First of all, let me say that The Autumnal has one of the most gorgeous, striking covers I've ever seen on a graphic novel — and that's exactly what drew me in at first. I wish I could say the story lived up to the precedent that the art set, but it wasn't quite there. The plot was really intriguing until the end, when it went off the rails in a predictable, fairly boring way (and then we got a lot of weird info-dumping monologue I could've lived without). While I enjoy flawed, even downright unlikable characters, it's a bit harder to root for them when their actions simply don't make sense. I can't think of any good reason for about half of the main character's choices, frankly.

Overall, if you're particularly intrigued by the plot and like the art, pick it up, but I can't say I recommend this one too highly.

✨ Content warnings for:

Spoiler

violence, death, body horror, missing children, child deaths and injuries, infanticide, insects

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