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Hotblood! #1
Hotblood! Vol. 1: The Land of Promise
In the red days of the West, centaurs and humans coexist. The desolation of the American West, burning bridges, true love, and ancient mythologies—find all of this and more in the pages of Hotblood! Vol. 1: The Land of Promise, a re-imagining of the popular webcomic!
The year is 1871 and the centaur Evander Rook finds himself at rock bottom, working for would-be robber baron Asa Langley—a human! As the unlikely pair get closer, romance and conspiracy run wild and Rook finds himself caught up in Asa’s ambitions as they are both forced to face the ghosts of their interwoven pasts.
The year is 1871 and the centaur Evander Rook finds himself at rock bottom, working for would-be robber baron Asa Langley—a human! As the unlikely pair get closer, romance and conspiracy run wild and Rook finds himself caught up in Asa’s ambitions as they are both forced to face the ghosts of their interwoven pasts.
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2025
1 person is currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 29, 2025
**NetGalley ARC** (thank you!)
I'm just going to go with this one was clearly not for me. I didn't really get what was going on or if these being a centaur western was some sort of metaphor that I just was not comprehending.... I appreciated the queer element even though it was kind of interwoven with beastiality? Anyway - I'll leave this one up to others to interpret.
I'm just going to go with this one was clearly not for me. I didn't really get what was going on or if these being a centaur western was some sort of metaphor that I just was not comprehending.... I appreciated the queer element even though it was kind of interwoven with beastiality? Anyway - I'll leave this one up to others to interpret.
July 9, 2025
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I remember seeing bits and pieces of this comic when it was being serialized on Tumblr back in the day, so I was pleasantly surprised to see it was being published! I love the world building in this book, the subtle ways supernatural beings influence the real world backdrop of the historical west. The book opens with a quote from Cormac McCarthy, which should give you an indication of the storytelling style you're about to encounter. The writing here is very understated and never holds your hand or takes time to explain things to you. You're just along for the ride. I found it a bit jarring that at the start of the book Rook says he's going to tell the reader a story, but his narration throughout tends to be more philosophical with occasional information about the plot rather than delivering a traditional beginning, middle, and end to a story. However, this is all part and parcel of what I expect from a western, especially one that takes inspiration from Cormac McCarthy. Quiet stoicism is a staple of the genre, and I think combining that tone with supernatural elements helps even everything out and keeps it from being too subdued. I'll admit, I wished there was more clarity around certain plot beats and character motivations, but I didn't mind continuing following these characters even when I found myself a bit lost. I particularly loved the use of centaurs, literal half horses, as a symbol of the pre-industrialized west, in competition with the harmful "progress" that capitalism was trying to impose. Although this is not a perfect book, the worldbuilding alone is enough to make me want to pick up the second volume.
I remember seeing bits and pieces of this comic when it was being serialized on Tumblr back in the day, so I was pleasantly surprised to see it was being published! I love the world building in this book, the subtle ways supernatural beings influence the real world backdrop of the historical west. The book opens with a quote from Cormac McCarthy, which should give you an indication of the storytelling style you're about to encounter. The writing here is very understated and never holds your hand or takes time to explain things to you. You're just along for the ride. I found it a bit jarring that at the start of the book Rook says he's going to tell the reader a story, but his narration throughout tends to be more philosophical with occasional information about the plot rather than delivering a traditional beginning, middle, and end to a story. However, this is all part and parcel of what I expect from a western, especially one that takes inspiration from Cormac McCarthy. Quiet stoicism is a staple of the genre, and I think combining that tone with supernatural elements helps even everything out and keeps it from being too subdued. I'll admit, I wished there was more clarity around certain plot beats and character motivations, but I didn't mind continuing following these characters even when I found myself a bit lost. I particularly loved the use of centaurs, literal half horses, as a symbol of the pre-industrialized west, in competition with the harmful "progress" that capitalism was trying to impose. Although this is not a perfect book, the worldbuilding alone is enough to make me want to pick up the second volume.
August 3, 2025
Ooooooooooooookay! This was an alternate history version of the Wild West where mythical creatures live amongst us. Think Disney’s Onward, but set right after the gold rush.
I don’t think the story was really for me. I kept going because the main characters were queer (or sodomites as they were called at one point). I just didn’t understand the reason for the story at all. It’s how I feel watching most western movies as well.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my eARC of the book.
I don’t think the story was really for me. I kept going because the main characters were queer (or sodomites as they were called at one point). I just didn’t understand the reason for the story at all. It’s how I feel watching most western movies as well.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my eARC of the book.
November 4, 2025
Felt mostly like a tone piece but the art is gorgeous for sure
July 15, 2025
My Selling Pitch:
1800s Wild West steel industry, delicious corruption, and gay horses. You’re gonna have to WORK to read it, but who cares when it’s that pretty.
Pre-reading:
I’m a horse girl, and I love a quirky graphic novel.
(obviously potential spoilers from here on)
Thick of it:
The way I thought I misread the panel and was just having a dirty mind and then got to part three with them making out and it was like oh no, he literally fucked a horse.
It reminds me a lot of Blacksad and Stag Dance, but like you do have to work to read this.
The horse legs are so delicate and have such movement to them.
Learnin’ all kinds of things about US history omg!
I think a map of the US in 1873 might be really helpful at the beginning of this book because I did not know the state changed, but I’m also stupid.
Elen’s WILD
Also holy shit, the art is so beautiful
Is he eating a carrot? That’s so funny.
That was gorgeous. More please.
Post-reading:
Listen, I’m two halves of a whole idiot when it comes to anything historical. I don't know anything about US history, and I definitely needed to for this graphic novel. She will not be spoon-feeding you anything.
But if you come in knowing nothing and are willing to flip back once you get new context, you can figure out the gist of what’s going on. However, as Miss Kimberly says nobody wants to work anymore! I don’t think this is for the casual reader. There's not enough clear-cut, here's the facts explanation. It’s all very subtle.
I don't think we spend enough time with Asa to make it clear why Evander’s attracted to him. I think we could've used a couple more panels of their initial meeting.
The art’s stunning. Evander and Midas’s character design is lovely. Color does a lot of work in this book.
I'm so invested though! I want the second volume now!
Who should read this:
Blacksad fans
Red Dead Redemption fans
Ideal reading time:
Summer
Do I want to reread this:
Yeah and I want more
Would I buy this:
Yes
Similar books:
* Blacksad by Juan Diaz Canales-graphic novel, detective noir, historical, social commentary
* Mercy by Mirka Andolfo-graphic novel, Victorian historical, paranormal, social commentary
* Monstress by Marjorie M. Liu-graphic novel, steampunk fairytale retelling, gore
* Stag Dance by Torrey Peters-historical, queer, folktale horror, revenge
* The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones-historical, Dracula retelling, revenge thriller
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
1800s Wild West steel industry, delicious corruption, and gay horses. You’re gonna have to WORK to read it, but who cares when it’s that pretty.
Pre-reading:
I’m a horse girl, and I love a quirky graphic novel.
(obviously potential spoilers from here on)
Thick of it:
The way I thought I misread the panel and was just having a dirty mind and then got to part three with them making out and it was like oh no, he literally fucked a horse.
It reminds me a lot of Blacksad and Stag Dance, but like you do have to work to read this.
The horse legs are so delicate and have such movement to them.
Learnin’ all kinds of things about US history omg!
I think a map of the US in 1873 might be really helpful at the beginning of this book because I did not know the state changed, but I’m also stupid.
Elen’s WILD
Also holy shit, the art is so beautiful
Is he eating a carrot? That’s so funny.
That was gorgeous. More please.
Post-reading:
Listen, I’m two halves of a whole idiot when it comes to anything historical. I don't know anything about US history, and I definitely needed to for this graphic novel. She will not be spoon-feeding you anything.
But if you come in knowing nothing and are willing to flip back once you get new context, you can figure out the gist of what’s going on. However, as Miss Kimberly says nobody wants to work anymore! I don’t think this is for the casual reader. There's not enough clear-cut, here's the facts explanation. It’s all very subtle.
I don't think we spend enough time with Asa to make it clear why Evander’s attracted to him. I think we could've used a couple more panels of their initial meeting.
The art’s stunning. Evander and Midas’s character design is lovely. Color does a lot of work in this book.
I'm so invested though! I want the second volume now!
