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zjnorth's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
tiedyedude's review against another edition
3.0
I feel that the descriptor "illustrated" regarding this title is a bit misleading; the illustration are mostly trading-card-sized, sparsely inset to the margins. In addition, though he is the title character, Joe Golem is little more than a supporting character, absent for big chucks of the story. Misleading title aside, it is a good enough read. I don't see myself giving it much thought in the future, and I'm not even sure I'd consider recommending it to a fan of Mike Mignola.
the_sunken_library's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent novel for steam punk fans. From Christopher Golden who has written some cracking World of Warcraft novels and is an excellent world builder and creates awesome characters and the man who brought you Hell boy, Mignola. Clever, sweet and truly brilliant. If you love HB and BPRD you will love this.
seaclauss's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
waiting4catbus's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.75
hufflepuffbiologybuff's review against another edition
3.0
It was mildly interesting. I was not a fan of the ending though.
mehitabels's review against another edition
4.0
this was really great. I love Mignola's art, so this was a treat. What I found interesting was the serial feeling to the chapters. There was a little repetition that twinged my neck each time (and they are obvious lines that get repeated). Each chapter felt like a new issue of a comic book, which makes sense for the style of writing these gents do.
still, no complaints, the story is really fascinating (NY under water!), golems are one of my favorite tales, and the art is lovely. Can't wait to read the next one!
still, no complaints, the story is really fascinating (NY under water!), golems are one of my favorite tales, and the art is lovely. Can't wait to read the next one!
mc_j_ho's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this story overall but it felt like it would have worked better as a graphic novel. In parts the prose dragged in a way that felt would have worked better in images. It was also a shame to not see more of the relationship between Felix and Molly as this was very interesting up front but then not focused on as the plot progressed.
mirable's review against another edition
4.0
SLJ review:
MIGNOLA, Mike & Christopher Golden. Joe Golem and the Drowning City: An Illustrated Novel. 288p. St. Martin’s. 2012. Tr $25.99. ISBN 978-0-312-64473-4. LC 2012013269.
Adult/High School–Molly McHugh is a jaded, yet still good-hearted girl, living on the fringes of society with a strange old man called Orlov the Conjurer in a steampunkish alternate reality. A cataclysm in 1925 caused lower Manhattan and Brooklyn to flood and, ever since, resilient New Yorkers have adjusted, living on the top floors of mostly underwater buildings and getting around by boat and rope bridges. Felix Orvlov is not what he seems, but he is the closest thing Molly has to family and his kidnapping by the sinister Dr. Cocteau spurs her into a desperate search to rescue him. She joins forces with a mysterious man named Mr. Church and his overlarge friend Joe, searching not only for Felix but also for a mysterious artifact called the Pentajulum, which holds the possibility of opening paths to other worlds. She faces many trials in her quest, but the more Molly learns, the more she realizes she doesn’t really know anything, and that most people are not what they seem–Mr. Church is more machine than man and Joe is literally made from stone and earth–and nothing is sure, not even the sanctity of death. Highly descriptive writing and grotesque imagery help to place readers in this truly fantastic setting with hints of elder gods and worlds beyond worlds. Enhanced by multiple points of view and deeply philosophical in its underpinnings, the lavish illustrations add immediacy to Molly’s world. Both teens who like their fantastic sprinkled with a little Lovecraft and steampunk and those who are interested in a wider view of the world should enjoy this.–Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI
MIGNOLA, Mike & Christopher Golden. Joe Golem and the Drowning City: An Illustrated Novel. 288p. St. Martin’s. 2012. Tr $25.99. ISBN 978-0-312-64473-4. LC 2012013269.
Adult/High School–Molly McHugh is a jaded, yet still good-hearted girl, living on the fringes of society with a strange old man called Orlov the Conjurer in a steampunkish alternate reality. A cataclysm in 1925 caused lower Manhattan and Brooklyn to flood and, ever since, resilient New Yorkers have adjusted, living on the top floors of mostly underwater buildings and getting around by boat and rope bridges. Felix Orvlov is not what he seems, but he is the closest thing Molly has to family and his kidnapping by the sinister Dr. Cocteau spurs her into a desperate search to rescue him. She joins forces with a mysterious man named Mr. Church and his overlarge friend Joe, searching not only for Felix but also for a mysterious artifact called the Pentajulum, which holds the possibility of opening paths to other worlds. She faces many trials in her quest, but the more Molly learns, the more she realizes she doesn’t really know anything, and that most people are not what they seem–Mr. Church is more machine than man and Joe is literally made from stone and earth–and nothing is sure, not even the sanctity of death. Highly descriptive writing and grotesque imagery help to place readers in this truly fantastic setting with hints of elder gods and worlds beyond worlds. Enhanced by multiple points of view and deeply philosophical in its underpinnings, the lavish illustrations add immediacy to Molly’s world. Both teens who like their fantastic sprinkled with a little Lovecraft and steampunk and those who are interested in a wider view of the world should enjoy this.–Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI