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Box of Bones: Book One
Hellraiser meets Black History. "This mesmerizing blend of Black American folk tradition and dark fantasy provides much food for thought, as well as edgy entertainment." —Library Journal (starred review) When Black graduate student Lyndsey begins her dissertation work on a mysterious box that pops up during the most violent and troubled time in Africana history, she has no idea that her research will lead her on a phantasmagorical journey from West Philadelphia riots to Haitian slave uprisings. Wherever Lyndsey finds someone who has seen the Box, chaos ensues. Soon, even her own sanity falls into question. In the end, Lyndsey will have to decide if she really wants to see what's inside the Box of Bones. Described as " Tales from the Crypt Meets Black History," Box of Bones is a supernatural nightmare tour through some of the most violent and horrific episodes in the African Diaspora. Ayize Jama-Everett and John Jennings have assembled a talented group of artists for this ten-issue project, including cover artist, Stacey Robinson ( I Am Alfonso Jones ), David Brame ( MediSIN ), Avy Jetter ( Artists against Police Brutality ), and Tim Fielder ( Matty's Rocket ).
174 pages, Paperback
Published February 3, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 9, 2021
CW: racist slurs, anti-Black iconography, rape, gore. This bindup collects 5 issues of the comic. The art style changes when a new artist is subbed in. I definitely liked some art styles more than others. The 2nd issue it was hard to keep track of some characters because how they were drawn shifted abruptly. Each issue is about the protagonist Lindsey Ford researching a different encounter someone has had with the box of bones.
There's not much momentum to the story, and when I finished, I felt like I hadn't learned anything that wasn't in the synopsis. It was unclear to me if this was going to continue with the episodic nature or if Ford was actually getting any closer to finding the box. The timeline of the stories isn't super clear (I assumed it was in chronological order because it seemed like Ford's drinking got worse throughout the book, which I assumed was signaling her increasingly unhealthy obsession with the box), and the drastically different styles each issue adds to the distance. I don't know how well this will hold up if it continues as standalone stories because of the reliance on gore for scares. Two of the monsters in this story are very creative in their mayhem, but the other two just smash or slice. I didn't have a strong feel for this going in. I bought it off the strength of John Jenning's name and the use of collages for issue covers (I love collages). Given the heavy use of anti-Black iconography, I expected this to be a polarizing book for me. I thought I was either going to find it brilliant or trite (I think some creators over-rely on shock value, so I was worried that there wouldn't be much thought or subversion of how the anti-Black iconography was used). I wasn't expecting to feel meh about it.
There's not much momentum to the story, and when I finished, I felt like I hadn't learned anything that wasn't in the synopsis. It was unclear to me if this was going to continue with the episodic nature or if Ford was actually getting any closer to finding the box. The timeline of the stories isn't super clear (I assumed it was in chronological order because it seemed like Ford's drinking got worse throughout the book, which I assumed was signaling her increasingly unhealthy obsession with the box), and the drastically different styles each issue adds to the distance. I don't know how well this will hold up if it continues as standalone stories because of the reliance on gore for scares. Two of the monsters in this story are very creative in their mayhem, but the other two just smash or slice. I didn't have a strong feel for this going in. I bought it off the strength of John Jenning's name and the use of collages for issue covers (I love collages). Given the heavy use of anti-Black iconography, I expected this to be a polarizing book for me. I thought I was either going to find it brilliant or trite (I think some creators over-rely on shock value, so I was worried that there wouldn't be much thought or subversion of how the anti-Black iconography was used). I wasn't expecting to feel meh about it.
December 14, 2024
A trippy tumble into the rabbit hole that is part mythic cultural ghost stories, all Black history, with the imagined vengeance never allowed to be exacted woven fictionally in. What would Black suffering, Black rage, the wretchedness of racist violence, and the reduction to nothingness or being nobody look like if manifested into a physical form? What kind of monstrosities could Black pain call forth if given the spiritual ability and tool to do so? And what price would a Black person pay to unleash revenge on their oppressors? Box of Bones: Book One asks these questions through the distinctive writing peppered with granular Easter eggs of Black folklore and Black language, presented within vibrant illustration that creates a sense of frenetic movement throughout the telling…. The book and its pages appear to move as the reader is pulled deeper. The question that will not leave you even after the final page; do you open the box of bones?
August 26, 2025
3.25 ⭐ rounded down.
I enjoyed the overall story but the different artists, and therefore different styles, made it a bit difficult to keep track of the MC. Even the last chapter where the artist I assume was the same made it hard to keep track of each character. I may continue for the story and to see how much more the search for the box of bones eats at the MC.
I enjoyed the overall story but the different artists, and therefore different styles, made it a bit difficult to keep track of the MC. Even the last chapter where the artist I assume was the same made it hard to keep track of each character. I may continue for the story and to see how much more the search for the box of bones eats at the MC.
June 30, 2022
The book is really great. I would like to give 4 stars to the book. The plot is very different from other horror comics. It is my first book, which I have read about Black People. The stories were so compelling and interesting, that I finished within a day. Graphics are good. The book focuses on some important issues surrounding colored folks. If you love to read about them, then go ahead.
March 12, 2022
TW: racism, rape, violence, gore
Plot/storyline: 4 stars
Art: 3.5 star
This is a very powerful graphic novel. I am conflicted though. Some of the artwork didn’t really click with me — maybe it’s the multiple artist 😬. The story was hard to follow at times, but I got the general gist (at least I hope I did).
The symbolism of the box being that of negative feelings turning into nightmares was brilliant! Many times we are forced to tuck our emotions, especially the negative ones (anger, rage, humiliation, etc.), away — that’s the symbolism I got from this graphic novel ➡️ the idea that one puts always those negative emotions and how little by little that space gets too cramped that they burst out and cause havoc only to have the owner regret letting them come out in that form. Anger is a powerful double edge sword — it can grant the user the “self-determination” to accomplish goals but at the same time it can “bury you.”
I feel that that interpretation is why I feel conflicted. I’d have to read more about/from the creators to maybe better help me understand.
Always open to discussion!
Definitely recommend.
True rating: 3.75 rounded up
Plot/storyline: 4 stars
Art: 3.5 star
This is a very powerful graphic novel. I am conflicted though. Some of the artwork didn’t really click with me — maybe it’s the multiple artist 😬. The story was hard to follow at times, but I got the general gist (at least I hope I did).
The symbolism of the box being that of negative feelings turning into nightmares was brilliant! Many times we are forced to tuck our emotions, especially the negative ones (anger, rage, humiliation, etc.), away — that’s the symbolism I got from this graphic novel ➡️ the idea that one puts always those negative emotions and how little by little that space gets too cramped that they burst out and cause havoc only to have the owner regret letting them come out in that form. Anger is a powerful double edge sword — it can grant the user the “self-determination” to accomplish goals but at the same time it can “bury you.”
I feel that that interpretation is why I feel conflicted. I’d have to read more about/from the creators to maybe better help me understand.
Always open to discussion!
Definitely recommend.
True rating: 3.75 rounded up
January 7, 2021
A challenging but also important horror book. Where the horror while expressed via the supernatural is perhaps strongest in the horror of the non-supernatural elements. Be warned the language (and much of the book) is not PG.
I backed the Kickstarter and got my copy a few days ago. Not sure if another book in the series is planned but I hope one is planned and comes out soon.
Probably best for adults or fairly mature teenagers. And it should inspire readers unfamiliar with parts of our history to research it further.
I backed the Kickstarter and got my copy a few days ago. Not sure if another book in the series is planned but I hope one is planned and comes out soon.
Probably best for adults or fairly mature teenagers. And it should inspire readers unfamiliar with parts of our history to research it further.
February 12, 2021
What kind of nightmares have been borne out of Black trauma?
This book highlights the horrors of (white) human inflicted on (black) human.
It’s dark, and it’s intended to be.
(I read issue #1 a while back from NetGalley, so was super excited to support this Kickstarter and get the TPB!)
This book highlights the horrors of (white) human inflicted on (black) human.
It’s dark, and it’s intended to be.
(I read issue #1 a while back from NetGalley, so was super excited to support this Kickstarter and get the TPB!)
August 2, 2022
I was visiting D.C. with my partner, and on our first day in town, we decided to visit the Eastern Market. It was a mostly outdoor sprawl of vendors, their tents and tables teeming with colorful crafts, art, and oddities.
I was rubbernecking one particular vendor when he announced that he was selling graphic novels and other books with diverse authors and themes. I couldn't resist, and it didn't take more than a minute for me to realize that it wasn't a matter of if I was buying something, but how many somethings I was going to buy.
I suspect that the gentleman selling the books was the publisher, and his enthusiasm, warmth, and friendliness were a selling point unto themselves.
Among the four picks, was Box of Bones: Book One by Ayize Jama Everett and John Jennings. The story entails a U.C. Berkley student, Lindsay Ford, who is presenting oral exams for her African American Folklore studies. It is clear that she is a rigorous academic, but she carries with it a certain curiosity for the supernatural. The subsequent chapters each dive into tales where desperation brought on by the suffering of African Americans manifests into demonic beings that are the undoing of both its wielders and their victims. That's just the story on the surface.
It provokes the reader, particularly white readers like myself, to witness black suffering from long-forgotten plantations in Haiti to the more recent, yet often-forgotten or ignored Civil Rights Movement to Vietnam. Each story is a vignette of sorts, a history discovered by Lindsay Ford in each chapter, presenting new angles and challenges to our notions of African American suffering. Yet, the themes don't overtake the characters, each new set of characters is dynamic and sympathetic.
The art is fantastic, evocative even of the stories. The penciling and shading are bold, with vivid colors and movements.
I highly recommend this read and look forward to more graphic novels in this series.
I was rubbernecking one particular vendor when he announced that he was selling graphic novels and other books with diverse authors and themes. I couldn't resist, and it didn't take more than a minute for me to realize that it wasn't a matter of if I was buying something, but how many somethings I was going to buy.
I suspect that the gentleman selling the books was the publisher, and his enthusiasm, warmth, and friendliness were a selling point unto themselves.
Among the four picks, was Box of Bones: Book One by Ayize Jama Everett and John Jennings. The story entails a U.C. Berkley student, Lindsay Ford, who is presenting oral exams for her African American Folklore studies. It is clear that she is a rigorous academic, but she carries with it a certain curiosity for the supernatural. The subsequent chapters each dive into tales where desperation brought on by the suffering of African Americans manifests into demonic beings that are the undoing of both its wielders and their victims. That's just the story on the surface.
It provokes the reader, particularly white readers like myself, to witness black suffering from long-forgotten plantations in Haiti to the more recent, yet often-forgotten or ignored Civil Rights Movement to Vietnam. Each story is a vignette of sorts, a history discovered by Lindsay Ford in each chapter, presenting new angles and challenges to our notions of African American suffering. Yet, the themes don't overtake the characters, each new set of characters is dynamic and sympathetic.
The art is fantastic, evocative even of the stories. The penciling and shading are bold, with vivid colors and movements.
I highly recommend this read and look forward to more graphic novels in this series.
February 26, 2023
(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Content warning for racist and sexist violence, including depictions of rape and murder.)
-- 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 --
UC Berkeley student Lindsay Ford is researching the appearance of "spectral creatures" at key moments in Black American (North and South) history. Her interest in these spirits was ignited by a story her grandfather told her years ago. As teenagers, Jim and his friend Gauge were brutally attacked - beaten nearly unconscious and, in Gauge's case, raped - by a gang of racist white classmates. Gauge turns to her mother's "New Orleans voodoo" - in the form of a box of bones to which the practitioner must sacrifice her soul - to unleash her revenge.
The Suffering, The Wretched, The Nobody, The Burden, The Night Doctor, and The Dark: Ford travels first to New Orleans, then to Philadelphia, and finally to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in search of proof that the box of bones exists. Or, perhaps, in search of the box itself?
I previously reviewed the inaugural issue of BOX OF BONES through Netgalley. The first issue introduces us to Lindsay Ford, by way of her oral examinations in front of the UC Berkeley faculty. I thought it a promising premise, and one that's certainly expanded upon here. My review from five (!) years ago still holds.
"While I do enjoy a good rape revenge story - because, let's be honest, the world of fiction is pretty much the only time abusive men are held accountable for their actions - rape is also overused as a plot device. Gauge's violation takes place off-screen, but it still comes like a punch to the gut, especially since it looks for a hot second like she might escape. Revenge comes quickly and is satisfying as heck. So I guess my feelings are mixed on this one.
"Otherwise the story is engaging enough; a solid start to what looks like a promising series. Overall I enjoyed the artwork; though the monster has an over-the-top, gonzo feel to it, I quickly found myself digging the style."
-- 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 --
UC Berkeley student Lindsay Ford is researching the appearance of "spectral creatures" at key moments in Black American (North and South) history. Her interest in these spirits was ignited by a story her grandfather told her years ago. As teenagers, Jim and his friend Gauge were brutally attacked - beaten nearly unconscious and, in Gauge's case, raped - by a gang of racist white classmates. Gauge turns to her mother's "New Orleans voodoo" - in the form of a box of bones to which the practitioner must sacrifice her soul - to unleash her revenge.
The Suffering, The Wretched, The Nobody, The Burden, The Night Doctor, and The Dark: Ford travels first to New Orleans, then to Philadelphia, and finally to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in search of proof that the box of bones exists. Or, perhaps, in search of the box itself?
I previously reviewed the inaugural issue of BOX OF BONES through Netgalley. The first issue introduces us to Lindsay Ford, by way of her oral examinations in front of the UC Berkeley faculty. I thought it a promising premise, and one that's certainly expanded upon here. My review from five (!) years ago still holds.
"While I do enjoy a good rape revenge story - because, let's be honest, the world of fiction is pretty much the only time abusive men are held accountable for their actions - rape is also overused as a plot device. Gauge's violation takes place off-screen, but it still comes like a punch to the gut, especially since it looks for a hot second like she might escape. Revenge comes quickly and is satisfying as heck. So I guess my feelings are mixed on this one.
"Otherwise the story is engaging enough; a solid start to what looks like a promising series. Overall I enjoyed the artwork; though the monster has an over-the-top, gonzo feel to it, I quickly found myself digging the style."
August 1, 2024
Box of Bones is an intriguing graphic novel series written by Ayize Jama-Everett and illustrated by John Jennings. The story masterfully weaves elements of horror, folklore, and history, creating a dark and engaging narrative steeped in Black American folklore. At its core is a mysterious box containing powerful, monstrous entities that embody humanity's worst aspects. These entities, drawn from African American myths and legends, unleash chaos when released, forcing characters to confront their inner demons and the harsh realities of the world.
The integration of Black American folklore adds depth and richness to the story, highlighting cultural narratives and themes often overlooked in mainstream media. Jennings' artwork vividly brings these tales to life with a striking and atmospheric style that perfectly complements the story's grim tone.
Box of Bones delves into complex themes like race, identity, and the human capacity for evil, making it a thought-provoking and poignant read. The series offers a unique and haunting experience that blends horror with social commentary, making it a standout in the graphic novel genre. Its rich storytelling and powerful visuals ensure it resonates long after the last page is turned.
The integration of Black American folklore adds depth and richness to the story, highlighting cultural narratives and themes often overlooked in mainstream media. Jennings' artwork vividly brings these tales to life with a striking and atmospheric style that perfectly complements the story's grim tone.
Box of Bones delves into complex themes like race, identity, and the human capacity for evil, making it a thought-provoking and poignant read. The series offers a unique and haunting experience that blends horror with social commentary, making it a standout in the graphic novel genre. Its rich storytelling and powerful visuals ensure it resonates long after the last page is turned.
August 27, 2023
A college student writing her dissertation decides to write it on the Box of Bones. It's kind of like the box from Hellraiser but with a whole history of being downtrodden and treated just awfully over the years. Each issue is a new stand alone story with a different illustrator. Some work better than others, especially when you get to panel structure. I'm an experienced comic book reader and sometimes couldn't tell what text to read next or which panel to view. That being said, it's an interesting book on powerful topics of systemic racism. This is definitely not for children. It's filled with graphic violence and foul language. But I'm of the opinion that we should own up to our history (even the awful parts) instead of pretend it doesn't exist.
November 22, 2022
This was an interesting read. The graphics were on point. The story-line was interesting but the lead of the story does something that grates my nerves... They are investigating a lore, they get enough information/evidence that indicates this is more than a lore, they are told to leave things alone because of very valid x-y-z reasons that come with huge ramifications AND they still keep wanting to create a frenzy in the hornets nest.
New to me author/artist/graphic novel.
New to me author/artist/graphic novel.
July 14, 2021
A stellar series of horror stories about the consequences for all of America when it continues to allow Black pain to be ignored. All the hurt we cause, the nightmares we enable, and all the lies that we in white America tell ourselves? All of that has to go somewhere. We have no one to blame but ourselves for the Box of Bones.
November 18, 2023
Horror with a purpose. The box of bones holds the anger, pain and grief of all African Americans from the day they were stolen from Africa to the present. Open the box and release monsters. But it's curse is that it can only be closed again with Black blood. All the stories were as expected and most of the artwork was appropriately horrific. I love a good monster!
January 14, 2023
What a page turner! The graphics, coloring, especially the chapter covers, the range of emotions that this Beautiful, Dark, Intense, collection evokes is just. . . Chef's Kiss!!😚👌 Magnificent!!!💥 Bravo!!!👏🏾
Warning! - racial slurs and murder throughout.
I have pre-ordered Book Two!
Warning! - racial slurs and murder throughout.
I have pre-ordered Book Two!
February 12, 2024
It was a little confusing to read, as I didn't understand why she's searching. And also the panels for the memories were all kinda jumbled to my brain.
Hella creepy and dark. Might read the next installation.
Hella creepy and dark. Might read the next installation.
September 6, 2021
What a story! Really looking forward to more installments. I also liked the art work a lot. Each chapter had a different style to match the era in which the box of bones was opened.
March 15, 2022
The essays in the back of the book were well written and informative. Some of the questions they raise are beyond my usual understanding and out of my comfort zone. Thank you. I needed that.
Read
December 14, 2023Comic story on black racial trauma held with an artifact. It was an interesting depiction of the culmination of anger, grief, oppression can create a force so volatile it consume anyone in its path.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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