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Mama Came Callin': A Graphic Novel – A Slasher Horror of Swamp Noir and Institutional Racism
A gripping graphic horror novel set in the Florida bayou, following a young biracial woman as she uncovers her estranged father’s role in a grisly hate crime.
Kirah was born from an improbable interracial relationship that, in central Florida’s infamous Asurupa County, defied all the odds. But her idyllic childhood was shattered by an urban legend come to life. The “Gatorman” was a nightmare on the lips of kids and grown-ups alike all the way back to Jim a monster with the body of a man, the head of an alligator—and a taste for Black children. That’s who crawled into Kirah’s window when Kirah was just five years old. According to the police, it was Kirah’s own father who put on that gator mask and tried to kill her.
Twenty years later, Kirah works hard to build a life unburdened by the traumatic events of her childhood. Just when it seems like she’s managed to find her stride, her dad, fresh out of prison, crashes back into her world with a chilling “He’s coming for you.”
Finally forced to face the hideous family history she’s been avoiding, Kirah sets off to discover where, and who, she truly came from. And the more she learns, the more disturbing the whole picture becomes. Turns out there’s a lot more to the Gatorman than Kirah thought, and even he isn’t through with her just yet.
A clever hybrid of swamp noir, slasher horror, and social satire—and brought to life by Camilla Sucre’s vivid illustrations—Mama Came Callin’ is a story about family and legacies, both the ones we inherit and the ones we can’t escape.
Kirah was born from an improbable interracial relationship that, in central Florida’s infamous Asurupa County, defied all the odds. But her idyllic childhood was shattered by an urban legend come to life. The “Gatorman” was a nightmare on the lips of kids and grown-ups alike all the way back to Jim a monster with the body of a man, the head of an alligator—and a taste for Black children. That’s who crawled into Kirah’s window when Kirah was just five years old. According to the police, it was Kirah’s own father who put on that gator mask and tried to kill her.
Twenty years later, Kirah works hard to build a life unburdened by the traumatic events of her childhood. Just when it seems like she’s managed to find her stride, her dad, fresh out of prison, crashes back into her world with a chilling “He’s coming for you.”
Finally forced to face the hideous family history she’s been avoiding, Kirah sets off to discover where, and who, she truly came from. And the more she learns, the more disturbing the whole picture becomes. Turns out there’s a lot more to the Gatorman than Kirah thought, and even he isn’t through with her just yet.
A clever hybrid of swamp noir, slasher horror, and social satire—and brought to life by Camilla Sucre’s vivid illustrations—Mama Came Callin’ is a story about family and legacies, both the ones we inherit and the ones we can’t escape.
240 pages, Paperback
Published February 3, 2026
About the author
Ezra Claytan Daniels
19 books115 followersEzra Claytan Daniels is a writer and illustrator based in Los Angeles, CA. His work has been featured at the Fantoche International Animation Festival in Baden, Switzerland; the Fumetto International Comics Festival in Lucerne, Haarlem Stripdagen in the Netherlands; and the Whitney Museum. His graphic novel, Upgrade Soul, was the recipient of the 2017 Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity in Comics, nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album, and was named one of the best books of 2018 by Publishers Weekly, Vulture, The Library Journal, and Paste.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
February 16, 2026
A graphic novel that tackles old/current racism in a swampy setting.
Kirah survived an attack by the Gatorman when she was a young child. Her dad was tried and convicted for the crime and locked away for two decades. He immediately seeks out Kirah after being released, trying to prove his innocence. Then the Gatorman comes for Kirah once again. Surely this can’t be a coincidence…
Overall I loved this one. Ever since I heard about it on the Books In The Freezer podcast I knew I wanted to read it. Especially being in my horror graphic novel era. I do wish that some of the panels were a bit brighter. Some scenes were a tad bit too dark for me to make out what was happening. But otherwise I loved this.
Kirah survived an attack by the Gatorman when she was a young child. Her dad was tried and convicted for the crime and locked away for two decades. He immediately seeks out Kirah after being released, trying to prove his innocence. Then the Gatorman comes for Kirah once again. Surely this can’t be a coincidence…
Overall I loved this one. Ever since I heard about it on the Books In The Freezer podcast I knew I wanted to read it. Especially being in my horror graphic novel era. I do wish that some of the panels were a bit brighter. Some scenes were a tad bit too dark for me to make out what was happening. But otherwise I loved this.
April 5, 2026
3.5 rounded up to 4
RTC
RTC
February 9, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own!
📖 Book Review 📖 As our country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, we would be doing a great disservice not the mention the atrocities that also lay on the foundation of this nation, such as slavery and Jim Crow. From these not so buried pasts arise lore that both entertain and frighten children and adults alike. Sadly, our country still faces a maddening amount of racism, and this small Florida county is haunted by as well as tales of a cryptid- Gator Man who leaves the swamp to eat small children. In this same place, young Kirah almost becomes a victim of this assailant in the night but the real threat is revealed to her father.
Ezra Clayton Daniels brings a captivating tale of one young woman’s terror and resilience in the face of her own haunted history. Beautifully illustrated by Camilla Sucre, this mystery unfolds in brilliant, uniquely crafted, layered dimensions. Mama Came Callin’ is a social commentary that masterfully blends urban legends and horror with family trauma to deliver a powerful statement on generational trauma and healing.
📖 Book Review 📖 As our country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, we would be doing a great disservice not the mention the atrocities that also lay on the foundation of this nation, such as slavery and Jim Crow. From these not so buried pasts arise lore that both entertain and frighten children and adults alike. Sadly, our country still faces a maddening amount of racism, and this small Florida county is haunted by as well as tales of a cryptid- Gator Man who leaves the swamp to eat small children. In this same place, young Kirah almost becomes a victim of this assailant in the night but the real threat is revealed to her father.
Ezra Clayton Daniels brings a captivating tale of one young woman’s terror and resilience in the face of her own haunted history. Beautifully illustrated by Camilla Sucre, this mystery unfolds in brilliant, uniquely crafted, layered dimensions. Mama Came Callin’ is a social commentary that masterfully blends urban legends and horror with family trauma to deliver a powerful statement on generational trauma and healing.
February 22, 2026
Freaking amazing 😍 The mix of past trauma, thriller, mystery, self discovery, and the TRASH ASS RACISM OF THE SOUTH was *chef's kiss*. God, white people are friggin disgusting. But illuminating on those facts while also bringing a terrifying, heart pounding mystery is what I'm here FOR. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
February 12, 2026
Gifted Copy/Overall Story: 2.5/5
Illustration/Artwork: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Illustration/Artwork: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
February 11, 2026
Mama Came Callin' concerns how the urban legend of the Gatorman never really lets go of Kirah as she struggles to move from a past incident where she was attacked by him, whom she believed was her father wearing the mask. She soon recovers and works in a group home, making a difference in helping vulnerable teenagers under her supervisor, George. However, when her father dies, and the man in the Alligator suite resurfaces from the bayou, Kirah not only has to confront him again but also the past secret about her family and its ties to racial indifference.
Through his writing, Erza Claytan Daniels shows how the attempt on Kirah's life as a child burdens her mind and shapes how she handles frustration as an adult. This trauma includes Kirah continues to see Gatorman, whether she really believes he will come back or if he was just a figment of her fear. Furthermore, the graphic novel saturates itself in noir atmosphere, creating a sense of dread in some sequences, especially concerning evening moments. This was one sequence that involved Sedale scuba-diving in the river for a lost item belonging to Kirah's father, which created some good suspense. The cast, which includes Sedale, Noni and George, are likable and helped Kirah reflect on himself and on how Gatorman is putting her existing relationships at risk.
Nevertheless, I felt this story succumbs to predictable twists; one of them creates a plothole involving our main character's heritage (How did Sheriff find out that Kirah was part of the Helfur family?). The shady art style, a cartooning similar to the Netflix series Long Story Short, worked against the story as it did for it. The monochromatic shades of black and gray really land with the thriller's mood. However, I felt the sunshine yellow was inconsistently painted. Sometimes evocatively painted for dialogue and backdrops. Other times, I've found it uneven. There were also some panels that I felt were visually empty due to Camilla Sucre's minimalist approach.
If there were sequences that demonstrated how Sucre was able to take advantage in Mama Came Callin', it was the opening panels of Gatorman crawling through the open window and the scene where Gatorman is burning the group home down. They contrast in terms of mounting trepidation and absolute panic, showcasing the strength of Surce's moody palette.
The plot wasn't perfect, but Mama Came Callin' was a mood-drenched graphic novel that offered commentary on biogtry and trauma.
Through his writing, Erza Claytan Daniels shows how the attempt on Kirah's life as a child burdens her mind and shapes how she handles frustration as an adult. This trauma includes Kirah continues to see Gatorman, whether she really believes he will come back or if he was just a figment of her fear. Furthermore, the graphic novel saturates itself in noir atmosphere, creating a sense of dread in some sequences, especially concerning evening moments. This was one sequence that involved Sedale scuba-diving in the river for a lost item belonging to Kirah's father, which created some good suspense. The cast, which includes Sedale, Noni and George, are likable and helped Kirah reflect on himself and on how Gatorman is putting her existing relationships at risk.
Nevertheless, I felt this story succumbs to predictable twists; one of them creates a plothole involving our main character's heritage (How did Sheriff find out that Kirah was part of the Helfur family?). The shady art style, a cartooning similar to the Netflix series Long Story Short, worked against the story as it did for it. The monochromatic shades of black and gray really land with the thriller's mood. However, I felt the sunshine yellow was inconsistently painted. Sometimes evocatively painted for dialogue and backdrops. Other times, I've found it uneven. There were also some panels that I felt were visually empty due to Camilla Sucre's minimalist approach.
If there were sequences that demonstrated how Sucre was able to take advantage in Mama Came Callin', it was the opening panels of Gatorman crawling through the open window and the scene where Gatorman is burning the group home down. They contrast in terms of mounting trepidation and absolute panic, showcasing the strength of Surce's moody palette.
The plot wasn't perfect, but Mama Came Callin' was a mood-drenched graphic novel that offered commentary on biogtry and trauma.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 23, 2025Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
Mama Came Callin' by Ezra Claytan Daniels is a horror graphic novel dealing with racism in a small town in Florida. When Kirah was young, someone in a gator costume broke into her home and tried to kill her. While her mother saved her, the impact of that day and being told that the person in the gator costume has never left her. Now with her mother gone and her father out of jail and trying to make contact with her, Kirah is having her past dragged out. Worse, someone is coming after her in the same costume worn by the person who tried to kill her.
I really liked how color was used as it’s mostly black and white with a very small handful of colors that are used for emphasis from scene-to-scene. It lets the story focus mostly on atmosphere and the themes while using the bit of color to enhance those aspects.
The horror themes are rooted in Kirah’s inability to know who to trust, which also makes this feel similar to a thriller, and in how there is no way for her to know when the gator man is coming to come for her since it has been so long and then he’s suddenly back. There are no supernatural elements and everything does, unfortunately, feel all too believable as we know anti-black racism very often targets interracial children under the guise of ‘that’s how things are’ and protecting the people who uphold that racism.
Content warning for depictions of racism and harm to a child
I would recommend this to fans of horror looking for a graphic novel and fans of thrillers looking for a horror
Mama Came Callin' by Ezra Claytan Daniels is a horror graphic novel dealing with racism in a small town in Florida. When Kirah was young, someone in a gator costume broke into her home and tried to kill her. While her mother saved her, the impact of that day and being told that the person in the gator costume has never left her. Now with her mother gone and her father out of jail and trying to make contact with her, Kirah is having her past dragged out. Worse, someone is coming after her in the same costume worn by the person who tried to kill her.
I really liked how color was used as it’s mostly black and white with a very small handful of colors that are used for emphasis from scene-to-scene. It lets the story focus mostly on atmosphere and the themes while using the bit of color to enhance those aspects.
The horror themes are rooted in Kirah’s inability to know who to trust, which also makes this feel similar to a thriller, and in how there is no way for her to know when the gator man is coming to come for her since it has been so long and then he’s suddenly back. There are no supernatural elements and everything does, unfortunately, feel all too believable as we know anti-black racism very often targets interracial children under the guise of ‘that’s how things are’ and protecting the people who uphold that racism.
Content warning for depictions of racism and harm to a child
I would recommend this to fans of horror looking for a graphic novel and fans of thrillers looking for a horror
February 10, 2026
Jaw on the ground!!! Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop!
The author & the illustrator outdid themselves with this storyline & artwork.
Wanting to read more graphic horror novels?! Or just dip your toe in? This is a great place to start!!!
As someone who grew up in SoFlo I'm already terrified of gators, so this one had me on edge.
There's great social commentary here that blends with slasher horror set in the swamp!
Beautifully illustrated & written.
Themes of separation, identity, sacrifice, & survival.
"A gripping graphic horror novel set in the Florida bayou, following a young biracial woman as she uncovers her estranged father's role in a grisly hate crime."
A major thank you to the publisher for the gifted finished copy.
The author & the illustrator outdid themselves with this storyline & artwork.
Wanting to read more graphic horror novels?! Or just dip your toe in? This is a great place to start!!!
As someone who grew up in SoFlo I'm already terrified of gators, so this one had me on edge.
There's great social commentary here that blends with slasher horror set in the swamp!
Beautifully illustrated & written.
Themes of separation, identity, sacrifice, & survival.
"A gripping graphic horror novel set in the Florida bayou, following a young biracial woman as she uncovers her estranged father's role in a grisly hate crime."
A major thank you to the publisher for the gifted finished copy.
May 16, 2026
I cannot stress this enough, I REALLY enjoyed this graphic novel. The art style was fresh and exciting and the story held my attention from the title till the last page.
February 6, 2026
4.25*
This book explored the racist post of the term "gator bait" in a small central Florida town.
As a girl, Kirah was attacked by a man in an alligator costume. Years later, her mother has passed away and her father is out of jail and trying to reconnect, Kirah is having to face her painful past. She's also dealing with the subtle and overt racism of central Florida, she being of mixed parentage. She's not sure who she can trust.
The use of color and shadow are very effective in this book. They direct the eye and add to the tension of certain scenes.
This is kind of a slasher horror with a bit of crime mystery. Swamp noir, maybe?
This book explored the racist post of the term "gator bait" in a small central Florida town.
As a girl, Kirah was attacked by a man in an alligator costume. Years later, her mother has passed away and her father is out of jail and trying to reconnect, Kirah is having to face her painful past. She's also dealing with the subtle and overt racism of central Florida, she being of mixed parentage. She's not sure who she can trust.
The use of color and shadow are very effective in this book. They direct the eye and add to the tension of certain scenes.
This is kind of a slasher horror with a bit of crime mystery. Swamp noir, maybe?
March 1, 2026
Quick read despite its heftier length than most graphic novels, Mama Came Callin’ follows Kirah, who is prompted by the death of her estranged father to investigate a crime from her childhood. There are moments in this story that are really heartbreaking, as well as moments that will make you angry - mostly at the racist small town Floridians Kirah comes up against in her search for the truth of her past.
November 12, 2025
My Selling Pitch:
A graphic novel about gator bait’s hateful origins.
Pre-reading:
Crikey.
(obviously potential spoilers from here on)
Thick of it:
me: what a cute setup, blitzing through the panels. All of a sudden I see the shadow. Oh.
Thanks, I HATE it. I love when graphics actually make the monster scary.
They're cute together. Can't wait for it to go wrong lmao.
Please don’t be research for his mom‘s book. (Sad.)
The mansion people being hateful and trying to prevent the fortune from being passed to her? (Basically.)
That was good!
Post-reading:
A short and sweet graphic novel about the racist and hateful origins of the phrase gator bait. I’m a New Englander and not a basketball fan, so I'd never encountered the phrase before, but there's always something morbidly satisfying about uncovering another piece of American history that’s been hushed up because turns out, we really have been that shitty forever. The plot’s predictable but engaging. The characters are extremely likable. It's a story about race and is great at featuring a diverse cast while still giving the characters personalities outside of their labels. The drawings are simplistic but pleasing. The monster’s just spooky enough to be unsettling but still appropriate for younger readers. I think high schoolers will get the most out of this book. It’s an easily digestible history lesson. I liked that the story didn't wrap up too neatly either. I like that the couple didn't get back together. It’s a solid read.
Who should read this:
High schoolers
History fans
Ideal reading time:
Summer
Do I want to reread this:
No, I'll remember it.
Would I buy this:
I’d grab a copy from the library.
