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Dead Teenagers #1
THERE’S NO ESCAPING HIGH SCHOOL! Since 1997, five friends have been trapped in the ultimate nightmare as a mysterious entity forces them to relive their first prom night over and over again . . . and re-kills them in new and increasingly insane ways each time. They dress up. They party. They make out. And no matter what they try to change, they always die . . . until now. Something is about to break the cycle that has kept Alicia, J.T., Ryder, Brandy, and their group of friends locked in a bizarre purgatory beyond all understanding . . . but what they find on the other side will be the most disturbing revelation of all. Hell is the ’90s in this brash and brutal, genre-distorting ode to the generation that gave us Scream and Buffy the Vampire Slayer—and what’s become of them since—as GLAAD Award–nominated writer Jude Ellison S. Doyle (Maw, Be Not Afraid) and hyper-talented artist Caitlin Yarsky (Black Hammer Reborn, EC’s Cruel Universe) unleash the year’s most clever and compulsively page-turning horror thriller.
Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2026
About the author
Jude Ellison S. Doyle
45 books274 followersJude Ellison S. Doyle is an author, journalist, and comic book writer living in upstate New York.
Under his former pen name “Sady Doyle,” Jude founded the feminist blog Tiger Beatdown in 2008. He is the author of "Trainwreck: The Women We Love to Hate, Mock, and Fear... and Why" (Melville House 2016), which has been called "smart, funny and fearless" (Boston Globe), "compelling" and "persuasive" (New York Times Book Review). The Atlantic predicted that "Trainwreck will very likely join the feminist canon." Doyle’s second book, "Dead Blondes and Bad Mothers: Monstrosity, Patriarchy and the Fear of Female Power" (Melville House, 2019) was named a Best Non-Fiction Book of 2019 by Kirkus Reviews and was shortlisted for Starburst Magazine’s Brave New Words award. His first non-fiction book under his real name, "DILF: Did I Leave Feminism," will be published by Melville House in the fall of 2025.
In 2021, Jude published "Maw," a limited-series horror comic with artist A.L. Kaplan, for Boom! Studios. His follow-up, "The Neighbors" with artist Letizia Cadonici, was published in 2023, and was nominated for a 2024 GLAAD award for “Outstanding Comic.” Both are now available in collected edition, and Jude’s third series, "Be Not Afraid" with artist Lisandro Estherren, is forthcoming from Boom! Studios.
Under his former pen name “Sady Doyle,” Jude founded the feminist blog Tiger Beatdown in 2008. He is the author of "Trainwreck: The Women We Love to Hate, Mock, and Fear... and Why" (Melville House 2016), which has been called "smart, funny and fearless" (Boston Globe), "compelling" and "persuasive" (New York Times Book Review). The Atlantic predicted that "Trainwreck will very likely join the feminist canon." Doyle’s second book, "Dead Blondes and Bad Mothers: Monstrosity, Patriarchy and the Fear of Female Power" (Melville House, 2019) was named a Best Non-Fiction Book of 2019 by Kirkus Reviews and was shortlisted for Starburst Magazine’s Brave New Words award. His first non-fiction book under his real name, "DILF: Did I Leave Feminism," will be published by Melville House in the fall of 2025.
In 2021, Jude published "Maw," a limited-series horror comic with artist A.L. Kaplan, for Boom! Studios. His follow-up, "The Neighbors" with artist Letizia Cadonici, was published in 2023, and was nominated for a 2024 GLAAD award for “Outstanding Comic.” Both are now available in collected edition, and Jude’s third series, "Be Not Afraid" with artist Lisandro Estherren, is forthcoming from Boom! Studios.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 29, 2026
Unfortunately I was not the intended audience for this graphic novel.
April 26, 2026
No hook. No reason to keep reading
August 1, 2026
Book Review: Dead Teenagers by Jude Ellison S. Doyle, illustrated by Caitlin Yarsky
Rating: 3 Stars
I recently picked up Dead Teenagers, a graphic novel that promised a wild ride through a ’90s-inspired horror loop, and my feelings are a bit mixed—hence the three stars.
The story centers on five high school friends—Alicia, J.T., Ryder, Brandy, and their crew—who have been stuck reliving their very first prom night since 1997. But it’s no ordinary prom; a mysterious force traps them in this endless cycle where they keep getting killed in new, increasingly outrageous ways. No matter what they try to change, death always finds them. But just when it seems hopeless, something shifts, breaking the loop and leading to a shocking revelation about what lies beyond this strange purgatory. It’s a wild mix of ’90s nostalgia, campy horror vibes reminiscent of Scream and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with a darker twist on what that era means now.
Visually, the book nails it. The cover alone grabbed me with its striking, vibrant illustration—it’s honestly one of the most eye-catching covers I’ve seen in a while. Caitlin Yarsky’s art throughout is bold and energetic, perfectly matching the chaotic tone of the story.
However, while the concept is clever and the humor hits some good notes, I found myself a bit lost at times. The plot can be confusing, with moments where I wasn’t quite sure what was happening or why. The execution didn’t always live up to the intriguing premise. That said, it definitely delivered on campy horror fun, which I really enjoy.
Overall, Dead Teenagers was an okay read for me—fun and entertaining in parts, but not quite as polished or clear as I’d hoped. If you’re into genre-bending horror with a nostalgic twist and don’t mind a little confusion along the way, it might be worth checking out.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 3 Stars
I recently picked up Dead Teenagers, a graphic novel that promised a wild ride through a ’90s-inspired horror loop, and my feelings are a bit mixed—hence the three stars.
The story centers on five high school friends—Alicia, J.T., Ryder, Brandy, and their crew—who have been stuck reliving their very first prom night since 1997. But it’s no ordinary prom; a mysterious force traps them in this endless cycle where they keep getting killed in new, increasingly outrageous ways. No matter what they try to change, death always finds them. But just when it seems hopeless, something shifts, breaking the loop and leading to a shocking revelation about what lies beyond this strange purgatory. It’s a wild mix of ’90s nostalgia, campy horror vibes reminiscent of Scream and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with a darker twist on what that era means now.
Visually, the book nails it. The cover alone grabbed me with its striking, vibrant illustration—it’s honestly one of the most eye-catching covers I’ve seen in a while. Caitlin Yarsky’s art throughout is bold and energetic, perfectly matching the chaotic tone of the story.
However, while the concept is clever and the humor hits some good notes, I found myself a bit lost at times. The plot can be confusing, with moments where I wasn’t quite sure what was happening or why. The execution didn’t always live up to the intriguing premise. That said, it definitely delivered on campy horror fun, which I really enjoy.
Overall, Dead Teenagers was an okay read for me—fun and entertaining in parts, but not quite as polished or clear as I’d hoped. If you’re into genre-bending horror with a nostalgic twist and don’t mind a little confusion along the way, it might be worth checking out.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
August 11, 2026
Okay, this was WEIRD. 😂 And I mean that in the best way.
Five friends have been stuck reliving their 1997 prom night over and over again, and every single time they find a new and absolutely insane way to die. We're talking monsters, ridiculous accidents, and some seriously creative kills. It gave me major Happy Death Day meets Groundhog Day vibes with a heavy dose of 90s slasher horror.
The premise alone had me hooked because I kept wondering what crazy way they were going to die next. Some of the deaths were so ridiculous that I couldn't help but laugh, even when they were completely horrifying. 😂
But underneath all the blood and chaos, there's actually a surprisingly emotional story about growing up, being afraid of the future, and realizing that high school isn't supposed to be the best part of your life. I really liked that message, and I wasn't expecting the story to get as meaningful as it did.
The artwork was also SO good and fit the story perfectly. It really captured that colorful, campy 90s horror vibe.
My only complaint is that I wanted MORE. The story is pretty short, and I think some of the characters and emotional moments could have been developed a lot more. I also felt a little confused at times trying to figure out exactly what was happening with the time loop.
Still, this was such a fun, bizarre little horror read. If you love slashers, weird time loops, creative deaths, 90s nostalgia, and horror that doesn't take itself too seriously, definitely give this one a try.
And honestly... after dying 11,000+ times, I'd be ready to just give up too. 😂
Five friends have been stuck reliving their 1997 prom night over and over again, and every single time they find a new and absolutely insane way to die. We're talking monsters, ridiculous accidents, and some seriously creative kills. It gave me major Happy Death Day meets Groundhog Day vibes with a heavy dose of 90s slasher horror.
The premise alone had me hooked because I kept wondering what crazy way they were going to die next. Some of the deaths were so ridiculous that I couldn't help but laugh, even when they were completely horrifying. 😂
But underneath all the blood and chaos, there's actually a surprisingly emotional story about growing up, being afraid of the future, and realizing that high school isn't supposed to be the best part of your life. I really liked that message, and I wasn't expecting the story to get as meaningful as it did.
The artwork was also SO good and fit the story perfectly. It really captured that colorful, campy 90s horror vibe.
My only complaint is that I wanted MORE. The story is pretty short, and I think some of the characters and emotional moments could have been developed a lot more. I also felt a little confused at times trying to figure out exactly what was happening with the time loop.
Still, this was such a fun, bizarre little horror read. If you love slashers, weird time loops, creative deaths, 90s nostalgia, and horror that doesn't take itself too seriously, definitely give this one a try.
And honestly... after dying 11,000+ times, I'd be ready to just give up too. 😂
July 28, 2026
This graphic novel has an incredible premise with its slasher type, gore-y, death time loop on five teens' during their prom night. I liked the visual representations and its vivid, colourful art style.
It had this crazy, fun yet horrific, violent storytelling with a lot of comical interactions between characters, I would love to get to know these characters more though. And, the ending also felt underwhelming and rushed than how it started with all its chaotic setup and horror repeated experience of the time loop.
Overall, I was still entertained and have enjoyed reading this one! I'd still recommend this to readers who love horror/gore with the thrills and vibes of Happy Death Day in an unending time loop, pick this one up! ✨️
It had this crazy, fun yet horrific, violent storytelling with a lot of comical interactions between characters, I would love to get to know these characters more though. And, the ending also felt underwhelming and rushed than how it started with all its chaotic setup and horror repeated experience of the time loop.
Overall, I was still entertained and have enjoyed reading this one! I'd still recommend this to readers who love horror/gore with the thrills and vibes of Happy Death Day in an unending time loop, pick this one up! ✨️
September 9, 2026
What would you do if you'd relived the night of your prom thousands of times and every time something went terribly wrong? What would you do to make it stop?
Dead Teenagers is the story of how one small friend group struggled to make sense out of how everything went wrong no matter how many times they tried to change it. It's bleak, darkly funny, and all too aware of the many ways we all struggle to be and accept ourselves in the midst of one of the most chaotic periods of our lives. I really had a blast reading this one, the art and story are both really great and we have a diverse cast of characters to root for over the course of their story. The end isn't telegraphed at all here and is a pretty satisfying one for a complex story.
Dead Teenagers is the story of how one small friend group struggled to make sense out of how everything went wrong no matter how many times they tried to change it. It's bleak, darkly funny, and all too aware of the many ways we all struggle to be and accept ourselves in the midst of one of the most chaotic periods of our lives. I really had a blast reading this one, the art and story are both really great and we have a diverse cast of characters to root for over the course of their story. The end isn't telegraphed at all here and is a pretty satisfying one for a complex story.
September 16, 2026
Advanced copy for a honest review
Dead teenagers is a satire horror graphic novel with loop kills, while this might sound like something boring, this book is far from that. Every is more extreme than the last, and the story is very much has the same growing pains of teenagehood. We get interesting characters worth rooting for and they are kickass. THe artwork does a great job showing just how kickass this story is. It might have a trigger, it doesn't deep into it and it can reveal a twist in the story, just know that. THe space fight was cool, but there was alot of killings that made me go "what? no way" ha ha I am a fan of loop horror movies like THe triangle, Happy Death Day and Tall Grass , so this like that with outrageousness.
Dead teenagers is a satire horror graphic novel with loop kills, while this might sound like something boring, this book is far from that. Every is more extreme than the last, and the story is very much has the same growing pains of teenagehood. We get interesting characters worth rooting for and they are kickass. THe artwork does a great job showing just how kickass this story is. It might have a trigger, it doesn't deep into it and it can reveal a twist in the story, just know that. THe space fight was cool, but there was alot of killings that made me go "what? no way" ha ha I am a fan of loop horror movies like THe triangle, Happy Death Day and Tall Grass , so this like that with outrageousness.
September 26, 2026
Dead Teenagers is about a group of teens in the 90's on their prom night. They get stuck in a sort of Groundhog's Day situation where horrible things keep happening leading to many of them dying and having the start over. They eventually have to face the most horrific scenario of them all adulthood!
I really enjoyed the art style of this. As a millennial I appreciate the 1990's setting. I also loved getting little glimpses of many of the thousands of scenarios they faced. It had nice LGBTQ+ representation too. But the reason I gave this three starts was because some of it was a little confusing. I get the gist of what was going on but I would have like to understand the mechanics behind it more.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a review copy.
I really enjoyed the art style of this. As a millennial I appreciate the 1990's setting. I also loved getting little glimpses of many of the thousands of scenarios they faced. It had nice LGBTQ+ representation too. But the reason I gave this three starts was because some of it was a little confusing. I get the gist of what was going on but I would have like to understand the mechanics behind it more.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a review copy.
July 13, 2026
3.5* rounded up for the full comic
Happy Death Day but for a group of friends, on prom night. It's an interesting concept, though the bit I was most interested in - the deaths and scenarios - was mostly glossed over. Claire Morgan seemingly changed race, and the differing in pronouns AND artwork made me go back and forth to figure out what was happening. It was a predictable story but I think the concept has good bones and would be a fun movie. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Happy Death Day but for a group of friends, on prom night. It's an interesting concept, though the bit I was most interested in - the deaths and scenarios - was mostly glossed over. Claire Morgan seemingly changed race, and the differing in pronouns AND artwork made me go back and forth to figure out what was happening. It was a predictable story but I think the concept has good bones and would be a fun movie. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
September 12, 2026
Pretty cool read. The graphics were well done. A lot of horror scenes.
Reminded me a little bit of "happy death day" with the repeated deaths of 5 teenagers.
The only thing is that it’s pretty confusing.
I feel like this should be read more than once to understand the story and the characters a bit more.
All in all I was entertained and enjoyed the art.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Reminded me a little bit of "happy death day" with the repeated deaths of 5 teenagers.
The only thing is that it’s pretty confusing.
I feel like this should be read more than once to understand the story and the characters a bit more.
All in all I was entertained and enjoyed the art.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 18, 2026
I have no idea what's going on. This group of teenagers are running a simulation about prom night? And all the ways it could go bad? There are these patterns where specific people die in specific ways. Then the simulation simulates to the present day at the end? I have no idea what's happening. Very confusing first issue. Not sure I'll get the next one.
April 5, 2026
This was a bit of a confusing first issue.
We're quickly thrown into the thick of it, with a lot of details and characters thrown at us one after another.
It was an interesting read, but it felt like there was enough ground to maybe cover that this could have maybe been two issues and been a bit easier to follow?
Curious to see what the next issue looks like.
We're quickly thrown into the thick of it, with a lot of details and characters thrown at us one after another.
It was an interesting read, but it felt like there was enough ground to maybe cover that this could have maybe been two issues and been a bit easier to follow?
Curious to see what the next issue looks like.
April 27, 2026
Honestly surprised at some of the low reviews on here. I actually enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. Sure it has a Happy Death Day/Groundhogs Day vibe because of the concept but the humor is there, the campy horror is there, and it has enough intrigue/twist at the end for me to want to check out #2
August 3, 2026
This graphic novel has a really cool premise. I can see why they say it would be great for fans of Scream and Happy Death Day! I wish we got to explore more of the scenarios they face, as a lot seem like big horror movies and the ideas from them. The art style is really cool and nostalgic. Thank you to netgally for the arc!
August 15, 2026
I’m going to be completely honest, I requested this book on NetGalley because the cover pulled me in. The art reminds me of a cool comic book you’d find in a 70s comic book shop, but the storyline was lacking. I never felt pulled into the story, the art became confusing, and I didn’t quite understand what was going on? I just don’t think I was the targeted audience.
August 31, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of Dead Teenagers by Jude Ellison S. Doyle.
I really liked the concept of this graphic novel. A group of teenagers on a groundhog day of death, but the groundhog day manifests in a plethora of crazy scenarios.
I think this graphic novel would make an excellent TV show!!
I really liked the concept of this graphic novel. A group of teenagers on a groundhog day of death, but the groundhog day manifests in a plethora of crazy scenarios.
I think this graphic novel would make an excellent TV show!!
July 13, 2026
A bunch of teenagers were stuck in a loop, but it kept changing timelines… I was so confused the entire time.
I’m sorry, I guess it just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this Graphic Novel in return for a honest review.
I’m sorry, I guess it just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this Graphic Novel in return for a honest review.
July 15, 2026
The graphics were good, but I had no idea what was going on. This was so hard to follow, and it didn’t seem to have a well-thought-out plot. I’m not normally a graphic novel reader, so this format is pretty new to me, but I still feel like I should’ve been able to understand the story… at least. 😂
June 1, 2026
Bizarre fun.
June 20, 2026
A Really Fun Groundhog Day meets Horror Movie mash-up. And such an intriguing set-up for the second issue.
July 23, 2026
It was a good concept of a story, but it really just felt like the same thing over and over. I did finish, but I almost DNF'd this one
August 8, 2026
Just getting a feel for things and I definitely need to know more.
August 11, 2026
Well that was new…….
September 3, 2026
•*⁀➷ 5✰’s
this was actually really good! i loved the premise and plot of this story, it was pretty unique i’d say, since i’ve never ready any other like it.
this was actually really good! i loved the premise and plot of this story, it was pretty unique i’d say, since i’ve never ready any other like it.
September 9, 2026
This was an interesting premise and an interesting read with great artwork but somewhere in the middle i got out of the book and it took me time to get back into it. All in all an interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews