Reviews

By Chance or Providence by Becky Cloonan

joghansah's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

jnishi's review against another edition

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4.0

So well done. Haunting visuals. I just wish there was more!

meetyouineveryplace's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

stella_ster's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

orallech's review against another edition

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adventurous dark fast-paced

4.0

remheath's review

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dark inspiring mysterious medium-paced

5.0

pmileham's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Dark, concise tragedies.

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nickkimball's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

purplesilverink's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A collection of short stories. Reminded me of dark fairytales. My favorite was the story "The Mire".

lanternatomika's review against another edition

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5.0

I don't begrudge Becky Cloonan for taking up a job at DC Comics - working at the Big Two is the pinnacle of a career in comics. Still, I feel like her best work definitely came in her indie days, and By Chance or Providence is really hecking brilliant!

This is a collection of three short stories, each one about the length of a single issue of a typical comic. There's also a concept art gallery that makes up half of this pretty svelte book. All three stories feature some flavor of a doomed romance, whether the characters in the romance know it or not.

There's something dark, mysterious and sensual about Cloonan's writing in this collection. She really gets you into the mindset of someone who's risking or sacrificing it all on a love that might cost them everything. I'd happily read a long form story about any of these characters, but y'know, the brevity makes it hit harder.

Almost better than the writing, though, is the artwork. This collection is dedicated to everyone who has a crush on their characters, and Becks is clearly one of them. Her characters are always gorgeous, even when they're not conventionally attractive, and she places them in these moody and creepy settings. This is a book of things lurking in the shadows, forces hiding in the mists, and vengeful spirits just beneath the surface of the water. It is, as the kids would call it, a total vibe.

Hells to the yes, I'm recommending this one! Even if you have little experience with comics, this is one for anybody that likes a spooky romance.