The chilling tale of Daphne Byrne (Hill House Comics)

By: Gothamgeekgirl

From the horror based DC Comics Black label imprint (Hill House Comics) comes the mysterious and chilling Victorian- era supernatural thriller Daphne Byrne. Set in 19th- century New York, we meet Daphne, a young and curious 14-year old girl who is dealing with the loss of her father and her now grief- stricken mother. This tragic mini- series follows Daphne and her mysterious new demon acquaintance “Brother” as she discovers who she is, while ultimately trying to save her mother from hitting rock bottom. 

Award- winning playwright and TV Writer Laura Marks makes her graphic novel debut as the author of the 6-issue mini- series with fantastically nightmarish artwork by the horror comics legend Kelley Jones. The pair deliver a new and twisted tale that not only intrigues readers but explores early womanhood, personal demons, tragedy, and different ways of grieving all set in the 1800s which adds even more suspense to the tragic tale. 

It’s 1886 in gaslit New York, the dark candle lit scenery and natural lightning adds to the chilling ambiance. Daphne, who felt her father was the only person that really understood her, feels completely helpless and alone after his death. Not only does she have to deal with this loss and the constant bullying at school, but with her mother who has gone off the deep end. Using all her last resources her mother is relentlessly trying to contact the spirit of her dead husband leaving Daphne to take charge.

Courtesy of Hill House Comics

Daphne’s mother is in a very fragile state, now widowed and alone struggling with finances and keeping their estate she begins to see a medium eager to speak with her husband once more. In the 1800’s appearance and title was of most importance. Mrs. Byrne now left without a husband who rumor has it died of faulty circumstances becomes an easy target for a manipulative occult group.

Meanwhile kids at school who already bully Daphne, spread rumors about her father and make rude remarks about her mother not being able to pay their debts. Daphne, feeling more alone than ever and knowing that these mediums are nonsense, begins to feel a strange and supernatural presence who introduces himself as “Brother.” Brother appears as a friend, a guide and pushes Daphne to reach limits she has never thought possible. But is she dreaming? Is she being manipulated? Does she already have these dark abilities or is Brother controlling her? Does he even exist? Does she embrace this new darkness?

Courtesy of Hill House Comics

This series really makes the reader think about human interactions, filling voids and dealing with personal demons. It explores the mind and how easily people can be influenced or manipulated. When people show weakness it can be taken for granted and even the most “helpful” people can be looking out for their own interests at the detriment of others. Marks introduces us to characters such as Mrs. Swarthmore and Mr. Brooke that really expand upon human desires and how such evils already exist without monsters and demons. Even though this is a horror story full of demons and dark ghoulish creatures, are they hallucinations or more a representation of our darkest moments? 

Courtesy of Hill House Comics

Choosing the 19th century for the setting is really the driving force behind this supernatural story. Jones really brings to life Laura Marks’ vision and you really see Marks’ cinematic influence with her background in film. Although the story does a great job in making the reader feel like they are in the 1800’s and features incredible spine-chilling imagery it leaves the reader a bit confused with what’s actually happening with Daphne. It leaves a lot up to the reader. I would’ve liked to see more with her character development and to learn more about her abilities, where did they come from and did she already have these powers inside her all along? Also without giving spoilers why call him “Brother”? Otherwise this is a very fun and unique read, and I would love to see where this story goes and how far Daphne takes her supernatural powers.

Daphne Byrne by Laura Marks, Kelley Jones (Illustrator)
(Contains 6 issues)

For more chilling horror comics check out the Hill House Comics imprint from DC Black Label!

Joe Hill—the mastermind behind N0S4A2 and Locke & Key—has arrived at DC, curating his own cutting-edge horror comics pop-up! Hill House Comics will terrify readers with a smart, subversive and scary lineup of five original limited series. 

https://www.dccomics.com/HillHouseComics

Lenni Reviews: “Daphne Byrne” by Laura Marks & Kelley Jones

(Image Source)

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Still mourning the loss of her father, fourteen year old Daphne Byrne doesn’t get along with her rich classmates and sees things others don’t. While her mother continues to see a charlatan medium in a desperate attempt to contact her deceased husband, Daphne’s visions get stronger and even talk back to her.

While the creature design is fantastically horrifying, some of the panels with the human characters are wonky. I get what the shadows are trying to convey in terms of emotion but the end result is blobby and unfinished. Thankfully, this isn’t a lot of the book. The rest of the art is perfect for a Victorian horror. And Daphne’s story is cool but I wanted more. I want to know where her abilities are coming from and the demon world clearly connected to her. I do hope a sequel is in the works for this one. 4 out of 5.

Lenni Reviews: “The Prey of Gods” by Nicky Drayden

(Image Source)

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Set in a futuristic South Africa where everyone has a personal robot and designer drugs are a frequent past time; we have a seemingly unconnected cast of characters slowly drawn into what could be a cataclysmic series of events.

I really can’t say too much more about the plot without spoiling the experience of how a young man named Muzi, his layabout friend, Elkin, a nail technician named Sydney, a superstar singer named Riya, a politician named Sydney, and a young girl named Nomvula are all connected to the end of the human race. You just need to read this. It’s ruthlessly creative, character-driven, thrilling, and almost perfect except for some aspects of the ending I didn’t like; which I won’t spoil. I loved it and highly recommend it if you’d like some futuristic sci-fi in a unique setting. 5 out of 5 and I hope there is more to come.

Review: Geomag Mechanics Challenge STEM Toy

Produced by Young Jeohn

Geomag’s Mechanics Challenge is a STEM Toy to teach kids physics. It's like building blocks for 7 years and older, except you have moving parts - in this case, a cannon and cannon fodder!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

00:07 - About this toy
00:20 - Unboxing
01:48 - Let's shoot the cannon
02:55 - How do pieces lock together?

04:34 - Game #1 - Shooting stick figures
06:02 - Game #2 - Don't miss the goal post
08:07 - Game #3 - A moving target
11:53 - Conclusion

The pieces use a locking mechanism that feel like a 3D jigsaw puzzle. The one that connect horizontally (sideways) use circular nibs while the ones that connect vertically (above and below) use square nibs.

The cannon uses gravity and a magnetic piece to "shoot" metal ball bearings, but you need to work on your aim. If you get good at it, you might even hit the moving target that's a part of game #3!

More info: https://www.geomagworld.com
(Review unit provided by Geomag)

Lenni Reviews: "The Medium-Sized Book of Zim Scripts: Vol. 1: Pigs ’n’ Waffles" by Rikki Simons, Eric Trueheart & Aaron Alexovich

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* This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a collection of not only scripts but behind the scenes stories. I knew I would love this book from the introduction, which has all the wit and humor once comes to expect from a show like Invader Zim. I'm not even one for digging into the background goings-on of a show I like; tending to just enjoy my chosen media and move on (or watch repeatedly). Despite this, I had a great time with the backstories and inspirations for the plots in the episodes.

This book brings even more fun to the original show and has me wanting to binge the entire thing all over again to see the fruits of such interesting labors. And these side stories are fantastically written. You get the feeling of being there with the emotions expressed and interactions of everybody - especially towards the end with the show's cancellation. It isn't accurate to say I can't know what it would be like to work with these people because this book showed me and I am delighted to have read it. I encourage fans of the show to give this a try.