A kick ass female lead? Check. Epic battles and fight scenes? Check. Swarms of angry undead? Check. The graphic novel The Black Hand is bursting with secrets to unravel, enemies to slay, and artwork that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.

Immersive imagery and intense storytelling really made this graphic novel stand out as an extraordinary tale. The main character, Victoria Addair, is someone the reader immediately wants to support and back throughout the many battles with the undead, and perhaps the more challenging discussions with the Master Rahal, who hides the truth at every turn in the name of pride and vanity.

Deployed to Master Rahal’s family estate on a northern mountainside surrounded by snow and ice, it becomes Victoria Addair’s role to protect the family, particularly Fadil Rahal, the sole heir to the family legacy. Unfortunately, the family legacy also includes a number of unhappy incidents, which has led to a strong presence of the undead throughout the surrounding area. This includes a particularly interesting and peculiar Grey Boy, who is attempting to lure Fadil to his death…or is he?

The writing, by Erica J Heflin, throughout this graphic novel is impressive. The pages can’t turn quick enough while suspense is built, leading to a fantastic finale, including hordes of undead, danger and peril. Morality is interwoven with action. Notions surrounding greed and honour are entwined with the plotline so well that they are a definitive part of the story.

Matched in quality by the artwork (Fares Maese), both the imagery and the storyline combine into a thrillingly mysterious, supernatural adventure.

Story: Erica J Heflin Art: Fares Maese
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Alterna provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review