fuzzysocks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
shanbear16's review against another edition
3.0
The adaptation felt a little awkward in places in this volume. I also didn't like the artwork. I think the lines were drawn too heavily and made everything feel too cartoonish.
shanbear16's review
5.0
As always, this adaptation is wonderful. It's incredibly true to the source material without having too much exposition. The artwork is good, and of course I already loved the story!
vylotte's review
4.0
Still loving these graphic adaptations of the first Wheel of Time book. I didn't like the art as much as the first two, it seemed a little overly-stylistic, something that might feel dated sooner rather than later. Though it was still gorgeous. We see Aridhol, Mordeth, Elyas, Bayle Doman, the Tinkers and Whitebridge.
vylotte's review against another edition
4.0
Another volume in the graphic treatment of Robert Jordan's "The Eye of the World." The parties come together again in Camelyn and plot the next leg of their journey.
These are still such a treat to read, after following the characters and story for 20+ years, I'm thrilled with the care and attention to detail that are shown. And a special aside to the artist(s) who can make a character lovely from one angle and plain from another, just as real people often do, and who don't fall into the trap of over-prettifying those people who are supposed to be gritty or grungy just plain normal. The setting are stunning and the landscapes are lush (for now!).
The words are taken straight from Jordan, too, and care has obviously been taken to keep what is poetic and what is stirring without compromising either the graphic form or the source material.
These are still such a treat to read, after following the characters and story for 20+ years, I'm thrilled with the care and attention to detail that are shown. And a special aside to the artist(s) who can make a character lovely from one angle and plain from another, just as real people often do, and who don't fall into the trap of over-prettifying those people who are supposed to be gritty or grungy just plain normal. The setting are stunning and the landscapes are lush (for now!).
The words are taken straight from Jordan, too, and care has obviously been taken to keep what is poetic and what is stirring without compromising either the graphic form or the source material.
kukushka's review
3.0
I took all the Wheel of Time-related graphic novels out from the library and brought them along on vacation. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that The Eye of the World comes in six volumes, and only brought the three my library has. I got to the end of the third pretty certain that a good chunk was missing and, sure enough, I'm only halfway through. Still, I figured I'd better write a review, since I don't know when I'll be able to get my hands on the next three volumes.
I was quite surprised by how much of the first novel's plot I could remember. The middle books, particularly around where it became obvious that Jordan had completely dropped the reigns of the plot, are a blur, but I had distinct memories of everything covered in the graphic novels. I've found the same thing with A Song of Ice and Fire - where the first book is also quite well plotted, with a much tighter storyline than later books. In both cases, I feel like the authors started off with a very clear idea of a beginning, and then much vaguer notes for the rest of the series. It's a shame.
Regarding the graphic novels specifically, I found the text to be much better than what I saw in the New Spring graphic novel. It was much easier to follow what was going on, and I think I would have been able to read it even if I hadn't read the book first. I'm not sure how much of that is a real difference in quality and how much is just because the plot of Eye of the World is so much more action-oriented, relying less on narrative (and therefore more easily exportable to a visual medium), though.
The artwork was a little disappointing, though. The images looked messy, for lack of a better word - like coloured sketches. This meant that it was often difficult to tell one character apart from another - particularly in the beginning. Some of that might have been intentional, to show how ordinary the three Ta'veren are at the start of the story, but I don't feel like that came through very well.
There were also quite a few consistency issues, particularly with Moiraine's forehead pendant (which changed shape and style frequently from panel to panel).
Generally, though, I thought it was fine. It was certainly readable. I'm just scratching me head over who the intended audience might be for these. There isn't really a lot of added value for someone who has already read the novels, and I'm not sure how well someone who hasn't read the novels would be able to follow along with the graphic novel version. It seems a bit superfluous. Or perhaps they are looking for people like me, who are at the end of the novels and want a refresher on the series without having to tackle the doorstopper tomes for a second time.
I was quite surprised by how much of the first novel's plot I could remember. The middle books, particularly around where it became obvious that Jordan had completely dropped the reigns of the plot, are a blur, but I had distinct memories of everything covered in the graphic novels. I've found the same thing with A Song of Ice and Fire - where the first book is also quite well plotted, with a much tighter storyline than later books. In both cases, I feel like the authors started off with a very clear idea of a beginning, and then much vaguer notes for the rest of the series. It's a shame.
Regarding the graphic novels specifically, I found the text to be much better than what I saw in the New Spring graphic novel. It was much easier to follow what was going on, and I think I would have been able to read it even if I hadn't read the book first. I'm not sure how much of that is a real difference in quality and how much is just because the plot of Eye of the World is so much more action-oriented, relying less on narrative (and therefore more easily exportable to a visual medium), though.
The artwork was a little disappointing, though. The images looked messy, for lack of a better word - like coloured sketches. This meant that it was often difficult to tell one character apart from another - particularly in the beginning. Some of that might have been intentional, to show how ordinary the three Ta'veren are at the start of the story, but I don't feel like that came through very well.
There were also quite a few consistency issues, particularly with Moiraine's forehead pendant (which changed shape and style frequently from panel to panel).
Generally, though, I thought it was fine. It was certainly readable. I'm just scratching me head over who the intended audience might be for these. There isn't really a lot of added value for someone who has already read the novels, and I'm not sure how well someone who hasn't read the novels would be able to follow along with the graphic novel version. It seems a bit superfluous. Or perhaps they are looking for people like me, who are at the end of the novels and want a refresher on the series without having to tackle the doorstopper tomes for a second time.
chrish's review
5.0
Cameron, Erick, and I will be recording a two-part series of Nerd Book Review in a few weeks. First, a review of The Eye of the World, in a format familiar to NBR listeners. Second, a look back at the The Wheel of Time as a whole. You can probably just skip the middle third of that episode, because...
Spoiler
Nothing value-added happens! Bu-dum tsh!
More...