Daphne Byrne (Hill House Comics)

by Laura Marks

[Quirky Cat]

I received a copy of Daphne Byrne in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Daphne Byrne is another addition to the DC Black Label line, a line specifically meant for horror fans everywhere. Written by Laura Marks, with artwork from Kelley Jones, this atmospheric horror story is a chilling tale.

Daphne Byrne is a young woman who just lost her father. She has taken to grieving in her own way. Unfortunately, her mother has fallen prey to a charlatan pretending to speak to the dead. If only that was the end of the story. As it turns out, there are those that truly can see the other side, just not the woman taking payment from Mrs. Byrne.

It should go without saying that this is part of DC's horror line, and is not intended for a younger audience. Daphe Byrne is dark and disturbing, made all the more so thanks to the intense art style provided by Kelley Jones

I went into this novel expecting great (and terrifying) things. I was mildly let down, which I found more disappointing than anything. Much of Daphne Byrne felt familiar. It's a story that has been told and done countless times, with minimal twists to make it stand out.

All things considered, Daphne Byrne just failed to hold my attention. Had the story itself not felt so familiar, I think I might have enjoyed it a lot more. Particularly because the artwork really does lend well to the horror elements within this tale. I want to emphasize that fact.

It's still a worthwhile read, it just didn't knock my socks off like I had hoped (or feared? I'm not sure). It was still chilling in many ways, and had so much potential, which at the core of it, might be the main reason why I'm finding myself disappointed with the end result.

See more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks