jammasterjamie's review
5.0
Ellis is the man and Crecy is the perfect example of why. This graphic novella takes place at the beginning of the 100 Years War, explains in a first-hand account the tumultuous history between England and France, and the importance of the long-bow and how it changed warfare in ways we are still seeing to this very day in the modern age. Wonderfully written, hilariously funny, and you will most definitely learn something by the time you're through. If you like history and if you like comic books (or graphic novels if you're a snob like that) then Crecy is a must-read!
witchofthemountains's review
3.0
This was a grittier book than I normally read, with plenty of foul language and facts about old England that most people would probably rather not know. Language and grit don't bother me, but the writing itself was just a bit smug. It was likely supposed to be characterization for the narrator, but it rubbed me the wrong way.
And while the art was well done, it wasn't anything stunning. Realistic in a comic-book way, it didn't do much to add to the story.
All in all, a relatively forgettable book but not terribly done.
And while the art was well done, it wasn't anything stunning. Realistic in a comic-book way, it didn't do much to add to the story.
All in all, a relatively forgettable book but not terribly done.
zzazazz's review
4.0
I only wish it were longer. Once the battle starts I feel like all the detail that was included up until then starts to leave the book. Still, it's Ellis so it's witty and adult so you really can't go wrong.
maiakobabe's review
3.0
Crecy is a relatively short comic about a historical battle from the Hundred Years War. In 1346 a much smaller English force routed the flower of the French military at Crecy with their better strategies and well-trained longbow men. This comic is narrated by an archer in the English army who explains, with much swearing, the idiocy of the French command, the various types of arrow heads, and the reasoning behind England's focus on archers.
kateofmind's review
5.0
This is Ellis at his finest with a wonderfully bitchy take on a beloved narrative from English history. One last read before I give it to my cousin 8)
tracydurnell's review
3.0
2.5* Narration was a strange voice that was both historically contemporary but modernly self aware and spoke directly to a modern reader - threw me off a bit. Tons of historic details and I learned a lot. Seemed well researched. Art was overwhelming with details, well done and fitting with the story though not my personal taste. Abrupt ending and not enough of a story for my preference.
chalicotherex's review
5.0
The battle as seen through the eyes of a self-aware English archer.
A whole lot of french-bashing fun. Though it's important to remember that the French have a glorious military history and that the 'cheese-eating surrender monkey' thing is a total myth.
Ellis isn't ignorant of this and comes up with a good enough reason to villainize the French -- they're a ruthless military force within pissing distance of England. It's got enough military history (mostly arrowheads, archer vs bowman ranges, etc) to make it fun. Though the black and white art is a bit boring.
A whole lot of french-bashing fun. Though it's important to remember that the French have a glorious military history and that the 'cheese-eating surrender monkey' thing is a total myth.
Ellis isn't ignorant of this and comes up with a good enough reason to villainize the French -- they're a ruthless military force within pissing distance of England. It's got enough military history (mostly arrowheads, archer vs bowman ranges, etc) to make it fun. Though the black and white art is a bit boring.
jamesdavidward's review
5.0
A funny, sweary, bloody, and xenophobic, history comic, about a small English peasant army killing fuckloads of French aristocrats in 1346. Quick, light, satisfying read, with great black-and-white artwork and an engaging fourth-wall breaking style. Highly recommended.
wyvernfriend's review against another edition
4.0
A longbowman's account of the battle of Crecy. Crude and simplistic in parts this is also a perfect way to teach about how divided things really were and how this was a turning point for England and in warfare.
Densely illustrated and holding nothing back, it's an interesting read, could be useful for educators, be prepared with a decent bibliography for afterwards, the only thing this is really lacking!
Densely illustrated and holding nothing back, it's an interesting read, could be useful for educators, be prepared with a decent bibliography for afterwards, the only thing this is really lacking!
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