Inspired on Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, Northranger follows sixteen-year-old Cade Muñoz, a closeted queer Latinx kid who loves horror movies. When Cade's stepdad gets a job working at the Tyler Ranch for the summer, Cade is recruited to help due to his family’s tough financial position. The ranch is owned by his stepfather’s former military superior and involves long hours, hard work, and spending time away from the movie theater — none of which sounds like a perfect summer vacation to Cade.

However, he soon bonds with the eighteen-year-old Tyler twins, Henry and Henrietta (she prefers to go by Henri), and begins to suspect that something sinister is lurking below the Tylers' picture-perfect surface. As Cade gets to know the Tylers, he learns that Henry is harboring a secret of his own. Henry is gay, and he is afraid of coming out. He also expresses aggressive tendencies and struggles to express emotions. Cade offers to help Henry, but Henry resists.

Meanwhile, Cade begins to suspect that the Tylers are involved in a string of murders based on the stories of another ranch hand. Cade must now decide whether to trust Henry and continue their budding friendship, or to investigate the Tylers on his own. As he gets closer to the truth, Cade believes his life is in danger.

The storytelling in Northranger is both engaging and suspenseful, capturing the reader's attention from start to finish. The graphic novel excels in creating an atmosphere that heightens the sense of mystery and tension. The artwork beautifully complements the narrative, with its attention to detail (black gutters are swapped in during night scenes) and expressive character designs. The complex relationships and dynamics between Cade and the Tyler twins further enrich the story, offering layers of depth and emotional resonance. During some of the more serious conversations, it’s easy to forget that the characters are only teenagers. Terciero does an outstanding job bringing depth to the characters and making each point of tension grip at your heartstrings.

One of the standout aspects of Northranger is its commitment to representation. Through its diverse cast of characters, the graphic novel explores themes of sexual orientation, racial and gender identity, family dynamics, and the complexities of navigating personal relationships. The inclusion of these diverse perspectives adds richness and authenticity to the narrative, making it relatable to readers from all types of backgrounds.

From its relatable protagonist to its emotional storytelling and beautiful artwork, Northranger offers an immersive reading experience. Through Cade's journey, readers are invited to reflect on their own fears, aspirations, and the power of expressing one’s feelings. With its well-crafted narrative and representation, Northranger stands as a remarkable addition to the queer graphic novel genre, deserving of the attention of readers seeking a captivating and inclusive story.

Northranger is written by Rey Terciero and illustrated by Bre Indigo. In an author’s note, Terciero shares background on his own upbringing as a queer Latinx kid in a conservative environment that inspired many aspects of this story. Northranger is now available in both physical and digital versions.

Rating: 9.5/10

Review: Northranger, a Graphic Novel by Rey Terciero

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