Genre: Supernatural Mystery | Writer: Frederick L. Jones | Artist: Goeffrey Jean-Louis
Publisher: Saturday AM | Release Date: 2022
In The Yellow Stringer, journalist Naomi and ex-cop Tony investigate bizarre supernatural cases for a tabloid that’s more truth than fiction—from ancient curses and undead armies to graveyard murders and a demonic entity threatening to consume Tony’s soul.
Writing
Yellow Stringer, Volume 1 presents a fresh and clever blend of supernatural noir and investigative horror, anchored by a unique concept: a tabloid that actually reports the truth. While the titular Yellow Stringer is viewed by most as a local joke, Naomi—a veteran reporter with real experience in the bizarre—knows better. She’s our guide into a world where ancient pharaohs, cemetery murders, and abyssal demons aren't conspiracy theories but deadly facts. The volume offers a strong overarching plot, with a thin but consistent thread running through the standalone case files. While this format keeps things varied and engaging, some chapters feel slightly rushed, as if they would have benefitted from either an extended arc or their own self-contained volumes.
Naomi and Tony carry the story well. Naomi’s seasoned perspective and Tony’s skeptical, hardened demeanor make for a compelling dynamic—almost akin to a surrogate father-daughter relationship. Their trauma isn’t used cheaply but instead subtly surfaces, promising richer character development in future volumes. Supporting characters like the enigmatic Chief, the grounded bartender Jo, and the intimidating demon leader stand out for their personality and intrigue, hinting at a deeper mythology within the series.
Frederick L. Jones crafts a compelling narrative that intertwines standalone supernatural investigations with an overarching plot. His writing delves into themes of trauma and resilience, particularly through the dynamic between Naomi and Tony, whose relationship evolves with a father-daughter nuance. Jones's storytelling balances eerie mysteries with character-driven moments, laying the groundwork for deeper explorations in future volumes.
The writing balances mystery, horror, and character introspection with snappy dialogue and smart pacing. The world feels lived-in, and even the briefest cases leave a mark. The writer shows a talent for efficient storytelling and thematic cohesion, even when time is limited. They seem deeply invested in the emotional lives of their characters and adept at mixing horror tropes with earnest human drama. However, the story runs into the same issue many supernatural narratives face—how can so many bizarre and dangerous events occur without the wider public becoming aware of the paranormal world? Still, a really good introduction and setup.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Art Style
Visually, Yellow Stringer adopts a manga-inspired black-and-white style that feels like a blend of supernatural seinen and gritty urban mystery. The tone is conveyed effectively through shadowing, expressive character work, and clear, well-structured paneling. Action scenes are handled with confidence—the violence is sharp but never gratuitous, and bloodshed serves the narrative rather than distracting from it. Facial expressions are particularly well-done, selling both the emotional beats and tension without relying on overdone visual clichés.
However, there is one recurring issue in the art style that can be distracting: the inconsistent depiction of female characters. Women are sometimes drawn to resemble young adult women in their twenties, and in other panels appear prepubescent, which creates visual and tonal dissonance. This inconsistency doesn’t appear intentional or thematic and might stem from stylistic choices borrowed from certain manga genres, but it can hinder immersion—especially when it impacts character recognition or tone.
Despite that, there's a lot to admire. The artist clearly has a good eye for panel flow, especially during fast-paced sequences or high-tension scenes involving the undead or demonic apparitions. The creature and supernatural designs—especially the Abyss Demon of Choice—are memorable and creatively rendered. Backgrounds vary between sparse and highly detailed, depending on the setting, and overall visual composition aligns well with the book’s pulp-horror energy.
Goeffrey Jean-Louis brings the story to life with manga-inspired illustrations that capture both the horror and humanity of the narrative. His artwork effectively conveys the grotesque elements of the supernatural cases while maintaining expressive character designs. Jean-Louis's visual storytelling complements the script, enhancing the mood and pacing of each chapter.
Rating: 3 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Yellow Stringer, Volume 1 is a compelling and original paranormal noir with likable leads, inventive casework, and promising lore. Naomi and Tony’s chemistry is strong, the side characters are intriguing, and the horror elements never overstay their welcome. While the art could benefit from consistency—particularly in character modeling—it still delivers strong atmosphere and storytelling. Yellow Stringer, Volume 1 gets 3 out of 5.
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