The graphic novel The Unwritten: Orpheus in the Underworld is volume 8 of this wild, mind-bending series I just had the privilege to read — and honestly, it’s incredible! When I first spotted this book, it was the cover that caught my eye, and yeah, I had some expectations. But nothing could’ve prepared me for what was actually inside.
Let me try to sum it up. The Unwritten Vol. 8 plunges you deep into the Underworld — think Greek mythology, Hades, and Orpheus trying to bring back his wife. But this isn’t just a retelling of an ancient myth. It’s more like jumping on a rollercoaster through a nightmare, where stories from all over time and space collide in the most surreal, unpredictable way. There are vampires and zombies, along with the classic Greek monsters like Harpies, plus some seriously shocking surprises.
It’s such a unique and mind-blowingly wild ride that you can’t help but be in awe of its creators. And get this — at one point, it even takes you to Hanging Rock in Australia. Yeah, I never saw that coming in a million years. It’s a trip, a real trip, and I really enjoyed the blast into the weird and crazy.
What I found most interesting about The Unwritten Vol. 8 was how stories from different storytellers around the world got twisted and distorted into this dark, mysterious Orpheus in the Underworld storyline. I can only imagine how awesome the whole series must be, especially since it’s received high praise — often being compared to the incredible Sandman series.
I have to admit, I would have missed out on some really important background info by jumping in at volume 8, but it still kind of works as a standalone story. That said, I didn’t feel super attached to the characters, most likely because of that. The characters could’ve been around since the first volume, but I can’t say for sure. For me, it was more about how the hell the creators came up with such a totally unique, weird story that went all the way down to Hades and the Underworld.
If you’re into graphic novels, I’d definitely recommend starting from the beginning of The Unwritten series. If this book was a huge trip, then reading the entire series would be like Superman on steroids — an epic, wild ride. And who knows — maybe Superman even makes an appearance in the story! I wouldn’t put it past them.
Another thing is, you’ll be taken to places you never expect. I mean, who in their right mind would think that a graphic novel titled Orpheus in the Underworld would actually take you to Hanging Rock in Australia? It’s full of surprises like that.
And then there are the really cool side stories in The Unwritten that make you stop and think. One from the First Australians, about a fire-stealing legend, totally had a Prometheus vibe. It’s crazy how it feels like ancient Greek myths and Indigenous Australian stories kind of share the same vibe or consciousness.
You’ll never guess who turns out to be a whore in The Unwritten… The creators have this incredible ability to turn anyone or anything into whatever they want, blurring the lines between reality and fiction in the most unpredictable ways.
The Unwritten: Orpheus in the Underworld Review
Holy Zeus, the graphic novel takes you straight down to Hades, and you’ll even catch a glimpse of Cerberus, the three-headed dog. But there’s so much more to this wild Orpheus story. Like these mysterious cloaked figures with golden masks — never mentioned in Greek mythology as far as I know, but here they are in The Unwritten. What are they doing? What’s their purpose? You’ll have to read the book to find out. Aren’t you just a little bit curious?
The biggest surprise? Hades himself. But here’s the twist — could Hades be a rabbit? Maybe something out of Alice in Wonderland, or is it way, way more sinister? Who is this creepy rabbit supposed to represent? Is he the personification of evil, or something even darker? This part of the story was incredibly intriguing — like, wow, who comes up with this stuff? Oh right, the genius behind it all — writer Mike Carey and artist Peter Gross, along with others. Hats off to them.
So, what rating am I going to give The Unwritten Vol. 8: Orpheus in the Underworld? I’m settling on an 8.5 out of 10. It’s wild, impressive, and packed with so much depth that I’m sure I would have appreciated it even more if I’d read all the previous volumes. But hey, I can’t be everywhere at once, and my attention has to be divided among other Greek mythology comics and graphic novels. Maybe it’s my loss, but I’m still grateful to have experienced this chapter in the series.
This story is so dense and layered that you’re bound to encounter a few pages that don’t quite resonate, but overall, it’s a true masterpiece of storytelling — like stepping into a surreal dream, if you can imagine that. It captures that same mystical, mind-bending vibe as The Sandman and Promethea. Honestly, the Promethea comic series is incredible, and I’d say The Unwritten stands right alongside it in brilliance.
If you’re seeking an eye-opening journey into myth, mystery, and the subconscious, then get ready for something truly mind-expanding. Trust me, once you dive in, your perspective on the world will never be the same.
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