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Karmen

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Pub Date Dec 02 2025 | Archive Date Aug 25 2025

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Description

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST NEW COMICS OF 2022

Bold, intimate, and deeply human—this original graphic novel challenges what we think we know about life, death, and everything in between.

Spanish writer and artist GUILLEM MARCH is best known for his ongoing, extensive work with DC Comics on Batman, Catwoman, and Harley Quinn and has worked as an artist on several graphic novels including the English editions of Monika with Titan Comics and The Dream with Europe Comics.

Here, he takes up his pen for an edgy new volume about a highly unconventional angel named Karmen and the young woman she takes under her wing when a case of heartbreak strikes hard.

Packed with surprises and metaphysics, this gorgeously drawn series deploys tenderness and humor as it dives deep into topics that matter.

Collects KARMEN #1-5.
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST NEW COMICS OF 2022

Bold, intimate, and deeply human—this original graphic novel challenges what we think we know about life, death, and everything in between.

Spanish...

Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781534330924
PRICE $16.99 (USD)
PAGES 160

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Reader (PDF)
Download (PDF)

Average rating from 46 members


Featured Reviews

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*Thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for early copy for review*

So this deals with suicide and it does not idolized it. It deals with the harsh ugliness of what happens to those that get left behind. Because of Cata's choice she spends most of this graphic novel naked. I believe that when she finally starts having doubts is when she got some clothing.

The artstyle was so realistic and had vibrant coloring that I really enjoyed.

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I really loved the art of this, and also the story! The lore of Karmen and the Karma Corp intrigues me, so I would love to see more from this. Cata was such an interesting character, as well! She felt very fleshed out, and it was really emotional to follow her journey.

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Guillem March's Karmen is a really interesting read.

The art in this book is seriously great. Every panel just pops, and it all flows so beautifully. It's not just a pretty face; it dives into some really interesting ideas about what happens when you die, which totally hooked me. And the main character, I really liked her. Her life takes some dark turns, and her choices get pretty messy, but honestly, we've all been there, right? It makes her journey super relatable.

Now, there are a couple of points where it doesn't quite reach that "amazing" level. Sometimes, the characters just drone on and on and talk a bit much. This can sometimes create a slight hiccup in the pacing, momentarily pulling you out of the flow. And, to be totally honest, I really didn't love the ending. After all that build-up, it just didn't quite land for me in a truly satisfying way.

But even with those minor points, overall, it's definitely good, sometimes great, and totally about life and death. That message comes through with absolutely gorgeous art. Just a heads-up, though: beware, because there's lots of booty and titties to be seen, if that's something you prefer to know beforehand. All in all, for its unique vision and stunning visuals, I'd give Karmen a solid 3.5 out of 5

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This was a treat for the senses. The art was beautiful and the dialogue was well crafted. It does lose points though for an unfortunate scene where someone is berated for their decision to take their own life.

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Very interesting.
I was caught in the style and it didn't let me forget.
Weird and interesting.
I recommend it.

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Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was an emotionally heavy yet gorgeous look at the meaning of life and relationships. I adored the character design, and although the story did not feel especially original, it was still beautiful and thoughtful.

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Life, Death, & Love Collide in Karmen!

Guillem March has made a truly moving story with Karmen. Told in a fun hyper-pop style, this story tackles some heavy themes. It does not pull any punches and doesn't shy away from difficult topics around suicide. However, the messaging in this story is IMPORTANT! (And entertaining to read as well). Readers have a lot to look forward to within these pages. There are moments of intense joy, desolation, and epic adventure.

Spanning the globe in the blink of an eye, Cata, our troubled heroine, takes on what happens next and how best to salvage her chances at a better life in her next reincarnation. Karmen, the goofy and lovable guide to the other side, stole my heart quickly. From her quirky personality spawns a truly deep interpretation for a grim reaper of sorts. I LOVED her messaging, and the world built around her does have me wanting more.

Be sure to grab a copy of this story - it won't disappoint!

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I dig it. Not sure what is sticking out to me, but it had me wrapped up and held tight while I made my way thru it.
Very interesting.

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Karmen takes us through the graphic narrative to a fabulous journey between life and death, no one is indifferent to the quality of the narrative and art.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for this advanced reader's copy.

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An imaginative take on mortality and the afterlife, with the art style bringing a dreamlike quality to the story.

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I was drawn to this graphic novel because of the beautiful art style, but once I started reading the story I realized that the matter discussed rivaled the aesthetics of it in beauty.
The plot deals with heavy and sensitive topics but it does so both with the tenderness required to help the protagonist love herself and the sterness to make her realize the weight of her actions.
I also found the idea of a social-worker death extremely compelling, it added a sense of expanse to the story making it possible to explore the life of the protagonist in a very interesting way, making us reflect (and Cata too) on our own religious, social and worldview opinions.
Having dealth with mental health issues myself, I appreciated how true and terrifying Cata's feeling were portrayed to be. It is not often that such serious issues are dealt with both kindness and firmness.
The art syle is also truly fantastic, the colours helped the narrative being delivered and I found myself looking at all the backgroud details over and over.
Both art and writing gave the other their nuance to create a solid end product that felt satisfying to read from beginning to end. The characters are enjoyable both in the bad and good actions.
I truly loved my experience with this work.

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‧₊˚✧3.75 ✧˚₊‧

This story starts with Catalina, who takes her own life and gets visited by Karmen who she thinks is Death. In her time as a being on another plane, Catalina learns about herself and others around her, but how much time does she have left?

Going into this, I had no idea what to expect, but this lovely story about death and new beginnings was not what I had in mind for it. This comic sweeps the stereotype that comics are for children right out the door with its heavy and mature themes.

When we meet Karmen in the beginning of the story, she really likes to play jokes on Catalina, she becomes serious to then reveal she was just joking around. Which was a fun way to discover more about her personality as a whole.

The atmosphere of Palma is beautifully depicted as we follow Catalina on her journey through the city. Sometimes the comic ventures close to absurdity, but it stays enjoyable overall.

At last I want to thank Netgalley, Image Comics and Guillem March for the eARC of this comic. I definitely think this author has made an interesting piece of art!

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Karmen is charged with shepherding souls to the afterlife
when she takes a heartbroken, suicidal woman named catalina under her wings to show her the surprises of life and the metaphysical moments surrounding us, the council of death (my name for them) becomes unhappy with her techniques
catalina struggles with her own reasons for ending her life and wanting to live
beautifully drawn, yet a dark and twisted take that shows the beaty and ugliness of the human kind, tackling the dark topics we hide from everyday

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Cata is at the end of her life. Literally.

A woman with pink hair, dressed in a skeleton costume, appears in Cata’s apartment. Karmen is part of some ethereal organization of Karma Grim Reapers. Karma is real. Reincarnation is real. Can Cata change her karma before moving on?

#ThxNetGalley #GuillemMarch #Karmen

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Karmen is such a beautiful story about death and the strange journey that comes with it. The story is about a woman who died and meets Karmen, an angel of death who guides her through this surreal, in-between world. I enjoyed the story and how it explores regret, acceptance, and healing. The illustrations are absolutely stunning and vibrant! Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. I understand it may be a dark topic and at times disturbing but I hope people give it a chance. I loved the ending and *spoiler* glad Catalina had a second chance at life.

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I have a fondness for stories of the afterlife, they are weirdly comforting. Karmen spins a unique sci-fi twist on karma and personal growth. The story does a great job at navigating the ugly, selfish side of suicide. The artwork is amazing, oddly cheerful for the story that’s being told. I am looking forward to future projects from this author in the same universe.

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I honestly don’t remember requesting this book but I am so glad past me did! It was an easy read with stunning graphics and an engaging story.

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Thank you NetGalley and Image Comics for the ARC.

Karmen is one of those rare graphic novels that lingers with you long after the last page. Written and illustrated by Guillem March, it’s a surreal, heartfelt, and visually breathtaking meditation on life, death, and the fragile space in between.

The story follows Cata, a young woman in the aftermath of a devastating personal choice, as she’s guided through Palma de Mallorca by Karmen — a sardonic, pink-haired spirit who serves as both psychopomp and trickster guide. What begins as an almost dreamlike journey through city streets and skies becomes something deeper: an exploration of regret, loneliness, friendship, and the aching search for meaning when the world feels unbearable.

March’s art is astonishing — fluid, playful, and emotionally charged. His panel layouts drift and spiral, matching the surreal tone of the narrative and pulling you directly into Cata’s shifting perceptions. The city itself feels alive, rendered with lush detail, while the color palette perfectly balances whimsy with melancholy.

What makes Karmen so powerful is how it blends dark subject matter with unexpected tenderness. The book doesn’t shy away from pain, yet it finds beauty in the mess of human emotion, leaving space for humor, love, and even hope in the unlikeliest moments. It’s both fantastical and deeply intimate, a rare combination that makes it unforgettable.

Guillem March has created a masterpiece — a graphic novel that’s as much about the human spirit as it is about storytelling itself. Fans of emotionally rich, boundary-pushing comics like Daytripper or Sandman will find something profound here. Karmen isn’t just a story — it’s an experience.

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This book was stunning.
First of all, the art reminded me of the videogame Gris, and "The Many Deaths of Laila Starr", both works I adore.
I enjoyed the graphic design, the characters, and the realisation Catalina faces at the very end totally caught me by surprise... and I loved the message.

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I had so much fun reading this comic. It doesn't tackle any kind of new ideas and it's somewhat predictable once you realise what's going on, but sometimes I need a reminder that life is nice no matter how dark it feels and this one was a pretty good one. Plus when it got to the corp part it was absolutely hilarious.

By far my favourite part about it was the art - and I need good art to enjoy a good comic.

It's a story about perspective and it was impossible to put down! I feel like the finale was very realistic, the dreamer in me just wanted something more.

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First off, the art is fantastic. I particularly loved the scenery and when the behind the scenes pages shown on location sketching, it made it all that more interesting. I also thought the design for the angels/reapers was novel and fun.

The message and idea being addressed, particularly the story of suicide, regrets and what happens after death were thought-provoking. Other than the corporate reaper system, I liked the rebel reaper trying a different approach to souls, and how there are several reapers.

While the story wraps up nicely as a standalone, I would be intrigued to see a follow-up with more focus of the reaper system and the mysterious "higher ups" that are mentioned in passing.

My only gripe, even though I sort of understand the reasoning, was that the protagonist was naked throughout the whole book, especially after worrying several times about being naked. It felt unnecessary, although there might've been a philosophical/allegorical reason that went over my head,

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4/5

The art in this was fantastic! The way the some of the panels were composed to keep the movement going was spectacular.

I think that the parts about the reapers and their industry were very interesting. Aside from that, the story itself fell a little flat for me. I didn't really like the characters or their relationships. It all felt very surface level.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC!

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When Cata meets Karmen, she is forced to face the choices in her life. Karmen has to figure out if a soul can really be changed.

This was wonderful. The art was gorgeous. The story emotional. I really enjoyed it. There were times where it felt really wordy and could have used some trimming to help keep it from feeling like it was droning on. I would have liked to learn more of the lore of Karmen and her coworkers and Karma Corp.

Thank you NetGalley and Image Comics for the e-arc!

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Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review
This was such a unique reading experience, but also grounded in very true and emotional emotions that sadly I feel like a lot of people have experienced.

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