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Twisted Dark #2
Twisted Dark, Volume 2
The second volume in Neil Gibson's acclaimed series of twisted tales. Again at 200 pages, this book expands on the Twisted Universe and introduces more characters. Connections with volume one are there, but each re-reading reveals more connections and subtleties. This volume has more humour than the first volume but it certainly retains its twisted, dark theme. This is the sort of graphic novel that you show to people who think comics are for kids. Sold out at conventions, Volume 2 is currently on its third printing.
187 pages, Paperback
First published January 10, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 9, 2015
This was another solid series of shorts in this series. And I even got one of the connections this time!! Which means that I've apparently totally missed around 10 by this point.
The intro had be expecting this one to be really toned down, but I don't agree with his view. These stories were creepier where the first book was just disturbing. There is a weird difference in there that they managed to hit, which made this set just as successful for me as the first, though I think the stories in Vol 1 will stay with me longer.
Can't wait to read more in this series. Really solid art and storytelling in short form.
Copy courtesy of Diamond Book Distributors, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The intro had be expecting this one to be really toned down, but I don't agree with his view. These stories were creepier where the first book was just disturbing. There is a weird difference in there that they managed to hit, which made this set just as successful for me as the first, though I think the stories in Vol 1 will stay with me longer.
Can't wait to read more in this series. Really solid art and storytelling in short form.
Copy courtesy of Diamond Book Distributors, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2024
Another volume of the Anthology series...slightly less explicit/dark than previously (the introduction explains)
May 3, 2017
Fulfilling another C2E2 promise!
I met Neil last year at C2E2 and had bought volume one of Twisted Dark. I immediately loved it. So of course this year at C2E2, I decide to try and find Neil again and I did. I bought the rest of the available volumes and had an unusual and unforgettable conversion with Neil and that became the highlight of my weekend.
Volume two of Twisted Dark is just as dark and as twisted as the volume before it. Once you start, you can't stop, it sucks you in (in a good way of course). These twisted stories surprise and get under your skin every step of the way. Think you know the ending to one of the stories? Lol nope it's a completely unpredictable ending.
There is no way of explaining Twisted Dark except to give them a copy and have them read the first story and that's what amazes me about it.
I met Neil last year at C2E2 and had bought volume one of Twisted Dark. I immediately loved it. So of course this year at C2E2, I decide to try and find Neil again and I did. I bought the rest of the available volumes and had an unusual and unforgettable conversion with Neil and that became the highlight of my weekend.
Volume two of Twisted Dark is just as dark and as twisted as the volume before it. Once you start, you can't stop, it sucks you in (in a good way of course). These twisted stories surprise and get under your skin every step of the way. Think you know the ending to one of the stories? Lol nope it's a completely unpredictable ending.
There is no way of explaining Twisted Dark except to give them a copy and have them read the first story and that's what amazes me about it.
October 10, 2015
3.5 Stars
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Twisted Dark Vol 2 brings more stories of the sort found in the first volume.
More connections to be spotted, between the different volumes as well as in this volume alone. It's still my favourite part of this series. The stories itself are very various again, but all with something twisted to it. The artwork changes with every story, so some I liked better than others.
I'm looking forward to the next volume.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Twisted Dark Vol 2 brings more stories of the sort found in the first volume.
More connections to be spotted, between the different volumes as well as in this volume alone. It's still my favourite part of this series. The stories itself are very various again, but all with something twisted to it. The artwork changes with every story, so some I liked better than others.
I'm looking forward to the next volume.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
May 15, 2015
Even without reading the rest of the volumes, I can see why this was called "the weakest chain of all". In the first volume, everything was darker, stranger, scarier. Next to that one, this was a bit too, I don't know, mellow I think I would say.
That said, this doesn't mean I didn't like the second volume at all. I liked the in-volume connections I could catch this time and some stories were indeed eerie, but there is no denying, the rest got me bored. If the next volume is anything like that, I'll be dying to read it, but if it's going like this one, I'm not so sure about that.
That said, this doesn't mean I didn't like the second volume at all. I liked the in-volume connections I could catch this time and some stories were indeed eerie, but there is no denying, the rest got me bored. If the next volume is anything like that, I'll be dying to read it, but if it's going like this one, I'm not so sure about that.
December 12, 2018
Not quite as 'dark' as the first book, but enjoyable enough if you liked the first one. Enough for me to try the third book.
January 4, 2025
I finally managed to read the second volume of this amazing graphic novel! I had the first volume since the Cyprus Comic Con in 2017 and had been searching for more volumes ever since, but I eventually forgot about it. Today, I came across it and couldn't resist buying the second volume. The coolest part? It's signed by the one and only Neil Gibson! <3
This volume isn't as "twisted" and "dark" as the first one, but I still enjoyed it and finished it in one sitting. I think the first volume is better, but that won’t stop me from buying the rest of the series.
This volume isn't as "twisted" and "dark" as the first one, but I still enjoyed it and finished it in one sitting. I think the first volume is better, but that won’t stop me from buying the rest of the series.
October 9, 2018
A mixed collection of graphic novel stories. Only one really stood out for me and the rest were kind of meh.
April 20, 2019
I was lucky enough to meet Neil at Comic Con and myself and my companions were soon charmed by him - enough to buy Volume 2 of his Twisted Dark comic, without having read volume 1.
Not that it really matters that I haven't read volume 1, as I discovered.
Twisted Dark Volume 2 is a collection of short stories which are, as you can probably gather from the title, dark and twisted. Exploring the darker sides of human nature, each tale looks at a different character (with some cross over between the tales adding an extra layer of interest) and presents a story with a sting in the tail. I assume there are also some connections and links back to volume 1, but you don't need to be able to spot them to enjoy and understand the stories.
This really appealed to my sense of humour. There were a few moments that made me almost laugh out loud - which is impressive given the general tone of the stores. It's not meant to be comedy, as such, but there were some pretty blackly comic moments that had me giggling to myself.
The twists are excellent. I did start guessing what they would be after a while - much like anything that follows a similar formula, you begin to be able to guess where things are going. But that's not to say it detracted from my enjoyment - when I got it right, it was satisfying, and when I didn't it was shocking, and that was rewarding too.
The artwork was perfectly complimentary to the overall tone of the stories - black and white, lots of broken lines, lots of shadow. There were several different artists, but the strength running through the stories was the ability to portray expressions in a really clear way. There was a story focusing on someone's smile, and the differences in the smiles were so clear from the illustration that it really showed the changing perceptions of the character narrating. Can't really say more than that without spoiling, but it was just perfectly done. There were plenty of other close ups, and each was excellently done - often the faces were mostly obscured, giving just a mouth or eyes for us to read emotion from, but each time it was absolutely clear what those characters were thinking.
There are plenty of gross or horrific moments, so if you're of a sensitive disposition, I wouldn't recommend this. But if you love horror and want an excellent comic book read, I can't recommend this enough!
Not that it really matters that I haven't read volume 1, as I discovered.
Twisted Dark Volume 2 is a collection of short stories which are, as you can probably gather from the title, dark and twisted. Exploring the darker sides of human nature, each tale looks at a different character (with some cross over between the tales adding an extra layer of interest) and presents a story with a sting in the tail. I assume there are also some connections and links back to volume 1, but you don't need to be able to spot them to enjoy and understand the stories.
This really appealed to my sense of humour. There were a few moments that made me almost laugh out loud - which is impressive given the general tone of the stores. It's not meant to be comedy, as such, but there were some pretty blackly comic moments that had me giggling to myself.
The twists are excellent. I did start guessing what they would be after a while - much like anything that follows a similar formula, you begin to be able to guess where things are going. But that's not to say it detracted from my enjoyment - when I got it right, it was satisfying, and when I didn't it was shocking, and that was rewarding too.
The artwork was perfectly complimentary to the overall tone of the stories - black and white, lots of broken lines, lots of shadow. There were several different artists, but the strength running through the stories was the ability to portray expressions in a really clear way. There was a story focusing on someone's smile, and the differences in the smiles were so clear from the illustration that it really showed the changing perceptions of the character narrating. Can't really say more than that without spoiling, but it was just perfectly done. There were plenty of other close ups, and each was excellently done - often the faces were mostly obscured, giving just a mouth or eyes for us to read emotion from, but each time it was absolutely clear what those characters were thinking.
There are plenty of gross or horrific moments, so if you're of a sensitive disposition, I wouldn't recommend this. But if you love horror and want an excellent comic book read, I can't recommend this enough!
June 11, 2020
Every tale is somewhere between good and great.
The links between stories are there in every one, it seems. Some are placed right in front of you but others are more subtle. Others, no doubt, I have missed.
This is true horror. Not gore. Not a shock fest. The terrors in the normal and mundane. Those cases that everyone is shocked because it isn't as was expected. This isn't a horror anthology either. No nothing so simple. This is a collection of the darkest corners of our world. With a little Gibson twist.
As with the previous volume, all the characters are interesting and draw you in. The stories evoke emotion without exception. And the illustrations echoes the feeling within. But is feels like it is just building up to more...and fortunately, it is.
The links between stories are there in every one, it seems. Some are placed right in front of you but others are more subtle. Others, no doubt, I have missed.
This is true horror. Not gore. Not a shock fest. The terrors in the normal and mundane. Those cases that everyone is shocked because it isn't as was expected. This isn't a horror anthology either. No nothing so simple. This is a collection of the darkest corners of our world. With a little Gibson twist.
As with the previous volume, all the characters are interesting and draw you in. The stories evoke emotion without exception. And the illustrations echoes the feeling within. But is feels like it is just building up to more...and fortunately, it is.
August 27, 2020
Almost a 2 star rating. This was not as good as the 1st one. The quality of the printing was pretty shocking on the cover and some of the stories. Also the stories seem a little pointless. Probably 1 shocker but the rest were quite bland. Also, saw like 1 obvious link to another story from book 1 but considering its selling tye series as a group of LINKED stories... they really aren't at all. Will try the next book, and fingers crossed some of them start to actually come together??
December 26, 2024
I’m starting to really love twisted dark as a series, if that’s what you could even call it. I like the fact that it’s short stories rather than one long graphic novel. I also like seeing all the similarities and differences between each story. Although some stories feel a little bit rushed, I still every single one.
January 3, 2024
It's not quite as good as Vol. 1 due to Neil taking some feedback into consideration, which altered the tone of the book some what. Still some twists that kept me guessing. Luckily Neil will be back to writing what he wants, and the series gets back on track next volume!
March 29, 2021
Just as enjoyable in a second read. Love anthologies. They get enjoyably dark at times but it is in the name after all, fantastic independent comics. One of great things about digital.
July 11, 2015
'Twisted Dark Volume 2' by Neil Gibson brings us more tales from the dark hearts of people. For the most part the stories aren't as macabre as the first volume, but I thought the art was improved greatly. We all have darkness in our hearts and Neil Gibson knows this. Most of the stories have a decided twist onto their ending. Things don't always end well for the characters in the stories. Life has a dark side.
We meet an artist who wants a friend to help him decide what art that he creates is good, but his friend has motives of his own. We meet a young girl seduced by the smile of her teacher and her life takes turns she didn't anticipate. We meet a man so afraid of burglars breaking into his house, that he takes drastic measures. We learn that it's not good to make fun of nerds because their revenge can be ferocious. We find ourselves in a tribe where the ritual for manhood is rather terrifying. All of these and more. By the end, you may never trust anyone again.
The artists vary from story to story, but I thought the art was greatly improved from the first volume. The stories weren't quite as dark, but still pretty grim. They remind me a lot of the old CBS Radio Mystery Theater that I used to listen to late at night. There is nothing fantastical or supernatural here, and that may what makes the stories even scarier. These are all plausible things that could happen. I enjoyed this, and I look forward to Volume 3.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, TPub, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
We meet an artist who wants a friend to help him decide what art that he creates is good, but his friend has motives of his own. We meet a young girl seduced by the smile of her teacher and her life takes turns she didn't anticipate. We meet a man so afraid of burglars breaking into his house, that he takes drastic measures. We learn that it's not good to make fun of nerds because their revenge can be ferocious. We find ourselves in a tribe where the ritual for manhood is rather terrifying. All of these and more. By the end, you may never trust anyone again.
The artists vary from story to story, but I thought the art was greatly improved from the first volume. The stories weren't quite as dark, but still pretty grim. They remind me a lot of the old CBS Radio Mystery Theater that I used to listen to late at night. There is nothing fantastical or supernatural here, and that may what makes the stories even scarier. These are all plausible things that could happen. I enjoyed this, and I look forward to Volume 3.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, TPub, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
October 24, 2015
Rate: 4/5 ☆☆☆☆
Writing: Neil Gibson's writing style remains astonishingly grasping. Yet another quick read I was unable to put down!
Art Style: I remain that the art in this graphic novel is perfectly suited for the wringing style and somehow creates what can only be described as an optical illusion in the way that once you start reading, all else around you disappears. It is incredible.
Characters: Each new character brings into the story an interesting perspective. They all seem relevant and exciting. I only wish that we saw more characters from the first novel in this one. Hopefully there will be more repetition in the third volume.
Review:
As an intro into the world of graphic novels, this series has been quite engaging. I couldn't put this volume down. I read this in less time time than I had the first, although over all I did prefer the first volume. Both sets of characters were fascinating and dark. I am excited to see how the third book brings these stories closer.
Writing: Neil Gibson's writing style remains astonishingly grasping. Yet another quick read I was unable to put down!
Art Style: I remain that the art in this graphic novel is perfectly suited for the wringing style and somehow creates what can only be described as an optical illusion in the way that once you start reading, all else around you disappears. It is incredible.
Characters: Each new character brings into the story an interesting perspective. They all seem relevant and exciting. I only wish that we saw more characters from the first novel in this one. Hopefully there will be more repetition in the third volume.
Review:
As an intro into the world of graphic novels, this series has been quite engaging. I couldn't put this volume down. I read this in less time time than I had the first, although over all I did prefer the first volume. Both sets of characters were fascinating and dark. I am excited to see how the third book brings these stories closer.
May 31, 2015
A slightly different beast this time round, in that the collection of stories do not seem so connected and intertwined, apart from on theme. And you hardly need to have done Freud 101 to see this compilation of tales where power is abused as a natural response to the success of the first book. The variety is still strong, helped by the different artists – although format is stretched with a semi-wordless tale, some others quite low on dialogue, and even an attempt at comedy. Just as before the darkness is quite teen-friendly, even if there is some blood here, and there is no cussing to upset Bible Belt USA, and just as before the e-file is hard to read with hazy, small and indistinct lettering, but just as before too, the quality of the creators shows. It strikes me as a fine look at the darker sides of human nature in these modern times, and both volumes have much to commend them.
May 4, 2015
(Thank you Netgalley for a copy!)
Neil Gibson continues his Twisted Dark series with the similar format as seen in the previous volume and again done in realistic art styles done only in black or white. Like before the stories are grounded in reality with the only monster being ordinary human beings with dark intentions. The stories follow the similar lead as before with normal lives or already unpleasant situations are turned on their heads to reveal something even more sinister going on or at least throw the reader for a loop. A good anthology collection for any horror fan.
Recommendation:
Much like before, Twisted Dark is best for the adults section with the level of darkness it can reach as well as discussions and images of disturbing material.
Neil Gibson continues his Twisted Dark series with the similar format as seen in the previous volume and again done in realistic art styles done only in black or white. Like before the stories are grounded in reality with the only monster being ordinary human beings with dark intentions. The stories follow the similar lead as before with normal lives or already unpleasant situations are turned on their heads to reveal something even more sinister going on or at least throw the reader for a loop. A good anthology collection for any horror fan.
Recommendation:
Much like before, Twisted Dark is best for the adults section with the level of darkness it can reach as well as discussions and images of disturbing material.
August 9, 2013
Twisted Dark just keeps getting better. I have not long finished Volume 2 and I have to say I loved it as much as the first.
Some of the stories were not as Dark or as Twisted as Volume 1, but for me this does not diminish my reading experience, in fact enhanced it.
We each take something different out of the stories and with the greater range of stories in Volume 2, it feels more "real". Not all of us are the revengeful type, but I know I have lied about my age before...
Again the art work compliments Neil Gibson's writing perfectly, each story has its on feel that just works so well.
Now to find time for Volume 3!
Some of the stories were not as Dark or as Twisted as Volume 1, but for me this does not diminish my reading experience, in fact enhanced it.
We each take something different out of the stories and with the greater range of stories in Volume 2, it feels more "real". Not all of us are the revengeful type, but I know I have lied about my age before...
Again the art work compliments Neil Gibson's writing perfectly, each story has its on feel that just works so well.
Now to find time for Volume 3!
September 24, 2013
I was thoroughly satisfied by the first installment in Neil Gibson's Twisted Dark series, but I can happily announce that the second is even better. I could feel the writer becoming more comfortable in his medium, the stories were more intelligent and complex, and some much darker subject matter was explored. Another aspect of the Twisted Dark universe that was far stronger in this volume was the idea of all the stories linking together: there were clear reflections of other episodes and characters in each section, and I can only look forward to this being exploited in more depth in volume three.
July 15, 2019
Twist in the tale horror anthology graphic novel - this one is lighter and less twisted than the first volume but still really good. The stand out story for me is "If Only" in which a parent lusts after their daughter's boyf. Also really liked "Smile" a teenager obsessed with her teacher's smile, and "Popular" which deals with the perils of social media.
This is the Western equivalent to the creepy J-Horror anthologies of which I'm a huge fan. Its not as freaky-weird, but the stories are dark and really make you think.
Outstanding series for an independent. Can't wait for volume 3 where this goes back to its dark roots.
This is the Western equivalent to the creepy J-Horror anthologies of which I'm a huge fan. Its not as freaky-weird, but the stories are dark and really make you think.
Outstanding series for an independent. Can't wait for volume 3 where this goes back to its dark roots.
May 20, 2015
Like Volume 1 we get a compilation of illustrated short tales that focus on the inner darkness and deplorability of humans. It's an interesting and somewhat disturbing read. I mean, there was one story where I was like damn that is just so wrong.
Overall, not for everyone's taste, but definitely worth checking out.
Rating 5 out of 5
Read@Book
Overall, not for everyone's taste, but definitely worth checking out.
Rating 5 out of 5
Read@Book
July 20, 2012
Full review on HorrorTalk.com http://www.horrortalk.com/comic-revie...
May 29, 2014
Really enjoyed this volume. A few I might have stuck in the next volume of twisted light personally but most of the stories were delightfully brutal. Amazing selection of artists once again.
May 30, 2015
I didn't like this one as much as I did the first book, but I definitely love this kind of psychological horror. Another great one by Gibson.
May 20, 2015
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