Graphic Novel Review: The Sculptor by Scott McCloud

Genre: Adult Graphic Novel Urban Fantasy
Publication: February 2015 by First Second
Acquisition: received a free ARC for review

Synopsis:

David Smith is giving his life for his art—literally. Thanks to a deal with Death, the young sculptor gets his childhood wish: to sculpt anything he can imagine with his bare hands. But now that he only has 200 days to live, deciding what to create is harder than he thought, and discovering the love of his life at the 11th hour isn't making it any easier!

This is a story of desire taken to the edge of reason and beyond; of the frantic, clumsy dance steps of young love; and a gorgeous, street-level portrait of the world's greatest city. It's about the small, warm, human moments of everyday life…and the great surging forces that lie just under the surface. Scott McCloud wrote the book on how comics work; now he vaults into great fiction with a breathtaking, funny, and unforgettable new work.

(from Goodreads)

3.5 / 5 Stars

The Sculptor is one of those books that makes you feel things. Good things, bad things, in between things. And, I'm not so sure how I feel about all that.

I've been told before that I'm shallow (thanks Mom!). Not like 'you're a horrible person with no feelings'. But more like 'you don't let things bother you and are good at working through your feelings quickly and without a lot of drama'.

So!

I really think that The Sculptor is a little to 'deep' for me. Like I said, it makes you feel things. But, I think, because of the nature of the medium, I very quickly processed what I was reading (or rather seeing) and moved onto the next thing without fully...appreciating what had happened?

This made for a pretty meh read for me.

Because I'm shallow.

And The Sculptor is very deep.

BUT!

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

It wasn't really for me...but I'm glad to have read it and I do think that others would get a lot more out of it then I did.

And, you should probably go with Neil Gaiman's recommendation rather then mine :)

Graphic Novel Review: Muirwood The Lost Abby

Issue #1 of a 5 Issue Series
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Graphic Novel
Publication: Issue #1 - Aug 26, 2015
Acquisition: NetGalley

Synopsis:

Told in graphic novel form, Muirwood: The Lost Abbey introduces an all-new chapter in Jeff Wheeler’s Muirwood universe.

Maia, the daughter of the king of Comoros, has been banished, her rank and station taken away. Although magic is forbidden of women in her world, Maia secretly learned...and now her desperate father has sent her on a dangerous quest to save their kingdom. Protected by a hired killer, Maia voyages to another realm—the cursed shores of Dahomey, where an ancient Blight has destroyed all the inhabitants. Maia believes she can restore the deadly lands by using her magic medallion, but if she’s discovered wielding her clandestine power, she will most certainly be hunted down and killed.

(from Goodreads)

3.5 / 5 Stars

I've got a couple of things to say about this one so it's time for...

A BULLET POINT REVIEW! 

(like a stuffy PowerPoint presentation you can't get away from only 

WAY MORE FUN!)

First off - My Feelings

• I liked it 
• The story is an interesting one - lots of magic and secrets
• I also liked the art - subdued colors that worked with the story - great imagery - clear character distinctions
• I easily connected with the MC Maia and her plight
• The 1st person POV and the way Maia speaks to the reader worked really well in explaining the background story
• While I wasn't blow away by the story I DO want to see where it goes

Secondly - Background

• It's based on the Legends of Muirwood series by Jeff Wheeler 
• I've hadn't read this series but I don't think that was a hindrance to me enjoying this comic
• The story of this comic comes from Jeff Wheeler 
• It's written by Matt Sturges and Dave Justus 
• With art by Alex Shekman
• Published by Jet City Comics (which I've never heard of but am now feel like I want to know them...)

Thirdly (Third off?) (Who's on third!?) -- Some logistics

• I read this via NetGalley and at the time of this post, other NetGalley members can request a copy at this link
• It's a Kindle Series and what this means is:
• You pay 1 price to buy - currently its pre-order price is $5.99
• On Aug 26th the first Issue will be delivered to your Kindle
• 4 more issues will follow (on 9/23, 10/28, 11/25 and 12/23)
• Each new issues will be added to the one on your Kindle and you'll get an email when it has been delivered

In conclusion!

I would have to say I would recommend this series for fans of fantasy graphic novels. For around $1.20 an issue, it's totally worth it. I would also say, if you are already a fan of Wheeler's Muirwood series, this should be a automatic buy for you. Even if you're not a fan of graphic novels, if you know and love the story, more of the story is always a good thing :)

I'm pretty sure I'm going to be purchasing this one. The price is good, the story is good, I always like being introduced to new graphic novel publications and the idea of the Kindle Series, where SURPRISE! here's something new and cool you already paid for already on your Kindle waiting for you is very intriguing. 

*disclaimer - the pre-order price link above does link to Amazon but I am NOT an affiliate. 

Told you it would be way more fun then a PowerPoint Presentation :)

Book Review: Twilight The Graphic Novel Vol 1 by Stephenie Meyer

Art and Adaptation by: Young Kim
Publication Date: March 2010

Pages: 224
Series: 1st in a series
Acquisition: trade

Summary:

When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret... Beautifully rendered, this first installment of Twilight: The Graphic Novel is a must-have for any collector’s library. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
When this book first came out my first thought was, what's the point? It's not a new story. It's not adding anything to The Saga. Maybe I'm cynical but I saw it purely as a money making endeavor.  It's hardcover first of all, so I guess that's how the $19.99 price tag can be justified. But aside from that - it's not even the entire first book. It's Vol 1 which means we will be getting a Vol 2 and who knows - maybe even a Vol 3? Twilight is, by a small margin, the shortest one in the Saga. If the entire series is to be published as graphic novels we maybe looking at, what, at least 8 books if not more?

I'm sure some of my cynicism comes from the fact that I'm not a huge fan of the Twilight Saga in general. Yes, I did read all the books but I still don't know why they are so popular. The story is ok, the writing is average and the characters are, for me at least, pretty unlikable. BUT millions of people adore Bella and Edward SO this new series of graphic novels, I'm  sure, is a true delight for die hard fans. But $19.99? Really?

Ok - enough about that!

In Twilight The Graphic Novel Vol 1 we get the same story as in Twilight but with graphics (duh).  Have to say though, I very much enjoyed the graphics. Young Kim did a fabulous job. Rich textures with lots of details. I found myself looking at the graphics more then I was paying attention to the story line and dialog.

For me, reading Twilight as a graphic novel, didn't do anything to improve my opinion of the story. If anything, it made me realize just how ridiculous Bella and Edward's relationship is. Sure they got to know each other as the series progressed and yes, their feelings for each other developed and grew. But in the beginning? Edward loves Bella because she smells good and Bella loves Edward because he's different and pretty. My interpretation only - I know tons of people out there (including you?) would disagree with me using loud voices and possibly rotten fruit.

Final verdict:
So, was it worth my time reading Twilight The Graphic Novel Vol 1? Considering it only took me about 20 minutes I would have to say yes. The graphics alone are worth it.

If you're a fan of Bella and Edward, this book is for you. It's a beautiful addition to the series. If you're not that big of a fan, like me, but you enjoy graphic novels, I would still recommend picking this one up. I can't stress enough how beautiful Young Kim's illustrations are.

Overall Story Rating:

2.5 / 5 Stars

Overall Graphic Rating:

4 / 5 Stars

Books in the Series:
Twilight Vol 1
Twilight Vol 2?

Linkage Love:
Yen Press
Author's Website
Goodreads