Fraternity (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Lion Forge and Diamond Books via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Fraternity
Author: Juan Díaz Canales
Artist: José Luis Munuera

Upcoming Release Date: October 9, 2018

Synopsis: 1863: during the American Civil War, the inhabitants of New Fraternity, Indiana, find themselves far from the front lines of the conflict embroiling the United States but still constantly under threat from it; food is scarce, deserters come to seek asylum, and a mysterious feral beast that walks on two legs prowls the forest around the town. The beast seems to have some connection to Emile, a feral child found a few years earlier who had been taken in by the townsfolk during simpler times. As their fear and paranoia grows, the townsfolk start to hunt the beast and turn on each other, with tragic results that threaten to undo all that they have been working toward.

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Review: This graphic novel starts with a fictional essay about New Harmony, a proposed utopian colony. Historical characters such as Josiah Warren and Robert Owen are referenced. This is a set up to the comic which shows a proposed utopian colony named New Fraternity. There are fantastical elements in this historical alternative historical story, particularly a monster. There's also tension between the colonists as well as outside entities. 

I found the artwork very fitting in the tone of the story. There are some dark images, but it flows well with the vibe. This is a comic heavy on dialogue. I found it a bit burdensome to read at times.

I give this comic book a 3/5. I found it entertaining, but a bit heavy on dialogue.   


--PAUL