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Blackwater
Riverdale meets Stranger Things in this debut queer YA graphic novel, developed from a hit webcomic. Set in the haunted town of Blackwater, Maine, two boys fall for each other as they dig for clues to a paranormal mystery.
"For fans of Heartstopper and Teen Wolf ." ― School Library Journal
Tony Price is a popular high school track star and occasional delinquent aching for his dad’s attention and approval. Eli Hirsch is a quiet boy with a chronic autoimmune disorder that has ravaged his health and social life. What happens when these two become unlikely friends (and a whole lot more . . .) in the spooky town of Blackwater, Maine? Werewolf curses, unsavory interactions with the quarterback of the football team, a ghostly fisherman haunting the harbor, and tons of high school drama.
Co-illustrated by Jeannette Arroyo and Ren Graham, who alternate drawing chapters in their own unique and dynamic styles, Blackwater combines the spookiness of Anya's Ghost with the irreverent humor of Nimona.
"For fans of Heartstopper and Teen Wolf ." ― School Library Journal
Tony Price is a popular high school track star and occasional delinquent aching for his dad’s attention and approval. Eli Hirsch is a quiet boy with a chronic autoimmune disorder that has ravaged his health and social life. What happens when these two become unlikely friends (and a whole lot more . . .) in the spooky town of Blackwater, Maine? Werewolf curses, unsavory interactions with the quarterback of the football team, a ghostly fisherman haunting the harbor, and tons of high school drama.
Co-illustrated by Jeannette Arroyo and Ren Graham, who alternate drawing chapters in their own unique and dynamic styles, Blackwater combines the spookiness of Anya's Ghost with the irreverent humor of Nimona.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published July 19, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 771 reviews
January 29, 2023
Sometimes what are seemingly all the right ingredients can still not mesh into a satisfying whole. Blackwater, the queer YA horror graphic novel from duo Jeannette Arroyo and Ren Graham unfortunately resides in this category, having a lot of good things going for it but never quite finding its footing before stumbling through a rather rushed ending. It’s a tale of two unlikely friends when Tony, the popular track star suffering and acting out due to his alcoholic father’s inattention, teams up with Eli, the quiet kid who gets bullies and has an autoimmune disorder that makes a public life all but impossible, when their town is threatened by hauntings and horrors. With a retro art style that rotates each chapter between the two illustrators (a rather jarring effect, unfortunately) and plenty of spooky elements, this never quite satisfies or scares, feeling rather forced in terms of both the representation elements and storyline.
I really wanted to like this one but it just seemed to fumble about on most levels. The storyline is a bit clunky and occasionally easy to lose the thread of what’s happening, not to mention the pacing never feels comfortable in it’s own story which makes for a rocky landing at the ending. I also just am personally not a big fan of the art or character design. It is presumably set in the modern day, though Tony looks like he walked off the set of Grease. The illustrators made the choice to alternate chapters, and in some ways this works as the more cartoony style is more befitting the action sequences, but the characters seem a bit too dissimilar between the two and it unfortunately comes across as mostly a jarring experience.
I do really enjoy how much representation there is in the story, however. Tony is Puerto Rican and Eli is trans and Jewish, and the unlikely romance is great to see. Some of the elements did feel a bit inserted for the sake of being there without being folded into the narrative, but all in all I’d rather see clunky representation than none at all so I still count that as a win. It does feel realistic in its representation and adds a good dynamic, plus I love how supportive the characters are of queer romance and overall it is rather cute and charming. Except when Eli steals Tony’s inhaler to teach him a lesson, which was really uncool. Unfortunately the horror elements fall pretty flat though and the werewolf story is pretty weak and could have used more background.
Blackwater is a book that could have been great but just never quite seemed to make all the ingredients work together. It is still worth reading and I’d love to see more YA graphic novels with this level of representation, especially having chronically ill characters who are very often overlooked in fiction. Though if you are looking for a good spooky and queer YA graphic novel, I would also recommend Over My Dead Body, Coven, or Squad (which also has a retro art style).
2.5/5
I really wanted to like this one but it just seemed to fumble about on most levels. The storyline is a bit clunky and occasionally easy to lose the thread of what’s happening, not to mention the pacing never feels comfortable in it’s own story which makes for a rocky landing at the ending. I also just am personally not a big fan of the art or character design. It is presumably set in the modern day, though Tony looks like he walked off the set of Grease. The illustrators made the choice to alternate chapters, and in some ways this works as the more cartoony style is more befitting the action sequences, but the characters seem a bit too dissimilar between the two and it unfortunately comes across as mostly a jarring experience.
I do really enjoy how much representation there is in the story, however. Tony is Puerto Rican and Eli is trans and Jewish, and the unlikely romance is great to see. Some of the elements did feel a bit inserted for the sake of being there without being folded into the narrative, but all in all I’d rather see clunky representation than none at all so I still count that as a win. It does feel realistic in its representation and adds a good dynamic, plus I love how supportive the characters are of queer romance and overall it is rather cute and charming. Except when Eli steals Tony’s inhaler to teach him a lesson, which was really uncool. Unfortunately the horror elements fall pretty flat though and the werewolf story is pretty weak and could have used more background.
Blackwater is a book that could have been great but just never quite seemed to make all the ingredients work together. It is still worth reading and I’d love to see more YA graphic novels with this level of representation, especially having chronically ill characters who are very often overlooked in fiction. Though if you are looking for a good spooky and queer YA graphic novel, I would also recommend Over My Dead Body, Coven, or Squad (which also has a retro art style).
2.5/5
March 1, 2023
1 / 5 stars
This just in, nondisabled people don't know shit about Disabled people! Actually, no. That's been true since the beginning of time, but its authors like these who dampen my hopes to future progress. As a disabled person, isn't that a horrible mentality? To believe that not only will I have to deal with horrible doctors, but I won't even be safe in escapist 'casually diverse' art?
Now, I know what you're thinking, "Wheels, calm tf down. It's just a book" No! Because I'm fucking tired of only seeing disabled people as a source of pity with a splash of voodoo. Unintentionally or not, this told me that the only person who could love a pathetically med reliant part time-wheelchair using person like me is a monster who lets me get bullied by his friends.
At this point I'm laughing so I don't cry.
Which I almost did when the "character development" for the characters involved showing graphic bullying and assault. Where some asshole (the main character's best friend whom he enables) grabs the love interest's wheelchair, harasses him with ableist language, and then shoves and dumps him and his chair into a literal pond. How are y'all not disgusted that the authors not only thought of it, but wrote it and drew it? All while being fucking nondisabled! Hey, smartasses, part time wheelchair users exist. Chronically ill people exist!
And then they act like stealing life saving meds is fine! What the fuck? No, if you touch my meds, you're dying first. If you touch my chair, I'll sue you and your family for all your worth – because if you stoop to assault, your only worth is your money.
No, I don't forgive the Main Character for allowing his friend to assault and harass the Love Interest for being disabled. I'm not okay with the Love Interest stealing the Main Character's inhaler knowing he needed to premedicate. And I will never support nondisabled authors making their disabled character mystical and monstrous because it's a tired trope, lazy writing, and downright disgusting.
The writing was fine. The art was fine. The rest was horrible. I need people to listen when I say disabled people are sexy, beautiful, awesome, silly, and so much more because disabled people are people. Which is not what this flaming pile of shit will make you feel.
And saying the humor is like Nimona? Laughable. So laughable that if I were actually laughing at the 'humor' I would piss myself. Nimona rocks because it has amazing rep – disabled, bipoc, etc. – and doesn't use marginalization as a plot point and is a submersive quirky fantasy. It's everything authors should strive to be. This? No. This was like someone saying a slur of a community they don't belong to in a joke and getting upset when we get upset. But, y'know, the comparison to Riverdale isn't that bad. They're both awful!
So do I think these authors are bad people or whatever? I don't care. They did a bad thing (a series of several bad things that led up to this book). If they change in the future, I don't care. It's not my responsibility to protect their feelings. It is my responsibility, as a critical crip reader, to discorauge people from reading this for the sake of good rep. Because it's not.
This just in, nondisabled people don't know shit about Disabled people! Actually, no. That's been true since the beginning of time, but its authors like these who dampen my hopes to future progress. As a disabled person, isn't that a horrible mentality? To believe that not only will I have to deal with horrible doctors, but I won't even be safe in escapist 'casually diverse' art?
Now, I know what you're thinking, "Wheels, calm tf down. It's just a book" No! Because I'm fucking tired of only seeing disabled people as a source of pity with a splash of voodoo. Unintentionally or not, this told me that the only person who could love a pathetically med reliant part time-wheelchair using person like me is a monster who lets me get bullied by his friends.
At this point I'm laughing so I don't cry.
Which I almost did when the "character development" for the characters involved showing graphic bullying and assault. Where some asshole (the main character's best friend whom he enables) grabs the love interest's wheelchair, harasses him with ableist language, and then shoves and dumps him and his chair into a literal pond. How are y'all not disgusted that the authors not only thought of it, but wrote it and drew it? All while being fucking nondisabled! Hey, smartasses, part time wheelchair users exist. Chronically ill people exist!
And then they act like stealing life saving meds is fine! What the fuck? No, if you touch my meds, you're dying first. If you touch my chair, I'll sue you and your family for all your worth – because if you stoop to assault, your only worth is your money.
No, I don't forgive the Main Character for allowing his friend to assault and harass the Love Interest for being disabled. I'm not okay with the Love Interest stealing the Main Character's inhaler knowing he needed to premedicate. And I will never support nondisabled authors making their disabled character mystical and monstrous because it's a tired trope, lazy writing, and downright disgusting.
The writing was fine. The art was fine. The rest was horrible. I need people to listen when I say disabled people are sexy, beautiful, awesome, silly, and so much more because disabled people are people. Which is not what this flaming pile of shit will make you feel.
And saying the humor is like Nimona? Laughable. So laughable that if I were actually laughing at the 'humor' I would piss myself. Nimona rocks because it has amazing rep – disabled, bipoc, etc. – and doesn't use marginalization as a plot point and is a submersive quirky fantasy. It's everything authors should strive to be. This? No. This was like someone saying a slur of a community they don't belong to in a joke and getting upset when we get upset. But, y'know, the comparison to Riverdale isn't that bad. They're both awful!
So do I think these authors are bad people or whatever? I don't care. They did a bad thing (a series of several bad things that led up to this book). If they change in the future, I don't care. It's not my responsibility to protect their feelings. It is my responsibility, as a critical crip reader, to discorauge people from reading this for the sake of good rep. Because it's not.
July 15, 2023
4 Stars
Blackwater is a supernaturally-tinged queer YA graphic novel (originally a webcomic), featuring the developing romance between one boy who can see ghosts and one who gets turned into a werewolf.
I liked the opposites-attract vibes between chronically ill outcast Eli and track star turned werewolf Tony. They may have been polar opposites in terms of high school popularity, but I liked how they bonded over their shared experience with their absentee single parents. Both boys felt pretty alone in the world, but finding each other, and the new friends they make along the way, went a long way in healing their hurts and ongoing feelings of isolation.
The supernatural stuff was good fun. I especially liked how the ghost elements tied into the unfolding werewolf plot. It was well told and highly entertaining for it.
Also, a quick shout-out to goth sidekick Marcia. This chick was all the things—smart, compassionate, accepting, ballsy, and funny as hell. She added so much to this little story, like only the best secondary characters can.
The great representation was probably my favourite thing about this story though. Beyond the queer romance, we also got some genuine chronic illness rep and unexpected but very welcomed transgender rep. I honestly knew little about this before going in, besides it being a queer webcomic about werewolves, so everything beyond that fact was a very satisfying addition to the storytelling IMO.
Blackwater is a supernaturally-tinged queer YA graphic novel (originally a webcomic), featuring the developing romance between one boy who can see ghosts and one who gets turned into a werewolf.
I liked the opposites-attract vibes between chronically ill outcast Eli and track star turned werewolf Tony. They may have been polar opposites in terms of high school popularity, but I liked how they bonded over their shared experience with their absentee single parents. Both boys felt pretty alone in the world, but finding each other, and the new friends they make along the way, went a long way in healing their hurts and ongoing feelings of isolation.
The supernatural stuff was good fun. I especially liked how the ghost elements tied into the unfolding werewolf plot. It was well told and highly entertaining for it.
Also, a quick shout-out to goth sidekick Marcia. This chick was all the things—smart, compassionate, accepting, ballsy, and funny as hell. She added so much to this little story, like only the best secondary characters can.
The great representation was probably my favourite thing about this story though. Beyond the queer romance, we also got some genuine chronic illness rep and unexpected but very welcomed transgender rep. I honestly knew little about this before going in, besides it being a queer webcomic about werewolves, so everything beyond that fact was a very satisfying addition to the storytelling IMO.
March 21, 2022
This is being pitched as Riverdale meets Stranger things and I can kind of see why. Blackwater is a queer YA comic following two boys in a small town who might be developing feelings for each other, but things are complicated by popularity differences, bullying, and werewolves.
Tony is a popular track star who secretly has asthma and is best friends with a guy who is kind of a jerk and picks on weaker people. Eli is a quiet, nerdy, trans boy with a chronic autoimmune disorder that keeps him in and out of the hospital. But they slowly start to connect, while dealing with werewolves and ghosts. I really enjoyed it and when the romance finally starts to come together it was adorable. I received an advance copy for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
Tony is a popular track star who secretly has asthma and is best friends with a guy who is kind of a jerk and picks on weaker people. Eli is a quiet, nerdy, trans boy with a chronic autoimmune disorder that keeps him in and out of the hospital. But they slowly start to connect, while dealing with werewolves and ghosts. I really enjoyed it and when the romance finally starts to come together it was adorable. I received an advance copy for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
February 9, 2023
I loved this! Werewolves, ghosts, super cute m/m romance, father-son feels, teens with teen struggles! One main character was trans, one was POC, both were disabled (autoimmune disorder, asthma)! And I wasn’t expecting to feel so much emotion.
I really felt for both main characters right from the start. I felt bad for Eli, dealing with an autoimmune disorder, getting shit from teachers for falling behind on work, getting bullied by other students who thought he was the “weird kid,” and getting nothing but coldness and scolding from his mother who just seemed sort of tired of dealing with him being sick (no mention of a father). I felt bad for Tony, having a mother who wasn’t around and a father who was negligent and not supportive, secretly crushing on Eli, feeling like he had to hide his asthma. They both had their flaws and did shitty, not ok things. Tony didn’t have to be friends with a bully, and he could’ve done more to stand up for Eli. Eli shouldn’t have taken Tony’s inhaler. But characters don’t always have to be perfect people. Sometimes people make mistakes or do shitty things as a teen, especially when they’re struggling themselves and don’t have good examples or support at home. And, mild spoiler, they both knew their actions weren’t ok and apologized to each other eventually. And then, as the book went on and delved deeper into some of their struggles and brought more emotional struggles, I felt for them more and more.
This book actually touched on a lot of important and very realistic topics. It felt really heavy at times, but in a good way. Eli was chronically ill, often in the hospital, without any friends or supportive family. Eli was also being bullied. Tony wanted his father to care and be proud, but his father was sort of neglectful and didn’t seem to pay attention to Tony unless it was to argue or scold him for something. Tony also felt trapped in a friendship he didn’t want anymore because it can be hard to end a friendship you’ve had since you were a child and feel obligated to keep. I also really liked how both characters had shitty parent relationships, but the authors chose to portray one in which the parent realized their mistakes and changed and one in which the parent didn’t, because it’s nice to see an imperfect relationship being worked on, but it’s also nice to have it acknowledged that some parents never change.
But there were also some cute things that balanced out the heaviness! The one parent relationship was really touching when it changed for the better. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* And the romance! The romance was adorable. For some reason, I thought this would be a bully/victim romance, but I was glad to be wrong. I loved seeing these two make little blushy faces at each other and tentatively exchange little touches or compliments and eventually realize their mutual feelings. And the fact that Eli was chronically ill and trans was a complete non-issue, Tony was just immediately like, “I’ll visit you every day while you’re in the hospital!” which is sort of standard for romance, but still. As a chronically ill person, it was especially lovely to see that kind of acceptance.
I also liked Marcia. She seemed the most level-headed. Just sorta telling it like it was to the other characters and not letting anything get to her. She also added a nice friendship element to the book.
I also liked that the werewolves were the scary, sort of partly humanoid kind, not wolf shifters.
The supernatural plotline moved a bit fast, and everyone was weirdly chill about *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* But graphic novels, especially when they’re standalones (which I think this is) often move fast like that. Sometimes it’s a problem for me, but it wasn’t in this one. I felt all the emotion, I got all the info I needed, so I don’t think it really needed to be longer. I feel like it accomplished what it meant to.
It was a bit of a strange choice to have alternating art styles for chapters. But I didn’t have strong feelings about either one, I found both nice and definitely different but similar enough to not be jarring when it switched, so it was fine. It was in black and white, but always clear and easy to tell what I was looking at.
Overall, I loved all the rep, I felt so much while reading this—both bubbly emotions from the adorable romance and heavy emotions from the struggles of the characters—and I was left with a smile, really happy that I decided to give the book a read!
*This can also be read online as a webcomic, though I don’t know if there are any differences.*
*Rating: 4.5 Stars // Read Date: 2022 // Format: Ebook*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes graphic novels, POC and disability and queer rep, teens with teen struggles, characters who make mistakes but grow, imperfect parent relationships, werewolves, and adorable m/m romance.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
I really felt for both main characters right from the start. I felt bad for Eli, dealing with an autoimmune disorder, getting shit from teachers for falling behind on work, getting bullied by other students who thought he was the “weird kid,” and getting nothing but coldness and scolding from his mother who just seemed sort of tired of dealing with him being sick (no mention of a father). I felt bad for Tony, having a mother who wasn’t around and a father who was negligent and not supportive, secretly crushing on Eli, feeling like he had to hide his asthma. They both had their flaws and did shitty, not ok things. Tony didn’t have to be friends with a bully, and he could’ve done more to stand up for Eli. Eli shouldn’t have taken Tony’s inhaler. But characters don’t always have to be perfect people. Sometimes people make mistakes or do shitty things as a teen, especially when they’re struggling themselves and don’t have good examples or support at home. And, mild spoiler, they both knew their actions weren’t ok and apologized to each other eventually. And then, as the book went on and delved deeper into some of their struggles and brought more emotional struggles, I felt for them more and more.
This book actually touched on a lot of important and very realistic topics. It felt really heavy at times, but in a good way. Eli was chronically ill, often in the hospital, without any friends or supportive family. Eli was also being bullied. Tony wanted his father to care and be proud, but his father was sort of neglectful and didn’t seem to pay attention to Tony unless it was to argue or scold him for something. Tony also felt trapped in a friendship he didn’t want anymore because it can be hard to end a friendship you’ve had since you were a child and feel obligated to keep. I also really liked how both characters had shitty parent relationships, but the authors chose to portray one in which the parent realized their mistakes and changed and one in which the parent didn’t, because it’s nice to see an imperfect relationship being worked on, but it’s also nice to have it acknowledged that some parents never change.
But there were also some cute things that balanced out the heaviness! The one parent relationship was really touching when it changed for the better. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* And the romance! The romance was adorable. For some reason, I thought this would be a bully/victim romance, but I was glad to be wrong. I loved seeing these two make little blushy faces at each other and tentatively exchange little touches or compliments and eventually realize their mutual feelings. And the fact that Eli was chronically ill and trans was a complete non-issue, Tony was just immediately like, “I’ll visit you every day while you’re in the hospital!” which is sort of standard for romance, but still. As a chronically ill person, it was especially lovely to see that kind of acceptance.
I also liked Marcia. She seemed the most level-headed. Just sorta telling it like it was to the other characters and not letting anything get to her. She also added a nice friendship element to the book.
I also liked that the werewolves were the scary, sort of partly humanoid kind, not wolf shifters.
The supernatural plotline moved a bit fast, and everyone was weirdly chill about *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* But graphic novels, especially when they’re standalones (which I think this is) often move fast like that. Sometimes it’s a problem for me, but it wasn’t in this one. I felt all the emotion, I got all the info I needed, so I don’t think it really needed to be longer. I feel like it accomplished what it meant to.
It was a bit of a strange choice to have alternating art styles for chapters. But I didn’t have strong feelings about either one, I found both nice and definitely different but similar enough to not be jarring when it switched, so it was fine. It was in black and white, but always clear and easy to tell what I was looking at.
Overall, I loved all the rep, I felt so much while reading this—both bubbly emotions from the adorable romance and heavy emotions from the struggles of the characters—and I was left with a smile, really happy that I decided to give the book a read!
*This can also be read online as a webcomic, though I don’t know if there are any differences.*
*Rating: 4.5 Stars // Read Date: 2022 // Format: Ebook*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes graphic novels, POC and disability and queer rep, teens with teen struggles, characters who make mistakes but grow, imperfect parent relationships, werewolves, and adorable m/m romance.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
May 12, 2024
I don't read many graphic novels, but was interested in this due to the comparisons, with Heartstopper: Volume One, which I did enjoy. This has several things 'wrong' with it. First off, the basic incoherency - I am not quite sure what even happens in the basic plot, and the ending was so rushed it made little sense.
Things are introduced and don't go anywhere - most egregiously the fact that Eli at one point offhandedly mentions having had 'top surgery', but nothing is ever made of this and in all other respects, seems to be cisgender male identified throughout. In another, Eli is suddenly in a wheelchair, and an 'autoimmune disease' is mentioned - but again, this goes nowhere - such tokenism I found really offensive. Tony also makes little sense as a character and LOOKS older than his father in the drawings. I never believed in the relationship between the two boys, which actually only surfaces as anything tangible on the final page - again, throwing a trendy subject matter in, but not developing it in any satisfactory way.
The other major issue is that the two artists alternate chapters and the characters do not actually look that much alike from one chapter to the next., so one has to keep mentally altering one's perspective. It's as if they had the bare idea of what they wanted to do, but then just threw everything plus the kitchen sink in there without rhyme or reason. Disappointing.
Things are introduced and don't go anywhere - most egregiously the fact that Eli at one point offhandedly mentions having had 'top surgery', but nothing is ever made of this and in all other respects, seems to be cisgender male identified throughout. In another, Eli is suddenly in a wheelchair, and an 'autoimmune disease' is mentioned - but again, this goes nowhere - such tokenism I found really offensive. Tony also makes little sense as a character and LOOKS older than his father in the drawings. I never believed in the relationship between the two boys, which actually only surfaces as anything tangible on the final page - again, throwing a trendy subject matter in, but not developing it in any satisfactory way.
The other major issue is that the two artists alternate chapters and the characters do not actually look that much alike from one chapter to the next., so one has to keep mentally altering one's perspective. It's as if they had the bare idea of what they wanted to do, but then just threw everything plus the kitchen sink in there without rhyme or reason. Disappointing.
June 3, 2023
TW for assault and bullying of a disabled character
Yeeahhhhh I was decidedly not a fan of this one. The plot was kind of all over the place, the ending felt super rushed, and nearly every character was unlikeable. Not in an "unlikeable but I'm still entertained/intrigued by their story" kinda way. More of a" holy fuck these characters just assaulted a guy and it was almost entirely glossed over" kinda way. Assaulted a guy in wheelchair, no less. And, to me, it's so much worse in a graphic novel because it's literally drawn out for you to see, not just written description.
I'm just having a hard time wrapping my head around a lot of the choices made in writing this. Seems like a lot of details were thrown in for the sake of being "inclusive" and never fully fleshed out.
Yeeahhhhh I was decidedly not a fan of this one. The plot was kind of all over the place, the ending felt super rushed, and nearly every character was unlikeable. Not in an "unlikeable but I'm still entertained/intrigued by their story" kinda way. More of a" holy fuck these characters just assaulted a guy and it was almost entirely glossed over" kinda way. Assaulted a guy in wheelchair, no less. And, to me, it's so much worse in a graphic novel because it's literally drawn out for you to see, not just written description.
I'm just having a hard time wrapping my head around a lot of the choices made in writing this. Seems like a lot of details were thrown in for the sake of being "inclusive" and never fully fleshed out.
July 19, 2022
I don't even know how to review this, because apparently the NetGalley eARC I got is only a sampler, even though I can't find anywhere that states this on NetGalley? I can only assume this based off of the fact that the GR listing says it's 304 pages, while my copy was barely over 100 pages and ended very abruptly. On one hand, I hesitate to rate it based on the fact that, by that logic, I only got to read about 33% of it; on the other hand, I strongly disliked the 100-ish pages I got to read of it and have no interest whatsoever in the finished product.
I appreciate the immensely diverse character cast, but disliked every character I met so far besides Marcia, and found the plot difficult to follow and extremely rushed. This isn't for me, but I'm sure it will better suit a lot of other readers.
✨ Representation: Tony is queer, BIPOC (I saw other reviewers say Afro-Latinx but did not see this for myself & cannot ensure it), and has asthma; Eli has a chronic illness and is trans (according to other reviews - again, haven't seen it for myself & cannot ensure it)
✨ Content warnings for:
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I appreciate the immensely diverse character cast, but disliked every character I met so far besides Marcia, and found the plot difficult to follow and extremely rushed. This isn't for me, but I'm sure it will better suit a lot of other readers.
✨ Representation: Tony is queer, BIPOC (I saw other reviewers say Afro-Latinx but did not see this for myself & cannot ensure it), and has asthma; Eli has a chronic illness and is trans (according to other reviews - again, haven't seen it for myself & cannot ensure it)
✨ Content warnings for:
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July 26, 2022
Sadly that was a huge letdown. I expected some cool gay supernatural mystery werewolf stuff with horror and just got a we-need-to-include-everyone-and-everyone-has-it-hard-with-werewulfs-stuff, which was way to rushed at the end.
Like rly. I get it that you need to have to include some tropes in new ya comics and novels, so no one can point a finger but boiiii this was like let's get a handful from the inclusion bucket, but actually got all of them.
But OK, here:
1. Eli is the dork of the school, the outsider, the creep. He is always sick and often gone from school bcs he had an autoimmune sickness and is in hospital. His mother (no idea about his father but he had none) is annoyed by him bcs of that, even tho she works as a nurse (wtf). He is trans too (I guess, bcs it got mentioned once in like one picture, why he doesn't change in the school lockers anymore and the info didn't do anything for the story and after that it doesn't get mentioned again... Like why even show then - yeah I forget bcs if the inclusion - and I have a trans friend so, I get how hard it is for them, but in this story it didn't even matter). Oh and he can see ghosts ofc.
2. Tony, is a black dude (I guess he is black. The whole comic is in black and white and only the cover is in color, no idea where his origins are from). He is OF COURSE the sport dude, good at running bla bla. He loves Eli, which is pretty obvious rly at the start of the comic but he does shit about it when Eli got bullied by his friend (which I say something later on.) ofc he had a broken family too, a father who is a drunk and doesn't care much about his son and who is divorced (he later on is rly supportive and doesn't even had probs that his son is suddenly gay which just is such a sudden break in character, like did I miss something here?) oh and ofccccc he is ill to, he has asthma which no one in the sports team knows about and he wants to keep it secret... And he's turning into a werewolf later.
After we got the two main chars, we can't forget the body positively including person - the black overweight goth girl. She's cute but after that trope laden guys it's just like... OK yeah right we need that too.
And ofc the bad guy - the overly white American guns loving inbred best friends guy, who bullies Eli. Like right. Only those bully the nerds *rolls eyes*.
The whole mystery of the story is a werewolf girl (which I thought was a guy GASP YES I ASSUMED HER GENDER - bcs she just looked like some forest dwelling lumberjack boy with long hair), who lost her dad and didn't have herself under control. So she rampage around the forest and bit Tony on an illegal hunting trip. Origin or anything of her doesn't get cleared up (not that any background story get cleared up here).
Yes that's the reason for the "werewolf". They don't change while full moon but every time they are angry or pissy or moody and even can control to change back. So when their inner demons flare up they changed into the monsters. So after clearing up some misunderstanding between Eli and Tony, it's all oki doki and they helped the poor wolfgirl too, so she can see her ghost dad one last time.
And ugh the whole story is over the place I can't even put a summarize here bcs they chars are just so over the top including and all have it so bad. Mimimi.
I thought of giving 2 stars bcs the artwork is actually rly pretty, but in one scene Eli (WHO IS CONSTANTLY SICK) stole the inhaler of Tony bcs of some bullshit like 'u don't know how it is to always be sick' and that leads to Tony having an asthma attack on the sport fest with ambulance and everything. Just no. Rly. Just. No.
Like rly. I get it that you need to have to include some tropes in new ya comics and novels, so no one can point a finger but boiiii this was like let's get a handful from the inclusion bucket, but actually got all of them.
But OK, here:
1. Eli is the dork of the school, the outsider, the creep. He is always sick and often gone from school bcs he had an autoimmune sickness and is in hospital. His mother (no idea about his father but he had none) is annoyed by him bcs of that, even tho she works as a nurse (wtf). He is trans too (I guess, bcs it got mentioned once in like one picture, why he doesn't change in the school lockers anymore and the info didn't do anything for the story and after that it doesn't get mentioned again... Like why even show then - yeah I forget bcs if the inclusion - and I have a trans friend so, I get how hard it is for them, but in this story it didn't even matter). Oh and he can see ghosts ofc.
2. Tony, is a black dude (I guess he is black. The whole comic is in black and white and only the cover is in color, no idea where his origins are from). He is OF COURSE the sport dude, good at running bla bla. He loves Eli, which is pretty obvious rly at the start of the comic but he does shit about it when Eli got bullied by his friend (which I say something later on.) ofc he had a broken family too, a father who is a drunk and doesn't care much about his son and who is divorced (he later on is rly supportive and doesn't even had probs that his son is suddenly gay which just is such a sudden break in character, like did I miss something here?) oh and ofccccc he is ill to, he has asthma which no one in the sports team knows about and he wants to keep it secret... And he's turning into a werewolf later.
After we got the two main chars, we can't forget the body positively including person - the black overweight goth girl. She's cute but after that trope laden guys it's just like... OK yeah right we need that too.
And ofc the bad guy - the overly white American guns loving inbred best friends guy, who bullies Eli. Like right. Only those bully the nerds *rolls eyes*.
The whole mystery of the story is a werewolf girl (which I thought was a guy GASP YES I ASSUMED HER GENDER - bcs she just looked like some forest dwelling lumberjack boy with long hair), who lost her dad and didn't have herself under control. So she rampage around the forest and bit Tony on an illegal hunting trip. Origin or anything of her doesn't get cleared up (not that any background story get cleared up here).
Yes that's the reason for the "werewolf". They don't change while full moon but every time they are angry or pissy or moody and even can control to change back. So when their inner demons flare up they changed into the monsters. So after clearing up some misunderstanding between Eli and Tony, it's all oki doki and they helped the poor wolfgirl too, so she can see her ghost dad one last time.
And ugh the whole story is over the place I can't even put a summarize here bcs they chars are just so over the top including and all have it so bad. Mimimi.
I thought of giving 2 stars bcs the artwork is actually rly pretty, but in one scene Eli (WHO IS CONSTANTLY SICK) stole the inhaler of Tony bcs of some bullshit like 'u don't know how it is to always be sick' and that leads to Tony having an asthma attack on the sport fest with ambulance and everything. Just no. Rly. Just. No.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2022
I went in expecting a full graphic novel with a fully fleshed story, but this is a fairly short comic that im guessing will have more issues. It intrigued me, so i might check out the next one but im not really hooked as of yet. i think this type of story though would be better as a graphic novel and be released as a full story. the main character and his friendships really confused me, how on earth did these 3 people become friends, they seem to hate eachother and have nothing in common. I was into one of the art styles much more than the other so it made the style changes a bit disappointing.
January 19, 2024
The story concept is cool and the illustrations are okay.
The way it comes together is extremely jumbled and didn't flow at all.
Even the friendships formed have next to no depth or progression to them.
Not for me.
The way it comes together is extremely jumbled and didn't flow at all.
Even the friendships formed have next to no depth or progression to them.
Not for me.
October 26, 2022
It's nice that it's all LGBTQIA+, but couldn't it be good too? What's the use of having diverse characters if they're straight out of the stock box: goth, jock, bully, dweeb. (If we're doing "Breakfast Club," let's not leave out Molly Ringwald!)
Boring, overlong, badly paced.
And the characters see big, wild supernatural bizarreness and are all, "Dum-dee-dum, wonder what's for supper?" If they think it's all a big snooze, I'm gonna too.
Boring, overlong, badly paced.
And the characters see big, wild supernatural bizarreness and are all, "Dum-dee-dum, wonder what's for supper?" If they think it's all a big snooze, I'm gonna too.
August 21, 2022
This was decidedly not my kind of book. It was off to such a rocky start, because I didn't like most of the characters that were introduced, nor did I like the art style for the most part. Things got better by the end, but that was too late for me to feel invested.
Want to read
July 18, 2022"Set in the haunted town of Blackwater, Maine, two boys fall for each other as they dig for clues to a paranormal mystery."
August 1, 2022
So good! I hope the author's write a sequel or make it a series! I love these characters so much!
June 7, 2024
Nope. The plot is a mess and characters aren’t fleshed out, motivations don’t make sense. On top of that there’s harassment and endangerment of disabled characters, by the love interest in one case. Why?
Eli the chronically ill auto-immune outcast sad trans boy steals werewolf greaser jock’s inhaler to intentionally force him to either fail his track meet and or become ill and get hospitalized.
At another point evil country hick bully friend of jock grabs Eli’s wheelchair (he has to use it some of the time, as is true for some users) and dumps him into water. This all seems super unnecessary and things like needing to use the wheelchair part time and his chronic illness are never really explained well. Lots of representation is thrown in without perspective or being meaningful like a one-off line about Eli being trans or a menorah in the background when he’s ill.
Super disappointing. And why are they protecting a werewolf stranger at the risk of death who repeatedly is shown to lose control over and over and attack people? It’s not like “No the full moon they’re fine otherwise” they regularly transform and attack when frustrated and there’s no support beyond “random teens know you’re a werewolf now” to help improve their situation. They still have no help and would likely continue to attack people like all the hunters after them from the news, even if the bully is no longer actively trying to shoot them.
Eli the chronically ill auto-immune outcast sad trans boy steals werewolf greaser jock’s inhaler to intentionally force him to either fail his track meet and or become ill and get hospitalized.
At another point evil country hick bully friend of jock grabs Eli’s wheelchair (he has to use it some of the time, as is true for some users) and dumps him into water. This all seems super unnecessary and things like needing to use the wheelchair part time and his chronic illness are never really explained well. Lots of representation is thrown in without perspective or being meaningful like a one-off line about Eli being trans or a menorah in the background when he’s ill.
Super disappointing. And why are they protecting a werewolf stranger at the risk of death who repeatedly is shown to lose control over and over and attack people? It’s not like “No the full moon they’re fine otherwise” they regularly transform and attack when frustrated and there’s no support beyond “random teens know you’re a werewolf now” to help improve their situation. They still have no help and would likely continue to attack people like all the hunters after them from the news, even if the bully is no longer actively trying to shoot them.
November 4, 2022
I liked the concept and the diversity, but not the execution. The majority of the characters were unlikable and there was soooo much toxic masculinity. I also wish the book had been in colour instead of just black and white. All in all, it was just "meh" for me.
June 10, 2022
Blackwater is a graphic novel that immediately caught my eye when I was browsing NetGalley one day. Not only does it include Queer rep, but it also has super spooky and paranormal vibes, which sounded so amazing, and I immediately requested a copy! I was incredibly excited when I saw I’d been granted an ARC, however, I will say that I was unaware I would be reviewing a sample, so my expectations weren’t properly adjusted. Even so, I can’t wait to see where this goes when I do eventually get to read the full version!
The art style in Blackwater is so interesting and unlike what I usually read. It has a retro feel to it, which I think is really cool. The story is also in black and white, which also enhanced the retro quality. It just really fits well with the paranormal part of the story, in my opinion. Another interesting part is that both authors illustrate this, so each chapter has a slightly different art style to it. They’re similar enough that it’s not entirely noticeable unless you’re really looking for it, so I think it works well!
During my read of the sample, I wasn’t able to get a full feel of the characters yet. Out of the two, though, I felt more of a connection towards Tony. Even though Eli had a lot of unexplained things about him that made me intrigued to find out more, there was one part in the beginning that soured my mood toward him. And since there wasn’t much development about it, or any apologies, (I assume there will be in the full version though), I had a hard time warming to him. Even so, I was interested to see where his relationship with Tony went.
I have to say, the part this sampler ended on should be considered a crime!! I have so many questions and that cliffhanger was just painful. I truly cannot wait to see where Blackwater is headed, though, and I’ll definitely be reading the final version.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The art style in Blackwater is so interesting and unlike what I usually read. It has a retro feel to it, which I think is really cool. The story is also in black and white, which also enhanced the retro quality. It just really fits well with the paranormal part of the story, in my opinion. Another interesting part is that both authors illustrate this, so each chapter has a slightly different art style to it. They’re similar enough that it’s not entirely noticeable unless you’re really looking for it, so I think it works well!
During my read of the sample, I wasn’t able to get a full feel of the characters yet. Out of the two, though, I felt more of a connection towards Tony. Even though Eli had a lot of unexplained things about him that made me intrigued to find out more, there was one part in the beginning that soured my mood toward him. And since there wasn’t much development about it, or any apologies, (I assume there will be in the full version though), I had a hard time warming to him. Even so, I was interested to see where his relationship with Tony went.
I have to say, the part this sampler ended on should be considered a crime!! I have so many questions and that cliffhanger was just painful. I truly cannot wait to see where Blackwater is headed, though, and I’ll definitely be reading the final version.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this one! Also why did no one tell me Eli was trans?? It's only mentioned once, but it made me smile so hard
October 25, 2022
Edit:
October 2022: THIS IS SO FREAKING ADORABLEEEEEEEEEE
August 2021: It's a pity that I don't have a very long attention span or else I would've continued reading this online graphic novel since it reminded me of the Long Exposure graphic novel series, and was very good.
October 2022: THIS IS SO FREAKING ADORABLEEEEEEEEEE
August 2021: It's a pity that I don't have a very long attention span or else I would've continued reading this online graphic novel since it reminded me of the Long Exposure graphic novel series, and was very good.
February 16, 2022
DRC provided by Henry Holt and Co. BYR via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Representation: queer biromantic Black Puerto Rican protagonist, queer trans chronically ill protagonist, Black secondary character.
Content Warning: bullying, violence, animal carcass, gore, homophobia, parental neglect, mentions of death.
Blackwater by Jeannette Arroyo and Ren Graham is a spell-binding contemporary fantasy graphic novel which finds front and centre two beautifully illustrated supernatural boys, a werewolf running amok in the woods, problematic parents and a pinch of high school drama.
The digital review copy I was sent was only a sampler, although it was not specified in the title’s page when I requested it. This review will be for the whole graphic novel though which I finished reading via the authors’ Tumblr’s page.
I really loved both co-creators’ illustration styles and the way they alternated for each chapter was unusual, but quite original and splendid (and I dare say really smart!). The story itself was not exceptionally fresh, but I still really liked it. With graphic novels, as well as with manga, I am always pulled in first by how the visuals look and Blackwater does not only give you one art style, but two. Yes, I already mentioned it above, but it bears repeating because it really is a brilliant technique and it managed to give more oomph to the story.
I think that what acted as a disservice to the narration was how quick the plot proceeded. I am usually all-in with fast paced adventures, but I would have preferred exploring the backstory of both boys and the town a tad more. I felt unresolved issues with Tony’s and Biff’s friendship (and this could be all in my head, but I also felt some veiled transphobia coming from Eli’s mother).
While Eli’s and Tony’s story starts and ends with Blackwater though, I would say that Arroyo and Graham could easily serialise the mysterious and thrilling adventures of the people in the little town of Blackwater and perhaps even continue the boys’ narrative arc. They definitely deserve it.
Blackwater was a quick and engaging reading experience I wholeheartedly recommend, especially if you are feeling very tired and unfocused (like I am at this ongoing moment), but still want to read something intriguing and with great illustrations.
Representation: queer biromantic Black Puerto Rican protagonist, queer trans chronically ill protagonist, Black secondary character.
Content Warning: bullying, violence, animal carcass, gore, homophobia, parental neglect, mentions of death.
Blackwater by Jeannette Arroyo and Ren Graham is a spell-binding contemporary fantasy graphic novel which finds front and centre two beautifully illustrated supernatural boys, a werewolf running amok in the woods, problematic parents and a pinch of high school drama.
The digital review copy I was sent was only a sampler, although it was not specified in the title’s page when I requested it. This review will be for the whole graphic novel though which I finished reading via the authors’ Tumblr’s page.
I really loved both co-creators’ illustration styles and the way they alternated for each chapter was unusual, but quite original and splendid (and I dare say really smart!). The story itself was not exceptionally fresh, but I still really liked it. With graphic novels, as well as with manga, I am always pulled in first by how the visuals look and Blackwater does not only give you one art style, but two. Yes, I already mentioned it above, but it bears repeating because it really is a brilliant technique and it managed to give more oomph to the story.
I think that what acted as a disservice to the narration was how quick the plot proceeded. I am usually all-in with fast paced adventures, but I would have preferred exploring the backstory of both boys and the town a tad more. I felt unresolved issues with Tony’s and Biff’s friendship (and this could be all in my head, but I also felt some veiled transphobia coming from Eli’s mother).
While Eli’s and Tony’s story starts and ends with Blackwater though, I would say that Arroyo and Graham could easily serialise the mysterious and thrilling adventures of the people in the little town of Blackwater and perhaps even continue the boys’ narrative arc. They definitely deserve it.
Blackwater was a quick and engaging reading experience I wholeheartedly recommend, especially if you are feeling very tired and unfocused (like I am at this ongoing moment), but still want to read something intriguing and with great illustrations.
Shelved as 'didnt-finish'
February 11, 2023DNF @ page 110. This is billed as Riverdale meets Stranger Things, but honestly the only similarities I saw was the fact that these kids are in high school.
I hated every single character in this. The way they talked and acted made no damn sense, and the flow of the story made little sense either. Characters pop up out of nowhere for a scene then disappear. The pacing is all over the place, and though I read 110 pages out of the 300 in this graphic novel, I don't really know what the point is beyond bullying sucks and, uh, maybe these guys might have a crush on each other. Also maybe one of them is becoming a werewolf. And there's a ghost? Who the hell knows. There's no nuance to the characters or the story so far.
The art is okay, though the character design is one I personally don't like (everybody has big jaws. big big jaws). I don't think the art itself had any real flow, each panel feels like it exists in a world of its own, even though multiple panels take place in one scene.
Glad I tried this out, but meh.
I hated every single character in this. The way they talked and acted made no damn sense, and the flow of the story made little sense either. Characters pop up out of nowhere for a scene then disappear. The pacing is all over the place, and though I read 110 pages out of the 300 in this graphic novel, I don't really know what the point is beyond bullying sucks and, uh, maybe these guys might have a crush on each other. Also maybe one of them is becoming a werewolf. And there's a ghost? Who the hell knows. There's no nuance to the characters or the story so far.
The art is okay, though the character design is one I personally don't like (everybody has big jaws. big big jaws). I don't think the art itself had any real flow, each panel feels like it exists in a world of its own, even though multiple panels take place in one scene.
Glad I tried this out, but meh.
August 8, 2022
The cover art and description quickly attracted my interest in this supernatural LGBTQ-centric graphic novel. I liked that the two creators illustrated alternating chapters in their own styles, but was disappointed to find that the illustrations are only in black and white. I liked the characters and elements of the story, but found the pacing too choppy and the storytelling too abbreviated. This one had a lot of potential.
November 28, 2022
My favorite kind of small-town paranormal fantasy. I keep seeing lots of mixed reviews for this one, but I really enjoyed it. It’s tropey in a fun, nostalgic kind of way—and it’s hard to go wrong with werewolf curses and ghostly fishermen.
Do be aware there’s a lot of bullying, most of it centered around physical disabilities.
Do be aware there’s a lot of bullying, most of it centered around physical disabilities.
February 24, 2023
Comics and genres like mystery and spooky aren't my go-to, but this was such a good story to read!
I liked how it was illustrated, and the fact that two authors had slightly different styles while drawing characters.
I need more stories and comics like this (:
I liked how it was illustrated, and the fact that two authors had slightly different styles while drawing characters.
I need more stories and comics like this (:
July 18, 2022
How can I resist requesting this book when it's described as Riverdale meets Stranger Things?
Unfortunately, I did not expect my ARC to be just a 130-page sampler (nowhere on the Netgalley listing does it say so) which means I'm missing half the book. It was too short a read for me to be invested, especially since there's no conclusion.
I enjoyed the paranormal mystery aspect but wanted to know so much more. The artwork was okay but I would have preferred full colour. Definitely keen to find out what happens next.
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Netgalley for an ARC of this book. Rating and review to be confirmed after I read the finished copy.
Unfortunately, I did not expect my ARC to be just a 130-page sampler (nowhere on the Netgalley listing does it say so) which means I'm missing half the book. It was too short a read for me to be invested, especially since there's no conclusion.
I enjoyed the paranormal mystery aspect but wanted to know so much more. The artwork was okay but I would have preferred full colour. Definitely keen to find out what happens next.
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Netgalley for an ARC of this book. Rating and review to be confirmed after I read the finished copy.
November 24, 2022
3.5 stars. I liked this!
May 4, 2023
Tony’s dad thinking he can go from deadbeat to dad of the year with one “atta boy” 🤡. Anyway, I like this graphic novel but I don’t think I’d read it again. There’s not a lot of background on anything, but I like that it focuses on friendship. The art style from both illustrators is cool and I think they complement each other well.
July 27, 2022
This book is really more of a 3 star when it comes to the story itself, but I bumped it up due to the amazing art style, as well as the representation.
The moment I saw this book, I knew that I wanted to read it. A horror/fantasy graphic novel with queer main characters? Sign me up! I was ecstatic to get it in my hands, and I started to read it as soon as possible. My first two thoughts of the book went like this:
1. Wow, this art style is incredible! The character designs are so unique and fun, and the way you can tell what anybody is thinking at any given time, just from their facial expressions? That’s impressive, for sure.
2. This story… is way too fast paced. What is going on! Give us some backstory, something!
I really loved what this story could have been, if it was longer. Everything just seemed to be happening all at once, and I wished that we had more time to really be introduced to the characters, to see and understand their motivations, etc. Maybe this could be a series? I’d love to see more of these characters, as I did really love them, but it was just much, much too short.
Onto the representation though, I really think we need more of this in all sorts of books! Not just the two main characters being mlm, although of course that’s a great thing to have, but the body types is what I really loved to see. A graphic novel that isn’t afraid to have fat characters! Characters of colour! Hell, even a main character who has an autoimmune disease! We definitely need more of that, it is just so much more realistic to the real world.
Overall, I really would recommend this! I hope to see more from this artist in the future.
The moment I saw this book, I knew that I wanted to read it. A horror/fantasy graphic novel with queer main characters? Sign me up! I was ecstatic to get it in my hands, and I started to read it as soon as possible. My first two thoughts of the book went like this:
1. Wow, this art style is incredible! The character designs are so unique and fun, and the way you can tell what anybody is thinking at any given time, just from their facial expressions? That’s impressive, for sure.
2. This story… is way too fast paced. What is going on! Give us some backstory, something!
I really loved what this story could have been, if it was longer. Everything just seemed to be happening all at once, and I wished that we had more time to really be introduced to the characters, to see and understand their motivations, etc. Maybe this could be a series? I’d love to see more of these characters, as I did really love them, but it was just much, much too short.
Onto the representation though, I really think we need more of this in all sorts of books! Not just the two main characters being mlm, although of course that’s a great thing to have, but the body types is what I really loved to see. A graphic novel that isn’t afraid to have fat characters! Characters of colour! Hell, even a main character who has an autoimmune disease! We definitely need more of that, it is just so much more realistic to the real world.
Overall, I really would recommend this! I hope to see more from this artist in the future.
August 12, 2023
(2.5 stars rounded down)
Blackwater was a mixed bag for me. I thought the artwork was stunning. You could tell that both artists came from a background in illustration. There is a just a level of polish and detail that is not often found in graphic novels. Unfortunately, I struggled a lot with the story itself. The characterization was lacking. I was not always sure of the motivations behind actions. There were a lot of panels without words, which is typically fine, but in this case may have been better used fleshing out some of these characters and connecting the beats of the story. Events felt choppy, almost stumbling into one another, instead of going down a clear path. The book lacked cohesion and depth because of it. I also really disliked Tony's father. We see the character as a distant, angry alcoholic for most of the book, but then we get this touching, caring moment towards the end where his father is present and accepting. It felt inauthentic, and almost as if it was letting this terrible guy off the hook a little. Having experience with a father like that, it did not sit right with me.
Part of what I did like about this story was the representation. It was great to see a queer romance. I loved that one of the main protagonists was trans. It was cool to see a character dealing with a chronic illness. We also get to see a badass goth friend helping throughout. All these things were great, which made the faltering story stick out even more. I was hoping for something more here. Sometimes an author can leave a lot unsaid and the reader fleshes it out in their own imagination. That can work really well when done right, but this was not done right.
Blackwater was a mixed bag for me. I thought the artwork was stunning. You could tell that both artists came from a background in illustration. There is a just a level of polish and detail that is not often found in graphic novels. Unfortunately, I struggled a lot with the story itself. The characterization was lacking. I was not always sure of the motivations behind actions. There were a lot of panels without words, which is typically fine, but in this case may have been better used fleshing out some of these characters and connecting the beats of the story. Events felt choppy, almost stumbling into one another, instead of going down a clear path. The book lacked cohesion and depth because of it. I also really disliked Tony's father. We see the character as a distant, angry alcoholic for most of the book, but then we get this touching, caring moment towards the end where his father is present and accepting. It felt inauthentic, and almost as if it was letting this terrible guy off the hook a little. Having experience with a father like that, it did not sit right with me.
Part of what I did like about this story was the representation. It was great to see a queer romance. I loved that one of the main protagonists was trans. It was cool to see a character dealing with a chronic illness. We also get to see a badass goth friend helping throughout. All these things were great, which made the faltering story stick out even more. I was hoping for something more here. Sometimes an author can leave a lot unsaid and the reader fleshes it out in their own imagination. That can work really well when done right, but this was not done right.
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