This was u unfortunately my first attempt into this kind of thing and it will likely be my last. I just couldn’t get myself invested in the characters, or even invested enough to be bothered what was happening, I have no clue as to what happened now. I’m trying to recall what the story was about etc and I cannot remember a detail of it or the characters names either. So definitely not for me
The art work was nice though.

"Covenant" by LySandra Vuong is a graphic novel that seamlessly blends action, fantasy, and LGBTQ+ representation. The story follows Erza, a powerful exorcist, who is tasked with protecting the enigmatic Sunny from demonic forces. The dynamic between Erza and Sunny is complex and intriguing, with both characters having their own struggles and secrets.
The character development in "Covenant" is impressive, as we see Erza's faith being tested and Sunny grappling with his bloody past. Their slow-burn romance is well-developed and adds depth to the story. The relationships between the characters are a strong point of the novel, with each interaction feeling authentic and compelling.
While the plot can be a bit predictable at times, the humor, mythology, and punk gothic fashion elements add an interesting twist to the story. The artwork is visually engaging, with detailed illustrations that bring the world of Covenant to life.
Overall, "Covenant" is an enjoyable read that explores themes of faith, destiny, and love in a unique and imaginative way. Fans of supernatural action and LGBTQ+ representation will find plenty to enjoy in this graphic novel.
4/5 STARS!

**I was provided an electronic ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.**

Episodes 1-18 of LySandra Vuong's webtoon Covenant has been collected into a bound volume published by Oni Press. Readers follow Ezra, a rookie exorcist in service of the Church of Providence as he furthers his covenant with the archangels. Covenants are given in the form of holy tattoos through which exorcists can call on the powers of the archangels to aid them in their fight against demonkind. The Church of Providence has enemies in the Great Church seeking to excommunicate them, demons are spawning in rates out of control, and Ezra has received a mission directly from Archangel Gabriel to protect Sunny Nguyen. But Ezra can't find the conviction to believe in God, so what's a budding exorcist to do?

This volume is high action and fast-paced with tons of strings left dangling for future plot to unfurl. The volume is full color with a really cool art style and an inversion on the common demon/angel trope. The archangels appear in a black color scheme where the demons appear in white. The tattoos and symbols are intricate and beautiful. With hints of a slow burn queer romance to come, this is a great introductory volume for Covenant.

I really enjoyed this work and am eager to continue with Ezra and Sunny's story. I am excited to hold this beautiful art in print and many congratulations to Vuong on her continued success.

The cover is what initially drew me to read Covenant and the artwork throughout the story was beautifully detailed and perfect for the story. While this is obviously very religious, it also features a main character who doesn't believe in God despite working for the Church and believing in angels and demons. I like that Ezra puts his faith in the Angel he knows and in helping people/fighting for good against the demons he sees but is hesitant to believe in something he's never seen. I think a lot of people will find him relatable for that. The dynamic among the exorcists is fun and very much like siblings. They bicker and annoy each other, but they'll do anything to protect and support each other. Sunny actually came into the story later than I expected and I'm very curious to know his history now so I look forward to the next volume! I like that there was a lot going on and not just one thing to worry about in the story. The Great Church is supposedly fighting the same fight for good but they don't care who gets hurt in the process and they are out to get the Church of Providence, which is Ezra and Samson's Church. And there are demons after Sunny but we don't know why. There's a lot going on and this was a great start to what seems like will be an exciting series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a digital ARC of this title from Oni Press via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The art and character design in this are absolutely incredible and fit perfectly with the material! I just wish someone gave Goliath (and Sam) a bit of armour to, I don’t know, protect all of those vital organs. Jokes aside, they all look so incredibly cool, I could never.

I found the magic system very intriguing. I was first drawn to this story by an urge to scratch that itch left by Warrior Nun, and it’s definitely a strong contender. Unfortunately, this first volume did not manage to completely draw me in. The dialogue stifled me a bit, as did the black-and-white approach to the antagonists. There was also a panel where one of the dialogue bubbles was right over the face of the person talking, which struck me as odd, considering there was space for it elsewhere.

There is definitely potential to make this an incredible story, and I will be reading on, just maybe not immediately.

This book is for you if you enjoy:
- modern takes on Christianity featuring various queer identities
- badass university students with angel blessings fighting demons
- the punk/gothic aesthetic
- fantasy mystery plots
- a character trying very hard to protect someone who really doesn’t want to be protected.

Many thanks to NetGalley, LySandra Vuong and Oni Press for the chance to read and review this book.

THIS WAS SO GOOD!!! AAAAA!!

Covenant is a brilliantly inventive and beautifully illustrated comic following a demon-fighting church with magical angel blessings and weapons. All the main characters are incredibly coolly designed both in art (I am a simple man: I see full sleeve arm tattoos and I’m sold) and in characterisation. The comedy is well timed and paralleled with some seriously gut punch moments, and I’m endlessly curious as to where this story is going! Love the relationships the main character has with his angelic patron, best friend, and potentially love interest?

In summary I’m recommending this to everyone SO fast. If you like Warrior Nun, religious trauma, and high school supernatural shows, this is the vibe for you.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
I came across this graphic novel first on tiktok when the author was promoting it, I never got around to reading it - but I'm so happy I finally did!
The world is so interestingly made, using Christianity as a basis for a fantasy world where demons are real and people use magic by evoking angels is such an interesting way to develop a world. Also one where the main character doesn't believe in god is so fun. The art style is gorgeous and I love the character design, the movements are so fluid and amazing to follow that I know it would be gorgeous if it was ever animated. What the book lacks in setting design, it makes up for in rich plot and characters, and I ended this book anxious to read the rest of it!

This is an action Webtoon with religious themes, great art, and some silliness.

I enjoyed it, but I feel like it could've been better. The aesthetic and art are better than the story and the dialogues, in my opinion. Especially the dialogues from the villains, which are so cartoonish they took me right out of the story.

I understand that there's humor to this and I liked it in moments of everyday life, but I could tell that most of the moments with villains were supposed to be taken seriously, but that seriousness just didn't translate in the way they spoke.

Overall, I thought this was entertaining and I was very into the art, but I didn't quite vibe with the writing style 100% of the time. Still, I think I'll check out the next volume and see where this goes.

The Covenant’s first issue introduces a world where special priests fight demons using their holy tattoos and macho weapons to keep their fellow humans safe. We follow Erza, a young priest who is struggling to find a strong conviction and belief in God. After speaking with an archangel, Erza is directed to protect a human, Sunny. Immediately, Sunny and Erza butt heads and have a tough time being near each other. With Erza’s home church under scrutiny, an increase in demon appearances, and a frustrating person to protect, will everything fall apart? And will Erza find his conviction?

Covenant was full of action and I really enjoyed the art style! Unfortunately, I was waiting for something to pull me in and that never really happened for me. I will still keep reading this, as usually Webtoons rarely disappoint and I think there’s a ton of potential for the story. Besides all the fighting scenes, it was actually relatively boring and I wanted a bit more world building earlier on in the issue. I think there’s definitely an audience for this and I plan to continue following the author’s journey!

Thank you to NetGalley, Oni Press, and the author for providing me an early copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

I wasn’t sure I liked this at first, especially with the religious aspect, but I ended up enjoying this!

The action is good and not overdone and while Christianity is definitely a focal point, it isn’t overbearing.

I am especially intrigued by the possibility of Ezra being gay! Will definitely be on the lookout for volume two!

4.5 stars

Attention lovers of urban dark fantasy with heavy, subversive religious themes! Enthusiasts of Castlevania, Blood of Zeus and The Sandman rejoice as we are graced with the publishing of LySandra Vuong's dark and queer Webtoon series.

The story follows Ezra, an exorcist who believes in his conviction of good versus evil, dispelling demons left, right and center with the aid of his patron's, Gabriel's, powers and his other fellow whip-lashing, gun-slinging (and hot as f*ck) exorcists. It is so compelling, with a rather straightforward but massively intriguing plot. This is coupled with funny, charming and badass characters, all brought to life by such a clean and beautiful art style in full colour.

I would be buying a physical copy of this and collecting the entire series for sure, and I wholeheartedly recommend this series.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Oni Press for this advance reader copy. I leave this review voluntarily.

Solid 4 stars for me! A strong and beautifully illustrated start and I'm definitely interested in reading the next volume. I thought the way they harnessed the angels' powers was especially cool.

Let me just start by saying it's been a long time since I've read a graphic novel or manga so I don't have too much I can remember well enough to compare this to. But I really enjoyed this, and I thought the art style was beautiful! (If nothing else, it's worth buying just to look at the beautiful visuals.)

Beyond the visuals, the story was enjoyable, too! Definite Warrior Nun vibes but such an inclusive cast of characters and they're all FINE too. Sunny has my heart. Love the gothic color palette and just the whole style in general. I did find the dialogue a bit YA / cheesy at times but it didn't bother me too much and I thought that otherwise, the plot was pretty fast-paced and intriguing.

Overall, I would recommend! Makes me wanna read more comics and manga again. Already rooting for Sunny and Ezra too. Talk about grumpy x sunshine!

Or KEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY. Give me the second volume right now because it's great.

I started this story without expecting much and ended up totally in love with the story, the characters and what could happen. When I got to the last page I was trying to go to the next page AND THERE WAS NO NEXT ONE. Suddenly it's over!! AS!!!! Impossible. I did not want to.

A pleasant surprise, a story with great diversity and representation, with a most interesting and captivating plot. The art is BEAUTIFUL, and the fact that it is all in color gives it a special touch (I am always very used to reading in black and white).

The truth is that I really fell in love with the story. I look forward to the continuation!

Thank you!! Thank you Oni ​​Press for the ARC I read on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I always love when people play with religion in new ways and narratives. I liked this a lot! Nice action sequences, a little silly, very fun read. The art is seamless and shiny, really excited to see how it continues!

I found it mostly boring.

This was my last chance to truly enjoy a web comic adapted. I won't be picking up anymore of them.

This was just not for me! I thought it'd be a cool spin in general but it was a bit more religious-focused for my taste.

I loved the character designs and the pieces of worldbuilding that were revealed in this book. Some of it was confusing at first, but most of those things were straightened out over time. The character plots and developments were intensely interesting, and I look forward to seeing how they play out.

My main complaint is that this volume was just too short for anything to really move forward.

thank you netgalley and oni press for the arc!

i loved this! i loved the art and the complex yet easy to follow plot! i also loved the characters, specially samson lmao, and the pace of the story. can't belive i'm left with a cliffhanger, but this is a story i am most definitely following!!!

I. am. OBSESSED.

Samson and Ezra's sibling dynamic? The family bonds of the church? The instant connection between Ezra and Sunny? THE GORGEOUS ART!?

Ughhhh, gimme gimme gimme!

I am really intrigued by the premise of this series. I have already fallen in love with that characters and can't wait to find out more about their histories and how things are going to play out. I'm also super interested to find out how Sunny fits in to everything. The only thing I have not enjoyed so far is the greater church as it seemed like they just kind of appeared with little explanation and then didn't stay around for too long before they were gone again. i think a bit more time with them would have made it even better, but seriously, this is an amazing start and I'm already now following the series on Webtoons as there's no way I can wait for the next volume!

I loved the art and setting of the comic very much, im looking forward to seeing it published for sure !