Who should read this:
Blacksad fans
Red Dead Redemption fans
Ideal reading time:
Summer
Do I want to reread this:
Yeah and I want more
Would I buy this:
Yes
Similar books:
* Blacksad by Juan Diaz Canales-graphic novel, detective noir, historical, social commentary
* Mercy by Mirka Andolfo-graphic novel, Victorian historical, paranormal, social commentary
* Monstress by Marjorie M. Liu-graphic novel, steampunk fairytale retelling, gore
* Stag Dance by Torrey Peters-historical, queer, folktale horror, revenge
* The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones-historical, Dracula retelling, revenge thriller
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2025
I want to thank NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with this ARC
Before I even delve into the plot I feel it is important to mention that Hotblood is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel, that manages to capture the essence of an old western, through the muted colour pattern, and distinct textures, it has an almost vintage feel to it. I found the art style compelling and unlike any art style I had encountered before.
In terms of plot I’d describe it as if you made an old western gay and added centaurs. The characters were intriguing and overall kept me interested in the story, as the plot at times was quite confusing; for someone who knows very little about the Wild West industries of steel, iron, and gold, this book relied on you having either some prior knowledge or you have to sort of work it out as you go - which didn’t bother me too much, but for some readers that may put them off.
The main relationship in the novel was messy, for the first half of the novel you had a typical western frenemies to lovers situation, but then it became cyclic with them becoming enemies to lovers once more. Overall I didn’t find the relationship between the characters very compelling, believable yes, loveable not really.
The pacing was super fast due to the novel being a recounting of how the two main characters met, this made sense however the novel may of benefitted from slowing down as to allow readers to fall in love with the characters more.
I also found that sometimes characters would say things and it would completely take you out of the story, the main one that comes to mind is when the one character calls the other a ‘You stupid Zoo-Phile’ which completely took you out of the moment and overall feel of the story.
In summary the novel had intriguing characters, a beautiful art style, but with a plot that lacked clarity whilst having questionable pacing - However it does get points for diversity, it references sexuality, slavery, vitiligo, and more.
#HotbloodVol1 #NetGalley
Before I even delve into the plot I feel it is important to mention that Hotblood is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel, that manages to capture the essence of an old western, through the muted colour pattern, and distinct textures, it has an almost vintage feel to it. I found the art style compelling and unlike any art style I had encountered before.
In terms of plot I’d describe it as if you made an old western gay and added centaurs. The characters were intriguing and overall kept me interested in the story, as the plot at times was quite confusing; for someone who knows very little about the Wild West industries of steel, iron, and gold, this book relied on you having either some prior knowledge or you have to sort of work it out as you go - which didn’t bother me too much, but for some readers that may put them off.
The main relationship in the novel was messy, for the first half of the novel you had a typical western frenemies to lovers situation, but then it became cyclic with them becoming enemies to lovers once more. Overall I didn’t find the relationship between the characters very compelling, believable yes, loveable not really.
The pacing was super fast due to the novel being a recounting of how the two main characters met, this made sense however the novel may of benefitted from slowing down as to allow readers to fall in love with the characters more.
I also found that sometimes characters would say things and it would completely take you out of the story, the main one that comes to mind is when the one character calls the other a ‘You stupid Zoo-Phile’ which completely took you out of the moment and overall feel of the story.
In summary the novel had intriguing characters, a beautiful art style, but with a plot that lacked clarity whilst having questionable pacing - However it does get points for diversity, it references sexuality, slavery, vitiligo, and more.
#HotbloodVol1 #NetGalley
June 10, 2025
I am reviewing an ARC I received via NetGalley.
In Hotblood!, we follow the adventures (?) of two men (well, a man and a horse-man) bound together by violent circumstance in an alternate Wild West in which humans and centaurs coexist (and some other mythological creatures seem to as well.) Evander (the centaur) is originally sent to kill Asa (the human,) who works for a mining company responsible for massive wealth extraction and shady dealings. However, Eva decides not to do so and instead the two become involved. Over the course of this volume, Eva learns more about Asa's dealings and the two eventually try to carve out an existence apart from the exploitative dealings of the mining company.
What impressed me the most in this volume is Orlesky's skill at depicting environments, and her choice of color palette and texture create a strikingly beautiful aesthetic that fits the grim mood of this story. However, other aspects of the art style didn't work so well for me. Character's expressions are drawn in such a very thin-line, soft style that they are often lost in the detail of the panels and layouts. Similarly, motion and actions are were often hard for me to detect from amongst the illustrations.
In terms of writing and storytelling, both the dialogue and narrative itself are so disjointed that I consistently felt like I did not quite know what was going on, aside from the broad strokes. By the end of the volume things are a little less confusing, but not by much. It felt like for the story Orlesky was trying to tell, particularly in this volume on its own, much more information needs to be clear from the beginning for readers to enjoy this. I was intrigued by the concept of this but in the end it was not for me, and I would have some reservations about recommending it due to its lack of clarity.
In Hotblood!, we follow the adventures (?) of two men (well, a man and a horse-man) bound together by violent circumstance in an alternate Wild West in which humans and centaurs coexist (and some other mythological creatures seem to as well.) Evander (the centaur) is originally sent to kill Asa (the human,) who works for a mining company responsible for massive wealth extraction and shady dealings. However, Eva decides not to do so and instead the two become involved. Over the course of this volume, Eva learns more about Asa's dealings and the two eventually try to carve out an existence apart from the exploitative dealings of the mining company.
What impressed me the most in this volume is Orlesky's skill at depicting environments, and her choice of color palette and texture create a strikingly beautiful aesthetic that fits the grim mood of this story. However, other aspects of the art style didn't work so well for me. Character's expressions are drawn in such a very thin-line, soft style that they are often lost in the detail of the panels and layouts. Similarly, motion and actions are were often hard for me to detect from amongst the illustrations.
In terms of writing and storytelling, both the dialogue and narrative itself are so disjointed that I consistently felt like I did not quite know what was going on, aside from the broad strokes. By the end of the volume things are a little less confusing, but not by much. It felt like for the story Orlesky was trying to tell, particularly in this volume on its own, much more information needs to be clear from the beginning for readers to enjoy this. I was intrigued by the concept of this but in the end it was not for me, and I would have some reservations about recommending it due to its lack of clarity.
August 3, 2025
Hmm… To be honest… Westerns kind of confuse me sometimes…
‘Hotblood!’ is a story about a Centaur named Evander and a human named Asa. Their story takes place in a world where the two beasts live together, and the year is set in 1871 in the American West. The art style is stunning, and the atmosphere is great and moody, but throughout the entire story I was… so lost.
What the fuck is going on?
The two meet under unlikely circumstances and end up staying together. Their stories are roughly explained without giving too much away in the first volume, but I just… couldn’t keep track of the timeline without rereading some areas and keeping a good eye out for the time stamps. The transitions and the story telling was a little too vague and unclear for me, but I will easily say the characters designs were great and the art style is quite lovely. It also had a great atmosphere for someone who was confused about what was going on. Maybe it’s just me though… My brain is a little smooth sometimes.
And although Midas and Elen were supposed to be the ‘bad guys’, they were my favorite.
I’m gonna give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars. In the end, I’m an absolute sucker for Centaurs. What’s better than that, but to make them gay Centaurs. lol
My thanks to Mad Cave Studios, the Author, and NetGalley for the Digital ARC. This book is expected to be published September 9th, 2025.
‘Hotblood!’ is a story about a Centaur named Evander and a human named Asa. Their story takes place in a world where the two beasts live together, and the year is set in 1871 in the American West. The art style is stunning, and the atmosphere is great and moody, but throughout the entire story I was… so lost.
What the fuck is going on?
The two meet under unlikely circumstances and end up staying together. Their stories are roughly explained without giving too much away in the first volume, but I just… couldn’t keep track of the timeline without rereading some areas and keeping a good eye out for the time stamps. The transitions and the story telling was a little too vague and unclear for me, but I will easily say the characters designs were great and the art style is quite lovely. It also had a great atmosphere for someone who was confused about what was going on. Maybe it’s just me though… My brain is a little smooth sometimes.
And although Midas and Elen were supposed to be the ‘bad guys’, they were my favorite.
I’m gonna give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars. In the end, I’m an absolute sucker for Centaurs. What’s better than that, but to make them gay Centaurs. lol
My thanks to Mad Cave Studios, the Author, and NetGalley for the Digital ARC. This book is expected to be published September 9th, 2025.
October 1, 2025
I'd followed the original comic back on Tumblr, and really loved it- I still have the original print run on my shelf. So I was shocked to see the mixed to negative reviews here. (It might've motivated me to open a Goodreads account, finally.)
Orlesky is making comics with the mindset of a cinematographer. Her sweeping landscapes, striking color, and insane levels of fluidity in her greatly improved character designs all immediately locked me into the narrative. Hotblood concerns itself with less of the steel business and criminal intrigue in favor of wordless intimacy and character interaction. Orlesky's American West is a dark, magical-realist alternate universe populated by fantasy creatures who blend seamlessly into the tragedy and struggle of the historical canon. Asa and Rook share in this overwhelming pain, and Orlesky captures their emotional turmoil so well. When Asa's past with his deceased partner is recounted, you feel the weight of it. The addition of the spynx, Elen, and the reworking of Midas Wakefield were also particularly captivating. I hope they're expanded on in the upcoming volume. The comic is distinctly atypical in a really refreshing way; in a sea of tightly inked and meticulously clean graphic novels, it stands out.
Orlesky is making comics with the mindset of a cinematographer. Her sweeping landscapes, striking color, and insane levels of fluidity in her greatly improved character designs all immediately locked me into the narrative. Hotblood concerns itself with less of the steel business and criminal intrigue in favor of wordless intimacy and character interaction. Orlesky's American West is a dark, magical-realist alternate universe populated by fantasy creatures who blend seamlessly into the tragedy and struggle of the historical canon. Asa and Rook share in this overwhelming pain, and Orlesky captures their emotional turmoil so well. When Asa's past with his deceased partner is recounted, you feel the weight of it. The addition of the spynx, Elen, and the reworking of Midas Wakefield were also particularly captivating. I hope they're expanded on in the upcoming volume. The comic is distinctly atypical in a really refreshing way; in a sea of tightly inked and meticulously clean graphic novels, it stands out.
May 29, 2025
The cover is what made me pick up this book. A book set in the American west in the late 1800s with centaurs, how could I resist? While the art is nicely evocative in a natural palette of muted browns, greys and and greens, I wasn’t all that caught by the story. I think because it’s such a visual medium, and there was a lot of information to be given on the end of the goldrush, the building up of a steel mill, creative bookkeeping a revenge plot of some sort — I was never clear on it, really — a sphinx who hired the centaur to kill a guy … there just wasn’t enough time for any one thing to either stand out or be fully developed.
I have no idea why Rook and Asa stick together, no idea why or how they fell for one another, no idea about either of them character wise. I found it confusing, and felt like there were chunks of missing information that just wasn’t present in the text.
While I appreciate the art, I’m not interested enough to keep going into future books. Thank you very much to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
I have no idea why Rook and Asa stick together, no idea why or how they fell for one another, no idea about either of them character wise. I found it confusing, and felt like there were chunks of missing information that just wasn’t present in the text.
While I appreciate the art, I’m not interested enough to keep going into future books. Thank you very much to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
May 31, 2025
Ahhhh, good.
I first read Hotblood as a webcomic a good ...decade ago, I suppose? I remember being entranced by it then, and I was entranced by it now. It's queer, it's odd, it's lonely, it doesn't ever uncomplicate anything.
It's very much a western, not just in era or location, but in the isolation, the loneliness. So much is done with space in these panels, a vastness, a sense of heat blurring any clear look at the characters. The space is in how they talk and what they do and don't say. It's got that sense of being far from civilization, alone, untrusting, unsafe.
The characters are paranoid. They don't tell each other anything. They're two men with secrets and power over each other. They fuck each other. They try to kill each other. They hold and carry each other. They go to the ends of the world for each other, but they can't trust or talk or cross a distance for each other.
Also, one of them's a centaur.
Highly recommend it forever.
Thank you to Mad Cave Studios and to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I first read Hotblood as a webcomic a good ...decade ago, I suppose? I remember being entranced by it then, and I was entranced by it now. It's queer, it's odd, it's lonely, it doesn't ever uncomplicate anything.
It's very much a western, not just in era or location, but in the isolation, the loneliness. So much is done with space in these panels, a vastness, a sense of heat blurring any clear look at the characters. The space is in how they talk and what they do and don't say. It's got that sense of being far from civilization, alone, untrusting, unsafe.
The characters are paranoid. They don't tell each other anything. They're two men with secrets and power over each other. They fuck each other. They try to kill each other. They hold and carry each other. They go to the ends of the world for each other, but they can't trust or talk or cross a distance for each other.
Also, one of them's a centaur.
Highly recommend it forever.
Thank you to Mad Cave Studios and to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2025
2.5
Well this was certainly different… gay centaur + Wild West history alternate reality. I really have to give it to the author for originality and memorability, this one will stick with me for a while. Mainly because I was so confused, more than half the time I have no clue what part of the timeline I’m in or what the heck is happening. The overall tone is dark and moody but we don’t get clear answers of why these two could give Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights a run for his money for broody. I LOVED the setting though and although I wasn’t the biggest fan of art style it grew on me by the end. This is hard to rate because I think I would read the next but I can’t get over how confusing it was. I could see this one needing a reread to pick up on more, but really that’s a lot of effort. This one is truly unique although I can’t recommend for everyone I think those that want a comic that makes you take time to contemplate (and are down with m/m centaur human relationships) this will work.
Thanks to Netgally and Madcave studios for the ARC.
Well this was certainly different… gay centaur + Wild West history alternate reality. I really have to give it to the author for originality and memorability, this one will stick with me for a while. Mainly because I was so confused, more than half the time I have no clue what part of the timeline I’m in or what the heck is happening. The overall tone is dark and moody but we don’t get clear answers of why these two could give Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights a run for his money for broody. I LOVED the setting though and although I wasn’t the biggest fan of art style it grew on me by the end. This is hard to rate because I think I would read the next but I can’t get over how confusing it was. I could see this one needing a reread to pick up on more, but really that’s a lot of effort. This one is truly unique although I can’t recommend for everyone I think those that want a comic that makes you take time to contemplate (and are down with m/m centaur human relationships) this will work.
Thanks to Netgally and Madcave studios for the ARC.
July 8, 2025
Hotblood is a graphic novel revolving around a centaur in the American Old West and his journey of killing a man, who is his lover of sorts.
The graphic novel does a perfect job to show the harshness and brutality of the West. The colours and the landscapes are so brilliant, truly transports the reader to a different place and time. While the visual elements of the book did everything for me, the storytelling did not. And it feels like it was not meant for you - fell flat in some places or some parts felt like they were too unexplained (especially if you do not have insight into American regions + iron / steel industries) which impacted my liking towards the book.
All the stars given are for the visuals of the book - panels, illustration, and the colours. Even though I was not a big fan of the story, I cannot wait to read volume 2.
Thanks to NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for the ARC in exchange of an honest, unpaid review.
The graphic novel does a perfect job to show the harshness and brutality of the West. The colours and the landscapes are so brilliant, truly transports the reader to a different place and time. While the visual elements of the book did everything for me, the storytelling did not. And it feels like it was not meant for you - fell flat in some places or some parts felt like they were too unexplained (especially if you do not have insight into American regions + iron / steel industries) which impacted my liking towards the book.
All the stars given are for the visuals of the book - panels, illustration, and the colours. Even though I was not a big fan of the story, I cannot wait to read volume 2.
Thanks to NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for the ARC in exchange of an honest, unpaid review.
August 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I liked the concept of this graphic novel more than the execution. I'm a big literary fiction fan, so I can do books that are more character-driven and have hazy plots. Add in some fantasy ish elements and a queer romance and I'm sold. This one fell a little short though.
I had a very difficult time following which characters did or said what. I had to reread a lot of panels to determine if Asa or Evander was talking. I was also confused by the timeline of Asa and Evander's relationship and what happened when since there weren't enough time markers or flashback indicators to know what was present or past.
I am a fan of the art and the beauty of the writing though, but I'm unsure if I will continue with the series since I was quite confused.
I liked the concept of this graphic novel more than the execution. I'm a big literary fiction fan, so I can do books that are more character-driven and have hazy plots. Add in some fantasy ish elements and a queer romance and I'm sold. This one fell a little short though.
I had a very difficult time following which characters did or said what. I had to reread a lot of panels to determine if Asa or Evander was talking. I was also confused by the timeline of Asa and Evander's relationship and what happened when since there weren't enough time markers or flashback indicators to know what was present or past.
I am a fan of the art and the beauty of the writing though, but I'm unsure if I will continue with the series since I was quite confused.
June 22, 2025
I remember reading Hotblood years ago when it was first published as a webcomic on Tumblr, so I vaguely remembered the general premise but none of the details. Unfortunately, the plot line is a bit all over the place. I felt myself getting confused about where we were within the story's timeline. However, with the quote at the beginning of the book being from Blood Meridian, it makes sense that the odd plot structure in Hotblood is similar to it. From what parts of the plot I did understand, I did enjoy it. The vibes are very much old school Western Gothic, in a gritty, darker way. I did adore the art style, which was the thing that originally drew me to it back when it was on Tumblr
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
June 25, 2025
3.5 stars
Hotblood! tells the story of Eve and Asa in the late 1800s Wild West. It features a wholly unique art style with undefined lines and dusty colours, which suit its setting. We get snippets of story here and there, but are also invited as readers to fill in the blanks. Our main characters have a few secrets of their own and make some morally questionable choices, but it's hard not to root for their happiness in this bleak world.
I would recommend Hotblood! to people who enjoyed media like Trigun Stampede and Interview with the Vampire. It's all a bit messy, but it's their mess. I'm excited to see where the next volume will lead.
Thank you Toril Orlesky and Mad Cave Studios for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Hotblood! tells the story of Eve and Asa in the late 1800s Wild West. It features a wholly unique art style with undefined lines and dusty colours, which suit its setting. We get snippets of story here and there, but are also invited as readers to fill in the blanks. Our main characters have a few secrets of their own and make some morally questionable choices, but it's hard not to root for their happiness in this bleak world.
I would recommend Hotblood! to people who enjoyed media like Trigun Stampede and Interview with the Vampire. It's all a bit messy, but it's their mess. I'm excited to see where the next volume will lead.
Thank you Toril Orlesky and Mad Cave Studios for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 30, 2025
Thanks NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for this arc
4/5 stars
This was a really interesting concept - alternate US wild west history with a gay centaur falling for the man hes supposed to kill? Say less lol. This was a really good and moving graphic novel. I would have liked to see more of the relationship evolve between Rook and Asa, as I still don't really know Asa's personality or why Rook likes him lol. The story was good, a little confusing as i don't know US history but thats fine, I feel I got the most of what I needed to understand what's happening. I love thevuse of full panels for just scenery shots; it really set the gritty mood. I'm looking forward to the next volume to find out what's in store for these two.
4/5 stars
This was a really interesting concept - alternate US wild west history with a gay centaur falling for the man hes supposed to kill? Say less lol. This was a really good and moving graphic novel. I would have liked to see more of the relationship evolve between Rook and Asa, as I still don't really know Asa's personality or why Rook likes him lol. The story was good, a little confusing as i don't know US history but thats fine, I feel I got the most of what I needed to understand what's happening. I love thevuse of full panels for just scenery shots; it really set the gritty mood. I'm looking forward to the next volume to find out what's in store for these two.
dnf
July 6, 2025DNF @ 50%
listen, i was planning to push through to the end, but after being forced to read the line, “she hired me to kill you, you stupid zoophile,” i have elected to DNF.
i picked this up because i was intrigued by the idea of a centaur western. while this is definitely that, the very minimalist storytelling here didn’t work for me. i was never drawn in by anything—the characters, the plot, the relationship between asa and eve. i wanted more, and that clearly isn’t the author’s style, so this just isn’t the book for me.
to give credit where credit is due, i loved the artwork. the color palette and style really captured the tone of a western.
listen, i was planning to push through to the end, but after being forced to read the line, “she hired me to kill you, you stupid zoophile,” i have elected to DNF.
i picked this up because i was intrigued by the idea of a centaur western. while this is definitely that, the very minimalist storytelling here didn’t work for me. i was never drawn in by anything—the characters, the plot, the relationship between asa and eve. i wanted more, and that clearly isn’t the author’s style, so this just isn’t the book for me.
to give credit where credit is due, i loved the artwork. the color palette and style really captured the tone of a western.
September 25, 2025
I followed the comic on Tumblr back in the day, backed the Kickstarter for Toril's work and sadly failed to reread my copy of the original comic before venturing into this one, so I don't really remember it in great detail. Overall I love the entire idea and mysticism of this weird West world, I love Toril's style, the mood of each panel, the landscapes and details and expressions on characters' faces. It all seems to have matured quite a lot, which is great. I am, however, all in all not very good at understanding the plot in graphic novels, much less when it's as artistic and convoluted as this one, so it left me confused a lot of the time.
May 29, 2025
The pictures and vibes were gorgeous. Highlight of the graphic novel for sure.
