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Bug Wars
Bug Wars Book One: Lost in the Yard
Honey, I Shrunk The Kids meets Conan The Barbarian in this epic tale of a kid from Alabama suddenly lost in a vicious world beyond his imagining, a world of marauding ant armies, spell-casting spider witches, and beetle-riding barbarians.
The Old Slaymaker House; Neighbors whisper about it. Children dare each other to step foot in its overgrown lawn. Exterminators refuse to visit and shudder at the thought of what multi-limbed monsters may burrow in its earth. For Slade Slaymaker and his brother Sydney, it’s the last remnant of their father, a dedicated entomologist devoured by the very creatures he dedicated his life to understanding. Slade, too young to remember his death, continues his legacy with his own love of all things insect. Sydney, old enough to remember the gruesome scene, despises and seeks to annihilate any bug he sees.
When these two brothers’ opposing obsessions clash, Slade finds himself shrunk to the size of his diminutive subjects and thrust into the middle of a brutal Bug War, an earth-shattering struggle that will decide the fate of his family and, perhaps, uncover the secrets behind his father’s gruesome demise.
From the superstar team of writer JASON AARON (Southern Bastards, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Absolute Superman) and artist MAHMUD ASRAR (Conan the Barbarian, X-Men, Batman VS Robin) comes BUG WARS: BOOK ONE, collecting issues #1-6 of the sprawling new dark fantasy epic.
The Old Slaymaker House; Neighbors whisper about it. Children dare each other to step foot in its overgrown lawn. Exterminators refuse to visit and shudder at the thought of what multi-limbed monsters may burrow in its earth. For Slade Slaymaker and his brother Sydney, it’s the last remnant of their father, a dedicated entomologist devoured by the very creatures he dedicated his life to understanding. Slade, too young to remember his death, continues his legacy with his own love of all things insect. Sydney, old enough to remember the gruesome scene, despises and seeks to annihilate any bug he sees.
When these two brothers’ opposing obsessions clash, Slade finds himself shrunk to the size of his diminutive subjects and thrust into the middle of a brutal Bug War, an earth-shattering struggle that will decide the fate of his family and, perhaps, uncover the secrets behind his father’s gruesome demise.
From the superstar team of writer JASON AARON (Southern Bastards, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Absolute Superman) and artist MAHMUD ASRAR (Conan the Barbarian, X-Men, Batman VS Robin) comes BUG WARS: BOOK ONE, collecting issues #1-6 of the sprawling new dark fantasy epic.
208 pages, Paperback
Published October 21, 2025
17 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Jason Aaron
2,340 books1,695 followersJason Aaron grew up in a small town in Alabama. His cousin, Gustav Hasford, who wrote the semi-autobiographical novel The Short-Timers, on which the feature film Full Metal Jacket was based, was a large influence on Aaron. Aaron decided he wanted to write comics as a child, and though his father was skeptical when Aaron informed him of this aspiration, his mother took Aaron to drug stores, where he would purchase books from spinner racks, some of which he still owns today.
Aaron's career in comics began in 2001 when he won a Marvel Comics talent search contest with an eight-page Wolverine back-up story script. The story, which was published in Wolverine #175 (June 2002), gave him the opportunity to pitch subsequent ideas to editors.
In 2006, Aaron made a blind submission to DC/Vertigo, who published his first major work, the Vietnam War story The Other Side which was nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Miniseries, and which Aaron regards as the "second time" he broke into the industry.
Following this, Vertigo asked him to pitch other ideas, which led to the series Scalped, a creator-owned series set on the fictional Prairie Rose Indian Reservation and published by DC/Vertigo.
In 2007, Aaron wrote Ripclaw: Pilot Season for Top Cow Productions. Later that year, Marvel editor Axel Alonso, who was impressed by The Other Side and Scalped, hired Aaron to write issues of Wolverine, Black Panther and eventually, an extended run on Ghost Rider that began in April 2008. His continued work on Black Panther also included a tie-in to the company-wide crossover storyline along with a "Secret Invasion" with David Lapham in 2009.
In January 2008, he signed an exclusive contract with Marvel, though it would not affect his work on Scalped. Later that July, he wrote the Penguin issue of The Joker's Asylum.
After a 4-issue stint on Wolverine in 2007, Aaron returned to the character with the ongoing series Wolverine: Weapon X, launched to coincide with the feature film X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Aaron commented, "With Wolverine: Weapon X we'll be trying to mix things up like that from arc to arc, so the first arc is a typical sort of black ops story but the second arc will jump right into the middle of a completely different genre," In 2010, the series was relaunched once again as simply Wolverine. He followed this with his current run on Thor: God of Thunder.
Aaron's career in comics began in 2001 when he won a Marvel Comics talent search contest with an eight-page Wolverine back-up story script. The story, which was published in Wolverine #175 (June 2002), gave him the opportunity to pitch subsequent ideas to editors.
In 2006, Aaron made a blind submission to DC/Vertigo, who published his first major work, the Vietnam War story The Other Side which was nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Miniseries, and which Aaron regards as the "second time" he broke into the industry.
Following this, Vertigo asked him to pitch other ideas, which led to the series Scalped, a creator-owned series set on the fictional Prairie Rose Indian Reservation and published by DC/Vertigo.
In 2007, Aaron wrote Ripclaw: Pilot Season for Top Cow Productions. Later that year, Marvel editor Axel Alonso, who was impressed by The Other Side and Scalped, hired Aaron to write issues of Wolverine, Black Panther and eventually, an extended run on Ghost Rider that began in April 2008. His continued work on Black Panther also included a tie-in to the company-wide crossover storyline along with a "Secret Invasion" with David Lapham in 2009.
In January 2008, he signed an exclusive contract with Marvel, though it would not affect his work on Scalped. Later that July, he wrote the Penguin issue of The Joker's Asylum.
After a 4-issue stint on Wolverine in 2007, Aaron returned to the character with the ongoing series Wolverine: Weapon X, launched to coincide with the feature film X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Aaron commented, "With Wolverine: Weapon X we'll be trying to mix things up like that from arc to arc, so the first arc is a typical sort of black ops story but the second arc will jump right into the middle of a completely different genre," In 2010, the series was relaunched once again as simply Wolverine. He followed this with his current run on Thor: God of Thunder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
October 12, 2025
Bug Wars is an absolutely brilliant initial concept. I really loved the start of this, which has this fun nature of bugs going to war while simultaneously grounding the story with a family moving back home. It's a single mother and her two kids just trying to make it, and you begin to get their background really quickly. Jason Aaron feels right at home when writing that family stuff, and that personal drama was totally clicking for me.
When the kid goes into the bug world, it’s fun at first. It felt like a great, action packed adventure. I loved the first two issues because they struck that perfect balance.
But quickly, the book turns into that fantasy typical shit that I was NOT feeling in the second half of this volume. It became all about deep, political lore, with so much talking and world-building for the bug world that it didn't really click with me after issue #3. It sucks, because I genuinely loved the premise and the opening chapters, but it began to completely stop being my type of book soon after that pivot.
Still, you have to give it credit: it's ambitious, it's fun, and the art is good. The start was definitely good enough to count for a lot. It just lost its way for my personal taste by focusing too much on the heavy fantasy talk. A 3 out of 5.
When the kid goes into the bug world, it’s fun at first. It felt like a great, action packed adventure. I loved the first two issues because they struck that perfect balance.
But quickly, the book turns into that fantasy typical shit that I was NOT feeling in the second half of this volume. It became all about deep, political lore, with so much talking and world-building for the bug world that it didn't really click with me after issue #3. It sucks, because I genuinely loved the premise and the opening chapters, but it began to completely stop being my type of book soon after that pivot.
Still, you have to give it credit: it's ambitious, it's fun, and the art is good. The start was definitely good enough to count for a lot. It just lost its way for my personal taste by focusing too much on the heavy fantasy talk. A 3 out of 5.
January 26, 2026
Warring factions of bugs and bug-like people coming together for a moment to work towards a shared goal, and a boy looking for answers about his dead father.
Really fresh take on a lot of familiar ideas here. The art is bright earthy and supremely gory. I’m definitely excited to see where this series goes from here and to get some of my many questions answered!
Really fresh take on a lot of familiar ideas here. The art is bright earthy and supremely gory. I’m definitely excited to see where this series goes from here and to get some of my many questions answered!
March 24, 2026
This was really good!
April 25, 2026
"NO! The yard is full of mytes who will rob you, f*** you, gut you and skin you though not necessarily in that order.
Then something will come along and eat you"
*
"Be patient with the Amulet, it has to learn to trust you, don't rush it..its like pleasuring a ..."
" URGH DAD"
"Sorry forget I said that"
*
Then something will come along and eat you"
*
"Be patient with the Amulet, it has to learn to trust you, don't rush it..its like pleasuring a ..."
" URGH DAD"
"Sorry forget I said that"
*
February 23, 2026
NOTE I read this in the original single issues.
Another series that I read one or two issues of and then stockpiled for a longer reading later. That time is now.
Here’s what I originally said about Issue #1 in a review on my blog . . . . .
A family drama that is done very well. Two brothers at odds. A single mom trying to re-group and hold onto the remaining family. A murder mystery involving their father. An elaborate micro-world with interesting non-human characters, even more interesting because it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
There’s a lot of depth to Aaron’s world-building with various species of warrior ants and barbaric “mytes” (the Beetle Clans). Still to come - - the mysterious Systers of the Spyder (the Web Witches). Some truly dynamic and creative artwork by Asrar. BUG WARS #1 is a debut issue that hits all the marks for me.
BUG WARS #2
If you dig fantasy and elaborate world-building with small doses of humor, mystery, and horror - - then pick up this title. Mahmud Asrar does a fantastic job of visualizing Jason Aaron’s imaginative settings. The text material in the back provides a wealth of information on the various minuscule-sized races inhabiting a simple backyard in West Bottom, Alabama. The amount of detail in this book is impressive.
It’s a miniature-world of bug warriors and ant armies, spider-witches and barbarians riding beetles. Main character Slade Slaymaker, along with his mother and older brother, move back into the former Slaymaker house where his father was apparently eaten alive by insects. Slade finds a weird amulet that shrinks him to the same size of the insects in his yard.
BUG WARS #3
Text from the inside of front cover: “Tiny bug people. In the backyard . . . Want to murder Slade Slaymaker’s brother . . . . . Because he mows the grass. . . . But Slade has more pressing concerns at the moment, trapped inside the mosquito-infested Bludhole, arena of the barbarian Beetle Clans, with a magic amulet that’s on the fritz . . . .
Story and art continue to impress in this deft blend of fantasy, horror with ample amounts of world-building and a dash of humor.
BUG WARS #4
Text on the back of cover page:
“A truce has been declared among the Mytes, so the sects may come together in war against their common foe, the Dark Stomper called the Annihirazer, or He Who Lays Waste to the Grass”.(a.k.a. Syd Slaymaker and the lawnmower).
“Meanwhile, Slade Slaymaker has been kidnapped by Wysta, the mysterious Spyder Witch, who has orders to bring the boy and his mystical amulet to face the wise and vicious spiders of Wrydweb.”
“But first they must cross the Yard . . .”
So begins the perilous journey in which both Slade and Wysta learn enough about each other and their challenges to form a bond of sorts.
Drama. Action. Mystery. The fantastic world-building and amazing art continue.
BUG WARS #5
BUG WARS #6 of 6
NOTE: My reviews of Bug Wars contain many spoilers, as I struggled to describe this book without them and failed. If you’ve already decided to pick this title up, then please don’t read any further.
Another series that I read one or two issues of and then stockpiled for a longer reading later. That time is now.
Here’s what I originally said about Issue #1 in a review on my blog . . . . .
A family drama that is done very well. Two brothers at odds. A single mom trying to re-group and hold onto the remaining family. A murder mystery involving their father. An elaborate micro-world with interesting non-human characters, even more interesting because it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
There’s a lot of depth to Aaron’s world-building with various species of warrior ants and barbaric “mytes” (the Beetle Clans). Still to come - - the mysterious Systers of the Spyder (the Web Witches). Some truly dynamic and creative artwork by Asrar. BUG WARS #1 is a debut issue that hits all the marks for me.
BUG WARS #2
If you dig fantasy and elaborate world-building with small doses of humor, mystery, and horror - - then pick up this title. Mahmud Asrar does a fantastic job of visualizing Jason Aaron’s imaginative settings. The text material in the back provides a wealth of information on the various minuscule-sized races inhabiting a simple backyard in West Bottom, Alabama. The amount of detail in this book is impressive.
It’s a miniature-world of bug warriors and ant armies, spider-witches and barbarians riding beetles. Main character Slade Slaymaker, along with his mother and older brother, move back into the former Slaymaker house where his father was apparently eaten alive by insects. Slade finds a weird amulet that shrinks him to the same size of the insects in his yard.
BUG WARS #3
Text from the inside of front cover: “Tiny bug people. In the backyard . . . Want to murder Slade Slaymaker’s brother . . . . . Because he mows the grass. . . . But Slade has more pressing concerns at the moment, trapped inside the mosquito-infested Bludhole, arena of the barbarian Beetle Clans, with a magic amulet that’s on the fritz . . . .
Story and art continue to impress in this deft blend of fantasy, horror with ample amounts of world-building and a dash of humor.
BUG WARS #4
Text on the back of cover page:
“A truce has been declared among the Mytes, so the sects may come together in war against their common foe, the Dark Stomper called the Annihirazer, or He Who Lays Waste to the Grass”.(a.k.a. Syd Slaymaker and the lawnmower).
“Meanwhile, Slade Slaymaker has been kidnapped by Wysta, the mysterious Spyder Witch, who has orders to bring the boy and his mystical amulet to face the wise and vicious spiders of Wrydweb.”
“But first they must cross the Yard . . .”
So begins the perilous journey in which both Slade and Wysta learn enough about each other and their challenges to form a bond of sorts.
Drama. Action. Mystery. The fantastic world-building and amazing art continue.
BUG WARS #5
BUG WARS #6 of 6
NOTE: My reviews of Bug Wars contain many spoilers, as I struggled to describe this book without them and failed. If you’ve already decided to pick this title up, then please don’t read any further.
December 25, 2025
CONAN THE BARBARIAN MEET'S A BUG'S LIFE IN BUG WARS!
HECK yeah! What a unique and brilliantly bloody dark fantasy! I saw some images from Bug Wars this year online and added it to my TBR because it looked cool, but wow were my expectations blown out of the water!
Book One of Bug Wars, Lost In The Yard, dives right into the action with the introduction of the vast, violent world... of the Yard. As in, front-and-back, outside of your house. Rather than creating a different world or taking us to some far flung future, Bug Wars brings us down to the world outside of all our homes.
The world of insects and mytes as envisioned by creators Aaron, Asrar, Wilson and Carey is brutal and ichor-slicked. When protagonist Slade Slaymaker and his mom and brother are forced to move into the home where their father died, he uncovers a secret that drags him into that world - and unveils a destiny he did not plan for.
While the brevity hurt things bit, especially toward the end of the book when it felt like some things were pretty rushed, and therefore keeps me from giving a five star rating, this is one of those times it came pretty dang close!
But seriously: this is NOT for minors. Adult eyes only, yeah?
HECK yeah! What a unique and brilliantly bloody dark fantasy! I saw some images from Bug Wars this year online and added it to my TBR because it looked cool, but wow were my expectations blown out of the water!
Book One of Bug Wars, Lost In The Yard, dives right into the action with the introduction of the vast, violent world... of the Yard. As in, front-and-back, outside of your house. Rather than creating a different world or taking us to some far flung future, Bug Wars brings us down to the world outside of all our homes.
The world of insects and mytes as envisioned by creators Aaron, Asrar, Wilson and Carey is brutal and ichor-slicked. When protagonist Slade Slaymaker and his mom and brother are forced to move into the home where their father died, he uncovers a secret that drags him into that world - and unveils a destiny he did not plan for.
While the brevity hurt things bit, especially toward the end of the book when it felt like some things were pretty rushed, and therefore keeps me from giving a five star rating, this is one of those times it came pretty dang close!
But seriously: this is NOT for minors. Adult eyes only, yeah?
August 15, 2025
Jason Aaron the goat, love the art. Can’t wait for the future, maybe I’ll buy the next Vol instead of singles
March 16, 2026
A fantastic book with extraordinary world building! I loved it and could get enough. I was surprised by how extremely adult the content was - my sick and twisted mind absolutely loved it! It was easy for me to suspend disbelief and just immerse myself in this universe.
Check out the “Spyder Wytch Special” for an excellent tryptic. This story that Aaron has created has so much potential!
Check out the “Spyder Wytch Special” for an excellent tryptic. This story that Aaron has created has so much potential!
February 3, 2026
Although James Cameron may have written and directed Avatar as an original piece, it is really a mishmash of many other influences, ranging from Cameron’s love of all things science-fiction, to a strong environmental message. It may have its detractors and even as an ongoing series that recycles itself, Avatar wears its influences proudly to create something spectacular, and I got that same feeling from reading the first volume of Image’s Bug Wars.
When it comes to existing IPs and creator-owned work, Jason Aaron seems to be in a positive position of balancing the two when writing comics. Having written the likes of Star Wars and Conan the Barbarian – both of which the writer shows an immense love for – Aaron has used all that experience to co-create Bug Wars with collaborating artist Mahmud Asrar.
Taking place in the fictional rural community of West Bottom, the Slaymakers return to their old home that, for Slade and his older brother Sydney, is the last remnant of their father, a dedicated entomologist devoured by the very creatures he dedicated his life to understanding. Due to their opposing ideologies, from Slade continuing his father’s legacy with his own love of all things insect, to Sydney who bared witness to the gruesome scene and thus despises and seeks to annihilate any bug he sees, the two brothers clash with each other. Following a violent argument, Slade finds himself shrunk to the size of his diminutive subjects and thrust into the middle of a brutal Bug War, an earth-shattering struggle that will decide the fate of his family and, perhaps, uncover the secrets behind his father’s gruesome demise.
From the above synopsis, there is a lot to take in as the first issue sets up what a massive story this is going to be, albeit on a microscopic scale as Slade’s journey is like a mature blend of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and FernGully: The Last Rainforest. And by mature, make no mistake as Asrar and colourist Matthew Wilson go unhinged with a world that is graphic and filthy, from the epic bloody battles that showcases how beastly the various kinds of insects, to the sensual sequences where the pleasures of the flesh are also apparent in the various insect kingdoms. You may feel some arousal towards some of the characters, such as the Spyder Witches.
While I take great pleasure in Aaron putting so much effort in establishing a whole world with various kingdoms that all of which take place in someone’s yard, including a map and appendices that you would see in a fantasy novel, he doesn’t get bogged down by the politics going down, which is really a war between the Empire of the Ants and the Beetle Clans. Despite the bloody violence and excessive swearing, there is a tenderness at its heart, with the central narrative being both a hero’s journey and a family drama.
As Slade Slaymaker takes his first step into this larger world of fantasy and adventure whilst learning about his own family secret, it is not far off from Luke Skywalker experiencing his own adventure in the original Star Wars trilogy. There is also another emotional anchor that is to save his older brother, who could have easily been the main antagonist as he is being prophesized as a destroyer of worlds, but is really a tragic soul that is going through a mental illness.
Although these six issues tell a complete story, Aaron leaves enough that could set up another arc in Bug Wars, from the magic amulet that both shrinks and empowers Slade, to what is beyond the yard and what other tribes and kingdoms are in the woods. As for this first arc, Aaron and Asrar present a fantasy epic that is bloody and emotional, whilst mostly taking place in someone’s yard.
When it comes to existing IPs and creator-owned work, Jason Aaron seems to be in a positive position of balancing the two when writing comics. Having written the likes of Star Wars and Conan the Barbarian – both of which the writer shows an immense love for – Aaron has used all that experience to co-create Bug Wars with collaborating artist Mahmud Asrar.
Taking place in the fictional rural community of West Bottom, the Slaymakers return to their old home that, for Slade and his older brother Sydney, is the last remnant of their father, a dedicated entomologist devoured by the very creatures he dedicated his life to understanding. Due to their opposing ideologies, from Slade continuing his father’s legacy with his own love of all things insect, to Sydney who bared witness to the gruesome scene and thus despises and seeks to annihilate any bug he sees, the two brothers clash with each other. Following a violent argument, Slade finds himself shrunk to the size of his diminutive subjects and thrust into the middle of a brutal Bug War, an earth-shattering struggle that will decide the fate of his family and, perhaps, uncover the secrets behind his father’s gruesome demise.
From the above synopsis, there is a lot to take in as the first issue sets up what a massive story this is going to be, albeit on a microscopic scale as Slade’s journey is like a mature blend of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and FernGully: The Last Rainforest. And by mature, make no mistake as Asrar and colourist Matthew Wilson go unhinged with a world that is graphic and filthy, from the epic bloody battles that showcases how beastly the various kinds of insects, to the sensual sequences where the pleasures of the flesh are also apparent in the various insect kingdoms. You may feel some arousal towards some of the characters, such as the Spyder Witches.
While I take great pleasure in Aaron putting so much effort in establishing a whole world with various kingdoms that all of which take place in someone’s yard, including a map and appendices that you would see in a fantasy novel, he doesn’t get bogged down by the politics going down, which is really a war between the Empire of the Ants and the Beetle Clans. Despite the bloody violence and excessive swearing, there is a tenderness at its heart, with the central narrative being both a hero’s journey and a family drama.
As Slade Slaymaker takes his first step into this larger world of fantasy and adventure whilst learning about his own family secret, it is not far off from Luke Skywalker experiencing his own adventure in the original Star Wars trilogy. There is also another emotional anchor that is to save his older brother, who could have easily been the main antagonist as he is being prophesized as a destroyer of worlds, but is really a tragic soul that is going through a mental illness.
Although these six issues tell a complete story, Aaron leaves enough that could set up another arc in Bug Wars, from the magic amulet that both shrinks and empowers Slade, to what is beyond the yard and what other tribes and kingdoms are in the woods. As for this first arc, Aaron and Asrar present a fantasy epic that is bloody and emotional, whilst mostly taking place in someone’s yard.
March 16, 2026
In concept and delivery, Bug Wars was an absolute treat. The art was spectacular and the story was fun and creative. I really enjoyed James Slaymaker's notes that would divide each chapter, providing an entertaining mix of real life bug information, and in universe jokes and commentary. I absolutely love the art and wish we got more of Slade kicking butt. Mr.Asrar has a tremendous understanding of dynamics. Every stab and punch and sting is entertaining and grabs your attention. I cannot wait for more of this book, as the art and action of the last chapter was phenomenal, and I hope to see Slade as a warrior more in future issues.
The only thing holding this book back for me is the absolute overuse and overabundance of profanity. At first, I excused the overuse as a cultural thing specifically tied to the more barbaric sects like the Beetle Riders and Wasp Raiders, but that's not the case. Almost everybody swears like a sailor and it is honestly just exhausting.
The only thing holding this book back for me is the absolute overuse and overabundance of profanity. At first, I excused the overuse as a cultural thing specifically tied to the more barbaric sects like the Beetle Riders and Wasp Raiders, but that's not the case. Almost everybody swears like a sailor and it is honestly just exhausting.
February 16, 2026
Really, really fun. John Carter of Mars, but with bugs. Sometimes it tries to be Saga (by Staples and Vaughan), filling the pages with sex and profanity, which I found unnecessary. However, it's a great story with beautiful art so I can allow those minor qualms to remain minor. If you like creepy crawlies, it's a must read.
September 23, 2025
The Slaymakers have returned to the Old Slaymaker abode in Alabama. Slade does not remember his father, but his older brother Sydney found their dad's carcass being eaten by bugs over a decade ago in the basement. While Sydney understandably kills any bugs he sees (because of the PTSD), Slade has taken over their father's love for entomology and keeps a large collection of bugs. A brotherly fight breaks out that leads to Slade accidentally grabbing an amulet that shrinks him to bug size. It is a whole different world when you're the size of a bug and there's a whole new civilization out there to explore.
I won't say anymore because you should definitely read this one. It's definitely worth the time.
#ThxNetGalley #JasonAaron #BugWarsBookOne
I won't say anymore because you should definitely read this one. It's definitely worth the time.
#ThxNetGalley #JasonAaron #BugWarsBookOne
January 13, 2026
This was so good and original!
January 19, 2026
Fun, lightning fast, nothing life changing.
January 27, 2026
absolutely captivating
October 27, 2025
Thanks NetGalley for the eARC!
Bug War by Jason Aaron is a dark Southern fantasy that blends family trauma, grief, and a violent conflict between insects. The concept is strong, and the artwork is incredible, both striking and deeply unsettling. Every page is packed with detail, and the visuals alone create a haunting atmosphere that stays with you.
Unfortunately, the story does not match the power of the art. The dialogue feels overly simple, and in my review copy, many speech bubbles were blank, which made it difficult to fully follow or assess the writing. Conflicts are resolved too easily, and the emotional depth of the opening fades as the story moves toward dense world-building that feels unfocused.
While the visuals are truly impressive, the uneven storytelling keeps Bug War from reaching its full potential. I’d give this book a 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Bug War by Jason Aaron is a dark Southern fantasy that blends family trauma, grief, and a violent conflict between insects. The concept is strong, and the artwork is incredible, both striking and deeply unsettling. Every page is packed with detail, and the visuals alone create a haunting atmosphere that stays with you.
Unfortunately, the story does not match the power of the art. The dialogue feels overly simple, and in my review copy, many speech bubbles were blank, which made it difficult to fully follow or assess the writing. Conflicts are resolved too easily, and the emotional depth of the opening fades as the story moves toward dense world-building that feels unfocused.
While the visuals are truly impressive, the uneven storytelling keeps Bug War from reaching its full potential. I’d give this book a 2.5 out of 5 stars.
April 22, 2026
Boy the art here is sensational. And the story is wild. A child joins the forces of the back yard insect armies in his yard. It's never QUITE explained how they all came to be but honestly, it doesn't matter. Insect factions with humanoid leaders debate and truce and war while our bug-sized human main character with superpowers walks among them like a prophesized second coming. A lot of effort went into this and it shows. Some of the story beats are a BIT hand-wavey and the home stretch is a little too quick for my liking. So the fact that I wanted MORE is probably a good thing. Anyway, quite cool.
April 23, 2026
This was so refreshing to me. I enjoyed every bit of this from the world building, to the emotional characterization (which I wish we could’ve spent more time on) to the brutal battles. This book went by WAYYYYY TOO FAST for me, I really wanted some breathing time with this world & characters. It’s amazing to me how Jason Aaron takes this simple concept and turns it into this Bugs Life meets Game of Thrones or Lord of The Rings style of story. I always loved his high stakes of storytelling and I can’t wait for Vol 2..
March 30, 2026
The premise of this was very cool and the worldbuilding was very immersive. The execution was just ok. A couple major things happen because….magic. The characters are pretty cool and learning about all the different insect factions was really compelling. The art is pretty superb as well. Really makes you feel like you are shrunk down into this tiny word. The map at the beginning of the book is fantastic. I love a good fantasy map and this is one of the best. Some of the dialogue is pretty cringe and I think it’s done on purpose but just didn’t hit with me. Cool start and the future of the story can go in a lot of different directions so I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next.
December 30, 2025
4.25/10
November 12, 2025
Jason Aaron has a mind built for epic adventure. BUG WARS is highly creative and totally engrossed me. What the book is not, unfortunately, is an educational book for young readers. Nor is it welcome socio-religious commentary for the current moment in America. Aaron seems to want to share his childhood love of insects with the next generation, but instead has written a book so crass and vulgar that it should be restricted to a mature audience, on top of having themes that are best left in the dustbin of history. Which is a shame. Aaron has a few mature tropes that he earned acclaim for in THOR, now seems, to me at least, rote, cliche and unpleasant. I see that the hero of BUG WARS, Slade Slaymaker, is Aaron's childhood self-insert. I do not begrudge him that--this is HIS book! But the similarity between this self-insert and the other protagonists he has written for THOR has retroactively soured my opinion of those works I previously adored.
THOR by Jason Aaron was a meditation on the role of God, and a statement of Aaron's disappointment in Jesus. The Thor character is everything he should be by the mythology: a lustful, partying, uncertain king, who fights gloriously, and answers the prayers of everyone who calls on him, in conspicuous, undeniable, divine intervention, which the text asks you to compare to your own Jesus, whose miracles have to be taken on faith. Thor is what Jason Aaron thinks is the ideal hero, and the ultimate god: one who is right before your eyes, not asking to be taken on faith, not asking anything of you at all, simply giving you what you ask for. The mantle of ultimate god moves from Oden to Thor to Jane Foster back to Thor again. Aaron thinks the title "[king of the] god(s)" is something we should strive for, and that there is progress being made. We can be gods. (You have to wonder, is Aaron one of those anonymous twitter religious LARPers, with a cartoon Aryan profile picture, who pretends to worship the cartoon characters he writes about? The wokees with a RETVRN aesthetic? We was Vikings?)
And now BUG WARS. Slade Slaymaker is an athiest child who becomes Thor, when playing in his backyard alone. By Slade's sonship, he is the chosen one to become Woden (a more obscure spelling for the same norse all-father Oden) with Thor's magical axe. He falls into what has been described as a "Game of Thrones"-type magical world of bug people, but it is a world that reflects Aaron's own attitudes. His bug-friends are a lesbian excommunicant (spider), another a Conan pastiche (beetle), and last his loyal, invulnerable, flying steed (another beetle). Their enemies are fascists (ants), capitalists (bees), and priests who take communion (fly maggots). It's very transparent what Aaron thinks of the world today, and how that informed his writing on THOR. These attitudes are very "Millennial-Coded," which is another strike against this being for younger readers (the generation that made no effort to raise any children). These attitudes will die with their generation. These attitudes split our country down the middle and caused so much of today's suffering--and tomorrow's war. It's Unamerican to be this bigoted. He has a right to be an unamerican bigot, but I have a right to call a spade a spade. These attitudes are common, and many are already numb to them. These attitudes are the gasoline-powered lawn mower that, when pushed along by the bug-hating older brother, is coming to eat our homes.
The other major strikes against this work are the graphic depictions of group sex involving people and bugs (in full view of a 15 year old boy), other full frontal nudity, gory violence, and rapid-fire profanity. It is all gratuitous. It became grating.
Even with these deeply rooted issues I have with this book and now with Aaron's writing as a whole, the concept of BUG WARS itself is strong. It engrossed me. This journey into another world was the most thrilling Isekai I've read in years. I will probably be back for more BUG WARS, but probably not any other work Aaron does for the big two publishers.
Jason Aaron I know you won't read this, but I am worried about you. You can pray to Jesus whenever you want, right now if it occurs to you. You can even tell Him you're mad at Him. That's ok. But while I do most of all hope you reconcile with your Father and Brother above, It may actually be more pressing that you reconcile with your fellow man. The bad guys are not bugs for you to squash.
THOR by Jason Aaron was a meditation on the role of God, and a statement of Aaron's disappointment in Jesus. The Thor character is everything he should be by the mythology: a lustful, partying, uncertain king, who fights gloriously, and answers the prayers of everyone who calls on him, in conspicuous, undeniable, divine intervention, which the text asks you to compare to your own Jesus, whose miracles have to be taken on faith. Thor is what Jason Aaron thinks is the ideal hero, and the ultimate god: one who is right before your eyes, not asking to be taken on faith, not asking anything of you at all, simply giving you what you ask for. The mantle of ultimate god moves from Oden to Thor to Jane Foster back to Thor again. Aaron thinks the title "[king of the] god(s)" is something we should strive for, and that there is progress being made. We can be gods. (You have to wonder, is Aaron one of those anonymous twitter religious LARPers, with a cartoon Aryan profile picture, who pretends to worship the cartoon characters he writes about? The wokees with a RETVRN aesthetic? We was Vikings?)
And now BUG WARS. Slade Slaymaker is an athiest child who becomes Thor, when playing in his backyard alone. By Slade's sonship, he is the chosen one to become Woden (a more obscure spelling for the same norse all-father Oden) with Thor's magical axe. He falls into what has been described as a "Game of Thrones"-type magical world of bug people, but it is a world that reflects Aaron's own attitudes. His bug-friends are a lesbian excommunicant (spider), another a Conan pastiche (beetle), and last his loyal, invulnerable, flying steed (another beetle). Their enemies are fascists (ants), capitalists (bees), and priests who take communion (fly maggots). It's very transparent what Aaron thinks of the world today, and how that informed his writing on THOR. These attitudes are very "Millennial-Coded," which is another strike against this being for younger readers (the generation that made no effort to raise any children). These attitudes will die with their generation. These attitudes split our country down the middle and caused so much of today's suffering--and tomorrow's war. It's Unamerican to be this bigoted. He has a right to be an unamerican bigot, but I have a right to call a spade a spade. These attitudes are common, and many are already numb to them. These attitudes are the gasoline-powered lawn mower that, when pushed along by the bug-hating older brother, is coming to eat our homes.
The other major strikes against this work are the graphic depictions of group sex involving people and bugs (in full view of a 15 year old boy), other full frontal nudity, gory violence, and rapid-fire profanity. It is all gratuitous. It became grating.
Even with these deeply rooted issues I have with this book and now with Aaron's writing as a whole, the concept of BUG WARS itself is strong. It engrossed me. This journey into another world was the most thrilling Isekai I've read in years. I will probably be back for more BUG WARS, but probably not any other work Aaron does for the big two publishers.
Jason Aaron I know you won't read this, but I am worried about you. You can pray to Jesus whenever you want, right now if it occurs to you. You can even tell Him you're mad at Him. That's ok. But while I do most of all hope you reconcile with your Father and Brother above, It may actually be more pressing that you reconcile with your fellow man. The bad guys are not bugs for you to squash.
September 5, 2025
“Bug Wars Book One” is a syfy/fantasy graphic novel that ultimate comes down to a family drama that takes place in the deep south.
We immediately see there is an issue between these two brothers. As they are moving in, the older brother, Sydney, starts mowing. This may not seem like he is staying focused and on task, but it is his way of addressing a trigger point in his life. You see, he is dealing with the trauma of finding his father deceased when he was only 5 years old. And the father was covered in bugs when he found him. Sydney is waging a war against all bugs. Spoiler Alert: The bugs are plotting their revenge.
The younger brother, Slade, is out to protect the bugs. Why? Well, he takes after his dad and loves bugs. Even to the point of having a pet beetle named Pac. Slade is out to save the lives of every bug. This leads to a major confrontation while mom is at work. A confrontation that will forever change their family.
In a pivotal moment, Slade finds himself the size of a bug and in the middle of a war between the different clans of bugs and spiders. However, there is a peace treaty pending that could unite the bugs and spiders against their common enemy. The mower of the grass…Sydney.
Now, this might seem a bit comical. There are plenty of moments of humor in this graphic novel. Anyone that has ever visited or lived in the deep south, Alabama in particular, will get a chuckle out of the role of mosquitos and the declaration of “Role Tide!” in a pivotal moment. I mean, I am a UT Vols fan and I even laughed out loud at that moment.
But do not let the humor lull you to sleep. There is plenty of blood and guts. There are enough F-Bombs being dropped to destroy an entire planet. There is an ant orgy (a sentence that I never thought I would ever type) that includes breasts and male genitalia. It never quite gets pornographic, but…
And to me, that is the missed opportunity here. This was an incredible opportunity to use this story of loss and complicated family dynamics, of finding your place in the world, and facing fears. This graphic novel is so well written, it would have been a great opportunity to help younger (older elementary/middle school/high school) readers that have faced these issues.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
We immediately see there is an issue between these two brothers. As they are moving in, the older brother, Sydney, starts mowing. This may not seem like he is staying focused and on task, but it is his way of addressing a trigger point in his life. You see, he is dealing with the trauma of finding his father deceased when he was only 5 years old. And the father was covered in bugs when he found him. Sydney is waging a war against all bugs. Spoiler Alert: The bugs are plotting their revenge.
The younger brother, Slade, is out to protect the bugs. Why? Well, he takes after his dad and loves bugs. Even to the point of having a pet beetle named Pac. Slade is out to save the lives of every bug. This leads to a major confrontation while mom is at work. A confrontation that will forever change their family.
In a pivotal moment, Slade finds himself the size of a bug and in the middle of a war between the different clans of bugs and spiders. However, there is a peace treaty pending that could unite the bugs and spiders against their common enemy. The mower of the grass…Sydney.
Now, this might seem a bit comical. There are plenty of moments of humor in this graphic novel. Anyone that has ever visited or lived in the deep south, Alabama in particular, will get a chuckle out of the role of mosquitos and the declaration of “Role Tide!” in a pivotal moment. I mean, I am a UT Vols fan and I even laughed out loud at that moment.
But do not let the humor lull you to sleep. There is plenty of blood and guts. There are enough F-Bombs being dropped to destroy an entire planet. There is an ant orgy (a sentence that I never thought I would ever type) that includes breasts and male genitalia. It never quite gets pornographic, but…
And to me, that is the missed opportunity here. This was an incredible opportunity to use this story of loss and complicated family dynamics, of finding your place in the world, and facing fears. This graphic novel is so well written, it would have been a great opportunity to help younger (older elementary/middle school/high school) readers that have faced these issues.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Read
September 10, 2025"Honey, I Shrunk The Kids meets Game Of Thrones" is the summary at the back of the opening issue, but Aaron and Asrar previously collaborated on Conan, whose swords & sorcery vibe, not to mention sole protagonist, are a much closer match than GRRM. For me, there's a far better encapsulation at the opening of #2: "Holy fuckin' cricket shit! The kid punched Grimgum's whole dern face the fuck off!" Let's be honest, if there's one thing comics do better than any other medium, it's one character punching another character's whole dern face the fuck off, and Bug Wars is not shy about taking advantage of that. And variants, obviously – plenty of limbs get removed too, there's one lovely bit of design where a speech bubble gets sliced in half along with the speaker's head, and I'm not even spoiling any of the more ingenious insect-specific demises. This is, if you hadn't gathered, Jason Aaron in the unfettered, gory mode he always seems to pull out for his Alabama stories. The lead this time is Slade Slaymaker, an overdone name for a withdrawn kid who mainly finds companionship in bugs, an interest he inherited from his entomologist dad. Whereas disturbed big brother Syd bloody hates them, because of how said dad died. Which could have been the basis for a boring psychodrama, but handily there's a Macguffin lurking, which throws Slade into the miniature world of the family house's yard, where tiny humanoid Mytes align and apparently interbreed wíth the copious invertebrate life, resulting in savage wasp-riding raiders, imperialist ants, sexy naked butterfly people, and so forth. It's absolutely high on its own fascination with the weird and frequently vile variety of arthropod life, and deservedly so, though as such also a terrible idea for anyone not keen on creepy-crawlies (I struggled myself with the visit to Wyrdweb, home of the Spyder Wytches of the Krimson Skein, AKA the ferns in hanging baskets at the side of the house).
(Netgalley ARC)
(Netgalley ARC)
October 13, 2025
Puh, der war auf eine andere Art und Weise (für mich) hart 😅 Slade zieht zusammen mit seiner Mutter und seinem Bruder Sydney zurück in das Haus, in dem sein Vater starb, als Slade noch ganz klein war. Sein Bruder fand ihn dort im Keller, während Käfer ihn auffraßen.. schonmal der erste Punkt, den viele abschrecken könnte - mich erstmal noch nicht 😂 Sydney hat eine regelrechte Phobie seit dem Ereignis entwickelt und will alle Käfer beseitigen, da sie seinen Vater gefressen haben und er nicht der nächste sein will… im ersten Moment auch total verständlich. Slade hingegen liebt die Käfer und Insekten, so wie es sein Vater schon tat. Als Sydney durchdreht und Slade’s Haustiere an den Kragen will, flieht Slade’s Lieblingskäfer Pac in den Keller - woraufhin Slade ihm folgt und dort beginnt die Geschichte.. den dort findet Slade ein geheimnisvolles Amulett, welches sich in seiner Brust festsetzt und ihn schrumpfen lässt! 👀 Hier beginnen schonmal die ersten Parallelen, die man ziehen kann - denn das erinnert schon etwas an “Liebling, ich habe die Kinder geschrumpft” 😄 im Verlauf gerät Slade ziemlich schnell zwischen die Fronten der Käfer im Garten und so wird er durch das Amulett zu “Conan, der Barbar” - zweite Parallele offenbart.
Optisch find ich’s schon ganz nett, denn es ist sehr detailliert, markant und vollfarbig - auch die Charakterdesigns sind ganz cool. Der Plot ist an sich interessant, wenn man eben auch schon vieles vorhersehen kann. Als dann immer mehr Krabbelviecher der anderen Art vorkamen, war’s für mich dann aber leider sehr hart weiterzulesen - das triggerte dann doch sehr meine eigene Phobie 😬🙈 Deswegen bin ich auch etwas zwiegespalten, wie ich den Comic nun fand - einerseits schon spannend, andererseits halt auf eine gewisse Art “eklig” 😅
Wer damit keine Probleme hat und gern mal sowas liest, der kann auf jeden Fall mal einen Blick hineinwerfen.
Erscheinungstermin ist der 21.10.2025
Optisch find ich’s schon ganz nett, denn es ist sehr detailliert, markant und vollfarbig - auch die Charakterdesigns sind ganz cool. Der Plot ist an sich interessant, wenn man eben auch schon vieles vorhersehen kann. Als dann immer mehr Krabbelviecher der anderen Art vorkamen, war’s für mich dann aber leider sehr hart weiterzulesen - das triggerte dann doch sehr meine eigene Phobie 😬🙈 Deswegen bin ich auch etwas zwiegespalten, wie ich den Comic nun fand - einerseits schon spannend, andererseits halt auf eine gewisse Art “eklig” 😅
Wer damit keine Probleme hat und gern mal sowas liest, der kann auf jeden Fall mal einen Blick hineinwerfen.
Erscheinungstermin ist der 21.10.2025
February 17, 2026
This was so damn good! I can't wait for more!
February 8, 2026
Again, I'm stepping a little out of my comfort zone here, but I loved Jason Aaron's work in the Star Wars universe so here we are.
The first thing that leaps out here is the incredible artwork by Mahmud Asrad! The second thing that jumps off the page is the over-the-top, crude language. It took me out of it at first, but eventually I got used to it. Don't get me wrong, I mean I curse like a sailor myself, but anything that takes me out of an artist's crested world and plunges me back into my real world is off-putting.
The world building here takes center stage. Don't get me wrong, the story is still excellent, but I think this was more about getting things going. I look forward to seeing where this is going to go.
My rating: 4 Stars
The first thing that leaps out here is the incredible artwork by Mahmud Asrad! The second thing that jumps off the page is the over-the-top, crude language. It took me out of it at first, but eventually I got used to it. Don't get me wrong, I mean I curse like a sailor myself, but anything that takes me out of an artist's crested world and plunges me back into my real world is off-putting.
The world building here takes center stage. Don't get me wrong, the story is still excellent, but I think this was more about getting things going. I look forward to seeing where this is going to go.
My rating: 4 Stars
December 31, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Image Comics for the digital review copy.
1.5⭐️
Sadly, this was simply too crude and elementary to justify the extent of mature and violent content for me.
The only thing “high” fantasy about the world is the pages from the main character’s dead (not a spoiler) dad’s journal describing myte society. I would’ve loved to have seen the contents of the journal pages be woven into the story rather than tacked onto the end of each issue. Instead of being a fun bonus insight into the myte types and cultures, the journal pages read as an outline of what could’ve been. Notably absent from the gore and the allusions to war happening is any scheming or politics.
I do think some of the physical world building is quite cute or clever (e.g., the Hanging Gardens of Wyrdweb), and the artwork is incredible. But this doesn’t make up for the overly simple dialogue and flat characters.
There are multiple jokes about “what happens in the backwoods”—as someone from Appalachia, please get better material. This is so old that it’s no longer offensive due to the meaning but rather because it’s so elementary and overdone.
At every crossroads, it seems like Bug Wars chose low-hanging fruit or ragebait instead of doing something interesting. I hesitate to recommend it to its clear intended audience—teenage boys—for obvious reasons.
1.5⭐️
Sadly, this was simply too crude and elementary to justify the extent of mature and violent content for me.
The only thing “high” fantasy about the world is the pages from the main character’s dead (not a spoiler) dad’s journal describing myte society. I would’ve loved to have seen the contents of the journal pages be woven into the story rather than tacked onto the end of each issue. Instead of being a fun bonus insight into the myte types and cultures, the journal pages read as an outline of what could’ve been. Notably absent from the gore and the allusions to war happening is any scheming or politics.
I do think some of the physical world building is quite cute or clever (e.g., the Hanging Gardens of Wyrdweb), and the artwork is incredible. But this doesn’t make up for the overly simple dialogue and flat characters.
There are multiple jokes about “what happens in the backwoods”—as someone from Appalachia, please get better material. This is so old that it’s no longer offensive due to the meaning but rather because it’s so elementary and overdone.
At every crossroads, it seems like Bug Wars chose low-hanging fruit or ragebait instead of doing something interesting. I hesitate to recommend it to its clear intended audience—teenage boys—for obvious reasons.
September 21, 2025
Bug Wars Book One brings together Conan the Barbarian, A Song of Ice and Fire, and Honey I Shrunk the Kids to introduce readers to Slade Slaymaker - a young bug enthusiast whose brother hates what he loves. The two boys are thrust back into their late father’s world as their mother encounters financial problems and eventually we fall into the Yard… honestly, I was thrilled. I love all things creepy crawlies and as a D&D/World of War Craft nerd, this was right up my alley. The art is phenomenal. It brings be back to old school graphic novels and comics with the full color and just enough detail to keep me on each page for several minutes. As an artist, it was inspiring. The panels and gutters are clean, too. One thing I love about this book is that each volume bleeds into the next seamlessly, like chapters. You’re not getting whiplash. While I want to say this is a coming of age, it’s not geared for kids, older teens at the youngest. There are adult themes, gore, and vulgar language. Overall, I highly recommend this one if you love graphic novels and action-packed, quest style storylines.
October 19, 2025
Definitely not for folks who are bothered by insects and the like, Bug Wars volume 1: Lost in the Yard is a bloody new tale.
Pitch is Honey I Shrunk the Kids meets Conan, even some of the names land that way. Honestly I don't want to spill too much because this was just fun. Unnerving sometimes, gotta watch those little things.
Writer - Jason Aaron
Illustrator - Mahmud Asrar
Colorist - Matt Wilson
Designer - Becca Carey
Reasons to read:
-It is a romp
-Beetle on insect and myte violence
-The names and titles are fantastic (wardaddy is a standout)
-Bits of world building, like why are there so many different species in Alabama make way more sense if you read the notes
-Educational
Cons:
-Going to be checking your boots a bit more often after reading it
Pitch is Honey I Shrunk the Kids meets Conan, even some of the names land that way. Honestly I don't want to spill too much because this was just fun. Unnerving sometimes, gotta watch those little things.
Writer - Jason Aaron
Illustrator - Mahmud Asrar
Colorist - Matt Wilson
Designer - Becca Carey
Reasons to read:
-It is a romp
-Beetle on insect and myte violence
-The names and titles are fantastic (wardaddy is a standout)
-Bits of world building, like why are there so many different species in Alabama make way more sense if you read the notes
-Educational
Cons:
-Going to be checking your boots a bit more often after reading it
January 12, 2026
I was really tempted to try the #1 issue when it came out online cause I really enjoyed all the other Jason Aaron's books (Wolverine, Thor, Avengers & Absolute Superman) and then i decided to pre-order the trades cause i trust in Jason Aaron. While i was waiting for the book to came, the series is blown up everywhere to be in every one Top 10 read for 2025.
The series is really lived up to the hype for me. Story & art are both equally good. My only complaint is there some head-scratching moment that i'm lost to what was happening but i kinda get the idea every time i turn the next page? If you get what i mean? 😅
There is no cliffhanger. You don't need the next book to finish this. The next book will be the next adventure of the main character (i assume)
Rating : 8/10
The series is really lived up to the hype for me. Story & art are both equally good. My only complaint is there some head-scratching moment that i'm lost to what was happening but i kinda get the idea every time i turn the next page? If you get what i mean? 😅
There is no cliffhanger. You don't need the next book to finish this. The next book will be the next adventure of the main character (i assume)
Rating : 8/10
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