Member Reviews

Thank you Net Galley and Oni Press for the E-ARC. The pacing on this felt a little slow for me given that it was a graphic novel. I enjoyed the art style of it though.

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a delightful graphic novel read. i love the cutesy artwork juxtaposed with the morbid and disturbing subject matter. as soon as i finished reading this, i ordered it for my library! perfect horror read.

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I never would have thought that this style of illustration could be so gruesome and graphic, but it was and it is such a great read. I enjoyed how dark this was, and enjoyed the cute little snippets and "ads" that were throughout this story.

You should read this collection because master of the craft Jay Stephens put everything into this and I know that readers are going to love it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for providing an advance reader's copy of this horror graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.

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There’s nothing more fun than truly horrifying horror stories mixed with humor and over the top cartoons.
The fake ads in between the stories made this so much more enjoyable.
Everyone should have this on their radar.

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That was nice! Quirky and fun—I really enjoyed the art style and how they put everything together like a magazine, with ads and all. I wasn't a big fan of all the stories in the collection, but overall, they were between 3-4 stars for me.

Thanks NetGalley and OniPress for this!

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Who thought characters drawn this cute could be drawn this creepy? Fans of anthology horror like Creepshow and classic comics should love this Canadian import.

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I loved the style of this collection of stories, each tying to one another. It was comedic, horrific, and cartoony!

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DWELLINGS – Jay Stephens – Horror Graphic Novel — NOT FOR CHILDREN

Shock?
Terror?
Wry Humor?
Yes, Please!

‘Welcome to Elwich, an oasis of small-town perfection where the schools overflow with cheeky-eyed children, lovingly adorned homes line the historic boulevards . . . and only the cries can see the deep, festering rot that lurks beneath the pristine surface.

Murder.
Demonology.
Possession.
Obsession.

‘Elwich has them all on offer—and behind every dwelling awaits a horrifying new story to be told.’

I had a blast reading DWELLINGS, a graphic novel filled with creepy-cringy-macabre-goodness that I found also nostalgically pleasing with mail-order ads sprinkled throughout that are childlike funny, or filled with dark humor.

Highly Recommend!

Thank you, NetGalley and Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group, LLC., for providing me with an eBook of DWELLINGS at the request of an honest review.

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This was adorable to look through while my mind constantly jumped from ???? to !!!! with expectations for the stories. I love a humorous twist on dark stories! We need more juxtaposition like this in the literary world!

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I loved this, but it’s not school appropriate.
The first story in the collection was so incredibly clever, I’m very annoyed that it isn’t something I can show the kids! It’s executed so well.

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Dwellings by Jay Stephens magnificiently, twisted graphic novel set in a small-town where dark themes are everpresent and hidden by its charm. I loved the characters, their personalities and the witty, dark themes present throughout. The artwork and flow were exquisitely, charming.

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This is a volume of short stories set in the town of Elwick. Things happen in the town. People are murdered, suspects are shot and the police Chief is trying to catch the bad guys. But who are the bad guys when the town is full of ghosts?

It is an interesting volume of stories and each one has a connection. Which is sometimes so subtle that you can miss it.

I wasn't a fan of the artwork but the stories were engaging and gripping.

Copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

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A "Happy Tree Friends"-esque take on the horror anthology where all the art is done in a cutesy old fashioned style (but with blood and gore and dismemberment). Really enjoyed the throwback look and feel, as well as the variety on the stories.

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Love the juxtaposition between the themes and the art style! Really cool ans original horror idea and I enjoyed the faux advertisements between the stories

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Fun book with a cartoony art style and creepy subject matter. Like if Famy Circus was deeply deranged.

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This book plays with the line between straight horror and dark comedy. There is a sort of humor in the plots that is amplified by the highly cartoony style of the illustrations. The humor keeps it from being too gross or unsettling. The style works well in it's favor.

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"Dwellings" by Jay Stephens is a dark and twisted graphic novel that takes readers on a harrowing journey through the seemingly idyllic town of Elwich. It reveals the sinister underbelly of small-town perfection where murder, demonology, possession, and obsession lurk behind every charming façade.

Elwich presents itself as an oasis of tranquillity with its picturesque homes, cheerful schools, and historic boulevards. However, the crows that haunt the skies know the truth—beneath the surface, the town is a breeding ground for nightmarish horrors. Each dwelling in Elwich has a story to tell, and every story is more horrifying than the last.

**Review:**
"Dwellings" is a masterclass in horror storytelling, blending the quaint and cozy aesthetics of small-town life with the macabre and terrifying elements that lie beneath. Jay Stephens' artistry and narrative skills shine brightly, making this graphic novel a standout in the horror genre.

The artwork is both charming and disturbing, capturing the duality of Elwich's facade and the darkness within. Stephens' use of stark contrasts and meticulous detailing creates an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and chilling. The illustrations evoke a sense of unease, drawing readers into the story and refusing to let go.

The graphic novel is structured as an anthology, with each dwelling in Elwich serving as the setting for a unique horror story. This format allows for a diverse exploration of horror themes, from demonic possession and murderous impulses to obsessive behaviors and supernatural occurrences. Each tale is self-contained yet contributes to the overarching sense of dread that permeates the town.

The characters in "Dwellings" are well-crafted and relatable, which makes their descent into horror all the more impactful. Stephens has a knack for building suspense and delivering shocking twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The dialogue is sharp and effective, enhancing the eerie atmosphere and deepening the sense of unease.

Tropes/Themes
- Small-Town Horror
- Anthology Format
- Supernatural Elements:
- Psychological Horror
- Dark Secrets:

"Dwellings" is a must-read for fans of horror and graphic novels. Jay Stephens has crafted a terrifying world that is as beautiful as it is horrifying. With its compelling storytelling, stunning artwork, and relentless suspense, this graphic novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone brave enough to enter the town of Elwich. Whether you're a seasoned horror aficionado or new to the genre, "Dwellings" offers a nightmarish experience that you won't soon forget.

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Dwellings by J Stevens is a great book about ghosts let me just explain this book is so good I am blind and after my husband started reading to me I downloaded the comics app so I can hear the stories by myself and OMG if I was not excited to find out there’s going to be a book two this comic is about the small town of El witch which is a perfect lovely little hamlet unless you see it’s creepy side and OMG is it creepy. I can’t comment on the pictures although my husband said the really good but you don’t know him and don’t know that I praise from him but I can’t say the story is awesome and I cannot wait for the next one. I want to thank the publisher for my free ARC copy via NetGalley please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

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Fascinating visual storytelling with lots of plays. It’s colorful, has the right amount of thrill, and feels like a nice blend of classic and contemporary storytelling.

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Yes, yes, yes. I love horror with humor intertwined. The stories kept me interested, and i loved the advertisements.

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