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Blood Honey
Young love always feels like life or death—and at this high school, it is. In this Burton-esque macabre world, young lovers Vanessa De La Mora and Edgar St. Claire are at the top of the food chain at Manderlay Preparatory High School. They should be focusing on their upcoming crowning as homecoming queen and king, but lately the duo have grown weary and resentful of each other. While breaking up seems like the easy solution, they’ve both independently decided that all of their problems would be solved if the other was, well…dead. Join up-and-coming writer/artist Sean Peacock in this exciting cat-and-cat game as two teens try to murder each other in increasingly elaborate fashion!
64 pages, Paperback
Published February 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 13, 2025
*I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
My 'Heathers', 'Lisa Frankenstein', 'Wednesday', 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' loving heart thrived on his short comic. It's so gothic, dark, somewhat humorous and oddly romantic.
The story is simple; high school queen bee Vanessa and her famous fencing jock boyfriend Edgar are madly in love (heavy on the 'mad'), but their relationship is beginning to feel stale. Neither wants to leave the other, and they're both too egotistical for their own good, so both come up with the same plan. Kill the other, and be free. However, the plans fail, and more people get drawn into their spat until the final showdown at Homecoming.
The art style was so gritty and vicious, I loved the way the characters were drawn with harsh features, especially Vanessa and her eyeliner. The scenes are so well drawn, with the contrasts of things going on in the same page, from having Vanessa and Edgar on a date, and the little bubbles of them imagining each other's deaths.
The ending was perfect, it was laugh out loud ironic and gruesome, I honestly wished it was longer!
I'm already thinking of a reread just to experience it all again.
4/5 🌟
My 'Heathers', 'Lisa Frankenstein', 'Wednesday', 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' loving heart thrived on his short comic. It's so gothic, dark, somewhat humorous and oddly romantic.
The story is simple; high school queen bee Vanessa and her famous fencing jock boyfriend Edgar are madly in love (heavy on the 'mad'), but their relationship is beginning to feel stale. Neither wants to leave the other, and they're both too egotistical for their own good, so both come up with the same plan. Kill the other, and be free. However, the plans fail, and more people get drawn into their spat until the final showdown at Homecoming.
The art style was so gritty and vicious, I loved the way the characters were drawn with harsh features, especially Vanessa and her eyeliner. The scenes are so well drawn, with the contrasts of things going on in the same page, from having Vanessa and Edgar on a date, and the little bubbles of them imagining each other's deaths.
The ending was perfect, it was laugh out loud ironic and gruesome, I honestly wished it was longer!
I'm already thinking of a reread just to experience it all again.
4/5 🌟
January 15, 2026
Love/Hate, teen angst, retro vibe….and an opening for more
December 9, 2025
Blood Honey is a fast-paced campy romp that truly tests the limits of death do us part. The plot is fairly straightforward, following Vanessa de la Mora and Edgar St. Claire, the school it couple, as their relationship begins to fall apart. So they do what any couple would do. Break up? Of course not! They try to kill each other with the stakes rising with each failed attempt. Though I think Vanessa should have just got with Myrna.
There is something to be enjoyed from a story that is fully willing to embrace itself. The story is weird and dramatic. The world is weird and dramatic (having the homecoming fencing match on a tightrope). The characters are weird and dramatic. I absolutely loved it. It’s campy in the way that best horror stories are.
The art style is also very enjoyable. It adds to the characters and story in a very satisfying way. The color scheme is also quite nice with the focus on yellow, purple, and red. Additionally, it never felt like there was a wasted panel, which is especially needed for a story that is this short. The panel choices were very dynamic and allowed the action scenes to really shine. There were some panels that could be a bit hard to follow. One even had an arrow on the page to direct the reader. I found however I was willing to put up with some confusion to get more visually appealing panels.
One thing to note is that this comic reads best two pages at a time, meaning that vertical orientation on a digital screen will make the comic split up in odd ways. I read it in this format the first time and was a bit annoyed.
Overall, Blood Honey, is a short read, but ultimately a fun one, especially if you enjoy a blood filled campy read that takes itself just the right amount of serious.
Thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for an advanced copy.
There is something to be enjoyed from a story that is fully willing to embrace itself. The story is weird and dramatic. The world is weird and dramatic (having the homecoming fencing match on a tightrope). The characters are weird and dramatic. I absolutely loved it. It’s campy in the way that best horror stories are.
The art style is also very enjoyable. It adds to the characters and story in a very satisfying way. The color scheme is also quite nice with the focus on yellow, purple, and red. Additionally, it never felt like there was a wasted panel, which is especially needed for a story that is this short. The panel choices were very dynamic and allowed the action scenes to really shine. There were some panels that could be a bit hard to follow. One even had an arrow on the page to direct the reader. I found however I was willing to put up with some confusion to get more visually appealing panels.
