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geekwayne's review against another edition
3.0
'Blue Hand Mojo: Hard Times Road' by John Jennings is an urban fantasy that has an interesting story and unusual art going for it. I enjoyed the ride, but it's definitely of the R-rated variety.
Frank Johnson is known as "Half Dead" in his neighborhood for the deal he made with the devil to save his life. In return, he got a blue hand and some weird powers. Because of this, he has a debt to work off. He does this by helping people out. The latest of these people is a Chicago gangster named Mac the Shark, an associate of Al Capone.
The book has an interesting vibe. I liked that it was set in 1930s Chicago. I also like that Frank is also a pretty dark and tortured guy. The book is in black and white, and I didn't like it at first, but the violence is so over the top that I was glad that there was no color (specifically the color red). There were times when the story and art felt a little muddy to me, and I lost interest in the first third, but I came back and finished it and enjoyed it more.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Rosarium Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Frank Johnson is known as "Half Dead" in his neighborhood for the deal he made with the devil to save his life. In return, he got a blue hand and some weird powers. Because of this, he has a debt to work off. He does this by helping people out. The latest of these people is a Chicago gangster named Mac the Shark, an associate of Al Capone.
The book has an interesting vibe. I liked that it was set in 1930s Chicago. I also like that Frank is also a pretty dark and tortured guy. The book is in black and white, and I didn't like it at first, but the violence is so over the top that I was glad that there was no color (specifically the color red). There were times when the story and art felt a little muddy to me, and I lost interest in the first third, but I came back and finished it and enjoyed it more.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Rosarium Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
zmarshall839's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
rashidmalik's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
greeniezona's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
4.0
I received this book for free as a part of a test pilot for a Rosarium Mystery Box -- and it ended up being an A+ example of why the concept should work. I absolutely never would have picked this book up for myself. Partly because I am having a bit of a graphic novel dry spell -- where I pick up titles that look interesting but just can't commit to buying any. Also because its mob/PI/conjure-man story isn't a part of my usual genres.
But I really enjoyed this. Partly because it felt so surprising and fun to mash those story elements together. Plus Frank is a man with enough troubles (and demons, including the literal Devil) of his own that he probably should just find a hole somewhere and keep his head down, but instead his is compelled to endanger himself to help the helpless, over and over.
Dark and compelling. With art that is such a good fit for the mood of the story.
But I really enjoyed this. Partly because it felt so surprising and fun to mash those story elements together. Plus Frank is a man with enough troubles (and demons, including the literal Devil) of his own that he probably should just find a hole somewhere and keep his head down, but instead his is compelled to endanger himself to help the helpless, over and over.
Dark and compelling. With art that is such a good fit for the mood of the story.
jmanchester0's review against another edition
dark
5.0
Damn. This is some of the best noir I've ever read. Not that I've read a ton, but this is freaking awesome.
Frank "Half-Dead" Johnson is my new favorite character. I love this.
2022 re-read: John Jennings kills it with his art. And to top it off, he’s written a fantastic 30s-era noir to accompany it.
Frank "Half-Dead" Johnson is my new favorite character. I love this.
2022 re-read: John Jennings kills it with his art. And to top it off, he’s written a fantastic 30s-era noir to accompany it.
tashadandelion's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This slim graphic novel about a Black man in 1930s Chicago who's made a deal with the devil in return for supernatural powers that will allow him to avenge the lynching deaths of his wife and children is a compelling page-turner. Recommended for fans of Lovecraft Country, hard-boiled noir, grimdark fantasy, and the like.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
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