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Spectacle #4
Spectacle Vol. 4
"It’s Geek Love for a new generation, with lush and expressive art to boot." — AV Club
Anna's supernatural powers are increasing, but so is her worry that they come from a terrifying source. Everyone in the circus has developed mutations, and they're dropping like flies. Anna thinks she's found a cure, but a smooth talking faith healer insists he can save everyone... for a fee. Can she fix things before anyone else dies?
The fourth and penultimate volume in the Spectacle series.
Anna's supernatural powers are increasing, but so is her worry that they come from a terrifying source. Everyone in the circus has developed mutations, and they're dropping like flies. Anna thinks she's found a cure, but a smooth talking faith healer insists he can save everyone... for a fee. Can she fix things before anyone else dies?
The fourth and penultimate volume in the Spectacle series.
136 pages, Paperback
Published December 14, 2021
2 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Megan Rose Gedris
61 books136 followersMegan Rose Gedris, aka Rosalarian, is a comics writer and artist based in Chicago. She started making webcomics in 2002, with a focus on women and LGBTQ characters, as well as body/sex positivity. Her style is expressive with a penchant for bright colors and textures. She designs fabric for fun. When not making comics, she performs burlesque around the country as “the comic stripper” Florence of a’Labia.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 30, 2022
This would probably be a better series at half the length, but despite the tendency to meander about -- like the digression with a faith healing con artist this time around -- I'm happy to have made far enough to see the murderer confirmed and a final confrontation set up for the conclusion next volume.
December 17, 2021
I really enjoy this series; I love the characters and art style, and the plot is quite fun. I've been invested in this story for so long. I'm excited to see how it wraps up next year!
December 22, 2021
I received a doc copy for review from ONI Press
I have to get my hands on Volume 3. It isn't available on Hoopla were I read vol. 1 and 2. I didn't think this type of graphic novel would be something I'd like. Boy, was I wrong. I'm completely invested in the characters. The friendship between Anna, Flora, and Lottie is strong and enables them to fight against what is turning them all into weirder creatures. Kat, Anna's sister, is in love with Isabel (the bearded lady). Kat has died and is now a ghost. Only her sister Anna can see her.
I can't wait for vol. 5 so I can discover what Lilian has done. Her backstory was great. Lilian/Lilith?
Very quick thoughts/recap
I have to get my hands on Volume 3. It isn't available on Hoopla were I read vol. 1 and 2. I didn't think this type of graphic novel would be something I'd like. Boy, was I wrong. I'm completely invested in the characters. The friendship between Anna, Flora, and Lottie is strong and enables them to fight against what is turning them all into weirder creatures. Kat, Anna's sister, is in love with Isabel (the bearded lady). Kat has died and is now a ghost. Only her sister Anna can see her.
I can't wait for vol. 5 so I can discover what Lilian has done. Her backstory was great. Lilian/Lilith?
Very quick thoughts/recap
October 7, 2023
The storyline remains scattered but somewhat more organized . Although the artwork and quirkiness allow for more twists and turns, I feel the author takes too many liberties with the unknown.
February 24, 2022
Things are getting pretty buckwild but I'm having a good time
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March 8, 2023Hm... I'm still flying through these books, and I find them totally unputdownable regardless of whether the plot meanders or not (I see a lot of reviewers saying that, and I think I don't really disagree but just don't mind given the serial format & how fast things go), but I have a lot of Thoughts on the ultimate reveal here. On the one hand, there WERE clues, and I absolutely love the fact that I can look back and find them, but on the other hand, I find the motive/alibi/weapon situation to be such that it was functionally difficult to guess...
I feel as though the book is set up, functionally, as one kind of mystery, and then what it turns out to be is almost in another genre. That is to say, it's not that the book is playing with your expectations (I still can't help but compare every book to Gideon the Ninth, augh), but that it fundamentally is blending genres/styles in a way which currently is not 100% working for me. I expect that to change over time, though; I genuinely feel like I might have just been misreading it. It's like thinking you're reading a cozy mystery about stolen cookies and having the answer be "actually, this person stole them to fund their heroin addiction," and it's like, whoah, you said the protagonist once knew someone with a heroin addiction but I didn't know that meant the heroin addiction was more than backstory! Which may well be my fault, OR it could be poor integration. I'm sure I'll reread within the decade (says my ass with the 2000 TBRs) and see how I feel for sure. I may cringe at this comparison then.
I feel as though the book is set up, functionally, as one kind of mystery, and then what it turns out to be is almost in another genre. That is to say, it's not that the book is playing with your expectations (I still can't help but compare every book to Gideon the Ninth, augh), but that it fundamentally is blending genres/styles in a way which currently is not 100% working for me. I expect that to change over time, though; I genuinely feel like I might have just been misreading it. It's like thinking you're reading a cozy mystery about stolen cookies and having the answer be "actually, this person stole them to fund their heroin addiction," and it's like, whoah, you said the protagonist once knew someone with a heroin addiction but I didn't know that meant the heroin addiction was more than backstory! Which may well be my fault, OR it could be poor integration. I'm sure I'll reread within the decade (says my ass with the 2000 TBRs) and see how I feel for sure. I may cringe at this comparison then.
November 30, 2022
3.5 stars - The fourth volume in the Spectacle series showcases improved storytelling but still remains fairly disjointed. While we (finally) received some satisfactory reveals, they weren't worked into the plot seamlessly which negatively impacted the reading experience.
The art style in this series has its own unsettling charm but remains busy. The illustrations don't particularly "wow" me but do work for the story that is being told. In this volume the hues seem to slightly shift at odd times which was confusing as that choice didn't seem to represent anything within the plot.
I'm excited for the final volume to be released in January and to wrap up the series - it has been a good time so far but nothing too memorable.
The art style in this series has its own unsettling charm but remains busy. The illustrations don't particularly "wow" me but do work for the story that is being told. In this volume the hues seem to slightly shift at odd times which was confusing as that choice didn't seem to represent anything within the plot.
I'm excited for the final volume to be released in January and to wrap up the series - it has been a good time so far but nothing too memorable.
March 21, 2022
And still not the final book yet... this is the fourth book in the Spectacle series and we learned so much but have not wrapped yet by the end of this book. Those cliffhanger endings are so interesting but annoying.
In this installment we get answers to a lot of the questions that have been hanging out there in the previous books. Anna's power is growing and I am surprised that this is the first time in the series that she is so threatened given how the whole circus has been on edge with all the weirdness. Anna and Kat's relationship is ever-growing and their dialogue is great, they are sisters so it is snippy but fun and pretty realistic given their supernatural circumstances.
I really don't want to talk about the plot all to much in this review, since we are 4 books deep and I don't want to spoil too much. However, Anna and Kat figure out who the killer is and the killer is even given pages as a backstory, which was so great to read. I really liked teh backstory of them.
As with the previous issues, the illustrations throughout are bright, patterned, and detailed in a whimsical way that highlights the circus backdrop and the supernatural creepiness of the story.
I enjoyed this book, and while not available yet, I hope to reach book 5 when it is available to round out the series.
In this installment we get answers to a lot of the questions that have been hanging out there in the previous books. Anna's power is growing and I am surprised that this is the first time in the series that she is so threatened given how the whole circus has been on edge with all the weirdness. Anna and Kat's relationship is ever-growing and their dialogue is great, they are sisters so it is snippy but fun and pretty realistic given their supernatural circumstances.
I really don't want to talk about the plot all to much in this review, since we are 4 books deep and I don't want to spoil too much. However, Anna and Kat figure out who the killer is and the killer is even given pages as a backstory, which was so great to read. I really liked teh backstory of them.
As with the previous issues, the illustrations throughout are bright, patterned, and detailed in a whimsical way that highlights the circus backdrop and the supernatural creepiness of the story.
I enjoyed this book, and while not available yet, I hope to reach book 5 when it is available to round out the series.
November 16, 2022
Spectacle: Book Four by Megan Rose Gedris is a graphical comic book. There is a traveling circus made of a clown, fire eater, card reader, a bearded woman, and a ghost, among other weird accompaniments. They have been afflicted with a strange malady they call mutation. They have developed extra eyes, horns, and tentacles for their hands. Only Anna seems to have escaped the mutation curse. Her curse is the perception of a mysterious book about secret knowledge.
Reading the comic was a delight. The illustrations are demonstrative, colorful, and enticing. The book is cheerful, and full of sarcastic tones varying from character to character.
Tetanus, the ringmaster, is a crude master. He is reflected in the end story titled The Tale of the Pirate Circus. The master in the tale is debated to be either a man or a woman with the situation changing to accommodate the agreed gender. What the crew agrees on is that they suffered under the pirate leader.
Anna is a suspect in causing the maladies of the circus troupe members. The members are suspicious of her being a witch and hence want to burn her.
There is totally nothing to dislike in the book. The story is incredible and entertaining.
I rate Spectacle: Book Four by Megan Rose Gedris 5 out of 5 stars.
I recommend this book to lovers of comics, magic, and circus. Teenagers will enjoy the witty book.
Reading the comic was a delight. The illustrations are demonstrative, colorful, and enticing. The book is cheerful, and full of sarcastic tones varying from character to character.
Tetanus, the ringmaster, is a crude master. He is reflected in the end story titled The Tale of the Pirate Circus. The master in the tale is debated to be either a man or a woman with the situation changing to accommodate the agreed gender. What the crew agrees on is that they suffered under the pirate leader.
Anna is a suspect in causing the maladies of the circus troupe members. The members are suspicious of her being a witch and hence want to burn her.
There is totally nothing to dislike in the book. The story is incredible and entertaining.
I rate Spectacle: Book Four by Megan Rose Gedris 5 out of 5 stars.
I recommend this book to lovers of comics, magic, and circus. Teenagers will enjoy the witty book.
December 7, 2022
read via NetGalley
Volume four of Spectacle continues to show beautifully stylised art and fun fantastical characters. I especially liked how the dream/nightmare sequences were presented, with a lucid and otherworldly vibe from the warped comic panels and text. Also, Anna is becoming a much stronger and more enjoyable protagonist, which is great considering in previous volumes she did almost nothing of her own volition.
A couple of issues I have, however, are with the pacing and story beats. The plot tends to meander and repeat itself throughout each volume, but then accelerates into unlinked info-dumping. At the end of volume four, the circus turns against Anna and her friends for the simple fact that they find out she’s a witch. This makes no sense, since they had already been well-aware that she was a spirit medium/tarot reader, which in this universe isn’t too far off from a witch anyway. Also, a repeated theme is the ‘villain of the week’ type figure gets defeated out of no-where and with minimal input from the protagonists.
Other than that, the tension is definitely ramping up and I think it will conclude well, if the trajectory continues next volume.
(Oh also, dating your girlfriend via the body of your sister that you periodically possess is such a Thing and I don’t know how to feel about it)
Volume four of Spectacle continues to show beautifully stylised art and fun fantastical characters. I especially liked how the dream/nightmare sequences were presented, with a lucid and otherworldly vibe from the warped comic panels and text. Also, Anna is becoming a much stronger and more enjoyable protagonist, which is great considering in previous volumes she did almost nothing of her own volition.
A couple of issues I have, however, are with the pacing and story beats. The plot tends to meander and repeat itself throughout each volume, but then accelerates into unlinked info-dumping. At the end of volume four, the circus turns against Anna and her friends for the simple fact that they find out she’s a witch. This makes no sense, since they had already been well-aware that she was a spirit medium/tarot reader, which in this universe isn’t too far off from a witch anyway. Also, a repeated theme is the ‘villain of the week’ type figure gets defeated out of no-where and with minimal input from the protagonists.
Other than that, the tension is definitely ramping up and I think it will conclude well, if the trajectory continues next volume.
(Oh also, dating your girlfriend via the body of your sister that you periodically possess is such a Thing and I don’t know how to feel about it)
May 3, 2022
Do you ever get to a revelation in a series that causes you to want to start from page one, in book/volume one, all over again? Volume four in the "Spectacle" series is, from cover to cover, that revelation.
There is so, so, SO much that happens that I am trying my best to summarize it without spoiling a single sentence, thought bubble, or cell. From potential cures, to sloppier murders, to a HUGE reveal that (as I mentioned above) made me question each and every Easter egg in the previous three volumes that I completely overlooked.
Would some say that is a waste of time? Sure, but it is not their time to waste now, is it?
If I had to pick a favorite subplot of the series, it is how Anna's social circle surprises her. As someone who is, often, astounded that people genuinely like her and want to be around her I laugh even though I tear up for the more introverted twin. Her realization that she has not one, not two, but THREE friends that will stand by her side makes me blush since I have felt the exact same way.
I am happy and proud of her, even though these friendships are built amongst the terrors of a serial killer...or two...or three....?
While all of the volumes have hooked me for one reason or another, the fourth one (as of this day and time) is hands down my favorite. All the more reason I am looking forward to December 2022, when Volume Five is released!
There is so, so, SO much that happens that I am trying my best to summarize it without spoiling a single sentence, thought bubble, or cell. From potential cures, to sloppier murders, to a HUGE reveal that (as I mentioned above) made me question each and every Easter egg in the previous three volumes that I completely overlooked.
