Black Kiss Omnibus - Definitive Hardcover Collection

In this review the Black Kiss Omnibus is presented as the definitive single-volume collection for readers who want Howard Chaykin's notorious and boundary-pushing work in one deluxe package. The bottom line: buy this if you value a complete, carefully assembled archival edition that gathers the original 1988 series, the 2012 sequel, seasonal specials and new material, and frames them with historical context and extras that deepen appreciation of the creator's controversial legacy.

Key Features

• Complete collection: Brings together the original 1988 BLACK KISS series, BLACK KISS 2 from 2012, and the XXXMAS SPECIAL so readers can follow the story in sequence without tracking down back issues.
• New material: Includes an all-new 28-page BLACK KISS HALLOWEEN story created for this volume, offering fresh narrative for longtime fans and adding closure to the series.
• Deluxe hardcover presentation: The omnibus format packages the material in a durable, single hardcover edition that suits collectors and keeps the complete run on a shelf without loose issues.
• Context and extras: Provides a look back at the series history, its sensationalism and censorship, plus a large assortment of extras that illuminate Chaykin's methods and the title's place in comics culture.
• Hardboiled erotic noir: Delivers the transgressive tone and hardboiled style that define the series, preserving the original voice and aesthetic across eras.

Who It's For

The omnibus is best for collectors of graphic novels and readers of mature, hardboiled comics who want a single, authoritative edition containing every major BLACK KISS entry. It suits those who value extras and historical context that shed light on the book's controversies and publishing history.

Readers seeking family-friendly fare or mainstream mystery without erotic or transgressive content should look elsewhere; this volume explicitly collects material aimed at adult audiences and preserves the original, provocative tone.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive single-volume collection lets readers access the full BLACK KISS narrative without hunting back issues.
• New 28-page Halloween story and assorted extras give added value even to long-time fans.
• Deluxe hardcover construction provides a durable, collectible format that displays well on a shelf.

Cons

• Content is deliberately transgressive and erotic noir, so it is not suitable for readers who prefer conventional mystery or non-explicit material.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Black Kiss Omnibus is a strong value for collectors and adult readers of hardboiled graphic novels who want the complete, context-rich edition. Its combination of restored earlier work, a new short story, and documentary extras makes it the go-to single volume for following Howard Chaykin's controversial series from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this omnibus include the original series and the sequel?
Yes, it collects the 1988 BLACK KISS series and the 2012 BLACK KISS 2 along with specials.

Is there new material in this edition?
Yes, the book includes a new 28-page BLACK KISS HALLOWEEN story created specifically for this volume.

Is the content suitable for younger readers?
No, the material is hardboiled erotic noir intended for mature audiences.