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Deadendia #2
DeadEndia: The Broken Halo
From the creator of Netflix original series Dead Paranormal Park comes the graphic novel series that started it all!
“ DeadEndia is immediately appealing with its colorful art, unique setting, and funny jokes, but I especially loved the complicated emotional arcs of the characters and the weird, spooky magic underlying everything!”
—Molly Knox Ostertag, creator of The Witch Boy
“Heart-warming, heartbreaking, heart-pounding, and heartfelt!"
—Marika McCoola, The New York Times bestselling author of Baba Yaga’s Assistant
Norma Khan has been split in two . . . literally! Dead End, the haunted hotel attraction at Phoenix Parks, has been rebuilt following the epic destruction that occurred there when Norma and her friends Barney and Pugsley saved the world. Unfortunately, Norma can’t keep herself together as a result. Not only is her friendship with Barney on the rocks, but she can’t seem to keep her own ghost inside her body. When Norma feels like she’s about to lose it all, her irksome friend and demon, Courtney, steps in to provide some unexpected support—though they are battling their own issues with identity and sense of belonging.
Meanwhile, Barney can’t face going back to Phoenix Parks and is mourning the loss of his beloved friend Pugsley. When his boyfriend, Logan, urges him to get a job, an opportunity from the demon planes comes knocking, and soon Barney is climbing the ladder of success in the Demon Wrestling Federation. Barney’s glory in the ring quickly comes crashing down when the friends discover they’ve stepped into an eons old battle between the demons and the angels. Can they keep their relationships and sense of self intact while doing battle with the forces of good AND evil?
Part workplace comedy, part supernatural horror adventure, with a splash of LGBTQ+ romance, The Broken Halo is perfect for fans of author Hamish Steele’s TV series Dead Paranormal Park who are in search of more adventures, for graphic novel lovers who want more diversity in their reads, or for anyone who has finished The Watcher’s Test and is ready for the next entry in the zany, creative, and laugh-out-loud funny world of DeadEndia .
“ DeadEndia is immediately appealing with its colorful art, unique setting, and funny jokes, but I especially loved the complicated emotional arcs of the characters and the weird, spooky magic underlying everything!”
—Molly Knox Ostertag, creator of The Witch Boy
“Heart-warming, heartbreaking, heart-pounding, and heartfelt!"
—Marika McCoola, The New York Times bestselling author of Baba Yaga’s Assistant
Norma Khan has been split in two . . . literally! Dead End, the haunted hotel attraction at Phoenix Parks, has been rebuilt following the epic destruction that occurred there when Norma and her friends Barney and Pugsley saved the world. Unfortunately, Norma can’t keep herself together as a result. Not only is her friendship with Barney on the rocks, but she can’t seem to keep her own ghost inside her body. When Norma feels like she’s about to lose it all, her irksome friend and demon, Courtney, steps in to provide some unexpected support—though they are battling their own issues with identity and sense of belonging.
Meanwhile, Barney can’t face going back to Phoenix Parks and is mourning the loss of his beloved friend Pugsley. When his boyfriend, Logan, urges him to get a job, an opportunity from the demon planes comes knocking, and soon Barney is climbing the ladder of success in the Demon Wrestling Federation. Barney’s glory in the ring quickly comes crashing down when the friends discover they’ve stepped into an eons old battle between the demons and the angels. Can they keep their relationships and sense of self intact while doing battle with the forces of good AND evil?
Part workplace comedy, part supernatural horror adventure, with a splash of LGBTQ+ romance, The Broken Halo is perfect for fans of author Hamish Steele’s TV series Dead Paranormal Park who are in search of more adventures, for graphic novel lovers who want more diversity in their reads, or for anyone who has finished The Watcher’s Test and is ready for the next entry in the zany, creative, and laugh-out-loud funny world of DeadEndia .
248 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2019
22 people are currently reading
826 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
March 1, 2020
Pretty good, but suffers from keeping the core characters separated for most of the book. One storyline has Norma and Badyah dealing with new supernatural powers and the nature of their relationship. Another storyline has Barney hanging with his boyfriend and becoming a professional wrestler. A third storyline is a flashback to Courtney's origins and the start of their relationship with Norma. The convergence of all these streams in the finale helped end the book on a high note even as things go very wrong in what is obviously the middle segment of a trilogy or something longer.
