Review- PANDEMONIUM

PANDEMONIUM (Humanoids, 2011; Actually released in the US in 2012)

Collects Pandemonium Vols. 1-3 (cover dates unknown)

Writer: Christophe Bec

Artists: Stefano Raffaele

This is the English translation of the French graphic novel, originally released in three “albums” (listed here as volumes). I could not find original publication or cover dates for these anywhere on the Internet. Pandemonium is incredible. Everything about this book is incredible. The writing, the artwork, the coloring...all of it is just incredible.

The gist- This takes place mostly in 1951, and deals with the patients of the Waverly Hills Sanatorium for the treatment of Tuberculosis. What goes down within those walls is pretty f**ked up, and will keep you turning pages until the end. 

This is slow, subtle Horror that thrives on tension and atmosphere. There are some grisly scenes as well, but the psychological Horror aspect works best for me. Your mileage may vary. While the website claims this is a true story, there is the standard disclaimer in the book that it is not based on real people or events...so which is it?

The OCD zone- Super high quality coated stock paper coupled with sewn binding make this a winner. It is wider than a standard trade paperback, so it will stick out like a sore thumb on your bookshelf, which is fitting.