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Bizenghast #8
Bizenghast, Volume 8
[From the backcover]
A violent last stand is about to commence in the city of Bizenghast between Dinah and Mephohetka. Can Dinah hold her own against this powerfully twisted demon, or will she, like all the others, be sucked into the nightmare?
***
Dinah, a clincally insane protagonist living in an abandoned mill town with her sociopathic Aunt, teams up with the only other child in town to dispell the horros they find down in the long-lost Sunken Mausoleum. Challenged by a terrible spectre to free all the tormented souls of the lost graveyard, Dinah slowly recovers her sanity by working with her friend Vincent to untangle the riddles of the ghosts' many deaths.
A violent last stand is about to commence in the city of Bizenghast between Dinah and Mephohetka. Can Dinah hold her own against this powerfully twisted demon, or will she, like all the others, be sucked into the nightmare?
***
Dinah, a clincally insane protagonist living in an abandoned mill town with her sociopathic Aunt, teams up with the only other child in town to dispell the horros they find down in the long-lost Sunken Mausoleum. Challenged by a terrible spectre to free all the tormented souls of the lost graveyard, Dinah slowly recovers her sanity by working with her friend Vincent to untangle the riddles of the ghosts' many deaths.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
9 people are currently reading
643 people want to read
About the author
M. Alice LeGrow
34 books145 followersM. Alice LeGrow is a female manga-influenced alternate comic book artist best known for her original English-language manga series Bizenghast. From the Savannah College of Art and Design, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sequential Art.
As a young girl, Mary Alice LeGrow was not interested in comics since she grew up in Weisbaden, Germany where comics were not readily available. In her freshman year of high school, she discovered comics and anime. She enjoyed manga because it was not "the regular colorful spandex superhero fare". She heard about Tokyopop's Rising Stars of Manga competition from a friend at the 2003 Otakon, an anime convention in Baltimore, Maryland. On the drive from the convention and with eleven days before the deadline, she chose a short story she had written named "Nikolai", because of its "simple but engaging plot that had a definite start and finish." She renamed the main character, Sally Notch, after a road sign called "Notch Road" and based her character design on a model in a Gothic & Lolita Bible. Because the story was ten pages longer than the twenty-page limit, she rewrote it and also altered Sally's hair and clothes "to make her more interesting". "Nikolai" won a runner-up place in the competition and was published in the 2003 Rising Stars of Manga anthology. Along with a monetary prize, LeGrow won a chance to potientally have a manga series published by Tokyopop. The editors liked the series she proposed, Bizenghast, and she became the second Rising Stars of Manga winner to have a manga series published by Tokyopop.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
As a young girl, Mary Alice LeGrow was not interested in comics since she grew up in Weisbaden, Germany where comics were not readily available. In her freshman year of high school, she discovered comics and anime. She enjoyed manga because it was not "the regular colorful spandex superhero fare". She heard about Tokyopop's Rising Stars of Manga competition from a friend at the 2003 Otakon, an anime convention in Baltimore, Maryland. On the drive from the convention and with eleven days before the deadline, she chose a short story she had written named "Nikolai", because of its "simple but engaging plot that had a definite start and finish." She renamed the main character, Sally Notch, after a road sign called "Notch Road" and based her character design on a model in a Gothic & Lolita Bible. Because the story was ten pages longer than the twenty-page limit, she rewrote it and also altered Sally's hair and clothes "to make her more interesting". "Nikolai" won a runner-up place in the competition and was published in the 2003 Rising Stars of Manga anthology. Along with a monetary prize, LeGrow won a chance to potientally have a manga series published by Tokyopop. The editors liked the series she proposed, Bizenghast, and she became the second Rising Stars of Manga winner to have a manga series published by Tokyopop.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 7, 2021
As I first read this series when I was a young preteen, I waited over ten years to FINALLY read this finale. I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't the entire undoing of everything Dinah learns over the course of the series. She learns to move past Vincent's death, mourning in a more healthy manner? She gets him back. She finally starts getting along with her aunt? She chooses Vincent over her. We finally get Addie Clarke to fight along side Dinah and the Mausoleum? She's mindcontrolled and we never see her again.
It's also incredibly disappointing to have Eniri and Elala built up as interesting characters in their own right, only to have Eniri also mindcontrolled the entire time we do see her, and Elala murdered off-screen without a single line of dialogue.
Still, my own nostalgia for the series does make me feel happy to finally know how this tale ends, however abysmal. I do wonder how much Tokyopop's bankruptcy impacted the story, as the 8th volume was released by a different company years later after legal issuses. Still, for what it was, Bizenghast was an decent story that grew better with every volume, except of course for the end.
It's also incredibly disappointing to have Eniri and Elala built up as interesting characters in their own right, only to have Eniri also mindcontrolled the entire time we do see her, and Elala murdered off-screen without a single line of dialogue.
Still, my own nostalgia for the series does make me feel happy to finally know how this tale ends, however abysmal. I do wonder how much Tokyopop's bankruptcy impacted the story, as the 8th volume was released by a different company years later after legal issuses. Still, for what it was, Bizenghast was an decent story that grew better with every volume, except of course for the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2014
First off, let me state that I have been waiting for forever to finish this series. Book 7 had left off at such a cliffhanger and it seemed like the world had put everything in the way to stop me from finishing the series. But I did and I loved it.
My one critique is that after such a climax in the previous book it felt like it ended too quickly.
But I did love how it ended. I was listening to Centuries by FOB as I read it. Very appropriate considering how it ended.
The book tied up all loose ends. And it was a "relatively" happy ending. It also opened up the possibility of fan fictions. Heh.
All in all I loved it. I might just have to reread the series just to get back into the mausoleum's world.
My one critique is that after such a climax in the previous book it felt like it ended too quickly.
But I did love how it ended. I was listening to Centuries by FOB as I read it. Very appropriate considering how it ended.
The book tied up all loose ends. And it was a "relatively" happy ending. It also opened up the possibility of fan fictions. Heh.
All in all I loved it. I might just have to reread the series just to get back into the mausoleum's world.
April 5, 2025
Super spoilers! Do not read unless you want to know all the things…
——————
Not the ending I would have wanted per say… I’m thankful that Edaniel and Edrear didn’t actually die. I’m annoyed Dinah did, but I get it. I liked her mini reunion with her mom. I’m annoyed Dinah and Vincent now work for the mausoleum. I’m honestly annoyed Vincent is back in general.
There were many things I feel got just left unanswered and unaddressed which sucked but overall I enjoyed the series. The art alone was superb.
——————
Not the ending I would have wanted per say… I’m thankful that Edaniel and Edrear didn’t actually die. I’m annoyed Dinah did, but I get it. I liked her mini reunion with her mom. I’m annoyed Dinah and Vincent now work for the mausoleum. I’m honestly annoyed Vincent is back in general.
There were many things I feel got just left unanswered and unaddressed which sucked but overall I enjoyed the series. The art alone was superb.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2017
I can't believe how long i waited to read the final volume. I saw some unfavorable reviews and had difficult finding it so i delayed even though i have followed the series from its first volumes. There are some faults, the artwork did lose some of its marvel over time but the raw emotion remained. For those profound heart breaking moment it well earned these stars, particular when Dinah kissed Edrear. Edrear was always my favorite, and I'd been hoping the romantic tension between them would amount to something. It delivered in a big way. I bawled for about twenty minutes actually. Her reuniting to Vincent was rather sweet, but for me didn't hold the passion of Edrear. Dinah herself progressed wonderfully bit by bit through the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2017
Things happened really fast here, one major event after another, by the end the plot felt very rushed. I guess the manga got cancelled a bit too soon, so the author had to quickly finish the story and tie all the loose ends (thankfully, you can see how everything had been planned out from the beggining). I wish there was at least one more volume.
All in all I really enjoyed reading this series (first, as a teen and even when I was rereading it again, now), but the ending left me a little disappointed.
All in all I really enjoyed reading this series (first, as a teen and even when I was rereading it again, now), but the ending left me a little disappointed.
July 6, 2020
So, the Truth Comes Out...
Not a bad series. What with all the architectures, surrealistic dreams, and nice gothic dresses, it’s too bad this series came to an end. At least, the creator didn’t drag her feet story-wise. Very imaginative dark fantasy, with something slightly nightmarish. The whole series, very much recommended.
Not a bad series. What with all the architectures, surrealistic dreams, and nice gothic dresses, it’s too bad this series came to an end. At least, the creator didn’t drag her feet story-wise. Very imaginative dark fantasy, with something slightly nightmarish. The whole series, very much recommended.
January 5, 2019
My letter retraction
Sorry tokyopop. I honestly thought the series wasn’t finished, glad to see I was wrong about that because I’m glad I saw the climactic conclusion to these series
Sorry tokyopop. I honestly thought the series wasn’t finished, glad to see I was wrong about that because I’m glad I saw the climactic conclusion to these series
February 13, 2021
Dinah accidentally kills Edaniel. Edrear kills himself in order to not kill Dinah. Dinah restores their lives and others thanks to the gift given to her by her dead mother. Even Vincent comes back to life and all is well for now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2018
I love this series: the characters, the storyline, and the artwork. Sad to see it end.
My favourite character is Edaniel. <3
My favourite character is Edaniel. <3
February 10, 2017
Unbelievably, a happy ending for all who are deserving of it (except for the poor Auntie).
October 15, 2016
Honestly, my rating for this is so high because the end to Bizenghast was so satisfying, so original just like the rest of the story but with a hint of a cliche, it didn't have a depressing ending, and we all know that M. Alice LeGrow worked very hard on it in order to give her fans what she believed we deserve-- a proper conclusion. She is unlike some other authors, who once their series are dropped or stopped due to their publishing house being shut down, they just totally drop it and don't try to put out any other content from the series.
Anyway, this volume was so riveting, and a bit grotesque in some parts, like it really did make me cringe but only out of fear and disgust, but the good kind of disgust, as in, I felt immersed in the story, like I was there with Dinah. The climax of this volume (so, climax of the climax?), made me really sad, but there was so much going on that I could only feel a little sad. I knew there had to be something more, something redeemable for all that had happened to our favorite brothers, and there was! They came back, thank god, unscathed, and all thanks to Dinah. And Vincent, too, had been there all along. I suppose he had been forgetting his memories, but he still felt a connection to Dinah, and a connection to that town, so he stayed, and he followed her ghost after she died. Dinah, too, forgot some important things as a ghost. But they both instantly remembered much, if not all, of their lost memories once they found the mausoleum together again, just like at the start of this whole story. Those two started out as clueless kids, and it ended with their corpses rotting away in the ground, and their spirits free, inhabiting the mausoleum as tower guard replacements of Edrear and Edaniel's sisters, forever. I suppose Lala was one of the tower guards, huh? And Eniri killed her. We never really found out what happened to Eniri though. Did she die? Was she banished? Did she simply cease to be because she was inadequate? I don't know. But thank god that witch's ghost finally died. When she twisted that rod of a cross in her chest when she was still alive and broke a piece off in her chest, she must have been casting a curse upon herself and upon that town. In vengeance, perhaps, or in her own way of ridding the world of sorrows, she wanted to come back and rule the world. She was a mean ghost, however. She revealed her dark side once Edrear killed himself because he deemed himself inadequate and dangerous to Dinah due to Maphohetka's brainwashing, and she no longer had any man to seduce.
I am just so glad that all of my favorite characters turned out okay in the end. And surprisingly, this volume didn't feel forced or rushed to me. It felt like it was the perfect ending to that arc. I did hear though that M. Alice LeGrow had initially intended the series to end with 13 volumes. Perhaps this went according to plan, and the other 4 volumes we would have had would have been of a brand new arc with Vincent and Dinah as tower guards?
I kind of doubt it. I think that she cut out the entirety of an arc she probably planned to add after this one ended with just another volume or two, and took her planned ending for the whole series and beautiful constructed it into the ending of this arc. But it really didn't feel rushed or forced, even if this isn't how she originally intended the series to end. But I really do think that this arc was coming to a close anyway, so that was probably a lot of help. Even so, she still did an amazing job.
Ah, this was truly was a wonderfully dark and amazing story and volume to read. I am sure that I will read the whole story over again someday. Again, and again, I bet. It's dark and twisted, but not sickeningly so. It's like the perfect story for edgy middle schoolers and edgy high schoolers.
Anyway, this volume was so riveting, and a bit grotesque in some parts, like it really did make me cringe but only out of fear and disgust, but the good kind of disgust, as in, I felt immersed in the story, like I was there with Dinah. The climax of this volume (so, climax of the climax?), made me really sad, but there was so much going on that I could only feel a little sad. I knew there had to be something more, something redeemable for all that had happened to our favorite brothers, and there was! They came back, thank god, unscathed, and all thanks to Dinah. And Vincent, too, had been there all along. I suppose he had been forgetting his memories, but he still felt a connection to Dinah, and a connection to that town, so he stayed, and he followed her ghost after she died. Dinah, too, forgot some important things as a ghost. But they both instantly remembered much, if not all, of their lost memories once they found the mausoleum together again, just like at the start of this whole story. Those two started out as clueless kids, and it ended with their corpses rotting away in the ground, and their spirits free, inhabiting the mausoleum as tower guard replacements of Edrear and Edaniel's sisters, forever. I suppose Lala was one of the tower guards, huh? And Eniri killed her. We never really found out what happened to Eniri though. Did she die? Was she banished? Did she simply cease to be because she was inadequate? I don't know. But thank god that witch's ghost finally died. When she twisted that rod of a cross in her chest when she was still alive and broke a piece off in her chest, she must have been casting a curse upon herself and upon that town. In vengeance, perhaps, or in her own way of ridding the world of sorrows, she wanted to come back and rule the world. She was a mean ghost, however. She revealed her dark side once Edrear killed himself because he deemed himself inadequate and dangerous to Dinah due to Maphohetka's brainwashing, and she no longer had any man to seduce.
I am just so glad that all of my favorite characters turned out okay in the end. And surprisingly, this volume didn't feel forced or rushed to me. It felt like it was the perfect ending to that arc. I did hear though that M. Alice LeGrow had initially intended the series to end with 13 volumes. Perhaps this went according to plan, and the other 4 volumes we would have had would have been of a brand new arc with Vincent and Dinah as tower guards?
I kind of doubt it. I think that she cut out the entirety of an arc she probably planned to add after this one ended with just another volume or two, and took her planned ending for the whole series and beautiful constructed it into the ending of this arc. But it really didn't feel rushed or forced, even if this isn't how she originally intended the series to end. But I really do think that this arc was coming to a close anyway, so that was probably a lot of help. Even so, she still did an amazing job.
Ah, this was truly was a wonderfully dark and amazing story and volume to read. I am sure that I will read the whole story over again someday. Again, and again, I bet. It's dark and twisted, but not sickeningly so. It's like the perfect story for edgy middle schoolers and edgy high schoolers.
May 29, 2016
I don't recall it being difficult to obtain this volume, but I'm a big fan of Marty (LeGrow) and follow her online, so I bought it as soon as it came out, from RightStuf. (TokyoPop went out of business, so this final volume was printed based upon online purchases rather than stocking Borders shelves like the others.) That also partially explains both the two-year gap between volumes 7 and 8 and the higher quality of this volume--the paper is clean and white, the cover glossy and gorgeous.
It is disappointing that the demise of TokyoPop led to this series being cut short. I really would have loved to see 5-10 extra volumes between numbers one and three; to see Dinah and Vincent and Edaniel (and sometimes Edrear, though he's a bit boring) navigating endless vaults and exploring the traumatized psyches of ghosts. Still, if you want more Bizenghast, you can always buy the ashcans at LeGrow's Etsy. (I like them, but I've fallen behind on purchasing new ones.)
Okay, final volume. The art is gorgeous. It is really quite amazing how much it has changed. I do miss the early goth/horror style, but I like the beauty and complexity of the new work. I feel like this volume pulls no punches. I also noticed a lot of fairy tale and literary references, which I enjoyed. I do sort of wish Hetka's backstory was more complex. As is, it's a little flat/boring. Still, she's an exceedingly creepy ghost.
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
I found two major characters committing suicide in one volume to be kind of a lot, but I do like that Dinah knows she will be coming back, so it isn't as heavy and disturbing as it might have been. I also legit cried when she gets to see her mother again, and when she says goodbye to Aunt Jane, and of course when she and Vincent are reunited. I think the ending is as happy as one could wish for, considering.
**END SPOILERS**
Overall, this is an excellent comic series for horror fans, fans of quirky goth girls, and fans of ghost stories in general. Definitely pick it up if you can.
It is disappointing that the demise of TokyoPop led to this series being cut short. I really would have loved to see 5-10 extra volumes between numbers one and three; to see Dinah and Vincent and Edaniel (and sometimes Edrear, though he's a bit boring) navigating endless vaults and exploring the traumatized psyches of ghosts. Still, if you want more Bizenghast, you can always buy the ashcans at LeGrow's Etsy. (I like them, but I've fallen behind on purchasing new ones.)
Okay, final volume. The art is gorgeous. It is really quite amazing how much it has changed. I do miss the early goth/horror style, but I like the beauty and complexity of the new work. I feel like this volume pulls no punches. I also noticed a lot of fairy tale and literary references, which I enjoyed. I do sort of wish Hetka's backstory was more complex. As is, it's a little flat/boring. Still, she's an exceedingly creepy ghost.
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
I found two major characters committing suicide in one volume to be kind of a lot, but I do like that Dinah knows she will be coming back, so it isn't as heavy and disturbing as it might have been. I also legit cried when she gets to see her mother again, and when she says goodbye to Aunt Jane, and of course when she and Vincent are reunited. I think the ending is as happy as one could wish for, considering.
**END SPOILERS**
Overall, this is an excellent comic series for horror fans, fans of quirky goth girls, and fans of ghost stories in general. Definitely pick it up if you can.
June 29, 2024
.::I'm not mad at it::.
I come to goodreads with a rating and a heavy heart . . .
***SPOILERS***
As usual, the artwork in this volume is brilliant! I would buy a print of one of the pages to display in my house. I cried three times; for Edaniel, for Edrear . . . and then the ending. I was heartbroken to see how the author wrapped everything up. In the beginning you could feel the love that went into the art and story telling. . . the ending was like something I wrote in middle school to end an English essay I couldn't care less about. Even the general story panels started to get 'jumpy,' regressing to volume one! What happened to the artistic progression I was seeing? This beautifully, horrific series ended so fast and without much trial or explanation. As a reader I felt like my mother kicked me out of the car and left me on I90 . . . At the back of the book, the author explains that they've moved on to "bigger and better" things. I obviously respect wanting to end the series and work on new projects. The searing pain of a hasty (and happy) ending will have to keep me warm at night, I guess.
Even with the reinforced abandonment issues (lol) I would recommend this series. The ending is not enough to poison the well for me. I will happily display my complete series and attempt to save it should my house be on fire. If given the opportunity, I would love to have M. Alice LeGrow sign my copies. I'd give this volume a two star, but nostalgia (and my bleeding heart) bumps it up to a weak three star.
I come to goodreads with a rating and a heavy heart . . .
***SPOILERS***
As usual, the artwork in this volume is brilliant! I would buy a print of one of the pages to display in my house. I cried three times; for Edaniel, for Edrear . . . and then the ending. I was heartbroken to see how the author wrapped everything up. In the beginning you could feel the love that went into the art and story telling. . . the ending was like something I wrote in middle school to end an English essay I couldn't care less about. Even the general story panels started to get 'jumpy,' regressing to volume one! What happened to the artistic progression I was seeing? This beautifully, horrific series ended so fast and without much trial or explanation. As a reader I felt like my mother kicked me out of the car and left me on I90 . . . At the back of the book, the author explains that they've moved on to "bigger and better" things. I obviously respect wanting to end the series and work on new projects. The searing pain of a hasty (and happy) ending will have to keep me warm at night, I guess.
Even with the reinforced abandonment issues (lol) I would recommend this series. The ending is not enough to poison the well for me. I will happily display my complete series and attempt to save it should my house be on fire. If given the opportunity, I would love to have M. Alice LeGrow sign my copies. I'd give this volume a two star, but nostalgia (and my bleeding heart) bumps it up to a weak three star.
November 7, 2015
This volume was the hardest to get my hands on, but I'm so incredibly glad I could. The cliffhanger in the seventh volume left me needing more. The ending of this one was quite satisfactory, even if it did call in the "magic makes it better" to help fix everything. This didn't bother me as much as it would in any other series, as magical solutions were offered up many times before. The artwork in this volume was much better than the previous, and the story developed much faster than in the first few volumes. Overall, I really loved this conclusion to the series, and hope to read more by this author in the future.
November 9, 2015
I've been a big fan of this book series since it first came out and it took me quite some time to finally get the last book due to Tokyopop shutting down right when it was being finished. So when I finally got a copy I reread the series and I definitely will say the story really did finish with quite a bang. i do know this was her first ever published work and ever since the first book she really improved art and storytelling wise. I was beyond impressed with the improvement with her art and she even managed to rip out your heart in a few places.
the only critique I have which I'm pretty sure has been said like a broken record from other reviews is that it was definitely a tad rushed, but I can forgive that because I dunno she originally wanted to have the series run for at least 12 books but due to the publishing company shutting down she had to wrap it up and I must say it was pretty good for a rushed last minute thing. she does has ashcans of stuff in between on her website so I highly recommend checking out out.
the only critique I have which I'm pretty sure has been said like a broken record from other reviews is that it was definitely a tad rushed, but I can forgive that because I dunno she originally wanted to have the series run for at least 12 books but due to the publishing company shutting down she had to wrap it up and I must say it was pretty good for a rushed last minute thing. she does has ashcans of stuff in between on her website so I highly recommend checking out out.
March 29, 2017
I waited years (literally to read this) so first of all I'm quite happy that they finally released it (Tokyo Pop North America went under- being that this is a North American artist/writer, there was some obstacles to over come). On that note anyone trying to get their hands on a physical copy I recommend rightstuf.com .....
Mild spoilers (nothing straight forward)
the book itself is good, it had a appropriate ending, and I liked Edaniel's bitching at the end as well as what happened with Dinah; On the other hand, I wish that she did get to clean out the vaults, but I guess that that would have made the story too predictable. I really liked seeing her move from being a passive and frightened (volume 1)character into a selfless ass kicking warrior. The art in this one once again was done very well and I liked that just where as Dinah progressed as a person, the creator progress as a artist. A fitting end to the story line.
Mild spoilers (nothing straight forward)
the book itself is good, it had a appropriate ending, and I liked Edaniel's bitching at the end as well as what happened with Dinah; On the other hand, I wish that she did get to clean out the vaults, but I guess that that would have made the story too predictable. I really liked seeing her move from being a passive and frightened (volume 1)character into a selfless ass kicking warrior. The art in this one once again was done very well and I liked that just where as Dinah progressed as a person, the creator progress as a artist. A fitting end to the story line.
April 25, 2015
Okay, so the beginning of this series was bad. Like, it was so bad I was wondering how it even got published. The story was choppy and things just happened out of nowhere. However, as the series went on it was apparent that the author was growing with her writing skills. The series was still not five stars great, but it was better and it got better and better. If it went on for longer it would have been in a grey zone of "is this good enough to keep going?" "This story is actually awesome". Well, the ending was a bit sad but good at the same time. Overall, I ended up not feeling like I completely wasted my time by reading this books. It was 8 books I was able to count off of my challenge and it counted off a few checks on my 52 week Reading Challenge for 2015. Overall, I guess it was worth it.
August 6, 2016
I really liked Bizenghast as a teenager when it first came out. I read the first seven books roughly around the same time, which was a few years back. It seems like the eighth book in this series had a very limited print edition which is why it took me a while to get a copy of this book.
I'm glad I was finally able to finish the series though I'm not entirely satisfied with the ending. Maybe I shouldn't be surprised that Dinah dies since the story takes place mainly in a Mausoleum. I was just a little disappointed that we don't get to see what happens when all the tasks are completed. Instead, the cycle continues with new characters.
I still love LeGrow's art style and I hope she comes out with more comics soon. I'd definitely like to read them! <3
I'm glad I was finally able to finish the series though I'm not entirely satisfied with the ending. Maybe I shouldn't be surprised that Dinah dies since the story takes place mainly in a Mausoleum. I was just a little disappointed that we don't get to see what happens when all the tasks are completed. Instead, the cycle continues with new characters.
I still love LeGrow's art style and I hope she comes out with more comics soon. I'd definitely like to read them! <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2013
I FINALLY got ahold of the final Bizenghast book and I must say I LOVED it.
For a long time I thought there would be no conclusion to the series and I was devastated, but since I follow M. Alice online and she announced they would be selling the last book, you can imagine how excited I was. Unfortunately when it came out earlier this summer I didn't have the money right away to order it. I had to wait a few months in order to get it, but it was well worth it.
It continued from the last volume and didn't lose pace. Without giving any spoilers though, I'll just say that the ending was perfect and answered any question I had.
I certainly cannot wait to read Riddle Road and see what happens next!
For a long time I thought there would be no conclusion to the series and I was devastated, but since I follow M. Alice online and she announced they would be selling the last book, you can imagine how excited I was. Unfortunately when it came out earlier this summer I didn't have the money right away to order it. I had to wait a few months in order to get it, but it was well worth it.
It continued from the last volume and didn't lose pace. Without giving any spoilers though, I'll just say that the ending was perfect and answered any question I had.
I certainly cannot wait to read Riddle Road and see what happens next!
September 9, 2016
*Series review*
Each of the eight books in this series was beautifully illustrated. The drawn characters, costumes, and settings made this more than just a supernatural mystery and created a wonderful atmosphere for this story to unfold.
The reader will go through many emotions in reading this story: sadness for Dinah's tragic young life, enjoyment of the quirky eDaniel and his crazy pop culture references, terror of the horrors awaiting in the vaults, vindication for a secondary character that ties the whole story together, and then, finally, perfectly happy with the bittersweet conclusion.
Each of the eight books in this series was beautifully illustrated. The drawn characters, costumes, and settings made this more than just a supernatural mystery and created a wonderful atmosphere for this story to unfold.
The reader will go through many emotions in reading this story: sadness for Dinah's tragic young life, enjoyment of the quirky eDaniel and his crazy pop culture references, terror of the horrors awaiting in the vaults, vindication for a secondary character that ties the whole story together, and then, finally, perfectly happy with the bittersweet conclusion.
October 13, 2025
Not adding a rating because I was unable to read it. The internet simply does not have this, nor does my library. If I'm ever able to finish this series, I will. If not, then I'll never know how the war ended and this will simply be one of those weird memories I think about on occasion.
UPDATE: COMICS PLUS HAS IT. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO READ THE END OF THIS SERIES.
This was like reading a fever dream. I will never forget this series. Was it the greatest thing ever written? Not even close. Was it fun? Heck yeah. Would I read it again? Probably not. But good to know where it's at in case I want to look back on it at some point in the future.
UPDATE: COMICS PLUS HAS IT. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO READ THE END OF THIS SERIES.
This was like reading a fever dream. I will never forget this series. Was it the greatest thing ever written? Not even close. Was it fun? Heck yeah. Would I read it again? Probably not. But good to know where it's at in case I want to look back on it at some point in the future.
May 7, 2013
I've adored this series since my sister introduced me to it about five years ago. The art is phenomenal, the story is amazing, and I absolutely adore the characters. This final volume has been a long time coming thanks to some publisher issues, but it was well worth the wait. Dinah has really come into her own as an intelligent, capable, and kick-ass heroine. The ending was pretty much perfect, and M. Alice LeGrow is offering more adventures of the group as short comics on her Etsy page, so I can still see more of their stories. One of my abosolute favourite series.
December 29, 2018
I put off reading this for a long time because of negative reviews. And I guess I can understand how some people wouldn't like it.
But for me, it was a culmination of the story I had been following since the first volume debuted. And I loved it. I loved it absolutely and the ending made me cry. For me, it is the perfect ending.
Thanks a million, Lady LeGrow, for the reading pleasure you've given me with this series! It was a delight meeting you at ALA and I hope you can come back.
But for me, it was a culmination of the story I had been following since the first volume debuted. And I loved it. I loved it absolutely and the ending made me cry. For me, it is the perfect ending.
Thanks a million, Lady LeGrow, for the reading pleasure you've given me with this series! It was a delight meeting you at ALA and I hope you can come back.
October 22, 2012
A fantastic finally to a great series. I'm sad that there isn't more. I guess I'll have to read the novel now!
Arrived Sept 27. Already devoured. Review to come.
Was finally able to find a copy from a seller on Amazon. I'm very disappointed that Toyko Pop no longer publishes in North America. Looking forward to finally being able to read the final book in this series!
Ordered Sept 9/12
Arrived Sept 27. Already devoured. Review to come.
Was finally able to find a copy from a seller on Amazon. I'm very disappointed that Toyko Pop no longer publishes in North America. Looking forward to finally being able to read the final book in this series!
Ordered Sept 9/12
August 10, 2012
At long last, Vol 8 has arrived! And the ending was not even close to anything I expected, but LeGrow wrote the best and fittest of endings for the series. And as always Legrow's art is beautiful. Vol 8 was worth the two year wait.
January 22, 2015
FINALLY FOUND A COPY OF THIS BOOK ONLINE!
I recommend rightstuf.com for getting this book.
I got two copies one to give to a friend, and one to donate to the library.
I really enjoyed this book! So glad to finally know how it ends after the cliff hanger ending of volume seven.
I recommend rightstuf.com for getting this book.
I got two copies one to give to a friend, and one to donate to the library.
I really enjoyed this book! So glad to finally know how it ends after the cliff hanger ending of volume seven.
Want to read
August 6, 20128-3-12
Should ship any day now...
8-6-12 arrived...
Should ship any day now...
8-6-12 arrived...
August 8, 2012
Feels like the series maybe lost some momentum here; the ending felt a bit anticlimactic. But the art was still gorgeous, and I'm glad it finally came out:)
August 15, 2013
I thought the ending was boring and I wish the series could have gone on longer because I loved it, but alas.
December 21, 2013
Good ending to the series.
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