Graphic Novel Review: FANGS Vol. 1 by Billy Balibally

 
 
En has just been turned into a vampire, with Ichii as his guardian to show him the ropes. As he helps Ichii make his blood deliveries during the week, he learns about the difficulties of vampirism, but he also makes friends and starts feeling something for Ichii.

Book Cover - Fangs Vol. 1 by Billy Balibally
Title: FANGS Vol. 1
Author:
Series:
Book Number: Volume 1
Pages: 240
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
More Info: Goodreads, Amazon, Publisher
 

Review:

*I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher. This has not influenced my review.*

I loved this! It was so much more than I was expecting.

I often struggle to get really into a graphic novel series in the first volume because it’s hard to get a lot of depth into a single book with so little text (compared to regular novels of the same length), but this book managed to pack so much into less than 240 pages, not in terms of plot and action, but in terms of characters, relationships, and exploration of vampirism and this vampire society.

There are so many things I loved that it’s all just ping-ponging around my head with no hope of real organization, so here’s a list!

– We got to really meet six different vampires in this volume, and each was unique and different. I really got a sense of personality for every character. They all felt believable and somehow even felt older, like their actual ages, despite looking young.

– I loved good guy Ichii! For some reason, I thought Ichii would kinda be a jerk, but he was actually really sweet, trying his best to be a good guardian to En, and a good friend to Sugi. There was also something about how vampires who work for the Fangs organization (Ichii being one of them) are pretty much volunteers.

– En was adorable! So full of life and emotion, despite struggling a bit with not being human anymore. I can see why all the older vampires would like him. You can’t help but be charmed by him, and he’s not even trying.

– I loved the different relationship the vampires had with each other, with their families, etc. I don’t want to ruin the fun of letting you learn as you read, but there were all different kinds of love and romance and friendship and family, either already established or just blossoming.

– There’s such a sweet romantic relationship starting between En and Ichii! A newbie vamp, and a mentor who actually cares. I loved the banter and playfulness between them.

– There are some explicit steamy scenes. Trigger warning for the first being maybe kinda dubcon (En kept telling him to wait, slow down, etc. but Ichii didn’t, and then En liked it).

– I loved how much this explored different aspects of vampirism and the different ways it can affect people. Cheating. Loneliness. Depression. Lovers and children growing old. That sort of thing.

– This was also a somewhat interesting take on vampire society, what with the Fangs organization, blood delivery, pairing with other vampires being encouraged, support groups, etc.

– The art is beautiful! And everyone is sexy. I also liked the chibi kinda art scattered throughout because it brought out more fun and personality. (Maybe that’s typical in manga. I believe this is technically the first real manga I’ve read, though I read plenty of other graphic novels, webcomics, etc.) Also, I saw someone mention how nicely drawn all the hands are, and they were right, these are some perfect hands!

– It made me laugh at times. It just always cracks me up when vampires drink from blood bags like they’re juice pouches. There were also just some cute and funny moments, like En’s excitement over getting to play with a tortoise.

*Phew* Ok, I think that’s it!

I loved this graphic novel with its beautiful art, sexy vampires, unique characters, touching and interesting relationships, exploration of vampirism, and sweet blossoming romance!

*Rating: 4.5 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: Ebook (ARC)*

 

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