eweindesign's review against another edition
2.0
This reminded me of A Monster Calls, but more violent, less of a heart. Just didn’t hit the same.
iffer's review
4.0
I Kill Giants is a touching, emotional strings-pulling story. While the theme of a child dealing with terminal illness and loss isn't novel, I Kill Giants explores one child's struggles believably, and the artwork is unassumingly expressive. I Kill Giants undoubtedly resonates with a large and diverse audience. I recommend this book.
Other thoughts:
I enjoyed that the main character Barbara is a misfit, not only because the emotional turmoil that she's going through and her coping mechanism of fantasy, but also just because she's different than the other kids, especially girls, her age. I did, however, have my suspension of disbelief broken by some elements that didn't ring true to me of a preteen girls' experiences, such as the physical bullying/violence among girls, and the inclusion of D&D, to a lesser extent. I'm not saying that these things don't ever happen with girls, but, in this case, especially since the story was reflective of the author's own experiences coping with his father's illness, it seemed like Barbara was an amalgamation of Kelly's daughter and himself. There were also several times when Barbara says things that were uncharacteristic of anyone her age, potentially reflective of how Kelly felt/what he learned during his own father's illness.
The end, though a tear-jerker, is somewhat anticlimactic, just because there's a ton of buildup to the appearance of the Titan, and everything else is just convenient wrap-up.
I'm looking forward to watching Ken Niimura's career, because, although I'm not a huge fan of "loose" artwork, I Kill Giants is incredibly expressive with good visual storytelling, especially since it's his first major work only in black and white, and only his first major one.
P.S. Although it was meant to be ironic, the question to the main character, "How do *you* know so much about *boy* stuff?" rubbed me the wrong way.
Other thoughts:
I enjoyed that the main character Barbara is a misfit, not only because the emotional turmoil that she's going through and her coping mechanism of fantasy, but also just because she's different than the other kids, especially girls, her age. I did, however, have my suspension of disbelief broken by some elements that didn't ring true to me of a preteen girls' experiences, such as the physical bullying/violence among girls, and the inclusion of D&D, to a lesser extent. I'm not saying that these things don't ever happen with girls, but, in this case, especially since the story was reflective of the author's own experiences coping with his father's illness, it seemed like Barbara was an amalgamation of Kelly's daughter and himself. There were also several times when Barbara says things that were uncharacteristic of anyone her age, potentially reflective of how Kelly felt/what he learned during his own father's illness.
The end, though a tear-jerker, is somewhat anticlimactic, just because there's a ton of buildup to the appearance of the Titan, and everything else is just convenient wrap-up.
I'm looking forward to watching Ken Niimura's career, because, although I'm not a huge fan of "loose" artwork, I Kill Giants is incredibly expressive with good visual storytelling, especially since it's his first major work only in black and white, and only his first major one.
P.S. Although it was meant to be ironic, the question to the main character, "How do *you* know so much about *boy* stuff?" rubbed me the wrong way.
celestihel's review
5.0
Most amazing graphic novel I've read in a long time. It was a good introduction to a more anime like art with a story that anyone can relate to. It is at turns fantastical, heart-wrenching, and triumphant. It made me cry and laugh and hope.
rilester's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mizzie's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75