marimoose's review
3.0
3.5/5 stars. I think I can get behind a zombie Hansel and Gretel XD.
Far Out Fairy Tales should be considered an anthology of fairy tales given particular twists. Each tale is written by a different author, with a particular care to endear young readers to look at a familiar tale with a different perspective. It’s a neat idea, one totally am enthusiastic over, especially when–as experience has it–my little voldies at school clamor for a familiar tale. My little voldies (charming little four-year-olds…) are particularly attached to Rapunzel (or “Princess Pahunzel” as one of my little voldies call the titular figure), so I was only a little bummed out that there was no variation of it in this volume.
That said! The antho included retellings of Cinderella as a ninja, Little Red Riding Hood as a superhero, the Billy Goats Gruff as a party of three in a fantasy role-playing game, Snow White as a child being raised by robots, and Hansel and Gretel as not so much lovable kids, but brain-guzzling zombie children.
Frankly, I’m not even sure where to begin.
Full review found at Story and Somnomancy.
Far Out Fairy Tales should be considered an anthology of fairy tales given particular twists. Each tale is written by a different author, with a particular care to endear young readers to look at a familiar tale with a different perspective. It’s a neat idea, one totally am enthusiastic over, especially when–as experience has it–my little voldies at school clamor for a familiar tale. My little voldies (charming little four-year-olds…) are particularly attached to Rapunzel (or “Princess Pahunzel” as one of my little voldies call the titular figure), so I was only a little bummed out that there was no variation of it in this volume.
That said! The antho included retellings of Cinderella as a ninja, Little Red Riding Hood as a superhero, the Billy Goats Gruff as a party of three in a fantasy role-playing game, Snow White as a child being raised by robots, and Hansel and Gretel as not so much lovable kids, but brain-guzzling zombie children.
Frankly, I’m not even sure where to begin.
Full review found at Story and Somnomancy.
haia_929's review
3.0
This is a trimmed down version of my review, to view the full review visit The Book Ramble.
I received a copy of this book from Capstone on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Far Out Fairy Tales is a collection of fairy tales, in graphic novel form, that have modern twists, or really just twists in general on them. In a lot of cases it seemed the twists were made to make the stories more palatable for stereotypical male audiences and to remove and stereo typically girly elements from the story.
I’ve been sitting on this book forever because the ARC file expired and I never got a chance to read it, but I finally picked up the book myself and got to it. It’s definitely a fun collection of stories and would be a fun read for middle school/young adult readers.
Each story comes with some background on the original fairy tale and the changes that had been made to the story to incorporate the twist. I thought that element was really cool because it’s always fun to get to the root of a fairy tale and learn the history behind it.
This probably wasn’t my favourite book I’ve ever read but I thought it was pretty fun and I recommend it for sure. There’s a lot of cute art and some fun stories.
I received a copy of this book from Capstone on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Far Out Fairy Tales is a collection of fairy tales, in graphic novel form, that have modern twists, or really just twists in general on them. In a lot of cases it seemed the twists were made to make the stories more palatable for stereotypical male audiences and to remove and stereo typically girly elements from the story.
I’ve been sitting on this book forever because the ARC file expired and I never got a chance to read it, but I finally picked up the book myself and got to it. It’s definitely a fun collection of stories and would be a fun read for middle school/young adult readers.
Each story comes with some background on the original fairy tale and the changes that had been made to the story to incorporate the twist. I thought that element was really cool because it’s always fun to get to the root of a fairy tale and learn the history behind it.
This probably wasn’t my favourite book I’ve ever read but I thought it was pretty fun and I recommend it for sure. There’s a lot of cute art and some fun stories.
ljrinaldi's review
3.0
This is a cute collection of revised fairy tales, more up to date for kids, and perhaps that is the problem? They are trying to hard to be up-to-date? I have to say that some of the updates I really, really like. For example, Snow White is hated, not for her beauty, but for her intelligence. Cinderella doesn't want to marry the prince, she wants to be his personal body guard, and Little Red Riding Hood, is a super hero, who is not a bit afraid of the big bad wolf. These changes I quite enjoyed, and got into.
However, I do not like Zombies, so Hansel and Gretel and Zombies was boring to me, I don't enjoy playing video games, so the Three Billy Goats Gruff in a video game bored me. If those two stories had been left out this might have been a four or four and a half star.
As I know I am not the audience, it probably doesn't matter what I like. The pictures are bright an colorful. Louise Simpson, who once wrote Power Pack, which is a great comic book, is one of the writers, and Otis Frampton, of Oddly Normal is also in there.
Examples of the artwork (sample pages), below.
Snow White
Ninja-Rella
Red Riding hood:
The only major nit I have to pick with the Ninja-Rella story is why, if it is set in Japan, is everyone, other than the fairy-ninja, white?
Thanks to Netgalley for supplying this book for an honest review.
However, I do not like Zombies, so Hansel and Gretel and Zombies was boring to me, I don't enjoy playing video games, so the Three Billy Goats Gruff in a video game bored me. If those two stories had been left out this might have been a four or four and a half star.
As I know I am not the audience, it probably doesn't matter what I like. The pictures are bright an colorful. Louise Simpson, who once wrote Power Pack, which is a great comic book, is one of the writers, and Otis Frampton, of Oddly Normal is also in there.
Examples of the artwork (sample pages), below.
Snow White
Ninja-Rella
Red Riding hood:
The only major nit I have to pick with the Ninja-Rella story is why, if it is set in Japan, is everyone, other than the fairy-ninja, white?
Thanks to Netgalley for supplying this book for an honest review.
emilyanddeb's review
4.0
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
This was such a cute graphic novel! I loved all the unique twists on classic fairy tales, making them more kick-butt and fun. This is perfect for readers of any age to enjoy. My only complain is that at the end of each story, there would be a page that would explain the differences between the original story and the new story. I don't think these were necessary since the differences and changes were pretty obvious. Overall, I highly recommend this as a quick, fun read!
This was such a cute graphic novel! I loved all the unique twists on classic fairy tales, making them more kick-butt and fun. This is perfect for readers of any age to enjoy. My only complain is that at the end of each story, there would be a page that would explain the differences between the original story and the new story. I don't think these were necessary since the differences and changes were pretty obvious. Overall, I highly recommend this as a quick, fun read!
jmmoore2003's review
4.0
What if Cinderella was really a ninja, and she wanted to be the prince's bodyguard rather than his bride? How would Snow White have been different in space? Could Mario-esque mushrooms help the Three Billy Goats Gruff level up and defeat the Bridge Troll if he was a final boss?
Far Out Fairy Tales takes traditional fairy tales and gives them a truly modern twist worthy of the graphic novel format. Kids will love these fast-paced stories of familiar heroes and heroines cast in a completely unique light. I recommend this book to geeky parents everywhere!
Far Out Fairy Tales takes traditional fairy tales and gives them a truly modern twist worthy of the graphic novel format. Kids will love these fast-paced stories of familiar heroes and heroines cast in a completely unique light. I recommend this book to geeky parents everywhere!
beammey's review
3.0
**I received a copy of this from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
These were alright. The tales are definitely meant for someone of the younger audience. They were fun though and had me smiling and smirking a few times. The artwork was well done. If I was in the right age group for this I think I would have enjoyed it better though. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
These were alright. The tales are definitely meant for someone of the younger audience. They were fun though and had me smiling and smirking a few times. The artwork was well done. If I was in the right age group for this I think I would have enjoyed it better though. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
scostner's review
4.0
Do you enjoy fairy tales? Are you a reader who also thinks that updated versions and fractured fairy tales are cool? Then jump right into this collection, and you will have 5 of the most nontraditional retellings you may ever come across. Ninjarella doesn't lose a glass slipper; she leaves her special glass katana behind. Red Riding Hood doesn't have a poor sick granny; her grandma is President of the United States. The three billy goats Gruff wind up inside a video game trying to win the boss fight. Snow White crash lands on an asteroid run by seven mining robots while she is trying to escape the evil regent. And Hansel and Gretel are zombies living in an abandoned graveyard with their zombie parents.
One of the great features of this book is the comparison/contrast of each story to its original version. There is also a description of when the original story was first published, including the author (or collector), the date, and the main components of the story. This would make it handy to use in language arts classes that are studying fairy tales and how the themes are presented over time. The illustrations capture the popular graphic novel style and make use of the conventions such as showing action in sequential panels and using sound effects. (I especially liked the POOF when the godninja gave Ninjarella her clothes, then the DOUBLE POOF when the katana appears.)
For graphic novel and comic lovers, all the elements of the genre are there. For those who are looking for new variations of fairy tales to enjoy or add to their collections, these will certainly fit the bill. Either way, you are in for a pleasant time.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
One of the great features of this book is the comparison/contrast of each story to its original version. There is also a description of when the original story was first published, including the author (or collector), the date, and the main components of the story. This would make it handy to use in language arts classes that are studying fairy tales and how the themes are presented over time. The illustrations capture the popular graphic novel style and make use of the conventions such as showing action in sequential panels and using sound effects. (I especially liked the POOF when the godninja gave Ninjarella her clothes, then the DOUBLE POOF when the katana appears.)
For graphic novel and comic lovers, all the elements of the genre are there. For those who are looking for new variations of fairy tales to enjoy or add to their collections, these will certainly fit the bill. Either way, you are in for a pleasant time.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
jmanchester0's review
2.0
I‰ЫЄve discussed here before how much I love retellings. So I was looking forward to reading this modern twist on fairy tales.
This contains 5 separate stories ‰ЫТ retellings of Cinderella, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, The Billy Goats Gruff, and Hansel & Gretel.
Ninja-rella. At this point, I think I figured out that this was geared for a much younger audience. (I knew it was for kids, but it might be best for early readers. Maybe early elementary school.) But the story was a decent retelling.
The most interesting part of this one thing, is at the end of the story, there‰ЫЄs the history behind the fable and how the update changed it. This is repeated for all the stories.
Red Riding Hood, Superhero. I liked the idea of this, but it got really goofy. I‰ЫЄm not sure if it‰ЫЄs almost too young and silly for my 8-year-old.
Super Billy Goats Gruff. This one was worse than the Little Red Riding Hood as far as being goofy and nonsensical. They get stuck in a video game‰Ы_why? How? I like retellings ‰ЫТ but I like them to be grounded in some kind of logic. This was borderline surreal. (And that mimic is taken from D&D, isn‰ЫЄt it?)
Snow White and the Seven Robots. Ah, Louise Simonson! This one is still obviously written to a really young audience, but it‰ЫЄs not nonsensical and a bit more interesting than the other stories.
Hansel & Gretel Zombies. Now this seems like it was written for older elementary. It‰ЫЄs slightly more disturbing. Since the kids are trying to trap someone to eat their brains. It seems a little out of place here. Maybe because it‰ЫЄs the one I liked the best. (Oddly in the section that discusses the difference between this and the original story, it uses pictures from this weird, creepy, emo [b:Hansel and Gretel|6053825|Hansel and Gretel The Graphic Novel|Donald Lemke|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1390677804s/6053825.jpg|6229625] story I found at the library. Come to find out, that was published by Stone Arch Books, too.)
To be honest, I‰ЫЄm not really sure what age group to recommend this to. Some of the silliness seems kindergarten level. Some of the stories seem 3-4 grade level.
Thanks to NetGalley, Calstone, and Stone Arch Books for a copy in return for an honest review.
This contains 5 separate stories ‰ЫТ retellings of Cinderella, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, The Billy Goats Gruff, and Hansel & Gretel.
Ninja-rella. At this point, I think I figured out that this was geared for a much younger audience. (I knew it was for kids, but it might be best for early readers. Maybe early elementary school.) But the story was a decent retelling.
The most interesting part of this one thing, is at the end of the story, there‰ЫЄs the history behind the fable and how the update changed it. This is repeated for all the stories.
Red Riding Hood, Superhero. I liked the idea of this, but it got really goofy. I‰ЫЄm not sure if it‰ЫЄs almost too young and silly for my 8-year-old.
Super Billy Goats Gruff. This one was worse than the Little Red Riding Hood as far as being goofy and nonsensical. They get stuck in a video game‰Ы_why? How? I like retellings ‰ЫТ but I like them to be grounded in some kind of logic. This was borderline surreal. (And that mimic is taken from D&D, isn‰ЫЄt it?)
Snow White and the Seven Robots. Ah, Louise Simonson! This one is still obviously written to a really young audience, but it‰ЫЄs not nonsensical and a bit more interesting than the other stories.
Hansel & Gretel Zombies. Now this seems like it was written for older elementary. It‰ЫЄs slightly more disturbing. Since the kids are trying to trap someone to eat their brains. It seems a little out of place here. Maybe because it‰ЫЄs the one I liked the best. (Oddly in the section that discusses the difference between this and the original story, it uses pictures from this weird, creepy, emo [b:Hansel and Gretel|6053825|Hansel and Gretel The Graphic Novel|Donald Lemke|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1390677804s/6053825.jpg|6229625] story I found at the library. Come to find out, that was published by Stone Arch Books, too.)
To be honest, I‰ЫЄm not really sure what age group to recommend this to. Some of the silliness seems kindergarten level. Some of the stories seem 3-4 grade level.
Thanks to NetGalley, Calstone, and Stone Arch Books for a copy in return for an honest review.
ladykatka's review against another edition
3.0
This was cute if not a little over the top campey fun. The stories are a little short but it is great for younger kids, I would say around 8 or 9, especially if they are familiar with the classic tales.
bryceoc's review
3.0
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.
This was pretty meh, but kind of cute. My favorite story was Ninja-rella, I liked the art and the story more than any of the others. The Super Billy Goats Gruff one was pretty clever too, the others didn't really make an impression.
This was pretty meh, but kind of cute. My favorite story was Ninja-rella, I liked the art and the story more than any of the others. The Super Billy Goats Gruff one was pretty clever too, the others didn't really make an impression.