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Pig Wife
Not yet published
Expected 13 Jan 26Accidentally trapped in an underground bunker, a teen girl must navigate the bizarre secrets within. This astonishing indie-horror graphic novel will keep readers guessing—and turning pages!
Mary had a bad feeling even before they arrived at dead Aunt Pearl’s house. Dragged to a remote mining town so her mom and stepdad can settle Pearl’s estate, Mary can't wait to escape from her wreck of a family—but she’s stuck with them in the middle of nowhere. After a vicious fight, Mary runs off to hide in an abandoned gold mine. Her escape plan backfires when she realizes she’s trapped inside. Even more terrifying… she’s not alone.
Mary had a bad feeling even before they arrived at dead Aunt Pearl’s house. Dragged to a remote mining town so her mom and stepdad can settle Pearl’s estate, Mary can't wait to escape from her wreck of a family—but she’s stuck with them in the middle of nowhere. After a vicious fight, Mary runs off to hide in an abandoned gold mine. Her escape plan backfires when she realizes she’s trapped inside. Even more terrifying… she’s not alone.
540 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 13, 2026
222 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
November 13, 2025
Freaking weird and gross. Amazing and disturbing artwork! Kind of left speechless by this graphic novel.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author/illustrator, and IDW Publishing for a copy.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author/illustrator, and IDW Publishing for a copy.
September 27, 2025
My first graphic novel read and I’m absolutely floored by it! This is everything I want in a horror story, surprising, funny, unsettling, gross and heartbreaking.
The art style is honestly jarring as well, I started apprehensive that I could enjoy it and by the end I adored it. It brings the creepy level all the way up.
This is such a deep character driven story as well, we are given multiple backstories of characters and somehow it wasn’t overwhelming or boring. Considering the length, this is so easy to devour. Please Abbey Luck I need more from you!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and IDW publishing for this ARC. This is my totally honest review.
The art style is honestly jarring as well, I started apprehensive that I could enjoy it and by the end I adored it. It brings the creepy level all the way up.
This is such a deep character driven story as well, we are given multiple backstories of characters and somehow it wasn’t overwhelming or boring. Considering the length, this is so easy to devour. Please Abbey Luck I need more from you!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and IDW publishing for this ARC. This is my totally honest review.
October 27, 2025
“Accidentally trapped in an underground bunker, a teen girl must navigate the bizarre secrets within.”
Pig Wife is a true horror experience—from the insane art, to the claustrophobic story, all the way to that ending. It will make you feel disgust, terror, and sadness. More than once did I have to stop reading and just stared at the fever dream on the page in front of me. Where do you even begin to discuss some of those scenes? I still feel somewhat unsettled and uncomfortable when I think about this book. And that’s the whole point. This story isn’t meant to look pretty; it’s meant to make you feel something. This is art. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 And for that, this book gets 5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me access to the ARC. All my opinions are my own.
***
I need some time to digest this book. The feels hit me hard. 😢
Pig Wife is a true horror experience—from the insane art, to the claustrophobic story, all the way to that ending. It will make you feel disgust, terror, and sadness. More than once did I have to stop reading and just stared at the fever dream on the page in front of me. Where do you even begin to discuss some of those scenes? I still feel somewhat unsettled and uncomfortable when I think about this book. And that’s the whole point. This story isn’t meant to look pretty; it’s meant to make you feel something. This is art. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 And for that, this book gets 5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me access to the ARC. All my opinions are my own.
***
I need some time to digest this book. The feels hit me hard. 😢
September 9, 2025
My Selling Pitch:
American Horror Story: Pig Farmer
Pre-reading:
Hi, you know what I’m a slut for? Horror graphic novels.
(obviously potential spoilers from here on)
Thick of it:
Eyeing the red door in the family tree.
I don’t love the art style. It’s almost Simpsony to me or Rick and Morty.
This story is doing foreboding well.
A sam!
Oh. Poor little critter.
The cop is sending me.
Oh, she’s the pregnant lady who went missing.
The hand people are gnarly. The middle finger for a dick is crazy.
The schizophrenia drawings are so cool.
My jaw dropped. I thought it was a pig. Oh my god.
Poor Tommy.
Oh not her shitbag dad coming back. Leave those women alone ffs.
Post-reading:
What an absolute ride! The plot is right out of American Horror Story. It was well-paced. It had twists. It had humor. I didn't love the art style for the humans. Everything else was pretty and stylistic. The humans fell into that adult cartoon style that reads so ugly to me. I'm sure other people will enjoy the style, and it’s so consistent when she’s clearly capable of greater detail, that it had to be a style she chose on purpose. I did love the thematic play with the title where you have the wife who marries pigs and the wife become pig. It was definitely a darker and more complex story than the first few pages had me anticipating. I’d pick up her work again. I think if you like off-putting graphic novels or family drama horror you should definitely give this a read.
Who should read this:
American Horror Story fans
Horror graphic novel fans
Ideal reading time:
Anytime
Do I want to reread this:
I think I'll remember it, but I'd pick up her work again.
Would I buy this:
Yeah, this was great!
Similar books:
* Killing Stalking by Koogi-horror graphic novel
* Mercy by Mirka Andolfo-gothic horror, family drama, supernatural
* Helpmeet by Naben Ruthnum-gothic horror, revenge thriller, supernatural
* Deliver Me by Elle Nash-psychological horror, unreliable narrator, family drama
* The Lamb by Lucy Rose-psychological horror, family drama, queer
* Brother by Ania Ahlborn-psychological horror, thriller, family drama
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
American Horror Story: Pig Farmer
Pre-reading:
Hi, you know what I’m a slut for? Horror graphic novels.
(obviously potential spoilers from here on)
Thick of it:
Eyeing the red door in the family tree.
I don’t love the art style. It’s almost Simpsony to me or Rick and Morty.
This story is doing foreboding well.
A sam!
Oh. Poor little critter.
The cop is sending me.
Oh, she’s the pregnant lady who went missing.
The hand people are gnarly. The middle finger for a dick is crazy.
The schizophrenia drawings are so cool.
My jaw dropped. I thought it was a pig. Oh my god.
Poor Tommy.
Oh not her shitbag dad coming back. Leave those women alone ffs.
Post-reading:
What an absolute ride! The plot is right out of American Horror Story. It was well-paced. It had twists. It had humor. I didn't love the art style for the humans. Everything else was pretty and stylistic. The humans fell into that adult cartoon style that reads so ugly to me. I'm sure other people will enjoy the style, and it’s so consistent when she’s clearly capable of greater detail, that it had to be a style she chose on purpose. I did love the thematic play with the title where you have the wife who marries pigs and the wife become pig. It was definitely a darker and more complex story than the first few pages had me anticipating. I’d pick up her work again. I think if you like off-putting graphic novels or family drama horror you should definitely give this a read.
Who should read this:
American Horror Story fans
Horror graphic novel fans
Ideal reading time:
Anytime
Do I want to reread this:
I think I'll remember it, but I'd pick up her work again.
Would I buy this:
Yeah, this was great!
Similar books:
* Killing Stalking by Koogi-horror graphic novel
* Mercy by Mirka Andolfo-gothic horror, family drama, supernatural
* Helpmeet by Naben Ruthnum-gothic horror, revenge thriller, supernatural
* Deliver Me by Elle Nash-psychological horror, unreliable narrator, family drama
* The Lamb by Lucy Rose-psychological horror, family drama, queer
* Brother by Ania Ahlborn-psychological horror, thriller, family drama
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2025
This graphic novel is brutal, haunting, and unforgettable. The artwork is raw, detailed, and perfectly suited to the oppressive atmosphere of the story. The visuals pull the reader into a world of violence, trauma, and suffocating fear.