One thing to note is that this comic reads best two pages at a time, meaning that vertical orientation on a digital screen will make the comic split up in odd ways. I read it in this format the first time and was a bit annoyed.
Overall, Blood Honey, is a short read, but ultimately a fun one, especially if you enjoy a blood filled campy read that takes itself just the right amount of serious.
Thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for an advanced copy.
November 15, 2025
This was an interesting Graphic Novel Story. It was defiantly not what I was expecting it to be at all. I guess that serves my fault of cover buying haha. I did think this was a an interesting story though. I was confused at first as if there was something to be read before this but I couldn't find anything. So this was basically loving someone so much that you can't stand them anymore and that you would do everything in your power to get rid of them. At least that was what I thought I gathered but I am still confused by the ending. I might pick up a second volume just to see what happens but I don't think this is something I would pick up willingly again.
November 14, 2025
blood honey is the perfect blend of horror, comedy and romance. it reminds me of like just old-fashioned, dark humor, but in almost a gothic riverdale setting. this would honestly make the perfect movie.
November 14, 2025
I requested "Blood Honey" because I thought the synopsis had potential, but I mostly fell in love with the art and colours.
This reminded me of "Mr. & Mrs Smith" meeting 1950s "Riverdale" mixed with "Nimona". I enjoyed it, but the story is super short, and there is no moral at the end.
The aesthetic is amazing, but it feels as if half the story is missing.
Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for this DRC.
This reminded me of "Mr. & Mrs Smith" meeting 1950s "Riverdale" mixed with "Nimona". I enjoyed it, but the story is super short, and there is no moral at the end.
The aesthetic is amazing, but it feels as if half the story is missing.
Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for this DRC.
November 18, 2025
I hated this, if more volumes come out I will not read them. It was mostly boring. The couple hated each other for basically no reason. not for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC copy of the book for an honest review.
I knew what I was getting into with the story, as the synopsis does an apt job of representing the premise, but I found myself delightfully intrigued by its execution. Blood Honey is a quick and easy-to-follow story, straightforward in its plot and characters, while still remaining wholly engaging.
I love the classic comic book art style (she said as someone who has read a single comic book to date) and the use of a single colour palette. It stuck to muted reds, yellows, and purples, keeping the art on the page visually stunning and distinctive. What I loved most was how the art style enhanced the narrative. There were a couple of scenes that were split between pages, which made for great storytelling and effect, but reading digitally, the full experience of it became a bit lost. I'm used to reading things like that online though, so it didn't have a negative impact on my experience.
I truly enjoyed how the catalyst for their violence towards one another was actually their intense love for one another. It made for a welcome divergence from what I thought the narrative would be like going into it, which was "2 psychopaths are together to social convenience and are now bored with one another." They are so intrinsically connected to one another (and know too much about the other) that they can't fathom the thought of not being together if it's an option, so they opt to take choice out of the equation.
Though it was short, I felt we still got a well-rounded understanding of each of the characters and their motivations. Obviously, due to the constraints of the length of the story, there was still more that could have been expanded upon, but I didn't leave with any questions or unfinished business, unlike the characters 👀. It was engaging, it was funny, and I can't wait for its release!
I knew what I was getting into with the story, as the synopsis does an apt job of representing the premise, but I found myself delightfully intrigued by its execution. Blood Honey is a quick and easy-to-follow story, straightforward in its plot and characters, while still remaining wholly engaging.
I love the classic comic book art style (she said as someone who has read a single comic book to date) and the use of a single colour palette. It stuck to muted reds, yellows, and purples, keeping the art on the page visually stunning and distinctive. What I loved most was how the art style enhanced the narrative. There were a couple of scenes that were split between pages, which made for great storytelling and effect, but reading digitally, the full experience of it became a bit lost. I'm used to reading things like that online though, so it didn't have a negative impact on my experience.
I truly enjoyed how the catalyst for their violence towards one another was actually their intense love for one another. It made for a welcome divergence from what I thought the narrative would be like going into it, which was "2 psychopaths are together to social convenience and are now bored with one another." They are so intrinsically connected to one another (and know too much about the other) that they can't fathom the thought of not being together if it's an option, so they opt to take choice out of the equation.
"There's a certain type of fear I like to command. The kind that gets people out of my way. But monsters... people burn monsters."
Though it was short, I felt we still got a well-rounded understanding of each of the characters and their motivations. Obviously, due to the constraints of the length of the story, there was still more that could have been expanded upon, but I didn't leave with any questions or unfinished business, unlike the characters 👀. It was engaging, it was funny, and I can't wait for its release!
November 13, 2025
My Selling Pitch:
Beautiful artwork wasted on a pretty lackluster story about a toxic relationship.
