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Belle: Beast Hunter #1-6
Belle: Beast Hunter
NEW SERIES! NEW HERO! The Grimm Universe is filled with heroes far and wide dealing with threats from vampires, werewolves, corrupt governmental organizations, to ancient orders battling for control of the realms of power. But what lies in the deepest corners of our world could give the evilest creature nightmares. A threat since the beginning of time is rising and only one person will be there to stop it from destroying everything! Working from the shadows a long lineage of warriors have been defending life from the darkness that exists and from that family of soldiers comes the newest ally in the war of monsters, Belle the Beast Hunter! Don't miss this new series as a new hero is introduced into the Grimm Universe!
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 30, 2020
This book was better then I thought it was going to be. I would have given it 3.5 stars but to was on the right side of good instead of ok to deserve a round up.
Like all the Zenescope titles the characters is as far away from original as possible. Belle is not exception. This is not the bookish, poor girl who everyone likes, this is a smart mouthed heiress, trained to take over the family business. The business just happens to be hunting beasts. However what happens when the hunter becomes the hunted?
The story is very action packed, and fast paced. The only problem is it is too fast paced to the point of the story being too rushed. I had keep flipping the page back to see if I missed a couple panels or the pages were stuck together. Sadly this was not the case they just moved on fire one chaotic event, to another chaotic event, to a flash back then back to the chaotic event. The action and artwork did make this an enjoyable read for me. Personally if this was an 8 issue series to have more space for the story this would have been perfect. However compressing everything into 6 issues hurt the story. Though I enjoyed it and want to see what happens next.
Like all the Zenescope titles the characters is as far away from original as possible. Belle is not exception. This is not the bookish, poor girl who everyone likes, this is a smart mouthed heiress, trained to take over the family business. The business just happens to be hunting beasts. However what happens when the hunter becomes the hunted?
The story is very action packed, and fast paced. The only problem is it is too fast paced to the point of the story being too rushed. I had keep flipping the page back to see if I missed a couple panels or the pages were stuck together. Sadly this was not the case they just moved on fire one chaotic event, to another chaotic event, to a flash back then back to the chaotic event. The action and artwork did make this an enjoyable read for me. Personally if this was an 8 issue series to have more space for the story this would have been perfect. However compressing everything into 6 issues hurt the story. Though I enjoyed it and want to see what happens next.
January 25, 2019
I guess Zenescope have started their own Grimm Universe where fairy tale characters are reimagined as super heroes. Here Belle has been made over as a Huntress or Batwoman type who hunts down monsters. It's not a bad idea. The execution is lacking though. The first 5 issues are just Belle being attacked by monsters without knowing what's going on. When the "Big" reveal comes, it's exactly what you expect. The character monologues on and on, even while saying they are not going to be one of those characters. Nothing is really explained. It just leaves you confuzzled and like the whole thing was a waste of time. Overall, I wasn't impressed, but I like the idea of the character enough to give the Grimm Universe another shot. Thankfully, the overt cheesecake shots Zenescope is known for were toned down to normal comic book superhero levels.
Received a review copy from Zenescope and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Received a review copy from Zenescope and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
July 26, 2019
I honestly can't tell if this is written by someone who has nothing but contempt for comic books or by someone who has read so many comic books that they truly believe this is how they have to be written to be good. Either way, the result is pretty dreadful.
July 6, 2019
This was very different from what I was expecting. Grimm Fairy Tales from Zenescope tend to me totally bizarre takes on the classic fairy tales; and all their women are busty and kick-ass, yet Belle was not at all like the Belle I know. Not only is this Belle a warrior, she's a tough girl who is not afraid of monsters. Sadly there is no real reference to her liking books either though. I think that is what I missed the most here was finding at least one common Belle personality trait that I could connect with the original stories or Disney version (because let's face it we all instantly see Disney's incarnation when we think of Belle). All that made this really just feel like another warrior fighting book.
Story
What was nice here was we are seeing Belle right from the beginning of her story towards being a fighter. I did appreciate the backstory and the transformation in the art of Belle getting her fighting outfit and taming her hair to make it more manageable when she has a sword in hand.
There is a twist at the end that I didn't really see coming; but it was clear something was going to be quite different about this version of Beast. The last comic in the collection, of course, leaves the door wide-open for more Belle stories; and/or for Belle to join the league of ladies that fight in the Grimm Fairy Tales universe.
I should recognize that Belle has never been my favourite fairy tale princess. This may have played a part on how much I liked this one. I wouldn't be sad to see Belle join our main girls in a large universe battle; but if they left her out that'd be okay too. The art was wonderful here, as always with Zenescope. I really appreciated the time and energy that went into Belle's hair and Beast's fur. The detail is really great, and of a high value like all Zenescope art.
Overall
In all not bad, but not mind-blowing. I think Grimm has much better characters (Robyn Hood is my favourite) to follow along with; but if you just want some classic Zenescope busty girl fighting you will find it here. This collection does still make it to my Zenescope print shelf; mostly because I don't like reading comics/graphic novels on tablets or computers so far (maybe if I had a high-rez tablet that was the same size as a comic book page... maybe).
Story
What was nice here was we are seeing Belle right from the beginning of her story towards being a fighter. I did appreciate the backstory and the transformation in the art of Belle getting her fighting outfit and taming her hair to make it more manageable when she has a sword in hand.
There is a twist at the end that I didn't really see coming; but it was clear something was going to be quite different about this version of Beast. The last comic in the collection, of course, leaves the door wide-open for more Belle stories; and/or for Belle to join the league of ladies that fight in the Grimm Fairy Tales universe.
I should recognize that Belle has never been my favourite fairy tale princess. This may have played a part on how much I liked this one. I wouldn't be sad to see Belle join our main girls in a large universe battle; but if they left her out that'd be okay too. The art was wonderful here, as always with Zenescope. I really appreciated the time and energy that went into Belle's hair and Beast's fur. The detail is really great, and of a high value like all Zenescope art.
Overall
In all not bad, but not mind-blowing. I think Grimm has much better characters (Robyn Hood is my favourite) to follow along with; but if you just want some classic Zenescope busty girl fighting you will find it here. This collection does still make it to my Zenescope print shelf; mostly because I don't like reading comics/graphic novels on tablets or computers so far (maybe if I had a high-rez tablet that was the same size as a comic book page... maybe).
December 25, 2018
Exciting take on the classic fairy tale, turning Belle into a monster-hunting superhero. I particularly appreciated the details in the drawings (like the roses on Belle's Armor).
Read
December 22, 2021Sure it's Batgirl with monsters and sure it's Beauty and the Beast Redux but damn I loved this graphic novel! I can't wait to read more! Oh, and the artwork was excellent!
February 4, 2019
Pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this. I was afraid it would be extremely cliché, but it wasn't at all. It had just enough details to make any Beauty and the Beast fan feel nostalgic but it was an entirely unique tale.
February 26, 2019
Short, simple plot, with an obvious bad guy thrown in, but I was well entertained by the banter.
December 9, 2018
This was ok. It was entertaining enough with a female character who fights the nasties and finds out that her past isn't truly past. If you read a lot of action hero graphic novels then this story will not surprise you.
It was good to read it and the artwork and colouring were good. A good story, but nothing groundbreaking.
Copy provided by publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
It was good to read it and the artwork and colouring were good. A good story, but nothing groundbreaking.
Copy provided by publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
January 13, 2019
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
A bit lurid but rather fun. Belle is a monster hunter from a long line of monster hunters and now she's out for revenge. Good art work if a bit harsh for my taste. The story was a little pedestrian but it'll definitely hit the spot for someone more in the target audience.
A bit lurid but rather fun. Belle is a monster hunter from a long line of monster hunters and now she's out for revenge. Good art work if a bit harsh for my taste. The story was a little pedestrian but it'll definitely hit the spot for someone more in the target audience.
October 6, 2021
This was terrible. Just, terrible. Terribly tired concept, terrible execution. Terrible narration, terrible banter. Terribly predictable twists. Terribly bad character motivation. Terrible, terrible character design. I'm aghast beyond the capacity for rational thought at how terrible this was.
January 20, 2019
Disclaimer: I received a free ecopy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Grimm Universe books that Zenescope has been putting out have been pretty interesting. They take familiar fairy tale characters and put them into a modern setting, usually with some sort of superhero style story attached. In this one, Belle from Beauty and the Beast fame is put into a role that has her hunting down various monsters that are cropping up across the eastern seaboard of the U.S. Her costume reminded me a bit of Batgirl or Batwoman's.
There are some cool monsters that she fights along the way. It starts out with some well known mythological creatures and eventually settles on the Beast. My feeling on this book is that there just wasn't enough to make me care about Belle and the cast of characters that join her on this adventure. It almost feels rushed because so many of the characters taken from the inspirational material will be known to readers. I guess I would have liked to have seen more build up for some of them. Clearly, Belle has been doing this for a while and it never really seemed to matter that we were seeing this particular story.
It isn't all bad though. It's a fun enough book to read and it has a good concept. The execution wasn't up to my expectations though. I did like the art for the most part, especially when it came to the creatures that Belle was hunting. Tying this in with some of the other books under this umbrella concept might give it some more context and staying power. I wouldn't write this series off completely, but I certainly won't be going out of my way to find out what happens next.
The Grimm Universe books that Zenescope has been putting out have been pretty interesting. They take familiar fairy tale characters and put them into a modern setting, usually with some sort of superhero style story attached. In this one, Belle from Beauty and the Beast fame is put into a role that has her hunting down various monsters that are cropping up across the eastern seaboard of the U.S. Her costume reminded me a bit of Batgirl or Batwoman's.
There are some cool monsters that she fights along the way. It starts out with some well known mythological creatures and eventually settles on the Beast. My feeling on this book is that there just wasn't enough to make me care about Belle and the cast of characters that join her on this adventure. It almost feels rushed because so many of the characters taken from the inspirational material will be known to readers. I guess I would have liked to have seen more build up for some of them. Clearly, Belle has been doing this for a while and it never really seemed to matter that we were seeing this particular story.
It isn't all bad though. It's a fun enough book to read and it has a good concept. The execution wasn't up to my expectations though. I did like the art for the most part, especially when it came to the creatures that Belle was hunting. Tying this in with some of the other books under this umbrella concept might give it some more context and staying power. I wouldn't write this series off completely, but I certainly won't be going out of my way to find out what happens next.
February 23, 2019
It’s a tale as old as time.
I had to check this out when one review said it’s Beauty and the Beast meets Batman.
And it was - kind of a fun story. And there was more storytelling than I would have thought in a Zenoscope publication. Superhero-esque action, and some cute, creative references to Beauty and the Beast. Along with some pretty cool-looking monsters.
I think it’s better than 3 stars, but 4 stars seems too generous. I guess I’m going to have to give it 3.5. And round up.
Thanks to NetGalley and Zenoscope for a copy in return for an honest review.
I had to check this out when one review said it’s Beauty and the Beast meets Batman.
And it was - kind of a fun story. And there was more storytelling than I would have thought in a Zenoscope publication. Superhero-esque action, and some cute, creative references to Beauty and the Beast. Along with some pretty cool-looking monsters.
I think it’s better than 3 stars, but 4 stars seems too generous. I guess I’m going to have to give it 3.5. And round up.
Thanks to NetGalley and Zenoscope for a copy in return for an honest review.
December 6, 2018
2,5/5. I like my heroes to be darker and have some flaws. This heroes was just to perfect, to white shinning armor style and with every powerful all mighty God like element. This is a bad-ass female hero who is not so current and might be enough for some readers to like it, but not for me. Also, I find the illustrations to be beautiful, but the action scene were not really well presented, «hard» to follow and just didn’t show the true power of the action elements and brutality of it.
December 31, 2018
3 1/2 stars
I received a copy of Belle: Best Hunter Vol. 1 through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This has got to be the most unique interpretation of Beauty and the Beast I’ve seen yet, and I feel like that’s saying something. Every trope and expectation formed from previous incarnations is torn down and stomped upon for this retelling. In some ways that felt liberating, in others horrifying.
In Belle: Beast Hunter, Belle isn’t some helpless damsel in distress. Nor is she someone I’d consider to be bookish, for the record. Instead this Belle hunts beasts. Specifically beasts of the sort that go bump in the night. It’s her family’s specialty, apparently. Think a weird mash-up of Beauty and Van Helsing, and you’ve sort of got an idea of what is going on here. Hrm. Maybe Helsing isn’t the best comparison. Think Trevor Belmont. That’s a more accurate comparison.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
I received a copy of Belle: Best Hunter Vol. 1 through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This has got to be the most unique interpretation of Beauty and the Beast I’ve seen yet, and I feel like that’s saying something. Every trope and expectation formed from previous incarnations is torn down and stomped upon for this retelling. In some ways that felt liberating, in others horrifying.
In Belle: Beast Hunter, Belle isn’t some helpless damsel in distress. Nor is she someone I’d consider to be bookish, for the record. Instead this Belle hunts beasts. Specifically beasts of the sort that go bump in the night. It’s her family’s specialty, apparently. Think a weird mash-up of Beauty and Van Helsing, and you’ve sort of got an idea of what is going on here. Hrm. Maybe Helsing isn’t the best comparison. Think Trevor Belmont. That’s a more accurate comparison.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
January 1, 2019
*I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. *
The synopsis of this one caught me -- Belle, hunting beasts? I was so down. This seemed like a very different type of retelling and since I don't have much experience reading comic retellings, I was excited to start this one.
I will say, that usually one of my biggest problems with comics is the pacing. While the pacing still bothered me, it isn't as bad as a lot of others I've read. We aren't skipping days and hours, but if I'm understanding the book correctly, just a few days passed. The thing is it is pretty much nonstop action with little to no down time to explain, so explanations are interrupted.
Yet, I don't think the story is really suffering from it. While I still have so, so many questions I was able to follow the story pretty well. Except for the villain's motivations. Once the villain was introduced, I didn't feel like their motivation or explanations truly made sense.
I do like Belle's personality and fighting ability. She is a fun MC to follow, although I wish the action scenes were better depicted since they could be hard to follow and many times Belle seems overpowered. Unfortunately, some of her actions make absolutely no sense, which hindered the storytelling.
So, I'm currently in between liking the story and not really caring about it. This is one I would recommend people who like re-tellings and comics or action-packed comics.
The synopsis of this one caught me -- Belle, hunting beasts? I was so down. This seemed like a very different type of retelling and since I don't have much experience reading comic retellings, I was excited to start this one.
I will say, that usually one of my biggest problems with comics is the pacing. While the pacing still bothered me, it isn't as bad as a lot of others I've read. We aren't skipping days and hours, but if I'm understanding the book correctly, just a few days passed. The thing is it is pretty much nonstop action with little to no down time to explain, so explanations are interrupted.
Yet, I don't think the story is really suffering from it. While I still have so, so many questions I was able to follow the story pretty well. Except for the villain's motivations. Once the villain was introduced, I didn't feel like their motivation or explanations truly made sense.
I do like Belle's personality and fighting ability. She is a fun MC to follow, although I wish the action scenes were better depicted since they could be hard to follow and many times Belle seems overpowered. Unfortunately, some of her actions make absolutely no sense, which hindered the storytelling.
So, I'm currently in between liking the story and not really caring about it. This is one I would recommend people who like re-tellings and comics or action-packed comics.
December 7, 2018
Having read all four initial episodes of this book, it was a must-do when the chance of all six issues in one trade came along. But I can't say I'm completely keen on where the direction ultimately took us. It's a most unusual book – it takes the Percy Jackson, young-human-hero-against-Greek-entities thing and ramps it up to a teen read. It's gory yet glossy, sweary and violent, yet with this sheen of the high-brow. It also really swings to and fro very erratically – if you take the individual issues in isolation you never finish them anywhere near where you started. And throughout our buxom beauty has to entertain with her Greek myth monsters, and somehow fit into Beauty and the Beast fan-fic – and belong to some kind of GCU (Grimm Comic Universe) I'd never heard of. The end result is impressive, but, perhaps because of all those demands put upon it, to the outsider at least is perhaps a little too incoherent and erratic for its own good. Three and a half stars, for sake of argument.
September 8, 2020
I love the direction this took with the retelling of Beauty and the Beast, where Belle is this kick ass superhero who has a family legacy to fight the creatures that go bump in the night. And there sure was a Beast, a creature that used to be a man and was cursed to a new identity .I also enjoyed how other side characters from the fairytale were scattered in the graphic novel, but not as the household furniture they are most familiar.
There were a few times when the story jumped around with zero transitions so it took me a minute to understand what was going on, but basically that was my only complaint with this graphic novel. The illustrations were gorgeous, I loved the way Belle looked as well as all the super cool monsters that lurked in the pages, and I enjoyed how consistent the artwork was between the volumes.
Overall I really enjoyed this and I would love to continue the story. This did end on a cliffhanger so be aware there is still a lot unanswered.
There were a few times when the story jumped around with zero transitions so it took me a minute to understand what was going on, but basically that was my only complaint with this graphic novel. The illustrations were gorgeous, I loved the way Belle looked as well as all the super cool monsters that lurked in the pages, and I enjoyed how consistent the artwork was between the volumes.
Overall I really enjoyed this and I would love to continue the story. This did end on a cliffhanger so be aware there is still a lot unanswered.
January 1, 2019
Belle: Beast Hunter, Vol. 1 by Dave Franchini & Bong Dazo is a free NetGalley e-comicbook that I read in mid-December.
Cheeky (sometimes pervasively so), atypical first-person narration from Belle, who’d been given the task of beast hunting from her mother before leaving an orphan boy Alex in the care of her & her father and mysteriously disappearing. The fight scenes are a little too busy and too detailed to really parse out, yet it's interesting that she speaks to her butler/caregiver Candlestick over a com, like a Charlie, Alfred, or Jarvis. After becoming a beast hunter, she's taken in by a beast hunter organization that equips her uniform and weapon needs & seems to focus in on Greek and Roman monsters, like Gorgons. Overall, it lacks the polish of a true comic, like in its storytelling and art style, which shows up most/worst in the transitions between comic issues.
Cheeky (sometimes pervasively so), atypical first-person narration from Belle, who’d been given the task of beast hunting from her mother before leaving an orphan boy Alex in the care of her & her father and mysteriously disappearing. The fight scenes are a little too busy and too detailed to really parse out, yet it's interesting that she speaks to her butler/caregiver Candlestick over a com, like a Charlie, Alfred, or Jarvis. After becoming a beast hunter, she's taken in by a beast hunter organization that equips her uniform and weapon needs & seems to focus in on Greek and Roman monsters, like Gorgons. Overall, it lacks the polish of a true comic, like in its storytelling and art style, which shows up most/worst in the transitions between comic issues.
April 2, 2020
What happens when you mix the gadgets of Batman and the sarcasm and fighting skills of the Huntress? You get the character Belle. This book has plenty of action and pretty good art, except for the last several pages which is a big step down in perspective, lines, and coloring. Oh' well, at least a large majority of the book looks good, especially the monster Scylla.
The story is enjoyable, but nothing special. It is a good start for a possible series. Time will tell if this trade is a one time deal or if it will make it's way into Zenescope's Grimm Universe.
The story is enjoyable, but nothing special. It is a good start for a possible series. Time will tell if this trade is a one time deal or if it will make it's way into Zenescope's Grimm Universe.
June 9, 2019
A new take on the Beauty and the Beast tale. This graphic novel collects the first 6 issues of the comic book series of the same name.
A beautiful young woman is the last in a long line of beast hunters. Her latest series of adventures makes her question her own past.
Nice comic book art and a fast paced story makes this a fun read. I would like to see more that makes it stand out for so many other "Buffy" style stories though.
A beautiful young woman is the last in a long line of beast hunters. Her latest series of adventures makes her question her own past.
Nice comic book art and a fast paced story makes this a fun read. I would like to see more that makes it stand out for so many other "Buffy" style stories though.
March 4, 2019
As a generic action comic, it wasn't bad. However, I was excited about the retelling aspect, and this was completely unrecognizable as a Beauty and the Beast story. Some characters shared names from the fairy tale, but nothing in the way of personality traits. Plot was predictable. I did enjoy the art, so that saves it from a one-star rating.
November 22, 2019
Anabelle DiMarco is a beast hunter and descended from a long line of beast hunters. And now she has a problem. A whole mess of monsters attacked her house, her friend Mel, and stole her away. When Belle tracked Mel down, she got a very big surprise. Nice artwork, but just not much of a plot. Will have to see what vol. 2 might be like.
December 20, 2018
Belle, from Beauty and the Beast fame, has been moved into our era and turned into a monster hunter. With beautiful artwork in classic comic book style and a lot of cool monster fights, this definitely appeals to both fans of superhero comics and fans of fairy tales.
February 27, 2019
Excellent new Zenescope character, Belle, comes from a long line of beast hunters who keep mere mortals safe. This interesting, nicely illustrated graphic novel follows Belle as she battles centaurs, sea beasts and her evil mother. I highly recommend this action packed fantasy adventure.
June 17, 2019
I'll say 3.5 stars. Overall I enjoy the premise of the story but Belle's inner monologue is distracting to me. I enjoy some of the art, but honestly why do all female superheroes leave so much cleavage exposed? That can't be safe.
July 15, 2019
The artwork in this is pretty fantastic. The story is a new fresh take on a tale as old as time. I look forward to seeing Belle kick some more butt while looking hella hot while doing it....also how are there not a billion cosplays from this yet???
December 8, 2018
Decent start, but would have liked more information and maybe a deeper plot. Would read the next volume!
March 24, 2019
3.5 This was a really good cross between fairy tale and super heroes. I'm looking forward to the continuation of the series.
April 7, 2019
It was fine, but I definitely prefer Fables by Bill Willingham.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews