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Erica Robyn Reads

a horror book review blog

Recent Posts

Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond - book sitting on wooden flooring. Book cover of Black Out the Stars by Christopher Bond, cover illustrated by Todd Kiesling. The design showcases a dark, atmospheric pond and sky filled with swirling fog and scattered stars. The title is prominently displayed in bold, white, pink and purple lettering, contrasting against the deep purple and black hues of the background.

Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond | Book Review

Indie Bookstore Day 2025 | Book Event

A tablet lies on dry grass and surrounded by dandelions in a natural outdoor setting. The screen displays the cover of the book Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon. The cover features a colorful, fantastical illustration of a female figure with glowing eyes and curved horns, holding something mysterious in her hands. Stars and swirling cosmic elements fill the background, giving the cover a magical and otherworldly feel. The title text is in bold, colorful letters across the top and middle, with the author's name at the bottom.

Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon | Book Review

[Graphic Novel Review] Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Vol. 1 The Crucible

September 11, 2017      Erica Robyn      14 Comments

Book photo of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Vol. 1

If you are expecting the same fun, bubbly teenage witch played by Melissa Joan Hart, this graphic novel will disappoint you. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Vol. 1 is very dark and gory. Of course I loved every second of it!

Let’s dive in!

My Thoughts on Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Vol. 1: The Crucible by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Illustrated by Robert Hack

I really enjoyed the storyline. It was short but complex enough to be interesting throughout, complete with twists and turns that, even though they were a bit predictable, still kept me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed the darker take on this character.

I loved the way the story and the artwork worked together, such as on this page, where they were using telepathy:

The artwork was my definitely favorite element. It has a lovely retro horror vibe that I’m a total sucker for! I mean:

The color palette was also very lovely and I really love the pop of bright color here and there for dramatics.

However, some of it seemed just a bit…off. A bit rushed and sloppy. Which may have been on purpose… who knows! But overall I thought it was great!

As for the characters, I really enjoyed Ambros! I was also very excited to see Salem, but a bit let down that he didn’t play a major role. I’d love to see more of him!

Sabrina comic Salem panel
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina shirley jackson panel

I found both Sabrina and Harvey to be a bit lacking. I do hope to see Sabrina’s character develop more in volume two.

I also really enjoyed all the books that were included or mentioned! I was particularly fond of:

My Final Thoughts on Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Vol. 1

I would definitely recommend checking this one out if you enjoy darker graphic novels!


Snag a copy through Bookshop to help support local indie bookshops:

Here are a few more recent posts you might like:

  • Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond | Book Review
  • Indie Bookstore Day 2025 | Book Event
  • Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon | Book Review

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Barb says

    September 11, 2017 at 12:26 pm

    So glad you enjoyed this one. The next installment comes out in December. I can see where Harvey and Sabrina were lacking in development but I think that will come over time with the series. I also loved Salem and think he's the only character that has some common sense and a brain. I liked Afterlife With Archie, but not as much. Have you che
    cked out Wytches? It's a decent read but gets some mixed reviews.

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      September 11, 2017 at 12:48 pm

      Yeah! Thanks so much for bringing it to my attention! I'll have to keep an eye out for the new release!! I loved Salem as well! He was so funny! I haven't yet read Afterlife With Archie, unfortunately my library system doesn't have it. But I just put a request in for Wytches πŸ™‚ I'll keep you posted!

      Reply
  2. Megan | Ginger Mom & the Kindle Quest says

    September 12, 2017 at 3:31 am

    I am just scratching the surface of graphic novels and, although not a gory horror fan, I am surprisingly intrigued by this one. Definitely going to check it out πŸ™‚ Great review!

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      September 12, 2017 at 12:31 pm

      On a gore level, this one isn't too bad! πŸ™‚ I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  3. Steph Gorelenore says

    September 12, 2017 at 11:54 am

    Oh this seems like a fun one. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      September 12, 2017 at 12:31 pm

      It definitely is!! I hope you enjoy it if you get the chance to pick it up! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  4. Sassy Brit says

    September 12, 2017 at 4:13 pm

    Hiya! I'm back! After having laptop troubles it's taken me a while to get sorted.

    Hope you are well. Normal service has now been resumed LOL

    WOW! This looks heaps of fun and just right for a Halloween read, which is nearly upon us! Scarily. Excuse the pun lol

    Luv Sassy x

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      September 13, 2017 at 12:17 am

      Oh no! I hate when that happens! I am still doing well, happy to see you back! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  5. Dani Eide says

    September 12, 2017 at 10:33 pm

    Great review Erica! I love manga which is a Japanese comic… I can see why you enjoyed this one so much! I've only read a couple graphic novels now… I can see why Americans love them… being all in color…

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      September 13, 2017 at 12:17 am

      πŸ™‚ Graphic novels sure are fun! And oh! I read my first manga last month! Since then, I've purchased a few more and I cannot wait to read them!

      Reply
  6. Greg says

    September 13, 2017 at 4:21 am

    Ooh I might have to get this! I was watching Riverdale and the showrunner was hinting that he might introduce Sabrina and/ or a supernatural element into season two, but they're not sure if it will work. Would love for them to do that! I think he's the one that writes this too?

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      September 13, 2017 at 12:13 pm

      Definitely! I think you would really enjoy it! And oh! I still need to check that show out!

      Reply
  7. Alicia AKernelofNonsense says

    September 14, 2017 at 3:49 am

    Oh my gosh, I haven't heard about this one, but I'm already loving it. Definitely feeling the retro vibes from the pics you've included. I think character development can be a bit tricky with a graphic novel. I've already made my October TBR list, but I might sneak this one on it. Great review!

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      September 14, 2017 at 12:11 pm

      For sure! I've read many graphic novels where I didn't care about the characters until much later in the series. I hope you love this when you read it!

      Reply

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Welcome to Erica Robyn Reads!

Erica Robyn of Erica Robyn Reads
Hello! I’m Erica, a Mainer living in New Hampshire who runs on hot tea, good books, and loud music. Join me as I seek out amazing horror tales and help support the indie horror community!
 

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