What do you think?
Rate this book
Black Beth: Vengeance Be Thy Name
Brand new stand-alone fantasy graphic novel of visionary sword and sorcery from Batman artist Dani
A warrior with a name born of the black rage that filled her heart!
In a world of swords and sorcery, the evil tyrant Rassau discovers that he is destined to be killed by a fearsome warrior called Beth. Together with his men, Rassau seeks Beth out, destroying her village and killing all held dear to her. With the aid of a former warrior – the blind Quido – Beth becomes a skilled fighter and sworn enemy of all that is evil! She will not rest until her people are avenged!
This book contains both the original strip and the brilliantly resurrected stories that have been masterfully guided by writer Alec Worley and DC Comic's newest star, the astonishing Greek artist, DaNi !
A warrior with a name born of the black rage that filled her heart!
In a world of swords and sorcery, the evil tyrant Rassau discovers that he is destined to be killed by a fearsome warrior called Beth. Together with his men, Rassau seeks Beth out, destroying her village and killing all held dear to her. With the aid of a former warrior – the blind Quido – Beth becomes a skilled fighter and sworn enemy of all that is evil! She will not rest until her people are avenged!
This book contains both the original strip and the brilliantly resurrected stories that have been masterfully guided by writer Alec Worley and DC Comic's newest star, the astonishing Greek artist, DaNi !
80 pages, Paperback
Published July 19, 2022
2 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Alec Worley
151 books47 followersAlec Worley is an author from South London.
He writes stories for readers (and listeners) of all ages who like smart, funny and - above all - thrilling tales of fantasy, horror and sci-fi.
If you're into stories about swords, fangs and lasers, then you're in luck!
Best known for his work on 2000 AD (the home of Judge Dredd), Star Wars and Games Workshop's Warhammer, he's also created many stories of his own.
He is the co-creator of apocalyptic werewolf saga Age of the Wolf (with Jon Davis-Hunt for 2000 AD), paranormal comedy Dandridge (with Warren Pleece for 2000 AD), and plenty more either in the pipeline or waiting to be announced...
He writes stories for readers (and listeners) of all ages who like smart, funny and - above all - thrilling tales of fantasy, horror and sci-fi.
If you're into stories about swords, fangs and lasers, then you're in luck!
Best known for his work on 2000 AD (the home of Judge Dredd), Star Wars and Games Workshop's Warhammer, he's also created many stories of his own.
He is the co-creator of apocalyptic werewolf saga Age of the Wolf (with Jon Davis-Hunt for 2000 AD), paranormal comedy Dandridge (with Warren Pleece for 2000 AD), and plenty more either in the pipeline or waiting to be announced...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 2, 2022
Whoa Black Betty - bamalam- I mean Black Beth. This is an oddity, a one shot character from a Scream annual in the eighties, picked up in the Rebellion great character haul and revisited to see if there is anything there. Truth be told, there isn't much on the bones of the original story, not even a writers name. Its a pretty standard tale of vengeance which is basically a Red Sonja rip (and a movie rip at that). Like many a comic character the Black in her name refers to her soul - blackened for vengeance against the terrible lord that killed her newly-wed husband, and latterly all evil. Y'know. She also has black hair (naming rules being applied). But unlike the She-Devil with a sword, she is mainly covered in her armour.
So there are four tales here, in this thin collection that doesn't quite stretch to 100 pages. The initial story with the distinctive thin line black and white style of much of that British horror in Misty and Scream vein, impressionistic cross hatching, no greys. The original artist was Spaniard Blas Gallego, and the storytelling in the art suggests (though he denies it) that he might have also scripted it. The other tales are written by Alec Worley and illustrated by Greek artist DaNi. There are two little twist in the tale numbers and a longer more complex one shot - though they all involve magic of some form unlike the original tale. DaNi's style is looser that Gallego, still in monochrome for the first two tale, the one shot has block wash colouring though its indicative splashes rather than detailed. The art continues a semi-dreaminess of the original with thicker lines and less detail, though still pretty kinetic.
It is a little unclear why you would come to Black Beth when Red Sonja is out there, but if you can't look past Sonja's chain mail bikini then Beth's chaos armour might suit you instead. There isn't really enough to distinguish her, Worley appears to have changed half of her origin to stary off with, and these are fun short stories but nothing much to write home about.
So there are four tales here, in this thin collection that doesn't quite stretch to 100 pages. The initial story with the distinctive thin line black and white style of much of that British horror in Misty and Scream vein, impressionistic cross hatching, no greys. The original artist was Spaniard Blas Gallego, and the storytelling in the art suggests (though he denies it) that he might have also scripted it. The other tales are written by Alec Worley and illustrated by Greek artist DaNi. There are two little twist in the tale numbers and a longer more complex one shot - though they all involve magic of some form unlike the original tale. DaNi's style is looser that Gallego, still in monochrome for the first two tale, the one shot has block wash colouring though its indicative splashes rather than detailed. The art continues a semi-dreaminess of the original with thicker lines and less detail, though still pretty kinetic.
It is a little unclear why you would come to Black Beth when Red Sonja is out there, but if you can't look past Sonja's chain mail bikini then Beth's chaos armour might suit you instead. There isn't really enough to distinguish her, Worley appears to have changed half of her origin to stary off with, and these are fun short stories but nothing much to write home about.
March 29, 2022
Storyline: 9/10
Artwork - black and white: 9/10
Artwork - colour: 9/10
Additional manga info: 10/10
You can tell that a manga is going to be worth your time when the author and the editorial team take the time (and pages) to give an overview of the origin story and how an unknown manga from 1988 was revived almost 30 years later.
The manga is split in two. The first section is the story of the original “Black Beth” as envisioned by Blas Gallego. It is a black & white publication depicting how Beth was robbed of her simple life and her training to become the skilled warrior from Rassau’s prophecy.
The second section continues Black Beth’s story on another adventure, but this time in a coloured format. This time, Beth has to stop an evil warlock from their sacrificial plan.
Overall, I liked that the story was easy to read, and the fact that the second story sticks to the original character development of Beth. I’m sure that fans of dark, YA, and fantasy will enjoy this read.
Special thanks to NetGalley, Rebellion, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC, and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.
If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads!
#LifeLongLearning #BlackBeth #NetGalley
Artwork - black and white: 9/10
Artwork - colour: 9/10
Additional manga info: 10/10
You can tell that a manga is going to be worth your time when the author and the editorial team take the time (and pages) to give an overview of the origin story and how an unknown manga from 1988 was revived almost 30 years later.
The manga is split in two. The first section is the story of the original “Black Beth” as envisioned by Blas Gallego. It is a black & white publication depicting how Beth was robbed of her simple life and her training to become the skilled warrior from Rassau’s prophecy.
The second section continues Black Beth’s story on another adventure, but this time in a coloured format. This time, Beth has to stop an evil warlock from their sacrificial plan.
Overall, I liked that the story was easy to read, and the fact that the second story sticks to the original character development of Beth. I’m sure that fans of dark, YA, and fantasy will enjoy this read.
Special thanks to NetGalley, Rebellion, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC, and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.
If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads!
#LifeLongLearning #BlackBeth #NetGalley
May 26, 2022
My thanks to Netgalley and Rebelion Publishing for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest interview.
Black Beth is the story of Beth, a woman turned warrior on the hunt for vengeance for her home, people, and all those who need help fighting evil. The comic is divided into two parts: the original story by Blas Gallego, which appeared in the pages of Scream back in the 1980s, and a colored continuation of the titular's story, written and drawn by various authors and artists.
The stories were too fast-paced and action-packed to provide much characterization for both Beth and Quido, which turned me off to them. The art style was great, with the colored one being the highlight for me (Black Beth and the Devils of Al-Kadesh). Story-wise, I liked The Witch Tree the most because I believe it added a layer to Beth's character by exposing one of her flaws and vulnerable moments in the form of mourning her mother. Overall, it was a good collection that might appeal to readers who enjoy YA fantasy and graphic novels.
3.0 stars.
Black Beth is the story of Beth, a woman turned warrior on the hunt for vengeance for her home, people, and all those who need help fighting evil. The comic is divided into two parts: the original story by Blas Gallego, which appeared in the pages of Scream back in the 1980s, and a colored continuation of the titular's story, written and drawn by various authors and artists.
The stories were too fast-paced and action-packed to provide much characterization for both Beth and Quido, which turned me off to them. The art style was great, with the colored one being the highlight for me (Black Beth and the Devils of Al-Kadesh). Story-wise, I liked The Witch Tree the most because I believe it added a layer to Beth's character by exposing one of her flaws and vulnerable moments in the form of mourning her mother. Overall, it was a good collection that might appeal to readers who enjoy YA fantasy and graphic novels.
3.0 stars.
April 5, 2022
„Black Beth“ was my first Comic and I was pleasantly surprised!
I never read a comic before and I didn’t really knew what I could expect from it. I really enjoyed the idea of the story and also how it was drawn. I thought it’s interesting to add a colored story in the end but it worked really well as one whole story.
I also really liked the way how Beth was portrayed and how her amour looked.
But I think I would enjoyed it even more when it would have been a bit more backstory or more details in general. The End felt really rushed for me and I feel like five or ten more pages would have made the story more interesting for me.
I want to thank NetGalley and Rebellion Publishing for providing me with this E-Arc!
I never read a comic before and I didn’t really knew what I could expect from it. I really enjoyed the idea of the story and also how it was drawn. I thought it’s interesting to add a colored story in the end but it worked really well as one whole story.
I also really liked the way how Beth was portrayed and how her amour looked.
But I think I would enjoyed it even more when it would have been a bit more backstory or more details in general. The End felt really rushed for me and I feel like five or ten more pages would have made the story more interesting for me.
I want to thank NetGalley and Rebellion Publishing for providing me with this E-Arc!
April 9, 2022
Arc received by netgalley
The art for this comic… absolutely amazing!! This comic is in two parts, the first was the original story which is shown in black and white which move quickly. The second part is a continuation of Black Beth’s adventure and is in colour, personally I favoured this part where she stops the evil warlock from sacrificing his plan.
And can we take a second to appreciate the art of Black Beth!! A lot of female characters in comics normally don’t get armour and when they do it’s barely nothing, but she is badass and her amour is probably my favourite yet!!
The art for this comic… absolutely amazing!! This comic is in two parts, the first was the original story which is shown in black and white which move quickly. The second part is a continuation of Black Beth’s adventure and is in colour, personally I favoured this part where she stops the evil warlock from sacrificing his plan.
And can we take a second to appreciate the art of Black Beth!! A lot of female characters in comics normally don’t get armour and when they do it’s barely nothing, but she is badass and her amour is probably my favourite yet!!
Read
April 7, 2022Well, here's an oddity – a sword and sorcery character who appeared in precisely one 1988 special of horror comic Scream!, in a story which had itself been languishing in a drawer for 12 years, having originally been intended for an entirely different comic called Scream, cancelled before it even launched. But among the kids who read that special, one Alec Worley, whom it caught just right, as things do in childhood, and who thirty years further on, would be in a position to revive the character. His revival, and that twice-lost original, now brought together in this collection. But I'm letting this account be led by the writer, when really the appeal here is the art, the fabulous monochrome* visions of lethal crags and haunted moors. Hell, nobody even knows who wrote the original story anymore, only that the art was Blas Gallego, with a little help from Ian Gibson. It's a story of self-fulfilling prophecies, cruelty, revenge, Shakespeare by way of Kill Bill through a giallo filter – though while those are the cooler reference points, I can also absolutely see why Worley spent years thinking it shared an artist with odd early RPG Dragon Warriors, which had much the same spooky twist on classic fantasy tropes. And which I'd just been thinking about the night before I started reading this, because I was watching Hawk The Slayer, because that too is currently getting a comics revival from Rebellion, thanks to much the same story of having caught at the right time someone who'd go on to be a comics writer with the clout to make that happen. Despite all of which, it gets a mildly disparaging namecheck in Worley's introduction, because when you were into geeky stuff before that was cool, the narcissism of small differences remains a powerful force.
And then, decades down the line, the new stuff, finally paying off the original's final line, "For this is only...the beginning!", followed by a hopeful 'The End?' caption which must have looked for a long time as overly optimistic as Flash Gordon's. Except that this is not quite the same Black Beth; she's younger, punkier than the imperious glamour of the original, and her sidekick is no longer a dwarf, though to be honest in the original he seemed only temporarily to be one once the script specifically mentioned it, in much the same way as it referred to Beth's armour being leather while it was blatantly drawn as plate. Still, she remains sworn to combat evil in all its vile forms, which is the main thing, and more to the point, she's being drawn by DaNi, who is the perfect heir to Gallego in terms of atmospheric fantasy visuals. Indeed, when the stories were at their ripest (which I do not remotely intend as a criticism) – "Dragged from your beds by dead men, carried screaming into the moonlit wild, and bound deep beneath haunted ruins..." – I found myself wishing that either Gallego or DaNi could have worked with the much-missed Steve Moore when 2000AD was doing comics versions of his Tales Of Telguuth, as I think either of them would have caught the Clark Ashton Smith spirit of that damned world much better than most of the artistic collaborators he actually got.
*Excepting the longest and most recent story, The Devils Of Al-Kadesh. Which is in colour, and they're certainly not bad colours, nor is it a bad story. But somehow it dents the mood, and I hope any further outings will revert to black and white.
(Netgalley ARC)
And then, decades down the line, the new stuff, finally paying off the original's final line, "For this is only...the beginning!", followed by a hopeful 'The End?' caption which must have looked for a long time as overly optimistic as Flash Gordon's. Except that this is not quite the same Black Beth; she's younger, punkier than the imperious glamour of the original, and her sidekick is no longer a dwarf, though to be honest in the original he seemed only temporarily to be one once the script specifically mentioned it, in much the same way as it referred to Beth's armour being leather while it was blatantly drawn as plate. Still, she remains sworn to combat evil in all its vile forms, which is the main thing, and more to the point, she's being drawn by DaNi, who is the perfect heir to Gallego in terms of atmospheric fantasy visuals. Indeed, when the stories were at their ripest (which I do not remotely intend as a criticism) – "Dragged from your beds by dead men, carried screaming into the moonlit wild, and bound deep beneath haunted ruins..." – I found myself wishing that either Gallego or DaNi could have worked with the much-missed Steve Moore when 2000AD was doing comics versions of his Tales Of Telguuth, as I think either of them would have caught the Clark Ashton Smith spirit of that damned world much better than most of the artistic collaborators he actually got.
*Excepting the longest and most recent story, The Devils Of Al-Kadesh. Which is in colour, and they're certainly not bad colours, nor is it a bad story. But somehow it dents the mood, and I hope any further outings will revert to black and white.
(Netgalley ARC)
April 7, 2022
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Rebellion Publishing for an advanced copy of the return of this classic comic character.
A popular theme in many sword and sorcery stores is the idea of the woman done wrong, and getting revenge on those she feels were responsible. Black Beth was a character who appeared in only two stories in the early eighties for the magazine Scream. The writer has been lost, but the artist was Blas Gallego famed Spanish illustrator with a career that spans almost 60 years. The continuing adventures of Black Beth are under the auspices of writer Alec Worley and the artist DaNi. Black Beth: Vengeance Be Thy Name contains both the origin tale with original art work and newer tales one in full colour.
The words of a witch tell a mad Count that a figure in black will pursue him unto death, and the name of this avenger is Beth. Coming to a small town under his dominion he finds a wedding underway with young Beth and her husband to be the focus of the event. The Count commands the town to be destroyed and Beth is left for dead, her family not as fortunate. Found by a blinded warrior Quido Beth is trained in the arts of war, with a final gift of all black armor completeing her transformation to Black Beth. Soon she leads a peasant revolt against the Count, with vengeance her inspiration. Newer stories include stories of Beth stopping child sacrifices, a near hanging, and finally a longer story involving sea creatures, living cities, flying creatures and an misunderstood witch.
The stories are great sword and sorcery stuff, plenty of swinging swords and odd magic, with some really cool ideas and great art. The art is outstanding, especially the newer work by DaNi, in both black and white and color. The story compliments the art and vice versa. Black Beth owes a little, maybe a lot to Red Sonja, and might seem a little square in the story. Quido is a very funny fellow, quick with a quip or a thrown battle ax, sometimes at the same time.
Fans of Conan or Red Sonja will for sure enjoy this graphic novel. The mix of classic art and style with the modern is good and does not distract from the story. The art especially DaNi is quite good and helps the story move along. A fun series of adventures
A popular theme in many sword and sorcery stores is the idea of the woman done wrong, and getting revenge on those she feels were responsible. Black Beth was a character who appeared in only two stories in the early eighties for the magazine Scream. The writer has been lost, but the artist was Blas Gallego famed Spanish illustrator with a career that spans almost 60 years. The continuing adventures of Black Beth are under the auspices of writer Alec Worley and the artist DaNi. Black Beth: Vengeance Be Thy Name contains both the origin tale with original art work and newer tales one in full colour.
The words of a witch tell a mad Count that a figure in black will pursue him unto death, and the name of this avenger is Beth. Coming to a small town under his dominion he finds a wedding underway with young Beth and her husband to be the focus of the event. The Count commands the town to be destroyed and Beth is left for dead, her family not as fortunate. Found by a blinded warrior Quido Beth is trained in the arts of war, with a final gift of all black armor completeing her transformation to Black Beth. Soon she leads a peasant revolt against the Count, with vengeance her inspiration. Newer stories include stories of Beth stopping child sacrifices, a near hanging, and finally a longer story involving sea creatures, living cities, flying creatures and an misunderstood witch.
The stories are great sword and sorcery stuff, plenty of swinging swords and odd magic, with some really cool ideas and great art. The art is outstanding, especially the newer work by DaNi, in both black and white and color. The story compliments the art and vice versa. Black Beth owes a little, maybe a lot to Red Sonja, and might seem a little square in the story. Quido is a very funny fellow, quick with a quip or a thrown battle ax, sometimes at the same time.
Fans of Conan or Red Sonja will for sure enjoy this graphic novel. The mix of classic art and style with the modern is good and does not distract from the story. The art especially DaNi is quite good and helps the story move along. A fun series of adventures
April 2, 2022
ARC copy provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest review
I'm going to be honest, I found this anthology on NetGalley and the cover drew me in. I recently finished Catwoman in Rome, and I thought the art style was phenomenal. The cover for Black Beth was in a similar vein and so I applied to get the ARC. I was not disappointed.
Black Beth is a comic series that was a single shot comic drawn and written for SCREAM in the 1970's, however it never got off the ground. Black Beth was again reprinted in 1988. In 2022, Black Beth is getting another release along with four other stores drawn by various artists. Probably because the series was never picked up and fleshed out the same way as many of the Marvel or DC comics would be, Black Beth has more in common with the adventures of Conan. This anthology contains five single shot stories.
The first issue in the anthology is the first issue reprinted, to provide the reader with the backstory of Black Beth. The rest of the stories are pretty straight forward villain of the week type stories that could have easily ran in a magazine of other similar comics.
I really loved the art style of the comics, but I must admit that the issue of 'Black Beth and The Devils of Al-Kadesh' was my favourite. The colours were vibrant and the art absolutely stunning. The action flowed really nicely and story wise it was decently complex compared to the other four.
This is not a huge collection, 80 pages long. One can read it in a single sitting. If you like more darker fantasy stories, don't want to commit to something long running or want to take a glimpse at Comic history. This is a great book.
I'm going to be honest, I found this anthology on NetGalley and the cover drew me in. I recently finished Catwoman in Rome, and I thought the art style was phenomenal. The cover for Black Beth was in a similar vein and so I applied to get the ARC. I was not disappointed.
Black Beth is a comic series that was a single shot comic drawn and written for SCREAM in the 1970's, however it never got off the ground. Black Beth was again reprinted in 1988. In 2022, Black Beth is getting another release along with four other stores drawn by various artists. Probably because the series was never picked up and fleshed out the same way as many of the Marvel or DC comics would be, Black Beth has more in common with the adventures of Conan. This anthology contains five single shot stories.
The first issue in the anthology is the first issue reprinted, to provide the reader with the backstory of Black Beth. The rest of the stories are pretty straight forward villain of the week type stories that could have easily ran in a magazine of other similar comics.
I really loved the art style of the comics, but I must admit that the issue of 'Black Beth and The Devils of Al-Kadesh' was my favourite. The colours were vibrant and the art absolutely stunning. The action flowed really nicely and story wise it was decently complex compared to the other four.
This is not a huge collection, 80 pages long. One can read it in a single sitting. If you like more darker fantasy stories, don't want to commit to something long running or want to take a glimpse at Comic history. This is a great book.
March 26, 2022
This book is a compilation of stories about Black Beth, a young girl turned warrior. After a prophecy tells the Count Rassau that a woman named Beth would destroy him, he pre-emptively attacks a wedding ceremony killing most of the village. One of the only survivors is Beth, who takes on the role of avenger, training and becoming a fierce warrior.
These comics can clearly be seen to run through the course of time, with the first strip published in the 1960s. The style does evolve and even has one story in colour, and the art style is difficult to comment on as a result. The comics feel very dark, and often characters are standing quite far away so their features are barely discernible. You can just about work out what is happening in terms of movement, but later comics in the collection (those illustrated by DaNi) are better at this.
My primary issue is that I found myself not really liking the main character - Beth is quite abrupt when talking to people, actions things on her own accord without much consideration for her surroundings, and as a result I struggled to get behind this collection despite reading through all of them. I think comic book fans would really like this collection and despite my misgivings it was very easy to read, it just didn't hit the sweet-spot for me sadly.
Many thanks to Rebellion Publishing for providing a complimentary copy of this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
These comics can clearly be seen to run through the course of time, with the first strip published in the 1960s. The style does evolve and even has one story in colour, and the art style is difficult to comment on as a result. The comics feel very dark, and often characters are standing quite far away so their features are barely discernible. You can just about work out what is happening in terms of movement, but later comics in the collection (those illustrated by DaNi) are better at this.
My primary issue is that I found myself not really liking the main character - Beth is quite abrupt when talking to people, actions things on her own accord without much consideration for her surroundings, and as a result I struggled to get behind this collection despite reading through all of them. I think comic book fans would really like this collection and despite my misgivings it was very easy to read, it just didn't hit the sweet-spot for me sadly.
Many thanks to Rebellion Publishing for providing a complimentary copy of this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
May 25, 2022
Overall it was a nice collection of stories to read. The story of Black Beth is compelling and I admire the creators for dredging her up and bringing her back to readers.
So the first story, the orginal ‘Black Beth’ was a nice introduction. A classic woman scorned story of a dictator killing a village but Beth escapes and goes to learn the ways of battle to avenge her husband and village. Definitely makes you want to see more of her journeys.
Which takes us to ‘The Magos of Malice’ where we see Beth on a mission to save some people and having to learn a lesson about her rage. Not my favourite story of the bunch but I enjoyed the art.
Then there is ‘The Witch Tree’ which helps us to learn more about Beth’s history and get more glimpses into this world where there are magic users and people who wish to kill them. Would love for this to be expanded more on.
My favourite story was ‘The Devils of Al-Kadesh’, partly because it was the only one in colour and the art was so beautiful but also because the story was intriguing and expanded more on the world building.
A small bit at the end with ‘Fairy Tales’ which was a sore ending and I wish there was more.
Really nice art from Dani (who’s work in Arkham City I really enjoyed) throughout, and the other artists too, and I would love to see more of Black Beth in the future.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
So the first story, the orginal ‘Black Beth’ was a nice introduction. A classic woman scorned story of a dictator killing a village but Beth escapes and goes to learn the ways of battle to avenge her husband and village. Definitely makes you want to see more of her journeys.
Which takes us to ‘The Magos of Malice’ where we see Beth on a mission to save some people and having to learn a lesson about her rage. Not my favourite story of the bunch but I enjoyed the art.
Then there is ‘The Witch Tree’ which helps us to learn more about Beth’s history and get more glimpses into this world where there are magic users and people who wish to kill them. Would love for this to be expanded more on.
My favourite story was ‘The Devils of Al-Kadesh’, partly because it was the only one in colour and the art was so beautiful but also because the story was intriguing and expanded more on the world building.
A small bit at the end with ‘Fairy Tales’ which was a sore ending and I wish there was more.
Really nice art from Dani (who’s work in Arkham City I really enjoyed) throughout, and the other artists too, and I would love to see more of Black Beth in the future.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
April 22, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and the publish for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
Let me start with the art. I liked the art and liked how Beth was drawn throughout the different stories. I found that the art was very reminiscent of 80s comics- which is what I am sure they were going for. All in all I liked the art in this book and I enjoyed the color chapter story.
The story on the other hand was very 2-3 stars to me. While I like the idea that they went with for black Beth I felt it wasn’t executed as well as it could have been. I felt it lacked substance. While I understand they told stories in a few pages I still found it too fast paced and not enough details for my liking.
I saw another comment or state it was very red Sonja but with more clothes and I can see how that can hold true. It more so gave me zena warrior princess vibes. I think that this character could have a decent comic run if they could expand her story and give it more depth.
I would recommend this book to anyone who’s a 80/90s women warrior fan (especially if you liked zebra and red Sonja).
Let me start with the art. I liked the art and liked how Beth was drawn throughout the different stories. I found that the art was very reminiscent of 80s comics- which is what I am sure they were going for. All in all I liked the art in this book and I enjoyed the color chapter story.
The story on the other hand was very 2-3 stars to me. While I like the idea that they went with for black Beth I felt it wasn’t executed as well as it could have been. I felt it lacked substance. While I understand they told stories in a few pages I still found it too fast paced and not enough details for my liking.
I saw another comment or state it was very red Sonja but with more clothes and I can see how that can hold true. It more so gave me zena warrior princess vibes. I think that this character could have a decent comic run if they could expand her story and give it more depth.
I would recommend this book to anyone who’s a 80/90s women warrior fan (especially if you liked zebra and red Sonja).
April 1, 2022
This is a unique volume in that the first issue is the original Black Beth comic from the 80s, and the remaining issues in this volume are modern adaptations. I thought it was cool that the art style changed in these later issues, even though issues 2-5 were all done by modern artists. One obvious difference is the use of color, but I was mostly amazed at the evolution of Beth’s eyebrows from story to story.
However, in terms of content, all these stories felt pretty weak. There’s really no emotional tie or background to Beth, and the stories sometimes felt totally abrupt and incomplete (esp. issue 2). Faces were all incredibly similar (I had trouble distinguishing male characters), and even from panel to panel, Beth’s expression rarely changes.
I believe this is stand-alone, but wouldn’t recommend it overall, nor would I read a sequel if released.
I voluntarily obtained a digital version of this book free from Netgalley and Rebellion Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
However, in terms of content, all these stories felt pretty weak. There’s really no emotional tie or background to Beth, and the stories sometimes felt totally abrupt and incomplete (esp. issue 2). Faces were all incredibly similar (I had trouble distinguishing male characters), and even from panel to panel, Beth’s expression rarely changes.
I believe this is stand-alone, but wouldn’t recommend it overall, nor would I read a sequel if released.
I voluntarily obtained a digital version of this book free from Netgalley and Rebellion Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2022
This is a collection of 5 issues of Black Beth, including the original one from the 80's. Black Beth is a woman who has witnessed horrors and vowed from then on to seek vengeance on all forms of evil.
I think my favorite was “Black Beth and the Devils of Al-Kadesh”, the color palette and gradients are very nice and a great addition. Loooove Black Beth's design, both the 80's version and the updated design are super intense. I feel like often women characters won't get sick armor, but they did not shy away from making her look tough as hell. I will say some of the earlier stories (minus the original) move a bit too quickly for me, I think they were originally meant to be shorts featured in other media like magazines, but I think a longer edition would give more depth to her character and be interesting to see!
Thank you to Rebellion Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy to review.
I think my favorite was “Black Beth and the Devils of Al-Kadesh”, the color palette and gradients are very nice and a great addition. Loooove Black Beth's design, both the 80's version and the updated design are super intense. I feel like often women characters won't get sick armor, but they did not shy away from making her look tough as hell. I will say some of the earlier stories (minus the original) move a bit too quickly for me, I think they were originally meant to be shorts featured in other media like magazines, but I think a longer edition would give more depth to her character and be interesting to see!
Thank you to Rebellion Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy to review.
April 13, 2022
🇬🇧🇮🇹
Today I am talking about this reading that accompanied me during a challenge that I proposed to do with my sister, that is to be able to read as many books in one day.
I loved how this graphic novel was created, the mystery that surrounds it and the main protagonist, Beth.
I would define the tables as "vintage" in a positive way, although it is not really my thing, I read them with pleasure.
We come to the colored part of the book, I particularly liked it, especially the play of heat used by the illustrator.
I recommend it if you are looking for a vintage graphic novel with a super female protagonist.
.
.
.
.
.
Oggi parlo di questa lettura che mi ha accompagnata durante una sfida che mi sono proposta di fare con mia sorella, ovvero quella di riuscire a leggere quanti più libri in un giorno.
Mi è piaciuto tanto come sia stata creata questa graphic novel, il mistero che l’avvolge e la protagonista principale, Beth.
Le tavole le definirei “vintage” in modo positivo, nonostante non sia proprio il mio genere le ho lette con piacere.
Arriviamo alla parte colorata del libro, mi è piaciuta particolarmente, sopratutto il gioco di calori usato dall’illustratore.
La consiglio se cercate una graphic novel vintage con una super protagonista femminile.
Today I am talking about this reading that accompanied me during a challenge that I proposed to do with my sister, that is to be able to read as many books in one day.
I loved how this graphic novel was created, the mystery that surrounds it and the main protagonist, Beth.
I would define the tables as "vintage" in a positive way, although it is not really my thing, I read them with pleasure.
We come to the colored part of the book, I particularly liked it, especially the play of heat used by the illustrator.
I recommend it if you are looking for a vintage graphic novel with a super female protagonist.
.
.
.
.
.
Oggi parlo di questa lettura che mi ha accompagnata durante una sfida che mi sono proposta di fare con mia sorella, ovvero quella di riuscire a leggere quanti più libri in un giorno.
Mi è piaciuto tanto come sia stata creata questa graphic novel, il mistero che l’avvolge e la protagonista principale, Beth.
Le tavole le definirei “vintage” in modo positivo, nonostante non sia proprio il mio genere le ho lette con piacere.
Arriviamo alla parte colorata del libro, mi è piaciuta particolarmente, sopratutto il gioco di calori usato dall’illustratore.
La consiglio se cercate una graphic novel vintage con una super protagonista femminile.
May 16, 2022
"They shall know me by the name that I adopt! By which I swear to combat evil in all it's vile forms...A name born of the black rage that fills my heart..."
Black Beth: Vengeance Be Thy Name is my very first graphic novel that I have ever reviewed. This is also my first time learning about the Black Beth comic lore. I know she made an appearance in "1988 Scream! Holiday Special", but that's pretty much it. She is such a bad@ss. Think if Lady Sif, Elektra, Red Sonja, and Xena were combined, you would get Black Beth. Personally, this was a little fast paced and felt rushed for me. I would have loved to see her train and learn more instead of instantly gaining the strength and warrior knowledge. However, It was beautifully designed/drawn and her story was incredible. Overall, it was a fun, quick graphic novel and very easy to follow. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy strong bad@ss FMCs, tough warriors with swords, and sorcery!
Black Beth: Vengeance Be Thy Name is my very first graphic novel that I have ever reviewed. This is also my first time learning about the Black Beth comic lore. I know she made an appearance in "1988 Scream! Holiday Special", but that's pretty much it. She is such a bad@ss. Think if Lady Sif, Elektra, Red Sonja, and Xena were combined, you would get Black Beth. Personally, this was a little fast paced and felt rushed for me. I would have loved to see her train and learn more instead of instantly gaining the strength and warrior knowledge. However, It was beautifully designed/drawn and her story was incredible. Overall, it was a fun, quick graphic novel and very easy to follow. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy strong bad@ss FMCs, tough warriors with swords, and sorcery!
November 18, 2024
I really like Black Beth!
So why 3*?
There isn't enough of it, is the biggest problem. There are only a few new stories in the collected volume and they are beyond short.
I am intrigued by the characters, I want to see them at different stages of their lives, in different situations and in slightly different roles. That's the joy of sword and sorcery short stories.
I also wanna say - the artwork by DaNi is wonderful, truly a great style fit, but I did wish the action was more detailed and clearer. While there is some fighting and such, it's drawn (and written I guess) very abstractly, I couldn't quite feel the blades slashing and so on.
I do hope Worley gets to write more Black Beth and that DaNi gets to draw it, because it's a great combination. It's just that the result is a bit undersized, malnourished.
So why 3*?
There isn't enough of it, is the biggest problem. There are only a few new stories in the collected volume and they are beyond short.
I am intrigued by the characters, I want to see them at different stages of their lives, in different situations and in slightly different roles. That's the joy of sword and sorcery short stories.
I also wanna say - the artwork by DaNi is wonderful, truly a great style fit, but I did wish the action was more detailed and clearer. While there is some fighting and such, it's drawn (and written I guess) very abstractly, I couldn't quite feel the blades slashing and so on.
I do hope Worley gets to write more Black Beth and that DaNi gets to draw it, because it's a great combination. It's just that the result is a bit undersized, malnourished.
December 3, 2025
Didn't realize going into this book that it was essentially just The Devils of Al-Kadesh packaged alongside the original Black Beth material. This is a more complete package, so it's definitely the thing to get if you're interested in Black Beth.
My previous review of The Devils of Al-Kadesh:
A solid sword and sorcery tale with excellent art. It's a little light on the characters, but that sometimes goes with the territory, especially with something this brief. Ultimately, this is a quality story in the traditional mold.
My previous review of The Devils of Al-Kadesh:
A solid sword and sorcery tale with excellent art. It's a little light on the characters, but that sometimes goes with the territory, especially with something this brief. Ultimately, this is a quality story in the traditional mold.
November 4, 2023
If I were just rating this on the original Black Beth story included in this collection then this would be five stars. The story is great and the Blas Gallego art makes it look like something that would fit right in into a classic Savage Sword of Conan issue.
The rest of the stories and art were unfortunately not as good, but this is still a great read for any sword & sorcery fan.
The rest of the stories and art were unfortunately not as good, but this is still a great read for any sword & sorcery fan.
March 25, 2022
Thank you to the Rebellion Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. I really enjoyed this collection of of tales about Black Beth, the warrior maiden. Great adventure and beautiful, detailed illustrations made this a very enjoyable read.
January 26, 2025
A great read and an honest introduction by the author. There is the original story as well as the follow on tales written about four decades later. The subsequent tales are original but have reworked the characters a bit to update them.
Certainly an enjoyable read.
Certainly an enjoyable read.
September 21, 2025
(THIS REVIEW IS ORIGINALLY FROM STORYGRAPH, FROM 10TH FEBRUARY 2025.)
The art certainly carried because its gorgeous, especially the original 70s comic strip from Scream!
I was very impressed with Black Beth herself. Guts from Berserk and her could be siblings.
The art certainly carried because its gorgeous, especially the original 70s comic strip from Scream!
I was very impressed with Black Beth herself. Guts from Berserk and her could be siblings.
April 17, 2022
Worley, et al. Produce a very enjoyable, well-written, and drawn graphic novel that reminds me of the "Savage Sword of Conan magazines that I loved as a kid. I look forward to reading more.
Want to read
April 23, 2022Dark and beautiful art work and writing. Exactly my style. I enjoyed absolutely every minute of this and very much look forward to more of this story in the future.
March 5, 2023
I loved this. I loved the art and the story and her vengeance. Just a great graphic novel.
January 28, 2024
Razor thin plot but fun energetic art.
February 2, 2024
I didn't realise I already had 2 of 3 stories already. Anyway, I love Dani's art work.
August 4, 2025
Very average ‘beautiful woman in a sword and sorcery setting becomes a warrior with a sidekick’ plot, but I was very charmed by the water coloured art in the longest new story.
June 18, 2022
I dislike the art style, so much that I decided to not finish it the first time I tried to read it. I finished it and I still did not enjoy it.
January 22, 2024
**ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review**
Black Beth: Vengeance Be Thy Name by Alec Worley, Dani, Blas Gallego was a fairly short comics anthology revolving around a classic character known as Black Beth. I'd never heard of her before requesting this comic, but I enjoyed it for what it was.
Black Beth has a tragic backstory about how her whole village was murdered by an evil lord on her wedding day. She alone survived to train and become strong enough to take revenge on any and all forms of evil.
Despite the varied and loose styles of drawing, the story was easy to understand and enjoy, though mature audiences are encouraged. This was a very exciting and quick collection of stories about Black Beth, and it was interesting even as someone who had no prior knowledge of this character.
Black Beth: Vengeance Be Thy Name by Alec Worley, Dani, Blas Gallego was a fairly short comics anthology revolving around a classic character known as Black Beth. I'd never heard of her before requesting this comic, but I enjoyed it for what it was.
Black Beth has a tragic backstory about how her whole village was murdered by an evil lord on her wedding day. She alone survived to train and become strong enough to take revenge on any and all forms of evil.
Despite the varied and loose styles of drawing, the story was easy to understand and enjoy, though mature audiences are encouraged. This was a very exciting and quick collection of stories about Black Beth, and it was interesting even as someone who had no prior knowledge of this character.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews