As Above, So Below - Stan Stanley - ★★★★.½

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AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR: Stan Stanley
Series: The Hazards of Love, #2
GENRE: Graphic Novel, Urban Fantasy.
PUBLICATION DATE: April 22, 2025.
RATING: 4.5 stars.


In a Nutshell: An inclusive urban fantasy in graphic novel format. Continues Amparo’s story from Volume 1. As mesmerising as the first book in every way. But a cliffhanger ending yet again – Aargh!


No plot preview this time, as any reveal about the story will be a major spoiler. Just know that this begins right where Volume 1: Bright World ends, so it is not to be read as a standalone.

This book is the print version of the online webcomic ‘The Hazards of Love’. The first graphic novel collected the first twelve episodes (from 0 to 11). This new book, which is coming out 4.5 years after the first volume (What a lengthy wait!), brings to us episodes 12 to 24.

Book One: Bright World delivered in plot development, creativity, inclusivity, writing smarts and twisty thrills. It merged fantasy, horror and (Mexican) mythology in such a thrilling way that the whole experience was a wild ride. Both the times I read the book (once when it was first released in November 2020 and once as a refresher just prior to reading this book), I couldn’t keep it aside. In short, I had super-high expectations from Volume Two.

Every single expectation was met. Easily. Even surpassed.

This book has several new characters, every single one of whom is fascinating in myriad ways. It also offers a couple of back stories for the earlier characters, one of which made my jaw drop. The illustrations are also just as scintillating, with the three worlds (Yup, there’s yet another land in this one!) distinct in appearance and yet in hues suited to their vibe. I love that the pages have a black background, making the colours feel even more vivid.

The only complaint? The ending! Though brilliant in every way, it has an even bigger cliffhanger than the finale of the first book. I was somewhat prepared for an incomplete ending because the table of contents showed that this volume ended after episode 24. On the official site, the webcomic is still not complete, with the ongoing issue (as of May 2025) being #27. With no idea about how many more issues are planned, I can just keep my fingers crossed that the next book will bring us the completed version. Long way to go, though. (My patience isn't that strong this time around, so I have already started reading the subsequent issues online.)

This was again a buddy read with my daughter, who was equally captivated by the plot and writing. So a big thumbs-up from both of us to this series.

Strongly recommended to all graphic novel enthusiasts who enjoy urban fantasy-horror. Do note that this book is a lot more disturbing than the first one (which is saying a lot because the first was no mental cakewalk!) Pick it up when in a strong headspace.

4.5 stars, delighted to round up wherever applicable despite my heart being broken over yet another cliffhanger.

My thanks to Oni Press for providing the DRC of “The Hazards of Love Vol.2: As Above, So Below” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

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