A (HOPEFULLY) Not So Distant Future!

Free for All by Patrick Horvath is a chaotic, darkly comedic descent into the absurdity of human nature under pressure. Horvath blends sharp satire with unsettling suspense, creating a narrative that feels both hilarious and horrifying. The story thrives on unpredictability. Every character (or millionaire) has a scramble to survive, and if you have ever found yourself uttering the words "Eat the Rich," then this is a story for you. The darkest parts of humanity rebound in this gladiator resurgence of a graphic novel. The audacity of this premise and the biting social commentary make it a memorable, if uncomfortable, ride. It is like the better version of The Hunger Games!

No notes this was just everything I needed. Capitalism by combat? Hell yeah. Also the art was absolutely fantastic, the paneling superb, and the flow of the story and its pacing were just so enjoyable. The characters were very well done, I knew exactly what their motivations were and what made them tick, and I didn't need to sympathize or remotely like them to be locked in on their story. Such a vivid world, and one I cannot wait to see more from, especially since I can see it going in so many directions from here. The extras at the end were also wonderful, I love getting that kind of insight into the creative process and it finished off the comic so well to read from the artist and author himself.

This was a really fun, self contained short story. It might have been short, but it was funny and entertaining while also managing to tell the story it wanted to. Of courses the super wealthy would rather fight to the death than donate any of money. They're too selfish for anything else. There didn't need to be a lot of world building to tell this story, instead we could get right to the point. Which was obviously the fighting. Horvath's art was perfect for how gory a gladiator battle between capitalists would be. I will for sure be recommending this to my friends.

I laughed, I cringed, I shut the book because my character was in peril and I got scared.

I loved Beneath the Tress Where Nobody Sees, and if you did then you'll definitely want to pick this one up next. The art is amazing. The storyline is compelling. The body horror is on point.

This is an ultimate sci-fi, bloody fix for capitalism. If you make over a certain amount of money, you get the option to give a major percentage away to the government in support of people's livelihoods (food/shelter/etc) or you can have your name put in a lottery where, if selected, you will fight to the death against another rich person for a chance to keep your fortune. And it is televised.

This resonates with the world we are living in right now in a way that healed my soul.
🪓 Exes fight to the death
🪓 Coliseum-style fight match
🪓 Bloody
🪓 Amazing art
🪓 I was emotionally invested
🪓 Capitalism by combat
🪓 One-sitting read

This book is best read while eating the rich, raw.

Received this as an ARC from Netgalley:

Love the art style for this one and the premise. I seem to be in the minority on this one but this was an excellent little one off story. Feels like it would have been a great EC comic back in the day.

A world in which financial problems are solved via gladiatorial combat. Good, gory fun.

Thank you Oni Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

I wanted to read this as soon as I read capitalism by combat, and it didn't disappoint. This is such a dark, bloody and funny story. The art is so vivid and engaging. I especially loved the extras included, as someone who is very new to graphic novels and comics I really appreciated this insight.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an eARC of this graphic novel in exchange for my review.

Free for All by Patrick Horvath is a vivid, dark, bloody, humorous and entertaining short story. The concept of "capitalism by combat" did not disappoint.

The art is super engaging, gory and well done along with the extras included at the end which give additional insight into concepts and world building.

As it is numbered 1, we can assume a series will be developed.

A gory, dystopian masterpiece.

I had high expectations going into this book, the premise combined with the cover art had me very excited. I am pleased to report that my expectations were met.

Free for All by Patrick Horvath Is a brilliantly constructed book. The reader is transported straight into the action, setting the tone as grand and suspenseful yet eerie.

The illustrations were gorgeous and appropriately provocative.

I was amazed by the world building, The unique elements of technology such as the weaponry contrasting the ancient arena and armour was inspired.

This was such a different vibe to Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees. The storyline is so interesting and the art style reflects that so well. I will definitely be continuing to read anything he releases

Patrick Horvath has done it again with a graphic novel that makes us consider wealth and how to police it. With calls to end billionaires as of late, this graphic novel asks us how we might do so and what the ethical qualms that are attached may be. The art style is engaging and the story flies quickly, keeping you turning the pages.

This was a super fast and enjoyable read. Capitalism by combat…. oh yeah. The paneling was fantastic and the character’s motivations were clear. All the extras in the back were also really fun to go through.

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC.

Once again Patrick Horvath lured me into his creations with the promise of a great story and fantastic art. And once again, he did not disappoint.

I really enjoyed the concept of the story. I like that it was kept short and ... brutal. It's a super quick and fun read and I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for afree copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.