Review by Ian Keogh

The Raven Brooks Disaster is a second graphic novel delving into the world of the Hello Neighbor video game, with Raven Brooks the town in which everything takes place. The disaster mentioned in the title is a phenomenal storm causing the town to be evacuated. The difficulties are personified by Pris and her adopted younger sister Regina, who has more love for her dog.

Beyond using the Raven Brook name, it’s a fair while before Zac Gorman gives an indication as to how anything ties into the game. Pris and Regina bicker as the situation outside deteriorates, and continue to do so as they drive through the ever increasing rain. However, there comes a point where they’re not driving any more, and they’re picked up by a mysterious man in a mysterious truck very concerned about his secrets. Game players will recognise him as Mr. Peterson, chief shifty member of the community, and those who’ve read The Secret of Bosco Bay will have a fuller idea of his past.

Dave Bardin is a new artist veering more toward cartoon realism than the previous book, but this is a different type of story featuring a different cast, so it’s not a problem. In any case, Bardin’s also an excellent artist and storyteller, keeping the colours dark to reflect both the weather and the circumstances.

Just before halfway Gorman drops a bombshell. He’s been messing with us to a degree, and while he’s clarified Regina is both adopted and coming to terms with the past, readers won’t see the shock coming. It’s in the midst of typical horror scenarios toned down to young adult level. Phones are out, separation is an issue and foreboding statements are plentiful. There’s a second strand also, and because Gorman has already messed with minds once, there’s an uncertainty about whether it’s real or not.

Whatever the case, The Raven Brooks Disaster is surprisingly unsentimental and there’s no predicting what’s going to happen. It’s a shivery, spooky treat.