Similar books:
* Pig Wife by Abbey Luck-graphic novel, family drama, thriller, abuse
* Mayra by Nicky Gonzalez-swamp gothic, psychological horror, queer
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A graphic novel about gator bait’s hateful origins.
Pre-reading:
Crikey.
(obviously potential spoilers from here on)
Thick of it:
me: what a cute setup, blitzing through the panels. All of a sudden I see the shadow. Oh.
Thanks, I HATE it. I love when graphics actually make the monster scary.
They're cute together. Can't wait for it to go wrong lmao.
Please don’t be research for his mom‘s book. (Sad.)
The mansion people being hateful and trying to prevent the fortune from being passed to her? (Basically.)
That was good!
Post-reading:
A short and sweet graphic novel about the racist and hateful origins of the phrase gator bait. I’m a New Englander and not a basketball fan, so I'd never encountered the phrase before, but there's always something morbidly satisfying about uncovering another piece of American history that’s been hushed up because turns out, we really have been that shitty forever. The plot’s predictable but engaging. The characters are extremely likable. It's a story about race and is great at featuring a diverse cast while still giving the characters personalities outside of their labels. The drawings are simplistic but pleasing. The monster’s just spooky enough to be unsettling but still appropriate for younger readers. I think high schoolers will get the most out of this book. It’s an easily digestible history lesson. I liked that the story didn't wrap up too neatly either. I like that the couple didn't get back together. It’s a solid read.
Who should read this:
High schoolers
History fans
Ideal reading time:
Summer
Do I want to reread this:
No, I'll remember it.
Would I buy this:
I’d grab a copy from the library.
Similar books:
* Pig Wife by Abbey Luck-graphic novel, family drama, thriller, abuse
* Mayra by Nicky Gonzalez-swamp gothic, psychological horror, queer
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2025
Killer Gators and Terrifying Family Secrets!
Mama Came Calling by Ezra Clayton Daniels is a haunting exploration of family ties woven into the fabric of America’s unsettling past. There is a captured intimacy within the pages of this graphic novel that is truly HAUNTING. I cannot stop thinking about this story. Featured in this story are tortured familial relationships, love, tension, and unspoken hard truths, all anchored in a genuinely terrifying historical context. The story doesn’t just evoke fear through supernatural elements; it amplifies the horror by reminding us how deeply history can scar generations. Additionally, some masked slasher elements had me afraid of the shadows in the corners of my room. It’s a chilling, thought-provoking piece that lingers long after the last page, making you question so many aspects of the world around us.
Mama Came Calling by Ezra Clayton Daniels is a haunting exploration of family ties woven into the fabric of America’s unsettling past. There is a captured intimacy within the pages of this graphic novel that is truly HAUNTING. I cannot stop thinking about this story. Featured in this story are tortured familial relationships, love, tension, and unspoken hard truths, all anchored in a genuinely terrifying historical context. The story doesn’t just evoke fear through supernatural elements; it amplifies the horror by reminding us how deeply history can scar generations. Additionally, some masked slasher elements had me afraid of the shadows in the corners of my room. It’s a chilling, thought-provoking piece that lingers long after the last page, making you question so many aspects of the world around us.
November 13, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an eArc.
Unfortunately my copy through the eReader wasn’t the best quality so I couldn’t get most of the finer details of the art, but the paneling and stylistic choices were very good from what I could see.
The story was well done and I would recommend this to fans of history.
Unfortunately my copy through the eReader wasn’t the best quality so I couldn’t get most of the finer details of the art, but the paneling and stylistic choices were very good from what I could see.
The story was well done and I would recommend this to fans of history.
January 11, 2026
I’ve spent the last few hours sitting in silence after finishing Mama Came Callin’, and I think I’m still vibrating a little from the impact. It’s a slim volume, the kind of graphic novel you can devour in a single sitting, but Ezra Claytan Daniels has packed so much ancestral weight and southern grit into these pages that it feels much larger than it actually is.
The story drops us into a fictional slice of Florida—the kind of swampy, humid terrain that feels like the Everglades—where we meet Kirah. She’s a social worker doing research for a group home trip, but the landscape is haunted by more than just mosquitoes. When she was a child, a literal monster—man-bodied with an alligator’s head—crawled through her window and tried to end her life. Her father was locked up for the “crime,” and seeing him released back into her world creates some of the most gut-wrenching, authentic dialogue I’ve read in a long time. Their interaction is messy and heartbreaking in that way only family trauma can be.
As the plot unwinds, it evolves into an intense, claustrophobic thriller. It’s a heavy exploration of bigotry and the way old hatred acts like a sickness, infecting everything it touches. What’s impressive is that while the themes are massive, the narrative never feels bogged down. It keeps moving with a surprising punch, even when it’s exploring the darkest corners of Kirah’s fears.
I have to talk about the art by Camilla Sucre, because I think it’s going to be the “love it or hate it” element for most readers. Sucre is clearly talented, but the style is very minimalist. Many panels feel somewhat hollow, with backgrounds that are more like vague impressions than detailed settings. I actually think this worked beautifully for the flashback sequences—it captured that hazy, unreliable nature of memory—but in the present-day scenes, I occasionally found myself wishing for more “meat” on the bones of the world. The monotone color palette adds to that eerie, singular mood, but I can see why some might want more visual dynamism to match the intensity of the writing.
By the time I hit the finale, I was genuinely surprised, though a part of me saw the shadows of the ending coming. It definitely feels like the door was left ajar for a sequel, which is interesting, though I personally think the story might have hit even harder if it had been a tightly sealed one-shot. That said, the open ending underscores the author’s point: hatred isn’t easily defeated; it’s a lingering infection.
For readers who like:
It reminds me a lot of the social commentary found in Victor LaValle’s Destroyer or the swampy, atmospheric dread of The Low, Low Woods by Carmen Maria Machado.
Final Verdict
If you’re a fan of Southern Gothic horror that uses monsters to talk about real-world trauma, this is an absolute must-buy. It’s a haunting piece of work that I’ll definitely be picking up in physical form once it drops.
Grateful to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Ezra Claytan Daniels for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
The story drops us into a fictional slice of Florida—the kind of swampy, humid terrain that feels like the Everglades—where we meet Kirah. She’s a social worker doing research for a group home trip, but the landscape is haunted by more than just mosquitoes. When she was a child, a literal monster—man-bodied with an alligator’s head—crawled through her window and tried to end her life. Her father was locked up for the “crime,” and seeing him released back into her world creates some of the most gut-wrenching, authentic dialogue I’ve read in a long time. Their interaction is messy and heartbreaking in that way only family trauma can be.
As the plot unwinds, it evolves into an intense, claustrophobic thriller. It’s a heavy exploration of bigotry and the way old hatred acts like a sickness, infecting everything it touches. What’s impressive is that while the themes are massive, the narrative never feels bogged down. It keeps moving with a surprising punch, even when it’s exploring the darkest corners of Kirah’s fears.
I have to talk about the art by Camilla Sucre, because I think it’s going to be the “love it or hate it” element for most readers. Sucre is clearly talented, but the style is very minimalist. Many panels feel somewhat hollow, with backgrounds that are more like vague impressions than detailed settings. I actually think this worked beautifully for the flashback sequences—it captured that hazy, unreliable nature of memory—but in the present-day scenes, I occasionally found myself wishing for more “meat” on the bones of the world. The monotone color palette adds to that eerie, singular mood, but I can see why some might want more visual dynamism to match the intensity of the writing.
By the time I hit the finale, I was genuinely surprised, though a part of me saw the shadows of the ending coming. It definitely feels like the door was left ajar for a sequel, which is interesting, though I personally think the story might have hit even harder if it had been a tightly sealed one-shot. That said, the open ending underscores the author’s point: hatred isn’t easily defeated; it’s a lingering infection.
For readers who like:
It reminds me a lot of the social commentary found in Victor LaValle’s Destroyer or the swampy, atmospheric dread of The Low, Low Woods by Carmen Maria Machado.
Final Verdict
If you’re a fan of Southern Gothic horror that uses monsters to talk about real-world trauma, this is an absolute must-buy. It’s a haunting piece of work that I’ll definitely be picking up in physical form once it drops.
Grateful to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Ezra Claytan Daniels for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2025
I would like to thank the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.
Twenty years ago the Gatorman attacked a family. Now that little girl is all grown up, left here without family by her side, and left without any answers as to who attacked them – though she’s happy to blame her dad for the fateful night, and he’s been in jail ever since. But when her dad gets out of jail saying he was innocent, it’ll be up to Kirah to uncover the truth of her past – who she is, where she came from, and why the Gatorman targeted her and her family – before he comes back to finish the job once and for all.
Okay. Well. Things I liked: I have never heard the term “gator bait” before, so I went into a deep dive and learned the history behind it and I can say how thoroughly effed up it would be to have a candy named for it. So I appreciate the author’s attention to detail when it came to being historically accurate. I enjoyed the overall plot of the Gatorman and why it was happening/why he was targeting her and her family. However, that being said, I did not enjoy this graphic novel. I felt like there were a few plot holes and things jumped around too much at times. Kirah was especially annoying since she’s depicted as someone who is smart and who would’ve grown up cautious… and then she makes terrible decisions one after another and is volatile and quick to jump to conclusions. I also will admit I was not a fan of the artwork, but that’s just personal preference. If you’re looking for something quick and full of racial tension and hate then this is for you, but it was not for me.
Actual Rating: 2.5 stars
Twenty years ago the Gatorman attacked a family. Now that little girl is all grown up, left here without family by her side, and left without any answers as to who attacked them – though she’s happy to blame her dad for the fateful night, and he’s been in jail ever since. But when her dad gets out of jail saying he was innocent, it’ll be up to Kirah to uncover the truth of her past – who she is, where she came from, and why the Gatorman targeted her and her family – before he comes back to finish the job once and for all.
Okay. Well. Things I liked: I have never heard the term “gator bait” before, so I went into a deep dive and learned the history behind it and I can say how thoroughly effed up it would be to have a candy named for it. So I appreciate the author’s attention to detail when it came to being historically accurate. I enjoyed the overall plot of the Gatorman and why it was happening/why he was targeting her and her family. However, that being said, I did not enjoy this graphic novel. I felt like there were a few plot holes and things jumped around too much at times. Kirah was especially annoying since she’s depicted as someone who is smart and who would’ve grown up cautious… and then she makes terrible decisions one after another and is volatile and quick to jump to conclusions. I also will admit I was not a fan of the artwork, but that’s just personal preference. If you’re looking for something quick and full of racial tension and hate then this is for you, but it was not for me.
Actual Rating: 2.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was immediate drawn to this book for several reasons: it was a graphic novel featuring a black woman as the protagonist, it was a horror graphic novel, and it was to be centered around a southern urban legend/racial phrasing.
I REALLY enjoyed this book. There simply aren't enough graphic novel that tell stories like this. The writing is complex as we learn of past trauma surrounding the main character, how she navigates it, and who she becomes. It also shows us how our own trauma can take shape in effecting the lives of others. All of that paralleled with continuously dealing with racism systematically, institutionally and day to day.
The art style was perfect for this as well, as some parts of this was homey when it needed to be and absolutely horrifying in other parts. The settings were beautifully drawn and the coloring set the tone for the story well.
I really could go on and on about this one, but I highly recommend this to folks who love horror, southern Gothics, historical fiction in the form of graphic novels and simply, stories that feature people of color.
I was provided an Advanced Reader's Copy of this audio book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to Ezra Claytan Daniels, Camilla Sucre, William Morrow Paperbacks, and Net Galley for making this possible!
I REALLY enjoyed this book. There simply aren't enough graphic novel that tell stories like this. The writing is complex as we learn of past trauma surrounding the main character, how she navigates it, and who she becomes. It also shows us how our own trauma can take shape in effecting the lives of others. All of that paralleled with continuously dealing with racism systematically, institutionally and day to day.
The art style was perfect for this as well, as some parts of this was homey when it needed to be and absolutely horrifying in other parts. The settings were beautifully drawn and the coloring set the tone for the story well.
I really could go on and on about this one, but I highly recommend this to folks who love horror, southern Gothics, historical fiction in the form of graphic novels and simply, stories that feature people of color.
I was provided an Advanced Reader's Copy of this audio book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to Ezra Claytan Daniels, Camilla Sucre, William Morrow Paperbacks, and Net Galley for making this possible!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Ezra Claytan Daniels and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this early! Camilla Sucre's artwork is fantastic and creepy to the max! Fits the story and vibe very well. Very short, but it hits you with a punch of a story. Was able to read it in one sitting, but it still is in my head. Set in a fictional county in Florida, it could very well be in the everglades portion of the state. It appears to be the home of Gator Bait, a candy and also a well known term for a discriminatory practice , and this is where we meet Kirah. She's out in the swamp park area, researching for an outing for the group home she is a social worker for. This is where we learn that when she was a little girl, a monster with the body of a man and the head of an alligator climbed into her window and attempted to kill her. We are also introduced to her father, who has been locked up for the crime, as he has been released. The interaction between the two of them is heartbreaking but so understandable. From there, things become intense and it appears someone is after Kirah. The ending was a bit surprising, and half expected. Not taking away my rating though, because this was definitely a great read! Will absolutely buy a physical copy once it is released.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the advanced copy.
3.5 stars. Mama Came Callin' is a story of old hate, bigotry, and overcoming trauma and obstacles. It's a heavy story but it never feels heavy, as it unwinds slowly and reveals more each page. The ending left me wanting a bit, it definitely felt like it was left open for a sequel, which I don't think is really necessary. I think it would've been better all wrapped up, but I think the author's intent is that hatred is a sickness infecting more than just one or two people, unfortunately.
The art by Camilla Sucre is going to be divisive. She's a skilled artist, went to school for it, but too many panels felt empty. Little is done in background or detail. It felt like I was just getting impressions, which would've been cool for the flashback scenes for sure, but for all the present-day in the moment stuff it just feels like something is missing. I also wasn't a big fan of the monotone coloring in the book. I think this is a story that needs more dynamicism in its art.
Overall decent, worth a read if you're into southern mystery slashers.
3.5 stars. Mama Came Callin' is a story of old hate, bigotry, and overcoming trauma and obstacles. It's a heavy story but it never feels heavy, as it unwinds slowly and reveals more each page. The ending left me wanting a bit, it definitely felt like it was left open for a sequel, which I don't think is really necessary. I think it would've been better all wrapped up, but I think the author's intent is that hatred is a sickness infecting more than just one or two people, unfortunately.
The art by Camilla Sucre is going to be divisive. She's a skilled artist, went to school for it, but too many panels felt empty. Little is done in background or detail. It felt like I was just getting impressions, which would've been cool for the flashback scenes for sure, but for all the present-day in the moment stuff it just feels like something is missing. I also wasn't a big fan of the monotone coloring in the book. I think this is a story that needs more dynamicism in its art.
Overall decent, worth a read if you're into southern mystery slashers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow books for the ARC.
Mama Came Callin' is a short and sweet graphic novel most horror lovers will probably rip through in under an hour (like I did). The story itself follows Kirah, an almost-murder victim of the Gatorbait killer. Now grown, Kirah is surprised when her estranged father returns from prison and warns her that the Gatorbait killer has returned.
This was a great story and the illustrations from Camilla Sucre are beautiful, I'd love to see more work from this artist. If I had to complain about anything it would be wanting more from the characters. Some of the conflict was quick to resolve, and I wanted a bit more from Kirah's close relationships. But I am deeply happy to see this shift in the horror genre towards Southern Gothic, gator/croc monsters (I believe we have a number of gator-type horror books coming out in the near future, but maybe I'm hallucinating).
This would work for fans of Saint Catherine by Anna Meyer. Mama Came Callin' deals with some heavy and violent themes, but it doesn't stew in them, which makes for a haunting story with some serious social commentary on the persistent violence of racism.
Mama Came Callin' is a short and sweet graphic novel most horror lovers will probably rip through in under an hour (like I did). The story itself follows Kirah, an almost-murder victim of the Gatorbait killer. Now grown, Kirah is surprised when her estranged father returns from prison and warns her that the Gatorbait killer has returned.
This was a great story and the illustrations from Camilla Sucre are beautiful, I'd love to see more work from this artist. If I had to complain about anything it would be wanting more from the characters. Some of the conflict was quick to resolve, and I wanted a bit more from Kirah's close relationships. But I am deeply happy to see this shift in the horror genre towards Southern Gothic, gator/croc monsters (I believe we have a number of gator-type horror books coming out in the near future, but maybe I'm hallucinating).
This would work for fans of Saint Catherine by Anna Meyer. Mama Came Callin' deals with some heavy and violent themes, but it doesn't stew in them, which makes for a haunting story with some serious social commentary on the persistent violence of racism.
May 19, 2026
People who don't think reading graphic novels "counts" need to read something like Mama Came Callin' by Ezra Claytan Daniels and illustrated by Camilla Sucre.
Kirah is a young biracial woman living in the Florida bayou where racism is alive and well, and a local urban legend claims the "Gatorman" is a monster with the body of a man and the head of an alligator which likes to eat black children.
When she is attacked by the Gatorman at five years old, the police identified her father as the culprit, and now, twenty years later, she's forced to confront him and the impact it's had on her life since.
Mama Came Callin' is about family and the legacy they leave even when we don't know it, the grip that racism can hold over a community, and how the choices we make can create hope for the future. It's also an engaging story and effective thriller with characters that feel real and whose outcomes we care about.
Camilla Sucre's illustrations are beautiful and set the tone for the story perfectly.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the review copy.
Kirah is a young biracial woman living in the Florida bayou where racism is alive and well, and a local urban legend claims the "Gatorman" is a monster with the body of a man and the head of an alligator which likes to eat black children.
When she is attacked by the Gatorman at five years old, the police identified her father as the culprit, and now, twenty years later, she's forced to confront him and the impact it's had on her life since.
Mama Came Callin' is about family and the legacy they leave even when we don't know it, the grip that racism can hold over a community, and how the choices we make can create hope for the future. It's also an engaging story and effective thriller with characters that feel real and whose outcomes we care about.
Camilla Sucre's illustrations are beautiful and set the tone for the story perfectly.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the review copy.
November 15, 2025
Thank you Net Galley and William Morrow for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This is an important type of story to tell, and to have it in this Southern gothic form gives it a sense of place and underlying horror without having to belabor any of the points.
The file, unfortunately, was a little blurry, so I was unable to appreciate the finer details in the art, but I still felt the appropriate chills and panic, disappointment and shock as the plot unfolded.
The characters felt real and human, and I loved when the art played with distance to increase the reader's sense of unease.
While the first part of the novel was paced well, I felt that the rest was a little rushed. I would have loved more time with the creepiness factors, more time with the revelations, more time with the past, more time with the characters.
I am looking forward to seeing it in physical form, where the art is bound to shine more.
This is an important type of story to tell, and to have it in this Southern gothic form gives it a sense of place and underlying horror without having to belabor any of the points.
The file, unfortunately, was a little blurry, so I was unable to appreciate the finer details in the art, but I still felt the appropriate chills and panic, disappointment and shock as the plot unfolded.
The characters felt real and human, and I loved when the art played with distance to increase the reader's sense of unease.
While the first part of the novel was paced well, I felt that the rest was a little rushed. I would have loved more time with the creepiness factors, more time with the revelations, more time with the past, more time with the characters.
I am looking forward to seeing it in physical form, where the art is bound to shine more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Florida myth meets race/identity issues. I found myself both liking and disliking this graphic novel. It had an interesting premise, but very little buildup to events. The book went by way too fast for me, and I definitely feel like I needed to savor this one. I think this story could have benefited from a larger page count to go more in-depth on certain parts of the narrative, like Kirah's past after her father's imprisonment, and Her Father's life with his family and its history. It just feels like the past was rushed to get the present narrative to move. I found the ending very satisfying, as far as Kirah making peace with her father goes, but I'm surprised no one put up any legal battles over the property, considering the racist undertones of some of the area's residents. If the core message was about racism, I just assumed that would be another hurdle for Kirah to jump. Overall, I would probably reread this again, but I wouldn't say I loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2026
A horror graphic novel that spotlights old racism that festers for years to current times in the South. We follow our young MC, whose past trauma involves a murderous man dressed in an alligator costume; he may not be done with what he started. Kirah follows in her late mothers foot steps and works for a foster home, the same foster home her mother worked for and that helped raise her after her mother passed.
She learns new things about her father's side of the family after he's released from prison and shortly dies after trying to make contact with Kirah. People seem to be dying around her, and she finds out why when coming face to face with her lineage and the Gator Man.
I thought the story was good. I appreciated the real conversations of racism in the south, mentions of the very real and horrifying truth, with the term alligator bait. Highlighting the roots of this country. I wasn't a huge fan of the artwork, but that doesn't affect the story.
She learns new things about her father's side of the family after he's released from prison and shortly dies after trying to make contact with Kirah. People seem to be dying around her, and she finds out why when coming face to face with her lineage and the Gator Man.
I thought the story was good. I appreciated the real conversations of racism in the south, mentions of the very real and horrifying truth, with the term alligator bait. Highlighting the roots of this country. I wasn't a huge fan of the artwork, but that doesn't affect the story.
February 17, 2026
Mama Came Callin’ was fine. The art was serviceable, but nothing I was particularly enamored with, and the story itself was okay overall, just pretty underwhelming. If I'd liked the art more, I probably wouldn’t have minded the basic storyline as much, and if the story had been more creative or distinctive, I would've been less bothered by the art style.
The social commentary on race had a great set up, but ultimately felt underbaked; it didn’t seem to go any deeper than “yeah, that happened, so yeah”. It was pretty surface level considering the depth of the racial prejudice in Florida’s history the story kept hinting at. I think there was a missed opportunity to expand this story over multiple issues/volumes where we could have gotten more history about the family, their business, and the town. The great commentary on race and childhood trauma was ultimately underserved by the superficial exploration.
