When nineteen year old Ashley wakes up in the woods covered in blood... the last thing she expects is to find out she's undead... and now needs live meat, has no heart beat... oh and is fully coming face to face with the paranormal community in her town. Ashley has no idea what happened to her and why she's become a zombie but she soon finds herself meeting werewolves, vampires, and so many other creatures in her town. Then there's the issue of her trying to figure out what happened to her and when the truth comes out... can she accept it? This was a really interesting graphic novel and story that deals with trauma and anxiety and Ashley's journey was a a fantastic read. I definitely had fun reading this one and would highly recommend it!

Release Date: July 8, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Oni Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Ashley Moore wakes up in the forest one day, only to discover that she is dead and probably shouldn't have woken up at all. With no idea how this happened or how she got there, she manages to stumble home. From there, she has to figure out how to live whilst being undead. This graphic novel was honestly super interesting! Ashley already had an entire plan laid out for herself: keep her head down, get into college, and get the hell out of her dinky hometown. Becoming undead completely flips this plan on its head and leaves her scrambling. Watching Ashley trying to navigate her new life was interesting and very gory. She slowly gets involved with the community of supernatural beings who live in her hometown and gets some help along the way. I enjoyed the mystery of how she died being prevalent in the background of the story for the entire novel, and that you finally get all of the answers neatly done at the very end. I also ADORED the art style! The expressions were done wonderfully, and the gore was legitimately disturbing.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

Meat Eaters was an awesome mix of horror and dark humor, found family, and a creepy-cute art style that had me hooked from the first page.

A short read, but packed with lots of emotions and I loved the underlying themes of mental health, of struggling with ptsd and/or depression.

A fun story, perfectly gory and creepy and unexpectedly compelling.

Oh, now this was such a treat! Going in blind based purely on the striking cover art was definitely the right choice for me; I was put right into Ashley's shoes of stumbling into the story, seeking answers and piecing things together bit by bit. But where our protagonist is (rightfully) terrified of her newfound circumstances, I was electrified the whole way through. The way McClaren renders blood and gore is visceral and tactile without compromising the cartoony simplicity of the art style. I was particularly taken with the backgrounds and environmental details! Plot-wise, this book offers just enough to get the gears turning while leaving plenty still on the table for the reader to speculate about. The characters are easy to understand and communicate their vibe at a glance, which is a must when telling a complete story in a single volume, but that isn't to say they lacked depth! The way this cast comes together and relates to one another, how all of us might on some level feel like we don't have "it," was a big highlight for me. All told, a short, sweet, spooky way to spend an evening that gives you plenty to chew on! The only thing I could ask for is more, more, more!

A Ghoulish Story Full of Heart (and GORE)!

Meat Eaters is a heart-warming story guaranteed to pull at your emotions. It is full of found family, healing, and finding yourself. I think that Meredith McClaren has crafted a genuinely beautiful story, and the illustrations help to bring this story to another level. Readers can dive into this story with little to no understanding of the world because discovering the twists and turns as they are revealed makes this universe come to life. There is a secret underground paranormal world right behind closed doors and it just was such a vibrant take on the classic vampires, werewolves, and witches (oh my!). You absolutely should be tuning into this graphic novel because the final message is sure to warm your heart and be something you won't forget!

My thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for an advance copy of this graphic novel that tells of a young woman whose life was changed in a night, not just her plans, but her health and diet, and the strange underworld she finds all around, as she searches for what happened to her.

I am old enough to remember a time, to quote a song, when I was young and my eyes shone like the sun. The world seemed fresh, new and not the chaotic mess it was too become, and the hellscape it is today. I had plans, lots of them, but to quote another song from the same band, plans came to naught, or half a page of scribbled lines. Life happens. Good or bad. The same happens to the lead character in this graphic novel, though her problems are far larger than what I had to deal with. At least I had a normal body temperature, and didn't have a morbid taste for blood and flesh. Meat Eaters by Meredith McClaren is a story of horror, dealing with trauma, discovering what you still are, and blood, lots of blood.

Ashley Moore is nineteen, going to community college and has a lot of dreams for the future. Most of these dreams involve getting the heck out of her small town. Until the night Ashley wakes up in the woods, scratches all over her with no idea how Ashley got there or what happened. Things go from bad to horrific as she discovers that her favorite breakfast foods taste like ash. Thinking illness, Ashley takes her temperature and finds that it is 70 degrees. Worse upon worse, she has a need for blood, which doesn't sound good. Soon Ashley realizes she is not alone, she is undead and possibly a ghoul, and her small town seems to be a locus for other undead creatures, including vampires, werewolves and more. Of course there are cliques, and rivals, and even darker forces on the periphery. The more Ashley learns the more she is determined to find out what happened to her that night, the night when everything changed.

A story with quite a lot going on, told in a way that is both funny, and sad in equal doses. Ashley is a character readers can't help but like, and as things go from bad to tolerable, one feels for her. We can all imagine the rug of life being pulled out from under our feet, and watching Ashley struggle and start to thrive is really rewarding. The story is funny like I said, but dark and bloody. Nothing gratuitous, it really is there to drive the story. The art is really quite good, a mix of realism and comic that helps the story and softens some of the real blows that come in this story.

I was surprised how much I cared about what was going on. Guess I am not as burnt out as I thought. I enjoyed this tale quite a bit, and would like to see more by Meredith McClaren. Perfect read for those who like a sense of humanity and empathy in their horror. Which might sound odd, but those elements really make a story strong. And this one has this in spades. A very fun, rewarding read.

This was an amazing comic book.

The story follows Ashley—how she becomes a ghoul, discovers that wolves and vampires are real, and tries to adapt to everything changing around her. But beneath the monsters and the chaos, this is really a story about the friends we find in unlikely places, and the ways people show up for each other even when the world is falling apart.

On a deeper level, Meat Eaters is about what happens to us after trauma—how we heal, how we break, and how we cope (or don’t). It’s about surviving, even when you’re not sure you want to. And in a world filled with ghouls, vampires, and werewolves, it’s the humans who end up being the real monsters. (Honestly? Not surprising.)

I especially loved how Ashley, after everything she’s been through, becomes the most indestructible and feared creature—not by losing herself, but by fighting through the worst parts of herself: the anxiety, the depression, the crushing grief.

McClaren handles trauma with such honesty, but also with a great sense of humor that never feels out of place. Because survival isn’t clean—after everything, somehow, life keeps handing us these strange little moments of joy and ridiculousness. It’s messy, and ridiculous, and painful, and sometimes absurdly funny—and that’s what makes it real.

Gorgeous art, a great story and fun characters, I was expecting the monster drama, but not the emotional gut punch that comes with it. Meat Eaters is a book about surviving trauma and figuring out who you are on the other side - and who your family is.

Meat Eaters was a blast! The dynamic between the trio was fantastic, and I really connected with their interactions. I haven't looked into whether it's a standalone novel or the start of a series, but honestly, I think it works wonderfully as both. While there's definitely potential for further adventures and exploration of this world, the story feels complete and satisfying on its own. The ending leaves you with a sense of closure, but also a lingering curiosity about the broader world and its monstrous inhabitants. I'd love to see more of this world, perhaps delving deeper into the lore of the monsters, exploring their origins, motivations, and the diverse range of creatures that inhabit this unique setting. Maybe a spin-off focusing on a different group of characters or even a prequel showing how the trio first came together would be amazing! The possibilities are endless!

LOVE LOVE LOVE

This is what I want out of this type of graphic novel. It's fun, the characters are lovable, and it weaves the story together so well. Hands down, pick up Ashley's story.

"Meat Eaters" by Meredith McClaren is about a girl named Ashley who wakes up in the woods and soon discovers that she has become undead. The comic is about navigating her new life as an undead creature while dealing with other supernatural creatures.

This comic is intriguing, funny, heartwarming, and creepy. It's full of interesting characters and creatures. The artwork is unique and pretty.

I loved "Meat Eaters" and hope that it is made into a series!

Thank you Oni Press and NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this great comic

This was so freaking fun! If anyone if familiar with Teen Wolf on MTV, this is very similar vibes to that. Going into this, I thought it was going to be a gory horror kind of story. And while there was gore and horror, there was actually so much more to it. There was mystery and intrigue and I just couldn't put this book down once I started. Ashley was such a relatable character. I'm an only child, so I absolutely understand Ashley's disdain for socializing and wish to just be alone. It's what's comfortable. But there really is no better feeling than finding your people, and Ashley really did that with the wolves. They care for her despite her flaws and bring her out of her comfort zone and let her see the best of herself.

I thought this was going to be a standalone story, but there is definitely so much room for this to be a long arcing series, so I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for that.

"Dear diary, am I a freakin’ zombie?" Ashley wants nothing more than to find her place beyond her small town. She has a clear plan: work hard and avoid people until she can transfer from community college to somewhere out of state. Her plan is derailed when she wakes up with no heartbeat and a craving for meat, and no memory of how or why she's changed. Readers will be thrust into the world of Creepies, supernatural beings hidden from the human world, as Ashley tries to uncover the cause of her newfound undeadness. In what could have been a gore-fest run-of-the-mill monster story, McClaren brings a surprising amount of heart with a narrative that centers on themes of found family, resilience, and overcoming trauma. Stunning artwork, fourth-wall breaking, and memorable characters make this an inviting read for graphic novel novices and veterans alike.

This was super cute!! Absolutely loved the gore and the reluctant little found family. I just about lost it when the water gun got pulled out. And the drawing style is just sooo gorgeous

I received this ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.

This was my first comic read and I absolutely adored this!!!

The art style, characters development, and storyline was phenomenal. Meat Eaters is a heart warming story that will pull at your heartstrings.

The cover made me believe that the story was going to be filled with horror but instead I found myself giggling as I read certain parts in the story. Kind of misleading in a way but I still enjoyed this read nonetheless.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to reading this early copy of Meat Eaters!

Meat Eaters presents an addictive balance of gore and fun, all wrapped up in a beautiful envelope of dynamic and engaging art.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for this advanced reader's copy.

Meat Eater is an interesting horror comic that blends horror and supernatural with tropes of found family and stunning artwork. While some of the themes are a bit darker McClaren manages to handle these with grace and a touch of dark humour. The illustrations are stunning as is the colour palette which really suis the supernatural feel of the comics. I loved the characters, particularly Ashley and how the supernatural beings are integrated into human society as well. As always thank you to Oni Press for the advanced copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.

I absolutely loved this and need more like asap!!! Will be on the lookout for when the author releases more of this story!

Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for this ARC!

“Meat Eaters” by Meredith McClaren is an equally sweet and gorey graphic novel telling the story of Ashley, who wakes up dead one day, and has to figure things out from there.

I quite enjoyed this. While there is certainly gore and monsters, I wouldn't primarily classify this as horror. This story feels more slice-of-life (death?), found-family, coming of age, which made for a very fun reading experience, and left you a little nostalgic for your teenage years.

If you ever struggled with your mental health and were kind of an introvert in high school, you’ll find Ashley painfully relatable. This only makes it better to see her grow as a person and come out of her shell throughout this novel.

If I didn’t read it wrong this novel is recommended for those 16 and above, and I really hope the right people will find it, because I would absolutely have adored this novel had I read it at that age.

I must admit that the art style wasn’t quite my favourite at first, but even if you’re like me and it doesn’t speak to you immediately, it’ll grow on you as the story progresses.

If you like graphic novels and gore, as well as sweet stories of found family, this one is right for you!

Found family! Mystery! Supernatural creatures! Coconut water! I really, really enjoyed this, especially because of how we get to think with Ashley throughout the story. We wake up with her, go on errands with her, and freak out with her as she figures out what it means to be undead and what to do with all the complicated feelings that go with it. Seeing her growth in the ways she treats herself and others was such a nice arc. The inclusion of other supernatural creatures was also a pleasant surprise for me and the interactions among them made me so happy! I love stories of found family and finding oneself, and I love how Ashley’s story can apply to so many real life experiences and feelings (particularly exploring trauma), even with this being a fun supernatural journey. The ending really resonated with me and I would love to see more of these characters one day!

Thank you NetGalley and OniPress for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Dark, sharp, and unexpectedly tender, this graphic novel blends horror and heart with stunning emotional depth. After her mysterious death, Ashley Moore is thrust into an underworld of monsters and magic—but the real battle is with the trauma she carries and the truths she can’t outrun.

Meredith McClaren delivers a gripping, beautifully illustrated tale about identity, survival, and the monsters within. Perfect for fans of gothic coming-of-age stories and supernatural thrillers with emotional resonance.

Without a heartbeat and with a disturbing craving for fresh—preferably bloody—meat, Ashley finds herself privy to a world that exists just beneath our own: a world of ghouls and monsters and things that go bump-in-the-night. Despite her desire to be left alone—and to not think about the night of her death at all—Ashley is slowly drawn into the realm of the unusual, getting advice from ancient vampires, dodging angry pack leaders, and becoming the reluctant big sister to werewolves Motley and Harrison. 
A surprisingly amusing graphic novel about ghouls, vampires, and werewolves.  Judging by the cover I was expecting a very gory and gruesome comic with little to any moral value (the best kind), instead I found a story that explores what may be hiding in all of us. Is there anyone who hasn't thought "this isn't what I wanted to be"?  Imagine if what you were inside was a monster, an undead being who craved flesh when all you wanted was a Pop-tart?
The story is well written and compelling. The art is absolutely fantastic.
I hope the story continues because I need to know what happens to Ashley, Motley, and Harrison.
Highly recommended  Expected publishing date July 8, 2025

Thanks to @netgalley and Oni Press for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Thanks to Netgalley and Oni Press for the ARC.

Now, I might be a little biased cause I like most of the things McClaren puts out.
But this one I LOVED! It's such a good take on the zombie genre, with very human (haha I know) characters with plausible reactions to the messed up things. I cracked when Ashley breaks the fourth wall and the way she handles the whole undead thing is both great and sad. The cast is amazing, with different types of people and the world feels alive even if it's not a lot of characters presented.
It is gory and beautiful and hilarious, I found myself laughing out loud lots of times, only to slip right back into the sinister vibe on the next page.

I absolutely loved this I could not stop reading it!!!! The emotions and the suspense was everything along with the heartfelt touches to it proving friendships really mean everything.

“All of this will be better in the morning.”
*Cut to morning*
“It did not get better.”

This was a quick read and an overall enjoyable graphic novel. Sweet and a bit gory, it definitely left me wanting more. Also it is not specifically stated but very much implied during a conversation between the characters that the MC is aroace so bonus points for that!! I don’t know if this author plans to release any more books in this series, but if so, I will definitely pick them up!

Thank you to Netgalley and Oni press for the eARC!