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Life is Strange Comics #3
Life Is Strange Vol. 3: Strings
The adventures of Max, Chloe and Rachel from the critically acclaimed, award-winning game Life is Strange continue!
After the mysterious Tristan and his own time-travelling powers turn Max Caulfield's world upside down, she's left with no choice but to tell Chloe and Rachel the truth--about who she is, and how she came back into their lives. But through the transect, another Chloe--Max's Chloe--remains. How much is Max willing to sacrifice to get back what she's lost? How far will she go to find her partner in time?
After the mysterious Tristan and his own time-travelling powers turn Max Caulfield's world upside down, she's left with no choice but to tell Chloe and Rachel the truth--about who she is, and how she came back into their lives. But through the transect, another Chloe--Max's Chloe--remains. How much is Max willing to sacrifice to get back what she's lost? How far will she go to find her partner in time?
110 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2020
37 people are currently reading
1115 people want to read
About the author
Emma Vieceli
171 books317 followersEmma Vieceli (born June 13, 1979, in Essex) is a professional British comics artist of Italian-English heritage. She is currently a resident of a small village in Cambridgeshire, England.
From self-publishing to some of the biggest book publishers in the world, Emma loves telling stories with pictures and believes that comics should be 'For everyone, About anything, By anyone' (<--FAB!).
The writer for Life is Strange (Titan comics), she is happy to cross the streams and works as both writer and artist depending on the project. Her recent work as an artist includes: The Modern Frankenstein (Magma Comix), Olivia Twist (Dark Horse), Alex Rider (Walker books), The Adventures of Supergirl (DC comics), Doctor Who (Titan comics), Jem & the holograms (IDW) the New York Times-bestselling Vampire Academy graphic novel series (PenguinRandomHouse), Back to the Future (IDW) and Avalon Chronicles (Oni Press)
She co-creates the critically acclaimed independent web series, BREAKS with Malin Ryden (collected editions published through SoaringPenguin), with Vieceli co-writing and 'comicking' (art/tone/letters).
Alongside comics, she worked on the A&E television series, Bates Motel, providing the sketchbook found by Norman Bates, as an artist with tinyrebel on their Doctor Who Infinity games, and recently joined the writing team for Vile Monarch's life sim video game, Growing Up.
From self-publishing to some of the biggest book publishers in the world, Emma loves telling stories with pictures and believes that comics should be 'For everyone, About anything, By anyone' (<--FAB!).
The writer for Life is Strange (Titan comics), she is happy to cross the streams and works as both writer and artist depending on the project. Her recent work as an artist includes: The Modern Frankenstein (Magma Comix), Olivia Twist (Dark Horse), Alex Rider (Walker books), The Adventures of Supergirl (DC comics), Doctor Who (Titan comics), Jem & the holograms (IDW) the New York Times-bestselling Vampire Academy graphic novel series (PenguinRandomHouse), Back to the Future (IDW) and Avalon Chronicles (Oni Press)
She co-creates the critically acclaimed independent web series, BREAKS with Malin Ryden (collected editions published through SoaringPenguin), with Vieceli co-writing and 'comicking' (art/tone/letters).
Alongside comics, she worked on the A&E television series, Bates Motel, providing the sketchbook found by Norman Bates, as an artist with tinyrebel on their Doctor Who Infinity games, and recently joined the writing team for Vile Monarch's life sim video game, Growing Up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
April 7, 2025
It's hard to think of things to say about this book that aren't just me repeating what I said about the first two. It remains a really charming and likable followup to the game. Plot-wise this one is mostly setup for the next arc, but it has a lot of quiet character moments that make up for that.
My favourite moment was a quiet conversation between Chloe and Max that soon turned into a surprisingly touching defense of the selfie; a pure piece of self expression, filtered through no one but the subject themselves, frozen in time.
My favourite moment was a quiet conversation between Chloe and Max that soon turned into a surprisingly touching defense of the selfie; a pure piece of self expression, filtered through no one but the subject themselves, frozen in time.
June 2, 2020
Alright, I'm invested now. Reasonably well written and beautifully illustrated. It really feels like a continuation of the video game but also a story with significance in it's own right. I hope this series continues until completion, because I really do love these characters!
March 2, 2021
*3,5 ⭐️ Wie immer wunderschön illustriert und die Atmosphäre ist ebenfalls genau wie in den Spielen. Allerdings driftet die Story in eine Richtung ab, die mir einfach nicht so viel Spaß macht, wie ich es gedacht hätte. Es wurde zum Ende hin zunehmend wirr und ich konnte das Geschehen nicht immer ganz nachvollziehen.
February 4, 2021
This is the spoiler free review of Volumes 1-3 of Life is Strange. If you would like to read the spoiler full review complete with more choices and cliffhangers please visit https://amanjareads.com/2021/01/27/li...
Life is Strange the graphic novel is a true sequel to Life is Strange the video game. I strongly recommend that you play the video game and the prequel Life is Strange: Before the Storm before you read this graphic novel.
I strongly recommend that you play these video games just in general. They're fantastic. You'll follow the stories of Max, Chloe, and Rachel as they navigate small town Arcadia Bay in their final years of high school. The twist is that there are time manipulation powers involved and the consequences of the butterfly effect are in full force.
Without the background knowledge gained through the games I doubt this book will have the same emotional impact. You have to know these young women, who they are, how they relate to each other, and what their place within this society is. The book, unfortunately, does not offer that.
It is strongly assumed that you know what Life is Strange is about before you start reading. This graphic novel is not a companion piece or side story, it picks up exactly where the game leaves off.
For fans of the game, this will be great. You'll enjoy following Max and Chloe and yes even Rachel as they face new challenges and strengthen the bonds of their relationships. The art style stays true to the source material and the heart of it all remains intact.
So far, three full volumes have been published. But the third one ends on a major cliffhanger so I'm going to have to read the rest as they come out. Thankfully, they're still being produced for the time being. Hopefully this doesn't turn into yet another unfinished series.
If you're already a fan of the Life is Strange franchise then I strongly recommend this book. If you're not, this is not the place to start. Do yourself a favor and enjoy the games first. Play the prequel first even though it didn't come out first, trust me on this one.
Life is Strange the graphic novel is a true sequel to Life is Strange the video game. I strongly recommend that you play the video game and the prequel Life is Strange: Before the Storm before you read this graphic novel.
I strongly recommend that you play these video games just in general. They're fantastic. You'll follow the stories of Max, Chloe, and Rachel as they navigate small town Arcadia Bay in their final years of high school. The twist is that there are time manipulation powers involved and the consequences of the butterfly effect are in full force.
Without the background knowledge gained through the games I doubt this book will have the same emotional impact. You have to know these young women, who they are, how they relate to each other, and what their place within this society is. The book, unfortunately, does not offer that.
It is strongly assumed that you know what Life is Strange is about before you start reading. This graphic novel is not a companion piece or side story, it picks up exactly where the game leaves off.
For fans of the game, this will be great. You'll enjoy following Max and Chloe and yes even Rachel as they face new challenges and strengthen the bonds of their relationships. The art style stays true to the source material and the heart of it all remains intact.
So far, three full volumes have been published. But the third one ends on a major cliffhanger so I'm going to have to read the rest as they come out. Thankfully, they're still being produced for the time being. Hopefully this doesn't turn into yet another unfinished series.
If you're already a fan of the Life is Strange franchise then I strongly recommend this book. If you're not, this is not the place to start. Do yourself a favor and enjoy the games first. Play the prequel first even though it didn't come out first, trust me on this one.
February 15, 2020
Pretty solid volume once again! This time around Max is trying to get back to her own universe, to her Cloe and the gang is trying to help her do that. The writing and art are just as good as it's always been!
