Wraith is a dark and brutal look into the life of Charlie Manx, what he went through, and how Christmasland was made.
It was bloody. It was creepy. It was action packed. This graphic novel was everything that I was hoping it would be!
If you read and enjoyed Joe Hill’s NOS4A2, then you need to pick this one up!
Let’s dive into my review!
Wraith (Welcome to Christmasland #1-6) by Joe Hill, Illustrated by Charles Paul Wilson III
The tale in this graphic novel is centered around three convicts and two guards. After one convict pushes one of the guards too far during transport, things get physical and they wind up going off the road and crashing. They all survive, but now the convicts are in power. One of the convicts calls in a favor. A favor from a driver named Charlie Manx…
They all get into Mr Manx’s car, but they are very surprised when they get to their destination…
Oh my goodness, the prologue was so dark and gory! I loved that this section showed us Charlie’s past and taught readers about how the inscapes work. I had always wondered about his wife and daughters while reading NOS4A2… this section answers that!
However, the gory prologue was just a quick glimpse into how bloody and dark things were about to get. Phew…
Here’s a bit of a lighter glimpse below. But I mean, how awesome and terrifying do those kids look?!
I thought that the artwork was so wonderful. It was equally dark and brutal, but light and fun at the same time. For example, the maze scene:
And I am just such a sucker for details like the kids breaking the fourth wall to look at the reader, or fun little elements such as a hidden Waldo:
The story flowed really well and the plot was interesting! I totally devoured this one!
When the story ended, I was satisfied but I would happily read another collection like this!
And then there was the epilogue, which gives us another wonderful tale that adds a layer to the story. The artwork in this section was different but fun!
The additional artwork at the end of the book was amazing as well! I loved the variety!!
My Favorite Passage from Wraith
Magic is not a matter of incantations and boiled frogs! You require only a talisman – an object – that you love so much it is like a dream made real.
My Final Thoughts on Wraith
A must-read for any horror fans, especially fans of Joe Hill’s NOS4A2! This was such a brutal, but awesome horror-filled read that I cannot recommend highly enough!
Snag a copy through Bookshop to help support local indie bookshops:
The artwork is fantastic! It looks too creepy for me, but I know a few people who would love this!
<3
Wow, Awesome artwork. I hope to read NOS4A2 next month in preparation for the series. Looks like I’ll need to get my hands on this as well!
For sure! They’re both SO good!! Enjoy!
Awesome artwork. I still need to read NOS4A2- and then this!
-Lauren
Yasss! They’re both SO good!
Very cool pictures!
😀
Wow this looks super dark! I love that maze scene though. I’ve never read Joe hill but I have to admit I’m tempted to try, especially with a 5 star for this one!
Right?! It was so well done! 😀
Ooooo, I love the artwork included here! I’m not a huge fan of the creepy vibes, but I know a few who are avid horror fans. Glad to hear you enjoyed this one, Erica!
😀
Oh my goodness this sounds a bit too creepy for me! But I am glad you could love it so much. That artwork is absolutely amazing and it looks like such a good visual experience!
<3
ahh it looks so creepy!
It was SO good!! 😀
*gasp* I absolutely LOVE Joe Hill, I’ll have to check this out. Anything bloody and creepy is right up my alley!
Ash @ JennRenee Read
YASS! I highly recommend this!! It’s SO perfect!
One of these days I’ll read Joe Hill. 🙂
<3