Pre-reading:
I am obsessed with this cover art.
(obviously potential spoilers from here on)
Thick of it:
It’s giving Riverdale.
Oh my god, I love this. It’s reminding me of that Olivie Blake short story where they just try and kill each other. I love this trope. I love the color palette of this!
Oh, what a non-ending that’s so frustrating!
Post-reading:
The art in this is gorgeous! I love the color palette. The poses are so dynamic. The panel compositions are pleasingly varied. The story leaves a lot to be desired. Death Becomes Her and similar stories are really having a moment, and the inventive deaths trope is so fun, but there has to be more to the story arc. There were moments where it seemed like the story was going to get into deeper emotions, but it fizzled out into this bland non-ending. I'd say pick this up if you're a fan of Riverdale, campy dramas, or pop art, but otherwise, there’s not much here for you. It's so short, I don't think you'll be too disappointed even if it doesn't work for you.
Who should read this:
Riverdale fans
Pop art fans
Campy drama fans
Ideal reading time:
Halloween time
Do I want to reread this:
No
Would I buy this:
I wouldn't turn down a copy because I love the art, but I don't think I'd buy a copy otherwise.
Similar books:
* Januaries by Olivie Blake-short story collection, loosely fairytale retellings, enemies to lovers
* We’re Taking Everyone Down With Us by Matthew Rosenberg-graphic novel, campy revenge thriller, family drama, dystopian, urban fantasy
* Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall-graphic novel, YA, paranormal, thriller, queer
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Beautiful artwork wasted on a pretty lackluster story about a toxic relationship.
Pre-reading:
I am obsessed with this cover art.
(obviously potential spoilers from here on)
Thick of it:
It’s giving Riverdale.
Oh my god, I love this. It’s reminding me of that Olivie Blake short story where they just try and kill each other. I love this trope. I love the color palette of this!
Oh, what a non-ending that’s so frustrating!
Post-reading:
The art in this is gorgeous! I love the color palette. The poses are so dynamic. The panel compositions are pleasingly varied. The story leaves a lot to be desired. Death Becomes Her and similar stories are really having a moment, and the inventive deaths trope is so fun, but there has to be more to the story arc. There were moments where it seemed like the story was going to get into deeper emotions, but it fizzled out into this bland non-ending. I'd say pick this up if you're a fan of Riverdale, campy dramas, or pop art, but otherwise, there’s not much here for you. It's so short, I don't think you'll be too disappointed even if it doesn't work for you.
Who should read this:
Riverdale fans
Pop art fans
Campy drama fans
Ideal reading time:
Halloween time
Do I want to reread this:
No
Would I buy this:
I wouldn't turn down a copy because I love the art, but I don't think I'd buy a copy otherwise.
Similar books:
* Januaries by Olivie Blake-short story collection, loosely fairytale retellings, enemies to lovers
* We’re Taking Everyone Down With Us by Matthew Rosenberg-graphic novel, campy revenge thriller, family drama, dystopian, urban fantasy
* Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall-graphic novel, YA, paranormal, thriller, queer
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book review of 'Blood Honey' by Sean Peacock.
3.75 ⛤⛤⛤⛤
I usually don't read a lot of grapic novels, but i found the premise and the cover art very interesting so I've decided to give it a shot and I really enjoyed it.
It is a story about the popular IT-couple of a high school, running for homecoming royals. They love each other, but can't stand their relationship anymore. Neither wants to actually break up with the other, so the logical option is to kill their partner of course ;). I loved the names of the main character and found them very fitting in the gothic atmosphere in the story. I really liked the art style, it, again, felt very fitting to the atmosphere that Peacock wanted to create, including all the color schemes.
The story itself felt very Addams-family'ish combined with Heathers x Riverdale. The addams family comes through in the dark comedy and gothic elements while the story also contains the heads of both the cheerleader squad and the fencing team.
It wished that the story ended in to really focus on the dark elements instead of the humor aspect, but that is more of a personal preference. I would have also preferred a bit more of a backstory, why were they that unhappy in their relationship? that kind of depth. If this story was 300+ pages long, I still would have happily read and enjoyed it haha.
Overall, this is a short but fun read and really easy to get through. Their dynamic is really fun to see and how the story develops to the big end. I definitely would recommend this to others, but definitely a paper copy, reading this online only allowed me to see one page at a time so some graphics didn't make sense fully that way.
Thank you Netgalley and IDW Publishing for this ARC
3.75 ⛤⛤⛤⛤
I usually don't read a lot of grapic novels, but i found the premise and the cover art very interesting so I've decided to give it a shot and I really enjoyed it.
It is a story about the popular IT-couple of a high school, running for homecoming royals. They love each other, but can't stand their relationship anymore. Neither wants to actually break up with the other, so the logical option is to kill their partner of course ;). I loved the names of the main character and found them very fitting in the gothic atmosphere in the story. I really liked the art style, it, again, felt very fitting to the atmosphere that Peacock wanted to create, including all the color schemes.
The story itself felt very Addams-family'ish combined with Heathers x Riverdale. The addams family comes through in the dark comedy and gothic elements while the story also contains the heads of both the cheerleader squad and the fencing team.
It wished that the story ended in to really focus on the dark elements instead of the humor aspect, but that is more of a personal preference. I would have also preferred a bit more of a backstory, why were they that unhappy in their relationship? that kind of depth. If this story was 300+ pages long, I still would have happily read and enjoyed it haha.
Overall, this is a short but fun read and really easy to get through. Their dynamic is really fun to see and how the story develops to the big end. I definitely would recommend this to others, but definitely a paper copy, reading this online only allowed me to see one page at a time so some graphics didn't make sense fully that way.
Thank you Netgalley and IDW Publishing for this ARC
November 20, 2025
*Thank you to Netgalley and IDW Publishing for the e-ARC*
"I want to fight for you, Edgar. That's how I've always known... this is love!" - Vanessa De La Mora
When I started "Blood Honey," I thought this early quote would be the theme of the story; that love is something to fight for. As I continued reading I realized quite quickly that it wasn't the case. Love ends with death.
This graphic novel is essentially a story about two teenagers at the top of the food chain falling out of love. Instead of breaking up like most would do, they decide that the best way to end the relationship is to try to kill one another. While the premise is quite interesting, I found the delivery to be lack luster. There was very little build up as to why Vanessa and Edgar fell out of love and why they needed to murder one another to end the relationship. Vanessa mentions twice that "he knows too much" and Edgar made a comment near the end of the novel that "she is always in his head." I would have loved to see these ideas fleshed out more, so that their motivations and intentions would be clear. By the end, I felt uninterested in their back and forth because there was no driving force justifying their choices.
Aside from the story, the artwork is quite phenomenal. It drawn in an American comic/pop art style and it has a color palette of reds, pinks, purples, and black. The colors make me think of a bruise or a beating heart. If anything, I find the artwork much more compelling than the plot and characters.
People who prioritize the graphics within a graphic novel would probably enjoy this, but people who are story first, will probably see this as a dry read.
"I want to fight for you, Edgar. That's how I've always known... this is love!" - Vanessa De La Mora
When I started "Blood Honey," I thought this early quote would be the theme of the story; that love is something to fight for. As I continued reading I realized quite quickly that it wasn't the case. Love ends with death.
This graphic novel is essentially a story about two teenagers at the top of the food chain falling out of love. Instead of breaking up like most would do, they decide that the best way to end the relationship is to try to kill one another. While the premise is quite interesting, I found the delivery to be lack luster. There was very little build up as to why Vanessa and Edgar fell out of love and why they needed to murder one another to end the relationship. Vanessa mentions twice that "he knows too much" and Edgar made a comment near the end of the novel that "she is always in his head." I would have loved to see these ideas fleshed out more, so that their motivations and intentions would be clear. By the end, I felt uninterested in their back and forth because there was no driving force justifying their choices.
Aside from the story, the artwork is quite phenomenal. It drawn in an American comic/pop art style and it has a color palette of reds, pinks, purples, and black. The colors make me think of a bruise or a beating heart. If anything, I find the artwork much more compelling than the plot and characters.
People who prioritize the graphics within a graphic novel would probably enjoy this, but people who are story first, will probably see this as a dry read.
February 2, 2026
4/5⭐️
thank you to idw publishing and netgalley for providing an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
heathers meets the secret history in blood honey, where high school is life and death for vanessa and edgar. instead of loving their popularity and preparing for their homecoming royalty campaign, they’ve grown tired of one another. but they’re not breaking up; they’ve decided that the only solution is for the other to be dead.
blood honey beautifully incorporates the violence within the drama and pomp of manderlay preparatory high school. peacock expertly creates two deeply flawed characters that the reader can’t help but hate, but also feel a bit sorry for. as the graphic novel progresses, i trusted each character less and less, not knowing whom to believe or who to ultimately root for. peacock creates two characters who are flawed in ways that make sense for their circumstances, but not at the same time. there is little focus on the side characters or the overall school aspects. still, the romance and violence blend perfectly.
i read this quickly, and i wish it were longer or not a one-shot. the ending is open-ended leaving the potential for a continuation, but i really enjoyed this and am excited to see what he writes next.
thank you to idw publishing and netgalley for providing an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
heathers meets the secret history in blood honey, where high school is life and death for vanessa and edgar. instead of loving their popularity and preparing for their homecoming royalty campaign, they’ve grown tired of one another. but they’re not breaking up; they’ve decided that the only solution is for the other to be dead.
blood honey beautifully incorporates the violence within the drama and pomp of manderlay preparatory high school. peacock expertly creates two deeply flawed characters that the reader can’t help but hate, but also feel a bit sorry for. as the graphic novel progresses, i trusted each character less and less, not knowing whom to believe or who to ultimately root for. peacock creates two characters who are flawed in ways that make sense for their circumstances, but not at the same time. there is little focus on the side characters or the overall school aspects. still, the romance and violence blend perfectly.
i read this quickly, and i wish it were longer or not a one-shot. the ending is open-ended leaving the potential for a continuation, but i really enjoyed this and am excited to see what he writes next.
