All Nighter

All Nighter #1-5

by David Hahn

Kit Bradley is an art student - and part-time cat burglar. But that's not her only secret. There's also her hiding place on the roof of her small town diner, her crush on (and history with!) her roommate's boyfriend, and her guilt about her mother's recent death.

All those secrets get pushed aside when Kit's roomies take in “Mousy” Martha as a new housemate. They soon realize that Martha is not a typical student. She's not into parties, she only eats cereal, and, srangest of all, she has plenty of money but no job or family.

Things get even stranger when Martha disappears without a trace, and Kit is forced to put together a search party. But when word of Martha's mysterious disappearance gets out a media feeding frenzy ensues, threatening to eat their hometown alive.

As if this isn't enough, Kit's ex-boyfriend is back on the scene, adding to her anxiety. Kit suddenly goes from living in the moment to rushing through her days. When she finally slows down to catch her breath, what she discovers may change her life forever.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2009

Reviews

[Jeff Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took over 3 years to finally track down the final issue to this series and read its conclusion. But it was worth it. This is a simple story of a few kids looking for their place in the world. That feeling we have all had between school and work, childhood and adulthood, freedom and responsibility. The real world seems so much harsher as a teen not ready to step out into the light of being an adult. That sets the tone for David Hahn's amazing slice of life tale of small town kids getting used to growing up. The characters are great and very quickly you get a sense of Hahn's diverse cast. To be honest, I was a little saddened when this series ended. Not because of any tragedy in the book, but because I wanted more from these characters. The final issue resolves very quickly, concluding all too soon. I would love to read a book like this as an ongoing series. A simple slice of life drama about real life. As much as I love scifi and superheroes, tales like this and the book Paper Towns by John Green, which I kept being reminded of as I read this, really tell the story of our real world. It isn't wrapped up in metaphor, it is just real life plain as day. And sometimes that is what I crave. It is an escape in its own way, a chance to live someone else's life, tragic or euphoric. All Nighter is like the Love and Rockets of the current generation. But an amazing setting, characters, and story, silenced far too early. So how about it Mr. Hahn? More please?

[Tabby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slice of life with a little mystery thrown in, All Nighter was an enjoyable read. The characters are relatable and gave me nostalgia of being just out of high school and trying to figure out how to be an adult. Kit, despite being very flawed, makes you want to root for her and hope she succeeds in breaking with her past.

I agree with other reviews that the plot felt rushed though. I don't know if that is because it was only five issues, but it could have been twice as long and still interesting.

[Sara G · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly enthralling experience.

[Julie Ehlers · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the sake of total accuracy, I will note that I read this in a 5-part series published by Image Comics, and not in the edition here, which I don't think was ever actually released.

Anyway, this was a likeable enough story, but really all over the place. The ending in particular felt very abrupt and unsatisfying. I was definitely expecting/hoping for more.

[Peter C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed - a nice find! Black and white indie comic books rock! In contrast to other review here, I enjoyed the meandering nature of this tale of mish mash characters.