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The Beauty Series #1
The Beauty, Vol. 1
Modern society is obsessed with outward beauty. What if there was a way to guarantee you could become more and more beautiful every day? What if it was a sexually transmitted disease?
In the world of The Beauty, physical perfection is only one sexual encounter away. The vast majority of the population has taken advantage of it, but Detectives Vaughn and Foster will soon discover it comes at a terrible cost. Now, they'll have to find their way past corrupt poiticians, vengeful federal agents, and a terrifying mercenary out to collect the price on their heads.
Collects the first six issues of the critically acclaimed, Pilot Season winning series by writer/artist JEREMY HAUN (Constantine, Batwoman) and co-writer JASON A. HURLEY.
...a high concept that is, frankly, genius... - multiversitycomics.com
This is absolutely a book to check out. - all-comic.com
...one of the strongest introductions to a series in a long time... comicbookresources.com"
In the world of The Beauty, physical perfection is only one sexual encounter away. The vast majority of the population has taken advantage of it, but Detectives Vaughn and Foster will soon discover it comes at a terrible cost. Now, they'll have to find their way past corrupt poiticians, vengeful federal agents, and a terrifying mercenary out to collect the price on their heads.
Collects the first six issues of the critically acclaimed, Pilot Season winning series by writer/artist JEREMY HAUN (Constantine, Batwoman) and co-writer JASON A. HURLEY.
...a high concept that is, frankly, genius... - multiversitycomics.com
This is absolutely a book to check out. - all-comic.com
...one of the strongest introductions to a series in a long time... comicbookresources.com"
164 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2016
About the author
Jeremy Haun
271 books74 followersJeremy Haun is a freelance comic book artist. Beginning in 2002, Haun worked for Image Comics, IDW Publishing, Oni Press, Devil's Due Publishing, Top Cow, and Marvel Comics. Since 2008, he has worked for DC Comics. He is best known for his work on Berserker and Battle Hymn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 482 reviews
June 27, 2018
3.5 stars
An STD that makes you look really hot while allowing you to eat what you want?
Sign me up!
In case you can't tell, I'm at that 'time of my life' when I just LOOK at pasta and gain weight.
*sob*
I mean, think about it: here you are, some poor shlub who has finally managed to catch a break. You got drunk at a club, fucked a stranger in the bathroom stall, and woke up with two less chins and a six-pack. When has that ever happened in the history of all of your gin-soaked adventures? Never! But Lady Luck is smiling on your hungover ass because for some reason, you've traded in a shot of penicillin for chiseled features and perky tits.
Except now people who have the disease are just sort of randomly combusting and, as you can imagine, that kind of sucks for them.
Why can't we have nice things without exploding?!
Anyway. Two hardboiled detectives discover a far-reaching conspiracy and team up with terrorists and a higher up in the CDC to take down the bad guys.
It's not exceptionally good, but I'm still interested in seeing what happens next.
An STD that makes you look really hot while allowing you to eat what you want?
Sign me up!
In case you can't tell, I'm at that 'time of my life' when I just LOOK at pasta and gain weight.
*sob*
I mean, think about it: here you are, some poor shlub who has finally managed to catch a break. You got drunk at a club, fucked a stranger in the bathroom stall, and woke up with two less chins and a six-pack. When has that ever happened in the history of all of your gin-soaked adventures? Never! But Lady Luck is smiling on your hungover ass because for some reason, you've traded in a shot of penicillin for chiseled features and perky tits.
Except now people who have the disease are just sort of randomly combusting and, as you can imagine, that kind of sucks for them.
Why can't we have nice things without exploding?!
Anyway. Two hardboiled detectives discover a far-reaching conspiracy and team up with terrorists and a higher up in the CDC to take down the bad guys.
It's not exceptionally good, but I'm still interested in seeing what happens next.
November 20, 2017
I love the random (and extensive) collection of Graphic Novels I can find on Hoopla. I have been introduced to a lot of great titles simply because they are simple to review and access. The Beauty is an unexpected treat I found in the midst of them all.
The Beauty is a sexually transmitted disease that gives the infected an appearance every narcissist would die for. Ever since it is discovered, people have been clamoring to become infected instead of protecting themselves. The only side effect is a slightly elevated temperature . . . or is it?
Creepy and creative from page one – this is definitely one I am going to stick with to the end. The art work is dark and gruesome. Some of the images are definitely ones that would creep the S#!T out of you if you were reading this under the covers with a flashlight in the middle of the night.
Another cool thing about the art is that it is very precise and detailed when it is close up, but the farther away it is from the main focal point of the reader it becomes more obscure and impressionistic. I think this is a great visual representation of the precise beauty given by the disease not being quite as sharp as it seems.
If you like horror and don’t mind mature content, checking this out is definitely a no-brainer.
The Beauty is a sexually transmitted disease that gives the infected an appearance every narcissist would die for. Ever since it is discovered, people have been clamoring to become infected instead of protecting themselves. The only side effect is a slightly elevated temperature . . . or is it?
Creepy and creative from page one – this is definitely one I am going to stick with to the end. The art work is dark and gruesome. Some of the images are definitely ones that would creep the S#!T out of you if you were reading this under the covers with a flashlight in the middle of the night.
Another cool thing about the art is that it is very precise and detailed when it is close up, but the farther away it is from the main focal point of the reader it becomes more obscure and impressionistic. I think this is a great visual representation of the precise beauty given by the disease not being quite as sharp as it seems.
If you like horror and don’t mind mature content, checking this out is definitely a no-brainer.
December 13, 2017
A horror/sci-fi comics series with a fascinating premise: What if, in our obsession with beauty/attraction, we could become more beautiful every day? But what if (and here's the horror part), beauty is also a sexually transmitted disease? Of course, the idea of our national obsession with beauty/attraction is well documented, dismaying, and perhaps to some extent inevitable, part of the process of the propagation of the species, but we are by now familiar with ridiculously obsessive stories of people with multiple plastic surgeries, and we know all about the multi-billion dollar beauty industry. And we know of sexually transmitted disease as a condition of attraction; we risk disease for attraction.
This series begins promisingly, as a kind of science fiction commentary turned horror thriller. At the point we begin the story, maybe half of the population is infected with The Beauty, and no one seems particularly worried; that is, until people seem to be spontaneously combusting! The artwork contributes to the creepy surprises. I really liked the art throughout and that is a big plus for me.
Some aspects seem predictable: Corrupt politicians, mercenaries, car chases. I am a little worried it may have nothing new to say and just become a shoot-‘em-up thriller, but I liked turning the pages. Will read #2 for sure.
This series begins promisingly, as a kind of science fiction commentary turned horror thriller. At the point we begin the story, maybe half of the population is infected with The Beauty, and no one seems particularly worried; that is, until people seem to be spontaneously combusting! The artwork contributes to the creepy surprises. I really liked the art throughout and that is a big plus for me.
Some aspects seem predictable: Corrupt politicians, mercenaries, car chases. I am a little worried it may have nothing new to say and just become a shoot-‘em-up thriller, but I liked turning the pages. Will read #2 for sure.
June 19, 2016
What if a sexually transmitted disease was also a way for anyone to get beautiful? Just sleep with someone and suddenly you would be thin, your nose and teeth would be perfect, etc. You would be beautiful. In Beauty is this reality and the vast majority of the population has taken advantage of that, but Detectives Vaughn and Foster discover that being beautiful has a dangerous side-effect.
I think that beauty being a side-effect to a sexually transmitted disease a very interesting idea. Especially since we live in a world where being beautiful is quite important. And, would you, despite it being a sexually transmitted disease go for it? I mean the only known side-effect would be a slight fever and you will be a lot more hungry, but you would always be beautiful. Well, until it kills you of course because that's what Detectives Vaughn and Foster discover and it's a discovery that some would do anything to stop getting public knowledge.
It's a really interesting story, both thoughtful and action-filled and the art is also good. There are some nudity and violence in it and it's defiantly not for younger children. I found it enthralling to read and I could hardly put it down when I started to read it and I'm looking forward to reading the next volume.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review.
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
I think that beauty being a side-effect to a sexually transmitted disease a very interesting idea. Especially since we live in a world where being beautiful is quite important. And, would you, despite it being a sexually transmitted disease go for it? I mean the only known side-effect would be a slight fever and you will be a lot more hungry, but you would always be beautiful. Well, until it kills you of course because that's what Detectives Vaughn and Foster discover and it's a discovery that some would do anything to stop getting public knowledge.
It's a really interesting story, both thoughtful and action-filled and the art is also good. There are some nudity and violence in it and it's defiantly not for younger children. I found it enthralling to read and I could hardly put it down when I started to read it and I'm looking forward to reading the next volume.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review.
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
March 22, 2016
Two years ago a sexually transmitted disease turned patients into physically perfect specimens - everyone who got the STD ended up looking beautiful. Today, half the planet willingly has the disease known as The Beauty and only now are the negative side effects emerging: the beautiful people are internally combusting!
Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley’s new ongoing, The Beauty, has an unusual horror premise that turns into a pretty by-the-numbers crime/conspiracy thriller. I think it would’ve worked better as a standalone book, like a Twilight Zone-type story, told from the perspective of ordinary people dealing with the disease and its after-effects than following two cops who’re unravelling a gov’mint cover-up. As it is though, it’s not bad.
You’ve got the standard crime story cliches: foot chases and gunfights, a stressed police chief who keeps a bottle of whiskey in his desk (unfortunately he doesn’t say stuff like “You’re outta line, Kowalski!” or “Do you have any idea how much damage you morons caused - the mayor’s gon’ have my ass!!” - that woulda been great!) and there’s an evil senator behind it all - boo, damn gov’mint, always up to somethin’ shady!
Our main characters corner a key suspect who has valuable information but it’s early in the book so they can’t learn too much quickly, so he disappears instantly. But not before we get terrible cryptic dialogue from him first: “You don’t understand… I have to… Only way… Beauties… Just… Save them… Save us all… I just… Just trying… The beauties…” Good thing he couldn’t speak in complete sentences for no reason, right? Otherwise there’d be no mystery. Don’t see anything contrived about that...
The dialogue in general isn’t that great throughout. “So what are we here for?” “The truth, Detective Foster. The truth.” - because that’s how people talk like in real life, guys. In real life. And how convenient is it that a character comes along and explains the whole situation in one lengthy info dump? Nothing more exciting than a tedious lecture in the middle of a story!
The characters are a forgettable bunch but the crazy skull mask-wearing hitman Mr Calaveras was memorable even if he’s basically just the Joker. That’s fine, I’ll take it. Beats the extremely bland Male and Female Detective main characters.
I suppose the message behind the series is about how the pursuit of physical perfection is self-destructive while also commenting on how shallow Western society is… Ironically, The Beauty is not a very deep read! Its concept may be original but what it has to say is not.
The core premise wasn’t that compelling for me but it was engaging enough and Mr Calaveras hunting our protagonists was a fun time. I didn’t dislike the book though it’s still not that amazing a read. If you’re after a decent crime comic with an abstract horror twist, The Beauty is worth a look.
Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley’s new ongoing, The Beauty, has an unusual horror premise that turns into a pretty by-the-numbers crime/conspiracy thriller. I think it would’ve worked better as a standalone book, like a Twilight Zone-type story, told from the perspective of ordinary people dealing with the disease and its after-effects than following two cops who’re unravelling a gov’mint cover-up. As it is though, it’s not bad.
You’ve got the standard crime story cliches: foot chases and gunfights, a stressed police chief who keeps a bottle of whiskey in his desk (unfortunately he doesn’t say stuff like “You’re outta line, Kowalski!” or “Do you have any idea how much damage you morons caused - the mayor’s gon’ have my ass!!” - that woulda been great!) and there’s an evil senator behind it all - boo, damn gov’mint, always up to somethin’ shady!
Our main characters corner a key suspect who has valuable information but it’s early in the book so they can’t learn too much quickly, so he disappears instantly. But not before we get terrible cryptic dialogue from him first: “You don’t understand… I have to… Only way… Beauties… Just… Save them… Save us all… I just… Just trying… The beauties…” Good thing he couldn’t speak in complete sentences for no reason, right? Otherwise there’d be no mystery. Don’t see anything contrived about that...
The dialogue in general isn’t that great throughout. “So what are we here for?” “The truth, Detective Foster. The truth.” - because that’s how people talk like in real life, guys. In real life. And how convenient is it that a character comes along and explains the whole situation in one lengthy info dump? Nothing more exciting than a tedious lecture in the middle of a story!
The characters are a forgettable bunch but the crazy skull mask-wearing hitman Mr Calaveras was memorable even if he’s basically just the Joker. That’s fine, I’ll take it. Beats the extremely bland Male and Female Detective main characters.
I suppose the message behind the series is about how the pursuit of physical perfection is self-destructive while also commenting on how shallow Western society is… Ironically, The Beauty is not a very deep read! Its concept may be original but what it has to say is not.
The core premise wasn’t that compelling for me but it was engaging enough and Mr Calaveras hunting our protagonists was a fun time. I didn’t dislike the book though it’s still not that amazing a read. If you’re after a decent crime comic with an abstract horror twist, The Beauty is worth a look.
December 20, 2022
2022 Review - Saw this as a Hoopla bonus borrow and decided to do a reread. It's just as good the second time around. Humans are obsessed with beauty. So if there was a new STD out there that made you beautiful would you seek it out? In this, almost half the world has over the last 2 years. Turns out nothing is free though as people who have The Beauty are starting to spontaneously combust. Anti-Beauty activists have crafted an untested cure. Of course, there's a conspiracy involved to as a huge pharmaceutical firm wants to maximize profits. At the center of it all are two police detectives. Fantastic stuff.
This is what I love about Image today. You sometimes get blindsided by these graphic novels that come out from authors / writers you aren't familiar with. This book is fantastic! Great art, great story. I love the premise of the book. There's an STD out there that makes you beautiful. Of course, everyone wants to get it without seeing if there are any side effects. There's an intriguing conspiracy involved. Even though the book pretty much ties up the story, I'd love to see another volume. I feel like there's much more to the story that could be explored.
Received an advance copy from NetGalley.
This is what I love about Image today. You sometimes get blindsided by these graphic novels that come out from authors / writers you aren't familiar with. This book is fantastic! Great art, great story. I love the premise of the book. There's an STD out there that makes you beautiful. Of course, everyone wants to get it without seeing if there are any side effects. There's an intriguing conspiracy involved. Even though the book pretty much ties up the story, I'd love to see another volume. I feel like there's much more to the story that could be explored.
Received an advance copy from NetGalley.
January 16, 2022
2022 Update: This still is about the same for me in terms of the rating. I'm definitely intrigued with how I'm going to feel about the other volumes now that there are 6 officially released.
Let me start by saying that this comic definitely had an interesting premise: an STD that causes people to become beautiful, but then after a while they just randomly explode haha. I mean who wouldn't find that entertaining. I thought that the artwork was pretty decent and I found the characters to be okay; however, I wish there was a little more in terms of plot. There seems to be a lot going on, but not much explanation to follow. I really hope that in volume 2 we learn more about the origins of the disease and what exactly happens to an individual that ends up taking the cure. It is on the graphic side so if you're not into stuff like that then I definitely wouldn't recommend picking this one up.
Let me start by saying that this comic definitely had an interesting premise: an STD that causes people to become beautiful, but then after a while they just randomly explode haha. I mean who wouldn't find that entertaining. I thought that the artwork was pretty decent and I found the characters to be okay; however, I wish there was a little more in terms of plot. There seems to be a lot going on, but not much explanation to follow. I really hope that in volume 2 we learn more about the origins of the disease and what exactly happens to an individual that ends up taking the cure. It is on the graphic side so if you're not into stuff like that then I definitely wouldn't recommend picking this one up.
March 10, 2016
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE NETGALLEY FOR THIS REVIEW COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
I actually thought of whether I would do it, if I was in the same situation. Would I sacrifice my personal health, just for the sake of being pretty? Probably not.
This graphic novel made me think. It made me think of how realistic it is, that most people would trade their health in exchange for being physically attractive. But that wasn't the only thing I thought about. I also thought a lot about men's greed, and how people often feed on other's weakness for their personal gain. This should that perfectly.
I also have to say that Beauty has one of the best female heroines I have read about. I really liked Vaughn. She is one of those kickass characters that wasn't trying too hard.
Anyways, I really, really recommend this to everyone. It sucks that I have to wait to know what happens next, because this book ended in a fucking cliffie.
Thanks guys. Thanks!
"If contracting an STD would make you pretty, would you get yourself infected?
I actually thought of whether I would do it, if I was in the same situation. Would I sacrifice my personal health, just for the sake of being pretty? Probably not.
This graphic novel made me think. It made me think of how realistic it is, that most people would trade their health in exchange for being physically attractive. But that wasn't the only thing I thought about. I also thought a lot about men's greed, and how people often feed on other's weakness for their personal gain. This should that perfectly.
I also have to say that Beauty has one of the best female heroines I have read about. I really liked Vaughn. She is one of those kickass characters that wasn't trying too hard.
Anyways, I really, really recommend this to everyone. It sucks that I have to wait to know what happens next, because this book ended in a fucking cliffie.
Thanks guys. Thanks!
February 20, 2018
The Beauty is a sexually transmitted disease - that you want. It melts away fat, brightens and tones your skin, and overall makes you more beautiful each day. My first thought when I started this was: "why can't this be real??!"
Then people start to die... and only people who are infected with the beauty.
I really enjoyed this; along with the good dialogue there are lots of great illustrations. It's an extremely unique idea that is transferred well to a graphic novel.
Then people start to die... and only people who are infected with the beauty.
I really enjoyed this; along with the good dialogue there are lots of great illustrations. It's an extremely unique idea that is transferred well to a graphic novel.
August 14, 2022
Ok, la primera vez lo leí en inglés, y habia muchos detalles que no recordaba, pero ahora que lo releo, ok, aun encuentró muchos tópicos comunes que no son tan buenos, pero el libro se super sostiene.
The idea behind this story is probably one of the most original and interesting that can be found: If you contract a disease made you beautiful / handsome forever, Would you like to get this disease? Would you try to be infected? Once I understood the premise I dedicated myself to ask acquaintances if they would, on the understanding that long term will suffer something serious and / or painful consequence but they can not know what will ... only one man said that can not be agree of do it, mentioned as reticence something about losing his "little friend" but if that was not the consequence, he also accept.
And even with a good story, there is something that stands out even more: Detective Vaughn, a strong, intelligent woman, who prefers be alive than be beautiful. It is the most interesting character, showing a greater amount of layers and the one which you can feel identify, is a hero, she need her partner and everyone else that are trying to help her, but don't dependent on them, willing to help and to withdraw when required. I am 100% fan of this character.
As the plot progresses we encounter with several topics that are typical in this kind of history: the businessman, handling/hiding information, the bully, the traitor ... but also find that all the characters have reason to be here, aren't just decoration, they bringing something to the story that let towards to the resolution ... well,this volume resolution.
This is not a story for children, are violence, sex and death, show it with a good detail thanks to the magnificent art.
A digital copy of this book was provided by NetGalley
The idea behind this story is probably one of the most original and interesting that can be found: If you contract a disease made you beautiful / handsome forever, Would you like to get this disease? Would you try to be infected? Once I understood the premise I dedicated myself to ask acquaintances if they would, on the understanding that long term will suffer something serious and / or painful consequence but they can not know what will ... only one man said that can not be agree of do it, mentioned as reticence something about losing his "little friend" but if that was not the consequence, he also accept.
And even with a good story, there is something that stands out even more: Detective Vaughn, a strong, intelligent woman, who prefers be alive than be beautiful. It is the most interesting character, showing a greater amount of layers and the one which you can feel identify, is a hero, she need her partner and everyone else that are trying to help her, but don't dependent on them, willing to help and to withdraw when required. I am 100% fan of this character.
As the plot progresses we encounter with several topics that are typical in this kind of history: the businessman, handling/hiding information, the bully, the traitor ... but also find that all the characters have reason to be here, aren't just decoration, they bringing something to the story that let towards to the resolution ... well,this volume resolution.
This is not a story for children, are violence, sex and death, show it with a good detail thanks to the magnificent art.
A digital copy of this book was provided by NetGalley
January 10, 2020
*ARC / review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
*3.5 stars*
*3.5 stars*
September 26, 2016
Story: 3.5 stars
Art: 3.5 stars
Characters: 3 stars
This sounded very unique and I was very excited to get this in the mail from Amazon the other day... Crystal's review was the one that made me decide to order it and take a chance.
Final result?: Mixed... LOVED the story (even if I couldn't fully connect to the characters) but the ending felt very abrupt... it stopped right at a point that had me scratching my head as to WHY it stopped there.
A cliffhanger for the next volume perhaps it seemed unnecessary, to me at least.
Parts of the last parts felt a bit rushed but still had me turning the pages to see what would happen next.
Would recommend, not a perfect volume but still a good read.
Will I be reading the next one? Possibly, will wait for volume two to come out and read the synopsis first.
Art: 3.5 stars
Characters: 3 stars
This sounded very unique and I was very excited to get this in the mail from Amazon the other day... Crystal's review was the one that made me decide to order it and take a chance.
Final result?: Mixed... LOVED the story (even if I couldn't fully connect to the characters) but the ending felt very abrupt... it stopped right at a point that had me scratching my head as to WHY it stopped there.
A cliffhanger for the next volume perhaps it seemed unnecessary, to me at least.
Parts of the last parts felt a bit rushed but still had me turning the pages to see what would happen next.
Would recommend, not a perfect volume but still a good read.
Will I be reading the next one? Possibly, will wait for volume two to come out and read the synopsis first.
June 21, 2016
Bullet Review:
This is one of those graphic novels that made me realize how much I enjoy reading. Only I liken it to the Matrix - the first one is really good, the remainder of them make you question what the need was to continue the "story".
I really liked what was here (minus some of the stereotypical parts and how humdrum the ending became), but I have no clue how this is gonna be a continuing series.
This is one of those graphic novels that made me realize how much I enjoy reading. Only I liken it to the Matrix - the first one is really good, the remainder of them make you question what the need was to continue the "story".
I really liked what was here (minus some of the stereotypical parts and how humdrum the ending became), but I have no clue how this is gonna be a continuing series.
June 18, 2016
I'm still not sure about this one, i can't decide whether it deserves a higher rating, if i even liked this one at all, whether it was utter garbage.
It's just a bizarre read from beginning to end, but it doesn't necessarily hold your attention, after the first issue which sets up the plot really well, it's quite shocking and it totally pulls you in, it kinda turns well just boring. Apart from the main plot there's nothing else going on, i didn't really care for any of the characters, you don't learn that much about them. I wanted to know more about the skull mask guy but i guess that's for another volume.
Overall i'm not sure, the art is amazing and i feel like this could have been a really good story but it's just too little with a lot of flashes, like if you look past all the shock artwork there isn't that much going on.
It's just a bizarre read from beginning to end, but it doesn't necessarily hold your attention, after the first issue which sets up the plot really well, it's quite shocking and it totally pulls you in, it kinda turns well just boring. Apart from the main plot there's nothing else going on, i didn't really care for any of the characters, you don't learn that much about them. I wanted to know more about the skull mask guy but i guess that's for another volume.
Overall i'm not sure, the art is amazing and i feel like this could have been a really good story but it's just too little with a lot of flashes, like if you look past all the shock artwork there isn't that much going on.
June 12, 2020
My reviews from each individual issue:
The Beauty #1
The Beauty #2
The Beauty #3
The Beauty #4
The Beauty #5
The Beauty #6
I love this series. It was brought to my attention by a dear friend. He's moved to a new school and I miss his comic book/books/movies talks very much.
This comic book series is intense. It follows detectives trying to figure out who created this new STD that turns people good looking over night. There is one catch though Ouch.
The Beauty #1
The Beauty #2
The Beauty #3
The Beauty #4
The Beauty #5
The Beauty #6
I love this series. It was brought to my attention by a dear friend. He's moved to a new school and I miss his comic book/books/movies talks very much.
This comic book series is intense. It follows detectives trying to figure out who created this new STD that turns people good looking over night. There is one catch though Ouch.
March 5, 2017
Meh. 2.5 Stars
So what if today, in our beauty obsessed society, there was a sexually transmitted disease that could make you pretty? That could make your skin flawless, make you thin and just utterly and eternally perfect? Would you want this disease? That's the topic this comic book explore.
Some call it original, unique and thought-provoking. I call it a good idea with a really underwhelming execution... Also, not that original.
We follow two cops, Vaughn and Foster, two detectives who lead the Beauty Task Force and how they discover that this disease isn't all sunshine and kitties. Nah, in fact things get dark when they realize every person who has the ''Beauty'' is in danger, how after certain amount of days this sickness will end up killing its host in a pretty horrific way. Cue to some corrupt politicians, a shady pharmaceutical company, pretty standard dialogue and action pieces.
Like I said, Meh.
Now, now, not everything was bad . I actually enjoyed the first three issues of this volume. There was some suspense, I liked the dynamic between our two main characters and the conflict was only starting to unfold. It was a good beginning.
It is the second half that actually spoils everything this book was setting up to be.
The convenient character who knows exactly what happens, the underwhelming action pieces, the awful/cliché writing with the bad guys/cops/politicians. The fact that I didn't care about the main characters anymore, eh, like I said, good and interesting premise that simply doesn't deliver.
What could have been a reflection of the toxic way our society thinks and acts it's, in the end, simply reduced to mindless and pretty boring action scenes.
One star for the idea, one star for the beginning, half a star for the artwork that I did enjoy, but didn't love.
I wanted to love this, sadly it went in a direction I wasn't interested in and I can't help, but see this story as a wasted opportunity.
So what if today, in our beauty obsessed society, there was a sexually transmitted disease that could make you pretty? That could make your skin flawless, make you thin and just utterly and eternally perfect? Would you want this disease? That's the topic this comic book explore.
Some call it original, unique and thought-provoking. I call it a good idea with a really underwhelming execution... Also, not that original.
We follow two cops, Vaughn and Foster, two detectives who lead the Beauty Task Force and how they discover that this disease isn't all sunshine and kitties. Nah, in fact things get dark when they realize every person who has the ''Beauty'' is in danger, how after certain amount of days this sickness will end up killing its host in a pretty horrific way. Cue to some corrupt politicians, a shady pharmaceutical company, pretty standard dialogue and action pieces.
Like I said, Meh.
Now, now, not everything was bad . I actually enjoyed the first three issues of this volume. There was some suspense, I liked the dynamic between our two main characters and the conflict was only starting to unfold. It was a good beginning.
It is the second half that actually spoils everything this book was setting up to be.
The convenient character who knows exactly what happens, the underwhelming action pieces, the awful/cliché writing with the bad guys/cops/politicians. The fact that I didn't care about the main characters anymore, eh, like I said, good and interesting premise that simply doesn't deliver.
What could have been a reflection of the toxic way our society thinks and acts it's, in the end, simply reduced to mindless and pretty boring action scenes.
One star for the idea, one star for the beginning, half a star for the artwork that I did enjoy, but didn't love.
I wanted to love this, sadly it went in a direction I wasn't interested in and I can't help, but see this story as a wasted opportunity.
July 29, 2016
3,5 Great Subject Stars
The basis idea is absolutely fantastic, a veneral disease that makes you absolutely gorgeous. I am sure there would be throngs of people everywhere recklessly trying to get contaged and just as many people seeing it and every sick people as devil incarnate. In this world, there would naturally be a dedicated task force for Beauty related crimes of course. All of it is so absolutely possible and realistic, very well played. I like the art too.
The story is fast paced, the evil causing horrific deaths for profit easy to hate, the investigating couple dedicated and well oiled but there are some unfortunate black spots, interesting characters who don't get properly used (for instance what's the backstory of Mr Calaveras? what happened to him? nobody is investigating his killings?) and difficult situations that get resolved too quickly (one of the investigators doesn't realize his own wife has Beauty, she gives it to him and he just forgives her...he doesn't even wan to know how she got it?? I can't buy it, not from a detective). I would have easily given a solid 4 stars or more without those moments where the tension dropped. Very eager to read the rest though.
The basis idea is absolutely fantastic, a veneral disease that makes you absolutely gorgeous. I am sure there would be throngs of people everywhere recklessly trying to get contaged and just as many people seeing it and every sick people as devil incarnate. In this world, there would naturally be a dedicated task force for Beauty related crimes of course. All of it is so absolutely possible and realistic, very well played. I like the art too.
The story is fast paced, the evil causing horrific deaths for profit easy to hate, the investigating couple dedicated and well oiled but there are some unfortunate black spots, interesting characters who don't get properly used (for instance what's the backstory of Mr Calaveras? what happened to him? nobody is investigating his killings?) and difficult situations that get resolved too quickly (one of the investigators doesn't realize his own wife has Beauty, she gives it to him and he just forgives her...he doesn't even wan to know how she got it?? I can't buy it, not from a detective). I would have easily given a solid 4 stars or more without those moments where the tension dropped. Very eager to read the rest though.
April 14, 2017
I should have read this sooner!
This is a super fast-paced and incredibly captivating story. Nudity and gore are also a plus.
My only problem is that this felt too short!
I want more.
This is a super fast-paced and incredibly captivating story. Nudity and gore are also a plus.
My only problem is that this felt too short!
I want more.
March 6, 2016
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
2 years ago a new STD surfaced that made people beautiful. Physical perfection could be had from only one sexual encounter. People actively sought the disease but now the long term effects are being realised as people are now dying from the disease.
Two detectives, both infected, are now on the hunt for some answers and hopefully find a cure before half the worlds population succumb to the disease.
I loved this, the concept of the story was so different and so well done that I raced through the volume at break neck speed. The characters were well enough fleshed out with my only gripe being that I would have loved a bit of back story on some of the main characters especially Calaveras and his 'hobby', as this doesn't get explained. This is an adult comic with the STD subject matter and just as a warning there's some gore and quite a bit of full frontal nudity.
One of the best things about this volume was the amazing art, it was absolutely stunning and one of the reasons I was so keen to read it. Every panel looks amazing, consistent and beautifully coloured. I'm glad to see there's more to come from this series, I'll be keen to get the next volume to see what comes next.
Highly recommended.
2 years ago a new STD surfaced that made people beautiful. Physical perfection could be had from only one sexual encounter. People actively sought the disease but now the long term effects are being realised as people are now dying from the disease.
Two detectives, both infected, are now on the hunt for some answers and hopefully find a cure before half the worlds population succumb to the disease.
I loved this, the concept of the story was so different and so well done that I raced through the volume at break neck speed. The characters were well enough fleshed out with my only gripe being that I would have loved a bit of back story on some of the main characters especially Calaveras and his 'hobby', as this doesn't get explained. This is an adult comic with the STD subject matter and just as a warning there's some gore and quite a bit of full frontal nudity.
One of the best things about this volume was the amazing art, it was absolutely stunning and one of the reasons I was so keen to read it. Every panel looks amazing, consistent and beautifully coloured. I'm glad to see there's more to come from this series, I'll be keen to get the next volume to see what comes next.
Highly recommended.
April 4, 2016
I loved the concept – that physical beauty is an ultimately fatal, sexually-transmitted disease – and I hoped it would have some insightful sociological/political analysis into how society treats physical beauty (and lack of). Sadly it ended up being more of a by-the-numbers conspiracy story, with the 'beauty' element a bit of a Macguffin. Cue fights, guns, blah blah. So much potential here, but ultimately it felt like a waste of a good idea.
August 24, 2019
TW: Gore, Guns, Death, Nudity
I loved this horror novel about an STD that people actually want, because it makes them beautiful. Tackles society's obsession with beauty as well as the "health care" industry that doesn't actually want to cure people's suffering or death, but instead wants to just sell them pills to treat things even if a cure exists. Because cures make a lot less money in the long run.
I loved this horror novel about an STD that people actually want, because it makes them beautiful. Tackles society's obsession with beauty as well as the "health care" industry that doesn't actually want to cure people's suffering or death, but instead wants to just sell them pills to treat things even if a cure exists. Because cures make a lot less money in the long run.
February 10, 2018
The Beauty Volume 1 by Jeremy Haun & Jason A. Hurley
First in The Beauty series
4.25 stars
Art Scale: 5
Character Scale: 3.75
Plotastic Scale: 4.25
Cover Thoughts: It’s scary, gruesome, and I love it.
Thank you, Netgalley and Image Comics, for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
First in The Beauty series
4.25 stars
The Beauty focuses on an STD that turns the inflicted person beautiful, but comes with dire consequences. No one is safe from infection, especially becomes everyone craves beauty and wants to be a beautiful person. The Beauty eventually kills its host with implosion after 800. It’s gruesome and a brilliant concept. The concept is horrifying and I love the metaphor so much. It’s a brilliant graphic novel and there is a scene that is one of the most graphic images, but one of the most beautifully conceptually drawn scenes I’ve ever come across in a graphic novel. This is a horror graphic novel that I think will appeal to a lot of readers. If you are looking for something scarier, but grounded in reality then this is the graphic novel for you.
Art Scale: 5
Character Scale: 3.75
Plotastic Scale: 4.25
Cover Thoughts: It’s scary, gruesome, and I love it.
Thank you, Netgalley and Image Comics, for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2016
Received a galley from Image Comics in exchange for a review
Beauty is one of those wonderful stories that makes you question your morals as much as it entertains you. In the universe created by Haun, Hurley and Rauch, physical perfection is just one STD away. But like most "too good to be true" things, turns out that there's a major dark side to infecting yourself with a disease that makes you beautiful. The story pits two detectives, Kara Vaughn and Drew Foster, against a web of deceit which they must unravel in order to find out what's causing the beautiful to die in a blaze of glory. It's a fascinating premise that doesn't deliver quite as well on its villains as it does its heroes but nonetheless presents a very interesting and compelling story which kept me glued to the page from beginning to end.
Full review here
Beauty is one of those wonderful stories that makes you question your morals as much as it entertains you. In the universe created by Haun, Hurley and Rauch, physical perfection is just one STD away. But like most "too good to be true" things, turns out that there's a major dark side to infecting yourself with a disease that makes you beautiful. The story pits two detectives, Kara Vaughn and Drew Foster, against a web of deceit which they must unravel in order to find out what's causing the beautiful to die in a blaze of glory. It's a fascinating premise that doesn't deliver quite as well on its villains as it does its heroes but nonetheless presents a very interesting and compelling story which kept me glued to the page from beginning to end.
Full review here
May 9, 2016
A gripping opening to what promises to be an amazing story!
The Beauty is essentially an STD which makes their hosts remain beautiful. Most people want it, most people have it but it comes with a HUGE price - spontaneous combustion!
The artwork is amazing and at times, I felt like I was watching a film and not reading a graphic novel. Honestly, it propelled me into a completely different world!
I did enjoy reading this book although I was left wanting a bit more. I understand that a series has to keep the suspense going to maintain an avid readership, and despite devouring it, I'm not sure that I was 100% satisfied. There are definitely a few questions which still need to be answered but I'm sure the next issue will provide me with some answers.
Overall, an intriguing concept which, artistically, was executed exceptionally well. Roll on volume 2!
The Beauty is essentially an STD which makes their hosts remain beautiful. Most people want it, most people have it but it comes with a HUGE price - spontaneous combustion!
The artwork is amazing and at times, I felt like I was watching a film and not reading a graphic novel. Honestly, it propelled me into a completely different world!
I did enjoy reading this book although I was left wanting a bit more. I understand that a series has to keep the suspense going to maintain an avid readership, and despite devouring it, I'm not sure that I was 100% satisfied. There are definitely a few questions which still need to be answered but I'm sure the next issue will provide me with some answers.
Overall, an intriguing concept which, artistically, was executed exceptionally well. Roll on volume 2!
February 18, 2017
This was definitely a really intriguing start to a series and I read this as part of the #GettingGraphic readalong I am hosting today. It's a story about an STI which is desirable in this world becuase if you catch it then you turn beautiful. This disease has been taking over the population for the last two years when we join the story, but suddenly some of those who have it have started to burst into flames from the inside out and although the government is trying to hide it, it can't be contained...
I loved the art for some of the pages in this, but mostly it was the story itself and the implications it had and the potential it had that really kept me intrigued. I look forward to continuing the series and seeing what will happen next! 4*s overall
I loved the art for some of the pages in this, but mostly it was the story itself and the implications it had and the potential it had that really kept me intrigued. I look forward to continuing the series and seeing what will happen next! 4*s overall
August 30, 2020
Imagine a sexually transmitted disease that makes those infected look like super models... a disease people actually want to get. That disease is real, and it's called The Beauty. Two years after the Beauty burst onto the scene, over half of America is infected. Now, it looks like the downside may be far worse than anyone suspected. Detectives Vaughn and Foster find themselves on the front line of the battle against the Beauty, embroiled in a conspiracy they never knew existed.
Love the story and the artwork. It starts out fairly comtemplative, almost restraint until issue #6 when they let loose and it becomes quite visceral. Looking forward to Vol. 2!
4.8 stars
Love the story and the artwork. It starts out fairly comtemplative, almost restraint until issue #6 when they let loose and it becomes quite visceral. Looking forward to Vol. 2!
4.8 stars
March 20, 2016
Special thanks to NetGalley for giving me a copy of this volume to review.
The Beauty is probably one of the most interesting and original stories I've ever read. Action-packed and intriguing, this dystopia takes place in a world where an STD is making people beautiful. This has worked as a powerful incentive for many of them wanting to become infected. However, when mysterious and apparently unexplainable deaths start happening, the agents in charge of investigating the case discover that the beauty might be more dangerous than anyone thought.
The main characters uncover a whole conspiracy that involves the government and even a really weird (and creepy) killer. In order to find the answers they need, their lives will be in danger and they will constantly be on the run from the pyscho chasing them.
I enjoyed this story a lot, it was fast-paced, clever and intriguing. The art was astounding, it has some really creepy panels that I personally really liked.
My only critic would probably be that I felt like I didn't really got to know the characters so well. I'm hoping for better character development on the following volumes. However, I strongly recommend this story to anyone who loves action and even a bit of horror. It was a relief to see the idea of a virus/plague develop without the need of zombies.
Great piece of work.
The Beauty is probably one of the most interesting and original stories I've ever read. Action-packed and intriguing, this dystopia takes place in a world where an STD is making people beautiful. This has worked as a powerful incentive for many of them wanting to become infected. However, when mysterious and apparently unexplainable deaths start happening, the agents in charge of investigating the case discover that the beauty might be more dangerous than anyone thought.
The main characters uncover a whole conspiracy that involves the government and even a really weird (and creepy) killer. In order to find the answers they need, their lives will be in danger and they will constantly be on the run from the pyscho chasing them.
I enjoyed this story a lot, it was fast-paced, clever and intriguing. The art was astounding, it has some really creepy panels that I personally really liked.
My only critic would probably be that I felt like I didn't really got to know the characters so well. I'm hoping for better character development on the following volumes. However, I strongly recommend this story to anyone who loves action and even a bit of horror. It was a relief to see the idea of a virus/plague develop without the need of zombies.
Great piece of work.
April 11, 2016
Also available on the WondrousBooks blog.
I received The Beauty from Netgalley and I had to move around my to-read list a lot in order to read it ASAP as the deadline in Netgalley is in a few days, but I can't say that I'm sorry I did it in any way.
I first heard of The Beauty maybe three months ago and it was only in connection to the story of It Follows - a movie which I absolutely hated. As parallel can be drawn between the two - a weird sexually transmitted disease and its consequences, I was not that interested by The Beauty. But when I saw it again in Netgalley, I decided to give it a chance and here we are.
The Beauty is way better than It Follows. The story makes so much more sense and it's actually something I can imagine happening. In fact, I think it's already happening, though not necessarily in the same shape as in the comic book. If you look at the role of sex as a form of social status, it would not be hard to first, see that there is a connection between reality and fiction in this case, and second, imagine how if the Beauty ever became an actual disease, it would have basically the same popularity all over the world, if not a bigger one.
On my first point: even today, and probably way before our time, sex has been used as means to gain many things, popularity and status among them. Now, that is exactly what the Beauty, as a disease, offers - you are among the desired and envied ones. Which unleashes an entire following of people who willingly want to catch this disease and be part of the clique. Therefore, my second point, imagine the Beauty appeared in our society and the following wave of death was also activated. Guess what? 3/4 of the population of the world would be dead, because I can assure you that almost everyone will want to get this disease. End of story.
The visual element of the book was interesting, not overly intricate, but still enjoyable. I thought the idea of making the normal people gray-ish and the "beauties" more colorful was quite clever and made understanding the plot easier because it was not hard to spot which characters were on which side of the conflict. And the covers were just amazing:
The pacing of The Beauty was also to my liking, it didn't drag and it was not confusing and bordering with annoyingly unresolved. There were still questions but there were also answers and I always appreciate that in a story.
The characters were a mixed bunch, mostly leaning on good. To be honest, I did not enjoy the main male character, he was more of a center of attention than Vaughn was, but he basically did nothing of value to the story, while she was the "doer" - a lot more active and interesting. The rest of the characters were more or less cliches but if you look close enough you can find cliches in every story, so that is not a tragedy as long as there is more depth to the characters than just the stereotype they represent. Which there was. I can't say I liked the CDC lady all that much, but even she had some nice story.
Bonus: if you get your hands on The Beauty, try reading it while listening to the Batman vs Superman soundtrack. It's so tense and dramatic, I can promise you the full action experience with that mix.
I received The Beauty from Netgalley and I had to move around my to-read list a lot in order to read it ASAP as the deadline in Netgalley is in a few days, but I can't say that I'm sorry I did it in any way.
I first heard of The Beauty maybe three months ago and it was only in connection to the story of It Follows - a movie which I absolutely hated. As parallel can be drawn between the two - a weird sexually transmitted disease and its consequences, I was not that interested by The Beauty. But when I saw it again in Netgalley, I decided to give it a chance and here we are.
The Beauty is way better than It Follows. The story makes so much more sense and it's actually something I can imagine happening. In fact, I think it's already happening, though not necessarily in the same shape as in the comic book. If you look at the role of sex as a form of social status, it would not be hard to first, see that there is a connection between reality and fiction in this case, and second, imagine how if the Beauty ever became an actual disease, it would have basically the same popularity all over the world, if not a bigger one.
On my first point: even today, and probably way before our time, sex has been used as means to gain many things, popularity and status among them. Now, that is exactly what the Beauty, as a disease, offers - you are among the desired and envied ones. Which unleashes an entire following of people who willingly want to catch this disease and be part of the clique. Therefore, my second point, imagine the Beauty appeared in our society and the following wave of death was also activated. Guess what? 3/4 of the population of the world would be dead, because I can assure you that almost everyone will want to get this disease. End of story.
The visual element of the book was interesting, not overly intricate, but still enjoyable. I thought the idea of making the normal people gray-ish and the "beauties" more colorful was quite clever and made understanding the plot easier because it was not hard to spot which characters were on which side of the conflict. And the covers were just amazing:
The pacing of The Beauty was also to my liking, it didn't drag and it was not confusing and bordering with annoyingly unresolved. There were still questions but there were also answers and I always appreciate that in a story.
The characters were a mixed bunch, mostly leaning on good. To be honest, I did not enjoy the main male character, he was more of a center of attention than Vaughn was, but he basically did nothing of value to the story, while she was the "doer" - a lot more active and interesting. The rest of the characters were more or less cliches but if you look close enough you can find cliches in every story, so that is not a tragedy as long as there is more depth to the characters than just the stereotype they represent. Which there was. I can't say I liked the CDC lady all that much, but even she had some nice story.
Bonus: if you get your hands on The Beauty, try reading it while listening to the Batman vs Superman soundtrack. It's so tense and dramatic, I can promise you the full action experience with that mix.
August 24, 2017
Picked this up on sale at HPB in Houston since I have been intrigued about it for a while AND I'M SO GLAD I DID!!!
Read the whole thing last night in one go (even though I started at 2am and really really should have gone to bed) and I just could not put it down. I'm going to have to get my hands on the next volume stat. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. Not that I thought I would dislike the series, but I thought it would just be ok.
Art is really nice and the characters are very human and very flawed. Nice diversity and representation as well, which is always pleasant to see.
Also Vaughn may be my favorite.
Read the whole thing last night in one go (even though I started at 2am and really really should have gone to bed) and I just could not put it down. I'm going to have to get my hands on the next volume stat. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. Not that I thought I would dislike the series, but I thought it would just be ok.
Art is really nice and the characters are very human and very flawed. Nice diversity and representation as well, which is always pleasant to see.
Also Vaughn may be my favorite.
November 22, 2016
A new sexually transmitted disease, called "The Beauty," turns its victims beautiful. Unfortunately, it also causes them to eventually spontaneously combust. Factions have formed between those augmented and those natural and those trying to profit from both.
This novel I can see someday adapted as a movie, it's quite cinematic and structured similarly.
This novel I can see someday adapted as a movie, it's quite cinematic and structured similarly.
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