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Regression #1
Regression Vol. 1
Plagued by ghastly waking nightmares, Adrian reluctantly agrees to past-life regression hypnotherapy. As his consciousness is cast back through time, Adrian witnesses a scene of horrific debauchery and diabolism. Waking, he is more unsettled than before, and with good reason—something has followed him back. Adrian descends into a world of occult conspiracy, mystery, reincarnation, and insanity from which there is no escape. CULLEN BUNN (Harrow County, The Sixth Gun, The Empty Man), DANNY LUCKERT (Haunted), and MARIE ENGER (Pistolwhip, 2 Sisters) present a tale of supernatural terror and intrigue unlike any horror comic you’ve ever experienced. Collects REGRESSION #1-5
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2017
10 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
About the author
Cullen Bunn
2,095 books1,055 followersCullen grew up in rural North Carolina, but now lives in the St. Louis area with his wife Cindy and his son Jackson. His noir/horror comic (and first collaboration with Brian Hurtt), The Damned, was published in 2007 by Oni Press. The follow-up, The Damned: Prodigal Sons, was released in 2008. In addition to The Sixth Gun, his current projects include Crooked Hills, a middle reader horror prose series from Evileye Books; The Tooth, an original graphic novel from Oni Press; and various work for Marvel and DC. Somewhere along the way, Cullen founded Undaunted Press and edited the critically acclaimed small press horror magazine, Whispers from the Shattered Forum.
All writers must pay their dues, and Cullen has worked various odd jobs, including Alien Autopsy Specialist, Rodeo Clown, Professional Wrestler Manager, and Sasquatch Wrangler.
And, yes, he has fought for his life against mountain lions and he did perform on stage as the World's Youngest Hypnotist. Buy him a drink sometime, and he'll tell you all about it.
Visit his website at www.cullenbunn.com.
All writers must pay their dues, and Cullen has worked various odd jobs, including Alien Autopsy Specialist, Rodeo Clown, Professional Wrestler Manager, and Sasquatch Wrangler.
And, yes, he has fought for his life against mountain lions and he did perform on stage as the World's Youngest Hypnotist. Buy him a drink sometime, and he'll tell you all about it.
Visit his website at www.cullenbunn.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
November 8, 2017
Haunted by waking nightmares and at his wits’ end, Asian Tom Hiddleston-lookalike Adrian goes to see a past life regression hypnotist in an effort to find peace of mind. Except the session only opens the door for something wicked to enter our world… !
Though the premise reminded me of the underrated late ‘90s Kevin Bacon movie A Stir of Echoes, Cullen Bunn and Danny Luckert’s Regression is different enough to be its own thing – and it’s not bad. Though, as far as Bunn’s horror comics go, Regression ranks somewhere in the middle (so far anyway – this is a first volume): not as good as Death Follows but better than Harrow County.
And I think it’s the fact that Regression is an ongoing, like Harrow County, that’s the biggest problem: Bunn is in no hurry to tell his tale. He’s got as much space as he needs and he’s going to use all of it! There’s a lot of intriguing elements here – the monster/s, the flashbacks to Elizabethan times, the ethereal insect realm, the creepy cult hanging in the background throughout – and Bunn holds the interest with the odd murder sprinkled here and there, but it still felt too slow with not enough development for my liking.
Regression features a lot of quite shocking and unsettling body horror that artist Danny Luckert fully realises with some impressively gory visuals – this is a very graphic and visceral comic that’s definitely not for the kiddles! I especially enjoyed the supernatural imagery which was very striking. Marie Enger’s vivid and eye-catching colours were a fine match for the dramatic visuals.
Ultimately though there were too many questions and too few answers which always makes for an unsatisfying read. I know it’s a first volume but there should still be some give and take to make it a more complete reading experience. I am interested to see what happens next though, especially with that cliffhanger, so I’ll be back for Volume 2. Hopefully with the table-setting out of the way that book will be more substantial.
As it is, Regression, Volume 1: Way Down Deep is a fine, atmospheric and creepy horror that doesn’t so much as deliver an engrossing story as strongly hint that one’s on the way.
Though the premise reminded me of the underrated late ‘90s Kevin Bacon movie A Stir of Echoes, Cullen Bunn and Danny Luckert’s Regression is different enough to be its own thing – and it’s not bad. Though, as far as Bunn’s horror comics go, Regression ranks somewhere in the middle (so far anyway – this is a first volume): not as good as Death Follows but better than Harrow County.
And I think it’s the fact that Regression is an ongoing, like Harrow County, that’s the biggest problem: Bunn is in no hurry to tell his tale. He’s got as much space as he needs and he’s going to use all of it! There’s a lot of intriguing elements here – the monster/s, the flashbacks to Elizabethan times, the ethereal insect realm, the creepy cult hanging in the background throughout – and Bunn holds the interest with the odd murder sprinkled here and there, but it still felt too slow with not enough development for my liking.
Regression features a lot of quite shocking and unsettling body horror that artist Danny Luckert fully realises with some impressively gory visuals – this is a very graphic and visceral comic that’s definitely not for the kiddles! I especially enjoyed the supernatural imagery which was very striking. Marie Enger’s vivid and eye-catching colours were a fine match for the dramatic visuals.
Ultimately though there were too many questions and too few answers which always makes for an unsatisfying read. I know it’s a first volume but there should still be some give and take to make it a more complete reading experience. I am interested to see what happens next though, especially with that cliffhanger, so I’ll be back for Volume 2. Hopefully with the table-setting out of the way that book will be more substantial.
As it is, Regression, Volume 1: Way Down Deep is a fine, atmospheric and creepy horror that doesn’t so much as deliver an engrossing story as strongly hint that one’s on the way.
February 15, 2018
Regression is a fictional story about Adrian who is having hallucinations or visions, and he seek help from his friend Molly who set him to meet a hypnotist. This hypnotist told him that what a better to way help him is through regression therapy or by using hypnosis to take a look at his past life.
This graphic novel piqued my interest because I'm quite familiar with this; I always listen to radio programs before that tackles topics about new age, past life regression and reincarnation. Some people had one and others had several past lives, and there are also those who are new souls. There are several ways to get a glimpse on what you were on your past life/lives, and the most famous technique is through hypnosis. Others would immediately know what they were on their first session, but there are others who takes several sessions before they could be able to have the clear vision.
As for the case of Adrian, he already had visions even before his hypnosis. But they were vague so through regression, it open an opportunity for him to have a vivid vision of his past life. However, because of his dark past and unfinished business then, it almost took over his present life.
I may reiterate that this graphic novel is just a work of fiction, thus Adrian's story of his past haunting him doesn't happen to anyone who had regression in real life.
Those who are interested in New Age as well as with horror, suspense and action stories, this story of Cullen Bunn and art by Danny Luckert will definitely capture your interest.
Thanks to Image Comics for the reading copy provided of this comic series
This graphic novel piqued my interest because I'm quite familiar with this; I always listen to radio programs before that tackles topics about new age, past life regression and reincarnation. Some people had one and others had several past lives, and there are also those who are new souls. There are several ways to get a glimpse on what you were on your past life/lives, and the most famous technique is through hypnosis. Others would immediately know what they were on their first session, but there are others who takes several sessions before they could be able to have the clear vision.
As for the case of Adrian, he already had visions even before his hypnosis. But they were vague so through regression, it open an opportunity for him to have a vivid vision of his past life. However, because of his dark past and unfinished business then, it almost took over his present life.
I may reiterate that this graphic novel is just a work of fiction, thus Adrian's story of his past haunting him doesn't happen to anyone who had regression in real life.
Those who are interested in New Age as well as with horror, suspense and action stories, this story of Cullen Bunn and art by Danny Luckert will definitely capture your interest.
Thanks to Image Comics for the reading copy provided of this comic series
March 10, 2020
Vol. 1: Way Down Deep ★★★★★
Vol 2: Disciples ★★★
If you like horror graphic novels that are gruesome, odd, and graphic, Cullen Bunn's work is for you, and I think Regression might be my favorite of his releases that I've read so far. It follows a man who has terrible hallucinations, so his friend convinces him to try regressive hypnotherapy to explore his past lives. The hypnotherapy uncovers an incredibly violent and dark past that quickly rises to the surface, forcing him to do and say some genuinely awful things. It's a well-crafted graphic novel with an easy to follow storyline, and I really liked the artwork, but most of all, I thought the story itself was intriguing. It left some loose ends untied at the end that definitely had me wondering what would happen next, so needless to say, I'll be picking up Volume 2 right away.
October 26, 2017
Adrian Padilla has gory, macabre, sometimes deeply erotic hallucinations. He undergoes regressive hypnosis to figure them out. While the exact cause of his hallucinations is intentionally vague, the surrounding mystery and writing are pretty fantastic and the artwork is eerie and exquisite.
