Do you need to be an ENHYPEN fan to enjoy this?

Not at all. While the characters are based on the group, the plot is a self-contained supernatural mystery. It works perfectly well as a standalone vampire graphic novel.

How violent does it get?

It features 'fantasy violence.' Think glowing eyes, supernatural powers, and some physical combat. It’s more about the tension and drama than graphic gore.

Is there a lot of romance?

It definitely leans into the 'protector' romance tropes common in YA, but it stays very age-appropriate for young teens. It's more about pining and loyalty than anything explicit.

How many volumes are there?

This is an ongoing series. If your kid finishes this one, expect them to ask for the next volume immediately, as the story ends on a cliffhanger.

Dark Moon: The Blood Altar – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Dark Moon: The Blood Altar

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2024

76%

WISE Score

Vampire protectors, a mysterious orphanage, and high school drama collide in this slick, K-pop-inspired supernatural graphic novel.

Dark Moon: The Blood Altar

book

2024

76%

WISE Score

Vampire protectors, a mysterious orphanage, and high school drama collide in this slick, K-pop-inspired supernatural graphic novel.

Jump to

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

Dark Moon: The Blood Altar is a prime example of the 'new' graphic novel wave. It’s fast, flashy, and deeply addictive. While it’s the official lore for the K-pop group ENHYPEN, you don't need to know a single song to get hooked on the 'vampires in high school' mystery.

It’s a safe bet for kids who loved Twilight or The Vampire Diaries but want something that feels more modern and visually driven. The peril is real, but the focus stays on the bonds between the characters, making it a solid pick for the middle-to-high school crowd.

Age Fit

This is squarely in the YA/Teen category. It's perfect for 12-year-olds and up who are moving into more complex supernatural stories but aren't quite ready for R-rated horror.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Strong themes of loyalty and protection between the main characters, though the vampire nature of the story brings in some inherent darkness and conflict.

Imaginative

The world-building blends modern high school life with a complex supernatural history and an intriguing mystery involving an orphanage.

Safe

Standard supernatural action for the YA genre. There is stylized violence and peril, but it stays within the bounds of what middle and high schoolers expect from urban fantasy.

Enriching

Deals with themes of identity, the burden of the past, and finding where you belong. It's a great gateway for reluctant readers who prefer visual storytelling.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Stunning visual style that brings the polished aesthetic of modern webtoons to the physical page.
Compelling mystery centered on the orphanage that keeps the plot moving beyond just the romance.
Strong character dynamics where the 'protector' trope is balanced by Sooha's own growth and agency.
Perfect for K-pop fans as it is the official story tied to the group ENHYPEN, though it stands alone for any fantasy reader.

⚠

What to Watch For

Supernatural violence including vampire combat and scenes of characters in physical danger.
The 'orphanage' backstory involves some heavier themes of abandonment and experimentation that might feel dark for younger readers.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the boys feel such a strong need to protect Sooha from their own past?"
"How does the mystery of the orphanage change the way you see the characters' current lives?"
"If you had to keep a major secret at school, how would it change your friendships?"

Deep Dive

The Webtoon-to-Print Phenomenon

Dark Moon: The Blood Altar isn't just a random book; it's part of a massive shift in how kids consume stories. Originally a Webtoon, this physical volume from Ize Press represents the 'prestige' version of digital scrolling. For parents, this is a win: it gets kids who are glued to their phones to sit down with a physical book, practicing those deep-reading skills without it feeling like a chore.

More Than Just a Fandom Tie-in

While the characters are modeled after the members of ENHYPEN, the story doesn't lean on celebrity cameos to work. It’s a legitimate urban fantasy. The plot moves quickly—sometimes a bit too quickly if you aren't used to the pacing of manhwa—but it manages to balance the 'high school life' vibes with a much darker, looming threat from the characters' past.

If your kid is already into K-pop, they probably already know about this. If they aren't, it’s still a high-quality supernatural thriller. The art is the standout here; it's clean, expressive, and uses color to set a mood that's much more sophisticated than your average Sunday comic strip. It’s a great way to support visual literacy while giving them a story that actually respects their intelligence.

What Parents Ask

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Dark Moon: The Blood Altar? Put this WISE score on your site