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MrBallen Presents: The Terror Within: The Graphic Stories

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From the New York Times bestselling author and creator of the hit MrBallen Podcast and YouTube channel comes a spine-chilling graphic novel featuring nine gripping stories based on real events—including four all-new, never-before-shared tales—of the terrors that hide inside us all

Have you ever wondered what you’re truly capable of? Or been afraid of what you might do when no one is looking?

If so, you have experienced the terror within. And now, in this vividly illustrated graphic collection of stories, New York Times bestselling author and hit podcaster MrBallen returns with page-turning tales of the horrors that exist in our own psyches. From primeval atrocities in the Russian wilderness to shockingly personal hauntings in Taiwan to chilling encounters in the depths of cyberspace, these stories are creepy, captivating, and utterly unforgettable.

Enter if you dare.

208 pages, Hardcover

Published October 6, 2026

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MrBallen

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5 stars
78 (43%)
4 stars
62 (34%)
3 stars
30 (16%)
2 stars
6 (3%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
Profile Image for Teri.
299 reviews7 followers
August 31, 2026
4.5
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of MrBallen Presents: The Terror Within by MrBallen. This was my first ever book by this author. I just recently found out that he is also a podcaster! I was pleasantly surprised at this book. The book was formatted in comic strip style. The stories told within were scary, spooky stories that were based on real events, one example is the Dyatlov Pass in Russia. They were all very well written and in my opinion, weren't very scary or terrifying but more along the lines of creepy history. With that being said, it did nothing to take away from the book and I was very immersed in each story. There were four stories that they did not let me have access to because they were releasing them as new on it's publishing date. I was a little sad because I really would've loved to read more but I digress. All in all, I would definitely recommend this book and its author to anyone looking for short, creepy, historical stories.
Profile Image for STEPH.
713 reviews85 followers
May 24, 2026
I’ve seen quite a few videos of Mr. Ballen on Facebook Reels and YouTube, and there’s something special about the way he narrates his stories. They’re well-researched, opinionated, and strike a balance between respect and dread.

The drawings are great, and the stories are eerie. The copy I got from NetGalley had some chapters removed, as they will be held back until the book’s release, which is fair enough.

Overall, this was okay. Not memorable, but a bit fun.
Profile Image for Charlene (Char) ❤︎ ❀˖° ❤︎.
667 reviews32 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 12, 2026
This graphic novel blends true crime with mystery and horror. It was a quick read for me I finished this book in one setting. If you’re looking for something that’ll keep you entertained and hard to put down I highly recommended this manga book. If you’re looking for scary and spooky stories this is for you.

There are a total of 9 stories in this comic/ manga that are retold with illustrations. I loved the stories that were retold! The fact they are based on true occurrences made it even better. I enjoyed the retelling of Dead Mountain. No matter how many times this story is told it feels like the first time to me. New stories I never heard of but throughly enjoyed. Some stories need to be experienced. The author did an amazing job with the story telling.

Thank you, NetGalley, Clarkson Potter, Ten Speed Press, and Mrballen for allowing me to read this manga comic all thoughts expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Sabrina Marshall.
211 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

If you love creepy, unsettling stories that are made even scarier because they’re based on real events, this is a fun read. The graphic novel format makes it incredibly easy to fly through, and the artwork adds just the right amount of tension without taking away from the storytelling. Some stories hit harder than others, but overall it’s an entertaining collection that kept me turning the pages
Profile Image for Chandra Claypool (WhereTheHorrorsGrow).
1,886 reviews376 followers
October 23, 2026
Ok, so maybe it wasn't the greatest idea to do an audiobook of a graphic novel? While I did enjoy the stories and felt like the narrator was a friend sitting next to me on the couch telling me spooky stories, I also felt like something was just... missing. Perhaps it was the illustrations.

I also went in without ever knowing about MrBallen's podcast or YouTube channel so was unfamiliar with his work. Took a chance that didn't quite work. I think had I had the physical copy and been able to devour this read in that manner, it would have hit differently. I'm not big on podcasts but will check out the YouTube channel as I think his work is something I will mesh with.

Gonna split this one down the middle as I think the stories were fun but without the added influence of the illustrations and such, something just didn't quite vibe.
Profile Image for Tiffany Murphy.
945 reviews85 followers
September 21, 2026
I always enjoy a good spooky story or a mystery and I have seen MrBallen’s videos on Facebook. When I saw he had a book coming out, I knew I had to try it. The stories were all interesting and I found myself looking them up for more information. I really enjoy the way MrBallen narrates his stories and the graphics were very well done. I had heard about the Dyatlov Pass incident before and have found it to be very interesting. I enjoyed getting MrBallen’s perspective. The stories were all well done and I think I’ve seen him do videos on a few of these stories before. I didn’t think they were really that spooky but they did keep me entertained. A solid 3.5 stars, rounded up.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an arc of this graphic novel.
Profile Image for Danielle.
858 reviews300 followers
October 20, 2026
As always, I am a fan of the strange, dark, and mysterious. These were great stories. Eliza in particular was quite creepy. Check it out!
Profile Image for Charissa Wilkinson.
1,231 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 26, 2026
I received this book courtesy of NetGalley for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Overview: Mr. Ballen has hosted a podcast for several years now. Yet, he just likes to tell stories. Granted most of them have something strange or mysterious about them. This graphic novel has ten illustrated stories that show how the human mind can drive some odd cases. What's included? Let's find out.

Story Telling: This is a graphic novel full of short stories.

Artwork: We have an excellent American comic book style artwork with sepia tones in many cases.

Dislikes: Too bad that Luis went alone when that villager called for help. They might have both survived.

Likes: Mary's story is creepy in a good way.

The stories were fun. Though I can't read them the same way that Mr. Ballen does.

It was interesting to see how Mr. Ballen got started on his story telling career.

Conclusion: This is a fun book. If you are a fan of strange, mysterious, and true stories, or a fan of Mr. Ballen, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Profile Image for Noah H-I.
42 reviews
Read
May 26, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.

This graphic novel collection presents a series of strange and mysterious stories in Mr. Ballen’s signature storytelling style. The artwork is expressive, atmospheric, and easy to follow, using a comic-book style and muted tones that add to the suspense without distracting from the stories themselves.

Many of the stories may feel familiar to longtime fans of Mr. Ballen’s YouTube channel or podcast, but the graphic novel format gives them a fresh and entertaining presentation. The collection mixes eerie and intriguing stories with visuals that keep the tone engaging rather than overly intense, making it approachable for both fans and newer readers, including older kids and teens who enjoy spooky stories.

The review copy also had several stories removed until publication day, so the full collection was not available to read in advance.

Overall, it’s a fun and visually strong collection that will likely appeal to readers who enjoy mysterious, suspenseful, and true-story-inspired tales.
Profile Image for Brian Shevory.
451 reviews18 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 8, 2026
Many thanks to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for sharing an advanced copy of MrBallen Presents: The Terror Within: The Graphic Stories. MrBallen, a popular true crime podcaster and influencer, has collected some of his favorite, most haunting unexplained mysteries and commissioned his creative team to retell these chilling stories in graphic novel form. Although MrBallen has selected the tales for this anthology, he acknowledges the team including his sister, Evan Allen, who writes and edits, along with co-selecting the stories, and Robert Venditti, who revises the podcast scripts into graphic novel formats, as integral to the creation of this collection. In addition, Andrea Mutti contributes through his excellent artwork to capture some of the terrifying and uncanny elements of these stories.
The stories in this collection take place around the world and through different times in the 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the stories, like the Dyatlov Pass Incident (“Dead Mountain”) and the Magdelena Solis story (“The Cave”) may be familiar, if not infamous, for some readers. Other stories like “The Red Ghost”, “Ape Canyon”, and “Her Face” were familiar to me, but had elements of the uncanny, the unexplained, or happenstance that created ironic twists that helped intrigue me with its events. I appreciated how this collection provides a map and locations for each of the events to indicate where these stories took place. Although not all of the stories were included in this sample, it provided me with enough to pique my interest in these tales of the unexplained. Like MrBallen, I’m also a fan of these kinds of mysteries and unexplained phenomena. MrBallen provides brief commentary at the beginning and end of each story, and most of the stories are told through his 3rd person narration that observes and describes what happens to those involved in the story. He provides some explanations about the events at the end of some of the stories, but others like “Dead Mountain” and “Ape Canyon” remain somewhat unresolved and mysterious, leaving readers wanting to know more about what exactly happened and what the possible explanations are for these events. Others like “The Cave” and “The Red Ghost” have mostly rational explanations for the events that occurred or at least have some kind of resolution where justice was served. Nevertheless, “The Red Ghost” was particularly haunting and strange as we are never really given an explanation as to why the red ghost initially appeared or what exactly happened to Elizabeth. It was a strange and perplexing tale that’s left me wanting to know more. Thankfully, the team working with MrBallen provides a useful further reading list at the end of the collection to learn more about each of these events.
This was a fun, quick read that has some intriguing investigative tales. The simple narration and commentary in each of the panels helps to focus on the mysterious nature of these events, and pairs well with Mutti’s stark, evocative illustrations and artwork, creating a creepy and uncanny atmosphere, great for the Halloween season. I was also excited to learn that there are other MrBallen graphic novels available that detail other mysteries and unexplained events, so I’ll look forward to checking those out. Recommended!
Profile Image for Janalyn, the blind reviewer.
5,033 reviews158 followers
October 16, 2026
Mr. Ballin Presents The Terror Within by Mr. Ballen, if you’re a fan of the mysterious the macabre and or the unknown you will definitely enjoy this book if you’re a seasoned reader or listener of those types of podcast you may already know most of the stories like the skiers who went up the mountain and were found in different states of undressed with different types of injuries the mystery hasn’t been solved since the 60s and that is always an intriguing story we also get to learn about the cannibal gold Minor and if you’re familiar with these stories just know these are the types you will find in this book if you’re new to the macabre this is a great book to get it is a graphic novel so if that is your jam you will definitely enjoy this book I knew the stories and still absolutely found myself rereading some stories for the millionth time I love mysteries in this was a collection of the great ones it has since got me listening to his podcast that has way more mysteries I have never heard of and so even if you’re familiar with those stories you can always go listen to the podcast is more than one so pick your jam and listen away.#NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,
Profile Image for Diane Hernandez.
2,591 reviews48 followers
October 7, 2026
With nine mysterious but true stories, The Terror Within caters to multiple tastes. Spanning Bigfoot to demons to precognitive dreams, each story is briefly told. Most have answers to the mysteries but a few do not. Are monsters real? Are these stories evidence of them? Or are they just showing the twisted minds of man playing games with each other? Or can all three be true?

The stories are carefully researched. In the Further Reading chapter, links are provided to some of the sources used. The content of some left me wondering for days after reading.

The artwork is impressive. It looks more like pen and pastel watercolor drawings rather than the traditional Marvel style brightly colored comics. It adds to the feeling of realism of each of the stories.

Overall, The Terror Within is an impressive and beautifully illustrated collection of nine scary stories. It is the perfect way to ramp up for the Halloween season. 4 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley and Ten Speed Graphic for providing me with an advanced review copy.
Profile Image for Emily Riley.
32 reviews
October 16, 2026
Another amazing story collection from professional storyteller and YouTube sensation MrBallen, aka John B. Allen. Just like his first two books, this graphic novel brings another nine strange, dark, and mysterious stories to life. Each of these stories features a twist you'll never see coming, an attribute MrBallen's YouTube videos are well-known for.

While some of the stories will be familiar to long-time viewers of the channel, the graphic novel format brings these stories to life through incredible artwork that enhances the storytelling. It's the kind of book that, even when you've turned the last page, the stories just don't let you go.

It's a great book for this time of year, as the days grow shorter and we get ready for the safe scares of Halloween trick-or-treating, costumes, and decor. So, "if you're a fan of the strange, dark, and mysterious delivered in story format," then this book is perfect for you.
Profile Image for Rudi McKay.
178 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was a dark, unsettling read that definitely had some moments that got under my skin.

The Terror Within does a good job of creating that feeling that something is horribly wrong, even when you can't quite put your finger on what it is. The tension builds as the story progresses, and I really enjoyed the psychological side of the horror. There’s a constant sense of uneasiness that kept me turning the pages because I wanted to see just how far things were going to spiral.

I especially liked the darker atmosphere and the way the story plays with fear from the inside out. It isn't just about what might be lurking around the corner—it’s about the things happening inside the characters' heads and the terror that comes from not knowing what you can trust.

Creepy, disturbing, and definitely a book I would recommend to horror readers looking for something darker and more psychological.
Profile Image for Ingrid Stephens.
798 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 26, 2026
Have you ever wondered what you’re truly
capable of? Or been afraid of what you might do when no one is looking?

If so, you have experienced the terror within. And now, in this vividly illustrated graphic collection of stories, New York Times
bestselling author and hit podcaster MrBallen returns with page-turning tales of the horrors that exist in our own psyches.
This is the 3rd book in the MrBallen presents series, and while it is fascinating,  to me its the weakest of the three.
All of the stories here should be familiar to anyone who loves mysteries, horror, true crime.
The most famous being the Dyatlov Pass Incident,  where a group of Russian explorers are found with unexplained injuries, their camp destroyed and all dead. All the stories are told well, kept interesting and entertaining.
Recommended. Publishing date Oct. 3, 2026
Thanks to @netgalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press
for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Pawsandpagesonthecoast .
96 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 25, 2026
I’m a massive Mr Ballen fan so I was so excited to be approved for this ARC. I loved the manga style graphic novel. It was easy to read and the stories still had heaps of detail. If anything the pics added to this. My favourite was The Cave but all the other stories were equally intriguing. I can’t wait for the release date so I can buy myself a copy and read the four chapters that were excluded from this version. I’m so interested to read His Masterpiece. I honestly couldn’t fault this novel at all. I will review on Good Reads, Amazon and Insta the week of release. Thanks again for such a fab read
Profile Image for April.
29 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
September 17, 2026
I am a huge fan of real life mysteries and the theories that come after them.

Much like Mr Ballen one of my absolute favourite stories is that of Dyatlov pass incident so I loved that this was the first story in the set of 9.

The stories are beautifully illustrated and really bring the mysteries to life, I love that they have a dark feel to them and that Mr Ballen himself pops up as he is narrating.

If you are already a fan of Mr Ballen (i definitely am) this will only add to your enjoyment, equally if you are new to him, this is a great starter.

A big thanks to netgalley and Mr Ballen for allowing me to arc read this im super greatful
Profile Image for Sabrina Koch.
128 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 30, 2026
In this 3rd installment of MrBallen Presents, I feel we go back to the beginning with the first story being The Dyatlov Pass Incident. I remember listening to him tell this story on his Youtube and clips of it on his TikTok page (which is how I originally found out about MrBallen).

As always the details in the stories are there and the art by Andrea Mutti is just the perfect combination again. I hope that MrBallen keeps up the spooky story telling in all forms. I can't wait for more. HIGHLY recommend this.
Profile Image for Chantal Guay.
262 reviews6 followers
October 23, 2026
I have MrBallens last two graphic novels & I absolutely loved them ! My partner bought the third one for me for my birthday that just recently passed & I was so excited to dive into it , we always MrBallens podcasts so when you get to see alot of the stories we have heard with more of a better visual with some truly amazing graphics its just so amazing to read ! High recommend for some true crime / Thriller stories 🥰 and if you dont mind comic style reading once in a while, if not definitely recommend checking his youtube channel out or podcasts on Spotify!
Profile Image for Chelsea is Booked.
322 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 16, 2026
I discovered MrBallen a few years ago with his podcast. I have enjoyed his story telling and this is no different. Because I have listened to many of his episodes, some of these stories were not new to me but it was still fun seeing them drawn out. Because I read the review copy, I am not able to review all the stories as they left 4 out till publication but all the ones I read where good. Obviously, with any collection of stories there will be ones that resonate more with the reader than others. These would be the perfect stories to tell around the firepit while camping.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
Profile Image for Adri Holt.
347 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 29, 2026
Monsters, cryptids, and creatures OH MY! The real world contains some crazy mysteries that we may not ever know of until our paths cross. Mr. Ballen kills it against with his stories that give you goose bumps. The stories he unfolds along with the illustrator are just *chef’s kiss*. The last graphic novel and this one have me hooked as an avid follower of Mr.Ballen now. I can’t wait for more of his creations!

#ThxNetGalley #MrBallen #MrBallenPresentsTheTerrorWithin
Profile Image for ren.
170 reviews24 followers
October 9, 2026
i always devour these books in one sitting and this one was no different!

(the inconsistency in which tense some of the stories are written was off-putting though. not sure how this made it through editing without someone questioning why the stories slip in and out of past and present tense for seemingly no reason? wasn’t enough to ruin the stories, but still annoying)
Profile Image for Jennifer Wiehe.
96 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
October 1, 2026
This is an entertaining quick read. The illustrations are great, and the story flows well. There were some chapters missing until the publish date. But all in all, I would recommend this for any teenager who likes a spooky story, but doesn't want to read a chapter book.
Profile Image for Lisa Davidson.
2,063 reviews31 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
October 4, 2026
I read all the MrBallen books because I love the stories and illustrations. This one felt different, in a good way, and the stories seemed more real, even with the supernatural elements. So creepy!!
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,326 reviews23 followers
October 22, 2026
I just love these books Mrballen puts out. I've heard of some of the stories but Mrballen has a way of making them so interesting. I will continue to watch him online and read anymore books he writes.
Profile Image for Garrett  Huckabay .
13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 1, 2026
The story telling and illustrations are amazing! However half the stories were excluded from the NetGalley version. I can’t wait to read the rest once published!
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews