Violent Flowers #1
Review
Writer: Maria Llovet
Artist: Maria Llovet
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: September 25, 2024
Page Count: 32
Format: Single-issue
Violent Flowers #1 introduces readers to the vengeful and provocative world of vampires and supernatural creatures. While Llovet’s art is unique and eye-catching, the characters could have gotten more meat for readers to bite into.
Violent Flowers #1
ReviewWriter: Maria Llovet
Artist: Maria Llovet
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: September 25, 2024
Page Count: 32
Format: Single-issue
Violent Flowers #1 introduces readers to the vengeful and provocative world of vampires and supernatural creatures. While Llovet’s art is unique and eye-catching, the characters could have gotten more meat for readers to bite into.
Since bursting onto the scene with her provocative drama series Crave, Maria Llovet has been an exciting cartoonist to watch in indie comics. With her unapologetically mature themes and bold presentation of sexuality, Llovet’s comics offer a refreshing take on the medium. Her latest series, Violent Flowers, stretches the creator’s creative muscles further by diving headfirst into a fantastical setting that allows her distinctive style to flourish. For fans of mature, visually striking comics, this new series is a feast for the eyes that promises a bloody and sexy look into vampires and other supernatural creatures.
Interested in sinking your teeth into this upcoming comic series? Keep on reading for my full review of Violent Flowers #1!
Image: Image Comics
Overview of Violent Flowers #1
Nikodemos, the Sentinel of the supernatural world, is mysteriously killed. This event brings together a clan of vampires who haven't seen each other in centuries. At the center of this family reunion is Carnelia, Niko's sister, whose thirst for vengeance is the heart of the story. While most of her kin seem eager to move on and appoint a new Sentinel, Carnelia is determined to track down her brother's killer, unaware that the culprit may be a dangerous figure from the past many thought long dead.
Review
Llovet's artwork is, unsurprisingly, the highlight of this debut issue. Her character designs are more stylized and intricate than ever, perfectly suited to the comic’s supernatural story. Each page is a visual feast, filled with sights of ornate vampire lairs and visceral displays of violence that are as beautiful and brutal. The comic’s color palette is also rich with deep purples, blood reds, and ethereal blues, creating an alluring sense of desire and danger to the nocturnal world. Compared to Llovet's previous series Crave, which had a very grounded story, Violent Flowers feels more ambitious in scope right from the start. The fantasy elements give her the space to let her creativity run wild and develop a richer, more textured world.
The setup of the story is also intriguing enough to hook you in. After all, who doesn't love a good old-fashioned revenge plot, especially when vampires are involved? The character interactions and story build-up give a good taste of the internal politics and drama that’s fuming within the vampire clan. As you can expect from a vampire story, there are characters manipulating things from the shadows, and nothing is as it seems. There is plenty of potential for this comic to dive deeper into how ruthless this family of blood-suckers can be.
Image: Image ComicsBut with that said, the character development in this first issue leaves something to be desired. Aside from Carnelia, many of the supporting players feel quite thin at this early point. There is even a sexual relationship revealed between Carnelia and another character that, while stylishly depicted, comes somewhat out of left field. So, even though this is just the beginning of the story, more meat on the bones of these characters and their relationships would have made for a more satisfying introduction to this world.
Maria Llovet clearly has big plans for this story, as the groundwork promises intriguing developments. The blend of revenge plots, family drama, and supernatural politics is an intoxicating mix that's sure to keep readers coming back for more. There are even hints about the world having many more supernatural beings beyond just vampires, which will be fun to explore the deeper we get into the series.
Image: Image Comics
Final Thoughts
Violent Flowers #1 is a good start to what could be Maria Llovet's most exciting work yet. While there's room for growth in character development, the lush artwork, intriguing plot setup, and promise of intrigue make this a must-read for fans of supernatural comics. As the series progresses, it will be great to see how Llovet's distinct style evolves within this dark fantasy world. If you're looking for a comic that offers a fresh take on vampire lore, Violent Flowers should be at the top of your pull list. Llovet has planted the seeds of something unique here, and readers are in for a sensual and bloody ride as these flowers bloom.
Why You Should Read Violent Flowers
- Maria Llovet's unique art style reaches new heights in this dark fantasy setting.
- It's refreshing to see such a provocative story told through Llovet's distinctive lens.
- The blend of vampire lore, family drama, and revenge plot promises a thrilling story.