3.5☆
A retelling of the legend of the red string. But here it's not just one string; there are two, and neither one is red.

Yoon is a 25-year-old woman who has the ability to see two types of strings that connect people. The first is blue and stretches between sexual partners. The second—dark black—connects murderers and their victims. She starts working with the police to solve cases, but a black string connects her to someone. This means she will either murder someone soon or be murdered herself.

I liked the illustrations, especially the way they're colored.

I like that the plot moves quickly; it keeps you engaged.

If you like urban fantasy, you should check out this story.

String #1 by Paul Tobin

adventurous mysterious fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0

This is a new superhero with pink hair and too much information.

What I loved 💕:
💕 Beautiful illustrations and images
💕 A unique concept for a superhero / crime fighting cop
💕 A fun and interesting narrative
💕 Strong femme hero

What was not my cuppa tea ☕️:
☕️ The amount of time B#*ch
Is used

Ideal reader ⭐️:
⭐️ Fans of Electra.
⭐️ Fans of superhero / super natural cops

*actual rating 3.75 stars rounded up

I requested this comic because I was intrigued by the premise of seeing black and blue strings between people - although not between destined lovers like more traditional mythology tales, but between victim/murderer and sexual partners respectively. I really liked the FMC, Yoon-Sook, and her interactions/relationships with the other characters we meet, and especially her pets Turtle and Grapefruit. I also really appreciate the depth we get for some of the key characters, despite the length of this volume and the number of plot-points going on. The plot (and visuals) did become a bit gruesome at times but I thought it was expressed well, and the illustration style and colouring suited the concept and plot. While this volume concluded nicely, there is still an overarching mystery I would like to unravel more and will definitely be picking up the next (teased) volume (I hope!) when it comes out!

Would recommend for fans of grittier plots with entertaining banter, pockets of humour and punny visuals (one of my fav's was 'Agatha Crispy's Sandwiches and Pizza' lolol)

String is such an interesting and unique concept brought to the page by Paul Tobin. Yoon-Sook can see two types of strings connecting people to each other, one which shows who has been sexually intimate, and one which shows who has (or will be) murdered and who is their murderer. This was such a cool idea I was intrigued right away.
The art is great as well. Super bright and clear and the scenes were easy to follow. The artist, Carlos Javier Olivares and Colorist, Sara Colella, did a great job working together to keep things flowing without becoming muddy which is a complaint I sometimes have with comics and graphic novels that are action-focused. I also really enjoyed the subdued neon tones.
The main character Yoon-Sook was really funny and likeable and fully fleshed-out, which is great given the short form quality of graphic novels. I also really appreciated there was a dog and cat, Grapefruit and Turtle. The cast of characters was also diverse.
This comic / graphic novel would appeal to anyone who is into detective-focused or action-based comics with fierce female main characters, and a diverse cast of characters. The characters are also sex worker positive, inclusive, and Queer-friendly. Aside from there being police presence in the comic, it could be a good addition to LGBTQIA+ reading lists potentially.
This was a solid start to a series, and I’m certainly invested in reading on to find out more about Yoon-Sook’s ability to see strings, and find out what happens with the characters introduced so far, particularly, Yoon-Sook and Detective Mayfield. I’m also impressed with the layout and design production of Mad Cave Studios, a new-to-me publisher, and will be seeking more from them.

This was okay. While it had a lot of potential it fell a little flat. It felt very rushed and then just ended. Maybe there will be a sequel and that is why it ended so abruptly?.

I loved this. Action packed, mysterious, funny, and interesting. The art was great as well! Definitely one of my favorite graphic novels I’ve read.

What a thrill of a ride! Fun. Gritty. Lots of action and intrigue. And I loved the premise for this one. It was conceptually unique and instantly compelling. I can definitely picture it as a TV show with its non-stop action and diverse characters.

One really stand-out quality of this book is that it does a fantastic job of discarding stereotypes, instead giving readers characters that feel more real and human. Yes! Outside the box thinking is so good!

Also, I can't review a graphic novel and fail to comment on the illustrations. The artwork was great—lots of details, with a vintage-comic book feel.

This one was a winner for me.

Yoon, our protagonist, has the ability to see strings attached to people. For intimate attachments, and murder. After solving a cold case in which the suspect murked himself, she suddenly finds herself with a black string. Chaos ensues as she tries to find her killer before she can actually BE killed.

Yoon was a little funky but a fun protag to follow, and her cop friend helping her out made for a nice balance. This magic, powers, whatever, she had was pretty interesting, and I wish I knew more about it, like why only those two things? Why not other things like love or family ties or something else?

The art was also kind of funky but not in a bad way. I thought it was pretty cool.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Mad Cave Studios and Paul Tobin for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This graphic novel was such a pleasant surprise. It was such a thrilling, gripping read, with illustrations that truly match the content with their eye catching design and colouring.

Yoon-Sook Namgung was our bad ass protagonist - and boy did Tobin deliver on the complexity of her personality. Namgung has a special ability- to see ‘strings’ emanating from (and between) people. Blue strings show a sexual connection, whilst black strings show death - specifically between a murderer and their victim. These can even predict future events. She uses her power to help the police solve crimes - and the first volume of the series focuses on what she does when a black string attaches itself to her! Is she the murderer or the victim?!

The originality of the concept is brilliant - and the narrative follows through expertly. I enjoyed this so much that I would love to read future editions. It was fast paced, with stunning, vibrant artwork that grips you until the very end. The diversity of the characters is also very refreshing. I can see this becoming a series that explores Namgung’s trauma further, which will in turn create a depth between herself and other characters.

Definitely recommend!

YESSS!! Badass women with superpowers are my favorite genre 💗🧸

#NetGalley 🤍🫶🏼 thank you for the arc!

I absolutely judged String by its cover, I saw the vivid blues and pinks and immediately clicked to see what it was about and am so glad I did! The premise of being able to see the strings connecting people together has always been something I loved, and to have a fresh take on it where it's something other than the red string of fate (aka soulmates) was pretty cool. Yoon was a fun character; between her abilities, pink hair and carrying her animals around with her, it was impossible not to love her. The dynamic between her and Detective Mayfield was excellent, they had fun banter and String really felt like a campy detective TV show in the best way. At times I did feel like things were a little rushed, but overall, I enjoyed this a lot and hope we get a sequel soon!

ARC provided by NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios

The cover and description of this title really drew me in, they both just seemed so exciting and action filled. And reading the first little bit it really does seem to be an action filled story. All that extra rambunctious crime and detective work that I really love in a TV show is here. I was hoping this would be fun like and bring the vibes of shows like Stitchers or Grimm. Which it kind of does. But the main take away I have after reading this is that it was boring. I know that feels so counter to what I have said, its a book full of action how can it be boring? To tell you the truth I don't know, it was just boring. Maybe the character were a bit flat, or maybe it was something else. I just know that it did not hold my attention and it took me forever to get through, it was kind of boring. I'd pass on this one.

This was a big surprise for me.

We have our main lead Yoon-Sook who can see "strings" on people. Blue strings attach from one person to another letting her know those two did the dirty deed. But the Black String on someone means they murdered someone or will. It's a fun story to be had here when Yoon-Sook see a black string on her. Fast paced, funny, and solid art (Though sometimes the faces go haywire) all make for an enjoyable comic. While I feel sometimes we move TOO quick to let things settle in, we have to wrap it up in the set amount of issues given. Overall a fun time. A 4 out of 5.

Loved the concept of seeing how people are connected through relationships and death. The story was compelling and the action throughout was well-paced. I really loved the style of the art and how the plot played out in the end. I would definitely read more about these characters!

Thank you to NetGally and Mad Cave Studios for giving me the opportunity to read this. I originally requested this book for a few reasons. The cover art was gorgeous. I loved the different colors used, and the art style was appealing. The characters looked realistic without creeping into uncanny valley territory. Secondly, the description caught my eye and intrigued me. I wanted to know more about Yoon, why she can see strings, and why there was a black one connected to her. I was rewarded with a compelling story full of entertaining characters and mystery.
I was immediately endeared to Yoon. Some of her first interactions on the page are of being outcast among people around her. When Detective Luke Mayfield chooses to team-up with Yoon, I loved that they just rolled with her ability, and didn’t do a whole lot of skeptical questioning. The character designs for Yoon and Mayfield were perfect. Yoon, unlike a majority of characters in the story, stands out with her pink hair and brightly colored outfits. Mayfield dresses like a cliché police detective complete with the bomber jacket and clean haircut. I loved their dynamic – both so comfortable with each other from the beginning.
The story was not without its action. There were moments when the story slowed down to discuss deeper topics, but never long enough to get boring, and all of it harkened back to the overarching plot. The story never dragged, and I found the slow, character-focused moments to be just as enjoyable as the fast-paced action scenes.
Despite getting a minor amount of screentime, Litty Mondo was easily my favorite character. She was entertaining every time she was part of the story, and I love that her character was your stereotypical porn star. She had depth and character outside of her sex work. When she was first introduced, I was worried that would be her only character trait, and I’m glad it wasn’t. She was a lot of fun, and should this series continue, I hope she sticks around.
I undeniably enjoyed this graphic novel. I ate up the story so fast, and wished I could have read it without interruptions. The characters are memorable and complex, and the story is full of touching moments and action scenes that compliment each other. I eagerly hope that Tobin will continue to explore and build these characters. 4.5 stars!

3.5/5

Yoon-Sook Namgung can see glowing blue or black strings connecting people. Blue strings show who’s having sex and black ones connect a murderer with their victim. Handy for solving crimes, awkward for dating.

I liked the concept more than execution, but I had a good time, anyway. The writing is mostly solid, with a few eyebrow-raising moments. The art is downright gorgeous, the dialogue is snappy, and Yoon-Sook is an entertaining lead, even if she doesn’t have much depth beyond her cool pink hair and snarky attitude. The mystery lacks suspense a bit. Most of the time Yoon-Soon walks into a room, spots a string, and case is closed, which isn’t the most thrilling detective work.

Other than that, String is a fast-paced, visually stunning ride with a killer premise. Slightly flawed when it tries too hard to be edgy but worth reading.

That was pretty cool.

I had imagined the string thing to be more secretive, that Yoon is a private detective in the shadows or something, and was surprised that it’s a public ability. Although most people think she’s a witch. Still, there were some ‘private detective’ moments, like her going to a gang bar.

Overall cool idea, and a nice twist on the red string of fate – blue string for sexual partners, and black string for murder-victim.

I loved the ‘reality’ parts of it. Like, actual police work: watching surveillance cameras all day, instead of chasing cars on the streets all the time (although that is part of the job as well). Or porn star characters, who are human beings, where the porn acting isn’t a 24/7 job, and that they aren’t perverted or horny all the time. (Litty was quite a deep character actually!)

It being queernormative also was very nice.

The only contra I have is that the art was a bit ... odd at times. Overall really great drawings, typical american comics style, and lots of details. Also distinct character designs. But sometimes too intense, especially during the action scenes, tho even during the slice of life scenes, the expressions were always very ... how to put it? Realistic, but too realistic perhaps?
Not an argument to not check it out, though.

I’m not sure whether it’s a series, the epilogue teased a bit, but I’m definitely looking forward to a sequel, if there is gonna be one.

~

Thank you to Mad Cave Studios for an e-ARC.

-16.03.25

LOVE the concept of a psychic seeing "strings" that connect people. One string shows sex, the other murder. The police rely on her when they need her. Others shun her. She tries to protect herself by hiding truths she sees. But one day a murder line shows up on her.
The story is sexed up more than needs to be. And yet, humor abounds.
Fun addition to adult libraries.

3.5 Stars

I love the concept of strings of fate and Strings puts an intriguing twist on them with connections for both intimate connections and murderous ones! Overall, I enjoyed this story and the two MCs, and the pets brought some cute humor. I did find the ending to be a bit too rushed, though, and the rest of the humor was far too sexualized for my taste.

3.5/5
Quality of writing: 4
Plot development: 3
Pace: 3
Characters: 4
Enjoyability: 4
Ease of reading: 3

Yoon-Sook Namgung has the ability to see two types of “strings” connecting various people. The first is blue and stretches between sexual partners. The second—dark black—connects murderers and their victims. One of those black strings suddenly lead back to her... But is she the victim or the killer?

The premise of this comic is pretty interesting. Yoon can see strings that connect people. Either they are lovers or they are a killer and a victim. But for some reason the pace seemed a bit slugish even tho a lot happened.
I would like to see more of the main character tho.

Review copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.