Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the e-arc!

My brother turned me into a semi fan of CoreyxKenshin. I kept seeing this series be teased by the aforementioned on his channel and when I saw it pop up on NetGalley, I had to give it a read. Right away, I can see that the author is a fan of anime and manga and is trying to create that atmosphere with this series. However, I found it just a bit lacking in terms of story. I would have vibed with it more if the story was given more thought compared to the artwork. I do think the story could get better but I am not interested in finding out.

Thank you Netgalley and IDW Publishing for this ARC!
The art in this book is so pretty. Each character has his/her own time to shine. The story itself is definitely unique and has me on the edge of my seat! I can’t wait for the next volumes! If you like horrory-fantasy with a unique story and a group of students who has to save the world from monsters, then you should pick this up! 4⭐️

Absolutely loved it! Excited to read all of the ones coming up! Additionally can’t wait to add a physical copy to my bookshelf! Loved the characters and felt like I was there with them! The art was amazing and the characters were all different so that was nice to see! New and refreshing! 10/10!

✨ARC Review: Monsters We Make by CoryxKenshin and Corey Mikell✨
📚Manga | 🗓️Release Date: Oct. 28, 2025

Thank you Netgalley and IDW Publishing for the ARC!

This was my first Manga read and it did not disappoint. The characters are super interesting, and the story is quite intriguing. Don't even get me started on the art, it is absolutely immaculate. I don't typically read comics or manga because I prefer to visualize things myself, but this was super nice and intricate, and I enjoyed it a lot. I'm left on the edge of my seat, and I can't wait for the next volume to release!

Also, I am so proud of Cory and how far he's come. This had a fun and interesting plot and was a great debut. It's also not something I'd typically reach for, so I'd like to thank Cory for hyping it up and introducing this new genre to me.

Overall, this was a super fun read. I gasped a ton, and I had a ton of laughs as well. I'm literally on the edge of my seat because I want to find out what's happening next. As always, I can't wait for the next read!

I actually ended up liking this manga a lot more than I thought I would. A lot of people are aware of the creators of this manga from social media/ other platforms, but I'm not one of them, so I can't compare their content to how it reflects in this book or the overall vibes.

I enjoyed the futuristic/ sci-fi aspects of this book. The settings feel grimy and kind of rough whilst also being new and in the middle of an upcoming crisis? I hope someone understands what I'm getting at. Either way, from the very gruesome beginning, readers are drawn into this mysterious plot where Leakers (monster-like creatures who were once human) are a danger to society.

Not long after, we meet the main character, Jabari, who's strong, confident and completely new to the city his parents have dragged him to. His dad has a fancy new job working for the infamous Sanada company (any Resident Evil fans will understand when I compare them to Umbrella...) and Jabari, in return is starting at New Edyn Acacdemy in the middle of term. His new school isn't as it seems, and swiftly the plot unravels to reveal it's all a front to cover up the fact that certain students are being trained to become Hunters.

I really loved the dynamics Jabari has with all his teammates, especially between him and the leader of Alpha team, Liam, who's my favourite followed by September. I liked all of them, even the one who's problematic... The way they work together feels right, and whilst some of their conversations are a bit juvenile and cheesy, it's equally a good reminder that they're teenagers, whilst this book has violence and swearing, it does center around teens, so I could get over it. I loved all their abilities too, I can't wait to learn more about them.

The art style is pretty cool. Whilst some fight scenes are a little hard to keep up with, they're well drawn and have a real 'manga' feel, there's even mini chibi silly moments too.

The story leaves off at a good point, obviously not wrapped up as it's only just begun, but it gives readers a great taste of what's to come and the beginning of some interesting questions and theories, as well as some intriguing dynamics. I for sure want to read the second volume- I'm not sure on the release date or anything yet- but I will be looking out for it.

Overall, it surpassed my expectations and felt like a kickass start to a great manga!

4/5 🌟

Samurai!!!

I am so excited for Corey and this series! I have been a fan of his for years and I didn't doubt for a moment that this story would be good, and it did not disappoint. I can just see this as an anime! It has a really interesting story which I can't wait to learn more about, a great group of characters with a fun dynamic, exciting action, horror elements and good humour.

Impactful and Terrifying!

Monsters We Make is the first in a graphic series about a school that is producing students to combat a terrifying evil. The lowest points of the human condition cause some humans transform into horrific creatures and the destruction can only be stopped by children who were born during one special time.

This story was an EXCELLENT start to what is going to be a fantastic series. A series that I could see easily translating to a screen soon. This particular volume sets up a lot of the backstory that readers need to understand our main character. His options might be limited, however the action starts pretty immediately once school “starts.” From there it’s a thrill ride to the end of this first volume! It’s not one to be missed!

The art is nicely drawn with each character given time to shine and show off, but I found the first book to be a little confusing, scenes were rushed into and then rushed right out of and I would have liked a little more time to be given to explain how and why Javi — who is apparently a piano prodigy — got started at the school. While it does slow down a bit during the testing, I still would have, personally, liked a slightly slower introduction.

Where book one was too frenetic, the next five books are lopsided as Javi and the team fight a monster, then continue fighting the monster while fighting one another in the name of team bonding. It’s all rushed, with Javi first hating them all and then being best buds. The character development is speeding past the story and the monster fight takes forever.

But, these six books collected in this omnibus are all set up. The introduction of characters and their powers, the requisite team building, all that. It’s fine, and the art is solid, but the pace is off-kilter in my opinion. Still, it’s a fun read!

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.

I liked the story, it was an interesting combination of academia and horror, it could have used a little more intro building into the characters but overall a good and unique read.