GUN HONEY: BLOOD FOR BLOOD - graphic novel


 I believe I've mentioned in previous reviews how I've become fascinated by the pulp noir fiction that was popular in the 1940's and 1950's and I've been watching, and enjoying, a slow return to this kind of writing.  Hard Case Crime books is a publishing house dedicated to this kind of fiction. Gun Honey: Blood for Blood is a sequel to Gun Honey. Both pulp noir, what makes them slightly unique is that they are graphic novels - not something you typically see in the noir genre.

Our 'honey' is Joanna Tan, who gets her nickname because she has the ability to get a gun for you no matter where you are or when you need it. She's a one=person special ops force who's tried to retire but when someone is planting guns and running missions using her MO, she's forced out of retirement to clear her name.  But her foe turns out to be every bit as capable as Joanna herself.

I didn't read the first graphic novel in the series and did feel I missed out on a bit of background to Joanna, but this was cleared up with a quick look at some of the review of that book on Goodreads. Also ... it's pulp fiction ... by the very nature of the genre, we can pretty much discover all we need to know by the course of action. And the action here is practically non-stop.

I think it's generally common knowledge that the readership for a book like this is typically middle-aged or older men. This book then panders to that readership with the non-stop action and fighting (especially the woman on woman fighting) but mostly with a great deal of nudity. Tan may be able to get a gun for any occasion but she also seems to be interesting in stripping whenever possible and her body is a classic comic book female figure.

That said, I generally liked the artwork here.  It had a nice, noir feel and there was good detail in nearly every panel. This is not like the modern manga artwork, but more akin to the comic art of the 1970's and 80's.

A slight aside ... this book contains a few photos of a model dressed (provocatively, of course) as Joanna Tan and the commentary states that the model is a cosplayer  whom the publisher met at a convention and was invited to model professionally for the book.

Looking for a good book? If the idea of pulp fiction in graphic novel form appeals to you, Gun Honey: Blood for Blood is definitely worth checking out.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

3-1/2 stars

* * * * * *

Gun Honey: Blood for Blood

author: Charles Ardai

artist: Ang Hor Kheng

publisher: Titan Comics

ISBN: 9781787739048

paperback, 112 pages

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