The first part follows Pearl, whose madness and lies condemn her son Ed to a life of isolation underground. She imprisons Sarah as well, silencing her for years in the darkness. This first half sets the foundation of horror, showing how cruelty and delusion create monsters.
The second part begins after Pearl’s death, when Mary accidentally discovers the mine. She meets Ed and Tommy, and quickly becomes trapped in their twisted reality. For Ed, Mary is another “wife” sent by his mother, and when she resists he locks her away with Sarah. From that moment the tension escalates relentlessly, mixing psychological terror with raw survival as Sarah, Tommy, and Mary struggle to break free.
The narrative is a terrifying exploration of generational trauma, captivity, and the consequences of lies. The mine becomes a character in itself, a dark and suffocating prison where violence repeats in endless cycles. The ending is devastating yet powerful, tying together every thread of this legacy of horror.
Pig Wife is one of the darkest and most compelling horror graphic novels I have read, elevated by extraordinary artwork that amplifies every moment of dread.
The first part follows Pearl, whose madness and lies condemn her son Ed to a life of isolation underground. She imprisons Sarah as well, silencing her for years in the darkness. This first half sets the foundation of horror, showing how cruelty and delusion create monsters.
The second part begins after Pearl’s death, when Mary accidentally discovers the mine. She meets Ed and Tommy, and quickly becomes trapped in their twisted reality. For Ed, Mary is another “wife” sent by his mother, and when she resists he locks her away with Sarah. From that moment the tension escalates relentlessly, mixing psychological terror with raw survival as Sarah, Tommy, and Mary struggle to break free.
The narrative is a terrifying exploration of generational trauma, captivity, and the consequences of lies. The mine becomes a character in itself, a dark and suffocating prison where violence repeats in endless cycles. The ending is devastating yet powerful, tying together every thread of this legacy of horror.
Pig Wife is one of the darkest and most compelling horror graphic novels I have read, elevated by extraordinary artwork that amplifies every moment of dread.
September 6, 2025
I absolutely flew through this. This was probably one of the quickest graphic novel reads of my life. The story was wild. I’m going to be completely honest though, it wasn’t at all what I was expecting. I got lost a little bit after our main character (whose name I unfortunately can’t remember) went down into the mines.
I loved having the insight into Pearl and what exactly happened that led to the mines being closed. I do wish we actually got a big more of her story, maybe as a prologue of sorts? It just felt a little rushed, especially on the page where we see little snippets rather than larger portions of her story.
Overall, I thought this was an interesting read. I’m glad I picked it up, even though I got lost a bit along the way.
Rounded up from 3.5 stars.
Thank you very much to IDW Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved having the insight into Pearl and what exactly happened that led to the mines being closed. I do wish we actually got a big more of her story, maybe as a prologue of sorts? It just felt a little rushed, especially on the page where we see little snippets rather than larger portions of her story.
Overall, I thought this was an interesting read. I’m glad I picked it up, even though I got lost a bit along the way.
Rounded up from 3.5 stars.
Thank you very much to IDW Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2025
'Pig Wife' has been such an intense read, and I’m not gonna lie, it instantly made it to my top reads of the year. Seriously... that’s how cool it was. From the start, I had a good feeling about it. The synopsis didn’t reveal much (thank God), but one thing was clear: it was going to be terrifying. I mean, can you imagine being in an abandoned gold mine... and you’re NOT ALONE??? Are you hyperventilating already? EXACTLY! It totally gave me Barbarian vibes (and yeah, it’s kind of similar to that movie because of the tunnels).
But okay, let’s go step by step so you understand why you need to read it. We’ve got a rebellious teenager, and yes, she did get on my nerves several times. But in the end, I was like, hey she’s a teenager, of course she thinks that way (even if she’s totally wrong). Anyway, she’s the one who ends up trapped in this mine... and what she goes through down there, WOW. I mean, it’s intense, like seriously intense. Every time you think something good is finally about to happen, or that the nightmare might be over BAM!... something even worse comes up. But that’s not all, because we also get flashbacks that reveal the reasons behind certain things… and on top of that, the girl’s nightmares. Some of those are super creepy and tied to her own introspection, mixed with what’s happening inside the mine. Weird, I know, but it actually makes sense, and it’s chilling.
And honestly, that’s one of the things I loved most, how everything slowly starts to connect, piece by piece. Every character has something to say, something that adds up. And it’s not just the storytelling that shines here, but also the artwork, because wow. Especially during the nightmare and hallucination scenes just, WOWOWOWOW (how many times am I saying wow?). Absolutely powerful.
And yes, it’s definitely worth reading, even though the ending left me a bit shocked, and honestly, kinda heartbroken :((( You’ll understand once you read it. The final chapters hit hard with some pretty intense scenes and a few relationships that find their way back together… but still, it hurt, especially because of a certain character (you’ll see). Anyway, my final thoughts? If you like something that blends horror with family drama (like A LOT), teenage struggles and weird thoughts here’s Pig Wife.
Oh, and heads-up: there are some trigger warnings, so be careful if you’re sensitive to heavy or disturbing content.
But okay, let’s go step by step so you understand why you need to read it. We’ve got a rebellious teenager, and yes, she did get on my nerves several times. But in the end, I was like, hey she’s a teenager, of course she thinks that way (even if she’s totally wrong). Anyway, she’s the one who ends up trapped in this mine... and what she goes through down there, WOW. I mean, it’s intense, like seriously intense. Every time you think something good is finally about to happen, or that the nightmare might be over BAM!... something even worse comes up. But that’s not all, because we also get flashbacks that reveal the reasons behind certain things… and on top of that, the girl’s nightmares. Some of those are super creepy and tied to her own introspection, mixed with what’s happening inside the mine. Weird, I know, but it actually makes sense, and it’s chilling.
And honestly, that’s one of the things I loved most, how everything slowly starts to connect, piece by piece. Every character has something to say, something that adds up. And it’s not just the storytelling that shines here, but also the artwork, because wow. Especially during the nightmare and hallucination scenes just, WOWOWOWOW (how many times am I saying wow?). Absolutely powerful.
And yes, it’s definitely worth reading, even though the ending left me a bit shocked, and honestly, kinda heartbroken :((( You’ll understand once you read it. The final chapters hit hard with some pretty intense scenes and a few relationships that find their way back together… but still, it hurt, especially because of a certain character (you’ll see). Anyway, my final thoughts? If you like something that blends horror with family drama (like A LOT), teenage struggles and weird thoughts here’s Pig Wife.
Oh, and heads-up: there are some trigger warnings, so be careful if you’re sensitive to heavy or disturbing content.
October 12, 2025
Pig Wife certainly manages to nail the vibe it was going for. The atmosphere in this one is undeniably great, it's super creepy and weird, which is a huge positive and really the only good thing I can say about the whole book. That unsettling feeling is a fantastic hook. Unfortunately, the book runs into major trouble almost immediately, starting with the artwork. I have to be honest, the art is something I just didn't like at ALL. It felt very raw and looked quite amateur, and it just didn't vibe with me. I’m not saying I could draw more than a stick figure, but this particular style actively worked against the storytelling for me.
Beyond the visuals, the narrative had some tough hurdles to clear, too. For one, I really disliked the main character quite a bit, which made it hard to invest in their journey or the stakes of the story. Worse, the story took FOREVER to get going. The pacing felt incredibly slow, and I found myself waiting and waiting for the plot to finally kick off. While the creepy atmosphere was a good start, the combination of the unappealing art, the frustrating pace, and the unlikeable protagonist meant Pig Wife fell flat, earning a disappointing 2 out of 5.
Beyond the visuals, the narrative had some tough hurdles to clear, too. For one, I really disliked the main character quite a bit, which made it hard to invest in their journey or the stakes of the story. Worse, the story took FOREVER to get going. The pacing felt incredibly slow, and I found myself waiting and waiting for the plot to finally kick off. While the creepy atmosphere was a good start, the combination of the unappealing art, the frustrating pace, and the unlikeable protagonist meant Pig Wife fell flat, earning a disappointing 2 out of 5.
October 12, 2025
ARC REVIEW
3.5 stars rounded up to 4!
Soooo… I never thought I’d actually feel queasy from a graphic novel. This made me queasy. I had to skip through a lot because honestly I didn’t expect it to irk me as much as it did - turns out I’m not as great with some types of horror than I am with others. But I honestly, this was a fantastic graphic novel. It was so so nauseating and so so intentional. Everything down to the art style was not quite right, just slightly eery, until it took a real dark turn real quick. Genuinely, a very freaky book. And ENTIRELY coloured!!! Which I know is normal for graphic novels but this is an indie and it’s so well made and so much love and care and thought has been put into it and you can feel that as you read. Very good character development and very good metaphors for growing up and seeing things in your past from a new perspective. Definitely recommend if you think you can handle it… I could not! 😭
3.5 stars rounded up to 4!
Soooo… I never thought I’d actually feel queasy from a graphic novel. This made me queasy. I had to skip through a lot because honestly I didn’t expect it to irk me as much as it did - turns out I’m not as great with some types of horror than I am with others. But I honestly, this was a fantastic graphic novel. It was so so nauseating and so so intentional. Everything down to the art style was not quite right, just slightly eery, until it took a real dark turn real quick. Genuinely, a very freaky book. And ENTIRELY coloured!!! Which I know is normal for graphic novels but this is an indie and it’s so well made and so much love and care and thought has been put into it and you can feel that as you read. Very good character development and very good metaphors for growing up and seeing things in your past from a new perspective. Definitely recommend if you think you can handle it… I could not! 😭
September 16, 2025
Wrong Turn Meets The Goonies!
Pig Wife is the horror graphic novel that readers won't see coming. Abbey Luck’s debut graphic novel is a visceral plunge into psychological horror that left me disturbed in the best way. From the first page, we learn about a teen girl trapped in a decaying mining town with a family that barely functions. When she ends up sealed inside an underground bunker, the story takes a terrifying turn that I did not expect. And I couldn’t look away.
Ruka Bravo’s illustrations are stunning. They carry warmth and humanity even when the story veers into the grotesque. That contrast makes the horror hit harder. Every panel feels intentional, every expression loaded with meaning.
This graphic novel is weird and raw, and it is absolutely deserving of your attention! Check it out!
Pig Wife is the horror graphic novel that readers won't see coming. Abbey Luck’s debut graphic novel is a visceral plunge into psychological horror that left me disturbed in the best way. From the first page, we learn about a teen girl trapped in a decaying mining town with a family that barely functions. When she ends up sealed inside an underground bunker, the story takes a terrifying turn that I did not expect. And I couldn’t look away.
Ruka Bravo’s illustrations are stunning. They carry warmth and humanity even when the story veers into the grotesque. That contrast makes the horror hit harder. Every panel feels intentional, every expression loaded with meaning.
This graphic novel is weird and raw, and it is absolutely deserving of your attention! Check it out!
September 11, 2025
first things first: the art style is deeply unsettling — i just couldn’t get over how creepy it felt. but the story itself? oh wow. after about 100 pages i was completely hooked. i had to stay up late to finish because i needed to know what would happen next. there were moments so tense i literally had to brace myself before turning the page. what a roller coaster of emotions this turned out to be. highly recommend if you’re looking for a horror comic that’s not only chilling and unnerving, but also a strangely beautiful coming-of-age story at the same time — with gorgeously eerie artwork to match
November 2, 2025
Thanks NetGalley for the eARC!
Pig Wife is a weird, unsettling, and surprisingly emotional graphic novel that feels like a fever dream from start to finish.
The story is strange as hell, sometimes confusing and sometimes brilliant, but always compelling enough to keep you turning the pages. The pacing can be uneven and the ending a bit rushed, yet the mix of horror, dark humor, and psychological tension really works.
The art perfectly matches the chaos of the story, making everything feel even more off-balance and eerie. It is bizarre, creepy, and unlike anything else I have read.
Pig Wife is a weird, unsettling, and surprisingly emotional graphic novel that feels like a fever dream from start to finish.
The story is strange as hell, sometimes confusing and sometimes brilliant, but always compelling enough to keep you turning the pages. The pacing can be uneven and the ending a bit rushed, yet the mix of horror, dark humor, and psychological tension really works.
The art perfectly matches the chaos of the story, making everything feel even more off-balance and eerie. It is bizarre, creepy, and unlike anything else I have read.
October 4, 2025
I mean… wow. I’d give this 4.5 stars.
It’s a horror graphic novel, but the story line has great twists and turns. All the characters have some form of character development (for better or worse) and the author manages to keep the tension slowly building right up until the end.
And the pig in the cave… I’ll say no more.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC, this is an honest review.
It’s a horror graphic novel, but the story line has great twists and turns. All the characters have some form of character development (for better or worse) and the author manages to keep the tension slowly building right up until the end.
And the pig in the cave… I’ll say no more.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC, this is an honest review.
September 9, 2025
I want to thank NetGalley for the ARC.
I have some mixed feelings about this one as there are many pros and cons that leave the story as an average yet enjoyable read.
Some of the pros of this story are the spreads and when the author uses less traditional story telling to explain character histories or explore emotional states. This is the benefit of graphic novels as a medium and is extremely enjoyable to see the color, design, and fluidity of panels and pages. It's a bit of a shame that it took a while to delve into this style.
The clear time jumping (to explore other parts of character history) was beneficial for our understanding of the characters and lore, and worked well because the pages were marked effectively.
One con includes the tone of the story. I could see what the author was going for with the police personality, but the humor wasn't landing with me. A lot of the way the comic and storyline was written was in a way that could be much easier to understand in a TV show or movie format, which makes sense based on the author's background. There was a lot of telling not showing during some dialogue heavy portions, and I really appreciated the times where the angles were played with or we could enjoy the character framing.
I have some mixed feelings about this one as there are many pros and cons that leave the story as an average yet enjoyable read.
Some of the pros of this story are the spreads and when the author uses less traditional story telling to explain character histories or explore emotional states. This is the benefit of graphic novels as a medium and is extremely enjoyable to see the color, design, and fluidity of panels and pages. It's a bit of a shame that it took a while to delve into this style.
The clear time jumping (to explore other parts of character history) was beneficial for our understanding of the characters and lore, and worked well because the pages were marked effectively.
One con includes the tone of the story. I could see what the author was going for with the police personality, but the humor wasn't landing with me. A lot of the way the comic and storyline was written was in a way that could be much easier to understand in a TV show or movie format, which makes sense based on the author's background. There was a lot of telling not showing during some dialogue heavy portions, and I really appreciated the times where the angles were played with or we could enjoy the character framing.
September 11, 2025
I hated this at first because the art style made me so uncomfortable and I felt it was trying too hard and while I still think it's a bit too long, the uncomfortableness never left but in an intentional way and it became a genuinely scary story with a really well done ending
October 20, 2025
Happy Spooktober!!
This was a surprisingly awesome horror graphic novel!
Uses horror elements such as monsters, kidnapping, and demonic voices to discuss real-life horrors of abandonment, isolation, and mental illness and what happens when those elements go unchecked for lengths of time and how they can create real-life monsters out of humans who feel isolated and forgotten. I didn't really know much about this going in when I requested in from Netgalley and boy I was surprised in how much I enjoyed this one. The art was minimalistic and reminded me of an adult swim cartoon which grew on me as I progressed in the novel.
I actually am contemplating on buying this one in hard copy when it is released next year because I want to go back and read it the traditional way. I don't think I realized it was a graphic novel when I requested it because I really dislike reading graphic novels in digital format. Just a preference thing on my part, but I think I missed something by not having a physical copy. Nevertheless, this was a great unexpectedly awesome Spooktober read and I look forward to it coming out in January!
4 stars.
I received an ARC of this graphic novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a surprisingly awesome horror graphic novel!
Uses horror elements such as monsters, kidnapping, and demonic voices to discuss real-life horrors of abandonment, isolation, and mental illness and what happens when those elements go unchecked for lengths of time and how they can create real-life monsters out of humans who feel isolated and forgotten. I didn't really know much about this going in when I requested in from Netgalley and boy I was surprised in how much I enjoyed this one. The art was minimalistic and reminded me of an adult swim cartoon which grew on me as I progressed in the novel.
I actually am contemplating on buying this one in hard copy when it is released next year because I want to go back and read it the traditional way. I don't think I realized it was a graphic novel when I requested it because I really dislike reading graphic novels in digital format. Just a preference thing on my part, but I think I missed something by not having a physical copy. Nevertheless, this was a great unexpectedly awesome Spooktober read and I look forward to it coming out in January!
4 stars.
I received an ARC of this graphic novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2025
Dark, but very interesting read.
October 12, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and IDW for the ARC!
This was a perfect graphic novel! I literally couldn't put it down but at the same time didn't want it to end.
Mary has to visit her dead Aunt Pearl's house with her Mom and Stepdad so they can settle her estate and hopefully find something that will be of financial benefit to them. When they get there, Mary ends up getting trapped in an underground bunker on the farm and soon learns she's not alone.
This graphic novel literally had it all. The characters were great, the pacing and plot kept me turning pages and the emotional backstory between Mary, her biological father grounded the whole thing.
I highly recommend this to just about anyone. If you're a horror fan, you'll love it. If you're not typically reaching for horror, this isn't so far out there that it'll turn you off. Such a fun read!
This was a perfect graphic novel! I literally couldn't put it down but at the same time didn't want it to end.
Mary has to visit her dead Aunt Pearl's house with her Mom and Stepdad so they can settle her estate and hopefully find something that will be of financial benefit to them. When they get there, Mary ends up getting trapped in an underground bunker on the farm and soon learns she's not alone.
This graphic novel literally had it all. The characters were great, the pacing and plot kept me turning pages and the emotional backstory between Mary, her biological father grounded the whole thing.
I highly recommend this to just about anyone. If you're a horror fan, you'll love it. If you're not typically reaching for horror, this isn't so far out there that it'll turn you off. Such a fun read!
November 19, 2025
Pig Wife by Abbey Luck is a strange but surprisingly affecting graphic novel. It is incredibly surreal with uncomfortably folklore horror energy but has real heart and emotional honesty. The writing and artwork is vivid and imaginative and it really pulls you into a bizarre world that also feels natural.
For me, the story balances its offbeat premise with genuine depth and there's humour, discomfort, but also a quiet poignancy woven throughout. This is definitely one that will linger because it’s so unique in tone and execution.
I found this to be a weird and thought-provoking tale that will appeal to those who enjoy stories that are offbeat and odd but still have character development and real heart.
Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing | Top Shelf Productions for a digital review copy of "Pig Wife" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
For me, the story balances its offbeat premise with genuine depth and there's humour, discomfort, but also a quiet poignancy woven throughout. This is definitely one that will linger because it’s so unique in tone and execution.
I found this to be a weird and thought-provoking tale that will appeal to those who enjoy stories that are offbeat and odd but still have character development and real heart.
Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing | Top Shelf Productions for a digital review copy of "Pig Wife" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
At first glance, Pig Wife didn’t win me over. The art style felt harsh and even ugly. Not necessarily because it’s poorly drawn, but because the faces and features are intentionally unpleasant. The characters’ designs exaggerate their flaws: sharp angles, twisted expressions, misshapen proportions. It’s visually jarring and uncomfortable, which initially made it hard to engage with the story.
Still, as the story unfolded, I began to understand that this ugliness is deliberate. The distorted art matches the atmosphere of horror and decay that defines Pig Wife. The grotesque visuals aren’t accidental, they amplify the claustrophobic tension and the deep unease running through the narrative.
The plot is brutal and haunting: a young girl becomes trapped in a bunker with two men who’ve been isolated there for decades. The result is violent, gory, and emotionally exhausting. It’s horror that doesn’t rely on jump scares, but on psychological dread and moral ambiguity. By the end, I felt genuinely shaken and somewhat sympathetic toward everyone involved.
The protagonist’s emotional arc is great too. She starts as a confused, angry kid, resenting her mother for leaving her father, only to realize, painfully, that her mother had been protecting them both all along. Her growth feels raw and believable, and her reactions, even when irrational, make perfect sense for her age and trauma.
Where Pig Wife falters, for me, is in its portrayal of mental illness and physical difference. Aunt Perle, though never explicitly described as such, clearly exhibits signs of schizophrenia, and another character, Ed, seems to have been born with a cleft lip. The story leans heavily on old horror tropes: the idea that visible “ugliness” reflects inner corruption, or that mental instability makes someone dangerous and frightening. In doing so, it risks perpetuating harmful stereotypes that people with mental illnesses still face today. The association of “mentally ill = scary or evil” is a troubling one, and even though the story’s horror elements might justify it narratively, it’s worth questioning what that representation communicates to readers.
Still, as the story unfolded, I began to understand that this ugliness is deliberate. The distorted art matches the atmosphere of horror and decay that defines Pig Wife. The grotesque visuals aren’t accidental, they amplify the claustrophobic tension and the deep unease running through the narrative.
The plot is brutal and haunting: a young girl becomes trapped in a bunker with two men who’ve been isolated there for decades. The result is violent, gory, and emotionally exhausting. It’s horror that doesn’t rely on jump scares, but on psychological dread and moral ambiguity. By the end, I felt genuinely shaken and somewhat sympathetic toward everyone involved.
The protagonist’s emotional arc is great too. She starts as a confused, angry kid, resenting her mother for leaving her father, only to realize, painfully, that her mother had been protecting them both all along. Her growth feels raw and believable, and her reactions, even when irrational, make perfect sense for her age and trauma.
Where Pig Wife falters, for me, is in its portrayal of mental illness and physical difference. Aunt Perle, though never explicitly described as such, clearly exhibits signs of schizophrenia, and another character, Ed, seems to have been born with a cleft lip. The story leans heavily on old horror tropes: the idea that visible “ugliness” reflects inner corruption, or that mental instability makes someone dangerous and frightening. In doing so, it risks perpetuating harmful stereotypes that people with mental illnesses still face today. The association of “mentally ill = scary or evil” is a troubling one, and even though the story’s horror elements might justify it narratively, it’s worth questioning what that representation communicates to readers.
September 28, 2025
This had an unusual art style which added to how bleak it felt, it made me a bit uncomfortable! The overall story was tragic and it was at times quite graphic, which I personally liked.
Thank you NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Abbey Luck, and IDW Publishing for an advanced reader copy of this graphic novel in return for an honest review.
Content Warnings: Death, Murder, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, Abuse, Child Abuse, Child Endangerment, Mental Illness, Suicide, Firearms, Alcohol Use, Confinement/Imprisonment, Animal Death, Animal Abuse, Bullying, Fire, Pregnancy, and Cheating/Adultery.
"Pig Wife" by Abbey Luck is not necessarily a horror graphic novel, though it certainly is horrific in nature. The artwork isn't beautiful, but it doesn't have to be. It shouldn't be. It is all rough, surreal, and gory.
I must admit, I am floundering here. How do I describe this graphic novel in a way that conveys how strange, horrifying, disgusting, and heart-wrenching it was to read?
Mary is a young girl currently living with her mother and her step-father. Mary misses her father--but it would seem that he doesn't really miss her that much. Since leaving her childhood home and moving in with her mother's new husband, Mary has been slipping drinks and smokes. She has been acting out, hoping for love and attention, hoping to see her father again, and blaming her mother all of the while for the divorce.
One day, Mary's step-father finds out that one of his family members has passed away, possibly leaving him a lot of money in her will. The will itself is missing, so he takes Mary and her mother to go look for it on the old family farm. Once there, Mary discovers an old door in the floor of the barn. Once she goes down, she becomes trapped, and the horrors waiting for her in the old mining tunnels cannot wait to meet her...and have her as their wife.
"Pig Wife" is a story that revolves around trauma. Around family--and what it means to be a family. It's a story about what mothers will do to protect their children, no matter the cost, even if it means locking them away underground forever so that the demons of humanity cannot find them.
I think part of the reason why I am hit so hard by "Pig Wife" is that, once upon a time, I was in Mary's shoes. Well, in a sense; of course I was never caught underground with two men who hadn't seen the sunlight before. When I was young, my mother and father divorced. My mother was very, very young when she had me. My father was an adult. They tried to make it work, but my father was abusive. Hateful. Controlling. Growing up, I didn't know that. I honestly thought that he was the bee's knees. I loved my dad--and my dad filled me up near to bursting with lies about my mother. He called her all sorts of horrible things, told me that she never loved me, etc. etc.
It wasn't until I was older and estranged from my father that I really sat down with my mom and her side of the family to learn the truth. Like Mary, I had wool over my eyes. I saw the world the way my father wanted me to see. I saw him as a fighter, as someone who had been stabbed in the back by my mom. Instead, I learned that it was very much the other way around.
There is this sort of assumption in society that there is something wrong with children that grow up without fathers. That there is some mistake made by the mother, shoveling negativity onto her. Burdening her. In "Pig Wife," we see this taken to an extreme. We see a mother that is so afraid of the world finding her kids, tainting them, changing them, blaming her for their imperfections, that she is willing to bury them deep underground, to keep them a secret, stupid, untouched. We see it taken to a different extreme with Mary's mother, who leaves an abusive household only to fall into another, all in the hope of finding something solid, finding a way to make sure her daughter is protected and safe.
Maybe that's just what I'm reading into it, but to me, "Pig Wife" is a story about the extremes mothers go through to try to provide a good life for their children. It shows that mothers are not perfect, that they make mistakes, that they are human.
I would gladly recommend "Pig Wife." I think it's a solid read with interesting artwork.
Content Warnings: Death, Murder, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, Abuse, Child Abuse, Child Endangerment, Mental Illness, Suicide, Firearms, Alcohol Use, Confinement/Imprisonment, Animal Death, Animal Abuse, Bullying, Fire, Pregnancy, and Cheating/Adultery.
"Pig Wife" by Abbey Luck is not necessarily a horror graphic novel, though it certainly is horrific in nature. The artwork isn't beautiful, but it doesn't have to be. It shouldn't be. It is all rough, surreal, and gory.
I must admit, I am floundering here. How do I describe this graphic novel in a way that conveys how strange, horrifying, disgusting, and heart-wrenching it was to read?
Mary is a young girl currently living with her mother and her step-father. Mary misses her father--but it would seem that he doesn't really miss her that much. Since leaving her childhood home and moving in with her mother's new husband, Mary has been slipping drinks and smokes. She has been acting out, hoping for love and attention, hoping to see her father again, and blaming her mother all of the while for the divorce.
One day, Mary's step-father finds out that one of his family members has passed away, possibly leaving him a lot of money in her will. The will itself is missing, so he takes Mary and her mother to go look for it on the old family farm. Once there, Mary discovers an old door in the floor of the barn. Once she goes down, she becomes trapped, and the horrors waiting for her in the old mining tunnels cannot wait to meet her...and have her as their wife.
"Pig Wife" is a story that revolves around trauma. Around family--and what it means to be a family. It's a story about what mothers will do to protect their children, no matter the cost, even if it means locking them away underground forever so that the demons of humanity cannot find them.
I think part of the reason why I am hit so hard by "Pig Wife" is that, once upon a time, I was in Mary's shoes. Well, in a sense; of course I was never caught underground with two men who hadn't seen the sunlight before. When I was young, my mother and father divorced. My mother was very, very young when she had me. My father was an adult. They tried to make it work, but my father was abusive. Hateful. Controlling. Growing up, I didn't know that. I honestly thought that he was the bee's knees. I loved my dad--and my dad filled me up near to bursting with lies about my mother. He called her all sorts of horrible things, told me that she never loved me, etc. etc.
It wasn't until I was older and estranged from my father that I really sat down with my mom and her side of the family to learn the truth. Like Mary, I had wool over my eyes. I saw the world the way my father wanted me to see. I saw him as a fighter, as someone who had been stabbed in the back by my mom. Instead, I learned that it was very much the other way around.
There is this sort of assumption in society that there is something wrong with children that grow up without fathers. That there is some mistake made by the mother, shoveling negativity onto her. Burdening her. In "Pig Wife," we see this taken to an extreme. We see a mother that is so afraid of the world finding her kids, tainting them, changing them, blaming her for their imperfections, that she is willing to bury them deep underground, to keep them a secret, stupid, untouched. We see it taken to a different extreme with Mary's mother, who leaves an abusive household only to fall into another, all in the hope of finding something solid, finding a way to make sure her daughter is protected and safe.
Maybe that's just what I'm reading into it, but to me, "Pig Wife" is a story about the extremes mothers go through to try to provide a good life for their children. It shows that mothers are not perfect, that they make mistakes, that they are human.
I would gladly recommend "Pig Wife." I think it's a solid read with interesting artwork.
October 9, 2025
The story begins with a man who’s looking for the testament of his late aunt, Pearl Harlow, who recently passed away. He brings his wife and stepdaughter, Mary, to her house. After a fight, Mary hides inside Aunt Pearl’s pig pen, but unfortunately gets trapped in an underground bunker beneath it. Inside, she meets two weird and disturbing-looking men, Ed and Tommy, who believe she’s their “wife.” Then the mystery starts unraveling piece by piece as Mary does everything she can to escape.
First of all, I finished this one in a day! 500+ pages in a day is freaking crazy for me. Once I started, I couldn’t stop reading, so it really tells you something about how entertaining this book is!
If you think this is just a regular comic book, you’re wrong. Pig Wife is weird, dark, haunting, and torturous. It’s a family saga with so many layers, tackling serious issues like mental health, loneliness, trauma, motherhood, abusive relationships, child neglect, and more.
The artwork is stunning! It feels surreal, and some pages look like fever dreams. I love them so much I could frame and hang them in my living room. However, as an adult who constantly consumes horror media, the visuals didn’t quite scare me. Still, they’re fantastic and would probably be terrifying for younger readers.
There’s a map of the town and the Harlow family tree at the beginning, which helps visualize how far Mary travels underground and how complex the bunker actually is. Most of the story takes place down there, so trigger warning if you’re claustrophobic.
It’s very easy to understand and sympathize with Mary because the story is told from her POV. Several full-page artworks illustrates her dreams and thoughts, visualizing her mental state. It really feels like we’re inside her head. Despite all the violence and chaos, her interactions with Ed and Tommy sometimes feel innocent and even funny.
The only thing I think could’ve been better is Aunt Pearl’s flashbacks. They could’ve been longer so we’d get a clearer picture of her secrets and mental turmoil. Honestly, I’d read 600–800 pages of this story with pleasure.
Pig Wife isn’t about sick sexuality or relationships. It’s a manifestation of someone’s desire to be loved, something they never truly had or understood. It’s about irresponsible decision that leads to catastrophe, about how unreliable people can turn into monsters and dehumanize others. It shows how love can twist when it’s starved and warped by madness, fear, and isolation.
Abbey Luck delivers this dark tale with uniquely imaginative storytelling and haunting visuals, you can really feel it was made by someone who understands human loneliness inside out. This isn’t the kind of horror that just makes your skin crawl. It’s tragic horror with deeply unsettling vibes that makes you question what being human really means. If you love graphic novels, this one’s a must-read!
Huge thanks to NetGalley, IDW Publishing, and Abbey Luck for the e-ARC!
First of all, I finished this one in a day! 500+ pages in a day is freaking crazy for me. Once I started, I couldn’t stop reading, so it really tells you something about how entertaining this book is!
If you think this is just a regular comic book, you’re wrong. Pig Wife is weird, dark, haunting, and torturous. It’s a family saga with so many layers, tackling serious issues like mental health, loneliness, trauma, motherhood, abusive relationships, child neglect, and more.
The artwork is stunning! It feels surreal, and some pages look like fever dreams. I love them so much I could frame and hang them in my living room. However, as an adult who constantly consumes horror media, the visuals didn’t quite scare me. Still, they’re fantastic and would probably be terrifying for younger readers.
There’s a map of the town and the Harlow family tree at the beginning, which helps visualize how far Mary travels underground and how complex the bunker actually is. Most of the story takes place down there, so trigger warning if you’re claustrophobic.
It’s very easy to understand and sympathize with Mary because the story is told from her POV. Several full-page artworks illustrates her dreams and thoughts, visualizing her mental state. It really feels like we’re inside her head. Despite all the violence and chaos, her interactions with Ed and Tommy sometimes feel innocent and even funny.
The only thing I think could’ve been better is Aunt Pearl’s flashbacks. They could’ve been longer so we’d get a clearer picture of her secrets and mental turmoil. Honestly, I’d read 600–800 pages of this story with pleasure.
Pig Wife isn’t about sick sexuality or relationships. It’s a manifestation of someone’s desire to be loved, something they never truly had or understood. It’s about irresponsible decision that leads to catastrophe, about how unreliable people can turn into monsters and dehumanize others. It shows how love can twist when it’s starved and warped by madness, fear, and isolation.
Abbey Luck delivers this dark tale with uniquely imaginative storytelling and haunting visuals, you can really feel it was made by someone who understands human loneliness inside out. This isn’t the kind of horror that just makes your skin crawl. It’s tragic horror with deeply unsettling vibes that makes you question what being human really means. If you love graphic novels, this one’s a must-read!
Huge thanks to NetGalley, IDW Publishing, and Abbey Luck for the e-ARC!
September 24, 2025
Disclosure: I received an advance review copy of Pig Wife from IDW Publishing | Top Shelf Productions via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Trigger Warnings: abuse, gaslighting, isolation, body horror, captivity, trauma
As a longtime fan of horror manga by Junji Ito, Kazuo Umezz, and Hitoshi Iwaaki, and films such as Suspiria, I was immediately intrigued by Abbey Luck’s Pig Wife. This indie horror graphic novel did not disappoint. The story follows Mary, a teenaged girl trapped in an abandoned gold mine after fleeing a tense encounter with her family. What begins as a claustrophobic survival tale quickly morphs into something stranger and more disturbing, as Mary discovers she isn’t alone underground. Luck blends psychological terror with grotesque imagery, creating a reading experience that is equal parts unsettling and compelling.
The standout feature of this graphic novel is the art. Trippy, psychedelic, and downright nightmarish at times, the illustrations perfectly complement the surreal horror of the story. The dream sequences, in particular, are unforgettable and rendered with such vivid surrealism that they capture the disorienting texture of nightmares themselves. Combined with strong pacing, the visuals build a suffocating atmosphere of dread that kept me turning pages long after I meant to stop.
Narratively, the novel balances coming-of-age themes with darker undercurrents of isolation, trauma, and hopelessness. Mary’s arc is the most resonant, as she struggles to navigate fear and resilience in her trapped environment. Still, some elements falter: the dialogue between Mary and her stepfather felt flat, and secondary characters such as Sarah could have benefited from deeper development. These weaker points, however, did not overshadow the immersive experience.
Ultimately, Pig Wife is a disturbing yet thought-provoking debut that will stay with readers long after the final page. Fans of horror comics and graphic novels, as well as those who enjoyed the surreal worlds of Akira or Paprika, will find much to admire here.
Trigger Warnings: abuse, gaslighting, isolation, body horror, captivity, trauma
As a longtime fan of horror manga by Junji Ito, Kazuo Umezz, and Hitoshi Iwaaki, and films such as Suspiria, I was immediately intrigued by Abbey Luck’s Pig Wife. This indie horror graphic novel did not disappoint. The story follows Mary, a teenaged girl trapped in an abandoned gold mine after fleeing a tense encounter with her family. What begins as a claustrophobic survival tale quickly morphs into something stranger and more disturbing, as Mary discovers she isn’t alone underground. Luck blends psychological terror with grotesque imagery, creating a reading experience that is equal parts unsettling and compelling.
The standout feature of this graphic novel is the art. Trippy, psychedelic, and downright nightmarish at times, the illustrations perfectly complement the surreal horror of the story. The dream sequences, in particular, are unforgettable and rendered with such vivid surrealism that they capture the disorienting texture of nightmares themselves. Combined with strong pacing, the visuals build a suffocating atmosphere of dread that kept me turning pages long after I meant to stop.
Narratively, the novel balances coming-of-age themes with darker undercurrents of isolation, trauma, and hopelessness. Mary’s arc is the most resonant, as she struggles to navigate fear and resilience in her trapped environment. Still, some elements falter: the dialogue between Mary and her stepfather felt flat, and secondary characters such as Sarah could have benefited from deeper development. These weaker points, however, did not overshadow the immersive experience.
Ultimately, Pig Wife is a disturbing yet thought-provoking debut that will stay with readers long after the final page. Fans of horror comics and graphic novels, as well as those who enjoyed the surreal worlds of Akira or Paprika, will find much to admire here.
September 25, 2025
Pig Wife
Abbey Luck
This is a graphic horror novel. The artwork in this book is very well done; the minute details are amazing. The illustration of the dead pig with maggots is definitely detailed oriented even if it is gross. I must be honest; this is not the type of book I normally read.
Part one’s focus is on Mary, a teenage girl who visits her stepdad’s family estate after his aunt passes away; he is determined to find his aunt’s will believing she left everything to him. Mary has a disagreement with her mother and stepdad. Mary runs away and takes shelter in an old barn where she blunders across an underground bunker. For some unknown reason she goes inside and is trapped. What begins as a suffocating survival tale quickly transforms into something weirder and more distressing. Mary realizes she isn’t alone underground. Her Aunt Pearl was hiding secrets in the bunker. Author Abbey Luck mixes mental fear with ludicrous imaginings, developing a reading experience that is equal parts disquieting and gripping. Mary is a unique character. At first, she come across as a spoiled brat but as the novel progresses the reader comes to realize that there is a reason she is what she is.
