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Review: Dar Dowling releases her new urban fantasy graphic novel

Filmmaker and author Dar Dowling released her new urban fantasy novel via Atlas Elite Publishing.

Dar Dowling
Dar Dowling. Photo Courtesy of Dar Dowling.
Dar Dowling. Photo Courtesy of Dar Dowling.

Filmmaker and author Dar Dowling released her new urban fantasy novel via Atlas Elite Publishing.

Background on Dar Dowling

Dar Dowling is a New York -artist, writer, bestselling author, and filmmaker, who sees the combining of her various artistic exploits as the next evolution of her artistic expression.

Latest graphic novel

Her latest book “Sexy Bloody Mess” has already made the Amazon Bestsellers list in multiple sections such as LGBTQ Thrillers, LGBTQ Fantasy Fiction, LGBTQ Drama & Plays, LGBTQ Horror, and LGBTQ Fantasy Books.

The novel blends the cinematic grit of John Wick with the rebellious, alt-glam energy of Harley Quinn and the Suicide Girls.

The synopsis is: Betrayed and alone, a former cop becomes a bloodthirsty shadow haunting the city’s underworld—until Sheba, a fiery force of nature, and her super-powered lover, Lady Bidet, explode into his world and change everything.

Together, they carve a path of blood, passion, and ruthless justice through a city where evil battles evil and monsters wear human faces. Mortal and mythical foes beware: nothing can stop them.

Dowling’s three main characters (Connor, Sheba, and Lady Bidet) in the book may not be perfect, but their imperfections make them relatable to her readers. It consists of vivid imagery, and the vibrant illustrations help elevate the story to a higher level.

It’s a riveting tale of antiheroes, forbidden desire, and vengeance that refuses to die.

Her new graphic novel is available on Amazon by clicking here.

The Verdict

Overall, Dar Dowling is able to immerse us in an urban fantasy world in New York with her new book. It will certainly move readers on an emotional and artistic level, while also providing some feel-good escapism.

It encompasses elements of mythology, fiction, goth, magic, horror, fantasy, chosen family, and LGBTQ storytelling. This is one wild, bumpy ride, which deserves to become its own animated film or short play someday.

The novel has a retro vibe to it, and it can easily be read in two or three sittings. It garners two thumbs up. Well done.

To learn more about Dar Dowling, follow her on Instagram.

Markos Papadatos
Written By

Markos Papadatos is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for Music News. Papadatos is a Greek-American journalist and educator that has authored over 24,000 original articles over the past 19 years. He has interviewed some of the biggest names in music, entertainment, lifestyle, magic, and sports. He is an 19-time "Best of Long Island" winner, where for three consecutive years (2020, 2021, and 2022), he was honored as the "Best Long Island Personality" in Arts & Entertainment, an honor that has gone to Billy Joel six times.

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