Reviews

The Witcher, Vol. 3: Curse of Crows by Nick Filardi, Piotr Kowalski, Paul Tobin

sambora's review against another edition

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2.0

This story is a Witcher classic. I mean that in a few ways, and none of them very good.

I read Curse Of Crows as part of [b:The Witcher Omnibus|51194331|The Witcher Omnibus|Paul Tobin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1562032414l/51194331._SX50_SY75_.jpg|61398461].

Curse Of Crows is dark and mature in both tone and art, as per usual with stories from the Continent.
It is also a story we have seen many times before.
Here, again, we see the now renowned story of the King of Temeria - Foltest, and his incestuous relationship with his sister Adda. And Geralt; being hired to deal with the Striga that was borne of their cursed coupling.

This is not the main arc of this graphic novel, but it is leant on heavily as a backdrop and as a reference point.
And of course I know why it was used; because people are familiar with it, but as someone who has read the prose version and played the first game many times over within the last decade AND who has now watched the Nextflix show - this story is getting old. We didn't need a fourth rendition of this story in graphic novel format.
That is, of course, just my opinion. Maybe for those who are less familiar with the story will appreciate the reference slightly more. But me? I'm over it.

As for the main plot found here, I felt it rather hollow.
Using flashbacks to better stories and the excessive nudity of adult Ciri felt like the easiest (or laziest) way to please those who have only played the most recent video game.

There was also, somehow, a remarkable lack of swordplay or actually "Witchering".
Ciri punched some men, Yen did some teleportation, Geralt did some reminiscing and they all took plenty of baths.
It screams of fan-service, tick boxes and a very surface level understanding/appreciation of the characters.

Overview:
Story: 1/5
    - Lazy and uninspired.
Art: 3/5
    - The art quality took only a slight dip in quality from the others in the Omnibus.
Colour: 2/5
    - Standard. Nothing special or standout-ish.

Overall... 2 stars

This was, by far, the weakest graphic novel in the collection and I was disappointed that this was how the first omnibus came to an end.

_________________

Thank you for reading my review.

I'm not yet sure if I'll read any more Witcher graphic novels, but I feel more open to trying others if they are of a higher quality.
If anyone has any recommendations for graphic novels to try, let me know!

I hope you're all doing well and enjoying your current reads!

academiquewilde's review

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adventurous dark funny tense medium-paced

5.0

lemontea's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

5.0

sizrobe's review against another edition

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4.0

Better than volume 2 but not as good as 1. Worth mentioning, it assumes you know who Ciri and Yennifer are and they get no introduction, so if you haven't played the games or read any of the books, you might be a bit lost.

maristardust's review against another edition

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4.0

Otro 3,5

libraty's review against another edition

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4.0

I really like this one. The pacing is a bit slow the first half, but I didn't mind. Its just nice to see Geralt and an adult Ciri and how they work together as witchers, fulfilling contracts, camping, riding, talking and traveling. Something we have never had the chance to see before, whether in the books nor the games. The comic also really captures all the characters (including Yennefer) really well.

The art style is super pretty, definetely my favorite entry of the comic series in this regard.

My only two critiques would be that
a) the ending feels too abrupt and a bit rushed
b) I wish we would have seen more of Ciri alone. More of how she prepares for the fight, more of her and the girl from the bath house and more of her fight with the cursed monster. There is so much build up to the fight and Ciri's abilities, only for her not even landing a hit and being down, severely injured, in 2 pages. Very disappointing.

machowska555's review against another edition

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adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

jennylovesbooks14's review

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

I am really enjoying reading The Witcher grachic novels. I enjoyed this one more than the first 2 because we get to see Ciri and Yennifer. This to me is like a continuation of the game, if Ciri does choose to become a Witcher, and I’m glad to have read it.

lonsdya's review against another edition

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5.0

Absolutne 5 gwiazdek. O wiele bardziej podoba mi się kreska w tej części niż w poprzednich 2 tomach, fabuła też bardzo dobra. Jeśli czwarty tom będzie podobny to już się nie mogę doczekać!

icarys's review

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0