Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips are well known for their dark, gritty graphic novels, but "Houses of the Unholy", their latest, is dark.

The protagonist is an investigator who teams up with a rogue FBI agent looking for a serial killer who is killing off a group called "the Satanic Six", six children who, in the 80s, accused their daycare of torturing, molesting, and eating babies in a Satanic ritual held in a nearby cave. This was during the Satanic Panic, when parents and psychiatrists and police officers believed whatever these little kids were saying, despite a glaring lack of evidence.

Brubaker/Phillips dare to ask the question: What if the Satanic Panic never stopped? What if, thanks to the Internet and social media, it has morphed with all the nutjob Q-Anon conspiracy theories out there into something out-of-control?

I've liked other Brubaker/Phillips collabs, but horror is not my thing, I'm too young to know the historical context of the Satanic Panic, and the ending was, in my opinion, unsatisfying.

Another fantastic installment from Ed Brubaker and the team behind him

Set against the backdrop of the 1980s Satanic Panic, with cults and serial killers we are taken on a journey that will grip you and not let go, with stunning art on every page and story you'll be sure you can't look away from you this is yet again another fantastic piece of work.

I'll defiently be picking up a physical copy for at home!

***ARC from NetGalley***

The novel opens with a Ms. James checking into a remote hotel. The environment is moody and tense. The reader knows she is hiding, but from what or whom, they do not. Two pages later all hell breaks loose and the reader is on a roller coaster ride through this mystery/thriller that ends too soon. I want more. And in an interesting twist, this novel links back to the satanic panic of the 80s (something that I remember vividly from my childhood). There were a few times in the story I thought I knew what would happen next, but the story went in a different direction.

No official word on a sequel, but I really want more of this story. To end where it does is fitting, because the entire story keeps you guessing from the very start, but I want more!

I thought this was a solid graphic novel about the true events of the Satanic Panic. I would like to have seen the story a little more fleshed out with the side characters, such as Brendan and Agent West. The main character was hard to relate to/like, but you don't always have to like a main character in order to enjoy a story.

Overall, I thought this was pretty good and I did enjoy the message that was brought about at the end of the story.

Set against the backdrop of the 1980s Satanic Panic, adding in cults and serial killers, with an apocalyptic twist: the only real letdown was the ending, which isn't up to Brubaker's usual standards. Art is as spectacular as always, though.

**Review of *Houses of the Unholy* by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips**

*Houses of the Unholy* is another stunning collaboration from the award-winning team of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, and it delivers on the pulse-pounding tension, intricate plotting, and haunting atmosphere that fans of the duo have come to expect. With its chilling narrative, this horror thriller melds psychological suspense with gritty, supernatural elements, creating a thrilling story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The story follows an FBI agent who specializes in cult-related crimes, and a woman with a troubled past tied to the Satanic Panic era. Together, they must track down an insane killer lurking within the shadows of the underworld. What starts as a simple hunt for justice quickly becomes an exploration of the complexities of human nature and the ghosts of past decisions that haunt us all.

Brubaker's storytelling is as sharp and immersive as ever, weaving a complex tapestry of suspense, crime, and personal demons. His writing explores deep, haunting themes about escaping one’s past and the consequences of bad decisions that never truly leave us. The blend of real-world psychological horror with supernatural elements creates a chilling and compelling atmosphere, where danger feels omnipresent, and the lines between reality and nightmare blur.

The art by Sean Phillips is, as always, a perfect complement to Brubaker’s writing. The dark, moody tones evoke a sense of dread and tension, while Phillips' keen eye for detail brings a gritty realism to the character-driven story. The pages are filled with subtle visual cues that build on the growing unease, with each panel adding to the sense that the characters are trapped within a world of their own making, pursued by forces they can neither escape nor control.

The characters themselves are richly developed, with the central FBI agent and the woman with ties to the Satanic Panic both wrestling with their own demons—literal and metaphorical. Their partnership, forged under the pressure of unraveling a twisted case, adds emotional depth to the story, and the complicated dynamics between them are explored in layers. Their moral gray areas are fascinating, and the tension between their desires for redemption and the haunting pull of their past mistakes drives the plot forward.

*Houses of the Unholy* doesn’t just rely on thrills and horror; it digs deep into the human psyche. It’s about survival, morality, and the lingering effects of trauma. The book expertly explores the ways our past decisions shape who we become and how sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we can't outrun the ghosts we’ve created. The sense of fear, not just of the supernatural but of the internal and external consequences of human actions, is what makes this novel stand out.

For fans of Brubaker and Phillips, *Houses of the Unholy* is yet another triumph. Their long-standing partnership continues to produce some of the finest work in graphic novels, and this latest entry is no exception. The story is gripping, the characters are compelling, and the art is, as always, top-notch. This book will likely appeal to readers who love atmospheric thrillers, psychological horror, and complex characters embroiled in dark, morally complex stories.

In conclusion, *Houses of the Unholy* is a masterful work of horror and suspense. Brubaker and Phillips have once again proven that they are among the best in the business, creating a gripping and haunting narrative that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page. Highly recommended for fans of the creators’ previous work, and for anyone looking for a chilling, thought-provoking thriller.

I really enjoyed this one - I loved the worldbuilding, the artstyle and the characters. I was desperate for more! Highly recommended.

<b>TW/CW: Language, use of c-word, weed, bullying, toxic family relationships, death of parent, nudity, panic attack, anxiety, loss of family,
</b>
<b><big>*****SPOILERS*****</b></big>
<b>About the book:</b>
An FBI agent from the cult crime beat and a woman with a past linked to the Satanic Panic are drawn into a terrifying hunt for an insane killer hiding in the shadows of the underworld. Can you ever escape your past, or are all your bad decisions just more ghosts to haunt you, wherever you go?
<b>Release Date:</b> August 14th, 2024
<b>Genre:</b> Horror
<b>Pages:</b> 144
<b>Rating:</b> ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

<b>What I Liked:</b>
1. Love the art
2. Banter between characters
3. Story flowed
4. Didn't chapters having titles from history/bands/books

<b>What I Didn't Like:</b>
1. Weird added in sex scene
2. Plot holes or unexpected things

<b>Overall Thoughts:</b>
<b><big>{{Disclaimer: I write my review as I read}}</big></b>

Love that it used the Say You Love Satan Book cover by David St. Clair. Nice touch there.

Each chapter back is a play on something Satan. One chapter is the myth behind Kiss' name; kids in Satan's service.

That was weird. Fake Kim bites her lip to take blood. She then disappears upstairs. Moments later the agent shows up and there's no one in the house and he's able to get loose conveniently not able to call in the murders of the real Kim because he's on suspension. I don't know man do I even trust this agent? And then they're going to hit the road again. Guess I just don't understand how he got loose and what happened to the fake Kim. Oh and he has like a tattoo now on his chest.

Cool now a very very random sex scene that adds nothing to what's happening.

Why should Natalie have known that Blake wasn't dead because he was identified by his Dental records? Is this not going to get explained? I don't get it did he not have real teeth? Just leave with hanging on this line.

Kind of knew something was off about the agent and then her brother acting like he didn't know anything.

<b>Final Thoughts:</b>

I really enjoyed this graphic novel. The artwork was spectacular and I felt like the story really flowed keeping you invested. It did fall more on the predictable side of things though so I wasn't really surprised when Blake or the agent was a part of everything going on. There were just some plot holes that I felt didn't really explain what was happening or went nowhere.

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<b>Thanks to Netgalley and Image Comics for this advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ .5/5

The book unfolded like a cinematic experience. Its captivating illustrations breathed life into the narrative, and I found myself swept up in the characters’ emotions—so much so that at times, I felt as if I were living their fears and joys. The plot was both original and engaging, full of unexpected twists that left me eager to dive back in even when I had to set it aside.

This accessible read pulled me out of a prolonged slump, and while I hadn’t anticipated some of the narrative’s turns, they only deepened my intrigue. I couldn’t help but feel that every character ultimately let Natalie down—a decision I found unfair, especially given how her unwavering loyalty, even in the face of betrayal, speaks volumes about her character. I’m not sure I could ever match that level of commitment.

Although the ending left me with more questions than answers, overall, the experience was thoroughly rewarding.

"Houses of the Unholy" by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips is a comic book about a woman named Natalie who is forced to help the FBI take on a Satanic Cult. The Cult has been murdering a group of people that she was involved with as a kid.

The comic is dark, mysterious, and unsettling. The artwork is amazing and adds to the story.

I highly recommend this comic book. I hope that this series will continue, especially since the first volume ended on a cliffhanger!

Thank you, NetGalley and Image Comic Inc., for sending me a copy of this comic!

Dark and original this was a great graphic novel and I hope there is more to come. The story was gripping and the illustrations were great. I would definitely recommend this to others.

Fantastic original graphic novel from long-term collaborators Ed Brubaker and Sean Philips. This is typical of their crime stories, but with the added twist that the narrative has dark horror undertones, dealing with and commenting on the Satanic Panic of the 1980s.

I'm a long-term fan, but I devoured this book and loved every page of the lush artwork.

I really enjoyed with the exception of feeling like it is the beginning of the series and wanting more. It is a an interesting concept. a woman who as a child testified that she was abused by satanists. Caught up in the 80's mindset and how her entire life has been changed by this event. compelling.

4.5 rounded up

Natalie Burns is just trying to help a kid that has been brainwashed by a cult back to their parents. Instead, she gets arrested and is forced to face her past. She was a part of six children in the 80s called the Satanic Six. This was the time of the Satanic Panic, ritual abuse being reported by 12, 000 unsupported cases. The Satanic Six were children that testified on the stand about ritual abuses and crazy sex demons. Natalie has tried her best to cut ties with this past, but it has pulled her back into a crazy chase against the clock.

#ThxNetGalley #EdBrubaker

This was a spectacular read. Gripping narrative coupled with eye catching artwork. Definitely a memorable reading experience and a book I would, and will, add to my bookshelf. Thank you for the opportunity.

Z

This graphic novel was exactly what I was looking for as a quick read to freshen up my reading lately. The subject matter is something I'm very interested in and it seemed to stay pretty true to how some things were back in the 80s/90s with satanic panic. I liked the illustrations from different timelines when the MC was younger vs current had different colors used as I felt it kept the tone of the story and helped differentiate even more. It kind of tied in as part of the end as well of using those colors used in the past when the subject matter started to line up again. I would definitely recommend this one for anyone interested in cults, satanic panic, childhood trauma, and cause and effect.

With thanks to the author, publishers Image Comics, and NetGalley for providing me with a DRC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Overall I enjoyed this graphic novel. It has really cool artwork, which was really atmospheric and complemented the plot very well. Some compelling characters also, with interesting backgrounds. The story was pretty engaging too, although I did find it a little confusing at a few points with all of the jumping back and forth between timelines.

The ending was quite abrupt though and felt a little rushed in comparison to the pacing of the rest of the novel. I thought it might be leading to another instalment, but it does appear to be a standalone work.

In this new tale, an FBI agent from the cult crime beat and a woman with a past linked to the Satanic Panic are drawn into a terrifying hunt for an insane killer hiding in the shadows of the underworld.

The Satanic Panic was everywhere back in the 70's and there is a true story of a group of daycare kids who, for some reason, accused the people watching them of not just abuse but devil whorship. Our protagonist here was involved in a simialr story.

I think this story started all over the place and I was lost but it didnt take long for me to get sucked into the tale and gobble it down.
The Illustration is excellent and if you like your horror stories bloody, you will love this.
The story was exciting and horrific and I can't wait for the next volume to see what happens next.

Recommended Published 9/03/2024
Thanks to @Netgalley and Image Comics for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Image Comics for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

It’s Brubaker & Phillips—do I need to say more? Houses of the Unholy is everything you’d hope for in a graphic novel: a perfect mix of horror, crime, noir, and psychological dread.

The story centers around a mysterious FBI agent on a dark case, a woman struggling with a past tied to the Satanic Panic, and a killer operating in a chilling occult underworld.

But what really stands out is how much depth this story has. It’s not just a creepy thriller—it’s also a look at guilt, ambition, escaping your past, and our strange obsession with things we don’t fully understand. Brubaker’s writing and Phillips’ moody artwork are a dream team as always, creating something dark, stylish, and unforgettable.

If you’re into smart horror with a noir vibe, Houses of the Unholy needs to be on your list. Highly recommend!