I loved everything about this - the characters were dimensional, the plot was interesting (if a bit far-fetched), and the art was fantastic. I can't wait to read more.

Natalie Burns is a private kidnapper of sorts. She kidnaps those who are being looked for by family because they are in a cult. It is all going great until she mucks her latest up and the FBI gets involved. Natalie was part of a Satanic Panic group of children when she was five. And FBI Agent West has found that someone is picking off the group one by one. Between West, her flashbacks, and her nutter of a brother, getting past this will be hell.

Wow. Just wow. Talk about storytelling in a short graphic novel. Brubaker comes out, guns a blazing and doesn’t stop until the last bullet is spent. Between the old detective comic style of the drawing, the epic detail on everything (including a sex scene, spicy), and the stellar horror scenes this is a winner on all accounts.

Keep your eyes peeled for this one, friends. And load up on the Holy water. A HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND 5/5.

Unique angle to come at a book about the occult and the satanic panic. I liked the murkiness of it. It had a Twin Peaks feel to it.

This was an interesting story with good bones, but little meat. I would love to see a more fleshed out version without such an abrupt ending. As it stands, I would recommend this, but only to those who have exhausted other options in the genre.

Houses of the Unholy by Ed Brubaker is a good horror crime mystery graphic novel from a favorite author. It's the first time I've read Brubaker in a little while and for the most part it was good to be back in one of his twisted worlds. I really loved it right up until the very ending which was disappointing. It made me hope that there would be more in the future, but it doesn't look like that's the case.

An action-packed and riveting short graphic novel, Houses of the Unholy packs a wicked punch. Natalie Burns is haunted by the lies she told in the wake of the Satanic Panic craze of the late 1980s, when she is approached by an FBI agent that brings her past catapulting to her in horrific ways. Violent, scary, and ensnaring, Houses of the Unholy is a fun and wild ride.

Thank you to Image Comics for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was a totally unique book for me. I’ve never really gotten into the whole humor+comic approach, but I have to say, this author delivered on all fronts. He made this approach to the satanic panic engaging and, dare I say, comedic. This author has won me over and I can’t wait to read more unique books by him!

This is a fantastic standalone comic by arguably a master of the comic genre. The story mixes gritty crime and a touch of supernatural framed in the satanic panic of the 80s/90s. The art work is fantastic and the colouring both suit the genre so well. The layout is perfect with the right amount of text on each panel.

The story is paced well and I loved the inclusion of flashbacks to the past and then the plot of present. I will definitely be getting a physical copy for my book shelf since I think this is one I will definitely re-read in the future.

As always thank you to Image Comics and Netgalley for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.

Brubaker once again delivers a creepy story that leaves several questions about humanity unanswered but leaves the reader thinking.

This was a great standalone story by a seasoned author. I’m new to the artist but the style complimented the gritty crime drama storyline perfectly.

I wish I had this on my monthly pull list, because the anticipation would have been a lot of fun. Many of the issues ended in a cliffhanger, so I had no self-control and I read it in one sitting.

Only thing I’d dock it for, it was over so fast. This could have really been fleshed out in a bigger series with more backstory, but at that same time, not every series has to be chunky. Sometimes a one and done is nice too.

If you’re a comics fan looking for a self-contained riff on the fallout of the satanic panic, 4/5 stars, check it out.

*An uncorrected proof of this book was provided by the publisher at the reviewer’s request in exchange for a fair and uncompromising review.

3.5* rounded up

Houses of the Unholy follows an event during the Satanic panic in the 80s, as well as the modern-day aftermath. The use of snapshots of the past kept the story engaging during what was otherwise a slow burn plot. I really enjoyed the creepy imagery and the cultish themes, too.

This was my first introduction to the authors' work, and I will be checking out more in the future. The artwork was great, and I loved the 80s feel of the flashbacks. I would have liked to have seen a bit more from the ending as I felt like the plot wrapped up very quickly. Nevertheless, this was an intriguing mystery.

I would recommend Houses of the Unholy to anyone with an interest in cults or the Satanic panic.

I didn’t catch on to the fact that this was a comic. It was pretty cool though and the illustrations were awesome. Def will give you a creepy vibe

I have always been a fan of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ work. While they usually write in the same wheelhouse of neo noir crime thrillers, sometimes they come up with something completely different than what you’d expect! One example is Bad Weekend, another is this banger of a book Houses of the Unholy.

Brubaker came out of left field with this one. It’s terrifying, gory, horrific and dark. The storyline was a bit predictable but I think that might be because I am always suspicious; I couldn’t figure out why she would just hop into a car with a total stranger to try and warn people she wasn’t friends with. She made it clear she wasn’t friends with them over and over, and she seems like the kind of woman who can protect herself.

The Satanic Six were all victims of childhood trauma involving being brainwashed and groomed to believe they were being molested by demons. The one line that was repeated quite a few times was “You never pay attention to what’s happening right in front of you.” And that all made sense very fast! Her brother was a dead giveaway! In the 90s we all knew kids as obsessed as he is, the basement kids who only existed on the internet, who were so easily manipulated. I personally love anything occult and think the role psychology plays in it is fascinating. Poor girl couldn’t even remember her core memories and had total jerks as parents. The reason why Houses of Unholy is so terrifying is because it could easily be real. In fact I know there are similar stories.

The artwork is done so well. The full pages of red are just so visceral and unsettling. The images of demons ripping into flesh and ritual sacrifices instantly sucked me into the depths of darkness and brought chills to my skin. Phillip’s is a true talent.

Is this book for everyone? Probably not, unless you enjoy horror. I personally loved it even though it scared me to death - but that was the point, I think.

Excellent GN, loved it! Looking forward to more from this author! Apologies for the lateness of my review

This is a quickly-paced and gritty story about the now-grown children involved in an 80s crime during the Satanic Panic. The pacing felt great, and the art style fits well with the rogue investigator-type story.

Unfortunately, the letdown was the ending cut off too quickly, leaving the story feeling slightly unresolved. Ultimately, this is still a great graphic addition for those looking for a quicker dive into true-life horror.

Houses of the Unholy by Ed Brubaker, with haunting illustrations by Sean Phillips, is a relentless dive into darkness. Brubaker’s storytelling is sharp and intense, matched perfectly by Phillips' gritty, atmospheric artwork. Together, they create a world steeped in suspense and moral complexity, each twist more chilling than the last. This is Brubaker and Phillips at their finest—an utterly captivating, spine-tingling experience that leaves you breathless.

This isn't my favorite of these authors, but the themes and narrative certainly kept me invested.

I found the main character very interesting and real - but, like her, I still haven't managed to decipher all the themes and intentions of this story. Perhaps that's its intent.

Even so, I can't give this work less than 4 stars - I think I'll re-read it a few more times!

I don't know what to say except I Want More! I need to know what happens next!! Easy to read, gorgeous illustrations and a NEED for resolution!

I remember the McMartin preschool trial. First there was the horror, the very thought that caretakers had inflicted such abuse on their innocent charges. Then there were nagging suspicions that the whole thing had been fabricated, that it was all just stories told by suggestible children who had been coached. The case resulted in no convictions, though plenty of lives were ruined as a result. Years later, one of the children, now an adult admitted, "Never did anyone do anything to me, and I never saw them doing anything."

Brubaker takes this premise, and crafts an intriguing, compelling graphic novel that surmises what might have happened to those children. As we've seen over the last decade, there are many, many gullible people who are susceptible to misinformation, who are willing to act on what they "believe" whether or not their beliefs are based in fact. I would have said that Brubaker takes this to the extreme, but every minute spent scanning the news lately convinces me that clever conmen can convince their followers to believe ANYTHING.

This is a dark, disturbing book, but I also fear it's something of a cautionary tale.

Houses of the Unholy by Ed Brubaker is a captivating dive into the darker side of supernatural crime noir. Known for his expertise in the genre, Brubaker delivers a story steeped in mystery, intrigue, and an undercurrent of eerie horror. The novel intertwines elements of the occult with gritty urban crime, creating a unique blend that is both unsettling and deeply engrossing.

The plot centers around a down-and-out private investigator, tasked with solving a case that quickly spirals into something far more sinister. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a network of secret societies, dark rituals, and cursed locations—the titular "houses of the unholy." These shadowy enclaves are full of eerie atmospheres and ancient, malevolent forces, making the story feel like a descent into madness as much as an investigation.

Brubaker’s writing excels at creating tension and atmosphere. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, and the pacing is taut, building a sense of impending doom as the protagonist uncovers more about the occult world lurking just beneath the surface. The character development is also solid, with a protagonist who is deeply flawed yet relatable, struggling with personal demons while facing the literal ones his case brings to light.

The horror elements are subtle but powerful, with Brubaker masterfully blending psychological dread with moments of genuine supernatural terror. The houses themselves are almost characters in their own right—creepy, dilapidated places that hold unspeakable horrors.

Overall, Houses of the Unholy is a well-crafted fusion of crime noir and supernatural horror, driven by strong characters, suspenseful writing, and a hauntingly immersive atmosphere. It’s a must-read for fans of both genres, offering a chilling, unforgettable journey into the heart of darkness.