Graphic Novel Review: Bylines in Blood

Published by: Aftershock Comics

Written by: Erika Schultz, Van Jensen

Illustrated by: Aneke

ISBN: 9781956731057

Ages: 16+

In this neo noir thriller set in a near post-pandemic future, former journalist, now private detective Satya Chatterjee is hired to investigate the murder of her friend and former colleague Denzin. Now writing an independent newspaper dedicated to the truth, Denzin seemed to have found some evidence into the corruption of the Mayor right before disappearing, and Satya knows the two are connected.

What will the private eye known as “Lady Dick” do against the mysterious “Hidden King”? And how will “The Truthers”, an organization reliant on drone cameras to video every aspect of their lives, be able to assist on the case? Can she trust the cops when corruption runs so deep?

Erica Schultz (FORGOTTEN HOME, CHARMED, M3) and Van Jensen (CRYPTOCRACY, PINOCCHIO, VAMPIRE SLAYER, GREEN LANTERN CORPS) work together on this fast-paced noir story, but it is artist Aneke (DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS, HOUSE OF WHISPERS) that brings a unique visual style to the book, particularly to Satya’s vibrant coat, making her stand out from the bleak landscape of the city. I’d be very interested to see this character return, or possibly be worked into other Aftershock titles.

Strong recommend. 16 and up, for violence and language.

ADAM FISHER, Reference Associate

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Adam Fisher

Adam Fisher has worked for more than a decade at Lane Libraries in Fairfield, Ohio, where he is a Reference Associate. He creates and leads programming for all ages, manages the graphic novel, sci-fi/fantasy, and magazine collections at his branch, and has recently seen great success with his self-created Escape Room programs. He writes reviews for everything he reads and can be found on Goodreads @FisherAd80 and on Twitter @adamreadscomics.

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