nglofile's review against another edition
5.0
"It's a story about death."
"Death?"
"It's really about life...but death has a big part in it."
That character exchange encapsulates this work far better than I will. It's a difficult premise to describe, and even if you find a way to articulate, it doesn't do it justice. The ethereal, meditative nature of the story needs to be experienced.
The person who put it into my hands had love for the work shining out of his eyes as heintroduced gushed about it, and that made an amazing impression. Still, he was a stranger, and who's to say our reactions would be similar? Well, now I can.
As readers, we move back and forth within a man's life, seeing key experiences and what might have led to his death. It's fantastical and heart-wrenching, but not depressing. One might even say that it's surprisingly uplifting. The play of the magical realism elements quickly teaches us that we don't know what's true in this individual's life or even if that will ever be revealed. Instead, we soak in moments at different ages and see for ourselves how those moments are thrown into relief if they actually were among his last. Other characters move in and out of frame, but each makes a singular impression that makes them immediately known upon re-entry. This isn't maudlin or manipulative; rather, it's exploratory. Evocative. Beautiful.
The art technique is equally exceptional, with variations introduced to best enhance the scenes. For example, the chapters that concern him as a child have cartoon-like inflections to convey youth and innocence. Others are darker in color palette or more crowded. As a whole there is definitive coherence, but it is also something that can be imbibed in episodic portions. The introductory images for each chapter have dreamlike compositions portrayed with more of a painterly style. This serves not only as transition and preview but also as thematic signpost.
The author note mentions that the creators "like their coffee black, with no sugar, so that the taste is strong and memorable. They believe stories should taste equally strong and be just as memorable." Love!
This is art. This is literature. It won't let me go, nor do I want it to.
"Death?"
"It's really about life...but death has a big part in it."
That character exchange encapsulates this work far better than I will. It's a difficult premise to describe, and even if you find a way to articulate, it doesn't do it justice. The ethereal, meditative nature of the story needs to be experienced.
The person who put it into my hands had love for the work shining out of his eyes as he
As readers, we move back and forth within a man's life, seeing key experiences and what might have led to his death. It's fantastical and heart-wrenching, but not depressing. One might even say that it's surprisingly uplifting. The play of the magical realism elements quickly teaches us that we don't know what's true in this individual's life or even if that will ever be revealed. Instead, we soak in moments at different ages and see for ourselves how those moments are thrown into relief if they actually were among his last. Other characters move in and out of frame, but each makes a singular impression that makes them immediately known upon re-entry. This isn't maudlin or manipulative; rather, it's exploratory. Evocative. Beautiful.
The art technique is equally exceptional, with variations introduced to best enhance the scenes. For example, the chapters that concern him as a child have cartoon-like inflections to convey youth and innocence. Others are darker in color palette or more crowded. As a whole there is definitive coherence, but it is also something that can be imbibed in episodic portions. The introductory images for each chapter have dreamlike compositions portrayed with more of a painterly style. This serves not only as transition and preview but also as thematic signpost.
The author note mentions that the creators "like their coffee black, with no sugar, so that the taste is strong and memorable. They believe stories should taste equally strong and be just as memorable." Love!
This is art. This is literature. It won't let me go, nor do I want it to.
bbboeken's review against another edition
5.0
So, what is life all about? Dit stripverhaal is een tranche de vie, maar dan van een heel leven en niet van een momentum, terwijl dat eigenlijk hetzelfde is. (Ik ben altijd bang om iets vijf sterren te geven, maar hier is het wel gerechtvaardigd, denk ik.)
theryanexpress86's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
dcygler's review against another edition
5.0
id rate it 500 stars if i could. i found this book incredibly important and i recommend it to anyone and everyone
jbmorgan86's review against another edition
5.0
“Daytripper” is one of the best graphic novels I’ve had the pleasure to read. In each issue/episode, Brás, an obit writer in Brazil, experiences life and his own death. Each section concludes with an obit of the obit writer.
When does life really begin for Brás? When does it end?
Beautiful artwork and deep thoughts.
When does life really begin for Brás? When does it end?
Beautiful artwork and deep thoughts.
vbroes's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
panohchoc's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful illustrations, really captivating. Makes you think.
dhasenkampf's review against another edition
2.5
Honestly, I just don't get this book. I didn't understand what it was trying to say. I don't understand why it's rated so highly. I don't understand how the stories are connected to each other. I think the whole point just went way over my head. The art was good enough, but I didn't particularly enjoy my time with this story.