November 13, 2025
⭐ Dark Romance | Graphic Novel | Twisted Humor
Thank you to IDW Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Blood Honey follows Edgar and Vanessa, a dangerously charming couple who are both at the top of their game, and at the center of their own destruction. I like how the main characters are drawn and styled. Their love is twisted, toxic, and hilariously self-serving. I found the comic surprisingly funny despite its dark tone; the characters make a cute yet chaotic pair that you can’t help but watch unravel.
Trigger warning if your sensitive to eye gouging be cautious when reading this. That part I wasn't a fan of, but it comes with the territory when you're dealing with two psychopathic characters that seem to get away with things without consequences.
The world of Blood Honey is undeniably messed up, everyone is manipulative, and morality doesn’t really exist here. The story thrives on this tension as the couple plots against each other, keeping you hooked on how their games will end.
The finale? Toxic but undeniably cute, perfectly fitting for a story about two people who deserve each other in the worst (and best) ways.
Thank you to IDW Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Blood Honey follows Edgar and Vanessa, a dangerously charming couple who are both at the top of their game, and at the center of their own destruction. I like how the main characters are drawn and styled. Their love is twisted, toxic, and hilariously self-serving. I found the comic surprisingly funny despite its dark tone; the characters make a cute yet chaotic pair that you can’t help but watch unravel.
Trigger warning if your sensitive to eye gouging be cautious when reading this. That part I wasn't a fan of, but it comes with the territory when you're dealing with two psychopathic characters that seem to get away with things without consequences.
The world of Blood Honey is undeniably messed up, everyone is manipulative, and morality doesn’t really exist here. The story thrives on this tension as the couple plots against each other, keeping you hooked on how their games will end.
The finale? Toxic but undeniably cute, perfectly fitting for a story about two people who deserve each other in the worst (and best) ways.
November 15, 2025
This is a dark one-off comic set in a vicious boarding school world.
At Manderlay Academy, Vanessa is the head cheerleader and her boyfriend Edgar is the star of the fencing team. Matches are bloody and brutal, rivalries run rampant, and jealousy turns sinister fast. The couple soon realizes the only way out of their relationship is if one of them ends up dead. Literal backstabbing and murder plots galore lead up to a showdown at homecoming.
This is a twisted comic with a retro pop-art style and dark yet whimsical themes. I’m not sure if it’s an allegory about the downfall of relationships or just sharp, dark satire, but either way it’s a fun ride. The art is fantastic, and the limited warm tone palette with bursts of purple makes for a visually stunning read.
While this is a one-off, it definitely leaves room for more stories from this strange school, and I’d be excited to see them.
Art:5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
My Enjoyment: 4.5/5
*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily, leaving my honest review.
At Manderlay Academy, Vanessa is the head cheerleader and her boyfriend Edgar is the star of the fencing team. Matches are bloody and brutal, rivalries run rampant, and jealousy turns sinister fast. The couple soon realizes the only way out of their relationship is if one of them ends up dead. Literal backstabbing and murder plots galore lead up to a showdown at homecoming.
This is a twisted comic with a retro pop-art style and dark yet whimsical themes. I’m not sure if it’s an allegory about the downfall of relationships or just sharp, dark satire, but either way it’s a fun ride. The art is fantastic, and the limited warm tone palette with bursts of purple makes for a visually stunning read.
While this is a one-off, it definitely leaves room for more stories from this strange school, and I’d be excited to see them.
Art:5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
My Enjoyment: 4.5/5
*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily, leaving my honest review.
November 19, 2025
I enjoyed this graphic novel a lot more than I thought I would. From the beginning I set myself to not take it too seriously and just sink into the story. I did notice from the beginning that the two main characters have savage personalities.
I liked that they were a good match and that they could go head to head in their endeavours. Honestly I think they were very creative with it. Also, from an outside perspective I’m convinced that these two were made for each other and I was waiting for them to notice but that never happened. I do have to say that the ending surprised me. I had two possible endings and none of them happened. So the finale gave me goose bumps. Hell is about to break loose if there is a continuation.
Visually, I thought that the color palette was stunning and it helped to keep things dramatic and explosive. As for the characters there was an issue with Vanessa (personally), she tends to have too many lines on her face that makes her look a bit too old for a highschooler (also a bit witchy). Now, I don’t know if this was made on purpose to add aversion to her character.
In addition, I loved the ambiance of the school.
Something that I don’t know if I should find so funny was the two eye patches. I just could not not laugh.
All in all, I never thought I would find a revenge psychotic teenage story entertaining but here we are.
I liked that they were a good match and that they could go head to head in their endeavours. Honestly I think they were very creative with it. Also, from an outside perspective I’m convinced that these two were made for each other and I was waiting for them to notice but that never happened. I do have to say that the ending surprised me. I had two possible endings and none of them happened. So the finale gave me goose bumps. Hell is about to break loose if there is a continuation.
Visually, I thought that the color palette was stunning and it helped to keep things dramatic and explosive. As for the characters there was an issue with Vanessa (personally), she tends to have too many lines on her face that makes her look a bit too old for a highschooler (also a bit witchy). Now, I don’t know if this was made on purpose to add aversion to her character.
In addition, I loved the ambiance of the school.
Something that I don’t know if I should find so funny was the two eye patches. I just could not not laugh.
All in all, I never thought I would find a revenge psychotic teenage story entertaining but here we are.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5
First thing, I really enjoyed the art style of this graphic novel. It takes a lot of common stylizations used in 1960s comics for its art style, and also uses heavy linework. It makes everything look bold and really draws the eye in. The story was interesting, but the start was a bit confusing. They seem to be a very competitive but loving couple at the beginning of the novel, until suddenly they decide to kill each other. I can't tell what their snapping point was; it just suddenly has a page of them going "I need to kill [other person]". The schemes of trying to take each other out with various accidents were interesting to read. The story setting was a bit weird; characters dress like 1950s high school students, but the school itself is an old-style castle, and characters speak with the weight of those in a Shakespearean era play. I spent the majority of the comic confused, because I still don't know what made them decide to kill each other, but it was a fun read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
First thing, I really enjoyed the art style of this graphic novel. It takes a lot of common stylizations used in 1960s comics for its art style, and also uses heavy linework. It makes everything look bold and really draws the eye in. The story was interesting, but the start was a bit confusing. They seem to be a very competitive but loving couple at the beginning of the novel, until suddenly they decide to kill each other. I can't tell what their snapping point was; it just suddenly has a page of them going "I need to kill [other person]". The schemes of trying to take each other out with various accidents were interesting to read. The story setting was a bit weird; characters dress like 1950s high school students, but the school itself is an old-style castle, and characters speak with the weight of those in a Shakespearean era play. I spent the majority of the comic confused, because I still don't know what made them decide to kill each other, but it was a fun read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
December 1, 2025
Thank you to IDW Publishing and NetGalley for giving me early access to this book!
Blood Honey by Sean Peacock was a really enjoyable read for me, and while I marked it as four stars on Goodreads, it’s honestly closer to a 3.5. For a true four- or five-star rating, I would’ve needed a bit more story and world-building to sink into.That said, I loved both Vanessa and Edgars characters and would’ve happily followed them across many more pages. Their dynamic was one of my favorite parts of the book, and I’m really hoping there’s more content with them in the future.
I also have to mention the art style; it’s stunning. Completely my vibe! I would genuinely love to own an art print from this book. As for the story’s tone, it gave me major Heathers vibes in the best possible!
I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more Vanessa and Edgar stories. Fingers crossed!
Blood Honey by Sean Peacock was a really enjoyable read for me, and while I marked it as four stars on Goodreads, it’s honestly closer to a 3.5. For a true four- or five-star rating, I would’ve needed a bit more story and world-building to sink into.That said, I loved both Vanessa and Edgars characters and would’ve happily followed them across many more pages. Their dynamic was one of my favorite parts of the book, and I’m really hoping there’s more content with them in the future.
I also have to mention the art style; it’s stunning. Completely my vibe! I would genuinely love to own an art print from this book. As for the story’s tone, it gave me major Heathers vibes in the best possible!
I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more Vanessa and Edgar stories. Fingers crossed!
December 2, 2025
A BLOODY Good Time!
Blood Honey is a wickedly fun, gothic romp that turns high school drama into a blood-soaked predatory game. Vanessa and Edgar, the power couple in focus, decide that breaking up is too basic, so they hatch plans to kill each other in increasingly over-the-top ways. Sean Peacock nails the vibe: think Heathers meets Wednesday with a splash of Burton-esque flair, all wrapped in razor-sharp dialogue and pop-art visuals that practically burn off the page. It’s dark, stylish, and deliciously twisted, with sword fights on rooftops and emotional gut punches hiding under the snark. If you love stories that mix romance, murder, and macabre humor, this one-shot will leave you grinning and wanting more.
Blood Honey is a wickedly fun, gothic romp that turns high school drama into a blood-soaked predatory game. Vanessa and Edgar, the power couple in focus, decide that breaking up is too basic, so they hatch plans to kill each other in increasingly over-the-top ways. Sean Peacock nails the vibe: think Heathers meets Wednesday with a splash of Burton-esque flair, all wrapped in razor-sharp dialogue and pop-art visuals that practically burn off the page. It’s dark, stylish, and deliciously twisted, with sword fights on rooftops and emotional gut punches hiding under the snark. If you love stories that mix romance, murder, and macabre humor, this one-shot will leave you grinning and wanting more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When a relationship reaches its breaking point, what is the most common solution? Breaking up? For Vanessa and Edgar, the best solution is to murder one another.
“Blood Honey” by Sean Peacock follows Vanessa De La Mora and Edgar St. Claire, high school sweethearts in theory rather than practice, as they engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse that ultimately terrorises everyone else in Manderlay Preparatory High School.
The artwork in this comic complements its dark themes. Character dynamics are clearly represented and believable. I was genuinely shocked at the lengths they went to in order to get rid of one another and how they managed to rope everyone else into their conflict.
Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“Blood Honey” by Sean Peacock follows Vanessa De La Mora and Edgar St. Claire, high school sweethearts in theory rather than practice, as they engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse that ultimately terrorises everyone else in Manderlay Preparatory High School.
The artwork in this comic complements its dark themes. Character dynamics are clearly represented and believable. I was genuinely shocked at the lengths they went to in order to get rid of one another and how they managed to rope everyone else into their conflict.
Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Any relationship as a teenager is not easy. Being the captain of the cheerleading squad and the fencing team means they’re at the tippity top, the cream of the crop, and will ultimately be crowned homecoming king and queen. As of late though, Vanessa and Edgar have grown tired of their relationship. Instead of ending the relationship, like any rational person would do, they decide that the sunken cost fallacy is too great and must kill the other. They devise and imagine various ways to murder the other, involving their classmates and friends in their schemes. Will they reconcile or will they go out with a bang?
Really enjoyed the whole Burton-esque graphics and vibe.
#ThxNetGalley #SeanPeacock #BloodHoney
Really enjoyed the whole Burton-esque graphics and vibe.
#ThxNetGalley #SeanPeacock #BloodHoney
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
'Blood Honey' is a dark comedic twist on a high school romance. Vanessa and Edgar the golden couple of Manderlay Preparatory individually decide rather than to break up, they would rather plot the other's death. A good read for lovers of twisted high school tales like "Heathers" or "Wednesday."
It was a fun satirical twist on the intensity of first love and the fifties inspired school and outfits fit right along side the classic pop art inspired illustrations. The illustrations are expertly crafted and the page layouts are stunning!
The ending felt quite true to the themes and mood of the overall story, and was an enjoyable and quick read.
Thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for an advanced copy.
It was a fun satirical twist on the intensity of first love and the fifties inspired school and outfits fit right along side the classic pop art inspired illustrations. The illustrations are expertly crafted and the page layouts are stunning!
The ending felt quite true to the themes and mood of the overall story, and was an enjoyable and quick read.
Thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for an advanced copy.
September 4, 2025
I got my hands on a copy of this one shot at a book signing Mr. Peacock was doing in Dearborn, MI. This is one of the best impulse purchases I've made in a while.
The story of a high school couple who would rather destroy each other than admit they are unhappy is told with panache and a surprising amount of emotional honesty for its wild premise. A tight short story with humor, dramatic sword fights and fun characters. The artwork is fantastic, with dynamic compositions, inventive layouts, and a bold orange-and-violet color scheme.
Well worth a read for fans of action and dark comedy. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
The story of a high school couple who would rather destroy each other than admit they are unhappy is told with panache and a surprising amount of emotional honesty for its wild premise. A tight short story with humor, dramatic sword fights and fun characters. The artwork is fantastic, with dynamic compositions, inventive layouts, and a bold orange-and-violet color scheme.
Well worth a read for fans of action and dark comedy. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
November 13, 2025
This is so much twisted fun it ought to be illegal. I should end my review right there, but I won’t.
The story is so absurdly fun. I was laughing at almost every panel. It was so gloriously over-the-top. I can easily see this being a film that would probably flop at theaters only to rebound and be a cult classic that endures through the ages.
You will laugh. You will cry (from laughing). You will want to give it two thumbs up, but honestly, someone would use their sword and chop it off, so you better not.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
The story is so absurdly fun. I was laughing at almost every panel. It was so gloriously over-the-top. I can easily see this being a film that would probably flop at theaters only to rebound and be a cult classic that endures through the ages.
You will laugh. You will cry (from laughing). You will want to give it two thumbs up, but honestly, someone would use their sword and chop it off, so you better not.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 15, 2025
High school true love can be difficult. What starts as a fever sometimes just fizzles out. Sometimes it was never to be and one party decides a break up is on the cards. But when both parties are not up to a simple text good bye, and decide murder is a better solution then mayhem pursues.
The story line is fun, as Vanessa and Edgar plot ways to end the other. As each attempt ramps up the tension, in their fury they may eventually burn down the school.
I suppose you would say, don’t stand in the way of young love. It could lead to more than heart ache.
Thank you to IDW Publishing and NetGalley for the Comic ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
The story line is fun, as Vanessa and Edgar plot ways to end the other. As each attempt ramps up the tension, in their fury they may eventually burn down the school.
I suppose you would say, don’t stand in the way of young love. It could lead to more than heart ache.
Thank you to IDW Publishing and NetGalley for the Comic ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Blood, Honey features a power couple so dysfunctional that calling their relationship “strained” feels laughably inadequate. They make The War of the Roses look like a storybook romance. One of the book’s biggest strengths is its visual style: the halftone-heavy artwork evokes classic comics and genuinely looks like something that could have been published in the 1980s, which I loved. There’s also a clear sense that the story is poking fun at dark academia tropes. I wouldn’t call it laugh-out-loud funny, but the satire is there, and I could see exactly what it was aiming for. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, especially for the art and tone.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A short, action-packed graphic novel that probably needed at least another fifty pages of development to feel fleshed out and satisfying. The artwork is gritty and gorgeous, but I wanted more from the actual story. The main couple seems to just suddenly want to kill each other, but we don't get enough background on their relationship to understand this mutual decision. Plot points feel very repetitive (Edgar tries to kill Vanessa, she tries to kill him as one does), but the climax is quite fun.
I would love to see a longer work from this creator! Thank you to Netgalley and IDW Dark for the ARC!
I would love to see a longer work from this creator! Thank you to Netgalley and IDW Dark for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Have you ever wondered what Gomez and Morticia Addams were like in high school? This book might give you that idea. In this book we have two students that are at a school where their homecoming is fencing related, where they don’t use helmets, blunted swords and lots of blood. The two main characters are the talk of the school. They are the most popular, the best boyfriend and girlfriend, and they are blood thirsty as hell. This book is what happens when you take Grease and hand it to the B-Horror movie shop for Saturday nights. It’s an interesting story but it’s mainly a look at two characters. I find the backstory more intriguing and wish there was more of that.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5* Grabbed this off NetGalley based on the title and artwork. Was a bit crazy with the source material; definitely not for teens/ YA. Artwork is very detailed and colorful. Took a bit to get into what was going on, then I totally saw the path it was taking. It is intense. Based in some sort of high school with fencing teams that duel. Students are physically hurt in these duels, especially against Edgar. Vanessa is the head cheerleader and Edgar's gf. They begin to fall out of love & believe they have to kill the other. Other classmates are maimed and physically assaulted. Perfectly ok with having a digital copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In a school in which sword fighting and cheerleading end bloody, what would be the most logical way for the IT couple to break up? If you said murder, you would be correct.
This fast-paced short comic goes through different innovative methods to eliminate their significant other, which great artwork that perfectly matches the evolving tension.
Is it fighting or flirting? The answer is always both, which each attempting also seeming to be a messed up sort of foreplay.
This was a delightful read. Definitely recommend to all my freaks out there.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sean Peacock, and IDW Publishing for the advanced copy. This review is left voluntarily and honestly.
This fast-paced short comic goes through different innovative methods to eliminate their significant other, which great artwork that perfectly matches the evolving tension.
Is it fighting or flirting? The answer is always both, which each attempting also seeming to be a messed up sort of foreplay.
This was a delightful read. Definitely recommend to all my freaks out there.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sean Peacock, and IDW Publishing for the advanced copy. This review is left voluntarily and honestly.
November 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for an eARc of this comic in exchange for my review!
This was a fun, short read. I wouldn't say that it was anything life changing but it was entertaining while it lasted. It gave me Riverdale (the tv show) vibes but was also more comedy than anything with the antics of trying to kill each other. I would have loved to know more about how the school worked and the dueling system. I feel like it did what it set out to do, without much extra detail or intrigue.
This was a fun, short read. I wouldn't say that it was anything life changing but it was entertaining while it lasted. It gave me Riverdale (the tv show) vibes but was also more comedy than anything with the antics of trying to kill each other. I would have loved to know more about how the school worked and the dueling system. I feel like it did what it set out to do, without much extra detail or intrigue.
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