Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today is Friday, and It’s time for another review. This week, I’m reviewing the graphic novel The Beauty Vol. 1 by Jeremy Haun, Jason A. Hurley and John Rauch.
The Beauty Vol. 1 was published in 2016 by Image Comics and is 164 pages long.
The Plot
The narrative kicks off two years after The Beauty, an STD has become a global phenomenon. While many willingly acquire the virus to make themselves better looking, the honeymoon period ends when people begin dying—spontaneously combusting from the inside out.
Detectives Vaughn and Foster are thrust into chaos as they investigate a disturbing case tied to the virus, only to uncover a government conspiracy, pharmaceutical cover-ups, and have their own personal entanglements with the disease.
Characters
Detective Kara Vaughn
Vaughn is a detective in the Beauty Crimes Department and works with her friend and partner, Drew Foster, to try and uncover why a woman has burned to death from the inside out. Vaughn herself has the virus and is concerned to learn that The Beauty could be linked to the woman’s death.
Detective Drew Foster
Foster is the leads the Beauty Crimes Department. Like Vaughn, he is concerned when a link is discovered between the virus and the woman’s death. He becomes even more worried when he is contaminated with the virus by his wife.
Janna Foster
Janna is Drew Foster’s wife and the reason he is infected with the beauty. At first, she leaves to stay with her mother, but by the end of the book, Drew agrees to reconcile their relationship.
Mr Calaveras
Mr Calaveras is a ruthless corporate enforcer and hitman working to silence anyone who tries to expose the truth about The Beauty. He is cold, efficient, and terrifying—a symbol of the dark forces willing to kill to maintain the status quo. His presence adds a real threat of violence to the story and increases the stakes significantly.
Agent Brandon
Brandon works for the CDC and, initially, for the story’s antagonist. When her morals are tested, she switches sides and begins to help the detectives on their hunt for a cure.
Writing Style
Haun and Hurley’s writing is sharp and tight, with a rather cinematic quality. The dialogue feels natural, full of grit and tension, with great pacing.
The story unfolds with the slow-burn intensity of a police procedural, punctuated by moments of sudden violence and eerie stillness—and what stands out most is the way the script weaves social critique into a gripping narrative without feeling heavy-handed—whilst at the same time, exploring themes of body image, self-worth, and exploitation.
Artwork
The art is fantastic. It’s expressive, gritty, yet refined. Jeremy Haun’s dual role as co-writer and artist excels at infusing emotion into his characters’ faces and postures, skillfully contrasting the allure of “Beautified” characters with the grotesque realities of the disease.
The book’s horror elements come to life with visceral, gruesome depictions that make you wince—and ensure the stakes feel real. Action scenes, too, are fluid and dynamic, pulling readers into every confrontation and chase.
John Rauch’s colour palette is a standout feature. He uses subdued tones and shadows to evoke the ominous nature of the story—while accents of vibrant, glowing colours highlight the superficial perfection of Beauty-stricken individuals. The juxtaposition between the flawlessness of The Beauty and the grim reality surrounding it is visually striking.
Whether you’re revelling in the aesthetic details or marvelling at the sheer skill of the creators, the artwork leaves no stone unturned in making The Beauty Vol. 1 a feast for the eyes.
Final Thoughts
The Beauty Vol. 1 is a gripping, thought-provoking read that uses a high-concept premise to explore timeless questions about identity, desire, and the cost of conformity.
With strong writing, compelling characters, and haunting artwork, it’s a standout entry in the land of mature graphic novels.
Whether you’re into noir, sci-fi, horror, or social commentary, this book has something to offer—and it will leave you thinking long after the end.
I’m giving The Beauty Vol. 1 a 10/10.
I can’t wait to read Vol. 2.
Have you read The Beauty? What did you think?
Thank you, as ever, for reading my review.
Until next time,
George
© 2025 GLT
Categories: Book Reviews, Reading
GEORGE L THOMAS 
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