Title: Stranger Things.
Story arc: Six.
Writer(s): Jody Houser.
Artist(s): Edgar Salazar.
Inker(s): Keith Champagne.
Colourist(s): Marissa Louise.
Letterer(s): Nate Piekos of Blambot.
Publisher: Dark Horse Books.
Format: Paperback.
Release Date: November 26th 2019.
Pages: 96.
Genre(s): Comics, Horror, Fantasy, Young-Adult.
ISBN13: 9781506712321.
My Overall Rating: ★★★☆☆.
Also in the Stranger Things franchise:
Stranger Things: The Other Side by Jody Houser
It’s a joy for fans to see their favourite franchise grow and expand into uncharted territory, trying to not only explore new ways to tell stories set in their universe, to reach new potential audiences for their fanbase, but to also obviously make more money. The Stranger Things Netflix TV series saw its fandom grow incredibly quickly since its release, bringing in a modern cinematographic experience where both horror and fantasy happily held their hands together while also drenched with time-period nostalgia to keep you hooked. Following the first comic book story set in the Stranger Things universe, writer Jody Houser returns with a brand-new prequel story for fans to indulge and it is a step in the right direction.
What is Stranger Things: Six about? This four-part story arc is a prequel to Netflix’s most popular original TV series and follows the story of Francine and her mysterious powers that is of utmost importance for Dr. Brenner of the Hawkins Lab where the secretive MK ULTRA project is conducted to no one’s knowledge. Having had to learn to live with her powers of precognition, she has struggled her whole life with individuals, including her family, continuously using her for their own personal desires. It is during her time in the laboratory that she sees a terrible future brewing for her loved ones and for the residents of Hawkins. But what will she do about it?
“It’s SIX. People here call me SIX.”
— Jody Houser
Unlike Jody Houser’s first attempt at creating a comic book story set in the Stranger Things TV universe by giving us Will Byers’ point of view during the events in season 1, this time around she wasn’t constrained by any of the previously established narratives, allowing her full control over what she wanted to tell. In this story, set in 1978, Francine is at the heart of all the drama with an upbringing filled with neglect and ignorance. The character development is precious, as you feel empathy for her unusual predicament that forces her to please others instead of thinking about her own well-being first. Trust thus becomes a luxury and considering how young she is, she’ll learn the hard way that it isn’t meant to be earned or given naturally. The length of this story doesn’t, however, allow this to have as much depth or impact as it could’ve had.
Following the usual themes of friendship and family, the story doesn’t fail in staying loyal to the show’s nature and in giving fans a decent prequel chapter in this fantastic universe. Artist Edgar Salazar also does an incredible job in this story arc, allowing the art to capture the eerie yet familiar atmosphere of this franchise. The fact that the story also relies heavily on the emotional state of the characters with a lot less dialogue through the giant panels, it’s safe to say that artist Edgar Salazar masterfully captured those expressions. Praise should also be given to inker Keith Champagne and colourist Marissa Louise who have flawlessly given this story arc an artistic edge.
Stranger Things: Six is an original prequel to the hit TV franchise offering comic book fans insight into the paranormal scientific discoveries uncovered in the midst of the Cold War right in Hawkins.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for sending me a copy for review!
The hit Netflix original series that took the world by storm is now in its fourth season, currently in development! Have you started this series? Are you excited for the next season?
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Roars and Echoes 
I wonder how long they will push the tv series? With the kids growing up, the tone is going to change at some point…
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Ah yes, so far it does feel like they’re incorporating their developmental growth into the narrative, with them being teenagers now and going through phases that we all know about. I thought they’d stop with Season 3 but with a 4th one announced, I wouldn’t be surprised if they kept this going till the kids became full-grown adults in the show, sort of like how Stephen King’s IT show the Losers Club as kids and then adults.
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We’re a bit behind on Stranger Things. We watched the first two seasons, but for some reason, we haven’t started the third yet.
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It was pretty exciting third season and I hope you guys will get around to checking it out soon! I do believe that the first season will remain the best of all seasons though hahah
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Thanks! I loved the first season, too.
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This is one of my husband’s favorite series lashaan! I first saw your post on IG and thought that I really liked the art. So basically 3 stars because the length did not give much room to develop characters properly?
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I’m glad to hear that he loves this one, Sophie. It really is a wonderful show after all. Actually, don’t read into the star rating too much on this one, it’s just me being severe because of what I think COULD’VE been for this one. It’s not a bad little story at all, and there’s actually a sequel to this prequel coming out soon too. 😉
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Great review! I want to read this, and the other Stranger Things graphic novel. Just haven’t gotten around to it yet. Or the books. I wanted to rewatch what I’d seen, and watch the 3rd series, then read. Buuttt… might be a bit yet. That last series kinda gutted me
Wwwhhyyyyyyyyyy??
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At least the books can be read at any time throughout the TV series since they aren’t necessarily related, except for the first graphic novel by Jody Houser.
These are quick and easy to read too, and as a fan, I’m sure they’d be nice to collect and read!
Ah man, I totally relate! So much character development, so so beautiful! 😀
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It’s really good this is being expanded into uncharted territory. Really want to check out this series- I like the sound of the time period nostalgia as well. It’s great that the art was able to capture the eerie atmosphere of this franchise too. Awesome review!
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Thank you so much! This one in particular is good and I’m assuming that the next story arc currently in work will be pretty decent as well. Their quick reads and a nice way to get a dose of Stranger Things while waiting for the next season to come out! 😀
P.S. Thank you sooooooo much for taking the time to binge through a bunch of reviews! You honestly didn’t have to do that. I can tell by how active you are that you must be helllllaaaa busy in general but nevertheless, I was immensely happy to see your name pop up a gazillion times in my notifications! 😛 Take care!
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Ok, sounds like better than you average franchise comic, if it comes my way, I won’t hesitate to read it 🙂 I’m a big fan of the series, and I think it could easily go on for a few more seasons, if they’re careful. I just hope they have some idea of the end-state, and won’t just abruptly finish the story when audience’s interest wanes…
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It’s quick and easy to read through so I don’t think you’ll feel like you’ve wasted much of your time picking this one up. It’s a nice quick fix while waiting for the next season to come out too hahah And I’m with you. I’d like them to do a proper development for these kids all the way up to their adulthood. It would make it one of the most original long-during TV series out there.
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Buffy was really long, and worked great 🙂
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I totally forgot that there were other persons like Eleven! 😯 Your post reminded me that I still have to watch the new season 😂 Great post, Lashaan!! 😍
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Hahahah pretty cool huh! Then again, in season 2, there was a very lame episode on others like Eleven… Hope you get the chance to check out the third season soon! 😉 Thanks, Caroline! ❤
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