Whoa. Dark and intense. I’ve always liked Cullen Bunn, and this doesn’t disappoint. An interesting tale about a new kind of drug. Bunn’s writing is great, and Scharf’s art is an excellent match.

Worth reading - but only if you like stories that take place in dark alleyways.

<i>Thanks to NetGalley and BOOM! Studios for a copy in return for an honest review.</i>

I enjoyed the set up for the comic. The art was dark, and the use of color well done. This is the first story, and it did well establishing the conflict as well as back stories and motivations for multiple characters.

For me, this was an okay and entertaining read, but nothing more than that. I suspect it's more me and less the book though.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this early copy.
Warning: Gore, sexual content.
I requested this graphic novel based off the intense cover. The collection is only 100 pages but the story is unique and the art style was well-crafted. I will be checking out more of the upcoming issues in the future. I recommend checking out this interesting comic issue collection.

I absolutely loved the artwork of this graphic novel.

The story follows a family who started selling a drug called Ash, made from human corpses. The drug will have different effects depending on the corpse the user is consuming.

It's a really interesting concept. however, I feel like the story progressed a little too quickly. Every time something happened, another conflict happened soon after; which didn't give the reader enough time to get invested in the story, or get attached with the characters.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story, and artwork, and can't wait to pick up more from the series.

This is normally not really my genre, I haven’t really read anything like it before but I was basically blown away. It was so interesting and so dark that I just had to keep reading, and unfortunately, since it is only vol. 1, it ended way too soon.
I didn’t quite expect it to be this great, but I really enjoyed reading it. The artwork was really good and detailed, and I think the creator managed to really introduce the characters, despite the fact this it was pretty short.

This was a gory, trippy book and it's pretty good. The Winter family produces a hallucinogenic drug made of human ashes that's all the rage in New Orleans. The story picks up with outside influences coming in trying to take over the market and the family struggling with supply and demand. The family dynamic was laid out nicely. You learn a little about everyone, slowly building to the big climax/cliff hanger at the end and how it affects them all.

Cullen Bunn does a couple interesting things in this book that made it work for me, even though this isn't really my style. There are different motivating factors for each of the Winter family members. There isn't really anyone you're rooting for as it's all about drug dealers, but there is a humanity to them that makes at least a few sympathetic. I don't read a lot of horror type comics, but this might be an exception. I know I'll check out Vol 2 as the end on this left me very interested in what comes next.

Now this is a story I can get behind! Drug cartels, turf wars and a mysterious street drug made from dead bodies… it's a mix of gang warfare and the supernatural, which I think is a match made in heaven in terms of storytelling.

It’s everything I could have hoped for and more, with gritty and gory illustrations to match.

I'm officially hooked on this series and will be hanging on until the end.

Intense, creepy. The beginning was a bit slow and boring, but it is worth the wait. The ending is the real deal, how everything changes and becomes a psychological horror filled with surprises and plot twists. Awesome. Will keep an eye and see what happens next.

Full review in my blog (MAR-4): https://tintanocturna.blogspot.com/2019/03/comic-bone-parish-vol-1.html

I liked pretty much everything about this book. It's about a family that is getting into the drug business with a new designer drug known as Ash. Ash is made partially from using the bodies of the dead and creates a hallucinogenic experience involving the person whose body went into it. Of course, there are people trying to muscle in on their territory. And, rightfully enough, it is set in New Orleans.

I had a lot of fun reading this. The characters are well done and I particularly enjoyed seeing the various relationships play out. I'm intrigued by Ash and the slightly supernatural elements attached to its creation. That part of the story works really well for me because it is basically grounded in reality in other respects, so I found it easy to jump into this world and get a sense for how it operated even without knowing everything about Ash.

The art is great. The moments when we get to see Ash in action are particularly good. I like that the art is equal parts dark and bizarre. It sets a good tone that I feel complements the locale. I'm definitely interested in reading more of this to learn about the drug and see how the crime family aspects play out.

I loved how there was a strong female character in the forefront. The mom holds the entire business and family on her shoulders. She is very headstrong which may end up being a bad thing since she is unable to listen to anyone else in the family. 

That just brings me to point number two. The men. Basically all of the other characters are men and they double guess her (yes, even the family). There was one other female character and at first I was wondering if it was just to balance out the men and I still have that feeling at the end of the graphic novel. 

