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Lilyn G - Sci-Fi & Scary (91 KP) rated Sons of Ares in Books
Feb 7, 2018
While I'm not a fan of the novel series, the graphic novel won me over.
I’m not a fan of the Red Rising novel series. I think it’s safe to state that seeing that I’ve never successfully made it through the first book without falling asleep. I want to like it – there’s no reason I shouldn’t like it- but the audible version just hits my snooze button instantly. For me, with the trouble sleeping I have, that’s not actually a bad thing, but it doesn’t bode well for my opinion of the book. So… I knew I was taking a risk in checking out Red Rising: Sons of Ares. However, I hoped the graphic novel format would keep my attention a bit better. I was right. I thoroughly enjoyed Red Rising: Sons of Ares Vol 1.
The writing in Sons of Ares is well-done. The story told was surprisingly engaging (though to be honest it did take a couple of issues before I got fully involved with it). I wasn’t expecting to find myself rooting for Fitchner and Brynn, but by the end of the novel I was goggle-eyed at what I thought was going to happen. There might have been a few swears and threats made in the direction of the pages a few times.
Speaking of swears… I wasn’t a fan of the fact that some had apparently taken a black marker to the curse words, though. I mean, if you’re old enough to read about graphic violence that involves people getting limbs cut off, I think you can handle a dirty word or two. Especially given that right after a few swears are marked out, there’s threats of ‘sack’ removal. Someone’s priorities are a bit sideways, yeah?
The pacing for Red Rising: Sons of Ares was great. There was the perfect amount of action. The dialogue was believable. The plot was interesting and I was happy by the end of the volume because I felt like it had been a solid mini story arc. I didn’t like Fitchner, but I don’t feel like I was supposed to like him either. I did like Brynn, though, and there were a few panels that had me cheering her.
My only issue with the graphic novel was the art. The quick, sketchy art style always looks to me like they were more concerned with pushing the issues out rather than taking their time and doing it properly. I’m aware some people like it and feel that it suits the story. I’m not one of them. So I really think it’s just personal preference.
Overall, Red Rising: Sons of Ares is a captivating story that managed to keep my attention even when the art did nothing for me. I know it’s a prequel, but given that I haven’t managed to read the books themselves, I can’t say if it gives any spoilers for the series.
It’s worth checking out.
The writing in Sons of Ares is well-done. The story told was surprisingly engaging (though to be honest it did take a couple of issues before I got fully involved with it). I wasn’t expecting to find myself rooting for Fitchner and Brynn, but by the end of the novel I was goggle-eyed at what I thought was going to happen. There might have been a few swears and threats made in the direction of the pages a few times.
Speaking of swears… I wasn’t a fan of the fact that some had apparently taken a black marker to the curse words, though. I mean, if you’re old enough to read about graphic violence that involves people getting limbs cut off, I think you can handle a dirty word or two. Especially given that right after a few swears are marked out, there’s threats of ‘sack’ removal. Someone’s priorities are a bit sideways, yeah?
The pacing for Red Rising: Sons of Ares was great. There was the perfect amount of action. The dialogue was believable. The plot was interesting and I was happy by the end of the volume because I felt like it had been a solid mini story arc. I didn’t like Fitchner, but I don’t feel like I was supposed to like him either. I did like Brynn, though, and there were a few panels that had me cheering her.
My only issue with the graphic novel was the art. The quick, sketchy art style always looks to me like they were more concerned with pushing the issues out rather than taking their time and doing it properly. I’m aware some people like it and feel that it suits the story. I’m not one of them. So I really think it’s just personal preference.
Overall, Red Rising: Sons of Ares is a captivating story that managed to keep my attention even when the art did nothing for me. I know it’s a prequel, but given that I haven’t managed to read the books themselves, I can’t say if it gives any spoilers for the series.
It’s worth checking out.
ClareR (5836 KP) rated The Handmaid’s Tale: The Graphic Novel in Books
Aug 6, 2019
A worthy addition to the original story.
This is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel which remains true to the original novel by Margaret Atwood. It seems even more disturbing with the pictures: the starkness of the almost black and white background against the red of the Handmaids clothes, not only makes the Handmaids stand out, it also, for me, highlights their separateness or ‘otherness’.
It’s a while since I read the original book, but the prose in it felt right. It’s not all prose in speech bubbles, there are more in-depth, explanatory short paragraphs - and I think they really worked well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, and I can see myself reading this again and again - and I might just have to re-read the original too, especially in the lead up to The Testaments.
It’s a while since I read the original book, but the prose in it felt right. It’s not all prose in speech bubbles, there are more in-depth, explanatory short paragraphs - and I think they really worked well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, and I can see myself reading this again and again - and I might just have to re-read the original too, especially in the lead up to The Testaments.
The Arab of the Future: Volume 2: A Childhood in the Middle East, 1984-1985 - A Graphic Memoir
Book
VOLUME 2 IN THE UNFORGETTABLE STORY OF AN EXTRAORDINARY CHILDHOOD A GUARDIAN BOOK OF THE YEAR | AN...
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Sin City (2005) in Movies
Aug 15, 2017
Slick cinematography, dark tales
This film's graphic novel style cinematography is original, effective and beautiful to behold. The black and white effect with certain colours highlighted reminded me of looking at old style comics. The multiple stories that mesh together are all extremely dark, from serial murders to molestation and exploitation, it's Rated R for a very good reason. And while the Tarantino style gore can be surprisingly easy on the eye especially in black and white, it seemed extreme at times, filmed for the sake of being violent.
Erika (17789 KP) rated Chilling Adventures of Sabrina - Part One in TV
Oct 29, 2018
I was thrilled when Netflix picked up the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, I really liked the horror comic, the original comics, and the goofy 90s/00s television show.
This show was sufficiently creepy, and provided me with straight nightmare fuel, as I found out last night. Sabrina was very much the same character as she has been all along, a teenager that makes slightly questionable decisions while trying to do the right thing.
The opening titles comprised of the original art from the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina graphic novel, as well as her first intro panel in the original Sabrina comic.
This show was sufficiently creepy, and provided me with straight nightmare fuel, as I found out last night. Sabrina was very much the same character as she has been all along, a teenager that makes slightly questionable decisions while trying to do the right thing.
The opening titles comprised of the original art from the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina graphic novel, as well as her first intro panel in the original Sabrina comic.
AT (1676 KP) rated Last Pick Book 1 in Books
Jan 5, 2019 (Updated Jan 5, 2019)
I don't even remember where I ran across a synopsis of this graphic novel, but I'm glad I did! It's written for a young adult audience, but for me, I connected with it even more because there's a special needs character in the story, and I've got a child with special needs. It's refreshing to see a story give a character with differences strength and hope. The aliens in the story deal with weaknesses being perceived as bad, unwanted things. However, the differences that the character has may just prove to be an asset to his survival.
David McK (3533 KP) rated Wanted (2008) in Movies
Nov 20, 2019
Based on the graphic novel of the same name, I think the main draw of this for me (and, I'm sure, many others) is Angelina Jolie's character of Fox, with lowly frustrated office worker Wesley (a pre X-Men James McAvoy) discovering he is the son of a famous assassin, and that he shares his fathers almost superhuman killing ability.
There's a fair point to the criticism that this is almost a Matrix rip-off, but I have to say: this is far nastier (doesn't shy away from the guts and gore aspect) and filthier (language wise) than that earlier movie.
There's a fair point to the criticism that this is almost a Matrix rip-off, but I have to say: this is far nastier (doesn't shy away from the guts and gore aspect) and filthier (language wise) than that earlier movie.
The Boys is an absolutely bonkers superhero show in the best way. Showrunner Eric Kripke (Supernatural) successfully adapts Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson's best-selling graphic novel into a wonderfully irreverent, gratuitous, and stylized drama that explores the complex nature of not only what it means to be a superhero, but also the profound effect superheroes have on ordinary people. When the show lets its superhero flag fly, the results are impressive, but those moments aren't as frequent as we'd like. Thankfully, The Boys has a myriad of memorable, nuanced characters, that distinguish it from similar offerings within the genre.
Anya's Ghost
7.3
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Book
Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of...
Anya's ghist Graphic novel Comic Ghost Paranormal