This comic is great. I love COTL and finally having this has been amazing, I just wish it was longer! The humor is charming and there's a decent bit of drama amongst the Lamb and Nana. Not to mention the art is great, took a bit for it to grow on me but it has a nice charm. Eagerly looking forward to the next volume!

Didn’t get a chance to finish this one in time before the book expired on my tablet. I will have to get the book and read it in person and then edit the review once I’ve finished.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

I never played the game, but it is easily enjoyable for those who haven't played the game. The violent take on religion, cults, obsession - all cumulates into how far someone would go in the name of devotion portrayed by woodland creatures. A quick read, that I will definitely read again.

I’m interested in seeing what the next volume has in store but my current feelings are that this is a decent enough tale, but it’s not really something I found unputdownable. I really like the artwork a lot and I’m looking forward to seeing more of that. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

When I was offered this comic, I said yes without hesitation since I spent some time playing the video game (a gore Animal Crossing? Sign me up). Although it's been a while since I last played, this first volume covers the beginning of the story—the resurrection of a little lamb that was sacrificed by priests and its subsequent revenge, creating a demonic cult (I love the premise, not gonna lie).

Visually, it's INCREDIBLE—vibrant colors that match the cartoon style, adorable and heartwarming yet explicitly gory at the same time (my cup of tea).

I enjoyed it, and I might read the next volumes.

Thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for the ARC.

This took me by surprise for a comic based on a fairly silly video game. The story actually had me hooked and went in a direction I wasn't expecting. The art style is just as cute and fun as the game. I don't know where it goes from here because fighting Leshy was as far as I got into the game because I suck at resource management. So I'm excited for the next volume!

Cult of the Lamb Vol. 1 by Alex Paknadel

4 Stars

Comic and Graphic Novels; Media Tie-In; Video Game Tie-In

I received an e-arc of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I have also purchased a physical copy for myself.

I greatly enjoyed the video game Cult of the Lamb that this graphic novel acts as a tie-in to. It is one of my favorite recent games - one I have played to completion (though not 100%). I love the lore and worth building, and I greatly enjoyed how this comic added a canonical backstory expansion to the lamb and the cult as well as expansion to the lore of the world and the bishops beyond what is seen in the game. The art is fantastic, and I am eager to see if they continue to release comic tie-ins.

A warning for the fact that, despite the cute style, the story can be quite dark and bloody, dealing with death and sacrifice and religion. This story may also be less enjoyable for someone who has not played the game.

Very cute, love the art. Didn't realise this was a thing - I competed the game a short while ago and really enjoyed seeing it in this form.

I love this game and I just love this book! I’m usually not one to read manga/graphics novels but this one was great!

I haven't played the game, and now I think I want to! This was such an interesting story--I was kind of surprised, given the vibrant, adorable art style! Every page was a wash of neon, it felt immersive. Honestly very excited for more bound volumes, and to try the game!

I ADORED this graphic novel. Cult of the Lamb is one of my favorite video games and getting more lore on it was so fun. I can’t wait to pick up a physical copy!
It’s cute. It’s dark. It’s a great time.

A super fun title with gorgeous artwork and a striking layout. Made me want to play the game the entire time I was reading…. which was a distraction to the book. Definitely check it out.

I didn’t manage to get the Netgally file downloaded in time, I read this title through a library platform.

THANK YOU THANK YOU ONI PRESS!!!

"Cult of the Lamb Vol. 1" successfully translates the dark whimsy of the hit video game into comic form, maintaining the original's blend of cute aesthetics and sinister undertones. Paknadel captures the essence of what made the game compelling - an innocent Lamb's transformation into a cult leader after making a deal with an ancient deity - while adapting it naturally to the comic medium.
The story deftly balances its darker themes of religious manipulation and power with moments of dark humor. The narrative follows Lamb's journey from sacrificial victim to revolutionary leader, challenging the Four Bishops of the Old Faith. Paknadel's writing gives depth to the game's lore, exploring themes of faith, power, and rebellion through a fresh lens.

While newcomers can enjoy the comic on its own merits, fans of the game will particularly appreciate how the adaptation expands on familiar elements while maintaining the original's distinctive tone. The only minor drawback might be that some of the game's interactive elements necessarily lose their impact in comic form. Nevertheless, this is a strong adaptation that stands on its own as an engaging dark fantasy tale.

Cult of the Lamb: The First Verse brings the eerie, offbeat charm of the beloved video game into graphic novel form, capturing the darkly whimsical tone that made the original so popular. With its striking visuals and intriguing expansion of the game’s lore, this is a fun companion piece for fans of the franchise.

Alex Paknadel’s storytelling successfully translates the game’s mix of horror and satire, diving deeper into the Lamb’s journey and the sinister forces at play. The narrative keeps the same cult-building, deity-defying themes, while Troy Little’s artwork balances the grotesque and the adorable, creating a unique visual style that feels right at home in the Cult of the Lamb universe.

That said, while the book is visually engaging and packed with atmospheric worldbuilding, the pacing can feel uneven, and some plot points lack the depth needed to make them as impactful as they could be. Readers unfamiliar with the game might find certain elements confusing or underexplained.

Despite these minor shortcomings, The First Verse is an entertaining dive into the bizarre and brutal world of Cult of the Lamb, making it a worthy read for fans looking to revisit the game's eerie yet endearing universe in a new format.

Thank you Oni Press and Netgalley for the readers copy.
Not that many books can straddle the line of both cute/funny and dark/scary but this succeeds almost effortlessly.
I loved the premise and the characters but I felt that I may have enjoyed this more if I'd played the game. There was something missing that I can't really place.
The art, colouring, and design were a feast for the eyes and I can only imagine how beautiful it would be in motion.

Fans of the Cult of the Lamb video game will be pleased with this graphic novel adaption. Between the artwork and evolution of the lore, this volume 1 will leave you asking for more from the One Who Waits

A comic book that is going so well with the video game. It's a chance for non-gamer to discover Cult of The Lamb. The choice in the story, the discovery of a new backstory. The comic handle well the translation between the game and a drawing serie. Can't wait to read the rest!

A brilliant graphic novel, with excellent artwork. Great for fans of the game, but equally a great introduction to it for anyone not familiar with the game or story.

The art style is very cute, which creates a good contrast with the themes of the story, which are pretty dark. The way action scenes are illustrated is very interesting and gives (literally) some punch. It's fascinating to see more of The Lamb’s personality, who is way less adorable in this comic book compared to the image I had of it with the game. Moreover, the supportive characters are also interesting, especially Nana, which is a character with a strong personality.
This book is especially great if you know the game.

Ever since I heard one of my favorite games of 2024 was getting a graphic novel, I’ve been chomping at the bit to get my hands on it. I’m so glad I finally did and the fun time I had!

Backstory for people who know nothing about this creepy cozy little game: in this hit indie game, you start out as the last lamb alive that is to be sacrificed. Suddenly, as you are at death’s door, a god gives you the opportunity to come back to life as long as you swear allegiance to them and promise to begin and grow a cult in their honor. You might be thinking to yourself, Raven, this doesn’t exactly sound very cozy. And yet, the lamb is the cutest little guy there ever was, with so many decoration options such as a cottage core dlc. Who would have known managing a cult could be cozy? 

Where the graphic novel starts is at the very beginning of our sweet lamb’s story. We get to truly experience the heart of the story from the lamb's perspective, making it even more personal than the video game. Each character is given such precious art that it hits that much harder when any of our cute animal friends die, making the story so much more real than when we see our small followers from a distance on our video game screens. I love learning more lore, some true to the game and some in ways that could diverge from the choices you make as an individual in the game setting.

I recommend this book both to preexisting lovers of the franchise and to newbies alike, although I do admit my love for the game gives me an extra attachment and bias toward my love of the book.

For both book and game, I would most certainly check trigger warnings. These both deal with heavy topics that while somewhat glossed over and cartoon in nature, can be triggering to some regardless. Calling this game “cozy” is for sure a debated topic within the cozy gaming sphere as there is a lot of violence in various forms.

Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for this eARC. I loved getting to dive into even more of the world of Cult of the Lamb! I cannot wait for the next comics to come out.