It’s a quick read, and there’s nothing outright bad about it, but nothing really stood out to me either.
The social commentary on race had a great set up, but ultimately felt underbaked; it didn’t seem to go any deeper than “yeah, that happened, so yeah”. It was pretty surface level considering the depth of the racial prejudice in Florida’s history the story kept hinting at. I think there was a missed opportunity to expand this story over multiple issues/volumes where we could have gotten more history about the family, their business, and the town. The great commentary on race and childhood trauma was ultimately underserved by the superficial exploration.
It’s a quick read, and there’s nothing outright bad about it, but nothing really stood out to me either.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨ Mini-Review ✨ Mama Came Callin' by Ezra Claytan Daniels, illustrated by Camilla Sucre
Thanks to William Morrow and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!
This horror graphic novel reflects on the history and legacy of racism in the South. I loved the ways that this book grappled with these hard topics, looking at how black kids were preyed upon quite literally through the Gatorman, but I also found the story a little bit hard to get into. One of the reasons, I think, is because the low-res ARC version I had was blurry and often blurred out facial expressions, leaving some of the emotions confused/untouched. I loved the sharp colors and visuals present, but I guess the blurriness left me feeling a little disconnected.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: horror, graphic novel
Setting: rural Florida
Pub Date: Feb 03 2026
Thanks to William Morrow and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!
This horror graphic novel reflects on the history and legacy of racism in the South. I loved the ways that this book grappled with these hard topics, looking at how black kids were preyed upon quite literally through the Gatorman, but I also found the story a little bit hard to get into. One of the reasons, I think, is because the low-res ARC version I had was blurry and often blurred out facial expressions, leaving some of the emotions confused/untouched. I loved the sharp colors and visuals present, but I guess the blurriness left me feeling a little disconnected.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: horror, graphic novel
Setting: rural Florida
Pub Date: Feb 03 2026
February 13, 2026
3.5⭐️ rounded down
This little graphic novel packs quite a punch. It's based in a fictional small town in Florida that is known for its urban legend of The Gator Man and a popular candy known as Gator Bait. If you do a quick Google search on that term, you will find some very disturbing things. Kirah was almost killed by The Gator Man when she was five. Her father was accused of this crime and is finally being released years later, now that she's an adult. Now someone is after her again. This book is part mystery, part thriller, and part horror. I did enjoy it, though I felt some parts were rushed. I'm not sure if the ending was left open on purpose for a second book or to just leave you in a state of wonder. I like that the artwork was black, white, and yellow to reflect the colors of a bee, which was Kirah's dad's nickname for her.
This little graphic novel packs quite a punch. It's based in a fictional small town in Florida that is known for its urban legend of The Gator Man and a popular candy known as Gator Bait. If you do a quick Google search on that term, you will find some very disturbing things. Kirah was almost killed by The Gator Man when she was five. Her father was accused of this crime and is finally being released years later, now that she's an adult. Now someone is after her again. This book is part mystery, part thriller, and part horror. I did enjoy it, though I felt some parts were rushed. I'm not sure if the ending was left open on purpose for a second book or to just leave you in a state of wonder. I like that the artwork was black, white, and yellow to reflect the colors of a bee, which was Kirah's dad's nickname for her.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I think that this had a lot of potential but because of the short length and format for this standalone story it felt like things ended up being rushed and we didn't get enough history and backstory about this town and family and industry. I wanted to know more about our characters and this could have benefited so much from either being longer or being broken into multiple issues or volumes where the story could unfold over a longer period of time. This feels like such an important story to tell with great commentary on race and childhood trauma but that ultimately remains pretty surface level with the time it is given.
Content Warning: racism, arson, murder, attempted murder
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book.
Content Warning: racism, arson, murder, attempted murder
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First off, many thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this graphic novel as an eARC! I greatly appreciate it!
I was really intrigued by the concept for this one, but the execution kind of fell flat for me. One reason was the characters. Not a single one of them was even slightly likeable, and why would I care what happens to a character if I don't like them? The other reason was how blurry all the artwork was. Like, distractingly blurry and sometimes even hard to read. Now, this might just be an anti-piracy measure that only affects ARCs and not the actual published book, but it might not be, so I thought it was worth mentioning.
Overall, decent story, though, so three out of five stars to Mama Came Callin'.
I was really intrigued by the concept for this one, but the execution kind of fell flat for me. One reason was the characters. Not a single one of them was even slightly likeable, and why would I care what happens to a character if I don't like them? The other reason was how blurry all the artwork was. Like, distractingly blurry and sometimes even hard to read. Now, this might just be an anti-piracy measure that only affects ARCs and not the actual published book, but it might not be, so I thought it was worth mentioning.
Overall, decent story, though, so three out of five stars to Mama Came Callin'.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.
I really enjoyed this book for the most part. It has great themes and interesting characters. This book wasn't quite what I was expecting it would be, but that didn't bother me here. I think this book was well written with some good artwork behind it. The characters themselves are interesting and I liked how they were written. They are written to be complex and I loved seeing how the main character developed with the story. Her struggles and fears are well shown to the reader. I also really liked a lot of the side characters in this one. I think they are just as well written. I would certainly recommend checking out this book.
I really enjoyed this book for the most part. It has great themes and interesting characters. This book wasn't quite what I was expecting it would be, but that didn't bother me here. I think this book was well written with some good artwork behind it. The characters themselves are interesting and I liked how they were written. They are written to be complex and I loved seeing how the main character developed with the story. Her struggles and fears are well shown to the reader. I also really liked a lot of the side characters in this one. I think they are just as well written. I would certainly recommend checking out this book.
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