I just feel like I didn't understand a lot of the time what it was trying to say with some of the sections without dialogue. And some of the sections with dialogue were hard to follow as well. I didn't fully get the characters motivations and feelings.
Overall I liked it; I just wished it had a more cohesive story/plot.
I rated it 3.5/5 rounded up to 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for the ARC!
I just feel like I didn't understand a lot of the time what it was trying to say with some of the sections without dialogue. And some of the sections with dialogue were hard to follow as well. I didn't fully get the characters motivations and feelings.
Overall I liked it; I just wished it had a more cohesive story/plot.
I rated it 3.5/5 rounded up to 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for the ARC!
July 30, 2025
The centaur on the cover is what drew my attention and I do think I will continue this series as it is released.
The idea of the story and inclusion of centaurs in this time period of America is an interesting and unique idea. The story itself was a bit confusing and I struggled a bit to keep up. I'd say part of the reason I'll keep reading is just to see if I can get a better grasp on the world building and the story itself.
Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
The idea of the story and inclusion of centaurs in this time period of America is an interesting and unique idea. The story itself was a bit confusing and I struggled a bit to keep up. I'd say part of the reason I'll keep reading is just to see if I can get a better grasp on the world building and the story itself.
Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
May 29, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and Mad Cave Studios for the ARC!
Absolutely gorgeous drawn comic, I really fell in love with the characters and the landscape.
It's a magical realism western, with mythical creatures and an intimate story filled with begrudging romance and dark history of Americas expansion into the west.
The dialogue was lofty, but I felt that the artwork in itself filled in the rest of the feeling and narrative.
All in all a beautiful read with an interesting concept!
Absolutely gorgeous drawn comic, I really fell in love with the characters and the landscape.
It's a magical realism western, with mythical creatures and an intimate story filled with begrudging romance and dark history of Americas expansion into the west.
The dialogue was lofty, but I felt that the artwork in itself filled in the rest of the feeling and narrative.
All in all a beautiful read with an interesting concept!
August 19, 2025
It’s the days of the Wild Wild West. Asa Langley has crossed the last person for the last time. Somebody wants him ding dong dead. Here comes Evander “Eve” Rook to do the deed but instead agrees to a job offer by the very man he was sent to kill.
This one is odd and hard to describe. It is a little bit magic and a little bit Wild West. This one is an interesting journey.
#ThxNetGalley #TorilOrlesky #HotbloodVol1
This one is odd and hard to describe. It is a little bit magic and a little bit Wild West. This one is an interesting journey.
#ThxNetGalley #TorilOrlesky #HotbloodVol1
August 21, 2025
This was an interesting read. It is the days of the West and centaurs and humans coexist in the USA. Evander Rook is a centaur who has managed to work for a ‘bad guy’, the robber baron Asa Langley who is human. Evander gets drawn into Asa’s activity and those who are after Asa. This is an interesting read but hard to follow in places.
August 24, 2025
My favorite gay cowboys are back!!! Definitely a shift from the original where this feels more stoic western, gorgeous art as always and love the new world building and the Sphinxes. I had to reread some lines a few times to really grasp what was going on, but I still really enjoyed it and can't wait for more.
September 13, 2025
This was on me, I saw fantasy western and grabbed thinking I was getting a frontier bromance and didn't see it was a romance.
Set in the West in the 1800s, it follows a former soldier centaur that falls for a bad man who works for a steel company. There's other fantasy races like sphinxes, but they don't show up much.
Set in the West in the 1800s, it follows a former soldier centaur that falls for a bad man who works for a steel company. There's other fantasy races like sphinxes, but they don't show up much.
June 4, 2025
I had no idea what was going on most of the time and I liked neither the characters nor the art style, so this was a fail for me.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2025
(Read because of Meredith Katz's ARC review)
Wildly unique and absolutely gorgeous art, in an entrancing version of the Wild West with complex characters. I particularly loved the work of the star/scar motif, and the dark sun. Will definitely buy and read the following volumes!
Wildly unique and absolutely gorgeous art, in an entrancing version of the Wild West with complex characters. I particularly loved the work of the star/scar motif, and the dark sun. Will definitely buy and read the following volumes!
June 22, 2025
Yknow, it would be a decent gay wild Wild West story if it wasn’t all over the place. I think it just wasn’t clear enough but I still kept reading through…
September 2, 2025
Gorgeous art, beautiful use of color, immaculate vibes.
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