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Unsounded #1
The Corpse With No Eyes
Some dead men tell tales. Some little girls have tails.
Daughter of the Lord of Thieves, Sette Frummagem is on a mission, and she'll lie, cheat, and steal to make sure it's a success (she'll lie, cheat, and steal anyway). Condemned to aid her in her rotten endeavor is a rotten corpse who seems oddly talented with the supernatural, and oddly not lying motionless in the dirt.
But the road is long, fraught with murderous villains, unimaginable beasts, and the indefatigable reaches of the law. On this quest, no one is what they seem; never trust a thief, and never trust anyone who won't let you look into his eyes.
Daughter of the Lord of Thieves, Sette Frummagem is on a mission, and she'll lie, cheat, and steal to make sure it's a success (she'll lie, cheat, and steal anyway). Condemned to aid her in her rotten endeavor is a rotten corpse who seems oddly talented with the supernatural, and oddly not lying motionless in the dirt.
But the road is long, fraught with murderous villains, unimaginable beasts, and the indefatigable reaches of the law. On this quest, no one is what they seem; never trust a thief, and never trust anyone who won't let you look into his eyes.
240 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 3, 2026
Thanks netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
There's so much interesting stuff in this incredible and magical world, and yet the mc is just bothersome. I'm indifferent to children, but this one truly took the enjoyment out of the story in many moments for me. It's always annoying when there's an interesting character, smart and capable and full of mysteries, and by their side, drawing attention of the narrative, is the main character. God forbid, but what a absolutely unbearable child. Have mercy.
The art style is fine; it does shine in the magic fight sequences, though. The pacing is all over the place. There's a lot of fight scenes that are just running away and chasing, then, in between them, there's so much chit-chatting in the incomprehensible style chosen for the main character.
Also, something that I literally couldn't believe happened, was stopping the duel to explain the magic system over 70% of the book in? Horrible choice. This is the one fight where both fighters are capable and actual adults, and who are not running all over the place, and you stop it to explain LORE? Nop.
The story is interesting and I would've enjoyed much more had there been less overall Sette. As it was, I was just annoyed. 3 stars because the worldbuilding is fire and most of the side characters are so interesting it saved the book.
There's so much interesting stuff in this incredible and magical world, and yet the mc is just bothersome. I'm indifferent to children, but this one truly took the enjoyment out of the story in many moments for me. It's always annoying when there's an interesting character, smart and capable and full of mysteries, and by their side, drawing attention of the narrative, is the main character. God forbid, but what a absolutely unbearable child. Have mercy.
The art style is fine; it does shine in the magic fight sequences, though. The pacing is all over the place. There's a lot of fight scenes that are just running away and chasing, then, in between them, there's so much chit-chatting in the incomprehensible style chosen for the main character.
Also, something that I literally couldn't believe happened, was stopping the duel to explain the magic system over 70% of the book in? Horrible choice. This is the one fight where both fighters are capable and actual adults, and who are not running all over the place, and you stop it to explain LORE? Nop.
The story is interesting and I would've enjoyed much more had there been less overall Sette. As it was, I was just annoyed. 3 stars because the worldbuilding is fire and most of the side characters are so interesting it saved the book.
August 5, 2026
I have been following Unsounded as a webcomic for some years now, so of course when I saw the Kickstarter for a printed version I just jumped into it!
I deep-dived into the story right away. I just love the artstyle, and the story itself immediately got me. It is very well written, as are the characters: complex, with a lot of layers.
Be aware: the thematics are heavy ones, so it is definitely not suited for everyone.
I deep-dived into the story right away. I just love the artstyle, and the story itself immediately got me. It is very well written, as are the characters: complex, with a lot of layers.
Be aware: the thematics are heavy ones, so it is definitely not suited for everyone.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an ARC of this book from Iron Circus Comics in exchange for an honest review.
I CANNOT BELIEEEEEEEVE IRON CIRCUS ACTUALLY GAVE ME AN ARC OF THIS... I HAVE BEEN OVER THE MOON FOR DAAAAAAYS ABOUT IT.
Anyone who knows me knows that I have been following this comic since its early days, back when it was purely a webcomic with one indie-published print volume available; that I love it with every fiber of my being; that it gave me one of my favorite characters of all time; that it is genuinely my favorite piece of media ever. The privilege to read and review an ARC for its first print run under an honest-to-God publisher is an honor I cannot possibly put into words.
Unsounded is the tale of our betailed rogue Sette and her attack zombie (bodyguard) Duane Adelier as he escorts her to collect a debt from her cousin on behalf of her crime lord father. But there are mysteries abound within these pages, and not everything is as simple as it seems. War looms on the horizon between the countries of Alderode and Cresce, and Duane seems oddly averse to ever setting foot on Crescian soil. What could lie within these borders to have chased him so far, and that he would risk putting in his lot with a crime lord to keep his secret safe?