I must admit I hope it is a trilogy, and that Steele goes on to something a bit more interesting after the next volume.
I must admit I hope it is a trilogy, and that Steele goes on to something a bit more interesting after the next volume.
June 15, 2022
Deadendia: The Broken Halo by Hamish Steele was so much quirky and unique fun. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but this was absolutely fantastic. I need to see more of this world and just read more from this author. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming Netflix animated series to bring these stories to life!
January 24, 2020
Moved much smoother than the first volume, despite skipping back and forth in time. Entertaining characters and the changed hotel setting was an improvement. Badiyah really took the spotlight this time round. I’m hoping there might be one more volume, as it really seems to be hitting its stride!
May 5, 2023
I am going to give this book the honor of my fourth 5 star rating of 2023. Truly takes everything from the first book and keeps punching up. We get more lore and worldbuilding but also more intimate character interactions that almost made me cry. I cannot wait for the next installment.
February 12, 2020
I adore Hamish's style. The characters, the art, the crafting of the story all really sing and resonate for me. Loved seeing the world develop as the story unfolded. Can't wait for more!
June 10, 2022
The only thing I dislike about Deadendia, is that it’s not finished yet. Very much looking forward to book 3.
July 8, 2023
i cannot believe they cancelled this show and that i have to wait almost a year for the third book. I need a Badyah solo story i think.
that’s it that’s the review
that’s it that’s the review
May 14, 2020
As with the first Deadendia, The Broken Halo has a slow, stumbling start that leads to a thrilling conclusion. Norma must come to terms with the fact that she's part-ghost. Barney must find something to do so he's not such a layabout - demon wrestling being the natural option. It takes far too long for these plotlines to collide, particularly when the demon wrestling feels so silly.
At least the art is cute and appealing, the characters still charming and interesting. My favorite part of The Broken Halo was the map of the 13 planes at the very beginning, so I'm glad Hamish Steele is starting to explore a few more of those planes, as well as the bigger rivalry between angels and demons. Here's hoping the third volume gets right to the action.
At least the art is cute and appealing, the characters still charming and interesting. My favorite part of The Broken Halo was the map of the 13 planes at the very beginning, so I'm glad Hamish Steele is starting to explore a few more of those planes, as well as the bigger rivalry between angels and demons. Here's hoping the third volume gets right to the action.
September 8, 2024
Pretty good 👍
Did enjoy this :)
Did enjoy this :)
October 30, 2021
Thank you so much to Nobrow for the second DeadEndia book! In the second installment of this quirky, heartfelt, LGBTQ adventure comic, war is brewing across the thirteen planes and as always, haunted house attraction and portal to hell Dead End is right at the center of it. It's been weeks since Dead End is opened as a hotel, and resident tour guide turned hotel manager Norma is determined to leave the ghosts of the past where they belong. But with her friendship with Barney up in the air and angels and demons using the hotel as their literal wrestling ring, Norma soon finds that unwanted ghosts can appear at any moment, especially when they're your own.
Thoughts: Another great installment of the DeadEndia series. As in the last book, this one deals a lot with relationships. While it does start out slow, it ramps up as it goes and gets more and more exciting. The art is super cute and the characters are likable and interesting. It does skip around in time which could be confusing, but it is the perfect balance of interesting, serious, fun, and quirky. 4.5 stars for the second book in the series!
Thoughts: Another great installment of the DeadEndia series. As in the last book, this one deals a lot with relationships. While it does start out slow, it ramps up as it goes and gets more and more exciting. The art is super cute and the characters are likable and interesting. It does skip around in time which could be confusing, but it is the perfect balance of interesting, serious, fun, and quirky. 4.5 stars for the second book in the series!
March 24, 2021
Omg this was so good, solidifying that this is one of my favorite graphic novel series!!
Book 2 has the heart and humor like book 1, but the plot is enhanced and full of revelations while remaining true to book one and not backtracking. Aka plotted out beautifully.
Amazing artwork, fully realized, diverse characters and a perfect balance of bomb ass plot and cute slice of life moments. This series has it all, please try it out!!
Book 2 has the heart and humor like book 1, but the plot is enhanced and full of revelations while remaining true to book one and not backtracking. Aka plotted out beautifully.
Amazing artwork, fully realized, diverse characters and a perfect balance of bomb ass plot and cute slice of life moments. This series has it all, please try it out!!
January 21, 2025
A great sequel that expands upon the stories/worlds of book 1. I particularly liked how this book focussed more on our loveable scrimbly non-binary pal Courtney.
The first book had a few spots where the order of dialogue was a bit hard to know at a glance, but this book followed the proper usage of ‘highest is read first’, which made it easier to read.
The art was great, especially when people were far away and details were dropped.
The first book had a few spots where the order of dialogue was a bit hard to know at a glance, but this book followed the proper usage of ‘highest is read first’, which made it easier to read.
The art was great, especially when people were far away and details were dropped.
July 26, 2022
I was a bit confused at first but by end then I was captivated by the story. Looking forward for the third book!
January 18, 2025
ohhh boy
October 13, 2025
Huge improvement on the first volume. The stakes are so much higher, the side characters are fleshed out more and it's matured a lot more in tone which i enjoyed.
October 26, 2023
The flow is much better than the first volume. I'm so excited for the third one!
Read
April 12, 2025had this for 2+ years and finished it in 2 hours
March 28, 2024
Está muy bien, es muy entretenido y juega muchísimo con el lector. Merece mucho la pena.
December 13, 2023
I enjoyed this book more than the 1st (watchers test) but that makes me want to go back and reread them both again. There is so much to take in story-wise and so many characters. Very much a novel or graphic novels
March 8, 2021
Not as fun as the first installment, but I really enjoyed seeing where this headed.
April 21, 2023
(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC for review through Edelweiss.)
Several months have passed since the tragic events of DEADENDIA, VOLUME 1: THE WATCHER'S TEST. Norma and Badyah have rebuilt Dead End, bigger and better than ever: by day, it's a haunted house in Phoenix Park; at night, they transform it into a hotel for angels and demons visiting the supposedly "neutral" plane 7. The duo has little trouble booking to capacity, thanks to a little help from ambassador Courtney and the friendly angel Fingers.
But things are far from rosy. The Scooby Gang has split up, for one: after his beloved dog Pugsley died, Barney quit his job at Dead End and ran away (eventually moving in with Logs - errr, Logan). Days went by, turning into weeks, then months - and, wracked with guilt, neither he nor Norma have been able to bridge the gulf between them. Meanwhile, Norma is a ghost who, while imbued with magical powers, keeps splitting from her body in times of extreme duress. Badyah, having rescued Pugsley's book of magic from the rubble of the old Dead End, tries to help her friend back to her body by way of a seance; but will this dark magic corrupt her, like it did Pugsley?
On the other side of town, down and out Barney is approached by a demon and offered an ungodly sum of money to be the first human to compete in the Demon Wrestling Federation. While he's dominating in the ring, the cash quickly goes to Barney's head, threatening his relationship with Logan.
All these plot lines come to a head when Dead End hosts a DWF match - featuring none other than Barney vs. a Demon King. But not just any Demon King: Temeluchus's brother, Baal, along with their remaining siblings Paimon and Zagan. (You didn't forget about the coming war between angels and demons, did you? Also: insert "It's a trap!" gif here.)
Volume 2 of DEADENDIA features all the characters we've come to know and love/hate: Barney, Norma, Courtney, Badyah, Logan, Fingers, Kushiel, and Tartarus. We also gain a better (and more terrifying) understanding of the angels (read: not necessarily the "good guys," just the guys that live upstairs). Of course, one character is noticeably absent: dear Pugsley who, imho, stole the show in THE WATCHER'S TEST. THE BROKEN HALO is a bit drabber without him. (That said, I shrieked so hard at the ending that my cat jumped off my lap and ran out of the room. I KNEW IT!!!)
Courtney helps to fill the void left by Pugsley, if even just a bit. (The flashbacks of when Norma and Courtney first met? *chef's kiss*) I loved getting to know his backstory, and the ending is just heartbreaking, filled with pathos yet also a thin thread of hope.
The ending is a tear-jerker, though not quite the absolute sob-fest that was THE WATCHER'S TEST. (Reader, I cried for days. That's why it took me almost three months to pick up THE BROKEN HALO.)
Weirdly enough, THE BROKEN HALO feels more like a cohesive story, which I initially thought I wanted from THE WATCHER'S TEST - but maybe not so much? The disparate story lines made the first volume feel that much weirder.
As far as sophomore efforts go, THE BROKEN HALO is more than solid. I mostly just missed Pugsley, hence the four-star rating. Still a really great read, and one of my favorites of the year. Don't sleep on this one!
Several months have passed since the tragic events of DEADENDIA, VOLUME 1: THE WATCHER'S TEST. Norma and Badyah have rebuilt Dead End, bigger and better than ever: by day, it's a haunted house in Phoenix Park; at night, they transform it into a hotel for angels and demons visiting the supposedly "neutral" plane 7. The duo has little trouble booking to capacity, thanks to a little help from ambassador Courtney and the friendly angel Fingers.
But things are far from rosy. The Scooby Gang has split up, for one: after his beloved dog Pugsley died, Barney quit his job at Dead End and ran away (eventually moving in with Logs - errr, Logan). Days went by, turning into weeks, then months - and, wracked with guilt, neither he nor Norma have been able to bridge the gulf between them. Meanwhile, Norma is a ghost who, while imbued with magical powers, keeps splitting from her body in times of extreme duress. Badyah, having rescued Pugsley's book of magic from the rubble of the old Dead End, tries to help her friend back to her body by way of a seance; but will this dark magic corrupt her, like it did Pugsley?
On the other side of town, down and out Barney is approached by a demon and offered an ungodly sum of money to be the first human to compete in the Demon Wrestling Federation. While he's dominating in the ring, the cash quickly goes to Barney's head, threatening his relationship with Logan.
All these plot lines come to a head when Dead End hosts a DWF match - featuring none other than Barney vs. a Demon King. But not just any Demon King: Temeluchus's brother, Baal, along with their remaining siblings Paimon and Zagan. (You didn't forget about the coming war between angels and demons, did you? Also: insert "It's a trap!" gif here.)
Volume 2 of DEADENDIA features all the characters we've come to know and love/hate: Barney, Norma, Courtney, Badyah, Logan, Fingers, Kushiel, and Tartarus. We also gain a better (and more terrifying) understanding of the angels (read: not necessarily the "good guys," just the guys that live upstairs). Of course, one character is noticeably absent: dear Pugsley who, imho, stole the show in THE WATCHER'S TEST. THE BROKEN HALO is a bit drabber without him. (That said, I shrieked so hard at the ending that my cat jumped off my lap and ran out of the room. I KNEW IT!!!)
Courtney helps to fill the void left by Pugsley, if even just a bit. (The flashbacks of when Norma and Courtney first met? *chef's kiss*) I loved getting to know his backstory, and the ending is just heartbreaking, filled with pathos yet also a thin thread of hope.
The ending is a tear-jerker, though not quite the absolute sob-fest that was THE WATCHER'S TEST. (Reader, I cried for days. That's why it took me almost three months to pick up THE BROKEN HALO.)
Weirdly enough, THE BROKEN HALO feels more like a cohesive story, which I initially thought I wanted from THE WATCHER'S TEST - but maybe not so much? The disparate story lines made the first volume feel that much weirder.
As far as sophomore efforts go, THE BROKEN HALO is more than solid. I mostly just missed Pugsley, hence the four-star rating. Still a really great read, and one of my favorites of the year. Don't sleep on this one!
November 25, 2019
Hamish Steele has really polished his story telling for this round of Deadendia - The Broken Halo is even better than The Watcher's Test! Expertly paced, fantastic dialogue, and a deeper look into characters we fell in love with the first time around. It goes without saying that the art style is absolutely gorgeous.
Deadendia is a diverse science fiction/fantasy series filled with LGBTQ+ main characters. The story is a perfect balance between silly and serious. It deals with overarching questions about good and evil, as well as personal issues for our characters, with so many laughs along the way. There's angels, demons, ghosts, a portal to other planes of existence, as well as a wrestling tournament you won't want to miss.
Thanks to Nobrow for sending me an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review on waterstones.com (where this review was originally published)
Deadendia is a diverse science fiction/fantasy series filled with LGBTQ+ main characters. The story is a perfect balance between silly and serious. It deals with overarching questions about good and evil, as well as personal issues for our characters, with so many laughs along the way. There's angels, demons, ghosts, a portal to other planes of existence, as well as a wrestling tournament you won't want to miss.
Thanks to Nobrow for sending me an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review on waterstones.com (where this review was originally published)
Read
October 18, 2019Queer content: a few queer characters
This one's fairly confusing with jumps backwards and forwards in time, and they're not labeled at all
This one's fairly confusing with jumps backwards and forwards in time, and they're not labeled at all
September 21, 2021
TW: None
I'm so excited for this upcoming Netflix series! Trans and autistic main characters, and such great humour that is enveloped by great world building at its finest.
I'm so excited for this upcoming Netflix series! Trans and autistic main characters, and such great humour that is enveloped by great world building at its finest.
August 27, 2022
Content warnings are listed at the end of my review!
The Broken Halo simultaneously mends issues I had with the first edition while also exacerbating on issues that I had with the first one. As I said, I think it’s a great idea, fun cast, and amazing designs but the execution really fails in even grazing the edge of its potential. One major issue I have with the series is its overzealous use of flashbacks, unelaborated timeskips, and cuts to the future. This alone wasn’t totally horrible in the first book where the cast mostly had a central plot, but here everyone is separated on top of flashbacks making it such a clunky read. The random flashbacks amid this elaborating on some plot holes from the first book is explained late in the book, but I think relying on the readers to just push through and wait for pretty foundational flashbacks like this in book two is a bold choice.
Overall, it just didn’t help improve my views on the series, keeping my stance as a firm “It’s ok, I guess.” The characters, although great in theory just don’t go far in execution. Norma likely gets the most attention overall, with Barney, Courtney, and Pugsley following, but everyone beyond that is completely flat, especially Logan (this + the timeskips just make him out to be such an unlikeable character, and his relationship with Barney makes even less sense here). I think it would help if at least one character had incredibly strong characterization, Norma is close to that but even then there’s not much to work with. One complain I have is just the plot of forcing Barney to make up with his family when especially in this book it doesn’t come up as a conflict whatsoever besides when other characters use it against him. In a queer story focused on found family I just don’t like how it keeps insisting on bringing Barney back to it when it hasn’t shown A) what his family did to him that lead to him becoming houseless and in such a difficult situation B) how reuniting with his family will be worthwhile to Barney. There’s just a lot of queer characters having issues related to being queer & queer coded (Courtney’s story in this viewpoint looks pretty bad) and that on top of constant conflict just drains the reader.
Summary:
Readability: ★★☆☆☆, It is very jumpy because of all of the different POVs, timeskips and sudden big character changes that feel unnatural. It doesn’t feel personal, but rushed and unorganized. I could read it fast but felt like I was missing a lot and not understanding the characters’ choices.
Entertainment: ★★☆☆☆, The issues stated just made it hard to be invested in. I read it because I had time to read it and wanted to see if it improved and it didn’t. It's just queer and marginalized characters getting traumatized and greatly upset, if you find that enjoyable. At least the art is ok to look at.
Audience: If you read the first one and want to know more, or if you’re watching the Netflix adaptation and want to cross compare. Otherwise, I’m losing interest in the comic series that I wonder if it will still continue? It leaves off on a cliffhanger and the show already is in a pretty different direction than this so, who knows? If it doesn't continue, I won't be upset.
Content Warnings: WIP
The Broken Halo simultaneously mends issues I had with the first edition while also exacerbating on issues that I had with the first one. As I said, I think it’s a great idea, fun cast, and amazing designs but the execution really fails in even grazing the edge of its potential. One major issue I have with the series is its overzealous use of flashbacks, unelaborated timeskips, and cuts to the future. This alone wasn’t totally horrible in the first book where the cast mostly had a central plot, but here everyone is separated on top of flashbacks making it such a clunky read. The random flashbacks amid this elaborating on some plot holes from the first book is explained late in the book, but I think relying on the readers to just push through and wait for pretty foundational flashbacks like this in book two is a bold choice.
Overall, it just didn’t help improve my views on the series, keeping my stance as a firm “It’s ok, I guess.” The characters, although great in theory just don’t go far in execution. Norma likely gets the most attention overall, with Barney, Courtney, and Pugsley following, but everyone beyond that is completely flat, especially Logan (this + the timeskips just make him out to be such an unlikeable character, and his relationship with Barney makes even less sense here). I think it would help if at least one character had incredibly strong characterization, Norma is close to that but even then there’s not much to work with. One complain I have is just the plot of forcing Barney to make up with his family when especially in this book it doesn’t come up as a conflict whatsoever besides when other characters use it against him. In a queer story focused on found family I just don’t like how it keeps insisting on bringing Barney back to it when it hasn’t shown A) what his family did to him that lead to him becoming houseless and in such a difficult situation B) how reuniting with his family will be worthwhile to Barney. There’s just a lot of queer characters having issues related to being queer & queer coded (Courtney’s story in this viewpoint looks pretty bad) and that on top of constant conflict just drains the reader.
Summary:
Readability: ★★☆☆☆, It is very jumpy because of all of the different POVs, timeskips and sudden big character changes that feel unnatural. It doesn’t feel personal, but rushed and unorganized. I could read it fast but felt like I was missing a lot and not understanding the characters’ choices.
Entertainment: ★★☆☆☆, The issues stated just made it hard to be invested in. I read it because I had time to read it and wanted to see if it improved and it didn’t. It's just queer and marginalized characters getting traumatized and greatly upset, if you find that enjoyable. At least the art is ok to look at.
Audience: If you read the first one and want to know more, or if you’re watching the Netflix adaptation and want to cross compare. Otherwise, I’m losing interest in the comic series that I wonder if it will still continue? It leaves off on a cliffhanger and the show already is in a pretty different direction than this so, who knows? If it doesn't continue, I won't be upset.
Content Warnings: WIP
April 24, 2023
For as much as I loved Volume 1, I think Volume 2 has taken the top spot in this series so far. The main characters' arcs are self-contained (given where everyone ended up at the end of Volume 1) but they mirror each other nicely and continue the growth of these characters. Seeing Courtney's arc tied so closely to Norma's was great as they've always had an entertaining friendship and this added a whole new layer to it! Badyah's role is expanded into basically main character status and her arc is actually essential to the story (as well as a great arc for her). Logs is a little less of a main character in this version, but his relationship with Barney and the role he plays in Barney's story are sweet and very well portrayed. And the ending! I can't wait for Volume 3 to see how this all plays out!
Spoilers below!
***
(I know the graphic novels came first but I saw the show first so that's how I'm comparing them)
First things first: Norma's ghost arc.
This was missing from the Netflix series (probably because the idea of a character teetering on the edge of death at all times was deemed too intense for a kid's show) but wow, what an arc! I loved how this was woven into both her friendship with Courtney and her relationship with Badyah. It was so incredibly sweet to see how Badyah supported her and saved her multiple times while Norma grappled with both her ghost problem and her growing feelings. Having been in Norma's situation before where you confess a crush to a friend, only for that friend to reject you because they're straight, I felt every sharp edge and comforting moment of this arc viscerally. I found this to be one of those rare instances where I actually /don't/ ship the characters romantically, mainly because of how well done this is and the truly special friendship these two have. And finding out that the poltergeist storyline was originally NORMA'S storyline instead of Barney's like it was in the show?! UGGGHHHH! I really loved this whole plot thread.
Barney's plot in this volume is essentially his plots from both seasons of the show in one: him dealing with his tendency to run away from difficult things and his wrestling arc. I thought the show actually handled this better, as by separating them, it gave more time to Barney's relationship with his family and the impact his trans identity had on that. It also let the wrestling plot in the show be more about Barney being comfortable in his own skin than just a method of him earning money like it is in this book. There are a lot more Logs & Barney moments in this version (as well as a love triangle with Az?!) and it was really sweet to see them spend time together as a couple.
Courtney gets a lot more time this volume as it appears that their past as an angel and their decision to return to the angels will be a major part of Volume 3. I'm interested to see how much they remember and what their role will be in the coming war.
Can't wait for Volume 3!
Spoilers below!
***
(I know the graphic novels came first but I saw the show first so that's how I'm comparing them)
First things first: Norma's ghost arc.
This was missing from the Netflix series (probably because the idea of a character teetering on the edge of death at all times was deemed too intense for a kid's show) but wow, what an arc! I loved how this was woven into both her friendship with Courtney and her relationship with Badyah. It was so incredibly sweet to see how Badyah supported her and saved her multiple times while Norma grappled with both her ghost problem and her growing feelings. Having been in Norma's situation before where you confess a crush to a friend, only for that friend to reject you because they're straight, I felt every sharp edge and comforting moment of this arc viscerally. I found this to be one of those rare instances where I actually /don't/ ship the characters romantically, mainly because of how well done this is and the truly special friendship these two have. And finding out that the poltergeist storyline was originally NORMA'S storyline instead of Barney's like it was in the show?! UGGGHHHH! I really loved this whole plot thread.
Barney's plot in this volume is essentially his plots from both seasons of the show in one: him dealing with his tendency to run away from difficult things and his wrestling arc. I thought the show actually handled this better, as by separating them, it gave more time to Barney's relationship with his family and the impact his trans identity had on that. It also let the wrestling plot in the show be more about Barney being comfortable in his own skin than just a method of him earning money like it is in this book. There are a lot more Logs & Barney moments in this version (as well as a love triangle with Az?!) and it was really sweet to see them spend time together as a couple.
Courtney gets a lot more time this volume as it appears that their past as an angel and their decision to return to the angels will be a major part of Volume 3. I'm interested to see how much they remember and what their role will be in the coming war.
Can't wait for Volume 3!
January 16, 2024
Barney Guttman leaves home with a heavy heart, taking his dog Pugsley with him, with the belief that his family doesn’t accept his trans identity. His bestie, Norma Khan, has a job at Phoenix Parks’s haunted house, Dead End, and gets him in as a janitor. Barney quickly realizes that Dead End is not your standard haunted house. In fact, it turns out to be a portal to a demon kingdom, and there’s even a demonic ambassador named Courtney. When the friends unwittingly kill Temeluchus, a demon king, Barney’s beloved pup Pugsley is possessed with the demon’s magic. Angels and demons come and go throughout the stories, with so much in-fighting that it’s hard to keep track. I’d almost say that the war between them is existential, but that would mean I completely understood what was going on in this zany series, which is taken from the author’s original webcomics.
Having said that, I got a huge kick out of the wonderfully eccentric cast of characters and their hugely entertaining repartee. Barney is trying to find a place where he belongs as a man and is still coming to terms with his itchy binder. Norma is neurodivergent and antisocial, but ends up finding friendship at Phoenix Parks despite herself. By book two, she has a strong friendship with Badyah, a nerdy coworker who wears a head scarf. Book 1 sees Barney following through on a crush with Logan amid a mad rush to save the world from the demons streaming through the portal, and using his wrestling skills to impress the underworld. Book 2 continues Barney’s relationship with Logan (and there’s a nod to his top surgery) even while his new fame and fortune kind of go to his head. This was such a funny series, with clever dialogue, lots of true emotional growth in the appealingly diverse cast of characters, and some heart pounding action in a universe where angels and demons aren’t exactly what they seem. Colorful, quirky artwork with really cool and weird monsters should thrill any teen who likes zany fantasy with diverse characters. As a bonus, both books have wonderful posters on the verso of their covers.
Having said that, I got a huge kick out of the wonderfully eccentric cast of characters and their hugely entertaining repartee. Barney is trying to find a place where he belongs as a man and is still coming to terms with his itchy binder. Norma is neurodivergent and antisocial, but ends up finding friendship at Phoenix Parks despite herself. By book two, she has a strong friendship with Badyah, a nerdy coworker who wears a head scarf. Book 1 sees Barney following through on a crush with Logan amid a mad rush to save the world from the demons streaming through the portal, and using his wrestling skills to impress the underworld. Book 2 continues Barney’s relationship with Logan (and there’s a nod to his top surgery) even while his new fame and fortune kind of go to his head. This was such a funny series, with clever dialogue, lots of true emotional growth in the appealingly diverse cast of characters, and some heart pounding action in a universe where angels and demons aren’t exactly what they seem. Colorful, quirky artwork with really cool and weird monsters should thrill any teen who likes zany fantasy with diverse characters. As a bonus, both books have wonderful posters on the verso of their covers.
February 27, 2024
Dead End may never be the same again. It’s being refashioned into a hotel for demons, and Norma is as busy as ever trying to keep things running smoothly, but the recent events in the park have pushed her friend Barney farther away than ever. Not to mention she’s got a little problem staying connected to her body, her crush may not like her back, and oh yes, a horde of demon kings have decided to destroy the entire human plane of existence. Norma’s problems have only just started, and trying to untangle this crazy web will reveal more about the nature of angelic and demonic existence than she ever thought possible.
DeadEndia: The Broken Halo reveals so much more about this spooky, interesting world than the previous volume. There’s also so much more tension than before, and some of the strong friendships from the first book seem to have faded away at the start of this one. Barney is no longer at the heart of the story, this time Norma is center stage and dealing with body issues (literally - her soul keeps detaching from her body as a result of some botched magic), identity struggles, trying to express herself to her friends, and trying to keep the pandemonium from striking too hard at work. We learn a lot more about Courtney in this book too, and get to follow various characters on their first adventures to the other planes, for all that those adventures blow up in their faces pretty spectacularly. This volume also leaves off on some major cliffhangers and teasers - the next volume is going to be an absolutely wild ride, and I can’t wait for more of this strange, exciting story to unfold.
DeadEndia: The Broken Halo reveals so much more about this spooky, interesting world than the previous volume. There’s also so much more tension than before, and some of the strong friendships from the first book seem to have faded away at the start of this one. Barney is no longer at the heart of the story, this time Norma is center stage and dealing with body issues (literally - her soul keeps detaching from her body as a result of some botched magic), identity struggles, trying to express herself to her friends, and trying to keep the pandemonium from striking too hard at work. We learn a lot more about Courtney in this book too, and get to follow various characters on their first adventures to the other planes, for all that those adventures blow up in their faces pretty spectacularly. This volume also leaves off on some major cliffhangers and teasers - the next volume is going to be an absolutely wild ride, and I can’t wait for more of this strange, exciting story to unfold.
October 5, 2023
Dead End, the haunted house at Phoenix Parks, was rebuilt after the tragic end of The Watcher’s Test. Norma can now split into a ghost and her relationship with Barney is still rocky. Barney isn’t ready to return to Phoenix Park yet, but he becomes a fighter in the Demon Wrestling Federation which earns him a lot of money. His success comes to a crashing halt when he’s set up for a dangerous fight. Norma, Barney, and their other friends must reunite to save the multi-planes of angels and demons.
This was a great second book in the DeadEndia series. I really liked seeing the characters again. Barney is trans, but that wasn’t as big of a plot point in this book as in the first. When the story went to the multi-planes and the battles between the angels and demons, the story drifted away from the main plot of Barney and Norma dealing with demons at the haunted house. I would have liked to see more of the fun stories that were in the first book. However, I loved the cliffhanger ending. I hope there will be another book in the series!
DeadEndia: The Broken Halo is a great graphic novel!
Thank you Union Square and Co. for sending me a copy of this book!
This was a great second book in the DeadEndia series. I really liked seeing the characters again. Barney is trans, but that wasn’t as big of a plot point in this book as in the first. When the story went to the multi-planes and the battles between the angels and demons, the story drifted away from the main plot of Barney and Norma dealing with demons at the haunted house. I would have liked to see more of the fun stories that were in the first book. However, I loved the cliffhanger ending. I hope there will be another book in the series!
DeadEndia: The Broken Halo is a great graphic novel!
Thank you Union Square and Co. for sending me a copy of this book!
December 9, 2022
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Another perfect volume from Hamish Steele. Action-packed with a whirlwind of character development.
Following the aftermath of the destruction of Dead End, the characters mostly split up and have their own adventures. Barney and Logs find out happily-ever-after has a few road bumps, Norma works to control her new ghost powers, and more of Courtney's past is revealed.
As with the first book, the execution of the show strays quite a bit from the source material. But I still enjoy both versions. They each have their own charm and I love the combo of mystery, adventure, spookiness, and humor, and of course the queer characters.
I thrilled Steele will be coming out with the third and final volume in the series. This one ends with some serious cliffhangers and I am so excited to see how it all wraps up.
Good for those who enjoyed the first volume and want more adventures at Dead End.
Another perfect volume from Hamish Steele. Action-packed with a whirlwind of character development.
Following the aftermath of the destruction of Dead End, the characters mostly split up and have their own adventures. Barney and Logs find out happily-ever-after has a few road bumps, Norma works to control her new ghost powers, and more of Courtney's past is revealed.
As with the first book, the execution of the show strays quite a bit from the source material. But I still enjoy both versions. They each have their own charm and I love the combo of mystery, adventure, spookiness, and humor, and of course the queer characters.
I thrilled Steele will be coming out with the third and final volume in the series. This one ends with some serious cliffhangers and I am so excited to see how it all wraps up.
Good for those who enjoyed the first volume and want more adventures at Dead End.
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