Briar Vol. 2

Briar

by Christopher Cantwell, Alex Lins (illustrator), Luis Nct (Colorist)

The slaying of Dreadcrawl brought only infamy for Briar and her band of bounty hunting companions. They may be chivalrous in truth, but the whispers of their capacity for swords plunged through the hearts of any that cross them is enough to keep their coin purses full. However, between the zealous arm of the law, a future filled with more accursed cold and devastation than the snow-capped mountains, and heavy chains for our heroes, will Spider’s clever plan be enough for Briar to finally reach the castle of her evil fairy godmother Grendrid? And will there be room yet for love to blossom between Briar and a close companion in such a desolate land? Written by Eisner Award-nominated, screenwriter, producer, and director Christopher Cantwell (Halt & Catch Fire, Iron Man) and illustrated by Eisner Award-nominated illustrator Alex Lins (Monarch, Namor), witness the next chapter of the "Sleeping Beauty" who was never saved, left to ruin and rot, brought to waking life against all odds in a darker world than she ever dreamed possible.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Comics, LGBT, Bande Dessinée, Horror

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2025

Reviews

[Gancu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dalej piękny i przyjemny komiks

[Mersi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is still a really good concept, and I do love the gore, but I needed more action and story

[_sweetshelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ce qui m’a immédiatement attirée avec le comics Briar, c’est son approche sombre de la réécriture de conte, bien différente de ce à quoi on est habitués, ainsi que ses illustrations percutantes. J’avais aperçu quelques extraits présentant des planches sombres et sanglantes, et de ce point de vue-là, la promesse est largement tenue. Les couleurs sont majoritairement sombres, les traits sont bruts, et certaines scènes particulièrement violentes (âmes sensibles, soyez prévenues : tout le récit n’est pas ainsi, mais certains passages sont marquants). Cela a donné lieu à une expérience de lecture qui change de mes habitudes, mais que j’ai trouvée plutôt agréable.

Briar n’a rien de la Belle au bois dormant classique. Comme l’indique le titre, on est plutôt face à une "rebelle au bois dormant". Christopher Cantwell casse volontairement les codes des princesses traditionnelles. Ici, Briar laisse de côté son éducation princière pour devenir une héroïne badass, portée par des valeurs fortes comme le consentement. Ses dialogues sont cash, familiers, parfois impertinents voire grossiers. Elle ne compte que sur elle-même pour surmonter les obstacles. C’est un personnage que j’ai trouvé intéressant, attachant à sa manière, et qui incarne parfaitement l’esprit de rébellion.

Côté intrigue, j’ai trouvé le premier tome un peu confus par moments. L’auteur pose les bases de son univers ainsi que ses idées, mais j’ai eu du mal à cerner la direction de l’histoire. Heureusement, cette impression s’est dissipée dans le deuxième tome : le fil conducteur devient plus clair, les enjeux se précisent, et on suit mieux les objectifs des personnages. J’ai toutefois ressenti un peu de frustration face à certaines scènes trop rapides, qui auraient mérité davantage de développement. Cela m’a empêchée d’apprécier pleinement certaines relations entre les personnages.

Vous l’aurez compris, Briar est une réécriture sombre, parfois même brutale. C’est un style qui ne me dérange pas du tout, mais je pense qu’il est important d’en avoir conscience avant de se plonger dans cette lecture, au risque d’être surpris·e !

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll admit that I can be up for a retelling for of a classic fairy tale. Sure, this one heads a little towards the grim side, but at least Briar starts to feel like a real character.

Because, you see, the original was cleaned up or public consumption. The prince never kissed Briar, so she stayed asleep. The prince cuts a deal with the king and they set out on wars of conquest that devastate the land.

Briar is eventually awakened in this grim landscape, and well being a princess sure as heel did not prepare her for lairs, cheats and a lot of people wanting to kill her. Not to mention there is a curse to be dealt with.

My issue, and why this does not get a higher rating, is that it feels like a volume three is planned so the hanging from a cliff is frustrating.

[Clint · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second volume of this modern fantasy reimagining of Sleeping Beauty sees its heroes stumble and each hit personal low points, a la Empire Strikes Back, before ending on an optimistic note as readiness to seemingly take on the big bad in a climactic (final?) next set of issues. The art isn’t quite as great as Bergara on Coda, but it’s still a vibrant, energetic fantasy art style that’s fun to look at.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another super solid entry in this fantasy, re-imagining of Sleeping Beauty. Author Christopher Catnwell again delivers a fun, action-packed look at what happens if Briar Rose is never awoken. The book is full of magic, action, and comedy while being dark as well. I really enjoyed it. New artist Alex Lins does a phenomenal job outdoing the work from volume one. Overall, this was so entertaining and I hope the book continues.

[Jiji-le-chat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Je suis un peu moins sensible au trait et aux couleurs (pourtant belles) sur cet album là, même si les deux ont fait du bon travail. Le récit va parfois un peu vite, je crois pas totalement à la relation entre Briar et l’Araignée, et je suis tendue par certains « faux raccord » (un personnage s’éclate la tete contre un mur jusqu’au sang et 10mn (diégétiques) plus tard elle est intacte et on passe à autre chose).
ça reste un très bon moment de lecture.

[Mohan Vemulapalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, tense and sometimes poignant, this second volume of "Briar" continues the "Sleeping Beauty" meets "Game of Thrones" theme of the original volume but eventually emerges to a much more hopeful set of outcomes for the protagonists while hinting at some promising future developments for the series.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this 2nd volume of darker Sleeping Beauty kind of rudderless. It all feels like meaningless side story until some deus ex machina with some cranes bails everyone out at the end. Hopefully volume 3 gets back on track. I'm also hoping for a different artist as Alex Lins just wasn't doing it for me.

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love how Briar and Spider’s relationship is developing, especially after Briar confronts Spider for being the one to wake her in the first book. But wasn’t in the story long enough for me to care about, much less mourn his loss, but I still think this second book did a good job of getting me more in sync and invested in the story and the characters.

[Andres Pasten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y si, mejora la historia...

[Mee Too · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it’s a twist on snow white or sleeping beauty blah blah. “Mediocre”. Cant tell if the writing is bad or the chosen dialogue.

[Jaiden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun story. I’m exited to see where it goes. A bit cliché but still a great read.

[Calvin Daniels · Rating 2 out of 5]

2+

Disappointed in this one. Expected better and bored completely.

[Książkowa Grażka · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 ⭐️

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

The party have to endure many clever agonies. Separation and trauma. New powers and challenges.

[Velislava Stoyanova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mad max meets the iconic fairy tale and I'm here for it. Quality of the art keeps up with the previous volume - dynamic, engaging and a bit eccentric.

[Shawn Ingle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was ready for this to be over. I powered my way through this volume but I won’t be reading the next.

[Juliette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating : 3 ⭐

[Vlad Tepes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent. Thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns of this one.