This first volume contains the first five chapters of our tale. The art remains absolutely gorgeous, and the writing spectacular with characters whose wit still cracks me up to this day. Its worldbuidling is enrapturing, with a magic system that is amongst my favorite in the fantasy genre. Reading these first few chapters again really showcases the breadcrumbs that have been laid for the reader from the very beginning for the plot that unfolds as the story progresses. Cope is meticulous when it comes to the details of her world, and every pixel on the page has a purpose. The care she's taken in weaving this tale is evident, especially as the plot REALLY gets underway in later chapters.
I have nothing but praise for everything about Unsounded. Sette is a joy and absolutely hilarious with her roguish ways, and the perfect foil for the much more upright and righteous Rector Duane Adelier. Their banter is so funny and engaging. Even rereading these chapters for the umpteenth time had me cracking up.
And, of course, there is Quigley. My beloved. He is so goddamn funny with his endless dry wit and nihilism. I needed to toss him a mention. He is so important to me.
But, please, if you love fantasy and gorgeous art and truly human characters that are all on the run from their worst days as they yearn to live in their best world, I beg you to please pick this up at your local bookstore when this drops in the summer. It's more important now than ever before to support art made by humans, for humans, about humans.
Read Unsounded! Support indie creators!! And a big giant THANK YOU to Iron Circus Comics for this ARC <3
I CANNOT BELIEEEEEEEVE IRON CIRCUS ACTUALLY GAVE ME AN ARC OF THIS... I HAVE BEEN OVER THE MOON FOR DAAAAAAYS ABOUT IT.
Anyone who knows me knows that I have been following this comic since its early days, back when it was purely a webcomic with one indie-published print volume available; that I love it with every fiber of my being; that it gave me one of my favorite characters of all time; that it is genuinely my favorite piece of media ever. The privilege to read and review an ARC for its first print run under an honest-to-God publisher is an honor I cannot possibly put into words.
Unsounded is the tale of our betailed rogue Sette and her attack zombie (bodyguard) Duane Adelier as he escorts her to collect a debt from her cousin on behalf of her crime lord father. But there are mysteries abound within these pages, and not everything is as simple as it seems. War looms on the horizon between the countries of Alderode and Cresce, and Duane seems oddly averse to ever setting foot on Crescian soil. What could lie within these borders to have chased him so far, and that he would risk putting in his lot with a crime lord to keep his secret safe?
This first volume contains the first five chapters of our tale. The art remains absolutely gorgeous, and the writing spectacular with characters whose wit still cracks me up to this day. Its worldbuidling is enrapturing, with a magic system that is amongst my favorite in the fantasy genre. Reading these first few chapters again really showcases the breadcrumbs that have been laid for the reader from the very beginning for the plot that unfolds as the story progresses. Cope is meticulous when it comes to the details of her world, and every pixel on the page has a purpose. The care she's taken in weaving this tale is evident, especially as the plot REALLY gets underway in later chapters.
I have nothing but praise for everything about Unsounded. Sette is a joy and absolutely hilarious with her roguish ways, and the perfect foil for the much more upright and righteous Rector Duane Adelier. Their banter is so funny and engaging. Even rereading these chapters for the umpteenth time had me cracking up.
And, of course, there is Quigley. My beloved. He is so goddamn funny with his endless dry wit and nihilism. I needed to toss him a mention. He is so important to me.
But, please, if you love fantasy and gorgeous art and truly human characters that are all on the run from their worst days as they yearn to live in their best world, I beg you to please pick this up at your local bookstore when this drops in the summer. It's more important now than ever before to support art made by humans, for humans, about humans.
Read Unsounded! Support indie creators!! And a big giant THANK YOU to Iron Circus Comics for this ARC <3
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was so much fun 😭🤍
Each character has so much personality!!!!
Sette is my fave hands down LOL. Her lines always catch me so off guard, she cracks me up fr.
I loved her feral energy since the start.
The way Duane puts up w/ her 🤣 their banter is so much fun. It’s very Reluctant Guardian energy and Unwanted feral child lmfaoo.
He’s such a softy.
So curious about his lore too, which I feel we’ll be seeing more in volume 2!!
The magic system is so interesting too, the way you’re able to pull from different things, and bend it.
So cool!!
I also loved Matty, Chitz, and Uaid 😭🤍
Matty is lowkey Crona (soul eater) coded, minus the abusive upbringing. They have that super innocent vibe w/ a cute lil sentient bag (Chitz) 🫶🏽
He’s just a little baby!!
And Uaid is just so mindless giant energy lmfao.
So funny!!
I also really enjoyed the artwork as well.
The beginning where it switches from the cartoon kinda vibe, to like a super detailed sketch? I love it.
I wish they continue it throughout the book more!!
Overall, as funny as most bits are, this definitely has some DARK moments throughout the storyline too.
Definitely be wary of those.
But other than that, I had sm fun w/ this!!
Each character has so much personality!!!!
Sette is my fave hands down LOL. Her lines always catch me so off guard, she cracks me up fr.
I loved her feral energy since the start.
The way Duane puts up w/ her 🤣 their banter is so much fun. It’s very Reluctant Guardian energy and Unwanted feral child lmfaoo.
He’s such a softy.
So curious about his lore too, which I feel we’ll be seeing more in volume 2!!
The magic system is so interesting too, the way you’re able to pull from different things, and bend it.
So cool!!
I also loved Matty, Chitz, and Uaid 😭🤍
Matty is lowkey Crona (soul eater) coded, minus the abusive upbringing. They have that super innocent vibe w/ a cute lil sentient bag (Chitz) 🫶🏽
He’s just a little baby!!
And Uaid is just so mindless giant energy lmfao.
So funny!!
I also really enjoyed the artwork as well.
The beginning where it switches from the cartoon kinda vibe, to like a super detailed sketch? I love it.
I wish they continue it throughout the book more!!
Overall, as funny as most bits are, this definitely has some DARK moments throughout the storyline too.
Definitely be wary of those.
But other than that, I had sm fun w/ this!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Why I assumed this would be in more of a ‘Graphic Novel’ style instead of a ‘Comic Book’ style… I simply do not know.
(For those who do not understand the difference or what the heck I’m talking about.) To me 'Graphic Novels' are more illustration heavy and 'Comics' are more word heavy. If that makes sense? That is just how I’ve always thought about it in my head. Like, old marvel comics have pictures and illustrations, but they normally have A LOT more text.
With that being said, it was fine for what it is. I just wasn’t expecting so much text and I should have lol. Fun read, just not what I expected going in. Duane was quite enjoyable all on his own and I related to him so much! Though, I will say, his patience is incredible! I would have taken Sette right back to her stinkin’ father. WITHIN THE HOUR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars.
My thanks to Iron Circus Comics, the Author, and NetGalley for the Digital ARC. This book is expected to be published June 9th, 2026! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧Bye~Bye~
(For those who do not understand the difference or what the heck I’m talking about.) To me 'Graphic Novels' are more illustration heavy and 'Comics' are more word heavy. If that makes sense? That is just how I’ve always thought about it in my head. Like, old marvel comics have pictures and illustrations, but they normally have A LOT more text.
With that being said, it was fine for what it is. I just wasn’t expecting so much text and I should have lol. Fun read, just not what I expected going in. Duane was quite enjoyable all on his own and I related to him so much! Though, I will say, his patience is incredible! I would have taken Sette right back to her stinkin’ father. WITHIN THE HOUR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars.
My thanks to Iron Circus Comics, the Author, and NetGalley for the Digital ARC. This book is expected to be published June 9th, 2026! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧Bye~Bye~
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I liked the setting and the concept, but I found Sette's dialect a little hard to parse. She speaks in a very fantasy-urban street cant that really leave Duane being the main character you can understand while reading. The story gets straight into the action, which is great, but it doesn't really explain much of the magic and world until well past the 50% mark. I think this is a promising start, and I intend to read the 2nd volume, but just be aware that this is something you may have a harder time reading than other graphic novels.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is packed full of adventure and fun creatures and character. The synopsis sounded like I would really enjoy it but I found myself struggling through it. It is very wordy which wouldn't have been a problem if I could understand Sette better. She talks a LOT and has a dialect which was a stuggle for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4,5⭐️
I started this expecting a fantasy adventure and ended up with something far darker and more complex🥲 The worldbuilding confused me at first😵💫, but by the end I was completely hooked. Desperate for the next volume👀📖
🙏Thank you NetGalley and Iron Circus Comics for the ARC
I started this expecting a fantasy adventure and ended up with something far darker and more complex🥲 The worldbuilding confused me at first😵💫, but by the end I was completely hooked. Desperate for the next volume👀📖
🙏Thank you NetGalley and Iron Circus Comics for the ARC
March 24, 2026
This was so cute! The humor was fantastic and I cannot wait to see what these two are up to and how the story continues moving into volume 2!
July 25, 2026
I’ve been following the webcomic for a long time, and it is great to have a physical copy!
August 18, 2026
The art is cute, but I did find my mind wandering from time to time when the story would get slow. The bold colors really helped set the mood. I did love the horse and that the backgrounds were detailed. I can see this being appealing to my students, I just don't think it was for me.
4 stars
4 stars
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews