What do you think?
Rate this book
Queens of the Crypt, Vol 1: A Graphic Novel
A celebration of all things horror, queerness and figuring out who you want to be.
Teens are going missing in small town Widow’s Creek. When Barnaby Jones is about to become the next victim, they unwittingly summon the Queens of the Crypt, protectors of the world from unspeakable evil. Barnaby and the Queens must work together and unmask the monster behind the kidnappings.
Teens are going missing in small town Widow’s Creek. When Barnaby Jones is about to become the next victim, they unwittingly summon the Queens of the Crypt, protectors of the world from unspeakable evil. Barnaby and the Queens must work together and unmask the monster behind the kidnappings.
208 pages, Paperback
Published August 25, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 5, 2026
Sooo, who do I contact about being a Crypt Keeper? Is it an inherited position or? Someone lemme know.
Queens of the Crypt has beautiful art, amazing characters, and plenty of humorous and heartwarming scenes to keep you entertained. There was one scene in particular that made me tear up (when they *ALL* worked together to defeat the evil).
I love the themes explored, and the rep (everyone's queer), as well as one very special kitty (Lucy Fur). I can't wait for the next volume, GIVE IT TO ME NOW!!!
Queens of the Crypt has beautiful art, amazing characters, and plenty of humorous and heartwarming scenes to keep you entertained. There was one scene in particular that made me tear up (when they *ALL* worked together to defeat the evil).
I love the themes explored, and the rep (everyone's queer), as well as one very special kitty (Lucy Fur). I can't wait for the next volume, GIVE IT TO ME NOW!!!
July 31, 2026
I really loved this so much, oh my god. The illustrations are gorgeous and the story was funny, heart warming, spooky and fun. I chuckled a few times while reading it. I loved all the different Queens, I loved Barnaby and the found family of it all. I’m so glad this is just volume 1, cannot wait to explore more of the lore and meet more characters!
August 26, 2026
My first graphic novel! This book was so fun and I loved that it included non binary characters and was very LGBTQ+ positive! Really enjoyed the humour in this.
October 19, 2026
I was kindly gifted this book by Bonnier Books (Bonnier Bhive), but as always, my reviews are honest and spoiler-free. It's the perfect book for spooky season! This book is stunning—the front cover is gorgeous, and the colours and artwork are insane. This was my first book by this author. It is a YA gothic horror graphic novel and the author's debut novel. It also has LGBTQ+ themes!
I love that it features found family; it's my favourite trope! It actually lists the content warnings and themes on the back, such as camp, horror, found family, and coming out, so if these are themes you enjoy in a book, you will like this. The paper is so interesting—which sounds random to say, but it literally feels hand-drawn. As I was reading, I was getting black smudges on my fingers from the pages, so it felt like I was holding and looking at the author's original art, which was really cool. I loved the humour in this book, though in places it was a little cringe with some of the phrases.
We follow the MC, Barnaby, who has just come out to their parents as non-binary, and I feel like their parents' reaction was a common one for people who 'don't understand'. The Phantom and Tizzy Blooms were my favourite characters. It did feel a bit 'choppy' at times at the start and end of chapters, but overall it was a quick, enjoyable read. I would recommend it! 3.75⭐
'This they is ready to slay.'
'I'm terrified of this world, and every day I do my best.'"
I love that it features found family; it's my favourite trope! It actually lists the content warnings and themes on the back, such as camp, horror, found family, and coming out, so if these are themes you enjoy in a book, you will like this. The paper is so interesting—which sounds random to say, but it literally feels hand-drawn. As I was reading, I was getting black smudges on my fingers from the pages, so it felt like I was holding and looking at the author's original art, which was really cool. I loved the humour in this book, though in places it was a little cringe with some of the phrases.
We follow the MC, Barnaby, who has just come out to their parents as non-binary, and I feel like their parents' reaction was a common one for people who 'don't understand'. The Phantom and Tizzy Blooms were my favourite characters. It did feel a bit 'choppy' at times at the start and end of chapters, but overall it was a quick, enjoyable read. I would recommend it! 3.75⭐
'This they is ready to slay.'
'I'm terrified of this world, and every day I do my best.'"
October 22, 2026
I am absolutely smitten with this YA graphic novel about a nonbinary teenager who gets help from undead gal heroes to fight a paranormal killer. It glories in its conscious campiness (is that a word?), but it's also really touching and vulnerable at times. If you love a monster remix, put this on your list.
October 16, 2026
This was really cute! Definitely for Monster High & Scooby Doo fans.
It's a bit cringe but to be cringe is to be free.
I really love the monster girlies in this and their distinct personalities. Their character designs were exquisite. It's not really an overly complicated GN but more about queer goth vibes and I respect that--it was a lot of fun!
It's a bit cringe but to be cringe is to be free.
I really love the monster girlies in this and their distinct personalities. Their character designs were exquisite. It's not really an overly complicated GN but more about queer goth vibes and I respect that--it was a lot of fun!
October 17, 2026
Yeah, this had potential, but it felt a lot like someone had to include several buzzwords and wasn't sure how to do that. I mean seriously, "So Your main motive for all of this was to become a basic bitch, ever complaining karen, huh?" Or the reply: "Oh! The man speaks! You don't like that, do you... man. Are you triggered?" Or this one: "I love this energy for us." Or: "But now look at me, I'm never alone. Despite what we call ourselves, it's a family. A chosen one." or "I don't know what just happened, but you're giving mother energy." Or "Wow, Miss Kwan. You really got some rage stuff to work through there, lady." And oh yes, Barnaby has to almost die before their parents accept them, wow... And the story felt a bit too chaotic.
But I did like the idea of a person being cryptkeeper, plus a whole host of fabulous undead queens, and the idea that not everyone may be on the right side. Plus, the art was fun, loved that at the end we got some character designs.
But I did like the idea of a person being cryptkeeper, plus a whole host of fabulous undead queens, and the idea that not everyone may be on the right side. Plus, the art was fun, loved that at the end we got some character designs.
Read
August 18, 2026Heartstopper but make it horror.
September 22, 2026
Campy and stylish graphic horror, starring gender swapped versions of classic movie monsters. Which is kind of underselling those characters a little, because each of them is entirely their own person and not merely, say, Lady Dracula. Main character Barnaby is appealing and very relatable. The book opens immediatly after they come out to their parents as nonbinary, which didn't exactly go well. I do appreciate that Barnaby seems to feel comfortable in their identity, and that nobody holds their parents' hands as they learn to accept that identity. The plot with the Faceless Frightener moves along at a brisk pace, while leaving enough space to find her threatening. There's a bit of an infodump at the end, but by then I was so in tune with the world I hardly cared. I feel like this will very much appeal to the Monster High girlies who are now in their teens or early 20s.
October 13, 2026
the most cringe thing ive ever read. like if boots down purr slay queen diva mama werk yass was a graphic novel. i was properly gagged at the dialogue so all my quotes are just the cringiest things i read that physically made me recoil. it felt like a tiktok millennial gay just came out and learned about drag queens, woke, and canceling. also the pages were hard to read because the graphics just blended in together a lot of the times. the plot was also confusing to me. also barnaby is an absolute horrible name and almost rivals my old roommates name bartleby i cant take this.
Cringe Quotes:
- ' *screams in they* '
- ' "Happy 'they' day bestie!"
- ' "I don't know what just happened, but you're giving 'mother' energy." '
- ' "I have thought of a name for you. 'Barnaby the They.' Do you like it?" '
Cringe Quotes:
- ' *screams in they* '
- ' "Happy 'they' day bestie!"
- ' "I don't know what just happened, but you're giving 'mother' energy." '
- ' "I have thought of a name for you. 'Barnaby the They.' Do you like it?" '
August 26, 2026
O my slays. My first graphic novel and I’m shookethed. The references, the characters, the story, and the message - absolute perfection
October 21, 2026
A fun and spooky little graphic novel. A great choice for a Halloween read.
October 22, 2026
I absolutely loved this queer non binary trans graphic novel. The art was amazing and the story unique. I can’t wait for volume 2
October 28, 2026
10/27/2026 The next time a publicist sends me a graphic novel with a lot of white text on black ink, I hope it's in physical format ::tearful smile emoji::. Full review tk at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
10/28/2026 Several points to clarify before I dive into the book: firstly, yes, "Dom&Ink" is the pen name of a single, fabulous person. Secondly, the next time a publicist sends me a graphic novel that relies so heavily on white text on a dark background, I really hope they send me a physical copy. This book was lovely but the digital version made my astigmatism hurt.
That aside, I had a tremendous amount of fun with this YA horror comic! It starts out pretty glumly as Barnaby Jones is, unfortunately, living their nightmare. They've just come out as nonbinary to their parents, who don't understand them at all. School is rough, but at least they have their equally queer and non-binary best friend Fiona. But Fiona is going through a bad breakup, plus their parents are also separating. Barnaby agrees to cover their shift at the museum where they both work, little expecting the strange journey they're all about to embark upon.
For something has been taking the town's teenagers, snatching sad, anxious kids for some nefarious purpose. Could these abductions be the doing of the Faceless Frightener, the spectre that's haunted the town of Widow's Creek for nigh on a century now? When Fiona goes missing, Barnaby has a terrifying encounter with the Faceless Frightener herself, and accidentally summons a host of unlikely allies who turn out to be the Queens of the Crypt, a group of immortal genderbent former villains determined now to keep the world safe for kids like Barnaby. Soon, Barnaby, the Queens and a helpful librarian are on the hunt to track down a ghostly abductor and save the town's missing kids. But what will the revelations they uncover mean for Widow's Creek and for the Queens moving forward?
Despite being rooted in serious issues of gender and acceptance, this was a really fun horror-tinged romp that drew on classic movie monsters to create its kickass team. Barnaby and Miss Kwan make for terrific human anchors, while my favorite Queen was likely Lady Invisible -- tho you'd think that ability of hers would have helped rather than hindered in her "former" vocation. Some of the other characters' powers were admittedly convenient to the plot, but I thought that the villain's motivation was both awful and hilarious, as we all know someone like that. The Phantom, ofc, was a colossal badass, and I look forward to the unveiling of more of her mysteries in the next volume!
The art is suitably dark, Gothic and arch. I actually didn't realize till I was going through it again for this review that it was entirely done in black and white! Some of the action scenes get a little murky, but that is common to many graphic novels. For a debut, the pacing on this was phenomenal. I'm super looking forward to Volume Two, and am really glad I got to read this in the run-up to Halloween.
Queens Of The Crypt, Vol 1 by Dom&Ink was published August 25 2026 by Penguin Workshop and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
10/28/2026 Several points to clarify before I dive into the book: firstly, yes, "Dom&Ink" is the pen name of a single, fabulous person. Secondly, the next time a publicist sends me a graphic novel that relies so heavily on white text on a dark background, I really hope they send me a physical copy. This book was lovely but the digital version made my astigmatism hurt.
That aside, I had a tremendous amount of fun with this YA horror comic! It starts out pretty glumly as Barnaby Jones is, unfortunately, living their nightmare. They've just come out as nonbinary to their parents, who don't understand them at all. School is rough, but at least they have their equally queer and non-binary best friend Fiona. But Fiona is going through a bad breakup, plus their parents are also separating. Barnaby agrees to cover their shift at the museum where they both work, little expecting the strange journey they're all about to embark upon.
For something has been taking the town's teenagers, snatching sad, anxious kids for some nefarious purpose. Could these abductions be the doing of the Faceless Frightener, the spectre that's haunted the town of Widow's Creek for nigh on a century now? When Fiona goes missing, Barnaby has a terrifying encounter with the Faceless Frightener herself, and accidentally summons a host of unlikely allies who turn out to be the Queens of the Crypt, a group of immortal genderbent former villains determined now to keep the world safe for kids like Barnaby. Soon, Barnaby, the Queens and a helpful librarian are on the hunt to track down a ghostly abductor and save the town's missing kids. But what will the revelations they uncover mean for Widow's Creek and for the Queens moving forward?
Despite being rooted in serious issues of gender and acceptance, this was a really fun horror-tinged romp that drew on classic movie monsters to create its kickass team. Barnaby and Miss Kwan make for terrific human anchors, while my favorite Queen was likely Lady Invisible -- tho you'd think that ability of hers would have helped rather than hindered in her "former" vocation. Some of the other characters' powers were admittedly convenient to the plot, but I thought that the villain's motivation was both awful and hilarious, as we all know someone like that. The Phantom, ofc, was a colossal badass, and I look forward to the unveiling of more of her mysteries in the next volume!
The art is suitably dark, Gothic and arch. I actually didn't realize till I was going through it again for this review that it was entirely done in black and white! Some of the action scenes get a little murky, but that is common to many graphic novels. For a debut, the pacing on this was phenomenal. I'm super looking forward to Volume Two, and am really glad I got to read this in the run-up to Halloween.
Queens Of The Crypt, Vol 1 by Dom&Ink was published August 25 2026 by Penguin Workshop and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This graphic novel packs a punch. The illustrations are detailed and vivid, they fit perfectly with the story. The story has just the right amount of horror and humour that I like. The Queens were collectively and individually amazing. Barnaby is a strong character and I adored them. There was a left for them to deal with personally and emotionally, which is why I think this really packed a punch.
I love how the Queens scooped Barnaby up and set off on a Scooby Doo style adventure to investigate the mystery, such a great found family aspect. The twist, did not see that coming at all, loved it.
I'm thrilled to have read this queer, camp, funny, gothic horror and am really looking forward to seeing more from the author.
Thank you to the author and hot key books for my copy
I love how the Queens scooped Barnaby up and set off on a Scooby Doo style adventure to investigate the mystery, such a great found family aspect. The twist, did not see that coming at all, loved it.
I'm thrilled to have read this queer, camp, funny, gothic horror and am really looking forward to seeing more from the author.
Thank you to the author and hot key books for my copy
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Okay I absolutley loved this! It was just so fabulous in every way. I really didnt know what to expect when going into it and didnt think i'd have such a good time.
This book had so many different elements to it - it was funny, heartwarming, spooky and had such strong characters. Not to mention camp with the perfect amount of gothic. I loved the mystery vibe to it and the personalities each character had. The drawings were perfect and really encompassed the whole vibe of the story.
Im so happy this is only volume 1 because the way this one ended?! I'm so excited to see what else happens and for the characters to develop.
Thank you Bonnier Books for sending me an ARC🫶
This book had so many different elements to it - it was funny, heartwarming, spooky and had such strong characters. Not to mention camp with the perfect amount of gothic. I loved the mystery vibe to it and the personalities each character had. The drawings were perfect and really encompassed the whole vibe of the story.
Im so happy this is only volume 1 because the way this one ended?! I'm so excited to see what else happens and for the characters to develop.
Thank you Bonnier Books for sending me an ARC🫶
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Okay so WHEN is volume 2 coming out because I need it immediately 👀 so camp, so queer, so much fun!!
The artwork is incredible, its such a perfect spooky gothic vibe, and I am absolutely OBSESSED with the Queens and all their big personalities.
I loved seeing so many people in Barnaby's life who loved and accepted them, even not everyone understood their identity at first, as well as Barnaby knowing themself and who they wanted to be!!!! I will forever and always be a sucker for found family 🥹🥹
Also I would die for Lucy Fur.
Thanks to the author & publisher for an ARC!!
The artwork is incredible, its such a perfect spooky gothic vibe, and I am absolutely OBSESSED with the Queens and all their big personalities.
I loved seeing so many people in Barnaby's life who loved and accepted them, even not everyone understood their identity at first, as well as Barnaby knowing themself and who they wanted to be!!!! I will forever and always be a sucker for found family 🥹🥹
Also I would die for Lucy Fur.
Thanks to the author & publisher for an ARC!!
October 6, 2026
I could not follow this first volume of the graphic novel because it leaves a lot out to make it a cohesive story. Elements are dropped into it and then never resolved or picked back up again. As I got further in, I thought maybe I'd missed something and it was a collection of short stories because it wasn't following the usual sequence of a story. So while I appreciate the attempt, it didn't give me what I needed to enjoy the story even with it's representation and creepy undertones.
August 26, 2026
this was so entertaining!! i really enjoyed binging this in one sitting 🤭
the illustrations were GORGEOUS 😫 i was literally staring at some pages because they were so beautiful!
the characters had so much flare and fun, it really made the story. it was almost like buffy the vampire slayer meets a classic disney halloween special? which was honestly perfect 🙂↕️🙌
so excited for volume 2!
the illustrations were GORGEOUS 😫 i was literally staring at some pages because they were so beautiful!
the characters had so much flare and fun, it really made the story. it was almost like buffy the vampire slayer meets a classic disney halloween special? which was honestly perfect 🙂↕️🙌
so excited for volume 2!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Fantastically camp, fabulously fun, gothic noir romp. A mash up of all the best universal monster movies and 40s noir but gloriously queer. Barnaby traverses gender dysphoria, the abyss, and hunts down their missing best friend with style and heart with gloriously drawn characters. A great read
Review of advance copy
i love this. i‘m obsessed with it. the representations, the artstyle, the horror and queerness and humour. this is such a perfect book for me and i can’t wait for the following books!! pls read this!! aaahhhhhh
September 4, 2026
An utter delight. Barnaby the They (as the Countess dubs them) is a fantastic protagonist. I saw this described as Buffy meets Rocky Horror and I can't think of a better description for the vibe of this graphic novel.
September 11, 2026
The artwork was absolutely fantastic, with such intricate detail. The story was a lot of fun. I loved Barnaby, they had this idaf attitude that really worked here. All the characters were a riot. It could just be a little cheesy at times, but I enjoyed it.
October 11, 2026
It was really quick to read, the art was good, obviously a bit scary to read in the evening with a overreactive imagination lol. But there was things I didn't agree with that was in the book itself and I wouldn't read it a second time.
November 4, 2026
The corny, overly-done queer slang and dialogue really took me out of this. It's just applied a little too heavily, and it takes you out of the story. The characters and art style are pretty sick though.
August 27, 2026
So good, stellar art, heart, humor, and queer rep. It gave such Buffy vibes (and I love Buffy)!
September 7, 2026
Superb! More please!
September 16, 2026
It's a great read toots!
September 27, 2026
BRILLIANT
oh this was so much fun! queer and camp and made all the right references
and hit very close to home with all that teenage angst rip
fantastic story, i adore the character designs
oh this was so much fun! queer and camp and made all the right references
and hit very close to home with all that teenage angst rip
fantastic story, i adore the character designs
October 13, 2026
Nice design, fun to read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews