Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files: Down Town

The Dresden Files Graphic Novels #5

by Mark Powers (Adaptor), Jim Butcher, Carlos Gómez (Artist)

Chicago wizard-for-hire Harry Dresden and his new apprentice, Molly Carpenter, intend to end the havoc caused by a mad sorcerer - one whose ambitions would have the Windy City streets carved out as his own private kingdom. But when the magical upstart enters into an alliance with the notorious mob boss "Gentleman Johnnie" Marcone, will the fast-and-loose Dresden and his young charge survive unscathed?

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Comics, Magic, Fiction, Mystery

176 pages, Hardcover

First published October 6, 2015

About the author

Mark Powers is the writer who created several of the graphic novels adapted The Dresden Files books by Jim Butcher and co-writer of The Encoded from Devil's Due comics. He is a writer at Mega Powers Entertainment and a producer at Volta. At Mega Powers Entertainment he has written comic books and graphic adaptations for various companies including Drafted, Rest, GI Joe, and adaptations of The Dresden Files. He was also a Senior Editor at Marvel managing the X-Men line of titles.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Middle of the road filler for Dresden fans only.



The undeniable star of the show was Molly. Well, and Mouse. Because...um, he's Mouse. But Molly is the human breakout star of the show. Then again, if I had my way, Butcher would write a spin-off about her so I could read her solo stories.



Anyway. Molly did her cool sidekick stuff. Mouse did his cool temple dog stuff. And Harry pulled out his staff, fought a crazy wizard, forzared a golem, and saved the day.



I can't say this was my favorite Dresden graphic novel, but if you're jonesing for a little Harry and Co. while you're waiting for the next book? I think you could do worse than this.

[Jim C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a comic collection that is part of a series that includes novels, short stories and comic collections. I would not use this as an entry point for this series. In this one a supernatural creature is killing humans in the same neighborhood. Harry is called in to investigate.

I liked this collection but it might be the weakest comic collection that i have read so far. There is nothing inherently wrong with it. It just came across as pure filler while the others have not. Do not get me wrong. Right away I could tell I was back in this universe. The highlight for me was to see some of the characters that I have been reading about for so long. That goes for the location for the majority of the action for this collection. I did wish though we got to see more of the danger that lurks in this location that has been hinted throughout the series. This probably did not happen because of the length of this collection. I believe the reason this did not blow me away like other collections was the antagonist. There was nothing here and he is rather unremarkable. I guess I wanted a little more bang for my buck from him.

This is a fine collection and is worth a read. I think I am at a point with this series that I have high expectations. This did not meet them but it is still time spent in the Dresden universe. This time it is done visually and I do enjoy seeing these characters. It is a nice change up from what I imagine them to be when reading a novel.

[Chris Haught · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ebook copy of this graphic novel from the publisher through NetGalley.

Stars and stones! It's great to get a new story in the Harry Dresden series. One thing that I really like about these graphic novels, is that Butcher himself is involved in the writing. That makes the characters and pacing fit what fans of the longtime series are used to.

The art is pretty darn good too, capturing the characters in a way that's close to what I'd pictured them as by reading the books.

This story wasn't as solid as most of the novels, but it still made for a great afternoon diversion, and a little something to tide us over until Peace Talks.

[Mitticus · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 warlock stars

-Original story. Set after White Knight (Dresden Files, #9)-

Harry Dresden + Molly + Marcone + Mouse + Undertown? Hells bell, yeah.

But it was disappointing . After the great artwork at Jim Butcher's Dresden Files: War Cry , this is a dive for the worst. It didn't seem the same crew of the other graphic novel, though it is :/ This is most evident in the first issue Jim Butcher's Dresden Files: Down Town #1.

The drawing is very simple; and the story had no surprises, lacks 'feeling'. It was like everyday fantasy-magic work, if you get what I'm saying. No twists, no emotion, no that special thing. Flat.

And let's not start with: this is not like I imagined Molly (however, she is great here), nor Marcone (where is the suave/charismatic ganster?). AND THAT IS NOT MY MOUSE!





Or that Murphy looks practically the same as Miss Gard oO

And that ... villain... meh. In his words:

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a big Jim Butcher fan so any new material is OK with me. I like the inclusion of Molly and Chicago's underground. I'd like to see these tie in to the ongoing series a bit more.

[Rosangela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 and 1/2

This is the first Jim Butcher's Dresden Files I’ve read.
There are interesting cool characters in this series and I want to read more. :D

[Erin Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Dynamite Entertainment for allowing me to read and review an ebook copy of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files: Down Town.

Just in case you don't know yet, I LOVE The Dresden Files series! It is one of my favorite series of all time. The 16th book in the series (Peace Talks) is going to be released in 2016. Despite having 15 books in the series so far, the series is still going strong. That is mind blowing! I find it hard for a series to continue on this long and the quality not go downhill. Let me give you a prime example, the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series by Laurell K. Hamilton. I love the early Anita Blake books so damn much, but that series just went cuckoo. Anita's character was lost, she completely turned into someone else, and the series became too focused on sex instead of the plot. Well I digress, the point is that I commend any author who can keep a series running and not compromise the quality.

Jim Butcher's writing is always on point. The plot is always interesting and I never know where it will go. Down Town takes place sometime between the events of White Night (book 9) and Small Favor (book 10). Molly is still his new apprentice and together they investigate to end the work of a crazy sorcerer. I do recommend that you read the books up to this point before reading the graphic novel. I don't think you would miss very much, but I do think it is better having read the books first.

The story was pretty good and Harry Dresden is a sarcastic badass as always...



BUT I think what I liked best though, was seeing Molly. I haven't read a Dresden graphic novel yet with her in it. I have to say I loved the artwork on her. Overall the artwork was fantastic, but Molly looked kick ass. She was really cool looking and similar to how I pictured her.



Well I know I haven't said much about the actual STORY, but I can't say much else without giving away spoilers. So just go read it! You know you want to. :)

I recommend Down Town for Dresden Files fans that have read at least the first 10 novels, wizard lovers, fans of badassery, and fans of sarcastic humor.

http://angelerin.blogspot.com/2015/09...

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chicago wizard-for-hire Harry Dresden and his new apprentice, Molly Carpenter, are being confronted by magic that seems to be aimed at mayhem and destruction and yet subtlety seems to be a new party intend on finding his own niche in Dresdens Chicago. Baron Marcone does not intend that to happen and Harry and he enter once more in an uncomfortable cooperation aimed at the safety of Chicago and Marcone's self interest.

-
The six-issue series I read in one go and form a nice story to keep one busy while waiting for Butchers next installment. Too be honest I forgot I had read it and hence did not write a review.
While the comic delvers a perfect mix of mystery, thrills, humor, and magic it does fail the intesity of some of the books when Butcher has to write about a situation and deliver the visual aspects in words instead of drawings. Do not take me wrong I do enjoy these comics but prefer the written word by Butcher over the comics.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's an issue with Marcone becoming Baron of Chicago that the Files proper never addresses: people who have problems with it. Harry doesn't like the notion (for all his part in bringing it about) because he doesn't like Marcone. Various supernatural people don't like it simply because Marcone is a vanilla mortal. But nowhere, to my memory, do the books bring up the fact that there are OTHER supernatural beings living in Chicago besides Harry, who might take issue with the implications of a mortal being named, effectively, their overlord.

So that's what this comic's about. Someone who doesn't much appreciate the notion that he's now living in Marcone's territory. The moment I found out what the plot of this comic centered on, I went "Huh. That's actually a really good point."

So, to sum up my meandering thoughts thus far: this comic introduces a real issue that the books ignore, and handle it well. In doing so, they give a truly great window into Molly's apprenticeship, something I always felt the books didn't give enough of. All in all, a satisfying self-contained story.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

just finished read these comics, so instead of going a review for each one i am going to do it all on the trade paper. (well makes sense to me)

nice artwork, loved how the artist portrays Mouse and maconie, not sure about molly but i can live with it.

got a very nice storyline, tells a little bit more the chicago undercity which is good.

great for us harry fans who are waiting for the next book to come out.

so a very enjoyable 4star romp read.

[Julianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for THC Reviews
"4.5 stars" Down Town is the fourth original Dresden Files story that’s been published in graphic novel format. It’s a fun, action-packed adventure in which Harry must stop an evil sorcerer who has unleashed a Golem on Chicago. The Golem appears to be targeting business owners who’ve paid for John Marcone’s “protection.” Harry and his apprentice, Molly, along with his faithful dog, Mouse, track the creature all the way to Undertown, where they find its maker. Marcone ends up forcibly tagging along as well, feeling it’s his responsibility to take care of the people who’ve paid him. Of course, the story ends in a typical Dresden-style supernatural battle with the four of them pitted against the sorcerer and his “pet.”

I very much enjoyed the story and was quite wrapped up in all the action. The character interactions were great, too. I like how Harry, Molly, Mouse, and Marcone take on the bad guy together even though Marcone is pretty much a frenemy to the others. He helps out in some situations like this, but Harry and company know that, as Chicago's premier mob boss, there’s always something in it for him. Still, for a criminal, Marcone has an odd sense of honor that can’t be denied. I liked seeing him in his new role as Baron of Chicago, the title he now holds after becoming the first human to sign on to the Unseelie Accords. I also loved seeing Molly and how her powers are growing and slowly becoming more fine-tuned. It’s cool that she has different talents than Harry that she gets to put to use here. Mouse is as brave and loyal a companion as a wizard – or anyone for that matter – could want. Although they don’t play as strong of roles, Murphy and Rawlins are on the case, Thomas shows up briefly, and Bob helps Harry find the sorcerer’s lair. Although the story was good, I realized at the end that the villain’s motivations weren’t particularly clear. I never quite figured out why he was targeting people under Marcone’s “protection,” or what it was he hoped to accomplish. He simply seemed like an unbalanced wizard on a power-trip, which didn’t entirely work for me, so this is the reason I knocked off a half-star. Otherwise, I liked the story quite well.

The illustrations for Down Town were done by Carlos Gomez, while the original comic book covers were created by Stjephan Sejic. As with their work on the previous Dresden original graphic novel, War Cry, I really liked both their styles. They seem to be similar and complement each other well. I think I preferred Mr. Gomez’s rendering of Molly a little better than Mr. Sejic’s. In general, all the characters look much the way I’d pictured them in my head with the exception of Thomas. Once again, his face just seemed too angular for a man who’s described as impossibly beautiful. Everyone else was pretty much spot on for me, though. Overall, the story and pictures combined to make a very nice graphic novel that was a great addition to the series, and I look forward to reading more of these in the future. Down Town falls between White Night and Small Favor in the Dresden Files series chronology.

[Dylan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kinda harmless? Probably the coolest aspect is seeing characters coming to life through the art is pretty underwhelming. The panel work is weak and I don't think Butcher translate the comic that well. The best aspect by far for me was just seeing the world from other characters view without Harry in the room and seeing a bit more of Molly training. The plot is whatever and pretty forgettable. Would I recommend it personally not really ... I would only recommend it to Dresden Fans and wants to read the comics. overall kinda just mediocre.

Re-edit this is awful I have like 1 redeeming aspect haha which is the molly training that's it. My thoughts on the comic have been worse over time and it feeling useless.

[Rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* - enjoyable but I preferred War Cry!

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

I came into Down Town without having read any of the Dresden Files series. As an introduction to the series, it stands on its own without losing the uninitiated reader. Yes, there is likely a lot of undercurrent between the characters that would have added to the depth of the story. But all the same, I had no problem following the plot and understanding the characters and their personalities/motivations.

Story: A killer is on the loose, using a fearsome 'weapon', and Chicago Wizard Harry Dresden is on the case. Aided by new apprentice molly and pseudo-dog Mouse, Harry will have to descend into the depth of Chicago's underworld in order to track a killer and stop more murders from happening.

Because this is a story based on a novelized series (of which we have a completed arc here), it is a bit wordy/talky/dialogue heavy. The text pushes the story more-so than the illustrations. In fact, while the illustrations are serviceable I can't say that the wowed or created a synergy with the story. If I was underwhelmed, it was likely in the standard-fare hyper-saturated digital comic style. It could have used more of a POV in the art.

The story moves along neatly and characters are explained enough that I wasn't lost despite the large number introduced. Mostly, we have a bunch of cameos 'checking in' while Harry goes about his business. A treat for fans of the series, to be sure, but a lot of filler otherwise.

The story had some surprises; I especially appreciated that victim #3 reacted intelligently and also honestly. It added an unexpected gravitas to illustrations that did feel a bit 'cartoony'. I've read too many graphic novels where side characters/extras ended up one-dimensional and quickly glossed over. That wasn't the case here, fortunately.

In all, I enjoyed Down Town and think it is a good introduction to the series. I had a feel for the sarcastic, wise cracking Harry Dresden character as well as the environs and interesting supernaturals with whom he interacts. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[All Things Urban Fantasy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.

Offering a new Harry Dresden story in graphic novel form, DOWN TOWN is a glimpse of a time in Molly's apprenticeship that was a simpler, gentler moment in the Dresden household. This being Harry, however, there is still plenty of death, danger, and magical megalomaniacs.

When enjoying a graphic novel, especially one that is bringing to life familiar and beloved characters, the physical representation of said characters is important. This book's Harry Dresden is a fitting heir to the TV show's Harry, ruggedly handsome but down to earth in his jeans and henley. And while Molly certainly has the colorful punk/goth aesthetic from the books, she's often wearing so little clothes it detracts from her character's presence. While there was often a subtle sexual curiosity between Molly and Harry, putting her in a crop top and low riders does not do that dynamic justice. Murphy at least gets to wear sensible clothes, and Molly is thankfully wearing a jacket for the finale (and given that the confrontation takes place in a Chicago winter, Molly wearing less would have been an unforgivable deal breaker).

While the story itself ends in a rather inconsequential (and thus unimportant) fire fight, Harry's playful banter with Molly was a lovely. And while two of the three women are drawn in terrible clothes, the physical interpretations of both Mouse and Bob were endearing. Fans of the Dresden Files will enjoy this glimpse of our favorite wizard pounding the pavement and protecting the innocent, despite some of the graphic missteps. Those new to the series are welcome to give DOWN TOWN a try, but they should make sure to pick up the novel STORM FRONT to get a taste of the genuine article.

Sexual content: N/A

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first Harry Dresden comic. It probably helps, if you know the books, but it should work without prior knowledge of the characters, too.

Art:
Very old-fashioned looking cover art, with a garish purple frame. The chapter covers were well done, though.

Molly has cool hair, Harry's three-day beard is down right silly. All the hairs are lined up next to each other, not very natural looking...

The art in general is solid, but nothing spectatcular or inventive. Your standard comic. Animals are not the artist's forte.

Some good pencil sketches of the main characters as bonus material.

Story:
Yet again Harry or one of his have broken the law/unwritten rules and/or pissed off the wrong people and are threatened with death. Pretty much like in every book of the series that I have read so far. Sigh. A new idea would be nice.

This is a very chatty comic, it tells the story more through speech and thoughts than through images.

Overall the plot is pretty good, though. There is Bob, Marcone, Mouse, Murphy, Thomas... I haven't progressed far enough in the series to have met Molly before. Apparently the comic is set between books nine and ten, so beware being spoiled!

The ending and destruction of their major problem is a bit of a let-down. I had been hoping for something more spectacular. What they used was pretty pedestrian.

Would I read another Dresden comic? Yes, but I am not in a hurry.
Buy or recommend it to a friend? If they are Harry Dresden fans, yes.

I received this free copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Re-reading this, I found I liked it a little less. It's good, but I do prefer the novels.

First reading review:
I couldn’t resist this one because it features Molly Carpenter, Harry Dresden’s apprentice and one of my most favourite characters in the Dresdenverse. It also turned out to feature Harry’s dog, Mouse, whom I’m also very fond of. Overall, I was quite pleased with it.
The art is good. This story has fewer grotesque elements than War Cry; the monster is kind of icky but not really that bad. And the part with the rats was actually kind of cool. Molly is depicted quite true to how she’s described in the books—tall, pretty and curvy, with tattoos, piercings, shabby-chic clothes and multi-coloured hair. The books mention a more pronounced ruff of fur around Mouse’s neck, more like a real-life Tibetan mastiff, but at least he’s shown as big and furry and both cute and fierce. Ms. Gard is thrown in there as eye-candy for those interested, but she doesn’t actually do anything. At least Murphy is in there, doing her job competently. She’s dressed appropriately and is pretty but not overly glamourous.
The story depicts Molly’s personality and powers accurately. Although she has a little bit of a misadventure, she gets herself out of it. Later, she’s an absolutely crucial factor in Harry’s and Marcone’s continued survival. John Marcone’s presence is a monkey wrench to the plot as usual, given the way he operates under his own very specific code. He counts Harry as an enemy or ally according to the situation, and his understanding of Harry’s character and moral code is spot-on.
Recommended to Dresden fans.

[Vikas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would repeat again Mr. Butcher's decision to set his Dresden Graphic novels to be set with original stories set between the books was great this gives us more information about events between the books and also gives us original adventures to enjoy. Overall results are a greatly expanded universe and more original stuff for us to enjoy. This was another great adventure set after White Night and Molly is training with Harry and two people are killed Harry is on the case and the adventure begins this one or rather these stories feature little scenes with Murphy but that's understandable with a few stories set outside Chicago. In any case, it's lovely to see Murphy and all the gang in full-colour glory short of an awesome TV adaptation this is the best medium to enjoy these stories rather than a novella, nothing against the novellas I enjoyed that as well. What I mean to say is more and more add more to the universe I would gladly devour it all and do that end I shall Keep on reading.

I have always loved comics, and I have I can. I love comics to bits, may the comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and hope always to love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics, Diamond Comics, or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I just want to Keep on Reading.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic Plot: Business owners are being whacked by a mysterious, supernatural beastie, and it's up to Harry Dresden to figure out who did it and stop the big bad before more people die.

What happens when a completely mundane (but very smart) mobster becomes a legitimate member of the supernatural community by signing an important treaty? He obviously is going to extend his protection racket to the realm of the supernatural. And of course, some nutball whacko is going to try to challenge him.

This was a good extension to the Dresden universe, and included Molly in her role as apprentice, Marcone (obviously), and Mouse! Being as I haven't really read a lot of the graphic novel adaptations, I was really curious to see how Mouse would look. I liked the way all of the characters were portrayed, graphically. There's really a lot of variety to the looks of the various characters, which is a task not all graphic artists are good at accomplishing. I liked the way all of the characters looked-- Molly in particular looks exactly as described in the books.

The story did seem overly simple, though, and the ending was not satisfying. There just seemed to be no real payoff to the build up of the conflict. I really want to like these graphic novels more, but the stories just don't have the same oomph as the books or traditionally-written stories.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Jim Butcher's Dresden Files: Down Town' is an original Harry Dresden story told in graphic novel form and like it's predecessors, it's a pretty good addition to the universe.

Harry finds himself with a new apprentice named Molly Carpenter. She might be more powerful than Harry in some ways, but she shares some of his riskier habits. That may come in handy since there is a rogue wizard running around Chicago. A couple strange murders has Harry on the case and even possibly in alliance with one of the last people he wants to ally himself with. That ally might also come in handy because Harry and company find themselves in Undertown, a particularly dangerous place.

The stories are good, the art is good. I'm a fan of Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden and these are a great addition to the series. I feel like the art in this one fell off a bit, but I still liked it and recommend it for fellow fans.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Dynamite Entertainment, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Book source ~ NetGalley (2015)
(2023 - Rec'd hardcover for Christmas)

Chicago has had another homicide rating high on the Weird Shit O’Meter and Lt. Karrin Murphy has called in wizard extraordinaire and PI Harry Dresden as a consultant. Yep. It’s supernatural and with some help from his apprentice Molly Carpenter they’re able to narrow down the pool of suspects. When mob boss “Gentleman Johnnie” Marcone sticks his nose into Harry’s (and Murphy’s) business Harry doesn’t let that stop him from trying to take down whatever or whoever it is that’s killing people in his city. But who will win the showdown downtown in Undertown?

Another great story in the Dresden Universe. This is an original story and is not something that’s been rehashed in a different medium. You’ve got Harry, Molly, Marcone and Mouse for a large portion of the tale with Murphy, Thomas, Bob, Guard and Hendricks making appearances. Loved the story and the artwork is fantastic. If you’re a Dresden fan then this is one installment that shouldn’t be missed.

[Sassy Sarah Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dresden Files: Down Town by Jim Butcher, Carlos Gomez, & Stejpan Sejic

4.25 stars

Harry Dresden is Chicago’s local wizard-for-hire and his apprentice, Molly, are ready to stop a dark sorcerer who has made an alliance with a mob boss in this Dresden Files graphic novel. I have never read a Dresden Files novel and I was worried going in that I’d be completely lost, but I wasn’t. The art and plot line for this graphic novel is intense and has a great supernatural element. This is fun to read and it has definitely piqued my interest. I’ll definitely be picking up a Dresden Files novel in the future.

Whimsical Writing Scale: 4

Art Scale: 4.25

Character Scale: 4.5

Plotastic Scale: 4

Cover Thoughts: The cover doesn’t have the most striking art, but it fits the tone and mood of the story.

Thank you, Netgalley and Dynamite Entertainment for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Alan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Since its going to be awhile before the next novel, or short story collection (yes, there is supposed to be another coming at some point), I decided to use the Dynamite TPBs for a Dresden fix. After all, they are canon (much like Martin's Hedge Knight shorts and TPBs) so why not?

If there is a why not it is that as usual Dynamite's selection of artist for a series leaves something to be desired. I can walk thru mediocre or bad art pretty easily, but I found depictions of Murphy and Molly, and oh geeze Ms. Garde was so off base, just too much fanboy wank. Add to that somehow this is not how I would have envisioned Marcone looking.

Plus, its a pretty standard Dresden plot (pre his "death"). It turns out someone powerful is targeting those who pay Marcone protection, and both Dresden and Marcone can't abide these deaths for their own reasons.

When we do meet the villain, well he could have been pretty interesting if better developed. A very sub par Dresden story.

[Rishendra Chauhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8/5 ⭐

[Glen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked that we shifted to Molly's point of view briefly, but everything else about this was mildly disappointing.

Like most of the Dresden short stories, this comic is a one-off, mostly outside of the larger narrative. It requires long, borderline-patronizing explanations of what's going on, but doesn't add anything to the larger story. Meh.

Character development in this tiny, short comic was extremely limited. I didn't feel that I learned anything new about anyone. Many interactions were barely believable, especially Marcone diving through the blast doors on the death star just before they closed.

I liked how I imagined the characters better than how this artist drew them. Dresden's face seems to change radically from frame to frame. I pictured Rawlins much thinner. Molly came out pretty well, but she oozes sexuality to the point that it's distracting. Same thing with Gard's short, short skirt and poppy breasts.

I've read most of the Real Books of this series 4 times now. Maybe if this was my introduction to Dresden, I would have liked it more. But if you've read the series, you can skip this.

[Anniken Haga · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've never read anything by Butcher before - maybe a short story or two, but not that I remember - but I know of his work. You can't be active in the UF fandoms without having heard of The Dresden Files! But I never picked up the books. They didn't feel right for me.
So it was a little out of character for me to pick up this book. I think it was the cover-art that drew me. Turnes out, it was by Stjepan Šejić, my favorit artist, so no wonder I was drawn to it!
Unfortunatly, the rest of the content didn't live up to my hopes.

Considering I hadn't read anything else in the series, I was a little worried I'd be thrown for a loop, but that wasn't a problem, which the book gets pluss-points for. I liked Molly as a character and would love to see more of her, but Harry and the other characters? And the rest of the story in itself? It didn't do anything for me.
The story was slow, meandering, and kind of boring. I honestly considered DNFing the thing, which is almost unheard of when it comes to graphic novels/comics! And all of Harry's random thinking only made the story slower.

Guess I finally got the confirmation I needed that this series isn't for me

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story wasn't bad, and I mostly liked the art. The big fat exception is how the ladies are drawn, especially Molly Carpenter. Could we get the 12-year-old boys off the case? I know she's supposed to be sexy, but the boobilicious almost halter top was a bit much. Especially since this is clearly set during winter in Chicago. And Gard's half of a miniskirt? Grow up, dudes.
My other complaint is that Harry doesn't consistently sound like Harry.
"Whatever he ingested is rapidly metastasizing into a substance not unlike that which makes up the golem's mass."
Yes, that's wisecracking Harry Dresden, not some bit character scientist guy saying that. It says it'a written by Jim Butcher and Mark Powers, but it just doesn't sound as Jim Butchery as I'd like.
The action is Jim Butchery enough, and the story feels like a Harry Dresden adventure, so those are in the plus column.
I'm not frustrated enough to quit these yet. We'll see what happens in the next one.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This mini-Dresden adventure is set after White Night.

A misc bad-guy is sending golems in to Chicago & killing people who are under the protection of mobster Marcone. It's standard fare for Butcher & a nice little addition to the Dresden world. If you already enjoy the longer novels, you'll like this.

My biggest complaint is that Molly is dressed like this for the entire book. In winter.



I love the hair & the piercings, but women do actually have internal organs.

While it's a shockingly common way to draw women in comics, being able to see both ass cheeks & boobs is not physically possible (or at least extremely difficult if you aren't a contortionist)


Let's stop doing this to women.

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great artistry and fun new story from Jim Butcher. I liked this graphic novel much better than the first one I read, mainly because some more of my favorite characters were in this one: Molly, Mouse, Marcone, his sexy vampire brother. They were all illustrated pretty close to how I figured them in my head and they talked and acted just like they do in the novels. A fun short little story with illustrations to back it up. I need to read all the graphic novels in this series!

[B. Zelkovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun Dresden story, but I docked it a star because I'm getting really sick of all the hypersexualized female characters. Good Lord. How is EVERY woman in Harry's acquaintance thin but curvy with hilariously big boobs and hips? Also, are the only skirts in Chicago miniskirts?