An action-horror graphic novel starring teenagers with super-powers who are the monsters we’re all afraid of. Seventeen-year-old Madison Thomas and her twin brother Lincoln just moved to Yuma, Arizona, following their mother’s death. Madison quickly falls for Kevin, the leader of the most feared clique in high school. After a crazy night of partying, she becomes afflicted with an amazing power. And you know what they say– With great power comes great irresponsibility. Brought to you by Shane Riches (writer) and Jose Holder (artist) the team behind Mick Foley’s R.P.M.!

This comic book attempts to expand upon its core narrative with additional content, but unfortunately, it falls short. While this comic book offers some intriguing insights into the world of “Afflicted,” the bonus material struggles to deliver a captivating or cohesive experience.

The intention behind this comic book is commendable, because it aims to provide readers with deeper context and a broader understanding of the series’ universe. The creators of this comic book offers supplemental narrative elements and background information meant to enrich the main storyline. However, the execution lacks depth and engagement, which has left me with a fragmented and somewhat disjointed experience.

One of the primary issues I had with this comic book is its lack of narrative cohesion. The additional content feels sporadic and disconnected, as if pieced together without a clear direction or purpose. This disjointedness makes it challenging for readers to remain invested or find meaningful connections to the core story. The snippets of information, while potentially interesting, are not sufficient to stand on their own or significantly enhance the original narrative.

The character exploration in this comic book is also limited. While there is an opportunity to delve deeper into the motivations and backstories of key figures, the material only scratches the surface. This lack of depth prevents readers from forming a stronger attachment to the characters or gaining new insights into their complexities. The creators of this comic book misses an opportunity to offer fresh perspectives or revelations that could have added valuable layers to the storyline.

The artwork in this comic book is consistent with the main series. The illustrations maintain a cohesive style, capturing the mood and tone of the “Afflicted” universe. However, the artwork in the bonus material does little to elevate the storytelling or compensate for the narrative shortcomings. While technically proficient, the visuals lack the dynamism needed to engage me personally fully.

The pacing of this comic book is another area of concern. The scattered and uneven presentation disrupts the flow, making it difficult for me personally to maintain interest. Instead of a seamless extension of the main story, the content feels more like an assortment of incomplete ideas that fail to coalesce into a compelling narrative.

Despite its shortcomings this comic book does have moments of potential. There are glimpses of intriguing world-building and thematic exploration that hint at what could have been a richer, more immersive experience. However, these moments are too few and far between to make a significant impact.

I Give This Book 2 / 5