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Nailbiter #2
Nailbiter, Vol. 2: Bloody Hands
Army interrogator Nicholas Finch is hot on the trail of why sixteen of the world's worst serial killers are all from the same small town, but his path to answers is littered with deadly intentions. There are dark forces that don't want the secrets of Buckaroo and its murderous past to be revealed. And the Nailbiter himself has to deal with being thrown in the spotlight again! Guest-stars ultimate comic writer BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS!
Collects: Nailbiter #6-10.
Collects: Nailbiter #6-10.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
January 17, 2025
(B+) 79% | Good
Notes: Stories surrounding a murderous curse, only insects are vicious, its crimes aren’t malicious, just crazed-superstitious.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #6-7 ◦ Issues #9-10
Notes: Stories surrounding a murderous curse, only insects are vicious, its crimes aren’t malicious, just crazed-superstitious.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #6-7 ◦ Issues #9-10
November 7, 2021
Very cool second volume.
The story progresses and you learn a bit more about the town of Buckaroo that seems to spawn serial killers.
There's an issue with a woman who wants to give birth in the town just so she can live vicariously through the child's fame as a serial killer. Getting some Stage Mom vibes off this chick.
The highlight of this one is the issue where Brian Michael Bendis shows up and gets an interview with The Nailbiter. Not to be missed.
Recommended!
The story progresses and you learn a bit more about the town of Buckaroo that seems to spawn serial killers.
There's an issue with a woman who wants to give birth in the town just so she can live vicariously through the child's fame as a serial killer. Getting some Stage Mom vibes off this chick.
The highlight of this one is the issue where Brian Michael Bendis shows up and gets an interview with The Nailbiter. Not to be missed.
Recommended!
October 26, 2021
Things in town get even stranger in this volume. It really is Twin Peaks with serial killers. Worth it for the Brian Michael Bendis appearance alone!
October 24, 2025
7.5/10
Like in the first vol., crazy things happen, people being murdered and you have no idea what is going on. This series might not be the best thing ever, but there are some very good scenes and most importantly it keeps your interest in high levels.
Like in the first vol., crazy things happen, people being murdered and you have no idea what is going on. This series might not be the best thing ever, but there are some very good scenes and most importantly it keeps your interest in high levels.
December 6, 2016
More disjointed than the first book and didn't really have all that much to do with the main storyline. I did think that the whole thing with Brian Michael Bendis was especially stupid. It was basically just some extremely dumb filler, that had no place in this kind of comic book -- a waste of an entire issue! Curious to see where this goes in Volume 3, but I'm putting this series on hold for a little bit. I just need to wait and think on it, decide whether or not I'm wasting my time with this one.
October 30, 2017
3.5* this storyline keeps getting more and more messed up and disturbing as it goes on. I kinda don't want to keep reading but I know I can't stop. It's incredibly gripping but this volume felt a little disjointed with characters seemingly pointlessly appearing but I'm hoping the next volume will give them a little more context. I'm incredibly intrigued to see where this goes but damn it it's gruesome. 😅
February 13, 2016
Bullet Review:
This volume is SO disjointed. Each issue was episodic - the one with the crazy pregnant woman, the one with Brian Michael Bendis (the comic writer?! Seriously?!), the crazy bee guy, the bus driver. Did ANY questions get answered? Did we get ANY closer to finding out the origin of the Buckaroo Butchers?
I should probably rate 2 stars but it wasn't bad per se, just...aimless?
This volume is SO disjointed. Each issue was episodic - the one with the crazy pregnant woman, the one with Brian Michael Bendis (the comic writer?! Seriously?!), the crazy bee guy, the bus driver. Did ANY questions get answered? Did we get ANY closer to finding out the origin of the Buckaroo Butchers?
I should probably rate 2 stars but it wasn't bad per se, just...aimless?
July 4, 2017
The question of who is really killing all these people is still a question in this volume.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS VOLUME:
- crazy woman who wants her unborn to grow up as a serial killer
- crazy man who experiments on killer bees.
