Graphic Novel Review: Bloodlust & Bonnets by Emily McGovern
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Age: Adult
Format: Paperback
This is one of those graphic novels designed to be digested in small bits rather than all at once. You can almost tell in the finished product it came from a webcomic style background, and for Bloodlust & Bonnets I think it works, but again, not one to ‘binge’.
Lucy, a debutante in early nineteenth-century Britian, slaughters her suitors, decided she wants a life of adventure, and is soon approached by Lady Travesty, who invites her to join her vampire cult. Lucy is keen on the idea, but then she meets Lord Byron, yes-that-Lord-Byron, a vampire slayer, and heads off with him, instead. Eventually, they’re joined by another vampire hunter – Sham – and the three try to uncover the vampires’ dastardly plots, joined by Byron’s eagle, Napoleon, and castle, Castle.
I really liked the way McGovern played with the Regency elements here, and the fantasy elements worked so well alongside them. Overall, this is just a funny graphic novel, as the characters try to avoid talking about their feelings, attend various balls, and badly slay vampires. Byron, Lucy and Sham are about as good at their jobs as they are with anything else, and it makes for excellent ‘silly-in-the-best-way’ moments. It took me a little to get used to the artwork, but it wasn’t long before I was absolutely in love with how these characters are portrayed, and the colouring is absolutely beautiful.
If you want something that’s just fun to read, with some very entertaining moments, a cute romantic subplot, and the slaying of vampires, I do think this book provides quite a lot!
Review by Elle Turpitt
Twitter: @elleturpitt
www.elleturpittediting.com
I received this paperback as a gift.