My only complaint is Molly’s characterization: her blind complacency to help a friend who’s dangerously mentally ill and, in my opinion, enabling them, doing them a great disservice, and allowing them to harm to themselves and others. I know this is “just a comic,” but having seen such behavior in real life, it’s demeaning for Molly’s character (and women) and a poor moral example to set for mental health, in order to serve the narrative.
My only complaint is Molly’s characterization: her blind complacency to help a friend who’s dangerously mentally ill and, in my opinion, enabling them, doing them a great disservice, and allowing them to harm to themselves and others. I know this is “just a comic,” but having seen such behavior in real life, it’s demeaning for Molly’s character (and women) and a poor moral example to set for mental health, in order to serve the narrative.
December 31, 2017
I read this because I am reading and liking very much Harrow County, the Southern gothic horror story about a rural town's "struggle" with demon possession, by Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crock, featuring Emmy, a strong girl main character, so I decided to take a look at this. It's not something I will probably continue reading. It's an occult possession and murder story, (too) complicated (and made silly) by past lives regression therapy. Adrian seems crazy, having crazy nightmares, and Molly wants to help, bringing him to a hypnotist who helps Adrian tap into some deep past/former life stuff.
When the hypnotist is murdered, and Adrian--possessed for a time--attempts to murder Molly, she doesn't drop him, she understands, she wants to help, which feels wrong. I think maybe the occult/murder/police procedural was more than enough in this story, but with the regression therapy, things got less, not more interesting. Things began to quickly regress with the regression, shall we say?
The best part of this for me was the introduction, where Bunn talks about his father, who practiced hypnosis in a small time traveling show. I always wanted to be hypnotized, but it never works for me!
When the hypnotist is murdered, and Adrian--possessed for a time--attempts to murder Molly, she doesn't drop him, she understands, she wants to help, which feels wrong. I think maybe the occult/murder/police procedural was more than enough in this story, but with the regression therapy, things got less, not more interesting. Things began to quickly regress with the regression, shall we say?
The best part of this for me was the introduction, where Bunn talks about his father, who practiced hypnosis in a small time traveling show. I always wanted to be hypnotized, but it never works for me!
March 11, 2022
A man suffering from waking nightmares goes to a hypnotist for help. The hypnotist wakes a murderer from a past life during regression therapy and people start dying off. There's also some cult involved and a lot of body horror involving insects. I found the story uninteresting, too slowly paced, and the art subpar. I expected a lot more from the author of The Sixth Gun and Harrow County.
Received an advanced copy from Image and Edelweiss.
Received an advanced copy from Image and Edelweiss.
December 3, 2023
My husband found three volumes of this comic book at the thrift store and because he knows I love horror, thought I might be interested. Of course I was.
Adrian keeps having hallucinations about nightmarish situations featuring bugs and gross imagery. After his friend suggests he goes to a hypnotist, he gets worse and people start dying...
Well, this wasn't what I expected. 🫤
The story is dark and plagued with horrific art that sometimes seems to be there for shock value more than story. Adrian isn't a great character and I definitely didn't feel sorry for him. Actually, I didn't really care about him. His friend Molly is an interesting character, but never seems to become more than a best friend caricature. Which is a real shame.
Still, looks like we might be treading into demonic cult territory and I'm intrigued enough to keep reading. So I suppose that's something.
Adrian keeps having hallucinations about nightmarish situations featuring bugs and gross imagery. After his friend suggests he goes to a hypnotist, he gets worse and people start dying...
Well, this wasn't what I expected. 🫤
The story is dark and plagued with horrific art that sometimes seems to be there for shock value more than story. Adrian isn't a great character and I definitely didn't feel sorry for him. Actually, I didn't really care about him. His friend Molly is an interesting character, but never seems to become more than a best friend caricature. Which is a real shame.
Still, looks like we might be treading into demonic cult territory and I'm intrigued enough to keep reading. So I suppose that's something.
September 8, 2018
A little meh. A man suffers from nightmares seeks help from a hypnotist. A murderer cultist demon possession occurs, murders and mayhem develop. The plot is a little slow. I enjoyed the small cliffhanger style ending but not enough to continue on to the next volume. The art was ok, Ive seen alot better.
December 22, 2022
Super average.
October 26, 2020
An interesting read with a unique premise. Disturbing but compelling art and story. Would recommend for those who like Ice Cream Man and Clean Room .
December 10, 2017
Great art, colours less so, not much plot, strange insect murdery cult thing and similarly flavoured hallucinations.
Was excited to read this, but it sadly failed to meet expectations.
My biggest beef is Molly’s characterisation. Awesome that she kicked Adrian’s butt when he went all murderer on her, but then two seconds later she’s all “oh it’s fine, you poor boy, let me help you.” Like, apparently the fact he just killed her friend/colleague and attacked her doesn’t matter. Sorry, calling bullshit on that reaction. Then, of course, she continues to act like an idiot for no good reason. It just screamed “man wrote this.”
Points for a poc protagonist, but not going to continue to read this.
Was excited to read this, but it sadly failed to meet expectations.
My biggest beef is Molly’s characterisation. Awesome that she kicked Adrian’s butt when he went all murderer on her, but then two seconds later she’s all “oh it’s fine, you poor boy, let me help you.” Like, apparently the fact he just killed her friend/colleague and attacked her doesn’t matter. Sorry, calling bullshit on that reaction. Then, of course, she continues to act like an idiot for no good reason. It just screamed “man wrote this.”
Points for a poc protagonist, but not going to continue to read this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2017
Bunn really jumps right into the story, not providing a lot of background or preamble. It's not quite clear at the end of this volume exactly what is going on with our protagonist, Adrian, but I am definitely interested enough to keep reading the series. The epilogue for this collection is what really got me, though - I didn't realize that Bunn's dad was a hypnotist, or that Bunn was once featured as the 'world's youngest hypnotist'.
For me, that explains quite a bit about how Bunn is so good at creating strange worlds like the one here and the one in Harrow County . . . which reminds me, I'm about two volumes behind on that series and now I am going to go catch up!
For me, that explains quite a bit about how Bunn is so good at creating strange worlds like the one here and the one in Harrow County . . . which reminds me, I'm about two volumes behind on that series and now I am going to go catch up!
Read
November 6, 2017A man struggling with waking nightmares undergoes past life regression which, to put it mildly, doesn't help. Bunn's dad was a hypnotist, he explains in an afterword, but I'm not sure how much that adds; the wider details of the story weren't what grabbed me here so much as the sheer horridness of the visions, which mix invertebrates and body horror in all manner of inventively nasty ways, and are all the more effective for the understated realism of the art.
(Edelweiss ARC)
(Edelweiss ARC)
September 17, 2018
I don’t know what about this is so good that it immediately gripped me and I couldn’t put it down for hours. (So bad that there was only 5 issues in this paperback.)
The story is basically about possession. It’s about ax ex-con, Adrain, who is being haunted by a sinister, archaic for ghoul. And, one night the creature starts hijacking Adrain’s body and start making him do horrible things, murderous things... But when Adrian wakes up he doesn’t remember any of it.
As Adrian and his friends desperately try to solve this mystery before their time is up, more and more locals drop dead due a mysterious disease. Soon Adrain and co . Find themselves on the run from the Police and a shadowy organization that wants nothing more to do unleash death and destruction to the world as we know it..
Besides the story, the art-work was fantastic. Lots of details, lots of appealing lush colors, face expressions... I also personally love the color scheme of the book!
There is also plenty of murder, gore, and some sex, so I def recommend it to an older group.
Can’t wait for the second installment!
Halim
The story is basically about possession. It’s about ax ex-con, Adrain, who is being haunted by a sinister, archaic for ghoul. And, one night the creature starts hijacking Adrain’s body and start making him do horrible things, murderous things... But when Adrian wakes up he doesn’t remember any of it.
As Adrian and his friends desperately try to solve this mystery before their time is up, more and more locals drop dead due a mysterious disease. Soon Adrain and co . Find themselves on the run from the Police and a shadowy organization that wants nothing more to do unleash death and destruction to the world as we know it..
Besides the story, the art-work was fantastic. Lots of details, lots of appealing lush colors, face expressions... I also personally love the color scheme of the book!
There is also plenty of murder, gore, and some sex, so I def recommend it to an older group.
Can’t wait for the second installment!
Halim
May 15, 2018
The artwork on this is great -- SO gross when it's called for, and the character design is really nice. I'm not all-in on this series, although I'll check out the next installment. The first collection feels like a television pilot: all the elements are there, but it's not quite settled in place yet.
December 29, 2017
***1/2
Interesting read, promising start, hopefully heading the right way.
Interesting read, promising start, hopefully heading the right way.
May 16, 2019
Not my favorite art.
March 10, 2020
Unlike other reviewers, I thought the artwork had an interesting and enjoyable style. I liked the panel layout in particular. I typically like horror and supernatural comics, but this first volume, especially the last two issues, didn’t interest me enough to read future volumes. Maybe. The characters seemed stiff and gore and mystery uninteresting. But, it might just be a me thing. I usually love Bunn stories. So, I may still check out the next volume. It was a quick read.
January 11, 2019
It was a pretty creepy story overall, but the art left some to be desired. The story telling itself was good however. If you are looking for an adult horror comic, try it out.
November 15, 2017
Goodreads Synopsis:
Plagued by ghastly waking nightmares, Adrian reluctantly agrees to past life regression hypnotherapy. As his consciousness is cast back through time, Adrian witnesses a scene of horrific debauchery and diabolism. Waking, he is more unsettled than before, and with good reason--something has followed him back. Adrian descends into a world of occult conspiracy, mystery, reincarnation, and insanity from which there is no escape.
CULLEN BUNN (Harrow County, The Sixth Gun, The Empty Man), DANNY LUCKERT (Haunted), and MARIE ENGER (Pistolwhip, 2 Sisters), present a tale of supernatural terror and intrigue unlike any horror comic you've ever experienced.
Collects issues 1 through 5.
My Review:
I received a copy of this from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I just want to say before we start, that I love the cover for this. The art just looks so nice and intriguing that I couldn't possible skip over this. The book, although only one hundred and thirty pages long, is jam packed full of grotesque scenes and hallucinations. The classic art is tainted with depictions of murder and bugs. So many bugs. I was sucked in from the moment I started it, and loved it.
The main character is Adrian, who has been fighting horrible nightmares for longer than he's like to admit, and they've morphed into hallucinations. Another character Molly, convinces him that the only way he's going to fix his mental health without checking into a mental hospital is by talking to someone who does hypnosis, although it's not what he expects when he gets there.
Honestly I wasn't sure what to expect from this, but I'm glad I read it. It was a quick read, although most books like this are, and I really enjoyed it. The characters are interesting and act like anyone would, given their situations. I definitely want to check out volume two if I get the chance. It has everything. A depressing main character, an exciting story, reincarnation, crazy monsters, blood, and a disturbing amount of bugs and people licking nasty blood covered knives. What else could you ask for? It's completely unique to anything I've read lately. Check it out for yourself!
Here's a link to the book on Amazon, and another link to the authors twitter.
https://www.amazon.ca/Regression-1-Wa...
https://twitter.com/cullenbunn?ref_sr...
Thanks for reading! Check out this review and more at my blog.
(Radioactivebookreviews.wordpress.com)
Plagued by ghastly waking nightmares, Adrian reluctantly agrees to past life regression hypnotherapy. As his consciousness is cast back through time, Adrian witnesses a scene of horrific debauchery and diabolism. Waking, he is more unsettled than before, and with good reason--something has followed him back. Adrian descends into a world of occult conspiracy, mystery, reincarnation, and insanity from which there is no escape.
CULLEN BUNN (Harrow County, The Sixth Gun, The Empty Man), DANNY LUCKERT (Haunted), and MARIE ENGER (Pistolwhip, 2 Sisters), present a tale of supernatural terror and intrigue unlike any horror comic you've ever experienced.
Collects issues 1 through 5.
My Review:
I received a copy of this from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I just want to say before we start, that I love the cover for this. The art just looks so nice and intriguing that I couldn't possible skip over this. The book, although only one hundred and thirty pages long, is jam packed full of grotesque scenes and hallucinations. The classic art is tainted with depictions of murder and bugs. So many bugs. I was sucked in from the moment I started it, and loved it.
The main character is Adrian, who has been fighting horrible nightmares for longer than he's like to admit, and they've morphed into hallucinations. Another character Molly, convinces him that the only way he's going to fix his mental health without checking into a mental hospital is by talking to someone who does hypnosis, although it's not what he expects when he gets there.
Honestly I wasn't sure what to expect from this, but I'm glad I read it. It was a quick read, although most books like this are, and I really enjoyed it. The characters are interesting and act like anyone would, given their situations. I definitely want to check out volume two if I get the chance. It has everything. A depressing main character, an exciting story, reincarnation, crazy monsters, blood, and a disturbing amount of bugs and people licking nasty blood covered knives. What else could you ask for? It's completely unique to anything I've read lately. Check it out for yourself!
Here's a link to the book on Amazon, and another link to the authors twitter.
https://www.amazon.ca/Regression-1-Wa...
https://twitter.com/cullenbunn?ref_sr...
Thanks for reading! Check out this review and more at my blog.
(Radioactivebookreviews.wordpress.com)
November 28, 2017
This is an original review from Booked & Loaded
Horror books are always subjective. So many times horror works - or don't work - based on your own fears. Sometimes, horror books touch on topics that make us uncomfortable and snag on our secret insecurities. Often, I feel how one reacts to horror often reveals more about a person then how they react to a love story. That being said, Regression is not a shock-and-awe type of horror comic. This character driven story pulled me in and left me creeped out, in the best way possible. Adrian is self aware and conflicted, making him a unique type of protagonist.
My biggest beef is really that his best friend would just kind of tag alone with the murder-ride, but I am going to cut slack in this area and I will explain why. Molly is Adrian's only friend and an artist, who is channeling or has some kind of connection overall. What, exactly? Well, hell...I don't know and I really hope we find out. The second reason is that she seems to be able to take care of herself and I like that writers did a good job with making her non-stereotypical.
The art seemed to grow a bit between the first issue and last within this volume. I am not sure if it was the escalation of dark imagery in the story or just growth within the artist, but by the middle of this volume I really started to become aware of the unique detailing in certain aspects. This really focused the art and story at key moments. The stone feel with soft colors really is a unique and beautiful combination and complimented the story.
All in all this first volume of Regression is entertaining and left me hungering for more. If you are a fan of horror comics, Regression is certainly one you need to check out!
Horror books are always subjective. So many times horror works - or don't work - based on your own fears. Sometimes, horror books touch on topics that make us uncomfortable and snag on our secret insecurities. Often, I feel how one reacts to horror often reveals more about a person then how they react to a love story. That being said, Regression is not a shock-and-awe type of horror comic. This character driven story pulled me in and left me creeped out, in the best way possible. Adrian is self aware and conflicted, making him a unique type of protagonist.
My biggest beef is really that his best friend would just kind of tag alone with the murder-ride, but I am going to cut slack in this area and I will explain why. Molly is Adrian's only friend and an artist, who is channeling or has some kind of connection overall. What, exactly? Well, hell...I don't know and I really hope we find out. The second reason is that she seems to be able to take care of herself and I like that writers did a good job with making her non-stereotypical.
The art seemed to grow a bit between the first issue and last within this volume. I am not sure if it was the escalation of dark imagery in the story or just growth within the artist, but by the middle of this volume I really started to become aware of the unique detailing in certain aspects. This really focused the art and story at key moments. The stone feel with soft colors really is a unique and beautiful combination and complimented the story.
All in all this first volume of Regression is entertaining and left me hungering for more. If you are a fan of horror comics, Regression is certainly one you need to check out!
September 17, 2021
So, I had picked up this volume at various comic book stores many times over the years, looked at the first few pages and set it back down. I am one of those people who put a lot of stock in the artwork when it comes to comics. I will read a comic that has art that isn't super catchy to me if its recommended highly enough to me but I hadn't heard anyone really talk about or recommend Regression. I love horror, specifically horror comics so the synopsis did catch my eye but, yea, the art just wasn't captivating enough to make me make the plunge. I had the opportunity to get the first two volumes for next to nothing a piece so I did it AND I had read Harrow County by Bunn last year and loved that so what was there to lose?
Now that I finally took the time to read this I can say that I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It got A LOT more gory and violent and just creepy than I was expecting. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart. Luckert didn't cut any corners when it came to the artwork. Actually, though I thought the art was kind of meh before when I was deciding if I was going to read them, I felt like the art told more than the words (which is how it should be when it comes to comics).
The first volume ends on a pretty good cliff hanger and I will for sure be picking up volume two right away to see what happens next.
Now that I finally took the time to read this I can say that I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It got A LOT more gory and violent and just creepy than I was expecting. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart. Luckert didn't cut any corners when it came to the artwork. Actually, though I thought the art was kind of meh before when I was deciding if I was going to read them, I felt like the art told more than the words (which is how it should be when it comes to comics).
The first volume ends on a pretty good cliff hanger and I will for sure be picking up volume two right away to see what happens next.
November 7, 2017
*First off, thanks to Image Comics for the ARC of Regression, Vol.1: Way Down Deep. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Adrian Padilla has some pretty terrifying, oft times erotic, hallucinations and nightmares on a daily basis and is pushed to get help by his friend, Molly. After undergoing some life regression hypnotherapy, things become much worse and something from a lifetime before has come back with him. Though Adrian looks normal to the naked eye, this creature manifests itself in the blink of an eye and works its own agenda through Adrian’s body.
I have read a decent bit of Bunn’s works (Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe, The Living Deadpool, Deadpool Killogy, and Harrow County, to name a few) and you can say that I am a pretty big fan of his work. The writing is pretty easy to follow and the story leaves just enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages. The artwork is well done as far as characters/environments go, but the horror that is Adrian’s hallucinations (all sorts of disgusting, insect covered/filled body images) is what really stood out.
All in all, I am interested to see where the story goes from here and look forward to the next issues. Bunn always brings it with original material and I never know what he will do next.
Adrian Padilla has some pretty terrifying, oft times erotic, hallucinations and nightmares on a daily basis and is pushed to get help by his friend, Molly. After undergoing some life regression hypnotherapy, things become much worse and something from a lifetime before has come back with him. Though Adrian looks normal to the naked eye, this creature manifests itself in the blink of an eye and works its own agenda through Adrian’s body.
I have read a decent bit of Bunn’s works (Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe, The Living Deadpool, Deadpool Killogy, and Harrow County, to name a few) and you can say that I am a pretty big fan of his work. The writing is pretty easy to follow and the story leaves just enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages. The artwork is well done as far as characters/environments go, but the horror that is Adrian’s hallucinations (all sorts of disgusting, insect covered/filled body images) is what really stood out.
All in all, I am interested to see where the story goes from here and look forward to the next issues. Bunn always brings it with original material and I never know what he will do next.
November 13, 2020
This is not a standalone arc, but the first part of a horror story that looks promising. It's plenty mysterious and fast-paced. I'm curious what's underneath it all.
Adrian Padilla has been experiencing some gruesome hallucinations. His friend Molly suggest he visit a hypnotist friend of hers. Adrian reluctantly agrees. The hypnosis reveals something traumatic in his past, but Adrian is still dismissive. That is until he is visited by Gregory Sutter in what appears to be his worst nightmare yet. There is something dark in his past that threatens not only to overwhelm, but control him.
Adrian Padilla has been experiencing some gruesome hallucinations. His friend Molly suggest he visit a hypnotist friend of hers. Adrian reluctantly agrees. The hypnosis reveals something traumatic in his past, but Adrian is still dismissive. That is until he is visited by Gregory Sutter in what appears to be his worst nightmare yet. There is something dark in his past that threatens not only to overwhelm, but control him.
November 15, 2021
I meant to just take a dip into this but ended up reading the whole volume in one sitting, so that should say how interesting and compelling the narrative is!
This is incredibly gruesome and horrific in a way that is not typically part of my personal taste, but I know will be up the alley of other readers. Since it’s a short series, I’m planning to stick through to the end to see how terrifying it grows to be. The use of bugs is always a perfect way to create that gross mixed with creepy atmosphere.
I would probably have placed this at four stars if not for my issues with the pacing - I feel like this was too much all at once. Granted, I think that’s reasonable for the situation, but there’s a focus on getting from one thing to the next without major pauses to follow the typical up and downswing of a story. Adrian is dealing with a lot though so what else is to be expected beyond chaos?
I just wish we’d gotten more backstory and more time with Adrian being “normal” before everything hit the fan. I still feel like we don’t know much about him, so that’s one thing I’ll keep an eye out for as I keep reading!
This is incredibly gruesome and horrific in a way that is not typically part of my personal taste, but I know will be up the alley of other readers. Since it’s a short series, I’m planning to stick through to the end to see how terrifying it grows to be. The use of bugs is always a perfect way to create that gross mixed with creepy atmosphere.
I would probably have placed this at four stars if not for my issues with the pacing - I feel like this was too much all at once. Granted, I think that’s reasonable for the situation, but there’s a focus on getting from one thing to the next without major pauses to follow the typical up and downswing of a story. Adrian is dealing with a lot though so what else is to be expected beyond chaos?
I just wish we’d gotten more backstory and more time with Adrian being “normal” before everything hit the fan. I still feel like we don’t know much about him, so that’s one thing I’ll keep an eye out for as I keep reading!
April 10, 2021
I want to give this 3 and a half stars but unfortunately GoodReads don't work like that!
I enjoyed this and read it quickly. The story moves quickly and entertainingly, but no real surprises. The art is at times has me lingering over the images, other times functional in the mundane settings, but never bad.
Credit to Cullen Bunn for creating an interesting story from hypnosis and past life regression, two subjects I've otherwise not thought much about. It's just that I've loved other of his writing (Harrow County) more
It almost earned it's extra star thanks to it's merging of horror an eroticism, but as I was pondering after reading, it would've worked better with me if some of the protagonist's roles were flipped. That is, it was Molly's character that was the subject of the "possession" and the possibilities that would have brought.
But then hey, I wasn't the writer, so I can deal with it.
I enjoyed this and read it quickly. The story moves quickly and entertainingly, but no real surprises. The art is at times has me lingering over the images, other times functional in the mundane settings, but never bad.
Credit to Cullen Bunn for creating an interesting story from hypnosis and past life regression, two subjects I've otherwise not thought much about. It's just that I've loved other of his writing (Harrow County) more
It almost earned it's extra star thanks to it's merging of horror an eroticism, but as I was pondering after reading, it would've worked better with me if some of the protagonist's roles were flipped. That is, it was Molly's character that was the subject of the "possession" and the possibilities that would have brought.
But then hey, I wasn't the writer, so I can deal with it.
October 24, 2022
I received a copy of this book as a birthday gift, and now I sort of worry about what the gift-giver wanted to say?
Jokes aside, this is a particularly striking horror comic that doesn't take what I feel to be more typical cosmic horror/Lovecraft-style tropes but it clearly plays in the same neighborhood. As the title implies, the key to all this is tied to hypnosis and past life regression and in this case, our protagonist Adrian has something very dark in him.
The art for this book works and does well to bring Bunn's story to life. I'm so used to Cullen Bunn as "that guy who wrote a bunch of Deadpool and Venom books" and wasn't quite ready for what I can only describe to be a story with some major body horror among other things. This first volume barely sets up the stage for the dangers to come, but it's more than enough to get you intrigued enough to want to know more.
Jokes aside, this is a particularly striking horror comic that doesn't take what I feel to be more typical cosmic horror/Lovecraft-style tropes but it clearly plays in the same neighborhood. As the title implies, the key to all this is tied to hypnosis and past life regression and in this case, our protagonist Adrian has something very dark in him.
The art for this book works and does well to bring Bunn's story to life. I'm so used to Cullen Bunn as "that guy who wrote a bunch of Deadpool and Venom books" and wasn't quite ready for what I can only describe to be a story with some major body horror among other things. This first volume barely sets up the stage for the dangers to come, but it's more than enough to get you intrigued enough to want to know more.
November 16, 2017
It’s a cool story. It’s only getting off the ground and was still building when the book ended on a cliffhanger. As a reader I didn’t get answers to any questions. Like,” what the hell is going on?” For example. Had I known I probably would have read volume 1 and 2 at the same time, but that doesn’t take any credit away from the story, which is very good. They are hinting at a world from a past life, maybe 16th or 17th century, and some benevolent evil that has lingered on inside the body of a man haunted by vivid hallucinations. Regression therapy is used to cure these visions but so far only succeeds in allowing the evil entity to take over the mans body. So anyway. 4 stars for now and we will see what happens in volume 2
January 30, 2024
Oh. My. Gosh.
I love the premise of this comic, so interesting.
The main character's name is Adrian. Adrian is having hallucinations (terrible and gross hallucinations) so Adrian's friend Molly suggests that he undergos hypnosis to figure out why he's experiencing these ... like I said ... terrible and gross hallucinations. Adrian being the skeptic that he is, questions but eventually agrees, and things... get worse.
Being as revoluting as this comic is and me being as curious as I am, found this is be a very interesting start to a series and I can't wait to read more.
...
If my stomach and my imaginative mind hold out.
I love the premise of this comic, so interesting.
The main character's name is Adrian. Adrian is having hallucinations (terrible and gross hallucinations) so Adrian's friend Molly suggests that he undergos hypnosis to figure out why he's experiencing these ... like I said ... terrible and gross hallucinations. Adrian being the skeptic that he is, questions but eventually agrees, and things... get worse.
Being as revoluting as this comic is and me being as curious as I am, found this is be a very interesting start to a series and I can't wait to read more.
...
If my stomach and my imaginative mind hold out.
June 2, 2018
Horror comic collection about possession and hypnosis
Adrian has nightmares of a horrific nature and his friend, Molly, suggests hypnosis. Regression therapy leads to some explanation but then we start to get murders as Adrian looks for solutions.
With bloodshed, a body count and sexual imagery, Volume 1 moves along at a good steady pace and the artwork is reasonably clear and nicely-executed. Characters are developed and there is evidently more to come as we finish on a cliffhanger. I quite enjoyed this and look forward to Volume 2.
Adrian has nightmares of a horrific nature and his friend, Molly, suggests hypnosis. Regression therapy leads to some explanation but then we start to get murders as Adrian looks for solutions.
With bloodshed, a body count and sexual imagery, Volume 1 moves along at a good steady pace and the artwork is reasonably clear and nicely-executed. Characters are developed and there is evidently more to come as we finish on a cliffhanger. I quite enjoyed this and look forward to Volume 2.
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