I keep telling myself, I do not like horror. Yet, I keep picking up horror related books, and did so with Hide: The Graphic Novel. It is adapted from the novel by Kiersten White, illustrated by Veronica Fish and Andy Fish, with the adaptation by Scott Peterson. Now it isn’t “gory horror” but yes, there is gore (it is about 14 people trying to survive the “game” and well, the stakes are pretty high). It is icky and there is blood. But you know, tastefully done. Except once or twice…
Most of those points come from the illustrations. Of course, that is what they do, show you the imagery. The colors and details are done to create a particular emotional response. Maybe things are a bit predictable, but that does not take away from the enjoyment of the story. Again, yes, it is horror. Yes, there is blood. Yes, there is blood but not always for gore sake, but it is not subtle. It has mature elements, (there is a murder, cults, war, injury due to war, and suicide). So obviously this is not for the sensitive reader. The illustrations are glossy, and smooth, unlike the story itself that has bumps.
When things wrapped up, I had a few questions, but at the same time, they were not a huge deal. It feels to be a “beach read” horror graphic novel. I have not read the novel the graphic novel is based on, but it feels as if it would cover a good portion of it.