Member Reviews

This is the first comic I’ve ever read
It was interesting and different i actually enjoyed the lay out and the plot
Will definitely be looking at reading more

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This was a really interesting graphic novel. It was dark and had a great dark and bleak ending which I really enjoyed. I also liked the art style. It was gritty and dark without being ugly the way so many are. I did find the characters to be a bit flat and thats why I'm not giving this a higher rating.

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I think this book had some good ideas, but needed more issues to really explore them. The finale felt incredibly rushed and character betrayals and twists felt completely unmotivated. The best part for me was the covers - incredibly dark and gory.

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Invasive is going to ruin your appetite!

Invasive taps into a disgusting and terrifying part of the world. Surgery and those addicted to cosmetic surgery. This horror graphic novel took my brain to some terrifying places and I found myself having to put this story down from time to time so I could get the images out of my head.

Cullen Bunn has done it again by crafting another horrifying adventure that readers are going to love! And the ending is one that readers won’t see coming!

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Interesting concept and execution but I wasn't wowed by the art style and the ending was... yeah. Fair enough for such a short graphic novel though I guess.

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Dr. Reynolds and Detective Hudgens team up to solve the mystery surrounding victims who are undergoing illegal surgeries, leaving them mutilated and some dead.

I’m not a huge fan of the art but I do think it fits well with the story itself, especially the way the people in the support groups look.

This had a good premise but the execution and speed in which it was told just felt rushed right up to the end.

Thank you NetGalley and to Oni Press for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

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Invasive is an incredibly gruesome and gory graphic novel with incredible art work and a gripping, twisted storyline. I personally really enjoyed this one and will be keeping an eye out for anymore to come in this series!

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Invasive is a disturbing story that explores the terrifying dark world of surgical addiction and the lengths some will go to push the boundaries of medical ethics. Set in a city where a new underground hospital has just opened its doors, Invasive introduces us to a group of rogue surgeons who have taken it upon themselves to pierce the final threshold of accepted medical orthodoxy. They are ready to break every taboo and rule in the book.

Dr. Carrie Reynolds was a veteran trauma surgeon with a godlike mastery of muscle and bone. But outside the operating room, her rigidly ordered life spiraled into chaos when her daughter, Heather-a recovering plastic surgery addict-suddenly disappeared, only to mysteriously reemerge in a catatonic state, her vocal cords removed . . . the latest in a series of victims scarred by a battery of brazenly cruel medical procedures that have baffled police and left an alarming number of once-ordinary citizens maimed, mutilated, or dead on arrival.

Deep beneath the streets of Carrie's city, a new kind of underground hospital has just opened its doors...and, once inside, there are no rules, no oaths, and no taboos too deep to not to be broken. Together, a new class of surgeon has sworn to pierce the final threshold of accepted medical orthodoxy one incision at a time. The scalpel is their tool. The alleys are their operating theater. Murder is their medicine. And only Carrie can stop what they're planning next...

Not for the faint of heart, the graphic nature of each page will make some squirm, but also highlights the dangers of pursuing perfection at any cost. The overall theme of surgical addiction is something we don't see often in the pages of a horror comic, but somehow Eisner-nominated writer Cullen Bunn and artists Jesus Hervás and Federico Sabbatini nailed it.

Invasive introduces us to a new class of surgeon that will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. With a complex storyline, the stakes are high, and every page turn brings new revelations that keep readers guessing about what will happen next. Invasive's pacing of the spot on, drawing readers deeper into its unsettling world with each passing page.

In addition to a stellar plot, Invasive features stunning artwork from Hervás that brings to love a nightmarish world. Jesus' illustrations capture gruesome details of the surgical world while creating a dark and eerie atmosphere of fear and unease that permeates every panel. The muted shadows and colors add to the overall sense of dread, making Invasive visually attractive in such a creepy way. Something that will haunt readers well after turning the final page.

Invasive is a great blend of horror, suspense, tension and mystery. A truly unsettling story by Cullen Bunn, Jesus Hervás and Federico Sabbatini and it is no wonder the series was a 2023 National Cartoonists Society Reuben Award Comics Finalist. This tale pushes boundaries and challenges conventions is horrifying in all the right ways.

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Thank you to Netgalley and Oni Press for offering an e-ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

I usually don't read graphic novels, but the cover and title of this book drew me in. I am an avid horror movie and book fan, the more gore the better, so I knew I would end up liking this book.

I loved the art style and the gore, although honestly there probably could have been more gore shown - I think this would have helped the plot overall. I do feel like the plot could have been driven out into more detail. I would have loved to see some of the backstory on the mother/surgeon. Overall, I enjoyed it, but it isn't something I would read again.

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Invasive by Cullen Burn, Jesus Hervas, and Federico Sabbatini
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 22 October 2024

“Invasive” marks my debut into the world of graphic novels, and what an introduction it was. This horror-themed work seamlessly blends a gripping narrative with striking visuals, creating an immersive experience that lingers long after the final page.

The story follows Dr. Carrie Reynolds, a skilled trauma surgeon whose life unravels when her daughter, Heather, becomes the latest victim in a series of disturbing medical crimes. The plot's premise is both chilling and intriguing, touching on themes of medical ethics, family bonds, and the dark underbelly of urban life.

As a newcomer to graphic novels, I was pleasantly surprised by how accessible the format was. The storytelling flows effortlessly, with the narrative and illustrations working in perfect harmony. The artwork is particularly noteworthy, capturing the grim atmosphere of the story with a mix of shadowy cityscapes and visceral medical imagery. The artists have done an excellent job of conveying emotion and tension through their illustrations, enhancing the horror elements of the story.

The pacing of “Invasive” is well-executed, maintaining a sense of urgency that keeps the pages turning. The balance between dialogue, narration, and purely visual storytelling is skilfully managed, allowing readers to become fully engrossed in Dr. Reynolds' desperate search for answers and justice.

While I can't compare this to other graphic novels, as a fan of horror literature, I found that the visual medium added a new dimension to the genre. The ability to see the horrors unfold, rather than just imagine them, created a more immediate and visceral experience. The graphic nature of some scenes might be unsettling for some readers, but it feels appropriate given the medical horror theme.

The character development, particularly of Dr. Reynolds, is impressive given the constraints of the format. Her internal struggle between her professional detachment and maternal instincts adds depth to the story, making her a relatable protagonist despite the extraordinary circumstances.

One minor critique is that some secondary characters felt underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals. However, this doesn't significantly detract from the overall narrative.

“Invasive” proves to be an ideal entry point for those new to graphic novels. Its compact format makes for a perfect evening read, offering a complete and satisfying story in a single sitting. The blend of medical thriller and horror elements creates a unique narrative that should appeal to fans of both genres.

In conclusion, this graphic novel has not only entertained me but also piqued my interest in exploring more works in this medium. For horror enthusiasts looking to branch out into graphic novels, or for graphic novel fans seeking a chilling medical thriller, “Invasive” comes highly recommended. It's a testament to the power of visual storytelling in the horror genre, proving that sometimes, what you see can be far more terrifying than what you imagine.


Thank you so much to NetGalley, One Press, and the authors/illustrators, Cullen Burn, Jesus Hervas, and Federico Sabbatini, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for offering an e-ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Invasive did not move me. It felt like a moment to be as gory as possible without anything at stake. I get the critique it was making over plastic surgery. But in the end, it just fell flat. The only pro of this comic was the art. Jesus Hervas and Federico Sabbatini outdid themselves with the illustrations.

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I love a good horrific graphic novel and am so thankful to Oni Press and Cullen Bunn + team for granting me advanced digital access to this graphic novel before it's projected to hit shelves on October 22, 2024.

There's a collection of bodily dismemberment and mutations taking place, and Dr. Carrie Reynolds and her detective friend are out to solve the case and put a stop to these brutal slayings. Both have a dog in the fight, a child they are protecting and fighting for, and trust me when I say readers shouldn't eat while reading this one, for there is extreme gore and mutilation involved.

After attending countless counseling meetings and support groups, they are able to pin down the name of the doctor who is overseeing these brutal surgeries, hunting him down, navigating his lair, and putting an end to his medical cult of sorts, but will they get out alive?

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