen könnte der Titel aber dennoch zusagen und gefallen 😊
October 26, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Heartaland is a place where your memories come back to haunt you. In this place, the memories are controlled by the Beast, and they will hunt you down until they make sure they consume you. Mathew must look for a way out, saving himself and his friend Kenma,
The art was really neat. I don't feel like the story was all that interesting. How did we get here? What happened to this place and who are the BEAST! Too much of the same thing throughout the story. Not for me.
Heartaland is a place where your memories come back to haunt you. In this place, the memories are controlled by the Beast, and they will hunt you down until they make sure they consume you. Mathew must look for a way out, saving himself and his friend Kenma,
The art was really neat. I don't feel like the story was all that interesting. How did we get here? What happened to this place and who are the BEAST! Too much of the same thing throughout the story. Not for me.
November 4, 2026
This was a rollercoaster. I wanted to like it far more because the art style is really enjoyable. I just found myself confused for the majority of it and by the time I figured out where it was going, we were almost finished. The way that it throws you into the deep end from the start makes it clear that it's meant to be disorienting. However, once the plot was clear, my interest was peaked. I may pick up volume 2 to see how this progresses.
Thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher, and the Author for the chance to read this advance copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
Thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher, and the Author for the chance to read this advance copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
October 24, 2026
A read that plunges you straight into its world – and one you’ll find hard to put down!
The story grips you right from the very first pages, with a tense atmosphere and unsettling characters, particularly that absolutely terrifying teacher.
The pace is brisk, events unfold one after another without a lull, and there’s very little dialogue. The story is told primarily through images and action. The pages fly by at breakneck speed, almost without you realising it!
This first volume raises a host of questions that leave you eager to read on. How will Matthew manage to escape his nightmares? Will he manage to save Kenma? Why had the two boys lost touch? And above all, where do all these anxieties come from that seem to haunt him? One wonders, in particular, whether one of his parents might be behind it all…
I hadn’t heard of this artist at all before reading this, but it’s an intriguing discovery that makes me want to continue the adventure and learn more about this unsettling world!
The story grips you right from the very first pages, with a tense atmosphere and unsettling characters, particularly that absolutely terrifying teacher.
The pace is brisk, events unfold one after another without a lull, and there’s very little dialogue. The story is told primarily through images and action. The pages fly by at breakneck speed, almost without you realising it!
This first volume raises a host of questions that leave you eager to read on. How will Matthew manage to escape his nightmares? Will he manage to save Kenma? Why had the two boys lost touch? And above all, where do all these anxieties come from that seem to haunt him? One wonders, in particular, whether one of his parents might be behind it all…
I hadn’t heard of this artist at all before reading this, but it’s an intriguing discovery that makes me want to continue the adventure and learn more about this unsettling world!
October 30, 2026
Such a tense and stressful read! I loved the artwork and all the angst, I got into the story very fast. Matthew and Kenma's friendship runs deep, so much that Matthew goes through his ugly memories. It almost feels like a cptsd/ptsd rep, but told in a very good way. It's a loving as much as it's a horrifying story, I wish I could hug them both. I'm really looking forward to read vol 2.
I got this book for free as I'm an ARC reader, and I'm leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I got this book for free as I'm an ARC reader, and I'm leaving this honest review voluntarily.
November 2, 2026
So not only is the cover art cool but the actual art within the series is super cool. I'm always looking for a good horror read so I was excited to start this one. This series so far has been pretty confusing to me though. Like I guess I just need some more backstory that we just haven't gotten yet. I'm still curious about volume 2 though in hopes that I get some more clarification about what exactly is going on.
Thank you to NetGalley and Seven Seas Entertainment for the digital arc.
Thank you to NetGalley and Seven Seas Entertainment for the digital arc.
November 6, 2026
I got a copy through netgalley. This manga presents itself as a situational horror. Where there is no real background information given just jump scares at every turn. It almost feels like the protagonist is in a nightmare that they can't escape. Everyone around him is unaware of what is going on or are the monsters themselves. I feel like there could have been more story to be told but if you like a book that is more about shock and jump scares this would fit you.
October 28, 2026
Good read!! It is a bit scary but i wish there bit explanation in this volume. I barely understand what going on in the story. It just him relieving his memory trying to save his friend kenma. I do hope the next volume has some explanation of what that monster is.
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Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for giving me the chance to read this book~
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Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for giving me the chance to read this book~
October 28, 2026
The graphics were colorful and well-drawn. The plot is a bit confusing, but it did start to come together the further it progressed. I was left with more questions than answers. Not sure why Kenma was being followed by a monster and why the monster wax so attached to Matthew. It was a bit weird and not something I would pick up again.
April 27, 2025
i started out thinking the writing was kind of whatever but the imagery and colors and HORROR it evoked were sooooooo good and started reading it more as an experience but idk the writing’s getting to me now. it’s good!!!!!!
August 14, 2025
Not great. Very little dialogue, which wouldn't be a problem if there was at least a little substance to it. Felt like one kid just saying the name of the other over and over again with some running and super close-up action in between. No need to continue with volume two on this one.
November 14, 2025
I read this entire series on Webtoon ages ago, and I still think about it a lot. My heart aches even still. The story was terrifying and saddening and the art is GORGEOUS. I had to get these physical copies for my own library. 100% recommend!
October 25, 2026
First off I want to Thank the ARC for allowing me to get this book! I will say I had no idea what this book was about before I picked it out! I loved the cover and it drew me right in! I must say that this was an interesting story & I loved the art detail of the book!
November 6, 2026
This book left me a bit confused and a little unnerved. It had potential to be a good read, but got lost a bit from thought to page.
October 23, 2026
I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily providing an honest review.
Premise
A nightmare of latent childhood trauma comes alive when the protagonist’s friend seeks help.
Liked
* Maximum creep and dread
* Destabilizing reading experience, like living in a relentless nightmare
* PTSD linked to various stages of childhood trauma
* What is real? What is hallucination?
On Second Thought
* Like a real dream, the narrative is fragmented, disjointed, and difficult to fully make sense of
Closing Comment
Mysterious and unsettling, this volume of webcomic is an acid trip ride into the unconscious. I remain quite confused about the internal lore at play and how the resolution occurs, but I am nonetheless perfectly content to let this nightmare fuel wash over me.
Premise
A nightmare of latent childhood trauma comes alive when the protagonist’s friend seeks help.
Liked
* Maximum creep and dread
* Destabilizing reading experience, like living in a relentless nightmare
* PTSD linked to various stages of childhood trauma
* What is real? What is hallucination?
On Second Thought
* Like a real dream, the narrative is fragmented, disjointed, and difficult to fully make sense of
Closing Comment
Mysterious and unsettling, this volume of webcomic is an acid trip ride into the unconscious. I remain quite confused about the internal lore at play and how the resolution occurs, but I am nonetheless perfectly content to let this nightmare fuel wash over me.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews