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yeehaw_agenda's review against another edition
4.0
The artwork is GORGEOUS and I want prints!! But it's another one of those books that tries to hit you over the head with the message and I'm tired of those lol
jentidders's review against another edition
2.0
As a long term Radiohead fan, I was curious to read a graphic novel by Stanley Donwood, who has done the artwork for many of the band's albums.
Through stark black and white lino cut images, Donwood shows the history of earth as well as a warning of its likely future if humankind continues upon its destructive path.
Although this is in some ways a powerful parable, many of the images felt very similar and the complete lack of words made it hard for me to engage with it, or really consider this a book rather than a piece of modern art.
Definitely an interesting one to have a glance at, but it's not one you would 'read' over and over again.
Through stark black and white lino cut images, Donwood shows the history of earth as well as a warning of its likely future if humankind continues upon its destructive path.
Although this is in some ways a powerful parable, many of the images felt very similar and the complete lack of words made it hard for me to engage with it, or really consider this a book rather than a piece of modern art.
Definitely an interesting one to have a glance at, but it's not one you would 'read' over and over again.
elliv's review
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
dis_asteroid's review
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
dembury's review
1.0
The word "pretentious" comes to mind, but I feel like even that's giving this empty story too much thought. "Bad Island" feels like Stanley Donwood was having a bad day where he hated the world, looked at a Banksy painting, thought, "I could do that but better!" and then made this book. Except it wasn't better and yet somehow it still got published. There is nothing to enjoy about this book:
-the story is bleak and dark, sure, but not the good kind of bleak and dark- it's just totally uninspired bleak and dark. The author follows the thought process of life > dinosaurs > volcano kills dinosaurs > life begins again > civilization develops > humans build factories > humans kill earth > the end. It leaves the reader finishing that book and thinking, "...AND?" Donwood has added nothing to the conversation.
-the artwork is supremely dull. I'm kinda impressed with just HOW dull it is? Maybe on a technical level it's good; like, it has strong lines and a stark use of just black and white and emphasizes what an uninspired story this is, but nothing about it stands out. I'm trying to be objective about this, but I really mean that there is zilch that makes me think this is good artwork.
-I saw someone use the word "gimmicky" in their review and that's the exact word I wanted to use. Super gimmicky and not worth the little bit of time it takes to read.
-the story is bleak and dark, sure, but not the good kind of bleak and dark- it's just totally uninspired bleak and dark. The author follows the thought process of life > dinosaurs > volcano kills dinosaurs > life begins again > civilization develops > humans build factories > humans kill earth > the end. It leaves the reader finishing that book and thinking, "...AND?" Donwood has added nothing to the conversation.
-the artwork is supremely dull. I'm kinda impressed with just HOW dull it is? Maybe on a technical level it's good; like, it has strong lines and a stark use of just black and white and emphasizes what an uninspired story this is, but nothing about it stands out. I'm trying to be objective about this, but I really mean that there is zilch that makes me think this is good artwork.
-I saw someone use the word "gimmicky" in their review and that's the exact word I wanted to use. Super gimmicky and not worth the little bit of time it takes to read.
korkny's review
4.0
Beautiful and poetic, without any need for words. All about destruction and rebirth.
rouxlore's review
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
sydneyfwhite's review
3.0
Beautiful art. Powerful message that is very clear. Quick read that packs a punch!
justaprilann's review
4.0
Really beautiful and intriguing illustrations. Without text, it was a cool exercise to come up with very my own interpretations. Though the message came
Through very clearly in the progression of the imagery.
Through very clearly in the progression of the imagery.