The only real gripe I have is that the story has no real resolution here as this run is ending and they're reverting back to #1 with the new partners in time series. What annoys me is that it's the same creative team and the same story continuing, so why go back #1 when you can just continue with #13? It's not really a gripe I have with this series particularly but the industry as a whole who just revert back to #1's because they think it will magically sell more copies. I will collect the new series but just know that the arc doesn't really end with this volume and you're pretty much going to have to collect the new run if you want to see how it all ends.
The only real gripe I have is that the story has no real resolution here as this run is ending and they're reverting back to #1 with the new partners in time series. What annoys me is that it's the same creative team and the same story continuing, so why go back #1 when you can just continue with #13? It's not really a gripe I have with this series particularly but the industry as a whole who just revert back to #1's because they think it will magically sell more copies. I will collect the new series but just know that the arc doesn't really end with this volume and you're pretty much going to have to collect the new run if you want to see how it all ends.
January 28, 2020
"Strings" was great, a good follow-up to "Waves".
For some reason, I was expecting "Strings" to finish the overall arch of the comics so far. Maybe because of that, "Strings" felt a bit anti-climatic, or more like a setup for the next story. Either way, this has still been a great mini-arch (like all "Life is Strange" comics so far!) and I can't wait to read the next story.
(This refers to the single issues #9-12 since the collected edition hasn't come out yet).
For some reason, I was expecting "Strings" to finish the overall arch of the comics so far. Maybe because of that, "Strings" felt a bit anti-climatic, or more like a setup for the next story. Either way, this has still been a great mini-arch (like all "Life is Strange" comics so far!) and I can't wait to read the next story.
(This refers to the single issues #9-12 since the collected edition hasn't come out yet).
July 4, 2020
That is not OK! My heart! How long do I have to wait for vol 4?!?!
Everything I missed in book 2 was in this one, and that only made it so much stronger!
Everything I missed in book 2 was in this one, and that only made it so much stronger!
June 22, 2022
KOCHAM TRISTANA AA
April 16, 2024
Getting crazier and crazier!
February 20, 2020
This series has really grown on me. I really didn't enjoy the first volume, but I kept reading, and next thing I knew I was obsessively flipping through this to finish it because I was so invested. Can't wait for chapter 13 in April!
June 4, 2023
I'm starting to notice the annoying retcons to the original narrative, but this is still a really fun time.
December 6, 2025
Another enjoyable volume. I think it harkens back to the quality of the first one again. We have a lot of sit down with Max, as she finally confesses her truth about her timeline and powers to this reality's Chloe and Rachel.
This confession leads to an excellent focus on dealing with Chloe and Rachel, as they both process the existence of alternative realities. I really like the angle they're going with Rachel, as she has to grapple with the knowledge of her alternate-timeline death; I think it makes a lot of sense for her character.
Max and Tristan begin working together to try and find a way back home for Max, using Tristan's ability to phase into the transect. He also gets some solid development and he's less weird this time around.
Overall good plotting in this one, as Max's resolve to find her original Chloe leads to the setup of a road trip to follow her original Chloe's band, The High Seas. Though the ending feels more cliffhanger than ending, it sets up an exciting plotlines going forward.
This confession leads to an excellent focus on dealing with Chloe and Rachel, as they both process the existence of alternative realities. I really like the angle they're going with Rachel, as she has to grapple with the knowledge of her alternate-timeline death; I think it makes a lot of sense for her character.
Max and Tristan begin working together to try and find a way back home for Max, using Tristan's ability to phase into the transect. He also gets some solid development and he's less weird this time around.
Overall good plotting in this one, as Max's resolve to find her original Chloe leads to the setup of a road trip to follow her original Chloe's band, The High Seas. Though the ending feels more cliffhanger than ending, it sets up an exciting plotlines going forward.
October 6, 2020
Der Band ist ziemlich perfekt und führt so einige Fäden zusammen, wie der Titel schon andeutet, auch wenn er sich eigentlich auf etwas anderes bezieht. Es werden einige Dinge erklärt, und gleichzeitig hat der Band auch eine leicht melancholische Stimmung und erinnert an die Original Story des LiS Spiels.
