Such a fun read. The storyline was very original and I loved the characters banter. The illustration was gorgeous. I can’t wait for the next one. Thanks NetGallery!

Thank you, NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios, for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story is about a Korean-American woman who can see two types of strings connecting people: blue between sexual partners and black between murderers and their victims. Until one day, she finds herself connected by a black string. Will she be murdered, or will she murder someone?

The premise of the story really piqued my interest, but the execution fell a bit short. It could’ve been better, and I found it somewhat disappointing. However, I believe others might enjoy it more. The artwork and colors were nice, but I wish there had been more backstory about her powers. The premise was all we knew, and the plot lacked structure, making the story feel scattered. Some of the conversations gave me the "ick," particularly around the "they/them" dialogue. Additionally, there was a lot of swearing and sexual content, which wasn’t to my liking.

obtained as an ARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review

fav quote: “The future is nothing more than the result of the present.”

4⭐️

i really wish we got more of a backstory from the main characters but, overall, the story itself was good. the artwork is DIVINE and the writing was nice!

I really like this, the story and the art it’s really nice, I will say I’ll definitely read more of the author if possible because I think this can become one of my favorites graphic novel, this is a good introduction book and that’s why I gave it 3 stars, if the story develops to more I’ll be happy to read it

The story was great and the artwork was beautiful and very colourful. I wish it explored the main character's powers more and maybe gotten to know the main characters better.

Overall it was a very enjoyable and fun read.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!!

Fast paced action 💜

ARC review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a wild ride. The art fits the mood and changes slightly to fit into the aspects of her location. Gritty and dark,m with sparks of pastels bring this dark story humor and lightheartedness.

I found the female lead to be strong, comfortable in her skin, but still vulnerable. Whip smart, a bit awkward, and relatable. I cannot wait for more!

Thank you Netgalley and Mad Cave Studios for this eARC.

—Brief Summary-

Police consultant Yoon-Sook Namgung, helps find murders through her magical ability. Despite the hostile treatment she receives from the police department she forges on, solving crimes and helping her own clients along the way.

After all, no one else seems interested in solving the murder of her own family.

This was an absolute delight to read, there was not a single dull moment and I haven't read anything quite like it before. The premise of Yoon having this ability to see both strings between murderers and their victims and people who have slept together was such a fascinating and a wholly original concept.

We get to know Yoon and her cop companion Luke, who have such a wholesome dynamic. They're playful with each other but there's also a great amount of loyalty which was really heartwarming to read - their banter is the cherry on top I loved reading them bicker. I think this is partly thanks to how sharp, candid and witty Yoon is throughout the story she really is the driving factor of a lot of the comic relief between the action. The other characters we meet are equally as vibrant and interesting. I loved Litty, she had so many dimensions to her character, I loved that she was a sex worker but equally volunteered at Central Park as a gardener it just made her ineffably interesting to get to know her.

Sager's character was so odd and disturbing but he was also so funny in his neuroticisms and quirks. I thought he was a super memorable 'villain' just on the basis of how colourful his personality was - I did chuckle at him having a toilet in his van that didn't work but he just sat on to calm himself down that was a really funny image to me.

The action in this book was second to none, I loved the pacing of it and I couldn't fault the action sequences - they were really well executed. I also appreciated Yoon's slight nod to philosophy and the theme of determinism vs free will in being able to sometimes predict the future with her strings ('the future is nothing more than a result of the present' was also a really nice moment). Also loved that the concept was spun on its head for a little plot twist with the ending, I didn't see that coming but it was really satisfying regardless.

The art and drawing in this book deserves its own review because it was nothing short of incredible. I loved the colouring and palette used, it was super vibrant and really made the story pop out the page. Also, I was a big fan of the attention to detail - 'Agatha Crispy's sandwiches n pizzas' made me smile haha.

All in all, a wonderful action book with a sparkling concept that is fun, sexy and witty.

Wow. It's hard to say what could have made me like this comic less other than if it had been objectively offensive in some bigger way.

So, you'd think that a supernatural mystery starring a pink-haired Korean-American woman and a Black nonbinary police officer would be right up my alley. Here's the thing: to me, this read like absolute tokenism. Like, what are Yoon-Sook Namgung's defining characteristics? Well, she introduces herself as Korean-American, she has pink hair, and she has a poorly explained magic power and Batman-adjacent backstory. And a cat. And... that's it. She had nothing else going for her. I was left with the uncomfortable feeling that her background was the shorthand substitute for making her an interesting person. Oh, we do get an uncomfortable line apropos of NOTHING about how she gets horny when she's anxious. This line is delivered in a context that made my skin crawl off my body and take up residence in a separate room of my house.

Same with Luke, the cop. What do we know about them? They're nonbinary. They like to, and I quote, "slap ass." They like coffee and like to make jokes about how they want to sleep with famous people. They're sort of dating a woman at work who is revealed to have slept with someone new in every scene in which she appears. That's literally all I can tell you about Luke as a person.

The "mysteries" are worse than pointless. Yoon-Sook "solves" them by walking into a room, seeing the black strings, and shouting about it. That's it. Mystery solved! And the mysteries are so stupid and pointless. We get no story. No lead-up. No denouement. There's no reason to care about anyone or anything that happens. On top of that, this story features a two large gangs of Hispanic criminals who do violent, hypersexualized things with zero motivation. The "reveal" at the end makes less than zero sense. If the whole story arc had focused on that storyline, maybe something could have made that feel less pointless, but it seemed like an afterthought, and isn't even consistent. Dude had nasty chemical burns on his face that healed in... 8 hours??? Less?????

On top of that, the art did the thing where the main character's buttcheeks would take up half a frame, or a female side character would twist so that you could see her T&A on full display for NO. REASON. other than sexualizing the female characters. Listen. You can put in cute little dialogue about how women are more than objects, but it doesn't land if you spend your entire d*** comic objectifying those characters.

To say that I was disappointed in this would be an understatement, and the fact that the book paid lip service to diversity somehow made it worse for me. At best, this was lazy characterization and storytelling. At worst, the main characters' identites was a gimmick intended to make them more interesting than making them white and cis. The fact that the blurb makes such a big deal about Yoon-Sook's racial identity gives me the ick in hindsight. I'll leave it at that and say that I have no idea who the target audience for this book is.

I received an ARC of this comic through NetGalley. My thoughts are my own.

‘String’ presents an intriguing premise, offering a unique blend of science fiction and social commentary. However, while the core concept has potential, the execution struggles under the weight of heavy-handed messaging, which at times overshadows both the plot and character development.

Plot: ★★☆☆☆
At its core, the plot of ‘String’ has a compelling foundation, but it often takes a backseat to the book’s political and social themes. While messages about gender identity, toxic masculinity, and women's rights are important and relevant, their frequency and intensity can make it difficult to stay engaged with the actual narrative. Rather than seamlessly integrating these themes into the story, they at times feel like interruptions, pulling readers out of any potential immersive experience.

Character: ★★☆☆☆
The characters have potential, but like the plot, they feel somewhat overshadowed by their defining traits. While representation is valuable and welcome, the way it’s handled in ‘String’ makes the characters feel more like vessels for messages rather than fully realised individuals. Their identities, occupations, and personal struggles are undoubtedly interesting, but they don’t always coalesce into well-rounded, engaging characters.

Setting: ★★★☆☆
The world of ‘String’ is intriguing, though it lacks the depth and development needed to make it truly immersive. There are glimpses of a fascinating setting, but they often feel underexplored, leaving the reader wanting more. The potential is certainly there, but the book prioritizes themes and character traits over truly fleshing out its world.

Illustrations: ★★☆☆☆
The artwork in ‘String’ is well-executed, but the style may not appeal to everyone. While the illustrations are technically solid and complement the story, they don’t necessarily enhance the reading experience in a significant way. Personal preference plays a big role here - some readers may love the aesthetic, while others, like myself, may find it less engaging.

Engagement: ★☆☆☆☆
Due to the overwhelming focus on social and political themes, it can be difficult to stay fully engaged with the story. Readers who are looking for a plot-driven experience may find themselves struggling to stay invested as the narrative frequently shifts its focus. While some may appreciate the book’s dedication to addressing important topics, others may find it disrupts the overall storytelling flow.

Readability: ★★★☆☆
Despite its other shortcomings, ‘String’ is well-written in terms of prose. Paul Tobin’s style is clear and easy to follow, making for a smooth reading experience. However, the density of the themes and messages may still make it feel heavier than its actual page count.

Enjoyment: ★☆☆☆☆
Enjoyment of ‘String’ will largely depend on what a reader is looking for. If you are seeking a story that focuses on its plot and characters first, this book may feel frustrating. However, if you enjoy books that engage deeply with social commentary and themes of identity, there may be more for you to appreciate. Ultimately, the book’s balance - or lack thereof - between story and message will determine how much each reader enjoys it.

‘String’ is a book with an important voice but struggles with its execution. While its themes are relevant and its writing is solid, the overwhelming focus on social commentary drowns out its core story and characters. Readers who enjoy narrative-driven storytelling may find themselves disappointed, while those who prioritise strong thematic discussions may find it more compelling.

String is an engaging and fast-paced read. It felt like watching a gritty, adults-only police procedural with a twist on the red string legend. The art style is very dynamic, further accentuating the "TV drama" feel of the comic and the characters/dialogues do feel like they would fit right into a detective drama. The comic breaks up the action with existential questions around pre-determinism, which adds dimension to the story. It felt as though the author was anticipating possible questions from readers and attempting to answer them within the comic's pages--a welcome acknowledgment of the audience. You are left with the desire to read more, a "to be continued" that nods to the main character's backstory. While Volume 1 does lay the groundwork for the characters' abilities, there's still a lot of mystery surrounding Yoon and her backstory. I wish that Luke's and Yoon's personalities were more fleshed out in this volume, but I look forward to reading more of them in subsequent issues. All in all, this was a good read -- a good mix of action, adventure, philosophy, and comedy with a very unique take on the tried-and-tested detective/mystery genre, complemented by vivid art. I would give this 4.5/5.

Thank you NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

String tried extremely hard to be both edgy, and woke at the same time, and it failed on both accounts. I kept eye rolling at how bad the dialogue was written for the FMC. Men writing women can sometimes just give you the ick.

The art is what cinched and extra star for me, because the art was great. Plus, the story takes place where I live which was fun. That's where the enjoyment ended for me.

First and foremost, a big thank you to NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for the ARC! As always, all thoughts are my own.

The premise? Absolutely killer (no pun intended). A woman who can see the invisible strings connecting people who’ve hooked up and, more disturbingly, the dark strings between killers and their victims? Yeah, I was all in from the start. Add a gorgeous cover and some fantastic interior art with lush, atmospheric coloring, and I was ready to be blown away.

But then… the story happened. Or rather, it sort of rushed past me before I even had time to care. The pacing is fast, but not in a gripping, edge-of-your-seat way—more like someone hitting the fast-forward button just a little too hard. The mystery? Let’s just say, if you glanced at the right panel, you could probably point out the killer early on. And the characters? No development, no meaningful bonds, not even between the two supposed partners working the case. It all felt disappointingly hollow.

Now, let’s talk representation. I’m all for diverse, well-written characters and authentic representation in media. However, in String, it felt like representation itself became a character - one that overshadowed the actual plot. The comic spends an excessive amount of time on sex, cheating, and characters constantly thinking about, well… more sex. Meanwhile, the core premise - the murder strings - got left in the dust. If the story had focused more on its central mystery rather than who’s sleeping with whom and sexual fantasies and comments, it might have worked better.

To be fair, this is just the first arc and the first book in the series. But honestly? It wraps up as a mostly complete story, so you won’t be left hanging if you decide to stop here.

Final thoughts? Not impressed. Stunning visuals, great potential, but the execution left a lot to be desired.

I've read quite a few stories with the string of fate inspirations. This had such a fun twist to those tales. The author made it very interesting and different than what you think of with typicl string of fate stories. I love the depth to Yoon's (our main character) abilities with seeing the strings, from the different colors, to how they can be faded, etc. I'm very excited to read more and see what else they add to her abilities. Will there be other colors, other aspects to her abilities? Thanks Netgalley for the access!

Yoon-Sook Namgung can see strings between people - blue strings for sexual partners and black strings for murderer/murdered. With the help of a detective, Yoon helps solve a few cases, including one that threatens her own life.

This was fast-paced with a fun premise. I think this would make a great show actually. It feels like a police procedural show/book where there is a civilian who helps solve cases but add in a fantastical element.

I enjoyed the characters, writing, and pace. I particularly liked some of the character drawings. This feels like a series where you would get to know the characters more as the series progresses.

3.5, rounded up

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy

Graphic novels are still pretty new to me, but I really want to read more of them. When I saw the cover of String, I was immediately intrigued—the vibrant colors and the art style caught my attention right away. The premise also sounded incredibly exciting and unique:

Yoon-Sook Namgung can see two types of “strings”—blue ones that connect sexual partners and black ones that link murderers to their victims.

Such an original concept! I was really curious to see how the story would unfold. But in the end, it was just okay for me.

First of all, the illustrations are fantastic! I absolutely loved the art style, and the bold colors made the story visually striking. Yoon-Sook, as a protagonist, is beautifully designed, and the overall artwork was definitely a highlight for me.

However, the storytelling left me a bit conflicted. The plot jumps very quickly between different locations, which sometimes made it hard to follow. I often felt like I didn’t have enough time to fully immerse myself in a scene before being rushed to the next one. The language is also extremely raw—at first, I found it amusing, but after a while, it became too much. Lots of swearing, a lot of sexualization—it could have been toned down a bit for my taste. A big downside for me was the scene where a dog gets thrown through the air for no real reason. That’s just not something I enjoy.

I did like the character Luke, but I didn’t really feel a strong connection between him and Yoon-Sook. Their relationship remained surface-level, and I couldn’t fully invest in it emotionally.

Despite my mixed feelings, String is still a fast-paced and unique story that made me excited to explore more graphic novels. While it didn’t completely blow me away, it was an interesting read. A solid 3 stars.

I‘m going to add the links, when the Book is published

3.25**
This comic is one of the most unique stories I’ve read in terms of supernatural abilities. Our main character, Yoon, can see strings that connect people who have had sexual relationships and see strings connecting murderers to their victims.
While I think the dialogue between the two main characters was at times witty, there were other times where I felt the dialogue was unnecessary. It’s not like Bendis level, but there is a lot of background yapping that could’ve been edited out. Additionally, for other women or femme readers, it’s very obvious this story was written by a man. I applaud him for being inclusive to many sexualities, genders, and races, so it’s not bad. There were just some scenes that I audibly laughed at because it made very little sense to my woman brain.
Issue 1 is solid enough to entice readers to come back. Again, very interesting premise.
As the story progresses there are many allusions to the fact that Yoon has a past with Litty Mondo, one of the side characters, but we never find out much about her personal life. I feel like the author is hinting at them being ex-lovers, but that was not wrapped up really well.
Issues 2 and 3 were solid, though sometimes the ambiguity of Yoon’s powers are used to quickly end case. It felt like the red herrings were just wastes time, as neither Litty nor the Quinones case had much to do with Yoon’s initial concern. I was waiting for these cases to tie into each other, as well as Yoon’s parents, but in the end neither did.
Overall, fun characters, art is average, the colorist did a good job. I would be willing to read another installment of this series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for the e-arc!

String is a dark comedy about Yoon-Sook Namgung who can see two types of "strings" connecting various people. One of the string colors is dark blue and it connects murderers to their victims. Yoon-Sook helps the police with their cases using her ability. That is until one day she sees a dark blue string coming from herself. She now has to figure out if this string means that she is going to be a murderer or become a victim. I felt this first volume was a bit all over the place with its tone. I expected it to shift to be more serious since we have this mystery looming over Yoon-sook. This just felt a bit too unserious. Which I think will make people want to continue but for me I expected things to shift once we started laying down the groundwork for the plot. I still recommend checking this out if you like reading about the "strings of fate" and want to see it executed in an urban setting.

Strange yet enjoyable. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for future volumes.
Loved that it was fully in color.
Not sure why/if the scene with the pornstar handing out food to the homeless was necessary (what was the point? Will it make a difference in a later volume? Is it moving the story forward?)
There is a lot of cursing, which I usually don’t care about, but this much was a tiny bit jarring.

String is an absolutely fun, fast-paced crime comic in the fashion of The Mentalist or Lucifer.

Yoon has been able to see the strings connecting murderers to their victims—and lovers to each other—ever since her parents were murdered. Now, she’s working with police officer Luke to solve a case when, suddenly, she sees her own black string. Is she the victim or the murderer? And can she escape her fate?

With its witty banter and blunt humor, this story had me hooked immediately! The dynamic between the no-fucks-given Yoon and the straight-as-an-arrow Luke is a fantastic mix, leading to plenty of funny moments. And, as with every great story, we don’t just get one but two cute-as-hell animal sidekicks. The LGBTQIA+ representation was the cherry on top—we love a crime-fighting nonbinary character and a chaotic bisexual.

I also really enjoyed the art style; the fight scenes, in particular, almost felt like they were moving.

Dug this one quite a bit. A fun premise led by a quirky character with an odd ability. It really has an unforced inclusive, now-generation vibe to it that’s made me smile. Great artwork, wonderful character design, and an interesting layout brings the whole presentation together. Rad book, would definitely seek out further adventures.