Would some say that is a waste of time? Sure, but it is not their time to waste now, is it?
If I had to pick a favorite subplot of the series, it is how Anna's social circle surprises her. As someone who is, often, astounded that people genuinely like her and want to be around her I laugh even though I tear up for the more introverted twin. Her realization that she has not one, not two, but THREE friends that will stand by her side makes me blush since I have felt the exact same way.
I am happy and proud of her, even though these friendships are built amongst the terrors of a serial killer...or two...or three....?
While all of the volumes have hooked me for one reason or another, the fourth one (as of this day and time) is hands down my favorite. All the more reason I am looking forward to December 2022, when Volume Five is released!
July 4, 2023
Everyone at the circus is getting worse! (I know there's one volume left, and I see us building toward the finale!) Anna has the gift/curse? of fire(!) and . She tries to help cure everyone, but things really take a turn with the "healing pastor" and Anna being accused of witchcraft. We get confirmation re: Lilian, and her backstory. And her witchcraft/worship of a demon/god & the mutations...
And now we're ready for the end! Eek!
And now we're ready for the end! Eek!
December 23, 2022
Another stellar installment. By the end, we know who the murderer is, and why and how. Can't wait for the last book, where Anna will have to figure out how to deal with the murderer. Will all the mutations go away? What will happen to the circus? Especially, what will happen to Kat's ghost?
April 1, 2023
This one felt like it went back on track and I didn’t realize this, but there are actually five books in the series. The killer is for sure confirmed in this book and you get their backstory as well which was interesting. I am going to try to find book 5 now.
June 4, 2022
I know Lillian is the villain but damn shawty got me acting up 😏😏😏😏😏
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2023
3.5 stars.
July 5, 2024
so twisty and dark. i love it.
July 27, 2024
This story is getting amped up to 100! We find out who's making deals with the evil, powers grow and cures are found. Next volume is the last! Can't wait to see how this story ends!
December 7, 2023
Spectacle is definitely getting better with each volume and four was the most interesting so far.
The story showed some progression, but the pacing seemed much slower. Previous volumes had little to no plot progression, but you actually found out quite a few things in volume four – despite the slow pace. There were a few repetitive moments that didn’t feel entirely necessary.
Without giving any real spoilers, you find out who killed Kat and the why and how of it. Personally, I thought his was the best part of the entire series so far.
You also get a detailed backstory to a character who hasn’t been overly present so far and it was really intriguing to read. They are a character I’ve always had some interest in so it was great to see that they have more of background than I thought.
As with ever volume the art style is very interesting and I feel like it has gotten even better with the various mutations everyone has. These added real intrigue and interest to the characters and every page was super detailed. It’s not my favourite art style ever, but it is very good.
I’m very grateful to have been given a copy of the final volume and I’m excited to see how the story ends. We now know who killed Kat and I’m left wondering what the fall out will be. I should be posting a review of volume five in a few weeks so keep an eye out for it.
The story showed some progression, but the pacing seemed much slower. Previous volumes had little to no plot progression, but you actually found out quite a few things in volume four – despite the slow pace. There were a few repetitive moments that didn’t feel entirely necessary.
Without giving any real spoilers, you find out who killed Kat and the why and how of it. Personally, I thought his was the best part of the entire series so far.
You also get a detailed backstory to a character who hasn’t been overly present so far and it was really intriguing to read. They are a character I’ve always had some interest in so it was great to see that they have more of background than I thought.
As with ever volume the art style is very interesting and I feel like it has gotten even better with the various mutations everyone has. These added real intrigue and interest to the characters and every page was super detailed. It’s not my favourite art style ever, but it is very good.
I’m very grateful to have been given a copy of the final volume and I’m excited to see how the story ends. We now know who killed Kat and I’m left wondering what the fall out will be. I should be posting a review of volume five in a few weeks so keep an eye out for it.
December 24, 2022
Its so bittersweet to be nearing the end of such a wonderful series. While I'm all for the mystery that has been unraveled in this volume and a resolution coming soon in the next, I just can't help but feel clingy to this storyline. I guess that's just the way it goes when something is too good.
April 23, 2022
I love love this Graphic Novel Series so much!
I love everything about it. The characters, the setting, the murder mystery, the supernatural aspect
I love everything about it. The characters, the setting, the murder mystery, the supernatural aspect
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews