Advance Crowdfunding Review: Downlands
A new graphic novel coming soon
Coming soon to Kickstarter and Crowdfundr is Downlands, the third book from Norm Konyu, which includes The Junction and A Call To Cthulhu. I backed both of these books, and I look forward to getting Downlands. I was lucky enough to have an advance review…
Every street has its stories - those of the living and those of the dead.
When James hears of the Black Hound, he finds his own story crosses the boundaries of both. After the sudden death of his twin sister, 14 year old James Reynolds becomes obsessed with her tale of a black hound, a folkloric creature that is regarded as a portent of death. Enlisting the aid of his elderly neighbour, who the local children call ‘The Witch’, he delves into the centuries of village history, folklore, and ghosts, until he uncovers a deeper secret beyond his darkest nightmares, beyond the sight of most, and beyond the mortal veil.
Going into this, I wasn’t sure what to expect - I didn’t even read the blurb and jumped right in. I enjoyed The Junction, which was a heavy read, while A Call To Cthulhu was more whimsical. Nevertheless, I love the art here and knew I loved Norm Konyu’s previous projects.
Downlands has some fantastic ideas. Along with the jumping around in time, there is a journey to be had reading this story. With mythology, real life, the afterlife, magic and life and death, it truly draws you in and makes you feel along with it.
James’s inquisitive nature was well played out - with no pun intended -he is like a dog with a bone, never giving up on what he wants. We feel a real connection with the characters as we go through his ups and downs. These include James and the residents of the village where he lives, past and present.
I really enjoyed his investigation. Not only the work with the local ‘witch’, but also looking through folklore and old newspapers. Unearthing the history of the village with all its secrets. There are some dark moments here, and the warning makes sense as we bounce around the timeline.
The journey we go along with James clicks into place, and the conclusion is special, which wraps up the story well.
The art is fantastic, giving me chills in the right places and haunting my thoughts (in a good way). This, combined with the colours, makes this something that will make you want to return to it and enjoy it all over again.
This is an emotional story, dealing with many themes and full of incredible art - another title I will be backing!
Sign up to back Downlands on Kickstarter here:
Or on Crowdfundr here:
