Product guide

Black Hole by Charles Burns — 368-page graphic novel

Charles Burns: Black Hole is a graphic novel set among teenagers in suburban Seattle in the mid-1970s. Its story follows a strange transmissible plague and uses the horror premise to explore alienation, anxiety and adolescence.

At a glance

The story is set in suburban Seattle in the mid-1970s and centres on teenagers affected, or potentially affected, by a strange plague.
The horror premise gives way to a portrait of high-school alienation, cruelty, anxiety and longing for escape.
The listing describes the book as a winner of the Eisner, Harvey and Ignatz Awards.

Price

$26.85Save 25%

Reference price: ~~$36.00~~

Price checked: Nov 14, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Combines body-horror elements with a broader focus on adolescent alienation rather than a conventional fight against the plague.
A substantial 368-page print edition, with English-language text.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Book details
Publisher	Pantheon
Publication date	Jan. 8 2008
Edition	Reprint
Language	English
Print length	368 pages
ISBN-10	0375714723
ISBN-13	978-0375714726

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	1.07 kg
Dimensions	16.76 x 3.25 x 23.37 cm

What to know before buying

The publisher describes sexual contact as the plague's means of transmission and includes grotesque body changes, murders and high-school cruelty. Consider this mature subject matter before choosing it for a younger reader.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers looking for an unsettling horror graphic novel with a strong focus on teenage alienation and atmosphere.
Readers interested in a story set in 1970s suburban Seattle.

Less suited to

Readers seeking light or child-oriented material, given the sexual-transmission premise, body horror and murders described in the listing.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.6 / 5 · 997 ratings

5 stars78%78%
4 stars14%14%
3 stars6%6%
2 stars1%1%
1 star1%1%

Customer feedback is strongly positive overall and highlights the artwork, immersive atmosphere, engaging story and satisfying conclusion. Those reported reactions may appeal to readers drawn to a visually atmospheric graphic novel, though atmosphere is also described as mixed, and aggregate ratings do not explain individual reservations.

Positive themes

Customers praise the artwork and illustrations.
Feedback describes the story as engaging and its conclusion as satisfying.

Mixed feedback

Atmosphere receives mixed feedback, so its effect may vary by reader.

Frequently asked questions

What is Black Hole about?

It follows teenagers in suburban Seattle in the mid-1970s as a strange plague spreads, while focusing on alienation, anxiety and the pressures of high school.

How long is this edition?

The listing gives a print length of 368 pages.

Is this a light read for younger audiences?

The described content includes sexual contact as the plague's means of transmission, grotesque physical changes and murders, so it may not suit readers seeking lighter material.