Brigitte was quite possibly my favorite character. As with all the characters you don't get much time with her but she's the one who creates The Ash and she keeps it a secret. Since she refuses to give away the secret I'm sure this will lead to an amazing storyline. We do get some insight into how the drug is created and I'm intrigued if we'll get more. I really hope so because it seems like it's fleshed out in Bunn's mind. 

I loved the artwork. It was so easy to tell when people were in the drugged state and when it switched from viewpoint to viewpoint. The artwork is so perfect, it's kind of shadow-y and dark at some points to match the tone. 

There are flashbacks in this short graphic novel which are in black and white so it's super easy to tell what is what. However, because it was so short (under 100 pages) I think these were unnecessary and it could have used that time to add to the current story.

The story also jumped around for quite a bit for it to be so short. I was thinking it was going to stick with one character for this volume, one for the next and so on. I don't know if I like it this way more or not, I'll have to read more volumes in order to find out. 

I'm going to keep an eye out for the next volume. They will come out as individual issues but I'd rather just binge them all when the volume comes out. I want more of the characters and an elaboration on this world and to find out how it all ends.

4+ stars
WOW! This very graphic novel blew me away. Extremely interesting premise with the Winters family selling a new type of drug, ash. The origins of ash are from the ashes of the dead. Extremely hallucinogenic, it gives the user the experiences of the dead person it comes from or, in some cases, an ability to interact with that dead person.
Of course, others want to get their hands on the drug as it is extremely lucrative.
Definitely graphic, but a very interesting premise and very well-done illustrations. I wanted more and will seek out the next installment.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher, Boom! Studios, for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Bone Parish is a new graphic novel that’s equally fascinating and horrifying. The premise is about as morbid as it gets, with horrifying scenes of drugs gone wrong. The volume is fueled by the drama between drug families and the product in contention continues to be morphed to give the originators the upper hand.

Spoilers below!

A new drug has been invented using the ashes of the dead. Those using the drug are able to inhabit their source’s memories and experiences, to the point of getting enhanced abilities. These alternate realities are fascinating, ranging from mundane memories to horrifying explosions of gore.

The story itself follows an interesting arc. We see this family getting started in the drug underworld, and the events that led them to become who they are today. Murders, disasters, and past trauma are all in play, giving us a group of characters whose morals are lax and futures are dark. There are few redeeming qualities to be found in any of the characters, which plays well within the crime and horror genres.

I was most impressed with the art style and its evolution throughout the volume. There are a number of alternate realities presented, each with a unique art style. The majority of the volume follows a typical comic book style, with strict attention paid to the fight scenes and the presentation of dialogue. The juxtaposition of past and present is done brilliantly, with alternate styles, colors, and panel sizes. The art really made the experience for me.

Overall, Bone Parish is an intense read featuring strong writing and compelling artwork. It’s a crime drama filled with history, horror, and questionable characters aplenty.

I really enjoyed the story. The artwork is beautiful, tho a couple times it was a little difficult to tell who was who. I don't know if that is entirely on the artwork tho, as the story did jump some. So it could be a combination. It didn't detract from things overall and I look forward to the story continuing

Compiling together the first four issues of the Bone Parish comic, this page-turner of a graphic novel, set in New Orleans, follows the Winters - a criminal family led by matriarch Grace - in charge of making and distributing the hottest new drug in the city, as they rise quickly to the top of the local underworld thanks to this new drug infused with (wait for it) the ashes of dead people. Far from just being a new high in highs, what the Winters family sells seems to put you in personal contact with the dead, their memories or personality traits, intelligence or emotions (Grace herself uses the drug to keep her dead husband Andre around, from whom she seeks counseling on day-to-day business operations). It's all harvested locally thanks to grave robbings, and with the drug getting more and more in demand other gangs and criminal organizations want in. Even with her strong and strong-willed sons and daughter (the latter of whom is the only person who knows how to actually make the drug), even Grace recognizes that demand and risks might be growing too big for them to handle - and when a smooth-talking player from the coast wants to buy out the family, while a local mob boss wants to eradicate the Winters altogether, it's up to Grace to prove her family has the cajones to grow, rise, and stay in the game ... no matter what the cost. I can't remember the last time I devoured a graphic novel as I did Bone Parish Vol. 1, which grabbed me by the throat from page one and never let go. The artwork is dark, creepy and gothic - fitting for New Orleans - and writer Cullen Bunn has created, in the Winters, an "Empire"-like family (only without the music) you are always rooting for, no matter how over-the-top they go, because essentially they are just trying to keep what's already theirs ... theirs. Suspenseful, darkly comic at times, original and invigorating, Bone Parish is a comic/graphic novel series not to be missed. Already irritated at the cliffhanger I was left with that left me craving Volume 2! 5/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

A very unusual premise, but one that I could actually envision happening, considering the fascination our youth has for drugs. This drug, however, is comprised of the ashes of the dead, and its use is producing some bizarre side effects. Fans of the drug begin hallucinating and experiencing visions fueled by the person(s) whose ashes are used in the concoction. And these aren't pleasant memories... Scary, surreal horror at it's best.

** I thank the publisher and/or author for allowing me to read this novel as an ARC, without recompense, in exchange for my honest review. **

There's a new drug on the streets, "Ash," and it promises a high allowing users to experience a complete tactile parallel reality (think way better than VR).. One family drug dynasty makes and sells the stuff, but other powerful players in the trade want to take over. And no, you haven't read this before! The dark hues, and sketchy nature of the line art evokes the feeling of dread one gets when dealing in darkness -- drugs, death, and playing around with the occult, all for the money and some twisted idea of family honor. Volume one does a fine job of introducing the premise, satisfactorily completing a story arc, and leaving readers excited for a volume two.

** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley

~

Bone Parish
Cullen Bunn, with Alex Guimaráes
Illustrator: Jonas Sharf
★★★★★
112 Pages
Themes: Crime, Mafia, Drugs


This was a great issue! It had impact, great attention to the small details, some flashbacks that gave great characterisation, and beautiful gritty illustrations. I loved the plot and the way it was executed. Cullen Bunn has become a new favourite in the graphic novel department.

I'm not going to lie, I picked this up because there was a lot of contention about this graphic novel going around Twitter. Any time that a story has such a polarizing effect on its readers, I need to read it. Plus, I can't deny that the premise of this dark little story intrigued me. It's hard not to be taken in by the idea of a highly potent drug made from the remains of the dead, especially if that designer drug starts to become a currency on its own. I just knew this was going to be a graphic novel I would enjoy, and I was right.

First off, kudos where kudos are due, the artwork in this is absolutely stunning. Dark, gritty, and full of atmosphere, it perfectly matches with the story that unfolds on these pages. As the Winter family fell deeper into the pit that this drug trade was digging for them, I felt like the art kept pace perfectly. Fair warning friends, there are some fairly graphic panels in this book. If you're not a fan of death and dismemberment, you might want to take a pass.

In terms of story, I thought Cullen Bunn did an admirable job of introducing us to this new designer drug and its creators. The storyline was a little jumbled at points, but I still felt like I had a pretty firm hold on the picture at large. I'm kind of an addict for stories like these, where the best laid plans go awry and unforseen consequences abound. Seeing what people do when they're down on the mat is fascinating, and Cullen Bunn definitely doesn't skimp in that department. People are hurt in this book, and some of them even deserve it.

Long story short, I liked this! I'm ready for more.

Well...that was good.

I didn't know a lot before starting in on Bone Parish and I think that's why I was so intrigued. The family drama takes center stage as different mafia families bid for the attentions of the family's known drug: a drug manufactured from human corpses.

The premise is interesting and while not a lot of the magic of the drug is explained, I'm not sure if it really needed to be. I like how diverse the cast of characters is, especially the sister who is the brains and creator of the drug. The family is being led by their mother who misses her dearly departed husband, the former leader of their family.
That is, as much as she can miss a being who she still interacts with thanks to this drug

I do wish we had more info on how the memories are picked and captured. How do they know which bodies to grab? What parts of the bodies make the best memories? This is only volume 1 so maybe these questions will be answered in the future volumes. (2 &amp; 3 are due out later this year.))The art is mesmerizing, using color and darkness to really highlight the richness of the settings and the gore of the horror. Admittedly, I am not a big horror fan but I really enjoyed Bone Parish because it had the right blend of mystery, horror and noir.
Overall, Bone Parish is an enjoyable blend of family drama, horror and magic. I am eager to finish reading the series and seeing how they all make it out. And who does not.