My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Mad Cave Studios for an advance copy of this graphic novel on the subject of horror, body horror, serial killers, and the past.

I am told that I once fell at a relatives house, seemed okay, talked to people more than I usually did, said a lot of weird stuff, and than tried to walk out because only bad things happened here. I have no memory of this. Or the next two days, for that matter, though everyone said I seemed fine, even happier than I usually seemed at that age. Later though I felt like something was missing, not sleeping through a movie missing, but that something was gone. Good or bad, I really don't know, and doubt I ever will. I probably had a concussion, or shock. From what I don't know. A characters in this graphic novel has a similar experience, though it leaves this character with an interest in counting things. And medical procedures. A Legacy of Violence is written by Cullen Bunn, illustrated by Andrea Mutti, and lettered by Russ Wooton, and is a story about secrets, serial killers, pain, medicine and running from one's past, and finding it closer than one thinks.

Doctor Nicholos Shaw had a bad day in his hospital and decides to go to a place Shaw can forget himself, and help people who really need it. Shaw travels to Honduras, joining a group similar to Doctors Without Borders in bringing medical assistance and help to areas that are underserved, are too poor, or too far out in the country. On his first day Shaw sees a patient, who has been violently attacked, his last words being the world Unit 731, words he knows from his past problems, and even further back. Meeting the Sheriff, Shaw is a little put off by the fact the Sheriff has very strong feelings against the doctors, and Shaw in particular. Which is not helped when another body, skinned alive is found at a local watering hole the doctors go to to unwind. Shaw is starting to lose control, dealing with his own problems, a new locale, and a killer that seems to know quite a lot about him.

A spooky story that has a a strong plot, good ideas, a different kind of setting, and a lot of mystery. Setting the story in Honduras is a good idea as immediately the character is a fish out of water, and sadly, Honduras still getting over many of its own problems, offers a lot of opportunities for an up-and-coming serial killer. The story unfolds carefully, after a strong start that keeps the readers interest and does not let up. This is a bloody tale, and will probably get worse if Unit 731 is what I think it might be. The art is very fitting, detailed with great backgrounds with a look that makes the violence stand out, and lets the scenes have a lot of emotional impact at the same time.

A gory little story that has a lot of potential and one I am interested in reading more of. Cullen Bunn is very good at these kind of stories. I can't wait to see where Bunn is going with this. The art alone is worth recommending, but the story being so good makes it a must buy.

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974


A quick read that pulls you in. Lots of blood and some gore. The graphics are magnetic. I so want to see what happens with Dr. Shaw and figure out the meaning of Unit 731.

Holy hell if I could give this 10 stars out of 5 I would. This story deserves it. It's so absolutely twisted and dark. This story revolves around a doctor who is being stalked by a killer. This killer seemingly has connections to our main character, but I can't wait to discover more in this universe and to see exactly what secrets are in store. This story is dark, I know I said it above, but let me reiterate it's dark and it feels so evil. Perfect for extreme horror fans and even for fans of detective Karin Slaughter.

This is perfect for fans of the Saw or Hostel franchises.

I received a free e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios!

CW: blood and gore

This graphic novel was a fun mix of slasher and whodunnit on a larger scale than I was expecting. Given the book being short, I was at first concerned pacing would be an issue. Thankfully, it wasn’t at all. I was able to linger in strange, uncomfortable moments for just the right amount of time. I also thought we would’ve faced one or two murders max, but this kill count is already getting pretty high after the first installment.

The art was perfect for this book. The illustrations and coloring left just enough to the imagination for you to fill in the blanks, and I particularly am a sucker for black-and-white flashbacks. I still have a few questions after reading this, but nothing that will stop me reaching for the second volume.

Overall, if you’re looking for a macabre read with some stand out gruesome moments, this is the book for you.

This was a fabulous read! I was immersed and couldn't wait to see what was going on. Great story that leaves you wondering, and the graphic imagery of body mutilation was perfect with the storyline. I like the flashbacks of the doctor when he was a child mixed in with the current timeline as well. It helps you to understand the context of the present, as well as creating a mystery that you are dying to figure out. What exactly happened to him as a child? I do wish there was a little more detail as to what exactly is happening with unit 731. I'm excited to see what comes next in volume two, regardless. I would recommend this to horror fans in general, even those that don't usually like graphic novels. I don't usually read graphic novels myself but had to check this one out when I read what it was about. So glad I did!