nglofile's review against another edition
2.0
This could have been so much more. Fortunately, the artwork, both color story and style, offers some value.
I've learned to temper expectations in regards to contemporary retellings, but why take a heroine with complexity, integrity, and specifically unremarkable appearance and transform her into a Barbie-with-tragic-backstory? It completely undermines the story's credibility - and that is true even if not contrasted with inspiration Jane Eyre. Both Jane and Rochester are the shallowest versions of themselves, and neither is allowed the arc that makes each iconic. Supporting characters are the worst kind of stereotypes, and the re-imagined climactic scene is (and I don't use this word lightly) ridiculous. All this from a screenwriter and producer whose work I've found witty and incisive, so the letdown is significant.
As noted above, illustrator Ramón Pérez improves the story with evocative visuals and thoughtful play with line, color, and paneling. I might even be tempted to forgive the cookie-cutter attractiveness of pixie-dreamgirl Jane because he gives her journey some shading in the depiction of different circumstances and emotions. I recognize the pop-art vibe referenced in specific moments - and I get that cartoon-like illustration is a signature - but for me the most compelling scene work was the intense interplay of reds and siennas shadowed heavily with black to show figures illuminated only by a large fire in the hearth. More of that, please.
I've learned to temper expectations in regards to contemporary retellings, but why take a heroine with complexity, integrity, and specifically unremarkable appearance and transform her into a Barbie-with-tragic-backstory? It completely undermines the story's credibility - and that is true even if not contrasted with inspiration Jane Eyre. Both Jane and Rochester are the shallowest versions of themselves, and neither is allowed the arc that makes each iconic. Supporting characters are the worst kind of stereotypes, and the re-imagined climactic scene is (and I don't use this word lightly) ridiculous. All this from a screenwriter and producer whose work I've found witty and incisive, so the letdown is significant.
As noted above, illustrator Ramón Pérez improves the story with evocative visuals and thoughtful play with line, color, and paneling. I might even be tempted to forgive the cookie-cutter attractiveness of pixie-dreamgirl Jane because he gives her journey some shading in the depiction of different circumstances and emotions. I recognize the pop-art vibe referenced in specific moments - and I get that cartoon-like illustration is a signature - but for me the most compelling scene work was the intense interplay of reds and siennas shadowed heavily with black to show figures illuminated only by a large fire in the hearth. More of that, please.
shannonwest8's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
lydiaer's review against another edition
5.0
Jane is a modern retelling of Jane Eyre. It reworks the plot and characters in a charming way that is elevated by the illustrations.
Its updated plot brings readers right up to the action and romance. The graphic novel breezes past major plot points in the classic novel while giving a nod to others.
It is an excellent story in it's own right. Two volumes would have helped cover the original story. That being said, Jane is a great book for any fan of Jane Eyre.
Its updated plot brings readers right up to the action and romance. The graphic novel breezes past major plot points in the classic novel while giving a nod to others.
It is an excellent story in it's own right. Two volumes would have helped cover the original story. That being said, Jane is a great book for any fan of Jane Eyre.
ericawrites's review against another edition
2.0
As an adaption of Jane Eyre, this missed the mark by focusing the story on the romance between Jane and Rochester. Rochester here didn't learn anything, wasn't as dark as the original character, and never groveled. There were two times that Jane forgave him that didn't make sense, except in Brosh McKenna's desire to move along the plot.
Pérez's art is gorgeous and the biggest redeeming factor of the story. I'd love for him to draw a seaside story with more boats and atmosphere.
Pérez's art is gorgeous and the biggest redeeming factor of the story. I'd love for him to draw a seaside story with more boats and atmosphere.
offbalance80's review against another edition
5.0
Jane Eyre is a title close to my heart. However problematic the story looks in our current feminist lens, Jane's voice is one that's very dear to me, and a story that I keep coming back to. I also have a conflicted relationship with "updates" of existing texts, as some are brilliant, and some miss the mark entirely (but the same can be said for all adaptations, I suppose). I am pleased, however, that this graphic novel update is a fantastic revision of the story. It doesn't get bogged down with reinventing every concept, but keeps only what it needs to keep the plot focused and interesting. Jane is also believable as someone with an iron will (but maybe not the same amount of agency as someone with more wealth or privilege might have - however pretty, thin, white or blonde she may be). I wish they had kept more of the Blanche Ingram section, although she does seem to make a cameo, but other than that, I think that the co-creator of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend did a stunning job here. Ramon Perez's art is lovely - distinctive yet subtle - a section involving a yellow dress was particularly extraordinary - and he used both black and white pencil drawings and full color to great effect here.
This should not be missed by fans of Jane Eyre. It's just wonderful.
This should not be missed by fans of Jane Eyre. It's just wonderful.
banana83854's review against another edition
3.0
pretty heavy art style for my taste, but an interesting modern adaptation overall
alalex's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
The art is beautiful, but as a connoisseur of Jane Eyre adaptations ---- huh? Visuals aside this read like a bad fanfic AU. WHICH is not something I'm at all opposed to since Jane Eyre is itself kind of Jane Austen fanfiction. But the best way for me to describe this book is: they pulled the worst parts of Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and like, Riverdale together, then jumbled them up into a lifetime movie.
Saving grace is they gave the Lifetime movie script to a talented artist who made some really beautiful and evocative storytelling images.
Saving grace is they gave the Lifetime movie script to a talented artist who made some really beautiful and evocative storytelling images.
kmfeeney's review against another edition
2.0
All the stars are for the gorgeous art. I can't even articulate why this is not a good retelling.