Mowalski
Since: Apr, 2013
04/24/2013 20:51:29
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ComicBook One of the best graphic novels I've read...
Pros:
- Characters that you can relate to. I say this because the book deals with a variety of topics, including the loss of a loved-one and "finding your destiny", so to speak. Great character development, as well.
- Interesting villains. So far, there is a decent distinction between good and evil, but there's more to the story than that. The two primary villains - namely the Elf King and Max Griffin - seem to be under the influence of something else at this point in the story.
- The plot. While meant for children, there's enough complexity to appeal to an older demographic. It's interesting seeing all the little details of the plot slowly unfold. This adds room for speculation... which I love.
- Art and visuals. The art is breathtaking and the color scheme does a lot to justify this. Every once in awhile you will get a beautiful scenery shot that is panned across the length of the book. The action is well-executed and the battles play out almost like a cinematic sequence.
- Smooth dialogue. One of the first things I look for in a graphic novel or a book in general is wise use of dialogue. I don't have to pause between words, everything flows nicely. Few lines sound forced or cheesy.
Cons:
- Somewhat rushed. While the narrative does a pretty decent job at explaining details and events, some parts are rushed and some aspects of the story need to take a bit of a "breather", if that's clear. Take something like Jeff Smith's Bone, for example. The first few books focused on lighter topics, but the latter half of the series focused on darker elements (while still managing to retain some humor). In this sense, I think that Amulet should focus more on the happier elements of the story.
- Emily/Navin. These characters alone are not the issue. The only flaw they suffered was that we - as the readers - don't know much about their lives prior to the events of the story. Other stories I have read explain a little more about the characters and this makes me sympathize with them more on a familiar level.
- Gabilan. Please bring him back. Two books later and he still hasn't returned. (Why.)
ComicBook Supernova Slander
First off, I was baited into thinking it was gonna be great.
Ok, honestly, the first 5 books were very good, it just went horribly off the rails in book 6 and is beyond redemption in book 8
Pros: - Great artwork! Basically the greatest steal. There's no panel where it isn't lovingly detailed, despite the simplistic rendition of the characters. - Intriguing storyline. It's not so bad, incredibly cliche, but it holds up. - Likable characters. Kazu is pretty good at this stuff.
Cons: WHEW WHERE DO I BEGIN - Abandoned plot lines and unexplained plot holes. Its biggest issue. Kazu adds and abandons subplots at a drop of a hat, and as a result, it leaves you deeply unsatisfied. - Underdeveloped characters. A lot of moments that can be used to add nuance to them is sacrificed for inflated action scenes. There's technically two characters who actually had a developed backstory, and neither of them are the main protagonists (hint: if the fact his character tropes are so long that it's on a separate page didn't clue you in, it's Trellis). - Unecessary stuff. The series is closing, but instead of wrapping up past threads, Kazu keeps adding new characters, elements, and plotlines that had to be resolved in like, 5 pages and ends up incredibly disatisfying, forced, and unecessary as a result. The biggest offender is Navin's plot, particularly in book 8. - Sudden genre shift. The thing everyone felt when they read Supernova: Betrayal. Next is disappointment. I paid time and money for that book and by god it did not deliver. At all. As an old fan, it was a gut punch. We expected it to be a fantasy book, hence why we signed up for it, but for some reason he's turning it into star wars. What? You didn't even bother to explain why Emily is the chosen one?
Anyways, will be begrudgingly wait for the final volume.
tl;dr: it's a flaming hot garbage shitshow