A graphic novel about a doctor coping with addiction is one that would be interesting to read. So is a story in a superhero world about doctors dealing with emergency situations. I'd also check out one where the doctor is being blackmailed by a bad guy. But all of them together... there's a lot going on here. "Leave them wanting more" is decent advice, but not when I'm confused about everything going on here. The end result, with all the fight scenes and threats, feels like a movie pitch.

This was definitely a book for me working as a health professional. There was so much packed into this very emotional story. The concept of a doctor helping heal powered individuals in a world that is about to pass a superpowered individuals registration act adds a unique perspective to a storyline that’s been done before (Civil War).

The stress of our doctor and how she’s been dealing with her own demons of addiction and forgiveness for an accident from a long time ago brings the MC, Rose to life. You see this level of stress and lack of self-care in the health professions all of the time and I could resonate with so much of this story having seen some of it happen.

It's been a while since I read this title, but I remember wanting more. I would definitely consider covering other stuff by Matthew Klein (although what I really want is book 2).

I highly enjoyed reading this graphic novel. The art style was beautiful and the colouring of each scenes brought life to the story. The panels were done intricately that brought out the story.

The characters are intriguing and complex and this makes them interesting.
We experience them make tough decisions as well as it causes us to have conversations on sensitive matters as readers.

This was requested when I first found out about NetGalley and I had requested so many ARCs that I could not get to all of them before they were archived. I really wanted to get to this one, as it seemed interesting. If I can find this somewhere for a reasonable price, I will try to get it!

Hi Again!

I have been picking up a lot of new graphic novels recently (as well as working my way through beloved series). Crashing is a newer graphic novel series that I had never heard of but was excited to give a try based on the artwork and summary. I decided to go ahead and give issue one a try and see if I would like to add it to my continuing graphic novel series pile. So without further ado, let’s jump into Crashing!

SPOILERS AHEAD

Rose is a doctor and a very busy and large hospital that has some strict rules about treating humans with powers. No doctor, nurse, or person working in the hospital is supposed to treat powered humans, with no exceptions. But one day Rose is at work and a powered person comes in. She decides to help them and of course, gets in trouble but not fired. Outside of work Rose went through a drug abuse issue and is struggling to stay sober. She is also practicing medicine outside of work, but on powered people (who are very wealthy). Can Rose stay sober and deal with her struggles of treating powered people without getting into trouble?

I enjoyed reading the first piece of Rose’s story and kind of taking a peak into an alternate world with powered people. However, I do not think I will be continuing with this series. I found the concepts and characters compelling but there is just something not clicking for me. I also have a ton of other ongoing graphic novel series and I only want to pick up new ones if I am truly interested in continuing with them. Let me know in the comments a graphic novel series you love!

Goodreads Rating: 3 Stars

"Crashing" by Matthew Klein is a gripping and multilayered thriller that immerses readers in a world of suspense, conspiracy, and the intricate web of deception. This novel is a thrilling blend of mystery, corporate intrigue, and the complexities of uncovering hidden truths.

Klein's writing style is fast-paced and intense, creating a sense of urgency that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The characters in the novel are intricately developed, each with their own motivations and secrets that contribute to the depth of the narrative.

At the heart of the story is a suspenseful exploration of greed, corruption, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters as they navigate a dangerous game of corporate espionage. The author skillfully weaves together elements of mystery and psychological tension, creating a narrative that keeps the reader guessing and on the edge of their seat.

"Crashing" successfully balances the fast-paced action with moments of introspection and emotional depth, resulting in a narrative that is both heart-pounding and thought-provoking. The themes of morality, the consequences of one's choices, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets add complexity to the plot.

In conclusion, "Crashing" is a masterfully crafted thriller that delivers a pulse-pounding and intense reading experience. If you're looking for a book that will keep you hooked with its twists and turns, this novel provides a gripping and suspenseful narrative that will leave you captivated and eagerly following every revelation.

Not every superhero has healing factor. Doctor Rose Osler isn’t supposed to treat Powered patients, but medical ethics trump corporate policy.

Except Rose isn’t so selfless. She’s tied up in Powered politics already, earning her drug fix by performing healer for a Powered mob boss. And when Evil and Good collide, Rose is caught in the middle.

I love seeing a superhero world told from the point of view of a civilian. One of the inhabitants of the grey area. Rose’s connections to all sorts of political life–not just treating good and evil, but being married to an actual politician–make for a pretty complex character. Her main flaws of habitual overwork, supported by drug use, are a common theme with doctors. But, add in the danger of the crime connection, it gets even more fraught.

I’d say this is a good pick who wants something a bit grittier than X-Men, or a bit less gritty than The Boys. It’s a nice balance, suitable for older teens and up.

Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.

This was just okay for me. The “Gotham meets House” feels like a stretch, mainly because the story doesn’t quite live up to either of those legends.

Crashing is the story of Rose Osler, an ER doctor and surgeon who is caught in the middle of a lot of things in a big way—politics, hospital policy, a deadly beef between two super-powered humans, and a real nasty addiction to prescription drugs.

A whole lot happens in these five issues. (I can’t find it stated anywhere, but this seems like a limited series?) And somehow, it simultaneously seems to happen too fast but also drag on. Because so much of Rose’s world goes unexplained (why are there suddenly powered people? why are Glassman and Gordian such enemies?), I struggled to care about much of the action. If those things ARE explained, I missed it. Maybe I’m not smart enough for this comic? I dunno, I just felt like I was dropped into a story with no context, like I’d started a comic series partway through an arc. I get the idea of “in media res,” but at some point, things have to start making sense or I lose the will to care.

What is done well with this story is Rose’s personal struggle with addiction and her inner monologue juxtaposed with the world around her. The flashbacks are effective, and the use of blues and reds is especially poignant.

Overall, this is rushed story with a possibly cool premise. I think it would benefit from a longer form with a slower pace that allows for more exposition and world-building. The end feels like it’s supposed to be neatly tied up, but I still have questions about the beginning. Maybe there are more issues to come and the story will strengthen over time!

Review posted to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5367160781

In this graphic novel, Dr. Rose Osler takes her oath to help everyone seriously by saving the lives of both superheroes and supervillains. She is hiding all this from her politician husband, who is working on a bill that discriminates against powered people in the name of protecting regular people. Rose is a former addict and the pressure to help out night and day leads her down a dark path.

I enjoyed a lot of the elements and the premise of the story, but things were moving a bit too quickly and the pacing was all over the place. The story could also have concentrated on the bigger issues without going into too much drama between Rose and her husband.

The setting, tone and worldbuilding was very appealing though and I really enjoyed the art style and coloring. I would definitely read more stories from this world!

Thank you to IDW Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher IDW Publishing for an advance copy of this graphic novel looking at superheroes, health care, and the addictions that drive many people in different ways.

Batman: Knightfall is best remembered for Bane Breaking the Batman by literally breaking his back. I never really cared for this storyline, reading as it was released, not liking Bane, nor the Batman replacement Jean-Paul, and even now I don't remember how Batman got back in the game. Lazarus Pit, magic, working out? What I do remember is when Alfred and the Robins arrive at the scene the technical talk about Batman's condition. The crash board, Alfred discussing the breaks and where, the fact they couldn't help Batman. I was really riveted by that. There was a realness in a story about guys in tights hitting each other, something that was never really discussed or mentioned. This had to happen all the time. Smashing a city means people have to be getting hurt, and someone has to take care of these wounded. And sometimes the helpers are smashed in many other ways. The graphic novel Crashing written by Matthew Klein and illustrated by Morgan Beem, is a story about superheroes, politics, addition, secrets, and and the attempt by people to try and make things right.

Dr. Rose Osler is a cardiac surgeon working in the ER of a major hospital in Boston, doing 12 hour shifts by day, and working in a clinic at night. Thought the clinic work is actually being a house doctor for a super villain who knows things about Rose that forces her to stay with him. Rose has secrets, an addiction problem that seems to be starting again, and a husband who is working to restrict superhero actions in the City. Into her ER are two superheoes one with impenetrable skin and fire blasts out of his eyes, and his young ward, with many problems, including a weak heart, and other problems that Rose can relate to. Soon Rose is faced with many difficult decisions, putting her life, her career, her family and her Hippocratic oath in danger.

A story that starts with a bang, sets up the whole story and just keeps going. The opening scenes are like watching House or St. Elsewhere, they really set the mood and ideas in the reader's head. The use of superheroes with political overtones is a good idea, and also gives the villains a little bit more motivation. I liked the ideas of tying to treat someone with fire coming out of eyes and with skin medical personal can't even put an IV or take blood from. The story is good, makes sense and has a lot of interesting characters. Rose is interesting in that she is extremely problematic, and sometimes unlikable. For Klein to write Rose this way is very interesting and brave, as in some ways you want bad things to happen to Rose, and yet. The art is different also, and it wasn't until the second chapter that I appreciated how good it was and how much I enjoyed it. Cartoony, with strong backgrounds and a strong use of color. I believe this might be the first time I have seen art from Morgan Beem, but I quite enjoyed it.

A very good story about an aspect of superheroics one really doesn't see. Wth characters who kind of defy the norm. The plot is good, and lot of ideas are presented for further adventures. Which I would like to read.

In a world filled with super-powered beings, Rose Osler is specialist for patients with powers. As a recovering addict herself, Rose struggles with keeping up with her workload. She works on saving the city's beloved heroes by day and it's greatest villains by night. Caught in the middle of a political meltdown between those with unnatural abilities and those without, Rose has to decide if caring for her controversial patients is worth losing everything else.

The art style is a little rougher and unfinished looking. The storyline is a bit choppy and rushed, but the drama is juicy. An action-packed comic for adult fans of House and Superhero graphic novels.

I found Crashing to be a captivating series that delved into the complexities of addiction and recovery. Its realistic portrayal of the constant and overwhelming thoughts surrounding addiction, painted a bleak but compelling picture of the difficulties faced by those struggling with substance abuse. The series gave me a greater appreciation for the challenges that individuals face in their journey towards recovery and the obstacles that they must overcome.

Although I initially struggled with the main character's lack of agency in her decisions and actions, I came to understand that this was a direct result of the situation she found herself in. The hospital policies and the villain of the series had trapped her in a difficult position, making it challenging for her to make independent choices. However, as the series progressed, I began to see her character arc and the growth she underwent as she fought to regain control of her life.

Overall, Crashing is an excellent portrayal of addiction and recovery and an engaging read overall.

I often describe books as a "rollercoaster ride" but nothing will come close to that of Matthew Klein's in "Crashing."

From the very first page, readers are taken on a steep incline and, when about to drop, we are brought to the start again, as if we have flatlined in a hospital room. Which, it turns out, is appropriate, as our heroine, Dr. Rose Osler, is a top ER cardiologist surgeon.

At Rose's ER, which is in an alternate universe-version of MassGeneral in Boston, operating on "superpowered" people, aka superheroes (and villains), is not allowed. Too much can go wrong, they are too much of a liability in terms of malpractice lawsuits, they aren't worth the risk. That's what the administration thinks, and MassGeneral isn't alone in that thinking process. Superpowered people are getting on the nerves of the Boston public's population. New legislation looms on the horizon to limit the rights of superheroes/villains, to create a system that mandates all superpowered people must register themselves in a database, while also stripping them of their voting rights and their access to medical treatment.

All while this is happening, Dr. Rose Osler is working behind the scenes, treating powered people and saving their lives.

All throughout this, we journey back to the metaphor of the rollercoaster ride. After the initial flatline, readers are taken right back in on the trek to the top, though this time there are smaller hills and drops on the way. As Rose faces challenges within her relationship and her career, readers are thrust upon unexpected curves and turns. Loops take us by surprise as twists in the novel do so as well. And when the roller coaster ride journeys to the deep incline and dives to the decline, Dr. Rose Osler will have learned there's no turning back once she's crashed.

This new take on the superhero genre is absolutely phenomenal and enchanting. Original and engaging, this rollercoaster ride of a story is sure to be worth your time. With illustrations by Morgan Beem, the story is pulled together beautifully.

"Crashing" by Matthew Klein was an absolutely incredible graphic novel, covering mental health, addiction, relationships, and - of course - superheroes.

I actually qute enjoyed this overall, think your typical doctor drama plus superheroes. Most superhero stories are solely focused on the supers, but Crashing focuses on the normal people they share a world with.

I really enjoyed the overall concept, but it seemed to go a bit too fast. There were some great twists but everything goes by so fast there's not a lot of time for them to sink in.

Overall pretty solid, could have been better if there was more time to expand on the characters. You don't really learn a lot about any of them beyond the present plot.

The art was great, and I really liked the colour schemes used. I'd definitely recommend to those interested in a different take on superhero comics!

ARC courtesy of NetGalley.

"Crashing" is a gritty and unflinching look at addiction, recovery and the struggle for personal redemption. The main character of this story a physician and addict who is caught between trying to support all her patients, including those with super powers and a political faction led by her husband that would disenfranchise many of those same patients.

This story is a bit uneven and the artwork is highly taste specific but it does deliver a compelling and satisfying resolution in the end. This book is recommended for those readers who are comfortable with stories concerning addiction and interested in regular people's experiences with navigating relationships with superpowered individuals.


Thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was a really cool idea. I have always wondered what life would be like for the regular people in a super hero world. Things like property damage, injury, or just having people with powers fighting outside your house or work. This did a great job of showing the stress the medical profession would have to deal with. It did seem like it might hit home for anyone having to work in the ER during Covid. The color choices really cemented the feelings of the book.

4 stars

This book is described as a cross between House, M.D. and Gotham Central, and while I do understand why someone would say that, I wouldn't. The plot itself is too far from GC for me, which is an ongoing story that focuses as much on the variety of Gotham as it does the cops, while Crashing is very stagnant in its focus. I found the addiction storyline very interesting, especially in what is revealed, but do feel as if the ending is a let down. I did find the politics within the story fascinating, and wish there was more of a focus on those.

Thank you NetGalley and IDW for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!


Crashing is an adult graphic novel from the house of IDW. Dr. Rose Osler is a recovering addict struggling with her day-to-day life. Seven years sober - what’s one pill to help her get through at 14 hour day? Especially when there are Powered patients to take care of - and a politician husband on a path against them.

3.5/5 ⭐️

An interesting premise but feels like it needs space to breathe. Perhaps a few more issues would have worked in this collected to flesh out the story and, as others have noted, the pacing. It’s a self-contained story, but it zooms along almost too quickly. It’s set in Boston, but not our Boston. Again, the setting would benefit too if there was breathing room.

Ultimately an interesting read that needs a bit of work.

Reviewer notes: As an educator, I am unlikely to recommend this to my students outside of mature readers. As someone who enjoys graphic novels, however, I will be keeping an eye on the title.

Rating: 3.5
Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the ARC.

I really like the concept of this graphic novel and am excited to see where it goes. The art is a little rough in some parts but the spiral of an addict is portrayed so well and this story is not afraid to touch on hard and painful subjects.

I felt for Rose and what she had to go through and hope she really does stay on her path of healing. Very excited to see what she does next.