Gun Honey, Vol. 2: Blood for Blood

Gun Honey: Blood for Blood #1-4

by Charles Ardai, Ang Hor Kheng (Illustrator)

THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SEQUEL TO THE BESTSELLING GRAPHIC NOVEL GUN HONEY, WRITTEN BY AWARD WINNER CHARLES ARDAI, CO-FOUNDER OF HARD CASE CRIME!

Fans of the first graphic novel and classic pulp crime fiction will get a thrill out of this fast-paced, mystery thriller. Features a cover by superstar artist Stanley "Artgerm" Lau! Gun Honey is currently in development as a television series by Piller/Segan (Haven, The Dead Zone) and Malaysia-based Double Vision (The Bridge).

Joanna Tan is back, sexier and deadlier than ever… She’ll get you the weapon you need, when you need it, where you need it -- no matter how impossible. But this time, somebody else is planting the weapons. Somebody who’s causing a lot of trouble. And with Joanna’s MO, the authorities are making her their number one suspect. It’s now up to Joanna to prove her innocence, and find the woman responsible for framing her for murder!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Crime, Fiction, Action, Thriller, Comic Book

112 pages, Paperback

First published April 11, 2023

About the author

Charles Ardai is a founder of Hard Case Crime, a pulp crime novel publisher, as well as an editor and author. In 1991 he received the Pearlman Prize for his fiction. He also writes under the pen name Richard Aleas.

Reviews

[Gareth Is Haunted · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have become a huge fan of the Hard Case Crime series of books of late and this was my first time reading a graphic novel from Hardcase Crime. This was a really fun and exciting read for me. Blood for Blood perfectly suited what I already knew about the imprint.
If you love fast-paced and action-packed graphic novels, this one may well be for you.
My only gripe is that I hadn't read the first instalment in this graphic novel series, but this didn't overly affect my enjoyment once I had gotten to grips with the characters involved.
I will be sure to grab a copy of the first instalment very soon.
Slick, sexy 100mph action from start to finish.

Thanks to Titan Comics and NetGalleyUK for providing me with an arc copy for review.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Planting guns and evading capture are two very clothing-optional activities in the world of Joanna Tan, and I am here for it.


This is just about the most-clothed you'll see our duelling gun honeys.

[Gerald Larocque · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gun Honey: Blood for Blood continues the gripping saga that began in the first volume, seamlessly blending action, intrigue, and its signature pulp noir art style. Charles Ardai delves deeper into the world of gunrunning and revenge, delivering relentless, fast-paced action.

From the opening scene, readers are thrust into high-stakes situations that keep the adrenaline pumping. The artwork beautifully complements the narrative, with striking visuals that capture both the intensity of the action and the nuanced emotions of the characters.

However, while the plot is filled with intriguing twists and turns, I found certain elements to be somewhat predictable. Some character arcs felt familiar, and although it's enjoyable to see action tropes play out, I wished for a bit more innovation in the storytelling. Additionally, some of the dialogue came across as a bit cliché, which occasionally detracted from the overall experience.

In no way did this break new ground but it still entertained.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vol 1 was awesome and now vol 2 is just as good. Here we have a new player, Filippa Sterling. As a kid, her parents use to go to raves a lot leaving her home alone. A new drug hit the scene but killed everyone at the rave who took it, including Filippa’s parents. As an orphan, she was recruited and turned into a highly trained operative. Now she has vowed to kill the people who made the drug that killed her parents. But that’s not all, there is another motive that has given her motivation to take out our Gun Honey. Some nice twists and turns, more nudity and more great action all well captured by Ang Hor Kheng’s dope artwork. With the way this ended, I can’t wait for vol 3 and the spin-off series coming called Heat Seekers. Also, reading the stuff in the back, I see this was optioned for a TV show. I’d definitely watch it.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm still enjoying this twist on a hard boiled crime story. Usually such stories are about a hard-boiled PI or a heist tale. This mixes both as Joanna has to come back into the "public eye" when it is discovered a U.S. Intelligence agency was running unapproved black ops.

What makes Joanna different is that despite her overall skill set, she's usually not the shoot them and stab type. Her real specialty is smuggling the weapon into someplace that is supposed to be impossible so that the assigned assassin can pull of the job.

This one deviates from that a little bit, but overall the tale remain enjoyable.

[Dávid Novotný · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything that was in first volume is also here, but second book moves story further, so it is still very entertaining and keeps you hooked up. Looking forward to volume three. 3.5*

[Craig Childs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joanna Tan is on the lam in Malaysia after having killed a bunch a bad guys… Brook is now promoted to assistant director (his former boss being one of those now-dead villains)… and someone is trying to frame Joanna for an attack on a billionaire pharmaceutical mogul's home…

Who is behind this attack? What is her motive? Why did she single out Joanna to take the fall?

When Jack Tan executes Director Lydia Morse at the end of Gun Honey, there is an unnamed blonde woman wearing headphones who is seen briefly in the background. Readers do not know her name or her role in the clandestine government agency for which Morse works. Now she is revealed…

Filippa Sterling is a trained killer, thief, and spy. Like Joanna, she is one of Morse's protégés. She wants to assassinate 'Bert and Ernie', the so-called drug designers she blames for her parents death. She wants to pin the crimes on Joanna, who gave her brother Jack the gun that killed her mentor…

What follows is another globe-trotting cat-and-mouse adventure as Joanna tries to stop Filippa and clear her name. From Malaysia to Monaco, Milan to Montana, there are car chases, shootouts, bombings, executions, and even a topless fight between the two adversaries disguised as burlesque dancers…

OK, good news, the second volume of Gun Honey is better than the first one, albeit not by much. It still feels like a Friday night movie on Cinemax. It is still mindless, head-scratching entertaining, but at least there are not glaring plot holes in every issue.

Ang Hor Kheng's artwork remains bright and colorful. (He must have learned how to draw the female form from Tomas Giorello; neither artist has apparently ever met a woman without a silicone-enhanced bust.)

My favorite tidbit is when a suspect hands Brook a business card for Martin H. Ehrengraf, Attorney-at-Law. It is a reference to Lawrence Block's dapper, unscrupulous barrister who never loses a case. Maybe Ardai will work him in as a recurring character in this series.

Next up in the series: Heat Seeker: A Gun Honey Series (coming in summer 2023).

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gun Honey, Vol. 2: Blood for Blood by Charles Ardai continues the adventures of gun smuggler, Joanna Tan. In Vol 1 of this Hard Crime graphic novel series, she discovered who murdered her family. In this volume, Joanna is a target of an assassin. She and her new partner, Brook, hunt for a female assassin (she used to work with Brook in the 'CIA'), who is trying to frame Joanna for murders.

The adventure takes Joanna and Brook to Montana, South Dakota, Italy and even Monaco. There are drug manufacturers, the type who make ecstasy... a really powerful version. They bear some responsibility for a rave that resulted in many deaths. So, basically someone is out for vengeance, against Joanna and against the drug dealers. (maybe... )

There is action on action. There is violence. There is nudity. Hard Case crime, a thriller on high speed. Just a break from reality. (3.0 stars)

[Jordan Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Nothing really all that new or innovative when compared to other stories in this genre or even against its predecessor, but “Blood for Blood” is still an entertaining entry into Joanna Tan’s life as a sexy and badass gun smuggler. This time, she’s pulled out of her semi-vacation while being framed for a crime she didn’t commit. With the help of her pseudo-lover from the CIA, she’s out to clear her name…sort of…since she is a criminal mastermind anyways. “Blood For Blood” sets out to give a bit more backstory to Joanna and the shady organization she’s attached to, while, at the same time, giving more action, violence, and even more nudity. None of which I’m complaining about. I wish there was more originality with this series to really make it stand out as something truly special, yet there are a lot worse attempts out there.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gun Honey just wasn’t for me. I’m sure tons of other people will love it, but I found it kind of forgettable and meh.

[Δημήτρης Μπ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the first volume but still a satisfying action comic with amazing (and steamy) illustrations and colouring. If you liked the first volume, you will definitely enjoy this one, too!!

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5

I believe I've mentioned in previous reviews how I've become fascinated by the pulp noir fiction that was popular in the 1940's and 1950's and I've been watching, and enjoying, a slow return to this kind of writing. Hard Case Crime books is a publishing house dedicated to this kind of fiction. Gun Honey: Blood for Blood is a sequel to Gun Honey. Both pulp noir, what makes them slightly unique is that they are graphic novels - not something you typically see in the noir genre.

Our 'honey' is Joanna Tan, who gets her nickname because she has the ability to get a gun for you no matter where you are or when you need it. She's a one=person special ops force who's tried to retire but when someone is planting guns and running missions using her MO, she's forced out of retirement to clear her name. But her foe turns out to be every bit as capable as Joanna herself.

I didn't read the first graphic novel in the series and did feel I missed out on a bit of background to Joanna, but this was cleared up with a quick look at some of the review of that book on Goodreads. Also ... it's pulp fiction ... by the very nature of the genre, we can pretty much discover all we need to know by the course of action. And the action here is practically non-stop.

I think it's generally common knowledge that the readership for a book like this is typically middle-aged or older men. This book then panders to that readership with the non-stop action and fighting (especially the woman on woman fighting) but mostly with a great deal of nudity. Tan may be able to get a gun for any occasion but she also seems to be interesting in stripping whenever possible and her body is a classic comic book female figure.

That said, I generally liked the artwork here. It had a nice, noir feel and there was good detail in nearly every panel. This is not like the modern manga artwork, but more akin to the comic art of the 1970's and 80's.

A slight aside ... this book contains a few photos of a model dressed (provocatively, of course) as Joanna Tan and the commentary states that the model is a cosplayer whom the publisher met at a convention and was invited to model professionally for the book.

Looking for a good book? If the idea of pulp fiction in graphic novel form appeals to you, Gun Honey: Blood for Blood is definitely worth checking out.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Yoshiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

POPKULTUROWY KOCIOŁEK:
Zabójczo piękna i równie skuteczna Joanna Tan powraca w drugim tomie serii Gun Honey. Wraz z nią czytelnicy ponownie mają okazję zanurzyć się w świecie pełnym przemocy, strzelanin, lejącej się krwi i boskich kobiecych ciał.

Po wydarzeniach z poprzedniego tomu Joanna udaje się na zasłużony odpoczynek. Ten jednak nie trwa zbyt długo i zostaje dość brutalnie zakończony. Ktoś bowiem wrabia bohaterkę w morderstwo, które zwraca na nią uwagę zarówno stróżów prawa, jak i mafii. W takiej sytuacji nie pozostaje nic innego jak tylko odnaleźć prawdziwego sprawcę i wytłumaczyć mu, że zadzieranie z nią to naprawdę zły pomysł. Zanim jednak do tego dojdzie, posypie się wiele ołowiu i poleje się wiele krwi.

Charles Ardai kolejny raz serwuje nam tu prosty w swoich założeniach, ale bardzo przyjemny w odbiorze thriller akcji, który pod wieloma względami mocno przyciąga uwagę czytelnika (nie chodzi tu tylko o piękno bohaterki). Scenariusz umiejętnie miesza w sobie bowiem elementy widowiskowe (przypominające filmy o Bondzie) z nieźle skrojoną intrygą i odpowiednią dawką mocniejszych scen dla dorosłego czytelnika. Dzięki temu stosunkowo krótki album (112 stron) potrafi zapewnić solidną porcję rozrywki.

Jednak Gun Honey to nie tylko efektowna przemoc. Ardai stara się również zwracać uwagę odbiorcy na mroczne strony ludzkiej natury i świata, w którym przetrwa tylko najsilniejszy. Treści te nigdy jednak nie wybijają się na pierwszy plan (zarezerwowany dla widowiskowej akcji), stanowiąc jedynie ciekawe tło.

Do plusów albumu trzeba również zaliczyć samą główną bohaterkę. Joanna, choć sama ma wiele na sumieniu naprawdę wzbudza ogromną sympatię. To skomplikowana postać, kierująca się własnym kodeksem moralnym, tłumiąca w sobie różne osobiste traumy/problemy. Jedyne, do czego można się tu doczepić to fakt, że lubi ona dość często zrzucać z siebie ubrania, co nie zawsze jest mocniej uzasadnione fabularnie....

https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/gun-h...

[OmniBen · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Zero spoiler review) 3.75/5
How do you improve upon a blood filled, breast laden, globe-trotting crime noir thriller? Well, surely you give people more of everything that made the original arc such a rousing success, right? Well, as many a sequel has learned the hard way over the years, not entirely. Without delving into a score of cinematic examples, simply dialing everything up to 11 isn't a sure-fire way to worm your way even deeper into peoples hearts (and wallets). It can work to varying degrees, occasionally surpassing the original with such tactics when everything falls into place just right, though I would suggest that this is a rare phenomenon, and more often, the subtle elements of what made the first movie get lost in the wash, and what you are left with is a slightly hollow victory lap. That said, Gun Honey Blood for Blood is nowhere near that level of disappointment. In fact, disappointment is not a word that should be uttered in reference to this arc, although in my opinion, it doesn't quite live up to volume one, for the above mentioned reasons.
The spy-craft has taken a backseat to action, and whilst there will be some, maybe many in fact, for whom that's a great thing, I'm sadly not one of em.
Again, this is still bloody good, and the art has generally improved, which was already bloody great to begin with. If the series continues in this direction and with this level of quality, I will hardly be complaining, it's just that volume one will likely always be the best. 3.75/5


OmniBen.

[Username · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Gun Honey: Blood for Blood" is a fast-paced and action-packed, sexy graphic novel that follows the story of Joanna Tan, a lethal gun runner who specializes in acquiring and delivering weapons to clients in need. However, things take a dangerous turn when Joanna becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation after someone else starts planting weapons and causing trouble in her name.

The storyline is intriguing and full of suspense, keeping the reader engaged throughout. The artwork is equally impressive, with dynamic illustrations that effectively capture the gritty and violent world, with many different, interesting locations.

Joanna Tan is a protagonist who is both alluring and deadly. She's a force to be reckoned with and never shies away from danger. Her character is well-developed and provides a refreshing take on the classic femme fatale trope.

The supporting characters are also well-crafted. The plot twists and turns keep the reader guessing, and the resolution is satisfying, providing closure to the story while leaving room for future installments.

Overall, "Gun Honey: Blood for Blood" is an excellent graphic novel that blends elements of noir, action, and suspense to create an enthralling and entertaining read. Highly recommended for fans of the genre.

[Rick Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second volume of Gun Honey does up its game a little with a slightly more sophisticated story that leans headfirst into the territory of globetrotting espionage, but is also a little unnecessarily convoluted. This volume pits Joanna Tan against a rival femme fatale, Filippa Sterling. Joanna is framed for a murder, leaving her on the run from the feds with Assistant Director Brook Barrow being her only ally. There are ample twists and turns as Joanna and Brook travel across the American northwest, Italy and Monaco hunting down leads as to where Filippa will strike next. What this volume does better than the last is develop the characters of both Joanna and Brook, while also creating an interesting villain in Filippa. While the story isn't super innovative or anything, it's still an enjoyable bit of spy/crime thriller storytelling. Ang Hor Kheng's artwork takes another step up with this volume with some dynamic layouts.

[Cale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Volume two ups the stakes by making the primary antagonist another attractive woman who also spends a fair bit of time naked, including during several punch-ups with Tan. A federal protégé out of the program and looking for revenge after Joanna's acts in the first book puts the two on a collision course, with a side plot about drug smugglers both legal and illegal making a semblance of a plan for the new foe. But really, this book is all about the action and the suggestive/full-out nudity - this would be NC-17 if it were a movie, and it's not even close to the line. Ang Hor Kheng's art is effective in both the action and 'action' (nudge nudge, wink wink). I think it's harder to justify reading this one just for the plot, but if you're enticed by the cover, you're going to be happy with everything you find inside.

[Zare · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume's story continues directly on the volume 1.

As they say every action causes a reaction and here Joanna will find herself chased down by police and criminals holding her responsible for a series of assassinations that carry her very unique mark - weapons infiltrated in the places where it is impossible to have them. Only this time it is not just her being marked for execution, but everyone related to her.

Art is same and consistent with volume 1, a little bit more organized. Again I would prefer this to be black and white comic, but again .... that's me :)

Excellent continuation of Joanna's adventures, ends on rather high note and I am definitely on a lookout for future books.

Highly recommended to all fans of good old action adventure stories.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can't go wrong with Hard Case Crime. This is a fun take on the spy vs spy concept except in this case it's two female assassins who battle it out. One is impersonating the other and setting her up to take a hard fall... conflict and mayhem ensues.

This is very much a story for grownups (some images are unsuitable for younger readers). Although I enjoyed it, the layout of the artwork/panels is not really conducive to a digital format; there are several two-page image sequences that are difficult to follow without seeing the full layout.

BOTTOM LINE: This is a fun, sometimes naughty, thriller story featuring a beautiful assassin who kicks butt (Gun Honey).

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comic for adults, with a smart and feisty female lead. I hadn’t come across this comic series before. What did I find reading Gun Honey? Firstly an enjoyable read, though following some of the text threads took a little effort. And a story of duplicity, a story of murder, a story of false accusations, a story of revenge. All presented with excellent art work to match the story. I will be looking out for the next instalment. Thank you to Titan Books and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

[Mohan Vemulapalli · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOTE: Please see my review of the first volume. Additionally, this second volume is highly dependent on plot development in the first volume so they should be read in order for the best experience.

"Gun Honey: Blood for Blood", like its preceding volume, "Gun Honey" is not high art but that is really the point of this fast paced gritty crime drama. Expect the same amount of cleavage and carnage with 20% more plot.

[Ben A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanna Tan is back in the fun, sexy and action-packed sequel to the original series. Following up on the fallout from the previous entry in the series, Blood for Blood sees her taking on a mirror version of herself. It's one of those rare graphic novels that you read cover to cover in a breathless state because you don't dare stop and put it down.

Special Thanks to Hard Case Crime, Titan Books and Netgalley for a digital ARC.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our illustrious Gun Honey is brought out of retirement when she's framed for some murders by someone just as good as she is. There's is a ton of nudity in this so be forewarned. This one does strain credulity at times due to how often she drops her clothes. It's almost like she has a fetish against wearing clothes. I prefer a little more focus on the story itself so I didn't find this as good as the first volume.

[Pop Bop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three words -- underwater fight scene. Decent twisty plot, snappy patter, well paced action. Drawing is crisp and serves well to support the story and drive the action. Lots of cheesecake, in a pulpy sort of fashion. If you've ever wondered how classic noir would translate to the graphic novel form, this would be an excellent place to start.

[PBNightmare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like that this series is a comic first and foremost. A lot of modern comics are just storyboards for a film. This second volume really increased the stakes and introduced a plot that could last two more volumes or more. Excellent work by everyone involved. I also thought the back material was great. Interesting to learn more about the cover model.

[Robert Bussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is even better than volume one. This book has a lot to offer: action, intrigue, spy thriller, violence, sexy women, and a great twisting revenge story with interesting characters.

The art work is also top-notch.

Highly recommended for fans of spy novels, noir stories, and action books.

[Λευτέρης Αναγνωστόπουλος · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with the first volume, the second one is full of excuses for Joanna to get naked. Am I complaining? No. But you have to know that the shallowness of the plot continues, then again, "plot" is not the reason we are here. In all seriousness, again, it continues to be a fun read with excellent artwork.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second volume in the series and it picks up from where the previous volume ended. Again another fun and thrilling read, knowing what to expect I enjoyed it for what it was. And there is sufficient back story to add depth to it too.

Could easily see these having been 90s or early 00s B Movies or even modern ones.

[Aravind Mahipani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Naked girls, muscles, action. Very old school comic action. There could've a lot of interesting aspects into this too. With evolving comic storytelling style this is something the last thing we wanna read and get excited now.

[Educator · Rating 5 out of 5]

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974


Joanna is a dream. This is my first read and novel of the hardcore crime series. The art is absolutely beautiful and the storyline is superb. The action is nonstop. I look forward to reading more of this series and hopefully seeing it on a TV or movie screen soon.