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Incredible Doom #2
Incredible Doom: Volume 2
“A thrilling tale of found family discovered between lines of code.”—Sara Alfageeh, co-creator of Squire WELCOME TO EVOL HOUSE… It may look to the unwitting outsider like a broken-down ranch house in the Ohio suburbs—but to those in the know, Evol House is the unexpected sanctuary of truant teens, punk rockers, nerds, and outcasts. At least, that’s what it’s supposed to be. Lately, it feels like everything’s falling apart. In this thrilling sequel to graphic novel Incredible Volume 1 , Samir finds that life as a teenage runaway isn’t all he thought it would be; Allison spirals trying to impress her new “friends”, Tina considers leaving town to follow a passionate new connection; and Richard faces down a volatile classmate with a score to settle. Can these friendships, forged on the internet—the most controversial tool of the modern era—survive the “real world”… or will they drop like a bad connection? Praise for Incredible Doom 1: “ Perfectly captures the mystery and wonder of the early days of the internet .” — Andy Baio , author of Waxy.org and co-founder of XOXO "A rush of love for brave beginnings—of both the early internet and the teens who used it to find themselves and each other." — Eleanor Davis, author of The Hard Tomorrow and How to Be Happy "A compelling story complimented by pleasingly minimal art that skillfully evokes a sense of loneliness and isolation ." — Savanna Ganucheau , co-creator of Bloom " A sharp and authentic wild ride that brought me back to my teenage years as a punk with a dial-up connection.” — Kevin Panetta , co-creator of Bloom “A poignant and often hilarious reminder that technology is at its best when it’s easing the ache of loneliness and bringing people together." — Jeff Zentner , Morris Award-winning author of The Serpent King “The human stories of desperation, of reaching out, and of discovering new worlds really shine here.” — Booklist ( starred review ) “A retro-tech drama that gets so much of the Nineties right that it hurts.” — School Library Journal ( starred review )
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2022
About the author
Matthew Bogart
5 books64 followersMatthew Bogart is a cartoonist in Portland, Oregon. He makes slice of life comics that often include rock stars, rocket ships, and the early internet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 19, 2023
I thought once the two storylines from the previous volume finally merged in its closing pages that this volume would be stronger for having all the characters together, but it just becomes a meandering tangle of familiar angst and misbehavior as their teen Eden at the Evol House proves to be a Neverland limbo with no Peter Pan or Wendy, just Lost Boys. And with everyone together in one place, the nascent internet angle that powered the first book past its boring bits gets dropped for large portions of this one.
The story just slowly fizzles, and then a big(ish) twist near the end falls flat, serving only to make a couple of panels in the previous book a darkly comic exercise in word balloon placement.
The story just slowly fizzles, and then a big(ish) twist near the end falls flat, serving only to make a couple of panels in the previous book a darkly comic exercise in word balloon placement.
September 20, 2022
These first two volumes of Incredible Doom (sheesh I hope there’s a million more) resonate with me so much that I can’t really pinpoint any specifics on why reading them feels so much like home, like these are my friends, and this is the music I listen to, and these are the places I live. These are just my favorite, favorite, favorite and I could reread them again and again like rewearing the most worn out comfy sweater that you’ve had for forever.
December 9, 2022
This coming-of-age sequel set in 1994, has four teens whose home lives were falling apart, come together in an unlikely alliance. In the first volume, the internet brought them together, but now they grapple with the consequences of their choices as they all live in a home with other wayward teens who are on the fringes of society.
Allison, who escaped from a manipulative and abusive father with her boyfriend Sam, is struggling with fitting in while Sam wonders if he made the right decision to leave home to be with her. Richard has recently moved to the local high school and been bullied by someone he knew years ago at a summer camp, finds out why this former campmate has it out for him (and the reason has to do with Star Trek!). And we really get to know Tina, a tough computer expert who puts others first but deserves to find her own happiness with another alternative music fan that she meets at a local concert. The stories of these disenfranchised and realistic characters, who are tail-end Gen X’ers, ring true. They ache for connection, and reach out to others, sometimes successfully and sometimes not as they grow up in a changing world.
The art is done in black and white with blue accents for shadows and to infer other colors. A variety of panel placements and computer screens successfully pull you into this world of technology and limitless possibilities. This graphic novel effectively captures the early grunge era of the 1990s and reminds us of that era of technology -computer usage before the World Wide Web via dial-up. It looks so very primitive now but was cutting edge for a new generation of youth who would come of age with home computers.
The conclusion leaves a few narrative threads hanging, plus I have enough nostalgia for that era, to tune in for more!
This review can also be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2022/12/0...
Allison, who escaped from a manipulative and abusive father with her boyfriend Sam, is struggling with fitting in while Sam wonders if he made the right decision to leave home to be with her. Richard has recently moved to the local high school and been bullied by someone he knew years ago at a summer camp, finds out why this former campmate has it out for him (and the reason has to do with Star Trek!). And we really get to know Tina, a tough computer expert who puts others first but deserves to find her own happiness with another alternative music fan that she meets at a local concert. The stories of these disenfranchised and realistic characters, who are tail-end Gen X’ers, ring true. They ache for connection, and reach out to others, sometimes successfully and sometimes not as they grow up in a changing world.
The art is done in black and white with blue accents for shadows and to infer other colors. A variety of panel placements and computer screens successfully pull you into this world of technology and limitless possibilities. This graphic novel effectively captures the early grunge era of the 1990s and reminds us of that era of technology -computer usage before the World Wide Web via dial-up. It looks so very primitive now but was cutting edge for a new generation of youth who would come of age with home computers.
The conclusion leaves a few narrative threads hanging, plus I have enough nostalgia for that era, to tune in for more!
This review can also be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2022/12/0...
February 4, 2023
The first volume caught me off guard with its harrowing depiction of domestic violence (though I otherwise loved it). Fortunately, the second and final Incredible Doom volume takes a different tack. Now that our main characters, Allison and Samir, have run away from home to EVOL House, we get to see them without constraints. No rules, total freedom, and no overbearing parents! How will their lives change?
For one thing, they'll get mixed up with a bullied local teen. But that's kind of the B story in this second volume. The A stories play out separately for each character, with some connections throughout (and a lovely payoff at the end). We see Allison and Samir come to terms with what they've done (for better or for worse). We see Tina realize what she really wants in life. And we see Richard use the early internet for good, not evil.
All of the late 90s internet culture references continue to fill my heart with joy. That, and the all the young love and found family wonderfulness. Incredible Doom is an extremely lovely book that doesn't quite have a happy ending, but its sorta perfect without one. (Must also mention that the monochrome art is stellar - I can't imagine this book not as a graphic novel.) Both Incredible Doom volumes illustrate a so-far missing period in our societal regurgitation of 90s culture - bring back the bulletin boards, dial-up modems, and slow-booting computers, please. Maybe the world was better when the internet was still slow.
(Also, hi Netflix, this series is absolutely begging for an adaptation. Give them the big bucks, thx.)
For one thing, they'll get mixed up with a bullied local teen. But that's kind of the B story in this second volume. The A stories play out separately for each character, with some connections throughout (and a lovely payoff at the end). We see Allison and Samir come to terms with what they've done (for better or for worse). We see Tina realize what she really wants in life. And we see Richard use the early internet for good, not evil.
All of the late 90s internet culture references continue to fill my heart with joy. That, and the all the young love and found family wonderfulness. Incredible Doom is an extremely lovely book that doesn't quite have a happy ending, but its sorta perfect without one. (Must also mention that the monochrome art is stellar - I can't imagine this book not as a graphic novel.) Both Incredible Doom volumes illustrate a so-far missing period in our societal regurgitation of 90s culture - bring back the bulletin boards, dial-up modems, and slow-booting computers, please. Maybe the world was better when the internet was still slow.
(Also, hi Netflix, this series is absolutely begging for an adaptation. Give them the big bucks, thx.)
March 23, 2024
3 stars
huh. i liked the storyline of this sequel a little more than the first (because i liked tina's bit and she wasn't really that big in volume one) and the art style was just as good. but still, not quite my style.
huh. i liked the storyline of this sequel a little more than the first (because i liked tina's bit and she wasn't really that big in volume one) and the art style was just as good. but still, not quite my style.
August 27, 2023
The great stories of the kids of Evol house still continue in volume 2. Enjoyed this so much.
November 18, 2022
Volume 2 was as good as Volume 1. The quality of the design and the writing was on the same (high) level. The focus of the plot wasn’t as much on the beginnings of the internet this time. There was more space for character development and personal stories. What’s more, Matthew Bogart has decided against “classical” coming of age story and showed us quite an original plot line. I hope I will be able to enjoy Volume 3 soon.
March 21, 2023
These books are poignant and important and I'm so flipping glad they exist. Gorgeous heavy heart tuggin story.
October 20, 2022
Quite the sequel, the overall tone of the story matches the first volume. A story of the dawning of the internet and this house, Evol House, which is home to a mishmash of kids who are bullied, punk, ostracized, or otherwise frustrated with society and finding refuge in the 'found family' of the house.
The illustrator choices with the color palette and movement create the mood eloquently with little dialogue or narration necessary. I love that it's the dawning of the internet and they're buying parts and pieces to be "online". It's just as much for coders and early tech nerds as it is for any teen who hated life growing up.
The illustrator choices with the color palette and movement create the mood eloquently with little dialogue or narration necessary. I love that it's the dawning of the internet and they're buying parts and pieces to be "online". It's just as much for coders and early tech nerds as it is for any teen who hated life growing up.
December 28, 2022
This second half of the INCREDIBLE DOOM run is A LOT better than the first volume, now that Bogart has assembled all of his motley outsiders into the Evol House. What Bogart and Jesse Holden have done here is paint a picture of pre-Internet life and misfits and the desperate (often deeply hidden) need to be loved that tends to be common among Gen Xers. The volume is often surprisingly moving and emotionally poignant. I rooted for all of these characters and was grateful that Bogart didn't flinch from their unsettling truths. A wonderful comic masterpiece.
December 3, 2022
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first volume, although I did love how strong the fictive kin theme that came up, and the mature and realistic portrait of a house full of teens. It took me a while to get into this and I'm not sure if I'll continue with the series. I'm still looking for more of the chat room, 90's nostalgia, and I feel like this version had less connection to the theme of the first - not more.
March 9, 2023
"Allison, I promise... you're never alone"
This book had me so drawn in I could not put it down, at the end my heart Shattered the love story that is shown in this story is so powerful and beautiful
In this book you learn alot of people care about you and you might not know it
When you feel down you are never alone there is someone there for you.
This was another 5🌟 and I hope to read more from this author :)
This book had me so drawn in I could not put it down, at the end my heart Shattered the love story that is shown in this story is so powerful and beautiful
In this book you learn alot of people care about you and you might not know it
When you feel down you are never alone there is someone there for you.
This was another 5🌟 and I hope to read more from this author :)
October 29, 2022
Liked it even better than the first one!
And I hope there are more volumes planned...
And I hope there are more volumes planned...
October 6, 2022
So much to love about Incredible Doom Vol. 2. Just like Vol. 1, I was immediately immersed in the story. The flow, the tone…I just love the many gentle moments with these characters. Such visual empathy created with this artwork that tells the story so beautifully. Incredible Doom is incredible.
September 16, 2022
A huge shift from the topic of the first volume. Not as good but still interesting.
December 30, 2022
I didn’t enjoy this as much as the first, but I liked the continued exploration of the characters!
January 6, 2023
Holy shit. Even better than the first!!!
February 7, 2023
3.8* Really enjoyed the character development with this one !! I’m enjoying this series and hope there will be more:))
March 8, 2023
Too much plot convenience
June 1, 2024
I think I gave the first book 5 stars, but I liked this one better, so does that mean this one gets six stars? Just…my god, I love the nerds and the freaks and the punks from EVOL House.
June 30, 2023
A satisfying conclusion to some characters with depth, personality and empathy. Their empathy catches you by surprise - and harks back to early days of the internet, when it served to connect people more than keep them apart. I had no expectations reading this one and glad I didn't - not even sure how the title plays into the plot. The EVOL house is LOVE spelled backwards. No tropes about middle age men all being predators, although there is both an abusive and caring father. I also was impressed with the way it handled bullying - from both perspectives. Our main characters develop a justified antipathy towards another kid, the reader shares their antipathy until you learn the bully's story and it begins to make sense. So, maybe not everyone is innocent. This one kept me on my toes and had me invested early on, especially because I wasn't sure how it would end. Mature themes.
July 31, 2023
I considered 2 star, but there were some redeeming things about this 2nd in a series.
One thing I liked was that a group of misfit kids help and support one another. It was also more comprehensible to me than the first book, but maybe that's on me.
But, other than that I found the story dark and sad. I can't imagine it would edify kids without big issues, and the kids reading it who do have problems might read this romanticized version of running away and think - hey, I can run away from home and make a go of it too. It just doesn't go well for most run-away kids.
Dark and sad.
One thing I liked was that a group of misfit kids help and support one another. It was also more comprehensible to me than the first book, but maybe that's on me.
But, other than that I found the story dark and sad. I can't imagine it would edify kids without big issues, and the kids reading it who do have problems might read this romanticized version of running away and think - hey, I can run away from home and make a go of it too. It just doesn't go well for most run-away kids.
Dark and sad.
July 8, 2023
Didn't think it was as strong as the first one. I agree with the other reviewer who says they thought the story would be stronger for having all the characters together. I don't think that was achieved. The end twist could have been better built up as well.
That being said, I am not the demographic for this novel. Read the first one for a teen award thing, but honestly this book is meant for elder Millennials and Gen X. So I hope it hit all the feels for those of you who grew up at that time, it is certainly an interesting peak back for the rest of us.
That being said, I am not the demographic for this novel. Read the first one for a teen award thing, but honestly this book is meant for elder Millennials and Gen X. So I hope it hit all the feels for those of you who grew up at that time, it is certainly an interesting peak back for the rest of us.
August 20, 2023
I prefer the separate storylines for each character and how they came together after the first book. It is a little bit difficult however to really make connections with the characters when they each get so little time and there are so many. I just wish there were either, fewer characters in the spotlight, or more time to flesh out each character's story. Otherwise, the artwork, and the story itself, are very good and very much worth your time.
September 10, 2023
I wasn't as enamored with this second volume, but it does continue and complete the story in a satisfying way. Some of the magic and mystery of the first book are gone, but this book explores more relationships and broadens the world of the characters. Also crucial is the way the darker, uglier side of the internet is explored, which balances out the sense of community and discovery it supplies for most of the characters.
August 26, 2024
Absolutely electric, a fantastic ending to this story. Everything good I said about the first book still holds true, so there’s not much new to say here. Even the ending, where I thought things would mostly be slowing down- smacked me upside the head and left me reeling. The people in my local library were definitely concerned at my audible gasp. I HIGHLY recommend both books and will excitedly revisit this next time I can.
August 27, 2024
The characters and their relationships with eath other definitely were a strong point in this book for me. The idea of 'found family' was explored beautifully throughout. This book gets very real while still capturing the feeling of teenage freedom and the ups and downs that come with it. Very enjoyable read.
June 8, 2023
This captured the angst of early 90s so well. The feeling of loneliness that most kids felt - eventually we found companions in the computer and sometimes, through all the crap, genuine friendships were made. This felt like bittersweet nostalgia.
July 14, 2023
I liked it and I’m excited for the next release. The characters of Samir and Richard are definitely relatable. I felt as though this installation got a little bit more “tropey” at times than the first, but it was still an engaging story that had me turning every page.
August 27, 2023
Funny story this book came out more than a year ago and I just forgot about it. So today I sat down and read it after seeing it in the library's 'new releases'. Haha. Heart wrenching. amazing. destructive. depressing. It was so good #iloveincredibledoomnumber2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews