Beautiful artwork and panels. The story itself was short and sweet with a decent premise. I did feel like the execution fell flat. The pacing of things felt kind of choppy, but I feel like there was a lot of potential for a more in depth world/universe to be built here.

Thankyou to Netgalley, the publishers and Kieron Gillen for the opportunity to read We Called Them Giants in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved this and read it in one sitting, I'm a very keen graphic novel reader and this one will be up there in my favourites.
I was hooked from page one on both the story and the beautiful art work.

We are taken on a post apocalyptic journey as Giants inhabit the world, wolves and people trying to survive, all the characters are well fleshed out and interesting as well as imperfect and relatable.

I really look forward to the next book and will be buying a copy for my shelf at home.

Gorgeous and devastating.

The art and the post apocalyptic world you get dropped in had me captivated. I wish we got to know more about the giants and what happens next. This is a stand alone but it read more like the first of a series. I could have gladly stayed in this universe to read and find out more.
4 stars due to the beautiful art, the story alone would be a 3.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

I really enjoyed the art style for this one, and the story was really cool too. I would definitely recommend it!

A lingering apocalyptic fairy tale
—
I’m a huge fan of Kieron Gillen’s and this book, his first graphic novel, does all the things that his otehr works do, namely, explore big things through small stories.

Lori wakes one day and everyone has vanished, that dream/nightmare that we all have. When she finds a friendly face or two, her world is still shattered but she gets on with surviving. Until the day the Giants arrive.

Gillen explains nothing, and why should he? This is a seemingly simple story, a remake of Beauty and the Beast if you will, but it’s not that and yet so much more. Hans’s artwork is both abstract and yet realist, giving the same gloss to the post-apocalyptic suburbs as the otherworldly titular giants, keeping the story menacing and off-kilter until the last moment. The resolution surprised me, leaving me wanting for more, and isn’t that what the best books do?

Four stars.

We Called Them Giants is the heartwarming story of a small group of post-raptuer survivor and 2 mysterious beings that show up after. When Lori wakes up to find herself completely alone, she is scared and confused. It doesn't take long for her to understand that she and a few others left behind are on their own and survival won't be easy.

I absolutely loved the artwork. For the most part, I really enjoyed the storyline. There are a lot of underlying themes of raptures and gods but it isn't expressly stated. The two beings that show up heavily mimic the Christian god and devil.

Overall, I enjoyed it.

Thank you to Image Comics for a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

“we never truly understand each other … but sometimes we understand enough”

I thought this graphic novel was truly beautiful. The artwork, the story, the character relationships. It was stunning

There was definitely some formulaic aspects but the originality and beauty of the art leaves an overwhelmingly positive memory of the book

How do you cope with the end of the world when you never had trust in other people to begin With?

Thank you to #NetGalley and Image for the review copy of #WeCalledThemGiants. All opinions are my own.

If you're looking for a quick read with some amazing illustrations to pass the time, this will definitely fit the bill. I read through this waiting at the doctors office and managed to finish it before I left.

The story line is a bit weak, only in so far as how quickly time passes and the narrator comes to her ultimate realization. But if you're familiar with graphic novels and how they're often paced, this should feel familiar to you.

There were a couple of moments where it felt the narration told us something happened before the imagery caught up to it. I wish that was reversed. In a medium that lends itself so well to show don't tell, that choice felt odd.

That being said, the visuals are stunning. I loved the concept, and the ultimate semi-explanation to come from it toward the end. The characters are interesting and the exploration of a newly-formed apocalypse always gives the opportunity for a thoughtful exploration of humanity. This just mostly doesn't feel like it added all that much to the story outside of the giants. We've seen a lot of post-apoc media in recent years and they all seem rather similar to the way this lays it out too. That could be a benefit, keeping readers familiar with the tropes to focus on the giants. I just think it didn't do enough with the giants then to use that as a fall back.


This premise as a longer series or even a TV show I think would do well. It's just not given the space it needs here.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!

The main themes of this book are isolation, survival and weird bonds—something I can definitely get behind. The story follows Lori, a teenage girl who wakes up to an empty world, searching for answers and finding them in unexpected connections.

I have to admit, I didn’t connect with the story as much as I wanted to—maybe because it moves so fast. But I did love how it explores the idea of giant aliens coming to Earth and looking at us like weird little creatures they want to keep, much like we do with our pets.

Gillen’s We Called Them Giants is an interesting post-apocalyptic graphic novel that explores survival, companionship, and the mysteries of a world transformed. The story follows Lori and Annette as they navigate a desolate cityscape, grappling with loss and the arrival of enigmatic “giants” that bring both wonder and danger. Gillen’s storytelling is engaging, focusing on the bond between the two protagonists and their struggle to adapt to a radically changed world.

Stephanie Hans’ artwork is a standout, bringing the haunting beauty of the setting and the awe-inspiring presence of the giants to life. Her use of color and detail creates a visually stunning experience that perfectly complements the tone of the story. Clayton Cowles’ lettering ties everything together, ensuring a seamless and immersive reading experience.

While the narrative is captivating, the story’s brevity may leave some readers wanting more. Certain elements, such as the origins of the giants and the broader world, feel underexplored, but this also adds to the sense of mystery and invites reflection.

Thank you to Image comics for providing this book for review via netgalley.

#WeCalledThemGiants #NetGalley

This is a gorgeous graphic novel that was brought down by its lack of a thought-through plot. I thought that the story was an illustration of the main character's journal, but it lacked the feelings and the before-thought that a journal would have. A beautiful book that ended in lackluster.

We Called Them Giants is a captivating graphic novel that immediately caught my eye with its stunning cover art. The illustration's beauty compelled me to pick it up, even without any prior knowledge of the plot.

The story follows Lori, a teenage girl who awakens to find her world inexplicably devoid of people. I immediately liked the character. The first few full-page spreads are just stunning.

Lori navigates this eerie, deserted landscape, she encounters colossal, mysterious beings—the Giants—whose presence adds to the enigma of her situation—the narrative delves into themes of isolation, discovery, and the profound impact of unexpected connections. I wasn't expecting to be as moved by the story as I was.
Stephanie Hans' artwork is nothing short of mesmerizing. Each page is a visual feast, with rich, evocative illustrations that perfectly complement Gillen's storytelling. Combining the art and narrative creates an immersive experience that lingers long after the final page.
In summary, We Called Them Giants is a beautifully crafted graphic novel that blends a compelling story with breathtaking art. It's a must-read for fans of the medium and anyone looking for a poignant, visually stunning tale.

I picked this graphic novel up on a whim, but I have to say I quite liked it.

The story is an interesting twist on on some familiar post apocalyptic or dystopian. It is unique, unapologetically, unexplained, and ultimately, surprisingly heartfelt. The ending theme, which I will not disclose had every opportunity to come off as try or schmaltzy, yet it did not.

I don’t remember reading anything else illustrated by Stephanie Hans. Her artwork is enchanting and easy to follow. She is a good storyteller and, again, I quite liked it.

The book is an easy read, and, obviously, enjoyable. For anyone wanting a break from superheroes, high fantasy, or doom and gloom, future scapes, I recommend this highly.

Thank you to NetGalley and Image Comics for a review copy.

While not quite as prolific a duo as Kieron Gillen/Jamie McKelvie, Gillen and Stephanie Hans are a creative team that has excited me in the past, and everything the two work on together at the very least deserves looking into.

That being said, post-apocalyptic stories are a dime a dozen as of late, especially within comic books. An easy sci-fi premise which to base a story, <i>We Called Them Giants</i> is anything but ordinary. It is simultaneously the least post-apocalyptic-post-apocalypse book and the least Kieron Gillen (I mean that complimentary) book I think I have ever read.

Gillen tends to be a bit heady, poetic, imaginative, and high-concept in his work. </i>We Called Them Giants</i> sees Gillen rely on a different skillset; giving the reader just enough to tell a compelling story of three women (Lori, Annette, and Beatrice) and their journey of survival in a barren, bond-building, and heartache while also allowing Stephanie Hans to shine like she has in no other book before. This is easily Hans' best-looking book to date. Hans weaves between raw emotion, lush sights, barren landscapes, and some of the most stunning creatures (some animalistic, some fantastical) in science fiction or fantasy the medium has seen.

Additionally, I believe a huge strength of the book is the OGN format. It was a perfect decision to publish the story this way. I don't think this story could have truly stood up on its own were this to have been released as a miniseries.

This books comes with a high recommendation, and I guarantee once you sit down to read this you will not stop for a single second until reaching the end.

We Called Them Giants by Kieron Gillen is a gripping and visually stunning graphic novel that blends breathtaking art with a deep, immersive narrative. The illustrations are nothing short of beautiful, with each page offering a sense of scale and emotion that enhances the story’s atmospheric tension. Gillen’s storytelling is masterful, keeping readers on the edge of their seat as the suspense unfolds. The themes of identity, power, and the search for meaning resonate throughout, making it not just an exciting read, but one that leaves you reflecting long after you finish. A captivating, thought-provoking experience from start to finish.

This book was somehow everything I was expecting, and also completely caught me by surprise.

I had just expected it something very intense and heart wrenching but it is actually has a really wholesome narrative about those who love us and how they show it.

DNF this one as well. The art was good but honestly, there's only so much interest I seem to have when it comes to Western style comics. Anything that feels like DC just doesn't hit right for me. I can't put my finger on why, but that's where its at.

This will probably do well in the library though, even if it isn't for me. There are plenty of people who will want to enjoy these visuals.

This was a beautiful graphoc novel. The art is amazing. It is such a sad, gut wrenching story. My only negative is it was so short. Btu so well done.

Beautifully drawn, intriguing plot line… but feels like half executed. You can’t help but come out of reading We Called Them Giants without asking “is that it?” Shame, as the world building was interesting and the art quite eye catching… oh well.

4.5*

"Anything smells good when you're starving."

I wasn't sure what exactly to expect from this, but I trusted Kieron enough not to write a bad story and of course, it didn't disappoint.

In a world where a large portion of the population has disappeared and a fierce gang - 'The Dogs' - run rampant, hoarding and killing, Lori and Annette are simply trying to survive.

Thats when they arrive.

Two giants, red and emerald, unable to communicate with humans. No one knows why they're here or where they came from or what they want, but the unknown is dangerous and Lori doesn't know who to trust.

This was a beautiful story about grief and communication, love and loss, and how our experiences shape our outlook. The artistry was as gorgeous as the writing and brought the coldness of winter and (view spoiler).

The ending was short and succinct without being rushed or feeling out of place. Very much enjoyed every inch of this story and honestly it's just made me want to get a physical copy to admire it even further.

Thank you Image Comics & NetGalley for providing me with an arc of this comic - all opinions are my own.