cgwinters1981's review
5.0
This graphic novel moved me to tears. It has been awhile since I have actually cried at something, but this was gut-wrenching in parts. Yes, there is a bit of a "what the heck is going on" feel to it, but overall I enjoyed it. It is very otherworldly in nature and makes one question their own life, if you get the overall message. It took me some time, so don't feel bad if it doesn't immediately hit you. The artwork also adds a richness to the narrative. I don't think this could have been anything but a masterful graphic novel. It would have failed as a regular novel. I wish I could do this particular graphic novel justice, but I know I cannot. I recommend reading it and forming your own bond with it. Find out if it is something you enjoy. If it is, I believe you will be changed for the better from the experience.
jonwesleyhuff's review
4.0
I enjoyed this a great deal. I'd heard about it through the Talking Comics podcast. Basically a slice of life comic with a slight magical twist, it did remind me of plenty of other things, but the content really won me over even if the actual device used to explore it is not exactly new. Which is really the important thing.
c8_19's review
2.0
Why are these things so gosh darn short??
Also, didn't get the shift that happened as the flashbacks showed us stuff vs. who Joe was by the final pages. Only kinda made sense to me.
Another also: asking me to suspend my disbelief that Sylvia was actually a valkyrie is kinda a stretch when she calls Rory 'dumb butt' and literally has no evidence that she's not just a figment of his imagination somehow springing out of his trauma.
Also, didn't get the shift that happened as the flashbacks showed us stuff vs. who Joe was by the final pages. Only kinda made sense to me.
Another also: asking me to suspend my disbelief that Sylvia was actually a valkyrie is kinda a stretch when she calls Rory 'dumb butt' and literally has no evidence that she's not just a figment of his imagination somehow springing out of his trauma.
wheresthebirds's review
adventurous
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ljrinaldi's review
4.0
This graphic novel was apprently the first for both the writer and illustrator, although it looked as though they had been drawing and writing unpublished books for as long as they could remember (from childhood). Well put together. Just the bit of, is this real, or is this fantasy. Seemingly normal Arkansas town, normal life, but the older brother can "see" the unseen. Does that make him stupid, crazy, or is he seeing what is really there, and does it matter?
It is a quick read, quick investment in the authors' world. I look forward to seeing what they come up with next.
It is a quick read, quick investment in the authors' world. I look forward to seeing what they come up with next.