Pearl isolated her son Ed from the world by keeping him underground. Sarah was also held captive for years, forcing her to live in darkness. Pearl was a harsh, sick monster. The first part of this book sets the groundwork of horror, demonstrating the way brutality and misunderstanding make fiends.
The second part of this book takes place after Pearl’s death. Before Mary meets Ed and Tommy she stumbles upon the mine. The men manage to snare her in their perverse reality. Ed believes his mother provided him with another wife. When she refuses to cooperate, Ed forces her into captivity with Sarah. Tommy, Sarah, and Mary know that to survive means finding freedom.
I would be remiss if I did not once again mention the illustrations. They lend a feeling of terror to this tale. The illustrations create a tense, uncomfortable atmosphere. The author effectively uses time jumping to examine character history. There are a couple of things I suggest the author correct: 1. You should never have to tell a story; you should allow the story to play out, “show the story.” 2. The author attempted to use humor, but it just fell short. This story will appeal to those interested in horror. There are themes of abandonment, neglect, mental illness, and familial relationships.
I recieved a digital ARC from NetGalley. My reviews are always unbiased and my own personal opinion.
Abbey Luck
This is a graphic horror novel. The artwork in this book is very well done; the minute details are amazing. The illustration of the dead pig with maggots is definitely detailed oriented even if it is gross. I must be honest; this is not the type of book I normally read.
Part one’s focus is on Mary, a teenage girl who visits her stepdad’s family estate after his aunt passes away; he is determined to find his aunt’s will believing she left everything to him. Mary has a disagreement with her mother and stepdad. Mary runs away and takes shelter in an old barn where she blunders across an underground bunker. For some unknown reason she goes inside and is trapped. What begins as a suffocating survival tale quickly transforms into something weirder and more distressing. Mary realizes she isn’t alone underground. Her Aunt Pearl was hiding secrets in the bunker. Author Abbey Luck mixes mental fear with ludicrous imaginings, developing a reading experience that is equal parts disquieting and gripping. Mary is a unique character. At first, she come across as a spoiled brat but as the novel progresses the reader comes to realize that there is a reason she is what she is.
Pearl isolated her son Ed from the world by keeping him underground. Sarah was also held captive for years, forcing her to live in darkness. Pearl was a harsh, sick monster. The first part of this book sets the groundwork of horror, demonstrating the way brutality and misunderstanding make fiends.
The second part of this book takes place after Pearl’s death. Before Mary meets Ed and Tommy she stumbles upon the mine. The men manage to snare her in their perverse reality. Ed believes his mother provided him with another wife. When she refuses to cooperate, Ed forces her into captivity with Sarah. Tommy, Sarah, and Mary know that to survive means finding freedom.
I would be remiss if I did not once again mention the illustrations. They lend a feeling of terror to this tale. The illustrations create a tense, uncomfortable atmosphere. The author effectively uses time jumping to examine character history. There are a couple of things I suggest the author correct: 1. You should never have to tell a story; you should allow the story to play out, “show the story.” 2. The author attempted to use humor, but it just fell short. This story will appeal to those interested in horror. There are themes of abandonment, neglect, mental illness, and familial relationships.
I recieved a digital ARC from NetGalley. My reviews are always unbiased and my own personal opinion.
October 27, 2025
'Pig Wife' follows Mary, who’s forced to relocate to a remote mining town while her mother and stepfather settle his Aunt Pearl’s estate. But when a violent argument breaks out, Mary runs off to hide in an abandoned gold mine, only to realise she really cannot escape. What’s worse is that she realises she's not alone, after all.
NOW WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN WITH THIS GRAPHIC NOVEL!!!!
Everything about 'Pig Wife' gets under your skin. The writing and visuals work together so well that you almost forget where one ends and the other begins. And beneath all that unsettling horror lies such rich commentary on Pearl’s mental illness and possible postpartum depression, Ed’s abuse, the trio's collective trauma, and getting a peep behind the way isolation corrodes the mind. But at its core, this story is also about survival; about doing whatever it takes and breaking down the beliefs that once kept you alive but now hold you back.
I did not expect to cry during the final act, but I did. Because in the end, it wasn’t really anyone’s fault; they were all just products of their environment, of trauma passed down and twisted over time. Watching each character’s gradual unraveling and growth was both painful and beautiful.
And Luck’s illustration style? Unreal. I haven’t seen anything quite like it in a long time. It’s expressive without overexplaining, and how every panel shows more than it tells, but still feels so distinctively hers. The art elevates the entire experience, amplifying both the horror and the heartbreak.
Most impressively, this is Luck’s debut graphic novel which feels almost unbelievable given how cohesive and confident her storytelling is. I genuinely cannot wait to see what she does next because her voice and visual sensibility are something special.
Thank you to NetGalley, Top Shelf Productions, and IDW Publishing for approving my very first e-ARC!
NOW WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN WITH THIS GRAPHIC NOVEL!!!!
Everything about 'Pig Wife' gets under your skin. The writing and visuals work together so well that you almost forget where one ends and the other begins. And beneath all that unsettling horror lies such rich commentary on Pearl’s mental illness and possible postpartum depression, Ed’s abuse, the trio's collective trauma, and getting a peep behind the way isolation corrodes the mind. But at its core, this story is also about survival; about doing whatever it takes and breaking down the beliefs that once kept you alive but now hold you back.
I did not expect to cry during the final act, but I did. Because in the end, it wasn’t really anyone’s fault; they were all just products of their environment, of trauma passed down and twisted over time. Watching each character’s gradual unraveling and growth was both painful and beautiful.
And Luck’s illustration style? Unreal. I haven’t seen anything quite like it in a long time. It’s expressive without overexplaining, and how every panel shows more than it tells, but still feels so distinctively hers. The art elevates the entire experience, amplifying both the horror and the heartbreak.
Most impressively, this is Luck’s debut graphic novel which feels almost unbelievable given how cohesive and confident her storytelling is. I genuinely cannot wait to see what she does next because her voice and visual sensibility are something special.
Thank you to NetGalley, Top Shelf Productions, and IDW Publishing for approving my very first e-ARC!
November 15, 2025
📚Pg Wife
✍🏻Abbey Luck
Blurb:
Accidentally trapped in an underground bunker, a teen girl must navigate the bizarre secrets within. This astonishing indie-horror graphic novel will keep readers guessing—and turning pages!
Mary had a bad feeling even before they arrived at dead Aunt Pearl’s house. Dragged to a remote mining town so her mom and stepdad can settle Pearl’s estate, Mary can't wait to escape from her wreck of a family—but she’s stuck with them in the middle of nowhere. After a vicious fight, Mary runs off to hide in an abandoned gold mine. Her escape plan backfires when she realizes she’s trapped inside. Even more terrifying… she’s not alone.
540 pages, Paperback
My Thoughts:
Only a few pages in and I could not put down Pig Wife by Abbey Luck.. The art style makes it feel closer to a middle-grade level story, but the story content leans harder towards a new adult level story. It does a good job at blending the events of the plot that's set in the present day with mixing in flashbacks to the past that cause the events of the plot. The subject matter is pretty dark, At points it was hard to read some of the of the subject matter. The fever dream scenes were sooo good and my favorite part.
I would recommend to those that enjoy reading mysterious, dark, tense and sad then add this to your TBR. Beware of the ⚠️ trigger warnings:
Thanks NetGalley, Top Shelf Productions and Author Abbey Luck for the advanced copy of "Pig Wife" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#TopShelfProductions
#AbbeyLuck
#PigWife
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Graphic: Ableism, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Religious bigotry
✍🏻Abbey Luck
Blurb:
Accidentally trapped in an underground bunker, a teen girl must navigate the bizarre secrets within. This astonishing indie-horror graphic novel will keep readers guessing—and turning pages!
Mary had a bad feeling even before they arrived at dead Aunt Pearl’s house. Dragged to a remote mining town so her mom and stepdad can settle Pearl’s estate, Mary can't wait to escape from her wreck of a family—but she’s stuck with them in the middle of nowhere. After a vicious fight, Mary runs off to hide in an abandoned gold mine. Her escape plan backfires when she realizes she’s trapped inside. Even more terrifying… she’s not alone.
540 pages, Paperback
My Thoughts:
Only a few pages in and I could not put down Pig Wife by Abbey Luck.. The art style makes it feel closer to a middle-grade level story, but the story content leans harder towards a new adult level story. It does a good job at blending the events of the plot that's set in the present day with mixing in flashbacks to the past that cause the events of the plot. The subject matter is pretty dark, At points it was hard to read some of the of the subject matter. The fever dream scenes were sooo good and my favorite part.
I would recommend to those that enjoy reading mysterious, dark, tense and sad then add this to your TBR. Beware of the ⚠️ trigger warnings:
Thanks NetGalley, Top Shelf Productions and Author Abbey Luck for the advanced copy of "Pig Wife" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#TopShelfProductions
#AbbeyLuck
#PigWife
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Graphic: Ableism, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Religious bigotry
October 23, 2025
This was very much a break from my norm, having only every read superher/sci fi graphic novels, but something about the title and description intrigued me enough to request it on netgalley.
Mary and her mother are forced to travel to her step-father's deceased Aunt's house to "sort out her affairs" (i.e. find the title deeds to pay back embezzled funds before he is found out). Mary is troubled and depressed, missing her father and hating his replacement. After a fight, she runs off and ends up trapped in the abandoned mine under the house, where she meets some unexpected people and the story takes a very strange, welcome, turn.
What follows is a voyage of self-discovery for Mary as she uses her time trapped underground and the need to explain some aspects of the real world to the people she finds down there, to examine her relationship with her father and eventually realise he isn't the hero she remembers, and her mother not the treacherous golddigger.
The artwork is at times charming and simplistic, at others bizarre and mind-hurting along the lines of Guillermo del Toro or Clive Barker and (apart from the large watermark on the advance reading copy I had) very clearly tells the story without written exposition. It is a funny, strange and very believable tale of family, loss and mental illness. The ending was very satisfactory for me with all loose ends tied up nicely.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this advance copy.
Mary and her mother are forced to travel to her step-father's deceased Aunt's house to "sort out her affairs" (i.e. find the title deeds to pay back embezzled funds before he is found out). Mary is troubled and depressed, missing her father and hating his replacement. After a fight, she runs off and ends up trapped in the abandoned mine under the house, where she meets some unexpected people and the story takes a very strange, welcome, turn.
What follows is a voyage of self-discovery for Mary as she uses her time trapped underground and the need to explain some aspects of the real world to the people she finds down there, to examine her relationship with her father and eventually realise he isn't the hero she remembers, and her mother not the treacherous golddigger.
The artwork is at times charming and simplistic, at others bizarre and mind-hurting along the lines of Guillermo del Toro or Clive Barker and (apart from the large watermark on the advance reading copy I had) very clearly tells the story without written exposition. It is a funny, strange and very believable tale of family, loss and mental illness. The ending was very satisfactory for me with all loose ends tied up nicely.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this advance copy.
October 24, 2025
Mary, Mary, quite contrary, can't stand to be around her mother and stepfather, but can't quite stand anything else in her short and unhappy life, either. Dragged to a middle-of-nowhere mining town to her dead Aunt Pearl's house in search of her will, Mary dreams of escape and the things that cannot be. After yet another scathing fight over nothing with her parents, she seeks refuse in the cloister of an abandoned gold mine. if that wasn't bad enough for an emotionally volatile teen...she soon finds she's not alone - and only the pigs might hear her scream.
"Pig Wife" really captures all the potential of the graphic novel genre as an adult reading form for me, and I think any fans of horror, surrealism, the mind-melting juxtaposition of the real and imagined, and those with an appreciation of a completely hand drawn and full-color 500+ page acid trip of a story will really fall in love with this book. This is definitely one of those "the horrors within and without"-type books, following several characters, timelines, and mid-palaces, leaving the reader scrambling the line of what is real and what is imagined in a deliciously nauseating way. This is definitely not a book for kids, but one I'd recommend for anyone looking for a new and violently prismatic introduction into graphic novels with heavy dollops of body horror, sarcastic humor, nightmares, and the power of redemption and love even in the face of abuse, neglect, and trauma.
"Pig Wife" really captures all the potential of the graphic novel genre as an adult reading form for me, and I think any fans of horror, surrealism, the mind-melting juxtaposition of the real and imagined, and those with an appreciation of a completely hand drawn and full-color 500+ page acid trip of a story will really fall in love with this book. This is definitely one of those "the horrors within and without"-type books, following several characters, timelines, and mid-palaces, leaving the reader scrambling the line of what is real and what is imagined in a deliciously nauseating way. This is definitely not a book for kids, but one I'd recommend for anyone looking for a new and violently prismatic introduction into graphic novels with heavy dollops of body horror, sarcastic humor, nightmares, and the power of redemption and love even in the face of abuse, neglect, and trauma.
December 23, 2025
I received an ARC of this graphic novel thanks to NetGalley!
This was my first foray into the world of graphic novels and boy, was I surprised. Initially, the thought of reading a 540 page graphic novel was incredibly daunting. However, I was pleased to find that the pages flew by due to the quick, quippy dialogue and the intriguing and insanely detailed gross graphics.
I love when I'm reading a book and can tell that the author took great care in creating the world, characters, plot, etc. Luck does this beautifully! The illustrations were fascinating and I enjoyed how at times Luck used the art to tell the story instead of words. The graphics were carefully detailed and I can tell years of hard work went into creating such a beautiful, tragic, and icky (in a good way) story. I have a feeling the overall themes of this story will stick with me for a bit.
One small complaint - I felt that the summary of the book and the cover art were slightly misleading. The summary makes it seem like this story will be pure horror/thriller through and through, but way the story reads feels more YA to me. Perhaps that is because I'm unused to graphic novels. Additionally, the cover art did not match the style of the graphics throughout the book which I thought was a bit odd.
Overall, I was pleased with my first graphic novel experience! Thanks again to NetGalley and the publishing team for providing an ARC.
This was my first foray into the world of graphic novels and boy, was I surprised. Initially, the thought of reading a 540 page graphic novel was incredibly daunting. However, I was pleased to find that the pages flew by due to the quick, quippy dialogue and the intriguing and insanely detailed gross graphics.
I love when I'm reading a book and can tell that the author took great care in creating the world, characters, plot, etc. Luck does this beautifully! The illustrations were fascinating and I enjoyed how at times Luck used the art to tell the story instead of words. The graphics were carefully detailed and I can tell years of hard work went into creating such a beautiful, tragic, and icky (in a good way) story. I have a feeling the overall themes of this story will stick with me for a bit.
One small complaint - I felt that the summary of the book and the cover art were slightly misleading. The summary makes it seem like this story will be pure horror/thriller through and through, but way the story reads feels more YA to me. Perhaps that is because I'm unused to graphic novels. Additionally, the cover art did not match the style of the graphics throughout the book which I thought was a bit odd.
Overall, I was pleased with my first graphic novel experience! Thanks again to NetGalley and the publishing team for providing an ARC.
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