Member Reviews
I hadn't heard of this graphic novel but when I saw it on NetGalley I knew I had to read it! I mean, it's queer and it's halloween, I needed it in my grasp! So, thank you NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
To be honest, I don't know the legend of Sleepy Hollow very well but thankfully I didn't find that to be much of an issue when reading this graphic novel. The story was very easy to follow and gripping from beginning to end! I also loved the art style and the relationship between characters. The story just in general was really fun and fast paced which I loved.
The art style was also really pleasant and I liked that it was in full colour. The review copy I received was a little bit blurry, but since the text was crisp I think that was just to do with the review copy and not a criticism to the official publication.
I also really enjoyed reading a queer story that allowed the characters to be themselves. Izzy's parents were so easy going when it came to her sexuality and I'm so glad there was no unnecessary homophobia in this story!
Overall, it's a solid 4 stars! Definitely a great holiday book for people looking to read a fun Halloween story.
This was a fun and spooky story, perfect for Halloween! I cannot wait to get a physical copy for my shelves!
The legend lives on! This graphic novel perfectly encompasses the spirit of the legend and more importantly the charm of the village. Wonderful nods to the original story and actual location while still introducing audiences to a new, modern story.
My experiences of the Sleepy Hollow tale are ashamedly slim; whilst I know the concept of the tale and the Headless Horseman, I haven’t read or watched many retellings.
When Izzy Crane’s family relocate due to a new job opportunity for her mum, she finds herself quickly engrossed in a town rather obsessed with their local legend, and more so, the living relation; Victoria Van Tassel. Little does the non-believer and local luminary know that sometimes; it’s more than just a tale of old, and the headless horseman will ride again.
Izzy, Vicky & their friend Croc work together with the tri-ghost to save Vicky & the town this Halloween.
This was a fun, spooky sapphic tale perfect for a teenage (and above) audience this season. The art style and colour themes were portrayed the town and plot perfectly, I adored the snarky Gordo, Croc’s loyal friendship and the low-key love story throughout!
This graphic novel had Latinx representation, alongside sapphic/ queer characters and side characters whom used mobility aids.
Super fun, super cute! The characters were all so lovable and distinct, though I wish we got to see the central character's bond develop a bit more, especially Izzy and Vic's. hoping future instalments (?) flesh that out, since the pacing felt a bit off re: the romance. It was also cool to see a character use mobility aids, which isn't really something I've seen in graphic novels, or novels in general!
*This ARC was provided to me via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion*
3.5 ✨
Izzy has just moved with her family to a town called Sleepy Hollow, a place defined by a haunting legend of a headless horseman and an ancient love story. The whole town celebrates the legend every October in the presence of Vicky, a town royalty whose ancestor has been involved in the legend.
But who believes in ghosts? Surely, this is just a legend and no one roams the town at night? Right?!!!
But, this is Halloween and things are about to get crazy. Ghosts and legends and love story that starts to bloom between izzy and Vicky.
This is a lovely graphic novel about a ghost legend, friendship, and an exciting adventure.
* Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review. **
The story makes its way with the arrival of Isabel Crane who, having moved from San Francisco, arrives in the city and in the school of Hollow right at the creepy time of the year: that of Halloween. The village of Hallow has a compelling belief that the most famous thing is the mascot or the Headeless Horseman and Victoria Vantassell whose family for generations still lives there.
The Cranes, in the ancient legend, do not seem to get along too well with Victoria's family but it is only a legend and Isabel and Vicky seem to end up closer than they seem even if something plots in the shadows and seems to want to hurt Victoria.
Who is threatening Victoria? And what happens with the Headless Horseman who roams the city and scares the inhabitants? Will our heroes be able to solve the mystery?
The drawing style is simple, linear both in the light and day scenes and in the nocturnal ones where it does not lose its beauty of color and history. I only find the adaptations of the font used in the illustrated structure out of tune with respect to everything else. And in some places it ends up disturbing the reading.
I found the characters really well defined and the story in line with the period it brings with it as well as being really perfect to read in these circumstances. Isabel Crane is very sweet both in her ways and in the circumstances she finds herself in even though I don't really like Instant Love in stories. And in this there is practically almost immediately at least at the level of love at first sight of the characters.
Apart from that I find that the volume flows nicely and makes reading in October really perfect for lovers of the genre and graphic novels who focus on this theme.
I can only finally appreciate something that brings back popular beliefs in a current context, the modern school one and all the issues addressed, of course. The book is confirmed with LGBTQ + themes and I am really happy about this because I love both Isabel and Vicky and the stories that deal with this theme with the integration and the delicacy and love they need.
The book was nice, sweet, maybe not too original but it left me with a good feeling. I hope you enjoy it too.
This was a great Halloween graphic novel. The characters had a great dynamic and the story was a short and sweet one.
Izzy just moved to Sleepy Hollow with her parents and started at a new school. She quickly discovers that the town is proud of being known for being the town mentioned in Washington Irvings' the legend of the Headless Horseman. They have themed shops and restaurants, the school mascot is themed after the legend and the local family that was even mentioned in the legend, the Van Tassel's are still living in Sleepy Hollow. Vicky Van Tassel is in the same grade as Izzy. Izzy is immediately attracted to her and volunteers to be her math tutor. Vicky is uninterested in grades and is tired of being held to a high standard because of her family name. Vicky and Izzy eventually become friends. Izzy one night is chased down by the headless horseman and decides out of curiosity to stop and confront him. Turns out the headless horseman, the horse, and the pumpkin head are individual ghosts that promised to protect the Van Tassel line. They know someone is planning to kill Vicky and are trying to protect her. Izzy, Vicky and another friend from school work together to take down the bad guy.
This story was a lot of fun and had real personalities in the characters. The only complaint I would have is that the cover art doesn't match the interior art.
Izzy Crane doesn't believe in the superstitions of her new town, the infamous Sleepy Hollow - but when it turns out that the girl she has a crush on is cursed, she must face that they are all true.
I don't read many graphic novels, but I probably should read more considering I've consistently enjoyed them! This was another solid addition to that line up.
I thought this story was cute and hit all the targets for a spooky but not scary Halloween read. There was plenty of humor, romance, and action, and I enjoyed the dynamic between the main trio of Izzy, Vicky, and Croc. I also liked how the author wove the elements of the tale of the Headless Horseman into this story while keeping it quite original. I also enjoyed the art, which was well-rendered and often humorous.
However, I wish the friendship between Izzy and Croc was developed a little more, as it leaves the trio feeling a little unbalanced as it currently stands. There were also some confusing elements to the story, such as why the villain approached Katrina Van Tassel in the first place, as well as why a certain character knew how to use magic at the climax.
3.5 stars
A fun, queer halloween adventure set in Sleepy Hollow filled with teen angst, budding romances, and unstoppable friendships. It's an entertaining reimagining of the Headless Horseman legend that the town is known for and the camaraderie between the main friend group (supernatural entities included) are what make the story engaging. With bright and lovely artwork and a not-too-serious plot, this makes for a solid light spooky read for the season.
The graphic novel centers around Isabel "Izzy" Crane who with her family just moved to Sleepy Hollow, a town that, to put it lightly, likes to lean into its connection to the old legend of the Headless Horseman. With strange sightings and unexplained accidents happening all over town, Izzy finds herself banding together with local teen royalty, Vicky Van Tassel and varsity jock/prank master Croc Byun to stop this supernatural foe and a curse before it's too late.
Thank you NetGalley and BOOM! Studios for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I wasn’t planning to read any spooky books this early in the month, but I just couldn’t resist the pull of Hollow, a queer graphic novel reimagining of the descendants of the Sleepy Hollow Legend. This book was a very nice length for a graphic novel- not too short, which sometimes limits the story’s development. The characters and plot were given the time and space they needed to feel full and complete! I especially loved the way that romance was incorporated into the story, without being a book just about romance. The legend of Sleepy Hollow and the Headless Horseman drove this retelling forward, making it the perfect read for my Halloween TBR!
The art style was very fun, managing to be simultaneously bright and also properly moody for a spooky book! I would love to read other legends and myths reimagined in this modern context and artistic style!
My Recommendation-
If you love The Lumberjanes or Snapdragon, you should definitely snag a copy of Hollow! This book would be a great read for any reader ages middle grade to adult, as the exciting without being overly graphic.
This is the perfect spooky seasons graphic novel! It’s a fun queer retelling for middle age and I really liked it.
Izzy recently moved to the town of Sleepy Hollow with her parents.
Everyone here seems to take the legend of the Headless Horseman too seriously, but she soon realizes it's not just a legend.
In the meantime, she will make friends with the star of the city, Vicky Van Tessel, and with a school friend, Croc. They will accompany her on this adventure to discover what lies behind the legend.
The art style is amazing, the colours are vivid and the drawings are very detailed.
The plot is really entertaining with a huge twist! The story explore the normal life of teenagers who have to face with a malignant presence. They have to balance their school and family commitments with overcoming evil.
I loved every character in the story! Croc made me laugh so much.
So, if you are searching for a sapphic cute graphic novel, this is for you!
This seasonal adventure is a pleasure to read. Brilliant full-color illustrations bring a classic story and modern setting to life. Loved the little nods to inclusivity that can be spotted throughout this queer romance/mystery.
Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a big fan of retellings when they offer something new to the story and this graphic novel did that. I think this is going to introduce a classic work to a new, younger generation and that's exciting to see. A great addition to library collections!
I had a lot of fun reading this one. I've never read the original Sleepy Hollow, but know the basic premise. I really enjoyed this take on the classic tale. But what I enjoyed most was the beautiful artwork. It was such a joy to see the story through these stunning illustrations. This is a perfect graphic novel for fall and gives off wonderful spooky vibes. I would recommend for high school readers that like spooky stories and graphic novels.
I hate to say it but the font of the text really put me off going further with this book. It could be because of the format I was reading it in and am willing to be proven wrong! I liked the reveal at the beginning that it was set in modern day. that was cool. So I'll be looking out for this one once it's out in physical format
Hollow is a light and cute (with a bit of spook) contemporary sequel to Washington Irving's classic story. Following new-to-town Izzy Crane, town darling Victoria Van Tassel (of THE Van Tassels), and local jock-with-a-heart-of-gold Croc as they encounter an ancient evil that has arisen once again in the legendary Sleepy Hollow. Full of autumnal vibes, Halloween hijinks, a sapphic romance, and late-night strolls through dark woods and cemeteries, Hollow turned out to be a cheerfully fun read!
TW: on-page animal death
Hollow follows Isabel Crane as she moves and adjusts to her new town, Sleepy Hollow, which is known for the legend of the Headless Horseman. She’s indifferent about the legend, not having time for superstition, until her and her group are haunted by the Horseman himself! Now Izzy, Vicky Van Tassel and Croc Byun must break the curse that will destroy the Van Tassel line before Halloween. But Izzy is developing a crush on Vicky, and the clock is ticking. Will they be able to uncover the mystery and save Vicky before it’s too late?
I thought this was a cute retelling/future story of the headless horseman. I absolutely loved the drawing style, I think it made the story really three-dimensional. I feel like Watters was able to fit a large amount of character growth into her characters in such a short story. This was a truly phenomenal read.