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The October Faction #1
The October Faction, Vol. 1
The October Faction details the adventures of retired monster-hunter Frederick Allan and his family... which include a thrill-killer, a witch, and a warlock. Because sometimes crazy is the glue that binds a family together.
152 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2015
58 people are currently reading
2332 people want to read
About the author
Steve Niles
836 books457 followersSTEVE NILES is one of the writers responsible for bringing horror comics back to prominence, and was recently named by Fangoria magazine as one of it's "13 rising talents who promise to keep us terrified for the next 25 years."
Niles is currently working for the four top American comic publishers - Marvel, DC, Image and Dark Horse. He got his start in the industry when he formed his own publishing company called Arcane Comix, where he published, edited and adapted several comics and anthologies for Eclipse Comics. His adaptations include works by Clive Barker, Richard Matheson and Harlan Ellison.
Steve resides in Los Angeles in his bachelor pad with one cat. While there's no crawlspace, there is a questionable closet in one corner and no one is quite sure what is hidden in there...but we have an idea.
--from the author's website
Niles is currently working for the four top American comic publishers - Marvel, DC, Image and Dark Horse. He got his start in the industry when he formed his own publishing company called Arcane Comix, where he published, edited and adapted several comics and anthologies for Eclipse Comics. His adaptations include works by Clive Barker, Richard Matheson and Harlan Ellison.
Steve resides in Los Angeles in his bachelor pad with one cat. While there's no crawlspace, there is a questionable closet in one corner and no one is quite sure what is hidden in there...but we have an idea.
--from the author's website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
June 9, 2020
October Faction is about the Addams Family, I mean Allans family, whose patriarch used to be a monster hunter who settled down to have a family. Now the kids are teenagers and everyone in the family is jonesing to go hunt monsters again. There's not much story here yet. This moves very slowly. It's about introducing you to the characters with allusions to the past which is still mostly unseen. The book has potential if Niles can bring more meat and potatoes to the story.
Damien Worm's art is very similar to Ben Templesmith's. It would definitely be better if he learned to use a color out of his box of crayons other than black.
Yes, this is the comic the Netflix series is based on.
Damien Worm's art is very similar to Ben Templesmith's. It would definitely be better if he learned to use a color out of his box of crayons other than black.
Yes, this is the comic the Netflix series is based on.
November 23, 2015
So, that was the best Constantine comic I’ve read in years!
Well, obviously it’s not exactly the same character because he’s older and this is an IDW comic but I think that’s the best way to look at October Faction: the main character, Frederick Allan, was “Constantine” but gave up being an occult detective/monster hunter, got married, had kids, and settled into a nice teaching job at the local university, lecturing about things that go bump in the night. Now in his late ‘40s, his enemies have caught up with him and are targeting his wife and teenage son and daughter to hurt him. Just when he thought he’d gotten out… he’s being dragged back in again!
I know, I made it sound a little bit corny at the end but it kind of is and there’s nothing wrong with a bit of corn mixed into a well-written and drawn comic. I really like that though Steve Niles writes Fred’s character as this skilled and dangerous ex-monster hunter who’ll do whatever it takes to protect his family and send who/whatever’s threatening them back wherever they came from with a silver bullet, crossbow or a stake, he’s happy to make the occasional joke too - why not have a little fun dark humour with your horror? And that’s why my brain kept taking me back to Constantine, particularly Garth Ennis’ run, a character who has a Puckish wink for the ghouls he faces.
I can see why people are making the obvious connection to The Addams Family though (that cover!) and maybe there’s a bit of that here too. Fred’s kids, Geoff and Vivian, want to follow in their mum and dad’s footsteps and want to become hunters themselves. But, being good parents, mum and dad aren’t going to let their little ones step into a dangerous profession - they’re gonna join them! And so The October Faction is born.
Niles’ humour keeps this from being a stale run-through of horror tropes - the werewolf, the mad Frankenstein-esque scientist, the ultra-gothic mansion with the spooky housekeeper - and it’s the characters’ relationships and the snappy Warren Ellis-type dialogue that holds the interest.
I’m not entirely convinced Damien Worm was the best choice for artist (though, going by his name alone, he’s close!). Worm can do horror superbly well, and most of the book looks just right with lots of pitch black and artfully-placed angles of light to bring definition to what’s in the panels (if you know your comics, think Ben Templesmith on Fell with even less light). But it’s too horror-centric - Niles’ levity isn’t conveyed as well as a different artist who isn’t so in love with the colour black could possibly do it.
I didn’t realise Steve Niles has never done an ongoing series before October Faction but it’s good that he is because it means a second volume and hopefully more still.
Steve Niles and Damien Worm score with this darkly comic horror story of a family of monster hunters that unexpectedly has a lot of heart and some brilliant dialogue. October Faction is a really good comic that I highly recommend. And DC? Put this guy on Constantine immediately!
Well, obviously it’s not exactly the same character because he’s older and this is an IDW comic but I think that’s the best way to look at October Faction: the main character, Frederick Allan, was “Constantine” but gave up being an occult detective/monster hunter, got married, had kids, and settled into a nice teaching job at the local university, lecturing about things that go bump in the night. Now in his late ‘40s, his enemies have caught up with him and are targeting his wife and teenage son and daughter to hurt him. Just when he thought he’d gotten out… he’s being dragged back in again!
I know, I made it sound a little bit corny at the end but it kind of is and there’s nothing wrong with a bit of corn mixed into a well-written and drawn comic. I really like that though Steve Niles writes Fred’s character as this skilled and dangerous ex-monster hunter who’ll do whatever it takes to protect his family and send who/whatever’s threatening them back wherever they came from with a silver bullet, crossbow or a stake, he’s happy to make the occasional joke too - why not have a little fun dark humour with your horror? And that’s why my brain kept taking me back to Constantine, particularly Garth Ennis’ run, a character who has a Puckish wink for the ghouls he faces.
I can see why people are making the obvious connection to The Addams Family though (that cover!) and maybe there’s a bit of that here too. Fred’s kids, Geoff and Vivian, want to follow in their mum and dad’s footsteps and want to become hunters themselves. But, being good parents, mum and dad aren’t going to let their little ones step into a dangerous profession - they’re gonna join them! And so The October Faction is born.
Niles’ humour keeps this from being a stale run-through of horror tropes - the werewolf, the mad Frankenstein-esque scientist, the ultra-gothic mansion with the spooky housekeeper - and it’s the characters’ relationships and the snappy Warren Ellis-type dialogue that holds the interest.
I’m not entirely convinced Damien Worm was the best choice for artist (though, going by his name alone, he’s close!). Worm can do horror superbly well, and most of the book looks just right with lots of pitch black and artfully-placed angles of light to bring definition to what’s in the panels (if you know your comics, think Ben Templesmith on Fell with even less light). But it’s too horror-centric - Niles’ levity isn’t conveyed as well as a different artist who isn’t so in love with the colour black could possibly do it.
I didn’t realise Steve Niles has never done an ongoing series before October Faction but it’s good that he is because it means a second volume and hopefully more still.
Steve Niles and Damien Worm score with this darkly comic horror story of a family of monster hunters that unexpectedly has a lot of heart and some brilliant dialogue. October Faction is a really good comic that I highly recommend. And DC? Put this guy on Constantine immediately!
September 16, 2015
The October Faction is a graphic novel about the adventures of the retired monsters hunter Frederick Allan and his family.
Initially was I a bit put off by the art in this volume, I thought it was too dark, too gritty, too weird looking, not at all that kind of art that I like when it comes to graphic novel, but in a strangely weird way I came to really like the art as the story progressed, it just suited the story perfectly.
It's a dark story so the art short be dark and a bit weird. And, what a story, a monster hunting family man with a dark past and two quite odd children that very much want to be monster hunters also and we also have robot faced Dante out to kill the man who killed his "father" and an old friend of the family who happens to be a werewolf.
In the end I just devoured the 120 page long graphic novel and now I want more!
I received this copy from the publisher through Netgalley in return for an honest review!
Initially was I a bit put off by the art in this volume, I thought it was too dark, too gritty, too weird looking, not at all that kind of art that I like when it comes to graphic novel, but in a strangely weird way I came to really like the art as the story progressed, it just suited the story perfectly.
It's a dark story so the art short be dark and a bit weird. And, what a story, a monster hunting family man with a dark past and two quite odd children that very much want to be monster hunters also and we also have robot faced Dante out to kill the man who killed his "father" and an old friend of the family who happens to be a werewolf.
In the end I just devoured the 120 page long graphic novel and now I want more!
I received this copy from the publisher through Netgalley in return for an honest review!
May 11, 2015
LOVED this!
A mix of the Addams Family and Locke & Key but with its own dark uniqueness.
The October Faction follows Fredrick Allan, retired monster hunter now turned teacher, his mysterious wife Deloris, as well as their two grown up children Vivian and Geoff, both trying to follow in their father's footsteps.
They're an odd bunch, and each of them has his/her own little side story but they really shine as a unit.
This first volume does a great job introducing the family as well as some additional characters. The story is easy to follow and exciting, with some nice twists and nods to horror classics. It gives us a nice little taste of all the good things to come. All I can say is: I want more!
But the real strength here, for me, was the art. It is dark and gritty, with an atmosphere perfectly suited for horror and a very smart use of color and panel design. That said, I can see why it might not be to everyone's taste because of it's "messy" feel sometimes. Personally, it's exactly the style I love.
Great characters, interesting story, witty dialogues and amazing art make a winning combination. I definitely recommend it!
A mix of the Addams Family and Locke & Key but with its own dark uniqueness.
The October Faction follows Fredrick Allan, retired monster hunter now turned teacher, his mysterious wife Deloris, as well as their two grown up children Vivian and Geoff, both trying to follow in their father's footsteps.
They're an odd bunch, and each of them has his/her own little side story but they really shine as a unit.
This first volume does a great job introducing the family as well as some additional characters. The story is easy to follow and exciting, with some nice twists and nods to horror classics. It gives us a nice little taste of all the good things to come. All I can say is: I want more!
But the real strength here, for me, was the art. It is dark and gritty, with an atmosphere perfectly suited for horror and a very smart use of color and panel design. That said, I can see why it might not be to everyone's taste because of it's "messy" feel sometimes. Personally, it's exactly the style I love.
Great characters, interesting story, witty dialogues and amazing art make a winning combination. I definitely recommend it!
September 18, 2017
La famila Addams, los Munster y ahora los Allan. El tema de familias que incorporan lo oscuro, lo fantasmal y lo monstruoso a su vida diaria es uno de los que más me divierte.
Este cómic sigue -precisamente- a los cuatro miembros de una familia: la mamá, el papá y dos hijos, que se dedican a cazar monstruos y fuerzas oscuras. El padre se resiste a dejar que sus hijos continuen la tradición de cazadores, pero los hijos insisten y no aceptarán un no como respuesta.
Si bien la historia está llena de vampiros, hombres lobo, fantasmas y demás, me parece que le falta aterrizar un poco. Hay muchas buenas ideas por ahí, sin embargo, ninguna acaba de cuajar al 100%. Quiero pensar que se debe a que este es un volumen introductorio y que poco a poco cada una de estas líneas irá tomando su camino y desarrollándose de forma satisfactoria.
La estética del cómic es increíble: mansiones tétricas, cementerios, tiendas de ocultismo y preciososo trazos que dan la sensación de que todos los personajes tienen algún rasgo sobrenatural. Tengo mucha curiosidad de ver por dónde sigue esta historia pues creo que tiene gran potencial de convertirse en uno de mis cómics favoritos.
Este cómic sigue -precisamente- a los cuatro miembros de una familia: la mamá, el papá y dos hijos, que se dedican a cazar monstruos y fuerzas oscuras. El padre se resiste a dejar que sus hijos continuen la tradición de cazadores, pero los hijos insisten y no aceptarán un no como respuesta.
Si bien la historia está llena de vampiros, hombres lobo, fantasmas y demás, me parece que le falta aterrizar un poco. Hay muchas buenas ideas por ahí, sin embargo, ninguna acaba de cuajar al 100%. Quiero pensar que se debe a que este es un volumen introductorio y que poco a poco cada una de estas líneas irá tomando su camino y desarrollándose de forma satisfactoria.
La estética del cómic es increíble: mansiones tétricas, cementerios, tiendas de ocultismo y preciososo trazos que dan la sensación de que todos los personajes tienen algún rasgo sobrenatural. Tengo mucha curiosidad de ver por dónde sigue esta historia pues creo que tiene gran potencial de convertirse en uno de mis cómics favoritos.
October 9, 2016
Story: 3,5
Art: 5
A real funny october-halloween comic book and the artwork was really great.
It was like reading Addams family gone monster hunters, Buffy the vampire slayer style... with a pinch of Green Hornet.
The class blackboard monster list in first issue reminded me the one in the awesome "Cabin in the woods" movie. :D
Not a bad read at all, but it could be a far better one.
Art: 5
A real funny october-halloween comic book and the artwork was really great.
It was like reading Addams family gone monster hunters, Buffy the vampire slayer style... with a pinch of Green Hornet.
The class blackboard monster list in first issue reminded me the one in the awesome "Cabin in the woods" movie. :D
Not a bad read at all, but it could be a far better one.
May 6, 2015
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Frederick Allen is a retired monster hunter who now devotes his time to teaching, his two grown children want to follow in their fathers footsteps which he is against until secrets from his past come back to haunt him. His wife is also involved in something that will ensure his past catches up to him. His ex partner has also come back into his life with news that upsets him however not all is as it seems.
Loved the art in this graphic novel; dark and gritty with a vibrant use of colour, it ticked all the right boxes for me. Each panel was consistent in style and seemed to ooze dread and atmosphere.
Story wise it was a little muddled at times but I got the gist of it for the most part. This volume really just sets up the future family business of monster hunting and I really hope it continues as it would be a great start to a series.
Gorgeous artwork and hopefully a start to a promising graphic novel horror series.
Recommended.
Frederick Allen is a retired monster hunter who now devotes his time to teaching, his two grown children want to follow in their fathers footsteps which he is against until secrets from his past come back to haunt him. His wife is also involved in something that will ensure his past catches up to him. His ex partner has also come back into his life with news that upsets him however not all is as it seems.
Loved the art in this graphic novel; dark and gritty with a vibrant use of colour, it ticked all the right boxes for me. Each panel was consistent in style and seemed to ooze dread and atmosphere.
Story wise it was a little muddled at times but I got the gist of it for the most part. This volume really just sets up the future family business of monster hunting and I really hope it continues as it would be a great start to a series.
Gorgeous artwork and hopefully a start to a promising graphic novel horror series.
Recommended.
June 19, 2015
Courtesy of Netgalley.
This is how a graphic novel should be written. The perfect amount of dialogue, the rest of what needs to be said is on each character's face, or in the artwork, or in the silence between characters. The lives of the Allan family and company are illustrated through emotional interactions, flashbacks, violence and action, mystery. It unfolds at the right pace, not too much and not too little revealed at any one point.
There is a delicate balance walked throughout the volume, between hard and soft. The subject matter is hard, the violence is blunt, but the characters are human and even those who aren't technically human are human. Family is a big theme; they have their issues but all really love each other. The brother and sister relationship was great, adding just the right touch of softness to the subject matter. There's a great scene where the siblings and their father are burying the body of an enemy he's just killed. It should be dreary, shocking, dark, but the subtle humorous banter throughout the scene between kids and father makes it so
fantastic.
Kids: "So is grave digging a big part of the work?"
Dad: "Only if you do it right."
The artwork is amazing, and strategic, just when you think its a bit too dark aesthetically, the next panels lighten up a bit and relieves the eye and the mood. The background go from thickly dark to splotchy and ethereal, creating depth and richness on each page. I love the hard lines and the use of color, I love the perspective from frame to frame. It is impeccably creative.
Going to look up Volume 2 now!
August 10, 2020
I really enjoyed the vibe of this comic. I love a spooky family, mysteries, and some macabre fun. This had some flavors of The Addams Family and The Munsters. My favorite part was probably the art style. It's very dark and murky, but nicely detailed. It was fun to read, and not exactly what I was expecting.
I watched the Netflix adaptation before reading the source material, and I don't really know what the show was doing. I do not understand why big changes happen when things get adapted, or why the change the whole flavor from the source material. There are similarities between the comic and the show, but there's a whole lot of differences. One of the big changes seems to be the overall set up. Our kids in the comic already know about the spooky stuff going on around them, while the kids in the show are oblivious to it all. I know I've only read the first Volume, but I think the comic wins over the show. I'm not terribly surprised the show didn't survive and go on.
I'm definitely interested in reading more of this. I really like the art style and I want to see what happens next.
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.7/5
Spooky spooky.
October 5, 2015
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Not sure what I expected from this one, as I hadn't heard of this title before. But I'm familiar with Steve Niles' work on 30 Days of Night, and knew it should probably be pretty good.
It was VERY good! The story follows retired monster hunter (now teacher) Frederick Allen who's being forced back into this job because of a threat on his (very strange) family. This volume collects the first six issues, and basically sets up the story with little snippets of background so the reader isn't completely lost.
The artwork is outstanding, and sufficiently dark and creepy, perfect for this type of story. I'll definitely be hunting down the next volume!
Not sure what I expected from this one, as I hadn't heard of this title before. But I'm familiar with Steve Niles' work on 30 Days of Night, and knew it should probably be pretty good.
It was VERY good! The story follows retired monster hunter (now teacher) Frederick Allen who's being forced back into this job because of a threat on his (very strange) family. This volume collects the first six issues, and basically sets up the story with little snippets of background so the reader isn't completely lost.
The artwork is outstanding, and sufficiently dark and creepy, perfect for this type of story. I'll definitely be hunting down the next volume!
July 3, 2015
I was sucked into requesting this one from NetGalley, because the description intrigued me and the cover screams Addams Family like no other (a good thing for me personally). It was kind of like that, but with a little bit more Van Helsing thrown in for good measure. Which makes sense when you consider that it's about a retired monster hunter/occult professor and his family of weirdos -- his wife, the over-zealous hunting partner, and his kids, who are summoning/trapping stray spirits & trying to force Dad into letting them join the family business.
There are subplots with a werewolf, a blackmailer, and someone seeking revenge on Dad. But it didn't end how I expected, that's for sure. I thought there was going to be more guts and gore, with less hugging it out (metaphorically speaking). But I definitely like being surprised and it wasn't a bad one, by any means. Also while the artwork isn't really to my taste, it definitely fit with the vibe of the story. I did like when closer to the end it got sharper and crisper, while still being dark and creepy. The blurry/dreamlike quality is one that's not too easy on my horrible eyes and I prefer well-defined details. Overall, I enjoyed it though and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next.
There are subplots with a werewolf, a blackmailer, and someone seeking revenge on Dad. But it didn't end how I expected, that's for sure. I thought there was going to be more guts and gore, with less hugging it out (metaphorically speaking). But I definitely like being surprised and it wasn't a bad one, by any means. Also while the artwork isn't really to my taste, it definitely fit with the vibe of the story. I did like when closer to the end it got sharper and crisper, while still being dark and creepy. The blurry/dreamlike quality is one that's not too easy on my horrible eyes and I prefer well-defined details. Overall, I enjoyed it though and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next.
October 11, 2017
I have accidentally found a new horror graphic novel to love on and the timing couldn't be better. I had to run into my library to pick up a hold the other day and an usual, caught myself in the "new" section. I saw the first three volumes of "The October Faction" and all I needed was to look at one of the covers and I knew all three were headed home with me! "The October Faction" tells the story of a family of misfit/orphan monster hunters. The books provides with witches, warlocks, werewolves and some other characters I am still learning about. The two children in the book want nothing more than to follow in their retired father's footsteps except he is now a renowned professor of monstrumology and wants nothing to do with his old business. Does that change? You betcha! However, you have to read to find out.
The artwork in this book is dark, creepy and glorious. And the writing just strikes a cord with me. At one point, someone in the book is killed rather unexpected and the perp's comment was something to the effect of "I was going to have to kill him eventually so why drag it out?" An attitude I can understand - not that I'm a killer or anything :)
So basically everyone - go get this book. NOW!!!!!
The artwork in this book is dark, creepy and glorious. And the writing just strikes a cord with me. At one point, someone in the book is killed rather unexpected and the perp's comment was something to the effect of "I was going to have to kill him eventually so why drag it out?" An attitude I can understand - not that I'm a killer or anything :)
So basically everyone - go get this book. NOW!!!!!
September 4, 2018
LOVE this creepy family of monster-hunters. The first volume of this graphic novel series begins with a young man taking revenge on a former classmate who bullied him for possibly being gay (non-spoiler: he is). The young man's revenge is to trap the bully in hallucinations and nightmares. He comes by such dark magic honestly, as his father has retired from his famed monster-hunting career to be a college professor. Unfortunately for Dad, he's the only one in the family who wants the quiet life! His kids are practicing in secret to follow in his footsteps, and his wife would rather be on ghoul patrol. The poor guy is dragged back into the fray anyway when an old colleague visits with a warning, and from there it's all double-dealing, old secrets, and running around in dark woods with monsters chasing people.
The second volume of this series was weak in the plot area, IMHO, but it came back strong with the third volume and I enjoyed the fourth as well. I love the big spooky mansion, the brother-sister team-ups, and the general mayhem. The art style is like old photographs, all black and sepia tones, and the monster and other beastie designs don't disappoint.
The second volume of this series was weak in the plot area, IMHO, but it came back strong with the third volume and I enjoyed the fourth as well. I love the big spooky mansion, the brother-sister team-ups, and the general mayhem. The art style is like old photographs, all black and sepia tones, and the monster and other beastie designs don't disappoint.
October 3, 2016
The Allans, a family of supernatural monster hunters, are pulled out of retirement by a werewolf friend with cancer, a blue-blood with a grudge and an evil plan, and a hybrid machine-boy who blames the patriarch for the death of his creator.
Disappointingly stupid. October Faction is neither as clever nor as witty as it thinks it is. A lot of the attempts at humor made me cringe. The characterizations are inconsistent: the protagonist family veers wildly between coldly aristocratic and cheerful cheeky warm fuzzies.
Then there are the logical inconsistencies. Werewolves are apparently monstrous, rage-filled killing machines, yet when one of the good guys gets turned he’s conveniently calm and lucid. A good guy with fangs. And somehow the Allans turn a vengeance-obssessed enemy into a beloved adoptive child in about three minutes over dinner, using nothing but smarmy “power of kindness”. UGH.
I have mixed feelings about the illustration. The old-portrait style pages are dark and creepy as hell, very cool. But most of the time it just looked like confused smears of color.
October Faction is not worth the read. Even in October.
Disappointingly stupid. October Faction is neither as clever nor as witty as it thinks it is. A lot of the attempts at humor made me cringe. The characterizations are inconsistent: the protagonist family veers wildly between coldly aristocratic and cheerful cheeky warm fuzzies.
Then there are the logical inconsistencies. Werewolves are apparently monstrous, rage-filled killing machines, yet when one of the good guys gets turned he’s conveniently calm and lucid. A good guy with fangs. And somehow the Allans turn a vengeance-obssessed enemy into a beloved adoptive child in about three minutes over dinner, using nothing but smarmy “power of kindness”. UGH.
I have mixed feelings about the illustration. The old-portrait style pages are dark and creepy as hell, very cool. But most of the time it just looked like confused smears of color.
October Faction is not worth the read. Even in October.
October 17, 2023
3.5 Stars
This isn't bad but we get dropped in right in the middle of the story and so far things haven't really been caught up that well. Still the art is great and really fits the creepy tone of the book. I think as things move along it will just get better. Steve Niles is a favorite, and this looks like more good work from him.
This isn't bad but we get dropped in right in the middle of the story and so far things haven't really been caught up that well. Still the art is great and really fits the creepy tone of the book. I think as things move along it will just get better. Steve Niles is a favorite, and this looks like more good work from him.
December 22, 2021
Ich bin über die Serie auf Netflix auf die Comics aufmerksam geworden und dachte mir: Bestelle ich, nachdem es auf Netflix nicht mehr weitergeht.
In diesem ersten Teil passiert tatsächlich nicht viel. Es werden Charaktere und Handlung mehr vorgestellt, wobei ich das tatsächlich sehr cool fand, da man durch die Serie einen guten Einblick hat und jetzt ein wenig mehr Informationen erhält.
Gerade der Zeichenstil gefällt mir richtig gut. Düster und irgendwie auch dramatisch.
In diesem ersten Teil passiert tatsächlich nicht viel. Es werden Charaktere und Handlung mehr vorgestellt, wobei ich das tatsächlich sehr cool fand, da man durch die Serie einen guten Einblick hat und jetzt ein wenig mehr Informationen erhält.
Gerade der Zeichenstil gefällt mir richtig gut. Düster und irgendwie auch dramatisch.
October 2, 2017
The artwork here was incredible and I liked the colouring changes that occur throughout. I was going to give this a five which was a 4.5 but the overall story was a bit of a mess. Having the new addition to the family was very quick, carried no weight, no real explanation and just didn't make a lot of sense. I'm interested yo see where this series goes but I'm finding Niles is very hit and miss within the same book. I'm unable to get my hands on the 30 Days of Night volumes and I've heard these were quite good. I liked the mythology created here and hopefully it leads up somewhere but I won't have the chance to read these until the library brings them in.
July 23, 2015
Review to come, but already posted @ Bibliosanctum.com
September 8, 2015
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.0 of 5
Is this an Addams Family for the new millennium?
The October Faction is a graphic novel about Frederick Allan, a monster hunter who is now retired. His children want to follow in his footsteps ... an idea that Frederick doesn't care for. The daughter, Vivian, proves herself more than capable, though I'm still sure why the son/brother has any interest in hunting monsters.
In a story that centers around a family of monster hunters, it's certainly no surprise that there are some evil characters around but there is nothing outrageously monstrous (for a horror story), though 'Dante' makes for an interesting and intriguing semi-villain.
I'd initially thought that this book was going to be about the children, beginning to take over the business from their father, but it segued to the father not quite giving it up, then to the a man who is shot by Frederick in the parlor, buried, and rises again in the presence of his sister.
I couldn't quite get a handle on the story, but I think that's because there isn't one yet. We're still in the phase of discovering who the characters are. This might be fine in some cases, particularly in a comic book series that will be ongoing, but without at least a hint of where these characters are headed, it just rambles.
The artwork is quite unique. It is sharp, angular, and just enough off-kilter as to suggest a world that is also off-kilter. The coloring is beautiful. It is dark and rich with patterns. For me, this art was the saving grace of a book that meandered around a story. However, even with the art, there were strange issues. For some odd reason, an occasional panel would be blurry. It was too often to be anything other than planned, but because the art is unique enough (and beautiful) as it is, we really didn't need this distraction just to have the art make a statement.
This is an odd book, in so many ways. I liked the art and thought that the characters showed some promise, but the story rambled so much that there was nothing to sink my teeth in to. This is one of those books that if I should see the next volume, I may pick it up, I may not, but if I don't read the next volume, I don't think I'll be missing anything.
Looking for a good book? The October Faction is a dark graphic novel about a family of monster hunters, but nothing much happens in this volume.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Is this an Addams Family for the new millennium?
The October Faction is a graphic novel about Frederick Allan, a monster hunter who is now retired. His children want to follow in his footsteps ... an idea that Frederick doesn't care for. The daughter, Vivian, proves herself more than capable, though I'm still sure why the son/brother has any interest in hunting monsters.
In a story that centers around a family of monster hunters, it's certainly no surprise that there are some evil characters around but there is nothing outrageously monstrous (for a horror story), though 'Dante' makes for an interesting and intriguing semi-villain.
I'd initially thought that this book was going to be about the children, beginning to take over the business from their father, but it segued to the father not quite giving it up, then to the a man who is shot by Frederick in the parlor, buried, and rises again in the presence of his sister.
I couldn't quite get a handle on the story, but I think that's because there isn't one yet. We're still in the phase of discovering who the characters are. This might be fine in some cases, particularly in a comic book series that will be ongoing, but without at least a hint of where these characters are headed, it just rambles.
The artwork is quite unique. It is sharp, angular, and just enough off-kilter as to suggest a world that is also off-kilter. The coloring is beautiful. It is dark and rich with patterns. For me, this art was the saving grace of a book that meandered around a story. However, even with the art, there were strange issues. For some odd reason, an occasional panel would be blurry. It was too often to be anything other than planned, but because the art is unique enough (and beautiful) as it is, we really didn't need this distraction just to have the art make a statement.
This is an odd book, in so many ways. I liked the art and thought that the characters showed some promise, but the story rambled so much that there was nothing to sink my teeth in to. This is one of those books that if I should see the next volume, I may pick it up, I may not, but if I don't read the next volume, I don't think I'll be missing anything.
Looking for a good book? The October Faction is a dark graphic novel about a family of monster hunters, but nothing much happens in this volume.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2015
4.5 stars
Firstly, I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve noticed that The October Faction has constantly been compared to The Addams Family in a lot of other reviews and as much I want to be original and creative and come up with another comparison, I can’t. This family definitely gives of an Addam’s Family vibe mixed with a bit of American Horror Story and a dash of the supernatural.
One thing that I wasn’t expecting from this graphic novel was how family oriented it is. Everything about the cover and the description of each family member led me to believe this was going to be a dark and thrilling read. Although it did contain some of that content, it was all overpowered by the level of love this family has for one another.
Whenever siblings are involved in a story, there is almost always some sort of bickering or arguing between them, whether it be in books, television or film. Right from the beginning we can see that Geoff and Vivian get along perfectly and work together very well. I have a sister who is four years younger than me and although that is a decent gap in age, we get along very well. Geoff & Vivian were a refreshing change in the norm and reminded me a lot of my sister and I. To have two teenaged siblings that are close is rare enough, but for them to also get along with their parents is an added bonus. Surprise! Some families are actually civil and friendly towards one another. I have to say, I do love the juxtaposition of a loving and caring family that also just happen to be paranormal monster hunters, witches and warlocks.
Damien Worm has created some amazing artwork within this graphic novel. It’s perfectly dark and gritty and fits the storyline perfectly. I love the detail and line work. It’s art like this that really makes me want to get back into my artistic roots and start drawing again.
I highly recommend giving The October Faction a read if you’re into all things dark and gloomy, but also if you love a story with fantastic family values. I will definitely be picking up a hard copy of this graphic novel once it is released and I’m excited to see what Volume 2 has in store!
--
You can find all of my full length reviews at: Big City Bookworm.
Firstly, I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve noticed that The October Faction has constantly been compared to The Addams Family in a lot of other reviews and as much I want to be original and creative and come up with another comparison, I can’t. This family definitely gives of an Addam’s Family vibe mixed with a bit of American Horror Story and a dash of the supernatural.
One thing that I wasn’t expecting from this graphic novel was how family oriented it is. Everything about the cover and the description of each family member led me to believe this was going to be a dark and thrilling read. Although it did contain some of that content, it was all overpowered by the level of love this family has for one another.
Whenever siblings are involved in a story, there is almost always some sort of bickering or arguing between them, whether it be in books, television or film. Right from the beginning we can see that Geoff and Vivian get along perfectly and work together very well. I have a sister who is four years younger than me and although that is a decent gap in age, we get along very well. Geoff & Vivian were a refreshing change in the norm and reminded me a lot of my sister and I. To have two teenaged siblings that are close is rare enough, but for them to also get along with their parents is an added bonus. Surprise! Some families are actually civil and friendly towards one another. I have to say, I do love the juxtaposition of a loving and caring family that also just happen to be paranormal monster hunters, witches and warlocks.
Damien Worm has created some amazing artwork within this graphic novel. It’s perfectly dark and gritty and fits the storyline perfectly. I love the detail and line work. It’s art like this that really makes me want to get back into my artistic roots and start drawing again.
I highly recommend giving The October Faction a read if you’re into all things dark and gloomy, but also if you love a story with fantastic family values. I will definitely be picking up a hard copy of this graphic novel once it is released and I’m excited to see what Volume 2 has in store!
--
You can find all of my full length reviews at: Big City Bookworm.
September 29, 2015
'The October Faction Volume 1' by writer Steve Niles and with art by Damien Worm is a creepy atmospheric graphic novel about a family of monster hunters.
Frederick Allan was a monster hunter. He and his ex-partner, Lucas, haven't talked in a long time. That could be because Lucas is a werewolf. Frederick's children Geoff and Vivian seem to have his talents for finding trouble and they want to get into the family business. When their mother is attacked by something strange, they get a chance to help fight back against it.
I love the mood of this comic. It's all creepy houses, and ethereal ghosts floating around. The main story has elements of pain and loss. I really liked what Steve Niles has created here. The art by Damien Worm has a darker color to it, and the art fits very well with the story being told. I liked the sharp lines on the werewolf, and some of the other ghosts and creatures. They lent an extra menace to the art. It's well done, and I would definitely like to read more.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, IDW Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Frederick Allan was a monster hunter. He and his ex-partner, Lucas, haven't talked in a long time. That could be because Lucas is a werewolf. Frederick's children Geoff and Vivian seem to have his talents for finding trouble and they want to get into the family business. When their mother is attacked by something strange, they get a chance to help fight back against it.
I love the mood of this comic. It's all creepy houses, and ethereal ghosts floating around. The main story has elements of pain and loss. I really liked what Steve Niles has created here. The art by Damien Worm has a darker color to it, and the art fits very well with the story being told. I liked the sharp lines on the werewolf, and some of the other ghosts and creatures. They lent an extra menace to the art. It's well done, and I would definitely like to read more.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, IDW Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
January 25, 2016
A great introduction to this very peculiar family of monster hunters! Going in to it I was expecting a very dark and gritty story, but I was pleasantly surprise with the humor in it too! The art by Damien Worm is by far the best aspect of the story; I spend a good amount of time just starting at the background, just beautiful! Looking forward to the next one!
Disclaimer: I received this copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I received this copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2022
The story is okay, but it’s pretty choppy and doesn’t always make sense. Love the artwork though.
June 5, 2020
This is a pretty middle-of-the-road 'Supernatural' style monster-hunting family story. A retired monster hunter finds his family pulling him back in as the next generation chomps at the bit to pick up the mantle. There are werewolves, monsters, zombies, and robot-children (which is admittedly somewhat unique, even if they do look like Edward Scissorhands rejects), and some decent action sequences. The relationships are the heart of the story, and they are admittedly pretty strong. And the art works pretty well, recalling Niles' style even if he isn't the one doing the drawing. While a bit dark and muddy, it fits the theme and style of the title.
I'm interested enough to see where this is going, but it's not something particularly novel, at least not in the first volume. Enjoyable, but not unique.
I'm interested enough to see where this is going, but it's not something particularly novel, at least not in the first volume. Enjoyable, but not unique.
August 7, 2019
Imagine se a Família Addams caçasse monstros? Meio que é essa a ideia.
Acho a arte muito eficiente na criação da ambientação. Dá um tom dark e ao mesmo tempo descontraído pra série que me empolgou de ler. Mas o roteiro do Steve Niles (30 dias de noite) não é a coisa mais inspirada desse mundo. A impressão que passa é que essa é a história que ele escreve pra relaxar das outras que realmente são terror.
Um efeito colateral que ajudou com o público foi isso deixar a leitura ligeira.
Ah, esse volume termina no meio de alguma coisa, então nem sensação de fechamento de algum arco tem.
Se lerei o próximo? Provavelmente.
Mas faltou conexão.
Acho a arte muito eficiente na criação da ambientação. Dá um tom dark e ao mesmo tempo descontraído pra série que me empolgou de ler. Mas o roteiro do Steve Niles (30 dias de noite) não é a coisa mais inspirada desse mundo. A impressão que passa é que essa é a história que ele escreve pra relaxar das outras que realmente são terror.
Um efeito colateral que ajudou com o público foi isso deixar a leitura ligeira.
Ah, esse volume termina no meio de alguma coisa, então nem sensação de fechamento de algum arco tem.
Se lerei o próximo? Provavelmente.
Mas faltou conexão.
August 5, 2021
I really enjoyed the netflix show when season 1 aired, so when I realised it was based off of a set of graphic novels, I was eager to pick them up.
The art of this is awesome. It puts me in mind of the art style in Neil Gaiman's Sandman series. It's dark and gothic and incredibly detailed and my eyes can't feast over it enough. I was constantly backtracking and raking my eyes over the page anew, appreciating all the details.
The tones really amplified the atmosphere too.
It was interesting that in this original source, the kids know their parents have a monster hunter background already and are eager to follow in their footsteps. We get a lot of the plot revealing quite early, whereas the show had time to drag it out, which aided in the story unfolding in a way that made better sense.
I think I actually prefer the deviation to the plot line that the tv show did. This just felt a bit too rushed and I think I wouldn't have been a bit lost, had I not had a grasp of the world already.
It was a decent introduction to the world though, and I'd happily pick up other copies if I can find them for a reasonable price, like I did with this one, especially for the cool art style and my overall enjoyment of the story concept.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
The art of this is awesome. It puts me in mind of the art style in Neil Gaiman's Sandman series. It's dark and gothic and incredibly detailed and my eyes can't feast over it enough. I was constantly backtracking and raking my eyes over the page anew, appreciating all the details.
The tones really amplified the atmosphere too.
It was interesting that in this original source, the kids know their parents have a monster hunter background already and are eager to follow in their footsteps. We get a lot of the plot revealing quite early, whereas the show had time to drag it out, which aided in the story unfolding in a way that made better sense.
I think I actually prefer the deviation to the plot line that the tv show did. This just felt a bit too rushed and I think I wouldn't have been a bit lost, had I not had a grasp of the world already.
It was a decent introduction to the world though, and I'd happily pick up other copies if I can find them for a reasonable price, like I did with this one, especially for the cool art style and my overall enjoyment of the story concept.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
July 16, 2015
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
October Faction Volume 1 was a study of contrasts for me. I both liked and didn't like it; weirdly enough, it wasn't that part was good and part was bad. Rather, that I liked and disliked the same exact thing at the same time. The art was interesting but I didn't love it; the story never had an arc and meandered everywhere but I didn't get annoyed; the characters seemed really distinct and yet they weren't; the monsters felt fresh but none were. I'm not sure how to make sense of it other than to say that by the end, it just didn't pull me in - the promise of the first few pages never materialized for me by the end.Story: Frederick Allan is a former monster hunter, now retired and lecturing at the local university. His kids have grown up and want to follow in their father's footsteps - but he's not quite sure he likes that idea. Compounding things, his former partner contracted werewolf disease and fights it every day. When his wife seeks to get his attention and lets loose an old enemy, things get fairly crazy for the everyone.
I wish the story had focused on one member of the family. We're given small bits of each - the son and the ghosts he sees on a schoolmate, the daughter wanting more excitement, the wife feeling neglected by her once exciting husband, and the put-upon professor. We get little glimpses but never anything more from the characters. I kept expecting to see a poignant moment but it all seemed to be vignettes that never really fleshed anyone out.
I enjoyed the art - it was suitably creepy with a monochromatic tonality and rough, unfinished quality. The watercolor-like style has a dreamy, painterly feel that suits the story perfectly. Oddly enough, like the story, the art never defines the characters and so they look as sketchy as they are written. Perhaps another reason I never really felt I 'knew' any of the characters.
There's not really a story arc here and some events intertwine but it felt fairly random. Perhaps things will coalesce more in future issues. But for me, I really wanted something more than we see in this first volume. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided buy the publisher.
August 3, 2019
Mix a little Addams Family, Tim Burton styling (particularly Nightmare Before Christmas), and Van Helsing and you get the darkness that is The October Faction. Headed by a retired monster hunter, with a couple orphaned/adopted kids that are now grown up, a werewolf friend/former-partner and a wife that can kick serious butt this has the workings of something pretty interesting. There isn't a ton going on in this first volume, besides introductions, fairly typical of a V1. The son can see hauntings and is working on summoning circles. He's out of high school but was generally bullied when younger. The marriage is in trouble and it seems to be getting worse when a crazed half robot half kid that was locked away in a coffin for years is after the father. It's all pretty crazy and definitely has me interested for V2.
The artwork is nice, if a little dark. I had to make sure my kindle had the brightness turned up a little higher than normal to see everything. The illustration is kind of a scratchy angled style and it fits well with the story.
The artwork is nice, if a little dark. I had to make sure my kindle had the brightness turned up a little higher than normal to see everything. The illustration is kind of a scratchy angled style and it fits well with the story.
July 18, 2015
3.5 stars
I didn't know a horror story could be so funny.
The art is very good, but the dynamic between the characters is my favorite part of this book. They say and do highly inappropriate things, but they really care about each other. That "us against the world" vibe will never get old for me.
*ARC provided by Diamond Book Distributors via NetGalley.*
I didn't know a horror story could be so funny.
The art is very good, but the dynamic between the characters is my favorite part of this book. They say and do highly inappropriate things, but they really care about each other. That "us against the world" vibe will never get old for me.
*ARC provided by Diamond Book Distributors via NetGalley.*
February 7, 2019
Loving this series so far even though it's a bit of a slow starter. It kind of plays like a mixture of the Addams Family and Supernatural - but with a darker tone than either - and it's right up my alley as a horror fan. The artwork is amazing, too; it's delightfully macabre and really enhances the tone of the story. Can't wait to keep reading.
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