Survival Wins, but the Beer Fizzles

Review: Hide, The Graphic Novel – A Thrilling Survival Game with Mixed Pairings

Welcome to Gin and Comic #32! After some yard work and a moment to unwind, we dove into Hide: The Graphic Novel, adapted by Scott Peterson from Kiersten White’s novel. Illustrated by Veronica and Andy Fish, this graphic novel draws readers into a high-stakes game of survival inside a decrepit amusement park. The book hit all the right notes with its tense storytelling and atmospheric visuals, but unfortunately, the same can’t be said for our beer choice—Voodoo Ranger Fruit Force.

Art That Brings the Horror to Life

Veronica and Andy Fish have crafted a visually rich narrative that gives life to the decaying amusement park setting. The art’s use of muted tones with bursts of vibrant color reflects the duality of nostalgia and dread. This careful balance pulls readers deeper into the eerie world of the park, where abandoned rides and overgrown pathways create a sense of isolation. Panels filled with dark shadows and sudden close-ups intensify key moments, heightening the suspense without relying on gore.

The visual pacing keeps the reader hooked, alternating between expansive views of the park and claustrophobic scenes where danger feels just a step away. The illustrations allow the story to flow naturally, with silent panels giving room for characters to express fear and uncertainty visually.

A Story that Thrives on Suspense and Emotional Weight

At the center of the narrative is Mack, a woman seeking escape from her troubled past. Her participation in the contest, motivated by the hope of winning the $50,000 prize, forces her into difficult choices: trust no one, yet survive together. The writing skillfully captures Mack’s internal conflict and the mounting paranoia among contestants as they disappear one by one.

While the narrative introduces several characters, it’s Mack’s story that drives the plot forward. The adaptation smartly condenses moments from the original novel, ensuring the pacing feels tight without sacrificing depth. Peterson’s adaptation focuses on building psychological tension, making the horror feel more personal and less reliant on shock value.

A Miss with the Brew: Voodoo Ranger Fruit Force

We paired the book with Voodoo Ranger Fruit Force, a bold Imperial IPA with a twist of fruit punch. Despite the intriguing concept, the beer didn’t land well for us. Billed as a hazy New England IPA with a “fruit punch twist,” it offers tropical notes and red berry flavors, which initially seem promising. However, the sweetness overpowered the hoppiness, creating a taste more reminiscent of alcoholic fruit punch than a balanced IPA. At a hefty 9.5% ABV, it’s deceptively easy to drink, but the overpowering punch flavor didn’t align with our preferences.

When I looked this beer up online, many reviewers found the beer intriguing for its playful, candy-like profile, but some agreed it could become cloying after a few sips. The combination of a light, fruity body and alcohol warmth may appeal to those looking for an unconventional IPA. However, for us, it didn’t quite complement the experience of reading Hide.

Final Thoughts: A Thrilling Book with a Less-Than-Perfect Pairing

Hide: The Graphic Novel offers a gripping blend of survival horror and psychological tension, enhanced by superb artwork that makes the park itself feel alive. Veronica and Andy Fish’s visuals, combined with Peterson’s sharp adaptation, make this graphic novel a worthy read for fans of eerie thrillers.

However, Voodoo Ranger Fruit Force didn’t hit the mark for us. While it’s a unique take on an Imperial IPA, the fruit punch profile clashed with our expectations. If you enjoy experimental brews with bold flavors, it might be worth a try—but it wasn’t to our taste.

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