I enjoyed the story for the most part. I was not a huge fan of the end, and I felt that it was rushed. I wanted more of the story, but maybe that was how it was supposed to be. Overall, I think everyone should read this comic book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the authors, and the publisher for an ARC of HOUSES OF THE UNHOLY.

I absolutely loved the plot of this graphic novel. The pace was perfect, the flashbacks did not reveal more than they needed to, and the ending left a lot for interpretation. However, my biggest drawback against this was the art style. It is very neo noir, which works for the other works the author and illustrator have collaborated on, but for horror, it lacked a certain pizzazz. Overall, it was a great read, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in the Satanic Panic.

Wonderful artwork and a very interesting story . For those of you familiar with the satanic panic or interested in it. This graphic novel is for you. I’m waiting it 3.75 as I was really enjoying it till the ending. It seemed rushed compared to the rest of the story.

Houses of the Unholy is a story about Natalie Burns and her life after being a child out of a cult. This short comic was okay but it wasn't outstanding. it was an average story but a quick read.

Unfortunately I wasn’t a fan of this authors writing style.
I found that some of the ‘graphic’ scenes were a bit unnecessary especially as an extreme horror reader- it just felt weird and wasn’t executed how I like.
I also felt the second half of the book was way better and the pace picked up b it felt rushed.

As a 90s kid, I have an incredibly morbid interest in the Satanic Panic.

Switching from past to present, the story was exciting but led astray by the rushed ending as well as some very unnecessary scenes. I wish there had been more explanation or even exploration of the characters' thoughts and actions but alas...this is a standalone and it left me dissatisfied despite it's potential.

Thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for providing me with an eARC!

Nothing takes my money faster than another Brubaker + Phillips collaboration. This one's not my favorite, which has nothing to do with the craft of the thing, just I prefer their more noirish/hardboiled work. Still, an easy 5-stars recommendation.

"Houses of the Unholy" by Ed Brubaker is a gripping, dark tale that masterfully blends horror and mystery. Brubaker’s storytelling is sharp and atmospheric, pulling you into a world full of sinister secrets and morally complex characters. The pacing is spot-on, with just enough twists and suspense to keep you hooked without feeling overwhelming. The artwork brings an eerie, cinematic quality to the story that heightens the tension. It’s a perfect pick for fans of slow-burn horror with rich, layered narratives. Whether you’re new to Brubaker or a longtime fan, this book delivers a hauntingly memorable experience.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this advanced reader's copy and the opportunity to read this early. Review has been posted on Waterstones and Amazon.

What a wild ride! Our lead character was part of the Satanic Panic back in the 80s, accusing camp counselors of leading her into Hell and promising her to demons when she was just five years old. She and the five others that were part of this group thirty-something years ago are now in danger, as some of them are being killed under mysteriously demonic circumstances. Quite a few twists for such a short story. Extremely intriguing. Interested in reading more about “satanic panic,” which is eerily similar to the witch trials

I just finished Houses of the Unholy by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, and it completely blew me away. This graphic novel is an atmospheric, edge-of-your-seat blend of noir, supernatural horror, and mystery. Brubaker and Phillips have once again proven that they are masters of storytelling, delivering a tale that lingers long after you turn the final page.

The story centers on Natalie Burns, a private investigator with a haunting past. As a child, Natalie was one of the infamous “Satanic Six,” a group of children whose testimonies fueled the hysteria of the 1980s Satanic Panic. Decades later, someone begins targeting the now-grown members of the group, forcing Natalie to confront the trauma of her past while unraveling a chilling conspiracy that ties her life to the occult.

What I loved most about Houses of the Unholy is how immersive and layered the narrative feels. Brubaker’s writing is razor-sharp, blending the gritty realism of noir with the unsettling unease of supernatural horror. Natalie is a complex, flawed, and deeply relatable protagonist. Her journey is both a gripping mystery and a powerful exploration of memory, guilt, and resilience.

Phillips’ artwork is absolutely stunning. The muted tones and shadowy details create an eerie atmosphere that pulls you into the story’s dark world. Each panel feels like a perfectly crafted moment, with the visuals adding as much depth to the story as the writing. The collaboration between Brubaker and Phillips is as seamless as ever—they’re a duo that consistently delivers excellence.

The pacing is perfect, with a steady build of suspense that leads to moments of shocking revelation. The mystery kept me guessing until the very end, and the emotional stakes made every twist feel earned. This isn’t just a story about solving a case; it’s about facing the demons—both literal and metaphorical—that haunt us.

I recently finished Houses of the Unholy by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, and it was an enthralling experience from start to finish. This graphic novel delves into the lingering shadows of the 1980s Satanic Panic, following Natalie Burns, a private investigator with a haunting past. As a child, Natalie was part of the “Satanic Six,” a group of children whose testimonies fueled the hysteria of that era. Now, decades later, someone is targeting the remaining members of the group, and Natalie must confront her past to uncover the truth.

The storytelling is both gripping and nuanced, seamlessly weaving between past and present to reveal the complexities of Natalie’s character and the dark secrets that bind her to the other members of the “Satanic Six.” The narrative is enriched by atmospheric artwork, which vividly captures the eerie and suspenseful tone of the story. The use of color, particularly the red hues in flashback sequences, adds depth and intensity to the reading experience.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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.