Der Zeichenstil ist gewohnt wunderschön und die Texte lassen sich in der deutschen Übersetzung sehr angenehm lesen.
Bin gerade sehr gespannt, wie es danach noch weitergeht.
Der Zeichenstil ist gewohnt wunderschön und die Texte lassen sich in der deutschen Übersetzung sehr angenehm lesen.
Bin gerade sehr gespannt, wie es danach noch weitergeht.
May 18, 2024
Me ha gustado pero no era lo que esperaba. Pensé que todo iba a sucederse más rápido ahora, una vez que Chloe y Rachel descubren la verdad, pero sentía que necesitaba que la trama se desarrollara más rápido. Me ha dolido ver a Rachel y darse cuenta de que esta muerta en otra realidad y como lidia con ello, y a Chloe al final escribiendo cartas a Max :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2020
Well, I did say this volume would define the direction for the overall story and it looks it's back to square one. I will admit the opening panels of Volume 3 were slightly disappointing. Think about that scene from your favourite TV show when the protagonist is about to make some drastic revelation saying something like, "Guys, there's something I need to tell you," and you know exactly what he or she's about to say 'cause you've been anticipating it for several episodes now, the episode fades to black and-! Next thing we know all the characters have been filled in on the drastic reveal. Yeah, I know, it would probably be difficult to explain it, not to mention it'd take way too many panels in a comic, but I'd have liked to see them try. It's all about the reaction!
No spoilers here seeing as it's the comic preview.
With Max finally fessing up, you would've thought that'd be the end of it but Tristan decides his "disengage" ability now extends to slipping between alternate realities, what does not line up with what we were told in the previous volume. Furthermore, there's another event in the graphic novel where something happens to Chloe that also doesn't make sense given what we know about Max's powers, and I'm not a fan of rewriting the rules of the game while you're playing it. Anyway, now we know why Tristan was introduced: to help Max return to her Chloe. You see, Max now has this idea that the reason why she left her reality at the end of Volume 1 was because she was trying to escape the consequences of her actions.
On a superficial level that's incorrect, as we were told she was being pushed-pulled out of her reality by a metaphorical storm of flickers, suggesting she didn't belong there (what I didn't much buy but whatever). On a deeper level, it's utterly wrong, as the event that precipitated this entire series is precisely Max's choice to stop ab/using her powers and facing the consequences of her actions. If anything, it's the other ending the one that nullifies all of Max's choices throughout the game, further reinforcing the notion that Max can make things right if only she would use her powers one last time. I drew a similar comparison to the Flash's ability to travel in time in another post, and how he initially thinks he can just go back in time to right his wrongs until another speedster tells him to live with it.
The entirety of Volume 3 focuses on these two revelations and whether Max will act on Tristan's upgraded ability to try and get back to her Chloe. While Rachel admits she was uncomfortable, maybe slightly jealous, about Max's return to Chloe's life, that was before she knew this Max was in a relationship with Chloe in the other reality. That would probably make me pause and give some thought to current living arrangements, no? But Rachel takes it all in stride, reacting far better than I would've expected her to given the circumstances. Come to think of it, what happened to the Max of Chloe and Rachel's reality when the other Max appeared? I would love to know the answer to that question but I fear it may be underwhelming. Beware what you wish for, right?
By this point, you'd think I'd be tempted to give Volume 3 a low rating but that would be decidedly unfair. The art continues to be pretty good, for my tastes anyway, and the story's keeping me entertained with its twists and turns, despite how unjustified some of them may be. And Claudia Leonardi did sneak a Remember Me (DONTNOD's first game and one of my favourites) easter egg into the art, so there's that, not to mention we finally have a sense of the series' endgame. All in all I'm willing to give this volume a pass with another 3/5 rating, although maybe I should be a little harsher considering these past two volumes appear to have been an unnecessary detour.
As always, we shalt see. I can always take out stars in the final volume. Muahahaha!
No spoilers here seeing as it's the comic preview.
With Max finally fessing up, you would've thought that'd be the end of it but Tristan decides his "disengage" ability now extends to slipping between alternate realities, what does not line up with what we were told in the previous volume. Furthermore, there's another event in the graphic novel where something happens to Chloe that also doesn't make sense given what we know about Max's powers, and I'm not a fan of rewriting the rules of the game while you're playing it. Anyway, now we know why Tristan was introduced: to help Max return to her Chloe. You see, Max now has this idea that the reason why she left her reality at the end of Volume 1 was because she was trying to escape the consequences of her actions.
On a superficial level that's incorrect, as we were told she was being pushed-pulled out of her reality by a metaphorical storm of flickers, suggesting she didn't belong there (what I didn't much buy but whatever). On a deeper level, it's utterly wrong, as the event that precipitated this entire series is precisely Max's choice to stop ab/using her powers and facing the consequences of her actions. If anything, it's the other ending the one that nullifies all of Max's choices throughout the game, further reinforcing the notion that Max can make things right if only she would use her powers one last time. I drew a similar comparison to the Flash's ability to travel in time in another post, and how he initially thinks he can just go back in time to right his wrongs until another speedster tells him to live with it.
The entirety of Volume 3 focuses on these two revelations and whether Max will act on Tristan's upgraded ability to try and get back to her Chloe. While Rachel admits she was uncomfortable, maybe slightly jealous, about Max's return to Chloe's life, that was before she knew this Max was in a relationship with Chloe in the other reality. That would probably make me pause and give some thought to current living arrangements, no? But Rachel takes it all in stride, reacting far better than I would've expected her to given the circumstances. Come to think of it, what happened to the Max of Chloe and Rachel's reality when the other Max appeared? I would love to know the answer to that question but I fear it may be underwhelming. Beware what you wish for, right?
By this point, you'd think I'd be tempted to give Volume 3 a low rating but that would be decidedly unfair. The art continues to be pretty good, for my tastes anyway, and the story's keeping me entertained with its twists and turns, despite how unjustified some of them may be. And Claudia Leonardi did sneak a Remember Me (DONTNOD's first game and one of my favourites) easter egg into the art, so there's that, not to mention we finally have a sense of the series' endgame. All in all I'm willing to give this volume a pass with another 3/5 rating, although maybe I should be a little harsher considering these past two volumes appear to have been an unnecessary detour.
As always, we shalt see. I can always take out stars in the final volume. Muahahaha!
August 6, 2020
issue #13: october 14, 2020
issue #14: november 18, 2020
issue #15: december 16, 2020
something to look forward to, finally!
it's getting gooooood, i'm getting hyped... i miss this game so much, i need everything about it in my life right now
issue #14: november 18, 2020
issue #15: december 16, 2020
something to look forward to, finally!
it's getting gooooood, i'm getting hyped... i miss this game so much, i need everything about it in my life right now
January 21, 2025
Just as great as the previous two volumes. Strings has set up some really interesting plot threads for the next volume, and there's much to look forward to. The cliffhanger was particularly mean, but the upcoming road trip with the trio should be fun to get into. This comic series has delivered on every front so far, and as a Life is Strange fan, I'm happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2021
a bunch of info dump and character development that felt like nothing. not rememberable at all but im excited for the next issue to be released!
March 16, 2021
Loved this volume.
August 28, 2022
Verbindung zwischen den Welten
Fazit: Die Geschichte gewinnt deutlich Schwung. Der Aufbau eines großen Projekts beginnt. Gesamt: 5/5
Inhalt: Der große Moment ist gekommen. Max vertraut sich ihren Freunden in der Parallelrealität an und berichtet von ihren Erlebnissen. Die Rückkehr in ihre eigene Welt ist nun oberstes Ziel. Während sich die Zeitreisende und Tristan dafür an ihren Fähigkeiten versuchen, stellt die Offenbarung alle vor emotionale Herausforderungen. Was bedeutet es, zu wissen, dass es ein anderes Ich gibt?
Bewertung: Mit "Fäden" liefert Emma Vieceli den dritten Band der Life-is-Strange-Comicreihe ab. Abliefern ist das Stichwort hier, denn nach dem langatmigeren zweiten Band geht es endlich zur Sache. Es warten wieder emotionale Momente auf die Erkundung durch den Leser. Die große Offenbarung wird direkt voran gestellt und wenngleich alles ziemlich verrückt klingen mag, zeigt sich das starke Band zwischen den Figuren. Alle glauben Max und wollen sie unterstützen. Vor allem auch Tristan, der das Potenzial seiner Gaben erst entdeckt. Die Idee, dass die unterschiedlichen Realitäten durch die namensgebenden "Fäden" verbunden sind ist zwar nicht neu, verbildlicht aber das komplizierte Konstrukt, dass hier langsam aufgebaut wird. Besonders hat mir auch gefallen, dass Vieceli sehr realitätsnah schreibt. Sicherlich würden wir unseren Freunden glauben. Aber wenn es wirklich der Wahrheit entspricht, was sie sagen, würde das auch bei uns emotionale Spuren hinterlassen. Insbesondere Rachel ist in der Parallelrealität von ihrem Ableben mehr als nur geschockt. Doch hier erfährt der Leser auch eine wichtige Lektion: Wir sind immer die Summe unserer Erfahrungen, doch die Vergangenheit muss uns nicht definieren. Wir sind stets unser eigener Herr im Hier und Jetzt. Eine schöne Aussage. Durch das Einspinnen der zweiten Realität gewinnt der Band vor allem zum Ende hin nochmal richtig an Fahrt und macht die Langatmigkeit des Vorgängers mehr als wett. Hier kann man wirklich auf den nächsten Teil gespannt sein. Zeichnerisch ist auch diesmal alles stimmig. Leonardi illustriert einfühlsam und farbenfroh. Die jeweilige Stimmung wird gut eingefangen. Insbesondere stach für mich hervor .
Fazit: Die Geschichte gewinnt deutlich Schwung. Der Aufbau eines großen Projekts beginnt. Gesamt: 5/5
December 17, 2020
So I've just finished the first series of the comic book. And I can't say I love it. The level of writing reminded me of my favourite childhood series called W.i.t.c.h. which was great for a 10 years old child. Life is strange was supposed to be coming of age story.
What really irritated me the most is how helpless Max seem to be in this series. And how her new powers are unrelated to the game.
What I liked though is how much Rachel and Chloe characters improved. They are much more sympathetic.
What really irritated me the most is how helpless Max seem to be in this series. And how her new powers are unrelated to the game.
What I liked though is how much Rachel and Chloe characters improved. They are much more sympathetic.
June 28, 2021
I appreciate how this series expands and builds upon the structures of the game as well as the previous volumes. I inhaled all of these over the course of a day, and I found myself just as emotionally struck as I was playing the game, which is a feat!
August 2, 2021
the amount of love i have for tristan is UNREAL. i love him so much.
December 15, 2022
i need the next one
July 11, 2025
i guess we got a teeny-tiny pricefield moment yayyy 💀💀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
I would rate this 4 ½ but the app doesnt allow that, that would be my official rating, it was the best one in the series so far!
The character development, what the story led to and of course the ending!! was just wow
The character development, what the story led to and of course the ending!! was just wow
April 3, 2020
Can't wait for issue 13. This series continues to keep me hooked.
April 28, 2020
Emma Vieceli has done a great job capturing the voices of the two leads, and the art from Claudia Leonardi has captured the feel of the games well. I've really enjoyed where she's taken the plot threads on this comic continuation but regardless of how the story ends up it's essentially review proof if you dont agree with the destination as this is merely one string of reality where the story could have went. This is a great light read during covid pandemic; needed something light hearted right now!
April 21, 2020
I’ve been loving these Life is Strange comics and this was another solid volume. They’ve done a great job taking the existing characters and lore and building a great story from it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews