Basketful of Heads

Joe Hill

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you love your horror with a hefty dose of dark humor and wild, supernatural twists, this graphic novel is a treat! The premise is bonkers in the best way - a talking-heads revenge thriller with a strong, clever heroine at its core. The moody, detailed artwork and razor-sharp pacing make each page a visceral delight. Fans of EC Comics, classic horror, or Joe Hill's own 'Locke and Key' will feel right at home here. If you're in it for character depth with a macabre sense of fun, this one's for you!

Who May Not Like This Book:

Not everyone's going to vibe with the over-the-top concept of severed, still-chatty heads - if your horror needs to be strictly realistic or jumpscares aren’t your thing, you might find the premise a bit much. Some readers wished for a longer or more complex story, and a few felt the mystery wasn’t as surprising as it could’ve been. Those who shy away from gore or want a super-scary experience might also be underwhelmed.

Gory, witty, and fueled by a wild supernatural premise, 'Basketful of Heads' is a wickedly fun graphic novel perfect for horror fans with a taste for the bizarre and a little black comedy.

About:

Basketful of Heads by Joe Hill is a graphic novel that follows the story of June, a strong and smart female protagonist who finds herself in a gruesome and suspenseful situation when she uses a magical Viking axe to defend herself against home invaders. The axe turns out to be enchanted, causing decapitated heads to stay alive. As June navigates a criminal conspiracy in her small seaside town, the plot twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The book is described as a mix of horror, mystery, and comedy, with elements of slasher and crime thriller genres, creating a cinematic and entertaining experience for readers.

The writing style in Basketful of Heads is praised for its ability to blend suspense, horror, and humor seamlessly. Readers appreciate the character complexity, twists, and turns in the story, as well as the fantastic artwork that complements the engaging plot. The book is noted for its fast-paced action, dark themes, and the transformation of the protagonist into a determined and strong warrior, making it a thrilling and fun read for fans of graphic novels.

Characters:

Characterization is rich, with a strong, relatable protagonist and a range of supporting characters adding depth to the plot.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style blends dark humor and suspenseful storytelling, creating an engaging and whimsical reading experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot combines supernatural elements with a thrilling narrative, featuring a protagonist who must navigate a dangerous situation involving an enchanted axe and talking heads.

Setting:

The setting enhances the story's tension, with a stormy coastal town serving as an atmospheric and critical backdrop.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk and well-structured, keeping readers on the edge with suspense and timely developments.

Notes:

Basketful of Heads features a unique premise where decapitated heads continue to talk.

The story combines horror with dark humor, making it an enjoyable read.

Joe Hill, the author, is the son of famous horror writer Stephen King.

The graphic novel was part of DC Comics' Hill House line, which is curated by Joe Hill.

The artwork by Leomacs is praised for its detail and ability to convey emotion.

The protagonist, June, is a strong female character reminiscent of Ellen Ripley from Alien.

The story is set during a storm, adding to the suspense and atmosphere.

Much like Hill's previous work, Locke and Key, this graphic novel delivers a thrilling narrative with twists.

The comic addresses themes of crime, survival, and family dynamics in a small seaside town.

Readers note the engaging dialogues between the characters, even after decapitation.

The graphic novel has been described as having a cinematic feel, making it visually compelling.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include graphic violence, decapitation, horror themes, and possible distressing emotional themes related to suicide.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance, particularly between characters June and Liam, contributing to character development without overshadowing the main horror narrative.

From The Publisher:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Joe Hill asks, "With a cursed Viking axe, what can you accomplish?" and June Branch is ready to answer!

Heads will roll...

June Branch is in trouble. She's trapped on Brody Island with nowhere to run. Her boyfriend, Liam, has been kidnapped. And four bloodthirsty escaped convicts will stop at nothing to find her.

All poor June has to defend herself with is a strange Viking axe with the terrifying power to decapitate a person and leave their head still talking.

If she's going to save Liam and herself, June will have to keep a cool head...or even a whole basketful of them!

From #1 New York Times bestselling writer Joe Hill (NOS4A2, Locke & Key) comes Basketful of Heads, the first series in the smash-hit lineup of the Hill House Comics library. Featuring incredible artwork by Leomacs (Lucifer), this spine-tingling collection includes the entire seven-issue miniseries, as well as character designs and behind-the-scenes sketches.

Collects issues #1-7.

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