mschlat's review against another edition
4.0
I am a big fan of practically everything [a:Phil Foglio|42122|Phil Foglio|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/m_50x66-09ae6e5eb554f8a5ab0515c05488ea34.png] and [a:Kaja Foglio|212788|Kaja Foglio|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/f_50x66-3498e835d024c789dd934a5c5fb5bdbc.png] do, and I have been following this series from the beginning. Lots of appeal factors for me: engaging characters, a lot of cliffhanger moments, interesting science aspects, and tons, tons, tons of humor.
However, the last few volumes seemed like they were bogging down. We were spending lots of time in Mechanicsburg and the Heterodyne castle, and the resolutions to the motivating questions ("Will Agatha fix the castle?" and "Will she save the city?") seemed to go on forever. In addition, I am just not as enamored of the romance triangle as I believe the creators are.
This volume is a definite change of pace from the last few. Without getting too spoilery, there are at least two large plot changes in the latter half of the graphic novel. If you have been waiting for something to happen, this is the volume to read. I'm glad to see a new direction in the plot lines and am looking forward eagerly to the next volume.
However, the last few volumes seemed like they were bogging down. We were spending lots of time in Mechanicsburg and the Heterodyne castle, and the resolutions to the motivating questions ("Will Agatha fix the castle?" and "Will she save the city?") seemed to go on forever. In addition, I am just not as enamored of the romance triangle as I believe the creators are.
This volume is a definite change of pace from the last few. Without getting too spoilery, there are at least two large plot changes in the latter half of the graphic novel. If you have been waiting for something to happen, this is the volume to read. I'm glad to see a new direction in the plot lines and am looking forward eagerly to the next volume.
sonofthe's review against another edition
2.0
Zombies! Steampunk! Silly accents! This book has it all...all things that I don't like, that is (well, the wrong sorts of silly accents). Mad science even. I'm not sure how I feel about mad science. But here? It doesn't work for me here.
For those of you into these things, I have a feeling this book will be just what you're looking for. The art is quirky and the writing seems to be quick to hit all the tropey buttons people like.
NOTE: I read this as part of the 2014 Hugo Voter Pack, otherwise, I wouldn't have finished it.
For those of you into these things, I have a feeling this book will be just what you're looking for. The art is quirky and the writing seems to be quick to hit all the tropey buttons people like.
NOTE: I read this as part of the 2014 Hugo Voter Pack, otherwise, I wouldn't have finished it.
kjboldon's review against another edition
4.0
The conclusion to the first storyline, but spends far more time getting us into the 2nd storyline than out of the first! The serialized nature of the comic is part of its charm, but also means it can feel sprawling and out of control rather like some of Agatha's creations. I also very much wish for a visual dictionary of all the characters, because I'm losing track. Still, it continues to enthrall with its madcap adventures, brilliant colors, dynamic art, and delightful cast.
a_h_haga's review against another edition
4.0
REREAD 2019
I found it a little weird that they didn't end one of the albums on the time jump, but what do I know? It's a good cliff hanger, but most people buying these albums have read the web comic, so cliff hangers don't matter much then, I bet.
Anyway, to the story here.
I was never a big fan of the time jump when I read it the first time, and I'm not really a fan now. That said, it felt a little less messy now than when I read it the first time - probably BECAUSE it happened in the middle of the album instead of before a long hiatsu for the authors/artists
It is also less messy than the previous album, even if it introduces some new enemies. It is still annoying, but I am also glad that they've put a few of the old stories to rest for now, even if I'm still missing a bunch of answers!
But, the story isn't over yet, so I may still get those
I found it a little weird that they didn't end one of the albums on the time jump, but what do I know? It's a good cliff hanger, but most people buying these albums have read the web comic, so cliff hangers don't matter much then, I bet.
Anyway, to the story here.
I was never a big fan of the time jump when I read it the first time, and I'm not really a fan now. That said, it felt a little less messy now than when I read it the first time - probably BECAUSE it happened in the middle of the album instead of before a long hiatsu for the authors/artists
It is also less messy than the previous album, even if it introduces some new enemies. It is still annoying, but I am also glad that they've put a few of the old stories to rest for now, even if I'm still missing a bunch of answers!
But, the story isn't over yet, so I may still get those
mlindner's review against another edition
5.0
Another volume to donate to Deschutes Public Library. The storyline--particularly via the images at time--was a tad confused, or confusing to me.
Re-read 06-07 May 2015 After a re-read I'd say that's lessened a bit. There were quite a few hilarious, laugh out loud scenes.
Re-read 06-07 May 2015 After a re-read I'd say that's lessened a bit. There were quite a few hilarious, laugh out loud scenes.
lordofthemoon's review
4.0
Goodness me, I think this may be the best Girl Genius volume to date! Agatha has jump-started the castle and as it returns to full power, the full might and power of the fully armed and operational Mechanicsburg is unleashed upon the Wulfenbach hordes. In the middle of all this, the Storm King pretender, Martellus, kidnaps Agatha and teleports her to his refuge, far away. As you'd expect, it all goes horribly wrong.
What with a fully operational (and as twisted as ever) castle, and a full complement of Jagers, this book does not lack for action. The humour knob has also dialled up to 11 and there are many laugh out loud and 'punch the air' moments. The story is racing along and getting ever more complex, making these paper collections all the more important for those of us who struggle to remember what happened three hours ago, never mind the days between pages online. That doesn't stop me from reading them online, but you definitely get more out of it when you can read a whole volume.
The art, as always, is beautiful and the double page spreads definitely make an impact (moreso on paper than online). At the time of writing, this is the last available Girl Genius collected volume. No more binging, I'm going to have to start waiting a year or so between them which is nearly as frustrating as reading the story a page at a time. Ah well, I'm off to go and relieve the frustration by starting again from the start.
What with a fully operational (and as twisted as ever) castle, and a full complement of Jagers, this book does not lack for action. The humour knob has also dialled up to 11 and there are many laugh out loud and 'punch the air' moments. The story is racing along and getting ever more complex, making these paper collections all the more important for those of us who struggle to remember what happened three hours ago, never mind the days between pages online. That doesn't stop me from reading them online, but you definitely get more out of it when you can read a whole volume.
The art, as always, is beautiful and the double page spreads definitely make an impact (moreso on paper than online). At the time of writing, this is the last available Girl Genius collected volume. No more binging, I'm going to have to start waiting a year or so between them which is nearly as frustrating as reading the story a page at a time. Ah well, I'm off to go and relieve the frustration by starting again from the start.
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