What do you think?
Rate this book
Five Ghosts #3
Five Ghosts Vol. 3: Monsters & Men
Collects FIVE GHOSTS #13-17 and FIVE GHOSTS: SPECIAL #1.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2015
About the author
Frank J. Barbiere
189 books41 followersFrank J. Barbiere is a #1 Amazon.com best selling writer from New Jersey.
A former English teacher, Frank is a graduate of Rutgers University and the Graduate School for Education.
After breaking in to the comics industry with the creator-owned hit Five Ghosts (Image Comics), Frank has since worked for every major publisher in the U.S., as well as having a global presence in France (Glenat Comics), Italy (Cosmo Editoriale), and Spain (Norma) with his creator-owned work. He has written notable runs on Avengers World and Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D. at Marvel Comics, as well as the creator-owned series Black Market and Broken World (BOOM! Studios), The Revisionist (Aftershock Comics), Violent Love (Image Comics), and The White Suits (Dark Horse Comics). In 2021 Frank released Astonishing Times (comiXology Originals) which became a #1 Amazon.com bestseller.
In 2017 Frank began working in the video games industry as a writer and narrative designer. He has since contributed to the Destiny franchise, as well as serving as lead writer on Darksiders Genesis and Ruined King: A League of Legends Story. He currently works as lead writer at Elodie Games.
A former English teacher, Frank is a graduate of Rutgers University and the Graduate School for Education.
After breaking in to the comics industry with the creator-owned hit Five Ghosts (Image Comics), Frank has since worked for every major publisher in the U.S., as well as having a global presence in France (Glenat Comics), Italy (Cosmo Editoriale), and Spain (Norma) with his creator-owned work. He has written notable runs on Avengers World and Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D. at Marvel Comics, as well as the creator-owned series Black Market and Broken World (BOOM! Studios), The Revisionist (Aftershock Comics), Violent Love (Image Comics), and The White Suits (Dark Horse Comics). In 2021 Frank released Astonishing Times (comiXology Originals) which became a #1 Amazon.com bestseller.
In 2017 Frank began working in the video games industry as a writer and narrative designer. He has since contributed to the Destiny franchise, as well as serving as lead writer on Darksiders Genesis and Ruined King: A League of Legends Story. He currently works as lead writer at Elodie Games.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 3, 2017
With many thanks to my local library, I was finally able to get my hands on this third volume.
Summary (slight spoilers):
In this volume, we pick up with Fabian traveling to Romania to try to find his friend, Sebastian, who he believes was kidnapped and taken there. In his travels, he learns that the plague has continued to spread, which is causing devastation in many towns. Unfortunately, that is not the only issue; there are also monster people that have been attacking villagers. But these aren’t just any monsters; they have been created by “The Good Doctor,” who convinces them to take a medicine to rid them of the plague…
During his travels, Fabian also meets Van Helsing just in the nick of time. During their battle, Fabian is attacked by one of the monsters. With the poison flowing through his veins, he is forced to submit to the vampire ghosts that haunts him… After that the “ghost” of Fabian can only watch as the Vampire takes over and attacks. To continue on, he must fight his way to regain control.
My thoughts:
The pacing of this volume was very quick, and of course, it was action packed! I enjoyed seeing how the story developed.
Sebastian continues to be my favorite character, but it was interesting to meet Van Helsing as well!
I loved that we got more flashbacks in this volume which allowed us to learn more about Sebastian and Fabian’s relationship. I think their friendship is so wonderful!
At the end of this volume, there were two shorts that were also included. One was a Five Ghosts tale called “The Demon and the Dreamstone.” I enjoyed the story of this one, but didn’t really care for the artwork. The second was “Boats Against The Current.” I liked the artwork of this one, but I have to admit that I thought the storyline was lacking.
Beware, the negative:
My only complaint is that I was confused for a minute when I picked up this volume. I had totally forgotten where we left off in Volume 2... So I wish this volume had just a little bit of a summary to catch the reader up to the storyline.
Favorite lines:
Never doubt the power of the human spirit.
I won’t lose another ally to the darkness.
There are no real monsters, Fabian. Just men and the evil that we do.
My final thoughts:
Another wonderful addition to this series! I cannot wait for Volume 4 to be published!
Summary (slight spoilers):
In this volume, we pick up with Fabian traveling to Romania to try to find his friend, Sebastian, who he believes was kidnapped and taken there. In his travels, he learns that the plague has continued to spread, which is causing devastation in many towns. Unfortunately, that is not the only issue; there are also monster people that have been attacking villagers. But these aren’t just any monsters; they have been created by “The Good Doctor,” who convinces them to take a medicine to rid them of the plague…
During his travels, Fabian also meets Van Helsing just in the nick of time. During their battle, Fabian is attacked by one of the monsters. With the poison flowing through his veins, he is forced to submit to the vampire ghosts that haunts him… After that the “ghost” of Fabian can only watch as the Vampire takes over and attacks. To continue on, he must fight his way to regain control.
My thoughts:
The pacing of this volume was very quick, and of course, it was action packed! I enjoyed seeing how the story developed.
Sebastian continues to be my favorite character, but it was interesting to meet Van Helsing as well!
I loved that we got more flashbacks in this volume which allowed us to learn more about Sebastian and Fabian’s relationship. I think their friendship is so wonderful!
At the end of this volume, there were two shorts that were also included. One was a Five Ghosts tale called “The Demon and the Dreamstone.” I enjoyed the story of this one, but didn’t really care for the artwork. The second was “Boats Against The Current.” I liked the artwork of this one, but I have to admit that I thought the storyline was lacking.
Beware, the negative:
My only complaint is that I was confused for a minute when I picked up this volume. I had totally forgotten where we left off in Volume 2... So I wish this volume had just a little bit of a summary to catch the reader up to the storyline.
Favorite lines:
Never doubt the power of the human spirit.
I won’t lose another ally to the darkness.
There are no real monsters, Fabian. Just men and the evil that we do.
My final thoughts:
Another wonderful addition to this series! I cannot wait for Volume 4 to be published!
December 20, 2015
'Five Ghosts Volume 3: Monsters and Men' treads into more fictional character territory, and delivers up a rip-roaring pulp adventure.
Fabian is on his way to tracking down his friend Sebastian in Romania with the help of the five ghosts he has been inhabited with. And he'll need their help because getting to where Sebastian is trapped, he comes across some super powerful men who seem more like animals. When famous vampire hunter Van Helsing shows up and Fabian is trapped in vampire mode with the ghost of Dracula, he might be in over his head. Can he fend off Van Helsing and rescue Sebastian?
Also included is a bonus short and another issue length story. I love the action aspect of this and it's a pretty interesting concept. The script by Frank J. Barbiere definitely feels like an idea out of the 1950s or further back. Fabian feels a bit like a Doc Savage or Avenger or Shadow type character. The art by Chris Mooneyham just moves on the page with interesting angles and action shots.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Image Comics, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Fabian is on his way to tracking down his friend Sebastian in Romania with the help of the five ghosts he has been inhabited with. And he'll need their help because getting to where Sebastian is trapped, he comes across some super powerful men who seem more like animals. When famous vampire hunter Van Helsing shows up and Fabian is trapped in vampire mode with the ghost of Dracula, he might be in over his head. Can he fend off Van Helsing and rescue Sebastian?
Also included is a bonus short and another issue length story. I love the action aspect of this and it's a pretty interesting concept. The script by Frank J. Barbiere definitely feels like an idea out of the 1950s or further back. Fabian feels a bit like a Doc Savage or Avenger or Shadow type character. The art by Chris Mooneyham just moves on the page with interesting angles and action shots.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Image Comics, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
September 10, 2015
Five Ghosts is a weird comic. Although it's not, it feels very retro. Almost like great stories from House of Secrets or House of Mystery. Mooneyham does a lot of splashes and large panels, so sometimes the story seems kinda light. I don't know. I do love the premise and the covers.
April 5, 2018
It's become obvious now why the series got canceled. It got old to just see Fabian get captured and escape so many times with little substance in between. I don't know why he still allows himself to be captured if he only needs to think of loved ones and he's free the next second. He should have his loved ones on his mind constantly. That would make him invincible.
There are few revelations here and no character development, so there is nothing memorable in this volume. Just the same old pulp again. Fabian's story doesn't get a definitive ending, but I doubt I'll be reading any more the way things have gone downhill. The volume doesn't resolve anything and seems to lack direction, unlike the previous two. Instead of gaining anything, Fabian loses even more ground to the Cabal and his adventures are far from over. I guess the sales weren't up to snuff though, since there haven't been any more arcs started since mid-2015.
There are few revelations here and no character development, so there is nothing memorable in this volume. Just the same old pulp again. Fabian's story doesn't get a definitive ending, but I doubt I'll be reading any more the way things have gone downhill. The volume doesn't resolve anything and seems to lack direction, unlike the previous two. Instead of gaining anything, Fabian loses even more ground to the Cabal and his adventures are far from over. I guess the sales weren't up to snuff though, since there haven't been any more arcs started since mid-2015.
June 13, 2021
(Zero spoiler review) 3.25/5
This one started out so promising, but halfway through the second issue collected here, I had to remind myself what story I was actually reading. The pulpy adventure cereal with a few dark, conspiratorial overtones had dissolved into a generic zombie beat em up. And not even a very good one at that. My complaint from the previous two volumes, that being not enough words I.E storytelling seemed to have been rectified early on, though it quickly fell into the same old tropes of page after page with barely a word said. Don't get me wrong, Mooneyham's art is still really good. It's just I like some story with my stories. Seeing as how this ends on a cliff hanger, and the series has stagnated and gone nowhere since, I would now suggest you avoid this series, unless this is really up your alley, or you're the type of reader who can handle nice art with little accompaniment. Despite a thoroughly interesting premise, and some laudable execution at times, Five Ghosts falls well short of where it should have landed. 3.25/5
OmniBen.
This one started out so promising, but halfway through the second issue collected here, I had to remind myself what story I was actually reading. The pulpy adventure cereal with a few dark, conspiratorial overtones had dissolved into a generic zombie beat em up. And not even a very good one at that. My complaint from the previous two volumes, that being not enough words I.E storytelling seemed to have been rectified early on, though it quickly fell into the same old tropes of page after page with barely a word said. Don't get me wrong, Mooneyham's art is still really good. It's just I like some story with my stories. Seeing as how this ends on a cliff hanger, and the series has stagnated and gone nowhere since, I would now suggest you avoid this series, unless this is really up your alley, or you're the type of reader who can handle nice art with little accompaniment. Despite a thoroughly interesting premise, and some laudable execution at times, Five Ghosts falls well short of where it should have landed. 3.25/5
OmniBen.
June 17, 2022
And we come to the third volume of the series, which features a lot of the same action as the previous sets but with a new twist in the form of the addition of characters like Van Helsing and Doctor Moreau. It's hard to determine if these are the actual people from popular works of fiction or other people empowered (controlled?) but dream stones, but it does make for fun reading.
It is interesting how only the vampire spirit actively communicates with Fabian, as we see in this volume. His other spirits only spoke during his trials in the first volume but haven't had much to say since. But the vampire (who we all presume to be Dracula) remains an almost independent personality who bargains with Fabian as needed.
This story is far from over, but it could also benefit from a bit more direction or maybe more of a shape for The Cabal's overall plans beyond getting the dream stone from Fabian.
It is interesting how only the vampire spirit actively communicates with Fabian, as we see in this volume. His other spirits only spoke during his trials in the first volume but haven't had much to say since. But the vampire (who we all presume to be Dracula) remains an almost independent personality who bargains with Fabian as needed.
This story is far from over, but it could also benefit from a bit more direction or maybe more of a shape for The Cabal's overall plans beyond getting the dream stone from Fabian.
June 7, 2023
This really felt like it was trying to be Alan Moore's "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" but it just didn't land. The pacing was too fast, and eventually it starts to feel like they wanted to do a lot more than time or budget allowed for.
As a reader, you're left with too many questions.
They attempt to explain what's even happening, but that sends the author on a whole other tangent, leaving you with nothing.
Is there going to be a continuation?
Honestly, I hope not.
Or if they do, hopefully they have more of whatever was missing during the writing of these 3 volumes.
I didn't change my original ratings from when I read the first 2 a few years ago, but I really should have.
This one - in theory - should have been really good, but it was unfortunately a flop.
As a reader, you're left with too many questions.
They attempt to explain what's even happening, but that sends the author on a whole other tangent, leaving you with nothing.
Is there going to be a continuation?
Honestly, I hope not.
Or if they do, hopefully they have more of whatever was missing during the writing of these 3 volumes.
I didn't change my original ratings from when I read the first 2 a few years ago, but I really should have.
This one - in theory - should have been really good, but it was unfortunately a flop.
August 14, 2017
Fabian Gray is out hunting for his kidnapped friend and aids a boy in trouble. For his kindness, he get some clue as to what he will be facing when he arrives at his destination. But he still manages to fall into a trap. Lucky for Fabian and the hunter who aids him that his ghosts do not always possess him, but rather aid him. Through sheer perversity, Fabian manages to rescue his friend, obtain the antidote from Dr. Moreau, and escape with skin barely intact. But what will happen next since the Cabal has his sister?
September 19, 2018
3.5 stars -- Good stories that pull together Van Helsing and Doctor Moreau -- the titular monsters being creations of Moreau. Van Hesling and the vampire in Gray initially fight (as one would expect) but eventually join forces against Moreau and his plan to use the citizens of a local town as his guinea pigs. The plot is good and I especially like the sepia frames that represent past events. Dialog still on the corny side.
February 23, 2020
After a tragic encounter with an artifact known as "The Dreamstone," infamous treasure hunter Fabian Gray is possessed by five literary ghosts and granted access to their unique abilities.He is able to channel the fictional spirits of Dracula, Robin Hood, Merlin, Sherlock Holmes, and Miyamato Musash. This feels like a 70s throwback adventure series and is quite a lot of fun. Unfortunately this is the last book and does not conclude the series.
September 1, 2017
Excellent addition, now I am sad I have to wait for the 4th volume. Fabian deals with his ghosts, literally and comes to terms with the powers inside him. Wasn't really sure about the added story with the different art style in the back though, which is why I am giving 4 stars. It was rather jarring coming from the style the rest of the series has been in.
April 8, 2018
This is a series that keeps getting better. It started off weak for me but the more I read, the more I get into it. The art is beautiful in this volume and the characters seem to have more depth. It feels straight out of the 50s and reminds me of any Indiana Jones movie. This is by far the best of this series so far.
March 8, 2021
I now understand that the literary ghosts are more fictional to the reader than the characters here, as this is leaps into the territory of classic heroes and villains filling up the world of Fabian Gray, who may be too serious for his own series.
August 4, 2021
I really fun series. Barbiere and Mooneyham are a great team that turned out some great pulp adventure fun. It’s too bad the series ended when it did. I feel like there were plenty more stories for these two to tell about Fabian Gray and the mysterious Dreamstone.
August 22, 2017
Looks good, but about as run of the mill as storylines get.
December 3, 2019
I really wanted to like this series but nothing really happened? I kept waiting for moment when it would come together and be.... something, anything, but it never did.
February 26, 2017
Why am I reading this book?
It isn't the artwork... It isn't the dialogue. It has qualities of better books- Fables, the Unwritten, Penny Dreadful (that is a TV show, I know).
I actually don't have the answer to this question. It was quick to read. Wasn't filled with useless exposition or redundant dialogue. That is usually the hardest thing to get through, when reading a not so great comic.
It isn't the artwork... It isn't the dialogue. It has qualities of better books- Fables, the Unwritten, Penny Dreadful (that is a TV show, I know).
I actually don't have the answer to this question. It was quick to read. Wasn't filled with useless exposition or redundant dialogue. That is usually the hardest thing to get through, when reading a not so great comic.
May 28, 2016
I love this comic series a ridiculous amount. The premise is amazing – Fabian Grey is like Indiana Jones with superpowers – and the art is very pulp-fictiony and the colour tones used add to the creepiness.
Fabian travels to Romania to find Sebastian and there he finds a town plagued by a sickness and some strange monsters. Once again, Five Ghosts doesn’t hold back on the violence. The battles are brutal and the monsters are really quite disgusting and scary. Also with Sebastian’s kidnap you learn more about secret organisations and about the Dreamstone and its powers.
Fabian’s reluctance to let the vampire ghost take control was explored really well and the way he can now sort of communicate with the ghosts that possess him was interesting.
Van Helsing was a great edition to the world and the sepia toned panels that showed his backstory were great. He and Fabian work well together but don’t always see eye to eye – I’d love to see him team up with Fabian again.
Five Ghosts is one of my favourite comic series and with Monsters & Men it continues being great with even more mystery and action.
Fabian travels to Romania to find Sebastian and there he finds a town plagued by a sickness and some strange monsters. Once again, Five Ghosts doesn’t hold back on the violence. The battles are brutal and the monsters are really quite disgusting and scary. Also with Sebastian’s kidnap you learn more about secret organisations and about the Dreamstone and its powers.
Fabian’s reluctance to let the vampire ghost take control was explored really well and the way he can now sort of communicate with the ghosts that possess him was interesting.
Van Helsing was a great edition to the world and the sepia toned panels that showed his backstory were great. He and Fabian work well together but don’t always see eye to eye – I’d love to see him team up with Fabian again.
Five Ghosts is one of my favourite comic series and with Monsters & Men it continues being great with even more mystery and action.
September 16, 2016
This is the third, and I believe last volume in the series. Herein lies a tale of Fabian Gray and his dealings with the infamous Dr. Moreau. His creatures and creation are up to nefarious deeds in Romania. Gray teams up with Van Helsing and almost kills him while giving over to one of his ghosts, Dracula. The poison in his blood is defeated using Dracula's regenerative abilities, but then he succumbs to the power and for the first time in the series experiences huge powers. He defeats Dr. Moreau and saves the day.
This tale was very good, though I like volume 2 better. Still the overall story and the arc was great. I highly recommend all three volumes.
Danny
This tale was very good, though I like volume 2 better. Still the overall story and the arc was great. I highly recommend all three volumes.
Danny
September 12, 2015
This whole volume is a reaction to what happens in the last pages of the previous one. That's not a bad thing, exactly. It's a really interesting adventure, but I feel like the pace on the overarching plot is barely moving. They're not making any headway into Fabian's sister's condition.
February 5, 2016
My rating is really a three and a half. I really like this series, but I feel it's starting to slow down to a crawl. I did like us finally being able to see Dracula's ghost take over. Very interesting.
January 20, 2016
The critically acclaimed literary pulp adventure continues! Fabian Gray journeys to Eastern Europe on a quest to save his closest ally while battling his own inner-demons
Collects Five Ghosts #13-17 and Five Ghosts: Special #1.
Collects Five Ghosts #13-17 and Five Ghosts: Special #1.
March 9, 2016
Another great entry in the series. Fabian hunting down a lost friend, meeting new allies, and fighting monsters in the Romanian wilderness. Less globe trotting that the first two volumes but you get a lot more Dracula's ghost that usual.
October 24, 2015
Aspires to Hellboy, ends up being League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
January 2, 2016
More of the same. Neither awesome nor horrible.
December 29, 2015
Good read.
July 7, 2016
As usual, this series is amazing. I can't wait for more!
April 17, 2016
Solid 3.5 but i struggle with how they present fabian i dont think he's as good a guy as the authors think...
![Profile Image for Amanda [Novel Addiction].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1415744673i/4886503._UX200_CR0,36,200,200_.jpg)
May 28, 2016
I need more now.
I just want to re-read these over again.
I just want to re-read these over again.
September 12, 2016
More pulp adventure, good enough to continue searching for the next volume.
The stylistically different shorts at the end of this volume were very nicely done and contrasted with the main story.
The stylistically different shorts at the end of this volume were very nicely done and contrasted with the main story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews