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Rivers of London Graphic Novels #3
Rivers of London: Black Mould
TAKING NO SHIITAKE!
From the million-selling River of London novel and graphic novel series by cult writer Ben Aaronovitch comes an all-new tale of supernatural suspense and good-old-fashioned London policing!
Peter Grant is a cop and part-time wizard investigating London's 'Falcon' crimes--those that are outside the realms of normal criminal investigations--and more into the realms of trolls under bridges, cursed crime scenes, and the ghosts of monsters past.
Peter never saw himself in pest control--but that's exactly where he finds himself when a killer, sentient, living fungus goes on a rampage of vengeance using its victims' worst fears against them!
From the million-selling River of London novel and graphic novel series by cult writer Ben Aaronovitch comes an all-new tale of supernatural suspense and good-old-fashioned London policing!
Peter Grant is a cop and part-time wizard investigating London's 'Falcon' crimes--those that are outside the realms of normal criminal investigations--and more into the realms of trolls under bridges, cursed crime scenes, and the ghosts of monsters past.
Peter never saw himself in pest control--but that's exactly where he finds himself when a killer, sentient, living fungus goes on a rampage of vengeance using its victims' worst fears against them!
128 pages, Paperback
First published June 27, 2017
64 people are currently reading
2367 people want to read
About the author
Ben Aaronovitch
158 books13.4k followersBen Aaronovitch's career started with a bang writing for Doctor Who, subsided in the middle and then, as is traditional, a third act resurgence with the bestselling Rivers of London series.
Born and raised in London he says that he'll leave his home when they prise his city out of his cold dead fingers.
Born and raised in London he says that he'll leave his home when they prise his city out of his cold dead fingers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
December 25, 2017
I read these out of fan appreciation for Aaronovitch's Peter Grant series, not because I'm attracted to the graphic novel form. That said, the graphics finally seem to be capturing the sense of the full-length stories.
I particularly enjoyed the challenging nature of the 'opponent' in this edition as well as Sahra's active role. There were dual investigations, Peter working with Sahra on a strange mold infestation and Nightingale chasing down another possessed car piece, left over from graphic novel one's investigation. There are brief appearances by Toby, Molly, and Peter's dad, and a return of the mechanic from the first graphic novel as well as a constable from Foxglove Summer. Plotting has the usual Nightingale and Peter combination working together to overcome more sophisticated opponents. A couple of nice twists made it hard to put down.
The last four pages has mini page-long updates on Valdova and the Foxglove constable, and two with Beverly. End pages contained the covers of the component books as well as some alternate covers. Coloring was nice, generally sophisticated shading that avoided some of the dramatic cartoonish contrasts. Orange boxes reflect some of Peter's internal voicing, but it's a paltry amount compared to the books.
Marked down a star for the gratuitous drawing of naked ladies. Seriously. They showed up in fantasies/memories from a former Russian mobster, now in service to Bev, and had absolutely nothing to do with the story. For shame, Ben. You ought to know better, even if your co-writers and publisher do not. After all, you still tried to be integrative and cognizant of racial issues.
Three stars due to lame-ass pointless female nudity.
I particularly enjoyed the challenging nature of the 'opponent' in this edition as well as Sahra's active role. There were dual investigations, Peter working with Sahra on a strange mold infestation and Nightingale chasing down another possessed car piece, left over from graphic novel one's investigation. There are brief appearances by Toby, Molly, and Peter's dad, and a return of the mechanic from the first graphic novel as well as a constable from Foxglove Summer. Plotting has the usual Nightingale and Peter combination working together to overcome more sophisticated opponents. A couple of nice twists made it hard to put down.
The last four pages has mini page-long updates on Valdova and the Foxglove constable, and two with Beverly. End pages contained the covers of the component books as well as some alternate covers. Coloring was nice, generally sophisticated shading that avoided some of the dramatic cartoonish contrasts. Orange boxes reflect some of Peter's internal voicing, but it's a paltry amount compared to the books.
Marked down a star for the gratuitous drawing of naked ladies. Seriously. They showed up in fantasies/memories from a former Russian mobster, now in service to Bev, and had absolutely nothing to do with the story. For shame, Ben. You ought to know better, even if your co-writers and publisher do not. After all, you still tried to be integrative and cognizant of racial issues.
Three stars due to lame-ass pointless female nudity.
March 27, 2018
Marvel’s Venom storyline meets Rivers of London and Peter Grant (not Parker) is right in the middle.
If you’re like me and you’ve read all of Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London novels and you’re Jonesing for the next one to come out, we’re delving into the graphic novels to keep the fix coming and avoiding withdrawals.
And I like graphic novels and I LOVE this series and this one was pretty damn good.
Peter and Sahra investigate some strange goings on involving a sentient black mold in some flats. Their investigations lead to a discovery of some decades old BAD that harkens back to themes explored in Moon Over Soho.
Connoisseurs of John Carpenter films will also notice a DELICIOUS reference to one of his most iconic scenes.
A fun side story that continues to develop the characters and series plot.
If you’re like me and you’ve read all of Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London novels and you’re Jonesing for the next one to come out, we’re delving into the graphic novels to keep the fix coming and avoiding withdrawals.
And I like graphic novels and I LOVE this series and this one was pretty damn good.
Peter and Sahra investigate some strange goings on involving a sentient black mold in some flats. Their investigations lead to a discovery of some decades old BAD that harkens back to themes explored in Moon Over Soho.
Connoisseurs of John Carpenter films will also notice a DELICIOUS reference to one of his most iconic scenes.
A fun side story that continues to develop the characters and series plot.
July 19, 2017
Another solid but not-quite-as-good-as-the-novels comicbook outing for the Rivers of London crew. Entertaining and a good additional tale for fans of the novels but not really must-read material.
October 14, 2017
Out of the 3 graphic novels so far, this would have to be by far the strongest story. Actually felt like it was cohesive and relevant to Peters world. Cant wait for the next one. Love this series!!
August 10, 2017
And so I got my hands on the next instalment of the Rivers of London comic book series. What can I say I am sucker for this story (and yes although this book, the 2 before it and the various novels are standalone they are all interlinked or at least refer in part to each other, hence story singular).
As always the books are way too short and as a result cannot go in to the same depth that the novels can do (well obviously) and as such some of the dialogue is lost or truncated which for me is a shame as Peter Grant is a great character - the right mixture to make him human and yet has the potential for something great. Someone you can rely on and yet also laugh with down the pub.
The thing is you cannot really explain more about what is going on without either spoiling this story or revealing others in the series and yet I would not say they are heavily dependent on each other, far from it but part of the story is learning about the various characters, their history and interaction as well as dealing with the crime of the week. However what I would say is that each of the main characters are quirky and entertaining but also recognisable.
Its hard to not recommend this book to all and sundry as the stories are fun and fast paced the dialogue humours and snappy and yes it comes back to Peter Grant - the junior detective still finding his way but with a level of intuition that shows this is the job for him - but also the only trainee Wizard on the police force and you can imagine the chaos that brings.
As always the books are way too short and as a result cannot go in to the same depth that the novels can do (well obviously) and as such some of the dialogue is lost or truncated which for me is a shame as Peter Grant is a great character - the right mixture to make him human and yet has the potential for something great. Someone you can rely on and yet also laugh with down the pub.
The thing is you cannot really explain more about what is going on without either spoiling this story or revealing others in the series and yet I would not say they are heavily dependent on each other, far from it but part of the story is learning about the various characters, their history and interaction as well as dealing with the crime of the week. However what I would say is that each of the main characters are quirky and entertaining but also recognisable.
Its hard to not recommend this book to all and sundry as the stories are fun and fast paced the dialogue humours and snappy and yes it comes back to Peter Grant - the junior detective still finding his way but with a level of intuition that shows this is the job for him - but also the only trainee Wizard on the police force and you can imagine the chaos that brings.
August 5, 2017
Very good continuation of the series in which Peter and Sahra are on the trail of some particularly lively black mould... According to the timeline in the back, this takes place after The Hanging Tree and before The Furthest Station.
May 9, 2023
4.5⭐️ I love the graphics, I love the story, what's not to love? Peter, Guleed & Nightingales adventures just fill me full of joy 😊
March 8, 2021
Ist irgendwie nur eine halbe Geschichte, liest sich wie Patchwork.
February 4, 2018
Solid with little beautiful moments.
World: The art is okay, it's expressive in terms of the characters but the sense of action and the detail is a bit lacking, a middle of the road comic book art. The world building is small but also very solid. It builds upon the main book series and adds little pieces that serve the case for the story.
Story: The story is a solid case which is what I had expected. The pacing is good, the interactions were fun and the art really added the dry humor that this series is none for. It moves the story forward but also gives us new pieces for future reference. Good stuff.
Characters: Peter is great but I think this is Guleed's story and I love that, she's great and having a lot more time with her is fantastic and really builds the character for subsequent books. The dialog and banter is great and the interactions like Molly make me smile.
A good addition to the overall story.
Onward to the next book!
World: The art is okay, it's expressive in terms of the characters but the sense of action and the detail is a bit lacking, a middle of the road comic book art. The world building is small but also very solid. It builds upon the main book series and adds little pieces that serve the case for the story.
Story: The story is a solid case which is what I had expected. The pacing is good, the interactions were fun and the art really added the dry humor that this series is none for. It moves the story forward but also gives us new pieces for future reference. Good stuff.
Characters: Peter is great but I think this is Guleed's story and I love that, she's great and having a lot more time with her is fantastic and really builds the character for subsequent books. The dialog and banter is great and the interactions like Molly make me smile.
A good addition to the overall story.
Onward to the next book!
August 26, 2017
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
I was looking forward to this so much I pre-ordered it three months in advance (something I'm not wont to do). When it finally arrived I was looking for a particular good moment to sit down with it and read it in one go.
The comics of Rivers of London are a nice addition to the main series, although it doesn't seem they are essential to the overall plot of the series. Nevertheless I've been enjoying them a lot and would certainly recommend them to fans of the series. Black Mould, as the name suggests deals with an infestation of sentient mould and was another good read. The only complaint I had was that the solution felt a bit rushed, but this was not a major problem.
I was looking forward to this so much I pre-ordered it three months in advance (something I'm not wont to do). When it finally arrived I was looking for a particular good moment to sit down with it and read it in one go.
The comics of Rivers of London are a nice addition to the main series, although it doesn't seem they are essential to the overall plot of the series. Nevertheless I've been enjoying them a lot and would certainly recommend them to fans of the series. Black Mould, as the name suggests deals with an infestation of sentient mould and was another good read. The only complaint I had was that the solution felt a bit rushed, but this was not a major problem.
February 11, 2020
These comics aren’t anything to write home about - the art is sub-par, the writing is fine - but I enjoy the main series and sometimes characters/stories from these comics appear in the novels, so I keep checking these out.
Of the three volumes I’ve read of the comics, I felt that this had the strongest writing. I wonder if Aaronovitch is getting the hang of writing for comics. The mystery was also the most engaging for me.
I keep finding the way Peter is drawn kind of baffling. I always pictured him as rough around the edges - this clean-cut Peter who wears a suit everywhere doesn’t match up to the Peter I’ve conjured in my brain. That’s a pretty minor complaint in the grand scheme of things though.
Of the three volumes I’ve read of the comics, I felt that this had the strongest writing. I wonder if Aaronovitch is getting the hang of writing for comics. The mystery was also the most engaging for me.
I keep finding the way Peter is drawn kind of baffling. I always pictured him as rough around the edges - this clean-cut Peter who wears a suit everywhere doesn’t match up to the Peter I’ve conjured in my brain. That’s a pretty minor complaint in the grand scheme of things though.
January 23, 2018
Mold is certainly enough to make me shudder, but the mold in this book is downright horrifying. As always, I loved the artwork. The resolution was rather sudden, and I was disappointed to never get an answer to the burning question , but it was still a good story. Nice and weird.
The series timeline—what a great idea—and the cover gallery at the end were nice additions.
The series timeline—what a great idea—and the cover gallery at the end were nice additions.
December 1, 2019
Story is set after the events in The Hanging Tree. Mold in a Condo is a serious deal, especially when it is infused with a spirit. Reader gets the first illustrations of Sahra Guleed, Peter Grant's new partner.
June 10, 2020
Keep being entertained. Magical mould... gross. Not as strong as the others but still fun.
Read
August 11, 2017So that's the fourth installment in the increasingly multimedia series which I've got through this year, and a handy timeline in the back of this confirms that no two of them were in the right order. Ah well. Having complained previously that the comics don't show Grant in the shape I picture, it's only fair to add that the expressions here are perfect. The story, as is standard for the comics, is a little slighter than the novels but absolutely congruent in tone and continuity - sentient fungus, seemingly driven by the horrific injustices of the London property market. Though having myself dealt with some non-sentient (well, so far as I know...) black mould which could only be beaten with a preparation of quite alarming toxic and corrosive potency, I was surprised at what Grant and Guleed manage here with simple vinegar.
Also, the scene where they interrogate an unwittingly racist goon is beautiful.
Also, the scene where they interrogate an unwittingly racist goon is beautiful.
April 14, 2020
As usual, the art is precise and detailed. There are a couple of segments with entirely--and I do mean entirely--gratuitous nudity that I wasn't too happy about. But this series isn't for kids. If you haven't read the traditional (text) novels, which are definitely not YA, the graphic novels wouldn't be on your radar.
The story was okay. The black mould was super-creepy (as in, unpleasant...although it also does some traveling), although there was a bit of a talking villain thing.
The story was okay. The black mould was super-creepy (as in, unpleasant...although it also does some traveling), although there was a bit of a talking villain thing.
April 12, 2020
DC Sahra Guleed wird in ein Haus gerufen, in welchem Schimmel sein Unwesen treiben soll. Sahra ist skeptisch, doch dann wird sie tatsächlich von eben diesem angegriffen. Sofort holt sie sich Hilfe bei Peter Grant. Zusammen gehen sie diesem seltsamen Phänomen nach und stoßen dabei auf einen Rachefeldzug der schimmeligen Art.
Welch herrliche Idee, einen Schimmelpilz dafür zu benutzen, Menschen anzugreifen oder in den Wahnsinn zu treiben. Ich hatte diesmal sehr viel Spaß beim Lesen, vor allem, weil hier auch der Humor nicht zu kurz kam.
Auch wenn die Panels wieder sehr dunkel und düster gehalten sind, kam mir diese Graphic Novel im Gegensatz zu den ersten beiden Teilen etwas farbenfroher vor.
Auch gab es nur wenige Rückblicke, so dass ich fast einen ungetrübten Lesefluss hatte.
Die Geschichte war spannend und das Ende überraschend. Die Charaktere waren diesmal überschaubar und so hatte man keine Mühe, alles zu verfolgen.
Ich freue mich auf den nächsten Teil und bin gespannt, welche Ideen der Autor und die Zeichner noch verwirklichen werden.
Auch diesmal gab es am Ende wieder einige Kurzgeschichten, kleine Storys erzählt auf einer Seite. Die dargestellten Kurzszenen waren fast noch unterhaltsamer als die eigentliche Hauptstory.
Dies ist definitiv eine Graphic Nobel-Reihe, die ich weiter verfolgen werde.
Meggies Fussnote:
Eine schimmelige Angelegenheit.
Welch herrliche Idee, einen Schimmelpilz dafür zu benutzen, Menschen anzugreifen oder in den Wahnsinn zu treiben. Ich hatte diesmal sehr viel Spaß beim Lesen, vor allem, weil hier auch der Humor nicht zu kurz kam.
Auch wenn die Panels wieder sehr dunkel und düster gehalten sind, kam mir diese Graphic Novel im Gegensatz zu den ersten beiden Teilen etwas farbenfroher vor.
Auch gab es nur wenige Rückblicke, so dass ich fast einen ungetrübten Lesefluss hatte.
Die Geschichte war spannend und das Ende überraschend. Die Charaktere waren diesmal überschaubar und so hatte man keine Mühe, alles zu verfolgen.
Ich freue mich auf den nächsten Teil und bin gespannt, welche Ideen der Autor und die Zeichner noch verwirklichen werden.
Auch diesmal gab es am Ende wieder einige Kurzgeschichten, kleine Storys erzählt auf einer Seite. Die dargestellten Kurzszenen waren fast noch unterhaltsamer als die eigentliche Hauptstory.
Dies ist definitiv eine Graphic Nobel-Reihe, die ich weiter verfolgen werde.
Meggies Fussnote:
Eine schimmelige Angelegenheit.
February 4, 2018
This volume contains novels #11-15. It contains additional in-cannon stories that are set between Foxglove Summer and The Hanging Tree. It seems like Aaronovitch has gotten the hang of making these graphic novellas have the same 'feel' as his books. The dry humor's there, the action, and all the little plot twists that you've come to love and expect. If you're already a fan, definitely take a moment to check out these graphic novels. It's new content & it's a fun distraction from any heavier reading you might be doing.
Grant, Guleed, and Nightingale face a sentient black mould (or 'mold', as we'd say in the US) that is terrorizing upscale residents in London. They must find a pattern, locate the source, and neutralize the terror before someone gets hurt.
Grant, Guleed, and Nightingale face a sentient black mould (or 'mold', as we'd say in the US) that is terrorizing upscale residents in London. They must find a pattern, locate the source, and neutralize the terror before someone gets hurt.
February 22, 2021
2021-02: 3.5 stars. Just felt the need to spend some time with Guleed and Peter.
2018-05: 3.5 stars. While not referring to the large story arc, there are callbacks to Rivers of London: Body Work, #1 and to Rivers of London: Night Witch. This time, Peter and Guleed (yay!!) must deal with a serious mould problem.
We get to see Peter's dad, as a jazz musician figures into happenings in the past. We get to see how casually racist people are, and how accustomed Guleed and Peter are to dealing with this. Bev's little helper's back, still doing her housework.... And Toby gets ice cream! :)
2018-05: 3.5 stars. While not referring to the large story arc, there are callbacks to Rivers of London: Body Work, #1 and to Rivers of London: Night Witch. This time, Peter and Guleed (yay!!) must deal with a serious mould problem.
We get to see Peter's dad, as a jazz musician figures into happenings in the past. We get to see how casually racist people are, and how accustomed Guleed and Peter are to dealing with this. Bev's little helper's back, still doing her housework.... And Toby gets ice cream! :)
May 1, 2022
PODCAST is here :)
Peter Grant is a cop and part-time wizard investigating London's 'Falcon' crimes--those that are outside the realms of normal criminal investigations--and more into the realms of trolls under bridges, cursed crime scenes, and the ghosts of monsters past.
Peter never saw himself in pest control--but that's exactly where he finds himself when a killer, sentient, living fungus goes on a rampage of vengeance using its victims' worst fears against them!
Well, well... mould... Not a thing you want to have at home. Especially not this one :) Super entertaining ride into 'Rivers of London' world, meeting and greeting old pals, some new enemies and a bit of investigation and mystery... Of course with a ton of proper policing procedures...as shopping for vinegar :D
4 happy mouldy kittens were given for the ride :)
Goodreads Challenge 2022: 34. book
Peter Grant is a cop and part-time wizard investigating London's 'Falcon' crimes--those that are outside the realms of normal criminal investigations--and more into the realms of trolls under bridges, cursed crime scenes, and the ghosts of monsters past.
Peter never saw himself in pest control--but that's exactly where he finds himself when a killer, sentient, living fungus goes on a rampage of vengeance using its victims' worst fears against them!
Well, well... mould... Not a thing you want to have at home. Especially not this one :) Super entertaining ride into 'Rivers of London' world, meeting and greeting old pals, some new enemies and a bit of investigation and mystery... Of course with a ton of proper policing procedures...as shopping for vinegar :D
4 happy mouldy kittens were given for the ride :)
Goodreads Challenge 2022: 34. book
August 18, 2017
Ich hatte ganz vergessen, wie sehr ich dieses Universum liebe. Es ist so schön zu den Charakteren zurückzukommen. Fand den Fall ziemlich cool und die Zeichnungen stellenweise sehr sehr genial. So viele tolle Panels und ganze Seiten. Es gab starke Frauenszenen, was mich immer wieder freut. Leider auch ein paar unnötige nackte Frauen. Ich weiß ehrlich nicht, welchen Sinn diese paar Panels hatten. Immerhin waren es nur 2-3.
February 19, 2018
Fun little jaunt into the Rivers of London-verse. Creepy black mould is creepy! Overall a nice plot which managed to involve quite a few of the key players despite only being a compact, graphic novel-length story. Great quality art too. I'll probably pick up the others at some point.
Thank you, Aldi, for one of many thoughtful Secret Santa presents!
Thank you, Aldi, for one of many thoughtful Secret Santa presents!
April 14, 2018
I liked this one a lot more than the previous trade collection. This one centers around more supernatural goings on and we also get to meet a couple of characters, new to the comic books, but familiar to readers of the novels; Peter's Dad and Dominic Croft from Leominster nick.
Well worth a look if you are a fan of the novels. Giving the appearance of Dominic, this one must fit in somewhere after Foxglove Summer in the timeline.
Well worth a look if you are a fan of the novels. Giving the appearance of Dominic, this one must fit in somewhere after Foxglove Summer in the timeline.
January 14, 2018
Its hard to imagine a much more static or silly villain for the third Rivers of London comic than Black Mold. Nonetheless, the creators manage to tell an intriguing story. I suspects that's in part due to Andrew Cartmel's scripting, which gives us a really sharp, thoughtful police procedural. That's always been one of River of London's strengths, and it comes across quite well in this comic, as our protagonists put the puzzle pieces together.
August 26, 2019
So I love the Rivers of London books.
But I continue to not be impressed with the graphic novels.
There are problems inherent to the medium and application. The graphic novels need to be interstitial stories without high stakes so as not to alienate fans of the series who won't pickup a "comic book". I've also complained before that the graphic novels further separate the reader from Peter's voice as narrator - which is my favorite part of the series.
With this volume I have another complaint as well - gratuitous nudity.
I'm not a prude. Nudity can be both art on its own and serve a narrative purpose. But the 3 pages of nudity in this volume serve no narrative purpose. The first occasion is a multi-page segue of a third-tier character reminiscing about "the old days" drinking and doing drugs in clubs with naked party girls. It has nothing to do with the plot or theme and I rather doubt that it is background that matters to the character or any future story. The last instance is even worse, with Nightingale rushing to confront the big-bad to get a splash page of of a naked nubile office assistant cowering in fear. Why was she naked? Doesn't matter - look boobies!
And that's what pisses me off here. This is using naked women as wallpaper.
Maybe this is an indie comics publisher trying to prove how "adult" and "artistic" they are. Maybe, as my wife suggested, illustrators just like drawing naked women.
Go, draw naked women! Those who want pictures of naked women can go and look at (and pay for) your pictures! This is called porn - it has a place and role in the world.
This cowering woman who had her cleavage repeatedly referenced earlier in the narrative had no reason to be there, let alone to be naked. But it was obviously important to the creative team since they gave the image a full page.
So what, you say. What harm is there in a few cheesecake shots?
It matters.
It always matters.
This is yet another example telling women that they will always be judged on their beauty and that if they are beautiful they should expect to have a male gaze want to see them naked at any time for the most contrived of reasons. That's just the way it is.
And there's my tall, blonde, 13 year-old daughter reading this book because she enjoys the rest of Ben Aaronovitch's work. And now I have to have yet another conversation with her about what that full-page spread means, why it's there, and what it says about how the world sees her.
So harmless fun. Thanks for that.
But I continue to not be impressed with the graphic novels.
There are problems inherent to the medium and application. The graphic novels need to be interstitial stories without high stakes so as not to alienate fans of the series who won't pickup a "comic book". I've also complained before that the graphic novels further separate the reader from Peter's voice as narrator - which is my favorite part of the series.
With this volume I have another complaint as well - gratuitous nudity.
I'm not a prude. Nudity can be both art on its own and serve a narrative purpose. But the 3 pages of nudity in this volume serve no narrative purpose. The first occasion is a multi-page segue of a third-tier character reminiscing about "the old days" drinking and doing drugs in clubs with naked party girls. It has nothing to do with the plot or theme and I rather doubt that it is background that matters to the character or any future story. The last instance is even worse, with Nightingale rushing to confront the big-bad to get a splash page of of a naked nubile office assistant cowering in fear. Why was she naked? Doesn't matter - look boobies!
And that's what pisses me off here. This is using naked women as wallpaper.
Maybe this is an indie comics publisher trying to prove how "adult" and "artistic" they are. Maybe, as my wife suggested, illustrators just like drawing naked women.
Go, draw naked women! Those who want pictures of naked women can go and look at (and pay for) your pictures! This is called porn - it has a place and role in the world.
This cowering woman who had her cleavage repeatedly referenced earlier in the narrative had no reason to be there, let alone to be naked. But it was obviously important to the creative team since they gave the image a full page.
So what, you say. What harm is there in a few cheesecake shots?
It matters.
It always matters.
This is yet another example telling women that they will always be judged on their beauty and that if they are beautiful they should expect to have a male gaze want to see them naked at any time for the most contrived of reasons. That's just the way it is.
And there's my tall, blonde, 13 year-old daughter reading this book because she enjoys the rest of Ben Aaronovitch's work. And now I have to have yet another conversation with her about what that full-page spread means, why it's there, and what it says about how the world sees her.
So harmless fun. Thanks for that.
August 9, 2017
I keep enjoying these comics, even if I can't say they're brilliant.
Black Mould contrinues the trend of the earlier installments of these spin-off graphic novels in presenting us with an exciting case and a couple of cool moments for the characters we've come to love from Aaronovitch's novels (this one even had a good number of lovely moments for Molly, who had been a bit sidelined in the previous two graphic novels). Loved how this one worked in references to the first two graphic novels in ways that absolutely made sense. It's like the comics are beginning to form their own little continuity.
While I preferred the character bits in Night Witch, I found the solution to the case a bit more satisfying and way less out of the blue in Black Mould, so I guess that evens out . The art, just as in the other installments of the series, is good if nothing out of the ordinary (even though the characters don't match up to the image I have of them when I read the novels).
My only gripes with this one would be a couple of moments that appeared a too much like end-of-the-cliffhangers (since I've read the trade and not the single issues I can't say whether they were actually intended as cliffhangers). The tension in those scenes was rather forced (such as the Voodoo practitioner's way of introducing herself to Peter). There are also a couple scenes featuring (exclusively) female nudity that don't exactly add anything to the story, but they aren't exactly grating either.
Black Mould contrinues the trend of the earlier installments of these spin-off graphic novels in presenting us with an exciting case and a couple of cool moments for the characters we've come to love from Aaronovitch's novels (this one even had a good number of lovely moments for Molly, who had been a bit sidelined in the previous two graphic novels). Loved how this one worked in references to the first two graphic novels in ways that absolutely made sense. It's like the comics are beginning to form their own little continuity.
While I preferred the character bits in Night Witch, I found the solution to the case a bit more satisfying and way less out of the blue in Black Mould, so I guess that evens out . The art, just as in the other installments of the series, is good if nothing out of the ordinary (even though the characters don't match up to the image I have of them when I read the novels).
My only gripes with this one would be a couple of moments that appeared a too much like end-of-the-cliffhangers (since I've read the trade and not the single issues I can't say whether they were actually intended as cliffhangers). The tension in those scenes was rather forced (such as the Voodoo practitioner's way of introducing herself to Peter). There are also a couple scenes featuring (exclusively) female nudity that don't exactly add anything to the story, but they aren't exactly grating either.
June 24, 2017
In this graphic novel set in the Rivers of London world Peter Grant and his non-magical police colleague Sahra Guleed deal with some mysterious black mould. Except this isn't the normal bad for your lungs type mould, this is a slightly sentient magical mould.
I thought this was perhaps Aaronovitch's most original work yet. I've never come across an idea even vaguely like this before. You've got fights with the mould but a mystery in where it came from and what it wants. The solution made sense and actually had some real emotion in it too.
This might well have been the funniest Rivers of London work too. The chemistry between Grant and Guleed is fabulous and there's a hilarious throwback to the 'Body Work' graphic novel with Nightingale.
The best Rivers of London graphic novel so far, a really fun read.
I thought this was perhaps Aaronovitch's most original work yet. I've never come across an idea even vaguely like this before. You've got fights with the mould but a mystery in where it came from and what it wants. The solution made sense and actually had some real emotion in it too.
This might well have been the funniest Rivers of London work too. The chemistry between Grant and Guleed is fabulous and there's a hilarious throwback to the 'Body Work' graphic novel with Nightingale.
The best Rivers of London graphic novel so far, a really fun read.
June 19, 2017
Another absolute corker Rivers of London graphic novel.
This time magical black mould is creating havoc even inside the Folly itself.
Whilst Peter and Sahra battle the mould, Nightingale and the mechanic, Tom Debden from "Body Work" are clearing up a little problem left over from that story. To whit, one possessed ice cream van.
A worthy inclusion to the Rivers of London canon.
This time magical black mould is creating havoc even inside the Folly itself.
Whilst Peter and Sahra battle the mould, Nightingale and the mechanic, Tom Debden from "Body Work" are clearing up a little problem left over from that story. To whit, one possessed ice cream van.
A worthy inclusion to the Rivers of London canon.
March 21, 2018
Entertaining entry in the series — how could it not be? — but definitely my least favorite of the RoL graphic novels so far. The plot was somewhat weak and there wasn’t enough of Peter’s signature character voice, especially since a few pages were wasted gratuitously instead of used on characters I think most readers like best.
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