BOOK REVIEW: ‘DeadEndia Volume 3: Divine Order’ by Hamish Steele

DeadEndia Volume 3: Divine Order is a triumphant conclusion to Hamish Steele‘s groundbreaking graphic novel series, delivering a perfect blend of humour, heart, and queer representation that will leave readers both satisfied and hungry for more. The positive  impact of Steele’s work in creating a world where TNBI and queer characters are front and centre, their identities celebrated and integral to the story without being reduced to tokenism or stereotypes is wide-ranging. His books were picked up by Netflix and turned into hugely popular series DeadEnd: Paranormal Park.

DeadEndia follows the adventures of Barney, a trans man, and his best friend Norma as they navigate the supernatural perils of their summer job at a haunted house attraction in a theme park that doubles as a portal to Hell. Volume 3 picks up where the previous instalment left off, with our heroes facing their greatest challenge yet: saving the multiverse from an impending apocalypse.

Steele’s art continues to be a visual feast, with vibrant colours and expressive characters. The character designs are diverse and inclusive, representing a wide range of body types, ethnicities, and gender expressions. This commitment to representation extends beyond the main cast to background characters and even otherworldly entities, reflecting the beautiful complexity of our own world.

Divine Order seamlessly weaves complex themes of identity, belonging, and self-acceptance into its fantastical plot. Barney’s journey as a trans man is treated with sensitivity and nuance, exploring the ongoing process of self-discovery and the challenges of navigating relationships and family dynamics. Steele doesn’t shy away from the difficult moments but balances them with moments of joy, affirmation, and triumph that will resonate deeply with trans readers while educating and inspiring allies.

Norma’s character arc is equally compelling, as she grapples with her asexuality and the pressures of societal expectations. Her friendship with Barney remains the emotional core of the series, showcasing a beautiful example of platonic love that defies stereotypes and celebrates chosen family.

The supporting cast shines just as brightly, with Pugsley the talking pug and the demon Courtney providing both comic relief and surprising depth. The evolution of Courtney’s character, offers a poignant exploration of redemption and the power of love to transcend boundaries – both dimensional and personal.

Steele’s writing is sharp, witty, and often laugh-out-loud funny. The dialogue crackles with energy, and the pop culture references are cleverly woven throughout without ever feeling forced. But it’s in the quiet moments between characters where the true magic happens, as Steele captures the awkwardness, tenderness, and complexity of human (and non-human) relationships with remarkable authenticity.

The plot is a wild ride that manages to tie up loose ends from previous volumes while introducing new twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The stakes are higher than ever, but Steele never loses sight of the character development that has made the series so beloved. Each challenge our heroes face serves to deepen our understanding of their motivations and strengthen their bonds with one another. I loved the wonderful deftness of the final denouement and how it rippled back through the series trying everything up.

Steeles work is rooted in exploration of found family and community. In a world where many LGBTQ individuals face rejection from their biological families, Steele presents a vision of acceptance and love that is both heartwarming and empowering. The diverse cast of characters comes together to form a supportive network that celebrates each other’s differences and stands united in the face of adversity.

The book’s treatment of mental health is deft. Characters deal with anxiety, depression, and trauma in ways that feel authentic and relatable. Steele doesn’t offer easy solutions but instead shows the ongoing work of healing and the importance of seeking help and support from others.

As the story reaches its climax, Steele delivers action sequences that are both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. The final confrontation is not just a battle of good versus evil, but a profound meditation on the nature of identity, the power of self-acceptance, and the strength that comes from embracing one’s true self.

The resolution of the series is deeply satisfying, offering closure while leaving room for readers to imagine future adventures for these beloved characters. Steele strikes a perfect balance between tying up loose ends and acknowledging that life, like identity, is an ongoing journey of growth and discovery.

DeadEndia Volume 3: Divine Order is more than just a fantastic graphic novel – it’s a cultural touchstone that pushes the boundaries of queer representation in media. Steele has created a work that will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of LGBTQ+ artists and storytellers to share their own unique voices with the world.

For LGBTQ+ readers, especially young adults, this book offers much-needed validation and representation. It’s a safe space where queer identities are normalized and celebrated, where struggles are acknowledged but not defined by, and where hope shines brightly even in the darkest of circumstances.

But the beauty of DeadEndia is that its appeal extends far beyond the LGBTQ+ community. Its themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery are universal, inviting readers of all backgrounds to connect with its lovable cast of characters and immerse themselves in its colourful, chaotic world.

DeadEndia Volume 3: Divine Order is a masterpiece of queer storytelling that cements Steele’s place as one of the most important voices in contemporary graphic novels. It’s a fitting end to a series that has pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and brought joy and representation to countless readers. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this book is an absolute must-read. Steele has created a work of art that will be cherished, discussed, and revisited for years to come – a true classic of LGBTQ+ literature that reminds us all of the power of storytelling to change hearts, minds, and worlds.

Out July 25th £20 Paperback( £30 Hardback)

For more info or to order the book see the Publishers website here: