Thank you to NetGalley and Ten Speed Press for a complimentary early release copy of MrBallen Presents: Where Nightmares Live.

Where Nightmares Live is an average graphic novel, I like the art style and the stories are mildly interesting however I feel that they are missing that dramatic flare that the first graphic novel and his videos have. They have a good mystery and when I was reading I was intrigued enough to continue but I was just missing that “oh, wow” kind of factor. My favorite stories out of these have to be the Palmyra Wolves and The Bell. Those were the stories that I felt had a good mystery to them and I was decently invested to see where both stories go. Since a majority of them are still unsolved it’s nice to theorize but the endings do end up having a bit of a lackluster feel to them. It sometimes feels like the stories are partially done and could use just a bit more to them. It was a nice quick mystery read though! I’d be interested in more stories from MrBallen.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an Advanced copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review!!

Man, MrBallen has done it again!!
Another great graphic novel that goes into the deep, dark and mysterious stories of those who have seen the dark and macabre!
I watch MrBallen on Youtube, so most of these stories were familiar to me, but I am excited to read the other four bonus stories when the official graphic novel is released. And it is always fun to see these stories depicted in graphic novel format; the art was soooo good!
I highly recommend this novel to those who are a fan of MrBallen, or even those who just like dark graphic novels or horror graphic novels that have good stories and good art. I see this being a popular title at my job!

Five stars all around!

As always Mr.Ballen doesn't disappoint`!! This book was filled with great scary stories that hook you from the start. I love the artwork which gives you a deeper immersion into the stories. Love the success hes been having with these books and look forward to more! Totally recommend!!!

I always enjoy Mr. Ballen’s YouTube stories and enjoyed his previous graphic novel of true scary stories. This one was no different.

The illustrations are fantastic and really fit the tone of the stories. And the book is well written and makes you feel like you’re listening to one of his YouTube posts! Very entertaining and definitely creepy!

My only gripe is that they cut stories out of the ARC making them only available in the purchased edition. They did that with the previous edition too. But I guess they are protecting themselves from any possible piracy, so I can understand that.

I look forward to future Mr. Ballen graphic novels!
5⭐️

As always I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/5 Stars

I was really impressed by the artwork in Where Nightmares Live, the illustrations are gorgeous, atmospheric, and definitely the highlight of this book. The stories themselves, while interesting per Ballen's typical style, felt a bit disjointed at times. I love MrBallen’s work and would probably still buy a finished copy to support him, but I think his storytelling style hits harder in the audio format. On the page, some of the thrills fell flat, that usually would be a grand slam on his YouTube or spotify formats.

It’s worth noting that not all the chapters were included in the ARC, so it’s possible there are more impactful stories waiting in the final release. Similar to his last book, I felt like I had heard some of these stories before, but I was more intrigued with this collection overall. The pairing of MrBallen’s storytelling with such strong artwork makes me curious to see what else he and this artist could do in the horror space.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley who provided me with an early release copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a 2.5 for me but I rounded it up to a 3 because I like Mr. Ballen. I feel like I can't accurately judge this book though because even if you receive an arc copy through NetGalley some chapters are being withheld and can only be read upon purchasing the book once it's been released. This feels like it defeats the purpose of handing out arcs because if we cannot read half the book, how are we supposed to give an opinion?

Anyhow, aside from that I did love the artstyle. It was beautiful and fit the stories really well. However, as someone who has been watching Mr. Ballen for years, these stories were nothing new to me. I hoped (and perhaps that is my bad) that he would have chosen new stories for his book because the main target for this book is his own audience, who watch his videos and so are undoubtedly familiar with these stories. It felt like nothing new, aside from the added art. I could have gone to his channel and heard these stories for free, and listening to his stories (to me) is more interesting than reading them, even with beautiful art.

Overall I'm not sure whether I recommend. The only reason I would personally buy this is to support Mr. Ballen, but the book itself is not worth it to me.

I’ve been a fan of Mr Ballen’s for years and this book gives us more material to love. Each story holds your attention and makes you wonder what the next story brings.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and to the publisher Ten Speed Graphic.

I regularly watch MrBallen’s videos on YouTube and even listen to some of his podcasts, so I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity. I really enjoyed his first book, and being a fan of his storytelling, I couldn’t wait to dive into this one.

As someone who loves graphic novels and manga, this book immediately drew me in. The illustrations are stunning, and the storytelling is spot-on, blending visuals and words seamlessly to create a truly immersive experience.

In the words of MrBallen himself: if you’re a fan of the strange, dark, and mysterious delivered in story format, you’ve come to the right place.

The book contains nine stories, four of which are new and haven’t been featured elsewhere, while the others are stories previously shared. Even for those I already knew, the illustrations and slightly different telling made them feel fresh and new—so nothing feels repetitive.

As these stories lean towards the super natural there is an added layer of suspense. Looking at the map at the start, I was beyond excited to see a story set in the Valley of the Kings—ancient Egypt is a personal favourite and I didn’t expect a story from there. I enjoyed how these stories were set all over the world. It added an extra layer of immersion.

Because these are true stories, they are infinitely more terrifying. Knowing these events happened to real people adds a chilling realism. The tension builds masterfully, instilling a sense of dread—you’re constantly anticipating that something bad is about to happen.

A note about my ARC: unfortunately, the copy I received was missing the four new stories. This meant I could only read five of the stories, so my review is based on those. I plan to read the full version and may update my review if the missing stories change my perspective, though I suspect the tone and style will remain consistent.

This book is a quick, easy read. I enjoyed the narration style—it mirrors the cadence of MrBallen’s videos, making it feel familiar and engaging.

My favorite stories were Dorothy and The Melting Man, though every story I read was excellent. The further reading section was a wonderful bonus, providing sources to explore more about each story for those who want to dig deeper.

All around great book, especially for fans of the strange, dark and mysterious.

Note: I will update this review with the link to my Goodreads and blog once I post my review there during the week of this books launch.

Thank you, Netgalley, for an advanced Readers copy of this graphic novel

I want to say I am a fan of Mr Ballen on YouTube & I have been watching his channel for years, & he gives so much emotion behind the stories he shares.

This is the second graphic novel done on certain stories shared in this format, the art work is really well done and goes with each story well to have you more drawn in & the stories shared are mysterious and exciting in a haunting way. some of the stories have been left out of this advanced readers' copy, which I liked because they show how important the readers are for the physical book.

if you love horror, thriller, and true life stories being shared with no explanation & showing in their own ways how we don't know everything about the world we live in.

I can't wait for more graphic novels to be made and done

I enjoy a good, short, snappy scary story but of the ones available in this book, I just didn't get that. I could see where the author was trying to go but felt it either fell flat or didn't live up to its potential.

Having read the first one and now this ARC I gotta say I think the selection of the stories for this one is better than the ones in the previous book, they have more impact, they are overall more incredible (in a good way)

The art, as always, is fantastic, and fits perfectly into the book. As the choloring skews a bit more monochromatic it doesn't distract from the actual story but it's also never "just there", it's acts as a good companion when the stories reach their highest point when the narration tends to diminish a bit in favor of elevating the tension.

Eagerly awaiting the publication of the book to read the four stories that were left out of the ARC!!

Bizarre. Terrifying. Unforgettable.
I was lucky to receive Mr. Ballen Presents: Where Nightmares Live as an ARC from Net Galley and Clarkson Potter/ Ten Speed Press. As a newer fan of Mr. Ballen, I was excited to dig into a different form of media from him. Let’s get into it!

What did I like?
From the introduction to the last page, I was hooked. Watching a Mr. Ballen video has a way of drawing you in. You’re always unsure where you’re going or what will happen next. But you enjoy the journey. So, having Mr. Ballen’s voice come through in comic form was something I loved. Translating from video to comic and still maintaining your voice? Chef’s kiss.

The illustrator Andrea Mutti was able to take the stories from Mr. Ballen and elevate them in such a cool way. I wish I knew more about the technical side of illustrating, but I can tell you that they all enhanced the story.

The stories chosen all felt unique and scary in their own way. Remembering halfway through a story that this actually happened was a recurring thought I had. And every time it gave me goosebumps. Four of the stories were held back until publication, but that just makes me want to pick up a copy on release day.

What didn’t I like?
The only thing I didn’t like is kind of silly: I wish the stories were longer. Obviously, the trade-off we get with a graphic novel versus a video is all the illustrations. I can’t imagine how much time and effort Andrea Mutti spent creating all of the drawings. And I don’t want to take away from the incredible work that was done on this project.

Final Thoughts?
If you’re a fan of the strange, dark, and mysterious, then you gotta check this out. Mr. Ballen is a great storyteller, and this work helps bolster that claim.

5/5

I was introduced to Mr. Ballen on FB and TikTok. The stories shared are chilling most times. When I saw that there was a book version I jumped at the opportunity. The stories are great as usual. My personal dislike was the comic book style form. Is it bad? Nope! The illustrations were wonderfully drawn. My personal issue is it is difficult for me to concentrate on the stories because of the art. My ADHD has me looking at everything in the pictures and losing focus. But that is a me problem, don't let it deter you from reading this awesome book.

I love MrBallen's yt channel, and have now read both graphic novels. They are just as fun as watching his show. The drawings and the way the story is told feels like a MrBallen episode. The only complaint I have is specifically for this NetGalley ARC. There are supposed to be 9 stories. 4 of the stories were left out of the ARC. I realize this was on purpose, but it really messes up the expierence for the reviewer. I am not sure if that was a decision on Ng's part or the publisher l, but it makes it more difficult to give a full review.

I'd like to thank Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press, Ten Speed Graphic, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read "MrBallen Presents: Where Nightmares Live" early in return for an honest review. As always, my opinions, good and bad, are strictly my own!

This will absolutely appeal to Mr. Ballen fans. The graphic novel approach had some of the horror aspect diminished for me. As a Mr. Ballen fan, the way he tells his stories is a big part of the creepiness of it (for me personally.)

Four chapters were held back from the ARC, which is fine - I would love to see those when the work is published. The artwork is very reminiscent of the work in the Walking Dead Compendiums, so if you enjoy those, you would enjoy this work.

The stories included thus far were:

a ship that made the crew insane, until the spirit claims one soul
a family who purchases a farmhouse in Maine that ends up under attack by animal like creatures (Stephen King anyone?)
a little girl who will make you question if reincarnation is real (this story was not horror at all to me but VERY fascinating)
a perfect lake is the setting for a perfect nightmare
the melting man

Anticipated publication date of Sep 30, 2025.

I've only recently become a MrBallen fan, and I am definitely hooked. If you're a fan of the mysterious and frightening, that have the possibility of being true, like strange disappearances, cryptid encounters, and dark urban legends, MrBallen has got you covered. These are great stories. I'm not easily frightened, as I consider myself a professional Horror Fiction Fan, but each of these stories were new to me, and sent a little shiver up my spine. I loved it!

For a real treat, you should listen to his podcasts. He's a wonderful storyteller, with a great voice, and yes, I did read this book in his voice.

Just a heads up! Not all of the stories are in this digital copy. Only 7 of 9 stories are available, so I'm looking forward to getting an actual, physical, copy, in my hands, come September.

My thanks to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press - Ten Speed Graphic for an advance copy of this graphic novel that shows the world as it really is, full of mystery, full of things we don't understand, and full of things that can hurt us in thousands of ways, all waiting where the light of flashlights begin to end.

When I was a kid there was an author who I loved more than anything. Each one of his books was a revelation. Showing ghosts, Bigfoot, vampires, haunted houses, strange lights in the sky, and creatures under the bed. Daniel Cohen was his name, and his books are ones that I read over and over. Much of what I am now is because of those books. Much like Fox Mulder, I want to believe, and books like Cohen's made me a fan of ghost stories, Alien lore and more. And probably magick and bigger conspiracies. Reading this graphic novel I had the same feelings that Cohen's books filled me with oh so many years ago. The this can't be real, well maybe some of it is real, oh my god lock the house and clear the basement I am hiding there. MrBallen Presents: Where Nightmares Live: The Graphic Stories is compiled by the YouTube star MrBallen and illustrated by Andrea Mutti and tell stories of nature gone suddenly dangerous, strange noises, spooky events and much more.

The graphic novel is made up of nine stories of about similar length and tell stories of spooky things happening by the people who experienced it. The advance copy was short four stories, but all follow a pattern and a fear factor compiled by the YouTuber. There is a story about a ghost freighter that drives the crew slowly mad, until the spirits that haunt the boat get a soul. A innocent farmhouse far in the Maine countryside becomes under siege from strange wolf life creatures. A young woman who has found a peaceful oasis near her home in the desert is shocked to find dead animals, and a strange creature pursuing her in a torrential flood. Along with other tales.

A collection that I would have enjoyed as a kid years ago. The stories aren't really scary, more unsettling. These would be perfect to read around a campfire, and still let little campers get some sleep. The length is also good, as they don't overextend their welcome. Just as the story is getting to the hey wait a minute moment, it ends. The art is fine for the collection as it fits the story, doesn't really shock in ways, and is perfect for the readers who I assume must be younger. I know my nephews will enjoy this, one will be a little more scared than the other, but this would be a good introduction to young readers about the strange things that happen in the world. A fun collection.

Just like his first book, this was great! It makes these stories even more scary when you get the visuals to go along with them. I’ve been a fan of Mr. Ballen for awhile now and I feel like nobody else can tell a story like him.

I was very excited to get a sample of this book free from NetGalley. I am a huge fan of MrBallen and his podcasts and YouTube videos. This is his second graphic novel and it is just as good as the first! He delves into weird and spooky stories that are based on real events. He researches his books well. I also love the illustrations in this book. The watercolor look gives the pictures a creepy vibe.

I liked how this was a collection of short stories but done in the graphic novel style. The art style was really good, and some of the stories were definitely quite spooky. However, I wish that it had included all the stories, and that it had gone a little deeper.