Cute and well-intentioned, but veers into the didactic. Odd choice to have the narrative become wordless in the center, a technique that seems misapplCute and well-intentioned, but veers into the didactic. Odd choice to have the narrative become wordless in the center, a technique that seems misapplied here, undercutting moments of character self-actualization....more
2.5 stars. An intriguing exercise, but I don't know that this would serve as a gateway to Murakami fiction, as the creators purport. Neither is it par2.5 stars. An intriguing exercise, but I don't know that this would serve as a gateway to Murakami fiction, as the creators purport. Neither is it particularly satisfying for those who appreciate the craft of Murakami prose or the intricacy of how the author's ideas are realized. This is more a curiosity, one with varying degrees of success.
The adaptation into panels with shifting artistic styles holds promise, especially when those changes enhance character or tonal moments without being overly on the nose. What most confuses is that none is in manga style, so naming the series as such is misguided at best. ...more
Worth paging through for fans, especially with the structure of giving a page to named episodes, relying on canon familiarity for the jokes to land. MWorth paging through for fans, especially with the structure of giving a page to named episodes, relying on canon familiarity for the jokes to land. More than a little silly, but that's rather the point....more
Warm and honest. Author Hara speaks of what this book might have meant to her younger self, and I had the same musings on my own behalf. The illustratWarm and honest. Author Hara speaks of what this book might have meant to her younger self, and I had the same musings on my own behalf. The illustrations are charming, especially those depicting stylish characters of different shapes, and the principle messages of acceptance, comfort, and confidence were well-balanced. Though sections were repetitive, the whole is in service to a greater purpose, and this could have impact for audiences both younger and older....more
An imaginative dystopian tale with dashes of action, warmth, and humor. Only disappointment was that even with six collected issues, this volume is alAn imaginative dystopian tale with dashes of action, warmth, and humor. Only disappointment was that even with six collected issues, this volume is almost entirely table-setting, and readers are more likely to want to continue if they've been drawn in with more plot movement before the cliffhanger. As it is, it asks a little too much unearned faith that the story will pay off if one keeps with it, though it does seem poised for eventual reward. Would recommend, but more easily if next volume is readily at hand for interested reader....more
With characteristic effervescence, Bandette injects the delight I sorely needed in this moment. Farcical, yes, which usually isn't my favorite, but thWith characteristic effervescence, Bandette injects the delight I sorely needed in this moment. Farcical, yes, which usually isn't my favorite, but the positivity and whimsy of this character and her compatriots cannot help but lift spirits. A caper in which six thieves steal a coded painting from one other provides a lively frame, and lines such as "I am astonished! Even incredulous! Look! Bandette eats the croissant of disbelief!" win me over, sometimes even in spite of myself....more
It can be difficult to edge back into an ambitious-but-not-quite-established story after months away, andFirst, it must be said: Werewhales. Who knew?
It can be difficult to edge back into an ambitious-but-not-quite-established story after months away, and the quick-cut episodic style doesn't help, especially when we're also juggling jumps back in time. I did appreciate the nods back to the Descender series to help pull together backstory with present, but it's an encouraging sign that the extra aid seems less essential as the narrative establishes itself independently. Frankly, I'm not sure I care about the dark creatures' game of thrones and (view spoiler)[Effie's return wasn't entirely welcome as I long ago soured on her transformation (hide spoiler)], but the images have incredible power of mesmerism, so I don't mind as much as I would otherwise.
I could gaze at Nguyen's art for ages, and that goes almost equally for the grotesque as well as the emotive. His use of color and stroke is not only what anchors me in these imagined worlds but also lures me to linger.
Mila is still the star, and thus far is underserved. Here's hoping we spend more time with her in next chapters....more
Backstory: By the end of Descender's run, my ardent enthusiasm for the series had cooled considerably. I was curious to follow into the next world, buBackstory: By the end of Descender's run, my ardent enthusiasm for the series had cooled considerably. I was curious to follow into the next world, but my expectations were tempered.
Foolish mortal, I. How could I doubt the hold Nguyen's art has on my sensibilities? The gorgeous array of lines, brushstrokes, saturation levels, and tonal shifts do more to engage my emotions than almost any narrative beat. Because hi-tech science fiction has given way to mysticism, entirely new palettes are introduced, and the use of color as atmosphere is enthralling time and time again. There are a few full-page or even dual-page 'silent' illustrations that held my gaze for long moments, and the pacing of the final six pages was perfection.
I rarely comment on lettering, but credit where credit is due: Steve Wands is an essential supporting player to the overall aesthetic.
I'm completely enamored with young Mila as a character, and I can only hope that history won't repeat itself -- that the fascination will grow rather than be undermined as the tale progresses....more
4.5 stars. A story that marinates in the strange beauty of melancholy, even as it plucks at the self-created burdens we carry through our years.
Tha
4.5 stars. A story that marinates in the strange beauty of melancholy, even as it plucks at the self-created burdens we carry through our years.
That's the thing about the past. It's gone. Just because it forms us, it doesn't mean you have to let it define you forever. You gotta take all that stuff that's formed you, and you have to use it. You can't let it use you.
Lemire is hardly the first to frame that insight, but in the context of this struggling family - struggling both as individuals and as unit - it isn't trite as much as it is signpost for claiming agency. It's the end of a journey. It is also the beginning of one. Or should be.
The conclusion proffers more resolution than anticipated, and that may be the source of my wavering on that last full star. I want hope for these characters, but hope tempered with reality. Tidy doesn't quite satisfy, even as it pains me to articulate for a series that has had such profound effect. I champion the elegiac, conflicted, reflective tone that permeates each chapter, especially as underscored by illustration style and intentional scaling of frames. The concern is that this seems compromised by the choice to allow a single/shared epiphany to wave toward a now-that's-all-behind-us presumption. We leave with a bit of a whimper - an artful one, make no mistake, but a whimper nonetheless....more
Bá's art takes on a slightly different style than the conventions I've previously most admired in his work, but the choices enhance the story's odd miBá's art takes on a slightly different style than the conventions I've previously most admired in his work, but the choices enhance the story's odd mix of offbeat, dark, cartoony, and angsty. It's a great deal to convey, and from that perspective the end result can't be faulted, especially when it presents with strong pacing.
The plot, on the other hand, is too scattered for my true appreciation. Some authors do this intentionally, taking as a win the fact that readers wish they knew more about the characters' lives and motivations. I'm not averse to being teased for future reveals or to being asked to make my own inferences, but if my investment is desired, it needs to feel more substantial than as if I'm skimming through someone else's version of a highlight reel....more
