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Mother Nature
Discover the incredible debut graphic novel from Hollywood horror legend Jamie Lee Curtis, Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actress in the acclaimed movie Everything, Everywhere, All At Once .
Adapted from her script for the Comet Pictures/Blumhouse film Mother Nature by award-winning artist Karl Stevens, witness the terrifying supernatural revenge of Nova Terrel, whose father was mysteriously killed on site of a corrupt oil giant.
After witnessing her engineer father die in mysterious circumstances on one of the Cobalt Corporation’s experimental oil extraction projects, Nova Terrell has grown up to hate the seemingly benevolent company that the town of Catch Creek, New Mexico, relies on for its livelihood and, thanks to the “Mother Nature” project, its clean water.
Haunted by her father’s death, the rebellious Nova wages a campaign of sabotage and vandalism on the oil giant’s facilities and equipment, until one night she accidentally makes a terrifying discovery about the true nature of the “Mother Nature” project and the malevolent, long-dormant horror it has awakened, and that threatens to destroy them all.
Adapted from her script for the Comet Pictures/Blumhouse film Mother Nature by award-winning artist Karl Stevens, witness the terrifying supernatural revenge of Nova Terrel, whose father was mysteriously killed on site of a corrupt oil giant.
After witnessing her engineer father die in mysterious circumstances on one of the Cobalt Corporation’s experimental oil extraction projects, Nova Terrell has grown up to hate the seemingly benevolent company that the town of Catch Creek, New Mexico, relies on for its livelihood and, thanks to the “Mother Nature” project, its clean water.
Haunted by her father’s death, the rebellious Nova wages a campaign of sabotage and vandalism on the oil giant’s facilities and equipment, until one night she accidentally makes a terrifying discovery about the true nature of the “Mother Nature” project and the malevolent, long-dormant horror it has awakened, and that threatens to destroy them all.
184 pages, Hardcover
First published August 8, 2023
About the author
Jamie Lee Curtis
38 books197 followersJamie Lee Curtis is a two-time Golden Globe-winning, BAFTA-winning, and Emmy-nominated American film actress and an author of children's books. Although she was initially known as a "scream queen" because of her starring roles in many horror films early in her career such as Halloween (1978 film), The Fog, Prom Night (1980 film) and Terror Train, Curtis has since compiled a body of work that covers many genres. She has received an Emmy Award nomination and two Golden Globe Awards. Her 1998 book, Today I Feel Silly, and Other Moods That Make My Day, made the best-seller list in The New York Times. She is married to actor Christopher Guest (Lord Haden-Guest) and, as the wife of a Lord, is titled Lady Haden-Guest, but she chooses not to use the title when in the United States.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
August 28, 2023
This is such a mess. I can’t write a summary of it ‘cause I’m not sure what exactly was happening in it. There’s something about an oil drilling company, but also about radioactive stuff, and also Diné spirits. It’s an adaptation of a movie script, but unfortunately the art does not do a good job of communicating what’s unsaid, and the dialog on its own isn’t quite enough. The art style makes it hard to tell characters apart. There are too many close-ups, that it’s hard to tell what is actually happening in different situations. It skips around so much at times that it feels like there are panels or full pages missing. It is just a mess.
October 18, 2023
2.5 stars. Mother Nature is, unfortunately, a mother of a mess.
I'll start with the good: I liked the dedication, I liked the messaging, I liked the focus on Indigenous cultures and the choice to highlight how the climate crisis is affecting them, often disproportionately. The fact that Native American consultants were sought out in order to ensure cultural accuracy is commendable (though really, it should be the norm). Also, the on-page deaths were gnarly, grisly and visually very impactful.
But that was about it. In every other respect, including the most basic aspects of storytelling, Mother Nature was lacking. It felt more like a storyboard than a fully realised graphic novel, and the thing about storyboards is that they're only one part of the process; the people involved in said process also have an intimate understanding of the script, the cast, and the overall vision, none of which we are privy to here.
The result is a jumble of indistinguishable faces, lifeless panels that somehow still manage to jump around like a messily cut film, with few establishing shots, context clues, or anything else that would help us to make sense of what we see on the page. I wanted so badly to like it and instead struggled to even understand it.
I'll start with the good: I liked the dedication, I liked the messaging, I liked the focus on Indigenous cultures and the choice to highlight how the climate crisis is affecting them, often disproportionately. The fact that Native American consultants were sought out in order to ensure cultural accuracy is commendable (though really, it should be the norm). Also, the on-page deaths were gnarly, grisly and visually very impactful.
But that was about it. In every other respect, including the most basic aspects of storytelling, Mother Nature was lacking. It felt more like a storyboard than a fully realised graphic novel, and the thing about storyboards is that they're only one part of the process; the people involved in said process also have an intimate understanding of the script, the cast, and the overall vision, none of which we are privy to here.
The result is a jumble of indistinguishable faces, lifeless panels that somehow still manage to jump around like a messily cut film, with few establishing shots, context clues, or anything else that would help us to make sense of what we see on the page. I wanted so badly to like it and instead struggled to even understand it.
August 7, 2023
I was pleased to see the book had several Indigenous consultants.
August 13, 2023
The cover completely caught my attention, but the reading experience didn’t quite match up. Inside the artwork is interesting and different, quite realistic. But I found some of the characters looked confusingly similar. For me there are some majorly missing parts of the story line, which in places left me wondering what was going on. Interestingly the comic has come out before the promised film, and I get the feeling that the comic is based on the filming story board for the film. I feel too much of needed dialogue has been missed out. This may be a case of watch the film, then read the comic, and if I had done that my review may have been very different. Thank you to Titan Comics and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
February 1, 2024
I wanted to like this much more than I actually did. The story itself was decent, but the art and the storytelling let it down too much to really be enjoyable. I came close to DNF'ing a few times, but I had to finish the story to at least find out what happened in the end. Mother Nature is adapted from a screenplay, and I think it would be much better as a movie, with actors speaking the dialogue and conveying the emotions. As a comic, it just doesn't quite work.
Special Thanks to Titan Books and Edelweiss Plus for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
Special Thanks to Titan Books and Edelweiss Plus for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
Shelved as 'abandoned'
October 2, 2023This should have been just the thing for Halloween read. A horror script about ecological payback by Curtis sounds awesome, but isn't presented appropriately, or even, comprehensively, here. I disliked the art and was having trouble following the story, so my son cleared that up for me: the awatd-winning artist is no doubt brilliant in his usual mode, but comic books are not it. In comparison to the Marvel Voices: Identity #1 I understand that the portraits of characters are static, that the location of characters within a scene changes randomly, and that the few bits of character action shown aren't clear.
The prestige artist was just not a good decision, despite the ability to capture Lee's face in many emotions. A comics pro would have been a better fit.
The prestige artist was just not a good decision, despite the ability to capture Lee's face in many emotions. A comics pro would have been a better fit.
September 18, 2023
Oof! This was a tough one, indeed...
And so sad all the interesting topics depicted here got such a disappointing treatment. Motherhood, inheritance, climate change, and the hope for a better future... sounds good, right? Well, it wasn't.
From the off-putting hyperreal art, to the confusing story telling, there's nothing for me to love in this graphic novel, till the point I can't be my lenient self and give it two visible stars.
Coming into this story, I didn't know this was actually the adaptation of a script, and soon to be movie, directed by Jamie Lee Curtis herself, who also wrote the story in collaboration with Russell Goldman. Well... I for sure won't be watching that movie, and, after reading 'Mother Nature', I'm actually doubting it will be any good...
I guess this comes to show, you can't trust the big names in certain areas; and if that's your only pull to approach something, then maybe keep your distance.
And so sad all the interesting topics depicted here got such a disappointing treatment. Motherhood, inheritance, climate change, and the hope for a better future... sounds good, right? Well, it wasn't.
From the off-putting hyperreal art, to the confusing story telling, there's nothing for me to love in this graphic novel, till the point I can't be my lenient self and give it two visible stars.
Coming into this story, I didn't know this was actually the adaptation of a script, and soon to be movie, directed by Jamie Lee Curtis herself, who also wrote the story in collaboration with Russell Goldman. Well... I for sure won't be watching that movie, and, after reading 'Mother Nature', I'm actually doubting it will be any good...
I guess this comes to show, you can't trust the big names in certain areas; and if that's your only pull to approach something, then maybe keep your distance.
September 11, 2023
Nature fights back in this graphic novel that combines horror with ecological elements. It's a great idea and the illustrations are a highlight (realistic human expressions are not easy to draw!) However, as others have noted, the execution was muddled and I'm glad I wasn't the only one who had difficulty following the narrative.
The storyline did, indeed, feel like the rough outline of a script--maybe the forthcoming movie will answer our questions.
The storyline did, indeed, feel like the rough outline of a script--maybe the forthcoming movie will answer our questions.
January 31, 2024
I wanted to like this more than I did if I’m honest. I appreciate the message and the fact that they worked with indigenous advisors but it couldn’t save a story that was not well crafted. The art wasn’t my favorite either. I like the premise and apparently it came from a movie screenplay but after reading this I’d prefer it in movie form I think.
July 12, 2023
An eco-horror with heart. A lot of readers may go into this thinking, hey, Jamie Lee Curtis pop culture scream queen with comedic chops goes into comics this is gonna a slasher fest and whilst that would have been good; this is not that.
A supernatural drama with deep rooted Native American lore. It's a slow burn but reading how long it has taken and all the respect and research gone into it, must be applauded.
A very good layered read that both hits hard and makes you think.
Hopefully there will be more stuff to come.
A supernatural drama with deep rooted Native American lore. It's a slow burn but reading how long it has taken and all the respect and research gone into it, must be applauded.
A very good layered read that both hits hard and makes you think.
Hopefully there will be more stuff to come.
October 16, 2023
What even is this?? The transitions between scenes and timeline are nonexistent, and the plot is very confusing.
September 22, 2023
I found this one disappointing. The art style is not my favorite and it doesn’t do a great job of helping tell the story. It’s hard to tell what is actually happening in some scenes, and there isn’t enough dialogue or narration to clarify. Also in one scene a character is injured in the right leg, but then in following panels the injury switches legs SEVERAL times. She’s hit in the right leg, but ties a jacket as a bandage on her left leg. Then later we see the injury on her left leg, and in the VERY NEXT PANEL she’s holding her right leg like it hurts. Messing up simple continuity issues like that kind of drove the nail into the coffin on this confusing book for me. I’m still giving it 3 stars because it had potential and I appreciate the work they did with Indigenous advisers to get details right.
It was adapted from a film script. Idk if they’re still planning on making it a film but maybe that would be a better vehicle for this story.
It was adapted from a film script. Idk if they’re still planning on making it a film but maybe that would be a better vehicle for this story.
August 14, 2023
I won't lie I bought this cause I found a copy signed by Jaime Lee Curtis BUT I had to read it immediately cause I mean who wouldn't. Right off the bat i'll say I didn't like it as much as I hoped I would, it just felt like it was missing something. Overall I am happy I read it and love to add it to my library. It is all about environmental protection and indigenous culture playing a key role in doing such. I think we could use more stories along the same time.
November 30, 2023
I’m not sure what happened in this novel. Too much going on. I think there was a message about pollution and what could happen to our water supply if it got out of control. I think. If that was it, it got lost with the awkward relationships, “spirit” people that may or may not be “polluted,” and weird biblical happenings that came out of nowhere. It had some moments to get back on track, but it never did.
August 15, 2023
I was interested in reading Mother Nature when I read the blurb for the first time, but I felt like I was reading a film rather than a graphic novel. It had such a fast pace with very little info of what was happening, and very few moments with the characters, so it felt a little disjointed at times. What I read was interesting, but I just wish it was fleshed out more.
July 30, 2023
This eco-horror graphic novel highlights the dangers of greenwashing and the common acceptance of society allowing companies and governments to control nature.
When ‘rebalancing’ the ecosystem, there are multitudes of ways to reach an equilibrium… and this one pays in blood.
The ‘My Heart is a Chainsaw’ reference was also delightful to see! (It deserves more recognition, please go and read it!)
When ‘rebalancing’ the ecosystem, there are multitudes of ways to reach an equilibrium… and this one pays in blood.
The ‘My Heart is a Chainsaw’ reference was also delightful to see! (It deserves more recognition, please go and read it!)
December 6, 2023
I didn't understand who half these people were??? And how they were connected.
December 18, 2023
It started off well, and I really enjoyed the art work, but I have no idea what actually happened during this story!
August 29, 2023
I wanted to love this. It was about what we’ve done to our planet, and written by Jamie Lee Curtis, whom I love. Yet the story was so confusing. I couldn’t follow what was happening, and the artwork between two of the main characters made them look so like I kept confusing who was who. I felt like I was missing things and reread the beginning at least 10 times going back trying to see if I had missed something only to realize that it just wasn’t there. Such a huge disappointment!
July 19, 2023
'Mother Nature' by Jamie Lee Curtis.
After witnessing her engineer father die in mysterious circumstances on one of the Cobalt Corporation's experimental oil extraction projects, Nova Terrell has grown up to hate the seemingly benevolent company that the town of Catch Creek, New Mexico, relies on for its livelihood and, thanks to the "Mother Nature" project, its clean water.
Haunted by her father's death, the rebellious Nova wages a campaign of sabotage and vandalism on the oil giant's facilities and equipment, until one night she accidentally makes a terrifying discovery about the true nature of the "Mother Nature" project and the malevolent, long-dormant horror it has awakened, and that threatens to destroy them all.
I read this in one sitting. It's amazing. The artwork is phenomenal and the story resonates with todays current problems. I would definitely recommend this :)
After witnessing her engineer father die in mysterious circumstances on one of the Cobalt Corporation's experimental oil extraction projects, Nova Terrell has grown up to hate the seemingly benevolent company that the town of Catch Creek, New Mexico, relies on for its livelihood and, thanks to the "Mother Nature" project, its clean water.
Haunted by her father's death, the rebellious Nova wages a campaign of sabotage and vandalism on the oil giant's facilities and equipment, until one night she accidentally makes a terrifying discovery about the true nature of the "Mother Nature" project and the malevolent, long-dormant horror it has awakened, and that threatens to destroy them all.
I read this in one sitting. It's amazing. The artwork is phenomenal and the story resonates with todays current problems. I would definitely recommend this :)
September 25, 2023
2.5 stars for the art
1.5 stars for the story/script
Blimey, that was one of the worst GNs that I've read in a good while - I was really hoping it would be better as it addresses ideas that I really care about such as the environment and the massive damage that we are inflicting on the Earth's ecosystem and the life support system therein, but this does it in a disappointingly hamfisted way; characters act 'mysteriously' i.e. in completely inconsistent ways, scenes jump confusingly, some of the dialogue is clunky and overall the talk about radon and a 'solvent' to clean the water for Catch Creek is forehead-slappingly annoying. A wasted opportunity.
1.5 stars for the story/script
Blimey, that was one of the worst GNs that I've read in a good while - I was really hoping it would be better as it addresses ideas that I really care about such as the environment and the massive damage that we are inflicting on the Earth's ecosystem and the life support system therein, but this does it in a disappointingly hamfisted way; characters act 'mysteriously' i.e. in completely inconsistent ways, scenes jump confusingly, some of the dialogue is clunky and overall the talk about radon and a 'solvent' to clean the water for Catch Creek is forehead-slappingly annoying. A wasted opportunity.
January 14, 2024
I really do not even understand what I just read. I have no idea who many of the characters were or how they relate to the storyline. I don't know who people are that they were referring to. Basically, I don't know what I just read. I think the message of the story was about taking care of our environment and people or Mother Nature will kill you, but somehow wrapped in a supernatural Native American folktale?
August 10, 2023
Never trust a fossil fuel executive.
October 11, 2023
I'll admit that the strategy has worked on me and have on occasion picked up a copy of a celebrity picture book or graphic novel 0r comic book series volume. I do not have high expectations for picture books by Keith Richards (though I heard his autobiography was really well done), or comics written by Keanu Reeves or Carly Simon. Okay, I may have looked at one of the now several picture books by Curtis, actually. And I admire famous people using their wealth and fame to make statements pertaining ot social justice.
So, no, I was not all "shut up and act" when I saw this book, but to tell you the truth the only reason I picked it up is because it was illustrated by an artist I admire, Karl Stevens, who might be best known for his painting (and his cartoons in The New Yorker?). But I like his gorgeously drawn, almost photo-realist, graphic novels. There are portraits in those books that almost overwhelm any story he tells in those books.
So this is a two-star book for me, really, giving an extra star for the artwork and the good intentions, and for using indigenous (Dine) advisors in the project. It's the story of environmental damage through fracking (and nuclear testing) of native lands, with bodies blown up along the way. And it's girl-centric; a girl is willing to sacrifice herself for the good of Mother Nature. It's a mother-daughter story where the Dine mom initially sells out (yes, she's paid well for water rights) to a greedy corporation before her daughter turns her around. So all that sounds pretty good.
Curtis said she scripted the story as a possible movie when she was nineteen, and then in the past couple years co-wrote it with documentary filmmaker Russell Goldman, so I take it there is a film now, too. But the graphic novel idea came because Curtis bought one of Stevens's New Yorker cartoons; they talked and she told him her movie idea and he said he thought it might make a good graphic novel. Boom! Super group comics?
But the story (which ) is sometimes confusing, overwhelmed by multiple intentions. As Dine novelist Brian Lee Young writes in one of the several afterwords, it's as much for fans of "horror and gruesome deaths" as it is about motherhood, mother Earth and inheritance. Did we need the horro layer? Maybe, but there are lots and lots of other things going on here; too much, I say.
And of course Jamie Lee Curtis is depicted as one of the main characters (no, not a white savior, to her credit), so the book appears more and more like a novelization to me. The gruesome deaths seem somehow unnecessary, distracting. The connections to nuclear testing are important, sure, but a longer book would provide the space to go more deeply into the long historical story of environmental destruction of native lands. And this is pretty short for what it has to do. (It's like that Woody Allen joke; in Heaven the food sucks, and even worse, the portions are so small!).
Yes, there are good intentions here--a rare environmentally-focused graphic novel, accomplished by a great artist [and a chance for an artist little known to the general public to get more into the mainstream] but over all it was unfortunately a bit of a mess for me.
So, no, I was not all "shut up and act" when I saw this book, but to tell you the truth the only reason I picked it up is because it was illustrated by an artist I admire, Karl Stevens, who might be best known for his painting (and his cartoons in The New Yorker?). But I like his gorgeously drawn, almost photo-realist, graphic novels. There are portraits in those books that almost overwhelm any story he tells in those books.
So this is a two-star book for me, really, giving an extra star for the artwork and the good intentions, and for using indigenous (Dine) advisors in the project. It's the story of environmental damage through fracking (and nuclear testing) of native lands, with bodies blown up along the way. And it's girl-centric; a girl is willing to sacrifice herself for the good of Mother Nature. It's a mother-daughter story where the Dine mom initially sells out (yes, she's paid well for water rights) to a greedy corporation before her daughter turns her around. So all that sounds pretty good.
Curtis said she scripted the story as a possible movie when she was nineteen, and then in the past couple years co-wrote it with documentary filmmaker Russell Goldman, so I take it there is a film now, too. But the graphic novel idea came because Curtis bought one of Stevens's New Yorker cartoons; they talked and she told him her movie idea and he said he thought it might make a good graphic novel. Boom! Super group comics?
But the story (which ) is sometimes confusing, overwhelmed by multiple intentions. As Dine novelist Brian Lee Young writes in one of the several afterwords, it's as much for fans of "horror and gruesome deaths" as it is about motherhood, mother Earth and inheritance. Did we need the horro layer? Maybe, but there are lots and lots of other things going on here; too much, I say.
And of course Jamie Lee Curtis is depicted as one of the main characters (no, not a white savior, to her credit), so the book appears more and more like a novelization to me. The gruesome deaths seem somehow unnecessary, distracting. The connections to nuclear testing are important, sure, but a longer book would provide the space to go more deeply into the long historical story of environmental destruction of native lands. And this is pretty short for what it has to do. (It's like that Woody Allen joke; in Heaven the food sucks, and even worse, the portions are so small!).
Yes, there are good intentions here--a rare environmentally-focused graphic novel, accomplished by a great artist [and a chance for an artist little known to the general public to get more into the mainstream] but over all it was unfortunately a bit of a mess for me.
December 27, 2023
⭐️⭐️💫
Critical Score: C
Personal Score: C+
Not as terrible as everyone is saying, but the story is quite clunky. I’m so curious to see if the screenplay works better, and I guess we’ll find out when the Blumhouse movie, directed by Jamie Lee Curtis, comes out.
As for Jamie, I’m trying to pin down how much she led the writing on this versus put her name on it for hype and as the director of the upcoming film. She apparently had the idea for the story at 19, but that was a very long time ago and nowhere is she directly stated as the screenwriter. As for this graphic novel, she co-wrote it with Russell Goldman, and they had four indigenous consultants on top of that.
So it seems like maybe there are too many chefs in the kitchen, and that could be why the story feels so clunky? But the consultants are the reason why the story isn’t shitty representation of indigenous culture—that’s one of the book’s strong suits, even if it’s messily weaved in. Other highlights include the eye-grabbing death scenes and good intentions with the climate themes.
The art is okay. By the way, is the antagonist supposed to be Jamie? It only sorta looks like her. Will Jamie play that character in the movie, maybe? (And is she meant to be an antagonist from the start? Again, clunkiness.)
I’m not too excited for the movie based on what I read here, but at the same time I’m really also rooting for Jamie because it will be her directorial debut, and while she’s a bit much at times, I adore her.
Critical Score: C
Personal Score: C+
Not as terrible as everyone is saying, but the story is quite clunky. I’m so curious to see if the screenplay works better, and I guess we’ll find out when the Blumhouse movie, directed by Jamie Lee Curtis, comes out.
As for Jamie, I’m trying to pin down how much she led the writing on this versus put her name on it for hype and as the director of the upcoming film. She apparently had the idea for the story at 19, but that was a very long time ago and nowhere is she directly stated as the screenwriter. As for this graphic novel, she co-wrote it with Russell Goldman, and they had four indigenous consultants on top of that.
So it seems like maybe there are too many chefs in the kitchen, and that could be why the story feels so clunky? But the consultants are the reason why the story isn’t shitty representation of indigenous culture—that’s one of the book’s strong suits, even if it’s messily weaved in. Other highlights include the eye-grabbing death scenes and good intentions with the climate themes.
The art is okay. By the way, is the antagonist supposed to be Jamie? It only sorta looks like her. Will Jamie play that character in the movie, maybe? (And is she meant to be an antagonist from the start? Again, clunkiness.)
I’m not too excited for the movie based on what I read here, but at the same time I’m really also rooting for Jamie because it will be her directorial debut, and while she’s a bit much at times, I adore her.
August 20, 2023
“You can still give her the world she always wanted.”
Jamie Lee Curtis, Karl Stevensa and Russell Goldman in this graphic novel tell the story of Nova Terrell, she tragically loses her father due to an awful incident on the Cobalt Corporation’s plant. In the town of Catch Creek it’s known for their experimental oil extraction projects, this town relies on them because of their project “Mother Nature” that provides clean water. Nova will stop at nothin to sabotage this plant. In doing so she uncovers the truth behind the “Mother Nature” project and its connection to something malevolent that has been awakened.
This story touches on more than just an ancient evil that tries to bring destruction to Catch Creek. Throughout many relatable topics are used to convey what Nova is feeling at the loss of her father. Set within an indigenous family many aspects of culture are mentioned and explained, the connections are portrayed in a respectful manner. There is a spotlight on the strained relationships between parent and child, those trying to cope whilst coping with grief. On another scale the impact on climate change is a major theme throughout.
Coupling these themes with the illustrations this has brought to life a harrowing tale which incorporates many important messages as well as an interesting horror story.
Many thanks to @titancomics for a copy of this graphic novel.
Jamie Lee Curtis, Karl Stevensa and Russell Goldman in this graphic novel tell the story of Nova Terrell, she tragically loses her father due to an awful incident on the Cobalt Corporation’s plant. In the town of Catch Creek it’s known for their experimental oil extraction projects, this town relies on them because of their project “Mother Nature” that provides clean water. Nova will stop at nothin to sabotage this plant. In doing so she uncovers the truth behind the “Mother Nature” project and its connection to something malevolent that has been awakened.
This story touches on more than just an ancient evil that tries to bring destruction to Catch Creek. Throughout many relatable topics are used to convey what Nova is feeling at the loss of her father. Set within an indigenous family many aspects of culture are mentioned and explained, the connections are portrayed in a respectful manner. There is a spotlight on the strained relationships between parent and child, those trying to cope whilst coping with grief. On another scale the impact on climate change is a major theme throughout.
Coupling these themes with the illustrations this has brought to life a harrowing tale which incorporates many important messages as well as an interesting horror story.
Many thanks to @titancomics for a copy of this graphic novel.
August 18, 2024
Wow! I think I hated this book, I would not recommend it, I barely even know how to describe it.
The plot is really interesting, eco-horror really seems to be finding its footing in the community now. This could have been a strong entry, but the pacing feels off and the paneling adds to the confusion/overall weird feeling.
It feels like there is a lot of care in the graphic novel overall? I read that it’s supposed to be an ode to motherhood and nature and I think in parts of the novel I was able to see that. The art is beautiful, full color and very obvious that they put effort in.
But I was too distracted by thinking I missed huge portions of the story or that the pacing felt rushed. I didn’t get time to care for the characters. People die in this story and I could not care less. I have no reason to care.
While reading I mentioned this idea had so much going on, there’s eco-horror, a queer story, family, grief. That’s all too much to put into 156 pages. Double the length, add another novel if you can. I desperately wanted to love this but I cannot find any redeeming qualities. Skip this read and pick up maybe Green Fuse Burning for a short read or Never Whistle at Night for a collection.
The plot is really interesting, eco-horror really seems to be finding its footing in the community now. This could have been a strong entry, but the pacing feels off and the paneling adds to the confusion/overall weird feeling.
It feels like there is a lot of care in the graphic novel overall? I read that it’s supposed to be an ode to motherhood and nature and I think in parts of the novel I was able to see that. The art is beautiful, full color and very obvious that they put effort in.
But I was too distracted by thinking I missed huge portions of the story or that the pacing felt rushed. I didn’t get time to care for the characters. People die in this story and I could not care less. I have no reason to care.
While reading I mentioned this idea had so much going on, there’s eco-horror, a queer story, family, grief. That’s all too much to put into 156 pages. Double the length, add another novel if you can. I desperately wanted to love this but I cannot find any redeeming qualities. Skip this read and pick up maybe Green Fuse Burning for a short read or Never Whistle at Night for a collection.
August 9, 2023
An eco-horror graphic novel written by Jamie Lee Curtis…I just had to read it.
Unfortunately it wasn't really for me, even though the premise sounded great.
The story follows Nova Terrell, a young woman who seeks revenge after her father was killed under strange circumstances in her hometown. It’s all connected to Cobalt Electric, a company that claims to have found a way to provide clean water for everyone. (Hello greenwashing)
After witnessing her father’s death, Nova changes and when she gets angry, she unleashes a power, she didn’t know she had. A power that doesn’t appear to be human.
The graphic novel was actually adapted from a movie script and I can't wait to see the movie as I think this will be one of the few times where the movie could actually be better than the book.
While I liked to main message of the story and how it resonates with todays current problems, I didn’t really enjoy reading the book. I found the story very confusing and wasn't able to place the characters at times. The whole thing just felt kind of messy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately it wasn't really for me, even though the premise sounded great.
The story follows Nova Terrell, a young woman who seeks revenge after her father was killed under strange circumstances in her hometown. It’s all connected to Cobalt Electric, a company that claims to have found a way to provide clean water for everyone. (Hello greenwashing)
After witnessing her father’s death, Nova changes and when she gets angry, she unleashes a power, she didn’t know she had. A power that doesn’t appear to be human.
The graphic novel was actually adapted from a movie script and I can't wait to see the movie as I think this will be one of the few times where the movie could actually be better than the book.
While I liked to main message of the story and how it resonates with todays current problems, I didn’t really enjoy reading the book. I found the story very confusing and wasn't able to place the characters at times. The whole thing just felt kind of messy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2024
Reading other reviews, I agree with most where it’s a bit of a mess. However, while in the beginning the story is hard to follow and the art style is not quite helping with the story telling, it unfolds itself neatly at the end to unveil a story of Indigenous culture, the ongoing challenges against climate change, and motherhood. Keeping in mind that this graphic novel is based off of a script, I can see Jamie Lee Curtis’ talents in writing storyboards and scripts, and I am excited to watch the film if it is ever released. I applaud Curtis for her attention to detail and their communication with Indigenous advisors to maintain authenticity. I believe that the mistake was perhaps the artist, as the things left unsaid are not shown, and the images are hard to follow. It feels almost as if some things are completely left out, and that which is there is difficult to understand. With that in mind, while I enjoyed the story and script, I give the graphic novel as a whole 3 stars, because the graphics and their artist are too crucial in a graphic novel to not consider heavily.
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