- serial killer hiding under beds
- finger salad
- underwater ruins
- crazy bus driver who wants the kids to die to stop the curse of kids growing up to be serial killers
- Brian Michael Bendis cameo (I loved this one)
- bloody drawings on a wall
Basically, this volume doesn't give you much answer, but more questions. I can't wait to read the next one.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS VOLUME:
- crazy woman who wants her unborn to grow up as a serial killer
- crazy man who experiments on killer bees.
- serial killer hiding under beds
- finger salad
- underwater ruins
- crazy bus driver who wants the kids to die to stop the curse of kids growing up to be serial killers
- Brian Michael Bendis cameo (I loved this one)
- bloody drawings on a wall
Basically, this volume doesn't give you much answer, but more questions. I can't wait to read the next one.
October 13, 2023
There's not much to say about this volume, but it was a good entry in the series. Some more mysteries begin; not so much answers are provided, though.
There is one chapter where comic book writer Brian Michael Bendis of Marvel fame makes an appearance. It was a funny addition to the darker, Seven-ish style story. The art remains consistently spooky.
There is one chapter where comic book writer Brian Michael Bendis of Marvel fame makes an appearance. It was a funny addition to the darker, Seven-ish style story. The art remains consistently spooky.
April 22, 2017
Actual rating: 3.5
This is the second time I’m reading this graphic novel, and I spent issues six through to nine wondering how the frick I could have initially rated this 4 stars. I was absolutely sure I'd be bringing my rating down to at least a 3, but now it looks like I'll have to eat my words (or thoughts, I guess). It wasn't disappointing enough to drop an entire star, and I felt like it deserved to be rounded up rather than down, but I definitely think this volume suffered slightly because it moved away from what made the first volume so great. Pulling back from the main plot line and focusing on these random backstories for characters that most likely won’t be making another appearance just seemed so pointless. Why would I care about some comic book writer obsessed with the Buckaroo serial killers? Why would I care about this pregnant madwoman causing mayhem around the town? The answer, dear friends, is that I wouldn’t, and I didn’t. Sure, they were somewhat interesting, but with an overall plot as intense and intriguing as Nailbiter’s, you can’t help but feel frustrated that the characters and stories you love aren’t getting the screen time they rightfully deserve.
Nailbiter volume 1 was quite honestly one of the best collections I had read in a long time, and so volume 2 had some seriously big boots to fill. It almost succeeded, but volume 1 wins in terms of the overall plot, mainly because of the deviations within this one. Issue number 10 is what saved this. In that one issue alone we had some big reveals, sickening twists and a surprise or two. More than enough to keep you and the towns citizens on their toes.
As far as characters are concerned, I’m absolutely loving the blossoming, but odd dynamic between Finch and Crane, and I’ve found the few facts we know about their pasts very interesting. They are both very much lone wolves (well, at least that’s how I see it), but they’ve been thrown together to help piece together a mystery that’s left everyone stumped for years. I have faith in these two and their abilities, though. If anyone’s going to figure out what it is in the creepy ass town of Buckaroo that sends people over the edge, it’s them. Plus with Crane's past connection to him, I wonder if Warren will play a huge part in uncovering the secret to the towns curse too… He's an interesting character and the only serial killer with an obvious presence in the town. There's no way he's completely in the dark like the rest of us.
Honestly this graphic novel series is the definition of gruesome, but it isn’t over the top. There’s horror, a real mystery, and to top it all off you have a great plot that you just can’t help but find yourself absorbed in, and I am just so incredibly glad that I already own volumes 3 and 4 because it’s one of those stories that you just need to keep on top of. Who is that? Why did that happen? What does this all mean? These are questions all Nailbiter fans are plagued with, I imagine. It's also what keeps you coming back for more. Really can’t wait to see where this one goes.
This is the second time I’m reading this graphic novel, and I spent issues six through to nine wondering how the frick I could have initially rated this 4 stars. I was absolutely sure I'd be bringing my rating down to at least a 3, but now it looks like I'll have to eat my words (or thoughts, I guess). It wasn't disappointing enough to drop an entire star, and I felt like it deserved to be rounded up rather than down, but I definitely think this volume suffered slightly because it moved away from what made the first volume so great. Pulling back from the main plot line and focusing on these random backstories for characters that most likely won’t be making another appearance just seemed so pointless. Why would I care about some comic book writer obsessed with the Buckaroo serial killers? Why would I care about this pregnant madwoman causing mayhem around the town? The answer, dear friends, is that I wouldn’t, and I didn’t. Sure, they were somewhat interesting, but with an overall plot as intense and intriguing as Nailbiter’s, you can’t help but feel frustrated that the characters and stories you love aren’t getting the screen time they rightfully deserve.
Nailbiter volume 1 was quite honestly one of the best collections I had read in a long time, and so volume 2 had some seriously big boots to fill. It almost succeeded, but volume 1 wins in terms of the overall plot, mainly because of the deviations within this one. Issue number 10 is what saved this. In that one issue alone we had some big reveals, sickening twists and a surprise or two. More than enough to keep you and the towns citizens on their toes.
As far as characters are concerned, I’m absolutely loving the blossoming, but odd dynamic between Finch and Crane, and I’ve found the few facts we know about their pasts very interesting. They are both very much lone wolves (well, at least that’s how I see it), but they’ve been thrown together to help piece together a mystery that’s left everyone stumped for years. I have faith in these two and their abilities, though. If anyone’s going to figure out what it is in the creepy ass town of Buckaroo that sends people over the edge, it’s them. Plus with Crane's past connection to him, I wonder if Warren will play a huge part in uncovering the secret to the towns curse too… He's an interesting character and the only serial killer with an obvious presence in the town. There's no way he's completely in the dark like the rest of us.
Honestly this graphic novel series is the definition of gruesome, but it isn’t over the top. There’s horror, a real mystery, and to top it all off you have a great plot that you just can’t help but find yourself absorbed in, and I am just so incredibly glad that I already own volumes 3 and 4 because it’s one of those stories that you just need to keep on top of. Who is that? Why did that happen? What does this all mean? These are questions all Nailbiter fans are plagued with, I imagine. It's also what keeps you coming back for more. Really can’t wait to see where this one goes.
March 4, 2018
These stories don't add much to what began in the first volume, but they do underline an apparent madness that is inexplicably linked with the town. I won't say that it's skippable, but I agree that it feels like a short brake between story arcs. Buckaroo has become famous on the internet because of its serial killers. The press and the FBI add more pressure to a town that is convinced of the curse that creates serial killers of its citizens.
A pregnant young woman named Mallory wants to have her baby in Buckaroo so it can turn into a serial killer too.
Brian Michael Bendis, the comic book writer, is a character in the next one-shot. He is researching serial killers for a book, but the dark tones of a real-life killer easily sway him from the subject. Having read some of Bendis' work I believe he wouldn't be able to write a comic about serial killers as good as this one.
Carroll is still in a coma, Crane is suspected of covering up for Warren and Finch is looking into Carroll's notes. The latter is following a lead that has to do with bees and finds a madman in a house's cellar. Meanwhile the school bus driver Mr. Crowe snaps and, in a religious fervor, decides to kill the kids so they won't become serial killers too.
A pregnant young woman named Mallory wants to have her baby in Buckaroo so it can turn into a serial killer too.
Brian Michael Bendis, the comic book writer, is a character in the next one-shot. He is researching serial killers for a book, but the dark tones of a real-life killer easily sway him from the subject. Having read some of Bendis' work I believe he wouldn't be able to write a comic about serial killers as good as this one.
Carroll is still in a coma, Crane is suspected of covering up for Warren and Finch is looking into Carroll's notes. The latter is following a lead that has to do with bees and finds a madman in a house's cellar. Meanwhile the school bus driver Mr. Crowe snaps and, in a religious fervor, decides to kill the kids so they won't become serial killers too.
November 5, 2015
Hmm...I think it's not as silly as volume one. There's some stuff here that's OK, but then they throw Meta shit in, like Brian Michael Bendis coming to town to research a horror comic?? Ya no.
I bought the creepy bee guy and his hillbilly grandson...I don't buy that Finch is still one the case.
I buy the bus driver who is sick of it all and snaps. I also buy the irony of his death.
I'd probably say 3 stars is apt. I'm not enthralled but I didn't hate it.
I bought the creepy bee guy and his hillbilly grandson...I don't buy that Finch is still one the case.
I buy the bus driver who is sick of it all and snaps. I also buy the irony of his death.
I'd probably say 3 stars is apt. I'm not enthralled but I didn't hate it.
August 9, 2017
Being fast-paced and action-packed, Volume 1 definitely made a great first impression.
But why do I sense like it's all now going downhill?
The pregnant woman chapter and author Brian Michael Bendis' appearance as himself made no significant impact whatsoever. Just a couple of disjointed stories, among others.
I'm still going to give Volume 3 a chance. That will then determine whether or not I continue further :(
But why do I sense like it's all now going downhill?
The pregnant woman chapter and author Brian Michael Bendis' appearance as himself made no significant impact whatsoever. Just a couple of disjointed stories, among others.
I'm still going to give Volume 3 a chance. That will then determine whether or not I continue further :(
April 4, 2021
This was quite good, although not as great as the first volume. I was really surprised to see Brian Michael Bendis have a cameo for an entire issue. It was a super meta and unexpected move and as weird as it felt, it was kind of alright. Still didn't feel like it was necessary but I supposed it helped with building up background on the town and stuff.
Not as much headway was made in this volume as I'd expected it to make. Probably because two of the issues were like fillers where the focus was on sort of mini side stories and not on the big picture of the mystery. From the little glimpses we were given of the big picture mystery it's safe to say I'm still very invested in finding out the true answer behind it all and so I can't wait to start reading Nailbiter, Vol. 3: Blood in the Water!
Not as much headway was made in this volume as I'd expected it to make. Probably because two of the issues were like fillers where the focus was on sort of mini side stories and not on the big picture of the mystery. From the little glimpses we were given of the big picture mystery it's safe to say I'm still very invested in finding out the true answer behind it all and so I can't wait to start reading Nailbiter, Vol. 3: Blood in the Water!
August 26, 2016
4.5 stars
I love this creepy shit.
Death by bees...
Crazy guys on horses in the forest...
Serial killers under your bed...
And, Brian Michael Bendis?!?
I love this creepy shit.
Death by bees...
Crazy guys on horses in the forest...
Serial killers under your bed...
And, Brian Michael Bendis?!?
August 23, 2015
Not nearly as good as the first volume. These issues meander entirely too much and manage to include two stupid and overused small town cop story cliches (both the preacher who riles up the town against the good police and the federal agent who treats the good guys as suspects instead of catching the killer). This may all be fine if reading a completed tale, but standing by itself this volume feels like filler.
January 15, 2018
2.5/5
Overall i'm liking these graphic novels, but this volume felt like it had TOO much going on. It had a very disjointed feel to it. Each of the "issues" within the graphic novel seemed to feature a different character with a unique storyline, and the storylines didn't really converge at the end. I'm wondering if in subsequent issues/volumes some of the pieces will come together. Or maybe the issues are supposed to be viewed independently? Either way, this wasn't really workin for me like volume 1 did. The jury is still out on whether i'm going to continue...me thinks my time would be better spent on graphic novels I enjoy more.
Overall i'm liking these graphic novels, but this volume felt like it had TOO much going on. It had a very disjointed feel to it. Each of the "issues" within the graphic novel seemed to feature a different character with a unique storyline, and the storylines didn't really converge at the end. I'm wondering if in subsequent issues/volumes some of the pieces will come together. Or maybe the issues are supposed to be viewed independently? Either way, this wasn't really workin for me like volume 1 did. The jury is still out on whether i'm going to continue...me thinks my time would be better spent on graphic novels I enjoy more.
November 16, 2020
More disjointed than the first one. Very episodic with no concrete progression in the story and barely anything particularly crazy happened. I dunno, im just waiting for answers and for the story to get really nasty, but at this point, it's taking too long
January 1, 2019
This is my last (313th)book for 2018 and it was a disappointment. I’m off to watch some hockey with a friend and eat pizza and wings so I’ll just say the writing (Bendis cameo was weak and completely discredited the series) left a lot to be desired. Bees ? School bus ? This was far from scary, horrific, or compelling. I won’t be pursuing Volume 3.
June 17, 2018
A bendis cameo in a horror crime novel!! What cant this guy do? Such a creepy and thrilling read. Loving this series atm!! He unveils just enough with each issue which provides the intense intrigue. The art is so gory but not over the top in description.
March 8, 2022
This was a let down from the superb vol. 1. This one felt like it was a lot of set-up for the continuing story. The art and writing remain excellent
September 1, 2025
The convo between Bendis and Warren, about how they’re both “killers” but Bendis has ink on his hands instead of blood, was honestly so intriguing.
I’m still cooking up theories on this town.
I’m sus on Alice and the bees as of right now.
I’m still cooking up theories on this town.
I’m sus on Alice and the bees as of right now.
January 25, 2020
Weird and dumb. What the heck is Brian Michael Bendis doing in this? It's like when Stephen King wrote himself into the Dark Tower serie.
July 20, 2017
I am really enjoying this graphic novel series and can't wait to see what happens in the next volume. I am curious to see if something I am predicting will end up happening. Love how this one ended even though I tend to hate cliffhangers.
March 7, 2019
I am really digging this series. This volume was equally gory to the first. We also got a distinct dose of foreshadowing with a crazy sight underwater. And ffs where is the Bee Man and what happened to him?
October 13, 2020
i like that we saw multiple children in this volume - her baby, the brothers child, the vibes from alice, the school bus, and the child who will get away with it....
October 2, 2021
Great. Fun. Bendis satire was on point.
September 28, 2016
Con nuevos asesinos en serie y misterios, mantiene el tono. A destacar el divertido número protagonizado por Brian Michael Bendis, que se acerca a Buckaroo para documentarse para un nuevo cómic. Me ha sorprendido.
September 1, 2015
While not as good as the first volume this was entertaining and creepy.
March 16, 2018
This was a fucking ride.
It amazes me how this comic manages to scare me, disgust me and make me feel in levels I cannot comprehend and in a pace I cannot keep up with. One moment, I'm staring horrified at one panel, the next, I'm tearing up at something profound. The sincerity and boldness of this comic really stands out, and adds to the experience greatly. You're not just reading a murder mystery, you're reading a murder mystery with actual people with actual lives in it.
Also, I cannot believe I didn't call out Mike Henderson before because he is a fucking amazing artist. A comic book is defined by it's art just as much as its story, and Mike Henderson's art is a story in itself.
The issue with Brian Michael Bendis (was it 7 or 8? I cannot recall) was hilarious, but also deeply unnerving and thoughtful. And Issue 10 pulled all my heartstrings. I was equal parts moved and equal parts horrified.
It amazes me how this comic manages to scare me, disgust me and make me feel in levels I cannot comprehend and in a pace I cannot keep up with. One moment, I'm staring horrified at one panel, the next, I'm tearing up at something profound. The sincerity and boldness of this comic really stands out, and adds to the experience greatly. You're not just reading a murder mystery, you're reading a murder mystery with actual people with actual lives in it.
Also, I cannot believe I didn't call out Mike Henderson before because he is a fucking amazing artist. A comic book is defined by it's art just as much as its story, and Mike Henderson's art is a story in itself.
The issue with Brian Michael Bendis (was it 7 or 8? I cannot recall) was hilarious, but also deeply unnerving and thoughtful. And Issue 10 pulled all my heartstrings. I was equal parts moved and equal parts horrified.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews