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A Legacy of Violence #v1
A Legacy of Violence Vol. 1
When a serial killer is on the loose in Honduras, a group of Doctors must follow the trail of blood while uncovering ghastly truths from their own pasts.
When Dr. Nicholas Shaw joins a humanitarian medical outfit in Honduras, he hopes to recover from a recent traumatic event and actually help those in need. But something sinister has followed Dr. Shaw here, something that wants to put his medical skills to ghastly tests. There’s something connected to this young doctor's past and to untold horrors that occurred long before he was born…
When Dr. Nicholas Shaw joins a humanitarian medical outfit in Honduras, he hopes to recover from a recent traumatic event and actually help those in need. But something sinister has followed Dr. Shaw here, something that wants to put his medical skills to ghastly tests. There’s something connected to this young doctor's past and to untold horrors that occurred long before he was born…
96 pages, Paperback
Published April 4, 2023
4 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Cullen Bunn
2,086 books1,067 followersCullen grew up in rural North Carolina, but now lives in the St. Louis area with his wife Cindy and his son Jackson. His noir/horror comic (and first collaboration with Brian Hurtt), The Damned, was published in 2007 by Oni Press. The follow-up, The Damned: Prodigal Sons, was released in 2008. In addition to The Sixth Gun, his current projects include Crooked Hills, a middle reader horror prose series from Evileye Books; The Tooth, an original graphic novel from Oni Press; and various work for Marvel and DC. Somewhere along the way, Cullen founded Undaunted Press and edited the critically acclaimed small press horror magazine, Whispers from the Shattered Forum.
All writers must pay their dues, and Cullen has worked various odd jobs, including Alien Autopsy Specialist, Rodeo Clown, Professional Wrestler Manager, and Sasquatch Wrangler.
And, yes, he has fought for his life against mountain lions and he did perform on stage as the World's Youngest Hypnotist. Buy him a drink sometime, and he'll tell you all about it.
Visit his website at www.cullenbunn.com.
All writers must pay their dues, and Cullen has worked various odd jobs, including Alien Autopsy Specialist, Rodeo Clown, Professional Wrestler Manager, and Sasquatch Wrangler.
And, yes, he has fought for his life against mountain lions and he did perform on stage as the World's Youngest Hypnotist. Buy him a drink sometime, and he'll tell you all about it.
Visit his website at www.cullenbunn.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
June 16, 2023
Many thanks to NetGalley, Cullen Bunn, and Mad Cave Studios for a chance to review this book. I was given this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion. I have not felt compelled, in any way, by the author, the publisher, or NetGalley to alter my sincerest thoughts on this book. Every word of this review is solely and completely mine.
I always feel a little frustrated when I have to review a book that is only a part of the story. A novel may start really well, but then deteriorate, or vice-versa, so this is really a partial review. Here, Doctors Without Borders has sent a contingent to work in Honduras. A serial killer garbed in a skull-faced mask and medical outfit is killing people in extremely gory ways. There is usually a historical, prior evil component to slasher type stories, and this one is no different. There is a hint that one of the doctors as a child overheard something from his grandparents that involves Unit 731, a Japanese unit that experimented with WWII prisoners. This is sufficiently repeated as to appear significant although the doctor's involvement may be a red herring.
I love the artwork by Andrea Mutti. The watercolor gives a splatter effect that works as a medium to convey horror, blood, and gore. This is my #6 of 10 GN/TPBs for my reading goal 2023.
I always feel a little frustrated when I have to review a book that is only a part of the story. A novel may start really well, but then deteriorate, or vice-versa, so this is really a partial review. Here, Doctors Without Borders has sent a contingent to work in Honduras. A serial killer garbed in a skull-faced mask and medical outfit is killing people in extremely gory ways. There is usually a historical, prior evil component to slasher type stories, and this one is no different. There is a hint that one of the doctors as a child overheard something from his grandparents that involves Unit 731, a Japanese unit that experimented with WWII prisoners. This is sufficiently repeated as to appear significant although the doctor's involvement may be a red herring.
I love the artwork by Andrea Mutti. The watercolor gives a splatter effect that works as a medium to convey horror, blood, and gore. This is my #6 of 10 GN/TPBs for my reading goal 2023.
April 13, 2023
The second horror comic I've recently read that exploits the true horror of Unit 731. Unit 731 was a Japanese project during WW2 where all kinds of horrific experiments were done to prisoners of war - think live operations where the victim is fully awake, experiments with diseases, explosives, the list is extensive and shocking.
You could do a respectful comic about this subject, but no, we just keep using it for cheap horror, and it's reprehensible.
It doesn't help that what we get is an extremely clichéd serial killer story - a main character who thinks he's losing his mind, a serial killer who does little shitty quips.
The serial killer looks ridiculous - there's a panel where he jumps into the air, and I actually laughed out loud.
The story just suddenly ends, you're not getting an actual fully fleshed out story arc.
I get it, Cullen Bunn has really embraced the idea that he's some kind of comics Stephen King, but he just keeps churning out clichéd stuff that is never actually frightening. Except for exploiting Unit 731, I guess that's really quite horrible. Well done.
(Thanks to Mad Cave Studios for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley)
You could do a respectful comic about this subject, but no, we just keep using it for cheap horror, and it's reprehensible.
It doesn't help that what we get is an extremely clichéd serial killer story - a main character who thinks he's losing his mind, a serial killer who does little shitty quips.
The serial killer looks ridiculous - there's a panel where he jumps into the air, and I actually laughed out loud.
The story just suddenly ends, you're not getting an actual fully fleshed out story arc.
I get it, Cullen Bunn has really embraced the idea that he's some kind of comics Stephen King, but he just keeps churning out clichéd stuff that is never actually frightening. Except for exploiting Unit 731, I guess that's really quite horrible. Well done.
(Thanks to Mad Cave Studios for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley)
July 9, 2023
Cullen Bunn's works tend to be a bit hit-and-miss for me, and sadly, this one was a miss. It felt like I was getting the middle of a story that was missing the beginning and never effectively worked its way back to explain what was happening, or why. I did get a bit more interested in the backstory by the end of this volume, but it ended so abruptly that my interest fizzled out and I probably won't continue the series.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.
✨ Representation: BIPOC side characters
✨ Content warnings for:
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Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.
✨ Representation: BIPOC side characters
✨ Content warnings for:
———
twitter | booktok | bookstagram | blog
April 13, 2023
Wow this graphic novel really pulled me in and would not let me go! I love the story and the drawing is fantastic. I can't wait to read more!
April 25, 2023
Thank you net galley for providing me with a free copy of a legacy of violence in exchange for a honest review.
While I did love the artstyle and found the premise promising this lacked severely in terms of actual plot. I understand that this is the first volume but I still believe that it should of been longer, as the ending was so disappointing and sudden I had to check twice that yes it did indeed end this way.
The characters are in no way memorable. And as someone who does heavily care about characters in stories this lacked severely when it came to making the characters fleshed out. Other than Nick I couldn't remember anyone's name.
The killer arguably the most important character in horror media also seems to have no motivation to kill people other than entertainment.
Overall a pretty lacking and unmemorably graphic novel I would not recommend.
While I did love the artstyle and found the premise promising this lacked severely in terms of actual plot. I understand that this is the first volume but I still believe that it should of been longer, as the ending was so disappointing and sudden I had to check twice that yes it did indeed end this way.
The characters are in no way memorable. And as someone who does heavily care about characters in stories this lacked severely when it came to making the characters fleshed out. Other than Nick I couldn't remember anyone's name.
The killer arguably the most important character in horror media also seems to have no motivation to kill people other than entertainment.
Overall a pretty lacking and unmemorably graphic novel I would not recommend.
March 19, 2023
World War II history buffs, or even The X-Files aficionados, may feel a measure of dread the first time the words "Unit 731" are uttered in Cullen Bunn's opening volume to his A Legacy of Violence. What it means to the larger plot at work in this story is a mystery, but a compelling one.
Collecting the first four issues of this 12-issue maxiseries, Bunn introduces us to a death-masked serial killer in a black body suit operating in Honduras, targeting in grisly fashion a group of Doctors Without Borders volunteers. With Italian artist Andrea Mutti, we're treated to some ghastly visuals of human vivisections, which gives Mutti the chance to tease readers with occasionally obscure but still bloody details before shocking us senseless with gnarly splash-pages that reveal the incomprehensible.
Bunn's giallo-inspired script gives Mutti a chance to revel in grotesque body horrors and toe-curling tortures, and the artist proves to be more than up to the challenge. I was caught off-guard with two nasty and memorable moments, and A Legacy of Violence acts as a wonderful showcase to how the pacing and artistic sensibilities of the comic book medium can surprise and delight simply through the turning of a page or two. Mutti's sensibilities as an artist are a terrific match for Bunn's horror story, with off-kilter panels giving readers a sense of dislocation shared by protagonist Dr. Nick Shaw, and his watercolors give the affair a sense of moody, dreamy unreality.
As far as the story, well, it's early yet. This opening gambit of A Legacy of Violence is a hair-raising descent into madness, one that raises a handful of questions but is not yet prepared to answer any of them. Bunn teases us with a possible connection between Shaw and the masked, barbed-wire wielding murderer, as well as flashbacks to a childhood trauma from Shaw's past, as well as his WWII veteran grandfather. The title itself is clearly a pretty big hint as to what this series is, or rather will be, all about, and these four issues are a tantalizing starter.
Where A Legacy of Violence is ultimately headed is anybody's guess, and I certainly do have my guesses, that's for sure. I fully expect Bunn to upend each of them as the story progresses, too.
Collecting the first four issues of this 12-issue maxiseries, Bunn introduces us to a death-masked serial killer in a black body suit operating in Honduras, targeting in grisly fashion a group of Doctors Without Borders volunteers. With Italian artist Andrea Mutti, we're treated to some ghastly visuals of human vivisections, which gives Mutti the chance to tease readers with occasionally obscure but still bloody details before shocking us senseless with gnarly splash-pages that reveal the incomprehensible.
Bunn's giallo-inspired script gives Mutti a chance to revel in grotesque body horrors and toe-curling tortures, and the artist proves to be more than up to the challenge. I was caught off-guard with two nasty and memorable moments, and A Legacy of Violence acts as a wonderful showcase to how the pacing and artistic sensibilities of the comic book medium can surprise and delight simply through the turning of a page or two. Mutti's sensibilities as an artist are a terrific match for Bunn's horror story, with off-kilter panels giving readers a sense of dislocation shared by protagonist Dr. Nick Shaw, and his watercolors give the affair a sense of moody, dreamy unreality.
As far as the story, well, it's early yet. This opening gambit of A Legacy of Violence is a hair-raising descent into madness, one that raises a handful of questions but is not yet prepared to answer any of them. Bunn teases us with a possible connection between Shaw and the masked, barbed-wire wielding murderer, as well as flashbacks to a childhood trauma from Shaw's past, as well as his WWII veteran grandfather. The title itself is clearly a pretty big hint as to what this series is, or rather will be, all about, and these four issues are a tantalizing starter.
Where A Legacy of Violence is ultimately headed is anybody's guess, and I certainly do have my guesses, that's for sure. I fully expect Bunn to upend each of them as the story progresses, too.
April 20, 2023
Thank you, NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
3,2 ⭐
I don't usually go for this kind of book but I wanted to give it a chance and try something new. In general, it was a good and quick read. I'm not sure if I'll look for the next installment though.
I think the art was okay, but while I understand the dark shades added to the creepy atmosphere, sometimes it was frustrating because I couldn't see clearly what was going on. The story was a bit cliche for my taste but it was interesting to learn about Unit 731.
3,2 ⭐
I don't usually go for this kind of book but I wanted to give it a chance and try something new. In general, it was a good and quick read. I'm not sure if I'll look for the next installment though.
I think the art was okay, but while I understand the dark shades added to the creepy atmosphere, sometimes it was frustrating because I couldn't see clearly what was going on. The story was a bit cliche for my taste but it was interesting to learn about Unit 731.
April 2, 2023
I really really wanted to like A Legacy of Violence. I'm a huge horror fan and love dark, macabre narratives. I can stomach gore easily and am totally fine with heavy themes. This one failed on every level for me and it pains me to write such a negative review, especially since the publisher graciously provided me with an ARC.
First off, the art is good. It's on the rougher side but I think that adds a fitting amount of grittiness to the visuals. It was definitely what I liked most about the comic book.
Narratively, it is a complete mess imo. The name "Unit 731" gets dropped early on in the story as a sort of hook to make the reader want to learn more about it. I study Japanese Studies, so I am well aware of the absolutely stomach-turning war crimes the Japanese military committed, including this one. As such, this hook lost all mystery and I was instead scared of how the subject matter would be handled. It wasn't dealt with over the course of the first volume, so I can't speak further on this matter. I only know that I personally wasn't a fan of how it was dangled in front of the reader as this mysterious hook to follow and I sincerely hope it won't turn out to only serve as a plot device. I am pretty sure that anyone who did research on Unit 731 will handle it with respect. It was only the way it was used to string the reader along that was absolutely not my cup of tea and rubbed me the wrong way, which is ABSOLUTELY not to say that Cullen Bunn will not incorporate it respectfully in future volumes.
Other than that, there's not much there. Not one character was memorable and I didn't feel gripped by the narrative. I just didn't care and didn't feel anything. While I'm a-okay with violence in horror (obvsly), I like it to have a purpose other than "oh look human in pain so killer bad". Since I didn't really know any of the victims and had no clue about the killer and their motivation, it just felt senseless (and not in a "wow this makes a point about the senselessness of violence"-way).
The ending was incredibly abrupt and I found myself going "...really?" So yeah, idk, I guess this one really wasn't for me AT ALL. I think I just like different types of horror more. I hate to give it such a bad rating but I gotta be honest here.
- ARC provided by NetGalley -
First off, the art is good. It's on the rougher side but I think that adds a fitting amount of grittiness to the visuals. It was definitely what I liked most about the comic book.
Narratively, it is a complete mess imo. The name "Unit 731" gets dropped early on in the story as a sort of hook to make the reader want to learn more about it. I study Japanese Studies, so I am well aware of the absolutely stomach-turning war crimes the Japanese military committed, including this one. As such, this hook lost all mystery and I was instead scared of how the subject matter would be handled. It wasn't dealt with over the course of the first volume, so I can't speak further on this matter. I only know that I personally wasn't a fan of how it was dangled in front of the reader as this mysterious hook to follow and I sincerely hope it won't turn out to only serve as a plot device. I am pretty sure that anyone who did research on Unit 731 will handle it with respect. It was only the way it was used to string the reader along that was absolutely not my cup of tea and rubbed me the wrong way, which is ABSOLUTELY not to say that Cullen Bunn will not incorporate it respectfully in future volumes.
Other than that, there's not much there. Not one character was memorable and I didn't feel gripped by the narrative. I just didn't care and didn't feel anything. While I'm a-okay with violence in horror (obvsly), I like it to have a purpose other than "oh look human in pain so killer bad". Since I didn't really know any of the victims and had no clue about the killer and their motivation, it just felt senseless (and not in a "wow this makes a point about the senselessness of violence"-way).
The ending was incredibly abrupt and I found myself going "...really?" So yeah, idk, I guess this one really wasn't for me AT ALL. I think I just like different types of horror more. I hate to give it such a bad rating but I gotta be honest here.
- ARC provided by NetGalley -
March 27, 2023
3/5
- Huge thanks to the author and publisher for approving me a copy of this book through NetGalley -
What to say about this one, I’m definitely intrigued by it and it’s definitely something I’m looking forward to continue.
BUT it all felt super rushed and very little introductions were made. We are starting to get into the story even if we know very little of what is actually happening.
It all felt like a “trailer” of the series. It’s a good intro, can’t say otherwise but nothing too exciting for now.
- Huge thanks to the author and publisher for approving me a copy of this book through NetGalley -
What to say about this one, I’m definitely intrigued by it and it’s definitely something I’m looking forward to continue.
BUT it all felt super rushed and very little introductions were made. We are starting to get into the story even if we know very little of what is actually happening.
It all felt like a “trailer” of the series. It’s a good intro, can’t say otherwise but nothing too exciting for now.
May 4, 2023
A Legacy of Violence is...well violent.
We have our main lead, Nick, trying to figure out what's happening. Throughout this book we have a murderer basically chopping people up and setting up traps. While he does that, Nick's past is slowly revealed. We're trying to piece together how it's all connected. Is Nick part of the killer? Is it his other personality? What is the truth behind 731?
There's plenty of intrigue here. The art also does a goodjob setting the tone, this is a nasty looking book with how disgusting some of the deaths are. I enjoyed the pacing, fast paced, and lots of questions with a few answers here or there. My biggest drawback is so far I can't or don't feel the attachment to the characters I was hoping to have. So the big twist didn't hit me as much as I hoped. But at a quick paced read, it was enjoyable and I'll check out volume 2.
We have our main lead, Nick, trying to figure out what's happening. Throughout this book we have a murderer basically chopping people up and setting up traps. While he does that, Nick's past is slowly revealed. We're trying to piece together how it's all connected. Is Nick part of the killer? Is it his other personality? What is the truth behind 731?
There's plenty of intrigue here. The art also does a goodjob setting the tone, this is a nasty looking book with how disgusting some of the deaths are. I enjoyed the pacing, fast paced, and lots of questions with a few answers here or there. My biggest drawback is so far I can't or don't feel the attachment to the characters I was hoping to have. So the big twist didn't hit me as much as I hoped. But at a quick paced read, it was enjoyable and I'll check out volume 2.
April 12, 2023
A Legacy of Violence was pretty interesting to me. I’ll read the next volume for sure, as I’m curious how everything is going to play out. However, the art pulled me out of the story trying to figure out who everyone was. That’s my only gripe.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
March 17, 2023
Holy hell if I could give this 10 stars out of 5 I would. This story deserves it. It's so absolutely twisted and dark. This story revolves around a doctor who is being stalked by a killer. This killer seemingly has connections to our main character, but I can't wait to discover more in this universe and to see exactly what secrets are in store. This story is dark, I know I said it above, but let me reiterate it's dark and it feels so evil. Perfect for extreme horror fans and even for fans of detective Karin Slaughter.
This is perfect for fans of the Saw or Hostel franchises.
This is perfect for fans of the Saw or Hostel franchises.
January 29, 2023
(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC for review through Edelweiss. Content warning for graphic violence and gore.)
After being assaulted by a patient - a preternaturally strong patient, one who managed to tear through his restraints, despite the gruesome torture he'd endured - Dr. Nick Shaw impulsively joins a Doctors Without Borders mission to Honduras. His desire to outrun his past clearly rivals his urge to help those in need. But a serial killer is targeting the citizens of Disante - a butcher whose work is eerily familiar to Dr. Shaw. He'll soon find that the past is a skin that's not so easily shed (unlike *actual* human skin, lol), as the mystery and horror of "Unit 731" follows him: first from his grandfather's attic, to an OR in Atlanta, Georgia, and ultimately to the small town of Disante.
A LEGACY OF VIOLENCE is a creepy enough horror story, though not particularly memorable (a few especially macabre scenes excepted). It feels a little short, especially for the first volume in a series; I would have liked to have learned a little more about Unit 731 to keep me engaged and chomping for more. The artwork is serviceable, if not entirely my bag; occasionally I struggled to distinguish the white male characters apart. I'll pick up the next volume when it comes out, but won't lose sleep wondering over it in the meantime.
After being assaulted by a patient - a preternaturally strong patient, one who managed to tear through his restraints, despite the gruesome torture he'd endured - Dr. Nick Shaw impulsively joins a Doctors Without Borders mission to Honduras. His desire to outrun his past clearly rivals his urge to help those in need. But a serial killer is targeting the citizens of Disante - a butcher whose work is eerily familiar to Dr. Shaw. He'll soon find that the past is a skin that's not so easily shed (unlike *actual* human skin, lol), as the mystery and horror of "Unit 731" follows him: first from his grandfather's attic, to an OR in Atlanta, Georgia, and ultimately to the small town of Disante.
A LEGACY OF VIOLENCE is a creepy enough horror story, though not particularly memorable (a few especially macabre scenes excepted). It feels a little short, especially for the first volume in a series; I would have liked to have learned a little more about Unit 731 to keep me engaged and chomping for more. The artwork is serviceable, if not entirely my bag; occasionally I struggled to distinguish the white male characters apart. I'll pick up the next volume when it comes out, but won't lose sleep wondering over it in the meantime.
April 14, 2023
Title: A Legacy of Violence
Author: Cullen Bunn
Illustrator: Andrea Mutti
Release Date: October 12th, 2022
Page Count: 96
Format: Graphic Novel
Start Date: April 12th, 2023
Finish Date: April 12th, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
I really enjoyed this book very much. I finished it in less than an hour. It was a bit all over the place, but it was intriguing enough to catch my attention. I haven't really liked reading graphic novels on tablets before, but this one was very easy to read on it. It could be the novel itself. It could be that my reading tablet is just that amazing. Who knows? But I digress. This is also the first graphic novel I've read in a while. I hope to read more soon. I'll definitely find a way to read the rest of these volumes when they are released. Fully recommend this for anybody who loves horror stories and stories of serial killers.
Important to Note: Violence, Gore, Horror, Serial Killer
Author: Cullen Bunn
Illustrator: Andrea Mutti
Release Date: October 12th, 2022
Page Count: 96
Format: Graphic Novel
Start Date: April 12th, 2023
Finish Date: April 12th, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
I really enjoyed this book very much. I finished it in less than an hour. It was a bit all over the place, but it was intriguing enough to catch my attention. I haven't really liked reading graphic novels on tablets before, but this one was very easy to read on it. It could be the novel itself. It could be that my reading tablet is just that amazing. Who knows? But I digress. This is also the first graphic novel I've read in a while. I hope to read more soon. I'll definitely find a way to read the rest of these volumes when they are released. Fully recommend this for anybody who loves horror stories and stories of serial killers.
Important to Note: Violence, Gore, Horror, Serial Killer
April 26, 2023
Thank you Netgalley for offering me an ARC of a legacy of violence.
This did not seem to be the right read for me, I'm an avid horror reader and enjoyer of the genre however this comic came off a bit exploitative especially as it was based on the very real Unit 731 which existed during WWII. It seems disrespectful to the survivors and families of the victims who suffered the inhuman tortures in that place.
Apart from that, the killer of this comic was a very random person who came off quite laughably corny and did not relate at all to the story somehow and just seemed there for the shock value, just as the inhuman tortures of real life victims were used for shock value in this comic.
This is not at all what horror readers are looking for in a comic, it could have been done well and respectfully but it ended up to be a waste of time and effort.
This did not seem to be the right read for me, I'm an avid horror reader and enjoyer of the genre however this comic came off a bit exploitative especially as it was based on the very real Unit 731 which existed during WWII. It seems disrespectful to the survivors and families of the victims who suffered the inhuman tortures in that place.
Apart from that, the killer of this comic was a very random person who came off quite laughably corny and did not relate at all to the story somehow and just seemed there for the shock value, just as the inhuman tortures of real life victims were used for shock value in this comic.
This is not at all what horror readers are looking for in a comic, it could have been done well and respectfully but it ended up to be a waste of time and effort.
March 19, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for the advanced copy.
I saw Cullen Bunn's name and knew I had to read this - his The Sixth Gun, Vol. 1: Cold Dead Fingers remained one of my favorite comics ever (and Harrow County, Vol. 1: Countless Haints is pretty great too!). This new story is slasher set in 80s South America, with a fascinating mystery attached.
Bunn is great at building tension, excitement, and interest and that's all present in A Legacy of Violence - I am really looking forward to reading more and learning what's going on (some shades of MKUltra stuff going on, I think). I'm not sure I wanted to give it 5 stars though because this is very much the start of the story, but with this now on my regular to-read and with as promising as it is and as much as I loved the writer, I think it will become an easy 5 star with more issues.
I saw Cullen Bunn's name and knew I had to read this - his The Sixth Gun, Vol. 1: Cold Dead Fingers remained one of my favorite comics ever (and Harrow County, Vol. 1: Countless Haints is pretty great too!). This new story is slasher set in 80s South America, with a fascinating mystery attached.
Bunn is great at building tension, excitement, and interest and that's all present in A Legacy of Violence - I am really looking forward to reading more and learning what's going on (some shades of MKUltra stuff going on, I think). I'm not sure I wanted to give it 5 stars though because this is very much the start of the story, but with this now on my regular to-read and with as promising as it is and as much as I loved the writer, I think it will become an easy 5 star with more issues.
April 1, 2023
So, I'm definitely intrigued! Parts of the story seem a bit off, a bit slow, and I could see the ending coming from a mile away. Sort of? I could see it coming, but the reason for it I'm still not sure of. I've got a lot of questions, but I think that's just the nature of first volumes where you have to spend most of the time introducing the characters and the setting, building up the backstory. I think this could turn into a great series with some more fleshing out. ...Pun not intended.
As for the art, it was ok but wow, some of the more gross and gory art for this was incredible. Those pops of real horror really made this.
Overall a pretty solid start, I'm definitely drawn in enough and have enough questions to want to read more!
ARC courtesy of NetGalley.
As for the art, it was ok but wow, some of the more gross and gory art for this was incredible. Those pops of real horror really made this.
Overall a pretty solid start, I'm definitely drawn in enough and have enough questions to want to read more!
ARC courtesy of NetGalley.
May 12, 2023
I received this book arc for free through NetGalley for an honest review.
I loved the authors harrow county series! Those books was truly amazing. And when I saw this I just knew I had to read it.
I loved the idea of reading a horror series based around the true horror of unit 731. Which was a unit that did a lot of horrific experiment in ww2 japan.
The graphic novel itself was rather….forgettable. I think I liked the blurb and idea more than the actual book.
I also wasn’t a fan of the green tones in peoples faces. The art was fine but not to my taste.
A lot of cliches and it ended on a cliffhanger. I am still interested enough to keep reading.
I loved the authors harrow county series! Those books was truly amazing. And when I saw this I just knew I had to read it.
I loved the idea of reading a horror series based around the true horror of unit 731. Which was a unit that did a lot of horrific experiment in ww2 japan.
The graphic novel itself was rather….forgettable. I think I liked the blurb and idea more than the actual book.
I also wasn’t a fan of the green tones in peoples faces. The art was fine but not to my taste.
A lot of cliches and it ended on a cliffhanger. I am still interested enough to keep reading.
March 17, 2023
I received a free e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios!
CW: blood and gore
This graphic novel was a fun mix of slasher and whodunnit on a larger scale than I was expecting. Given the book being short, I was at first concerned pacing would be an issue. Thankfully, it wasn’t at all. I was able to linger in strange, uncomfortable moments for just the right amount of time. I also thought we would’ve faced one or two murders max, but this kill count is already getting pretty high after the first installment.
The art was perfect for this book. The illustrations and coloring left just enough to the imagination for you to fill in the blanks, and I particularly am a sucker for black-and-white flashbacks. I still have a few questions after reading this, but nothing that will stop me reaching for the second volume.
Overall, if you’re looking for a macabre read with some stand out gruesome moments, this is the book for you.
CW: blood and gore
This graphic novel was a fun mix of slasher and whodunnit on a larger scale than I was expecting. Given the book being short, I was at first concerned pacing would be an issue. Thankfully, it wasn’t at all. I was able to linger in strange, uncomfortable moments for just the right amount of time. I also thought we would’ve faced one or two murders max, but this kill count is already getting pretty high after the first installment.
The art was perfect for this book. The illustrations and coloring left just enough to the imagination for you to fill in the blanks, and I particularly am a sucker for black-and-white flashbacks. I still have a few questions after reading this, but nothing that will stop me reaching for the second volume.
Overall, if you’re looking for a macabre read with some stand out gruesome moments, this is the book for you.
March 22, 2023
My thanks to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this graphic novel early.
Honestly I don't know how to feel about this one. The artwork was great almost a water color look to it. The story...well the story is interesting, however, it got a bit confusing for me. I am interested to read more just to see if my confusion goes away, and I would like to know more about Unit 731.
For now though I will say this. It is an interesting and fast paced read, but it will leave you with questions.
I recommend it but still need to see more of the story. 3.5 Stars
Honestly I don't know how to feel about this one. The artwork was great almost a water color look to it. The story...well the story is interesting, however, it got a bit confusing for me. I am interested to read more just to see if my confusion goes away, and I would like to know more about Unit 731.
For now though I will say this. It is an interesting and fast paced read, but it will leave you with questions.
I recommend it but still need to see more of the story. 3.5 Stars
September 14, 2023
Fucked up & gory. I’m curious about what happened in the past with Unit 731 but tbh the author is relying too heavily on that to keep people reading! Other than figuring out what horrible thing they did, I don’t *really* care to keep reading.
The art is ok, sort of confusing in places. We don’t get to know characters well enough to feel attached to them.
The art is ok, sort of confusing in places. We don’t get to know characters well enough to feel attached to them.
October 6, 2023
I was immediately thrown into the story. The drawing style sets the atmosphere perfectly. The first issue builds the story and interest quite well. The gore is pretty simplified but still has gruesome details which could make this comic not for everyone. If u like Horror and Gore tho, i would recommend it. Although its quite cliche and has typical horror tropes.
November 9, 2024
As a horror fan I was not only pleased, but I want more. It wasn’t mind blowing or brilliant, but it was fun and exactly what I expected it to be.
March 18, 2023
NetGalley ARC Educator 550974
A quick read that pulls you in. Lots of blood and some gore. The graphics are magnetic. I so want to see what happens with Dr. Shaw and figure out the meaning of Unit 731.
A quick read that pulls you in. Lots of blood and some gore. The graphics are magnetic. I so want to see what happens with Dr. Shaw and figure out the meaning of Unit 731.
March 30, 2023
The kills are gory and the art is fine, but overall the story is kind of boring. Someone is killing people to get the doctor's attention. One doctor has a traumatic past and may know more about what's happening than he realizes. It also hinges around the elusive "unit 731", a fact that is repeated ad nauseam throughout the volume. None of the characters are really developed and I'm not invested enough to uncover the mystery. Definitely not Cullen Bunn's best writing.
March 19, 2023
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Mad Cave Studios for an advance copy of this graphic novel on the subject of horror, body horror, serial killers, and the past.
I am told that I once fell at a relatives house, seemed okay, talked to people more than I usually did, said a lot of weird stuff, and than tried to walk out because only bad things happened here. I have no memory of this. Or the next two days, for that matter, though everyone said I seemed fine, even happier than I usually seemed at that age. Later though I felt like something was missing, not sleeping through a movie missing, but that something was gone. Good or bad, I really don't know, and doubt I ever will. I probably had a concussion, or shock. From what I don't know. A characters in this graphic novel has a similar experience, though it leaves this character with an interest in counting things. And medical procedures. A Legacy of Violence is written by Cullen Bunn, illustrated by Andrea Mutti, and lettered by Russ Wooton, and is a story about secrets, serial killers, pain, medicine and running from one's past, and finding it closer than one thinks.
Doctor Nicholos Shaw had a bad day in his hospital and decides to go to a place Shaw can forget himself, and help people who really need it. Shaw travels to Honduras, joining a group similar to Doctors Without Borders in bringing medical assistance and help to areas that are underserved, are too poor, or too far out in the country. On his first day Shaw sees a patient, who has been violently attacked, his last words being the world Unit 731, words he knows from his past problems, and even further back. Meeting the Sheriff, Shaw is a little put off by the fact the Sheriff has very strong feelings against the doctors, and Shaw in particular. Which is not helped when another body, skinned alive is found at a local watering hole the doctors go to to unwind. Shaw is starting to lose control, dealing with his own problems, a new locale, and a killer that seems to know quite a lot about him.
A spooky story that has a a strong plot, good ideas, a different kind of setting, and a lot of mystery. Setting the story in Honduras is a good idea as immediately the character is a fish out of water, and sadly, Honduras still getting over many of its own problems, offers a lot of opportunities for an up-and-coming serial killer. The story unfolds carefully, after a strong start that keeps the readers interest and does not let up. This is a bloody tale, and will probably get worse if Unit 731 is what I think it might be. The art is very fitting, detailed with great backgrounds with a look that makes the violence stand out, and lets the scenes have a lot of emotional impact at the same time.
A gory little story that has a lot of potential and one I am interested in reading more of. Cullen Bunn is very good at these kind of stories. I can't wait to see where Bunn is going with this. The art alone is worth recommending, but the story being so good makes it a must buy.
I am told that I once fell at a relatives house, seemed okay, talked to people more than I usually did, said a lot of weird stuff, and than tried to walk out because only bad things happened here. I have no memory of this. Or the next two days, for that matter, though everyone said I seemed fine, even happier than I usually seemed at that age. Later though I felt like something was missing, not sleeping through a movie missing, but that something was gone. Good or bad, I really don't know, and doubt I ever will. I probably had a concussion, or shock. From what I don't know. A characters in this graphic novel has a similar experience, though it leaves this character with an interest in counting things. And medical procedures. A Legacy of Violence is written by Cullen Bunn, illustrated by Andrea Mutti, and lettered by Russ Wooton, and is a story about secrets, serial killers, pain, medicine and running from one's past, and finding it closer than one thinks.
Doctor Nicholos Shaw had a bad day in his hospital and decides to go to a place Shaw can forget himself, and help people who really need it. Shaw travels to Honduras, joining a group similar to Doctors Without Borders in bringing medical assistance and help to areas that are underserved, are too poor, or too far out in the country. On his first day Shaw sees a patient, who has been violently attacked, his last words being the world Unit 731, words he knows from his past problems, and even further back. Meeting the Sheriff, Shaw is a little put off by the fact the Sheriff has very strong feelings against the doctors, and Shaw in particular. Which is not helped when another body, skinned alive is found at a local watering hole the doctors go to to unwind. Shaw is starting to lose control, dealing with his own problems, a new locale, and a killer that seems to know quite a lot about him.
A spooky story that has a a strong plot, good ideas, a different kind of setting, and a lot of mystery. Setting the story in Honduras is a good idea as immediately the character is a fish out of water, and sadly, Honduras still getting over many of its own problems, offers a lot of opportunities for an up-and-coming serial killer. The story unfolds carefully, after a strong start that keeps the readers interest and does not let up. This is a bloody tale, and will probably get worse if Unit 731 is what I think it might be. The art is very fitting, detailed with great backgrounds with a look that makes the violence stand out, and lets the scenes have a lot of emotional impact at the same time.
A gory little story that has a lot of potential and one I am interested in reading more of. Cullen Bunn is very good at these kind of stories. I can't wait to see where Bunn is going with this. The art alone is worth recommending, but the story being so good makes it a must buy.
April 3, 2023
A Legacy of Violence, Volume 1 – Mad Cave – Bunn Mutti Wooten Graphic Novel 90pgs
In A Legacy of Violence, Volume 1, the graphic novel follows Dr Nick Shaw as he works first at a hospital in Atlanta, Georgia and later on a humanitarian mission in Honduras.
The first page introduces the ambiguous killer who’s torturing a man strapped on a table. He’s ominous but you’re not sure how dangerous he is yet. The man on the table shows up at Dr. Shaw’s hospital and he’s told to visit the patient in room 4 that has extensively self harmed himself. When Nick gets in the room he finds the patient strapped down on the bed. He seems to be in some sort of mental emergency, telling the doctor he didn’t do this to himself. When the patient learns the doctor’s name he gets even more agitated and busts through all of the restraints he was in. He tackles Nick and in an ensuing fight whispers, “Unit 731.” into Nick’s ear then dies. We learn Unit 731 has special meaning to Dr. Nick Shaw, he heard it as a kid. The mystery of Unit 731 and the killer introduced to us is the main story of the book.
The writer, Cullen Bunn, is VERY familiar to me. He wrote The Sixth Gun from Oni Press. Both Matt and I talked about this series on Seattle Geekly and how we loved that series. Bunn has written for Marvel Comics and writes short fiction and has a middle reader horror novel, Crooked Hills.
The artist of the book, Andrea Mutti, is an Italian comic book artist that has a definite art style. When the story gets to Honduras his art style seems more suited for Central America’s lush but wild setting.
I’m a fan of horror comics, obviously The Walking Dead, 30 Days of Night, and Hack/Slash so I found this book captivating. The writing just lets you hang for a bit before you get more information. I love well paced stories like this. When it’s done well it makes you read faster.
Which is the only problem I had with it, I read it so fast the book ended: I NEED Volume 2. The book is only 90 pages long. Long enough to read in one sitting and it leaves you wanting MORE.
Definitely worth a read if you’re a fan of horror comics, but it might be a bit graphic for those not horror fans. The digital copy I read was perfect, colors vibrant and I really hope this catches on because the story is so good. 5/5 stars
In A Legacy of Violence, Volume 1, the graphic novel follows Dr Nick Shaw as he works first at a hospital in Atlanta, Georgia and later on a humanitarian mission in Honduras.
The first page introduces the ambiguous killer who’s torturing a man strapped on a table. He’s ominous but you’re not sure how dangerous he is yet. The man on the table shows up at Dr. Shaw’s hospital and he’s told to visit the patient in room 4 that has extensively self harmed himself. When Nick gets in the room he finds the patient strapped down on the bed. He seems to be in some sort of mental emergency, telling the doctor he didn’t do this to himself. When the patient learns the doctor’s name he gets even more agitated and busts through all of the restraints he was in. He tackles Nick and in an ensuing fight whispers, “Unit 731.” into Nick’s ear then dies. We learn Unit 731 has special meaning to Dr. Nick Shaw, he heard it as a kid. The mystery of Unit 731 and the killer introduced to us is the main story of the book.
The writer, Cullen Bunn, is VERY familiar to me. He wrote The Sixth Gun from Oni Press. Both Matt and I talked about this series on Seattle Geekly and how we loved that series. Bunn has written for Marvel Comics and writes short fiction and has a middle reader horror novel, Crooked Hills.
The artist of the book, Andrea Mutti, is an Italian comic book artist that has a definite art style. When the story gets to Honduras his art style seems more suited for Central America’s lush but wild setting.
I’m a fan of horror comics, obviously The Walking Dead, 30 Days of Night, and Hack/Slash so I found this book captivating. The writing just lets you hang for a bit before you get more information. I love well paced stories like this. When it’s done well it makes you read faster.
Which is the only problem I had with it, I read it so fast the book ended: I NEED Volume 2. The book is only 90 pages long. Long enough to read in one sitting and it leaves you wanting MORE.
Definitely worth a read if you’re a fan of horror comics, but it might be a bit graphic for those not horror fans. The digital copy I read was perfect, colors vibrant and I really hope this catches on because the story is so good. 5/5 stars
May 9, 2023
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nick Shaw's father is haunted by the past. There are vague rumblings about Unit 731 being responsible for the constant nightmares that haunt him, and the tension between him and his wife. Nick doesn't understand what it all means, not until he comes across a reel with that mysterious number on it and watches it. Now fully grown and a respected doctor, he continues to be haunted by what he saw and learned - and that past is catching up to him in Honduras, where he works with Doctors Without Borders. There's a serial killer on the loose in the town, but those numbers seem to be there at every site that he strikes.
Unit 731 is, of course, an actual part of history. The legacy of it remains, and even just reading about what happened there you are bound to be haunted by it. Other reviewers have pointed all of this out, and the fact that this graphic novel seems to be exploiting real life horrors for cheap thrills. This only being the first three issues of the twelve issue series, I don't know whether or not more tact is added to the discussion of it before it reaches the end. This first volume just left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth.
I'm a big lover of horror, but I don't tend to go for the torture porn sort of offerings as this volume seems to be. The psychological horror wasn't really there for me, though Shaw is undoubtedly haunted by all that happened to him. The narrator just isn't unreliable enough to really grip me, and as gorgeous as the art is, it just isn't in service of my sort of horror.
The other volumes might improve it, but overall this one just didn't really do it for me.
Nick Shaw's father is haunted by the past. There are vague rumblings about Unit 731 being responsible for the constant nightmares that haunt him, and the tension between him and his wife. Nick doesn't understand what it all means, not until he comes across a reel with that mysterious number on it and watches it. Now fully grown and a respected doctor, he continues to be haunted by what he saw and learned - and that past is catching up to him in Honduras, where he works with Doctors Without Borders. There's a serial killer on the loose in the town, but those numbers seem to be there at every site that he strikes.
Unit 731 is, of course, an actual part of history. The legacy of it remains, and even just reading about what happened there you are bound to be haunted by it. Other reviewers have pointed all of this out, and the fact that this graphic novel seems to be exploiting real life horrors for cheap thrills. This only being the first three issues of the twelve issue series, I don't know whether or not more tact is added to the discussion of it before it reaches the end. This first volume just left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth.
I'm a big lover of horror, but I don't tend to go for the torture porn sort of offerings as this volume seems to be. The psychological horror wasn't really there for me, though Shaw is undoubtedly haunted by all that happened to him. The narrator just isn't unreliable enough to really grip me, and as gorgeous as the art is, it just isn't in service of my sort of horror.
The other volumes might improve it, but overall this one just didn't really do it for me.
April 17, 2023
Thank you netgalley and Mad Cave for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story of a Legacy of Violence follows a well-to-do Dr Shaw who, after a traumatic encounter with a tortured patient, decides to leave behind his city life and work with Doctors without Borders to forget his past. However, a killer follows him and victim after victim show up, all of them repeating an eerily familiar phrase: Unit 731. As the comic progresses, we see that nick as a child discovered a horrific, unseen, tape recording titled 731 in his grandparents basement. Can he figure out the connection between the killer and his past before it is too late?
Overall, this was an interesting comic with an intriguing hook but it suffered from multiple angles in my opinion. The art was average with an over reliance on dark shades which made it hard to see certain details, for example, the cuts and marks on the victims, expressions on faces were vague and difficult to see clearly etc. Also, having a crazed killer with the barest connection to the hero/story really broke the immersion because it seemed like the violence/torture/gore was unearned and mainly there for shock value.
I may finish this series just out of curiosity for what the author was going for but one can find many more superior comics than this one.
The story of a Legacy of Violence follows a well-to-do Dr Shaw who, after a traumatic encounter with a tortured patient, decides to leave behind his city life and work with Doctors without Borders to forget his past. However, a killer follows him and victim after victim show up, all of them repeating an eerily familiar phrase: Unit 731. As the comic progresses, we see that nick as a child discovered a horrific, unseen, tape recording titled 731 in his grandparents basement. Can he figure out the connection between the killer and his past before it is too late?
Overall, this was an interesting comic with an intriguing hook but it suffered from multiple angles in my opinion. The art was average with an over reliance on dark shades which made it hard to see certain details, for example, the cuts and marks on the victims, expressions on faces were vague and difficult to see clearly etc. Also, having a crazed killer with the barest connection to the hero/story really broke the immersion because it seemed like the violence/torture/gore was unearned and mainly there for shock value.
I may finish this series just out of curiosity for what the author was going for but one can find many more superior comics than this one.
April 29, 2023
I would expect a TPB to have at least 128 pages; this one has only 96, which would be fine if the quantity was offset by quality.
Unfortunately, the art is awful and so unimaginative the main villain looks exactly like Punisher’s symbol (yeah, really) and what little story there is here is boring and uninteresting (it ends in a cliffhanger and my only reaction is “meh”).
If you haven’t read Mad Cave’s blurb, this first volume of a planned trilogy (yeah, you guessed it, that’s why it’s so thin) is about a doctor whose entire life (since early childhood) was somehow linked to a mysterious Unit 731. After being assaulted by a bloodthirsty crazie whispering “Unit 731” the young doc runs away by enrolling in a Doctors Without Borders mission in Honduras, where the first thing that happens is that… another guy dies in his arms, covering him in blood while whispering, you guessed it, “Unit 731”.
The book is labeled horror, yet I didn’t care for any character and all I felt at the excess of blood and guts was… disgust. The worst Cullen Bunn book so far. It might get better in the next volumes, but I won’t know ‘cause I’m not invested enough to even try. Too bad, I loved Bunn’s “Harrow County” and “The Sixth Gun”. Go read those if you haven’t yet.
Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This didn't influence my opinion in any way.
Unfortunately, the art is awful and so unimaginative the main villain looks exactly like Punisher’s symbol (yeah, really) and what little story there is here is boring and uninteresting (it ends in a cliffhanger and my only reaction is “meh”).
If you haven’t read Mad Cave’s blurb, this first volume of a planned trilogy (yeah, you guessed it, that’s why it’s so thin) is about a doctor whose entire life (since early childhood) was somehow linked to a mysterious Unit 731. After being assaulted by a bloodthirsty crazie whispering “Unit 731” the young doc runs away by enrolling in a Doctors Without Borders mission in Honduras, where the first thing that happens is that… another guy dies in his arms, covering him in blood while whispering, you guessed it, “Unit 731”.
The book is labeled horror, yet I didn’t care for any character and all I felt at the excess of blood and guts was… disgust. The worst Cullen Bunn book so far. It might get better in the next volumes, but I won’t know ‘cause I’m not invested enough to even try. Too bad, I loved Bunn’s “Harrow County” and “The Sixth Gun”. Go read those if you haven’t yet.
Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This didn't influence my opinion in any way.
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