Reviews

The Shadow Hero by Gene Luen Yang

sierra_color's review against another edition

5.0

I know I say this for so many books, but I genuinely love this book! I love the art, the story, and the history behind the story. I also love the representation, even though I'm not Asian, I do realize that (as a Mexican) finding things that are not only by people who are like you, but who have you in mind as the intended audience, is rare.

So, let's talk about more about this book. The art? Is amazing. I love it-- the colors, the lines, the shapes, the way people are drawn, along with the settings, is amazing. And it really makes this book stand out against a lot of other comics. As for the story? I love it too! I couldn't put this book down! It was like I was reading it for the first time! (Even though I've read this book before, years ago!) Every twist and turn was perfectly done, and I believed that these characters could be real people, because their dynamics are realistic.

I can't wait to read more stuff like this, whether it's from the author, Gene Luen Yang, or the artist, Sonny Liew. I love them both, they're so amazing. I felt like I'd been transported into a unique world, and was being shown a corner of the world I hadn't seen before. Usually, when it comes to stories of immigrants, they're never superheroes, so to see one where an immigrant, or the child of an immigrant was a superhero was awesome!

Also, I love how (at least to me) this book shows that America, no matter what history says, has always been diverse, and I can't wait to read more stories that showcase this.

thejenjineer's review against another edition

5.0

Sometimes a girl falls in love with superhero stories. So she reads a bunch of superhero stories. Then she finds herself thinking “wait, I’ve seen this story before, but with different colored capes”. She still loves superheros dearly, but wishes for something different. Still superheroes. Still capes and bad guys and punching said bad guys, but different. She worries that the magic is gone. Sometimes a book like this comes along and all is well.

crystal_reading's review against another edition

5.0

I had an ARC from Netgalley. A complete review will be posted closer to the release, but this is an excellent graphic novel. I can't wait to read the published copy.

Here is a link to my review on Rich in Color http://richincolor.com/2014/03/review-the-shadow-hero/

debz57a52's review

4.5

This is not my first Gene Luen Yang book, but man, has it been a while since I read one.  I truly enjoy the way Yang blends respect for the American comic book culture in with his own understandings and experiences  -  and he does this with every book, The Shadow Hero included.  Hank's story about how he became the Shadow Hero must start with his parents and how their history is his history, too.  His mother's ideas for his future, his training, his understanding of the Chinatown economy (and underworld) are all laid out with an eye for storytelling, cause and effect, and the subtle tones of karma rather than the harsher American concept of revenge.  The artwork and coloring is a joy to look at, so neat and clear, without too much clutter in the background to confuse the story.  When I read the back pages about the facts (and rumors) about the Golden Age's Shadow Hero superhero, I was even more impressed with the way illustrator Sonny Liew tackled the Shadow Hero's appearance.  Just an excellent graphic novel (trade paperback?) all around.

lawbooks600's review against another edition

3.0

6.5/10, it was ok.

raechsreads's review against another edition

5.0

Mr. Yang has done it again. I love how he mixes historical events into a story with a heaping of humor and a touch of thoughtfulness.

driedfrogpills's review against another edition

4.0

An interesting reboot of a little-known comic book hero. I thought the inclusion and explanation of the source material was a nice touch. The art is perfect - reminiscent of most comic books without dropping into satire - and the story is delightfully free of the caricatures and stereotypes that normally plague the genre (especially regarding Asians and Asian-Americans) while still embodying everything that makes a fun comic.

Spoiler

Worth the read just for the segment of his mother trying to turn him into a superhero, but the rest of the comic is just as great.

pagesofpins's review against another edition

4.0

Yang creates an origin story for the first Asian American superhero from the Golden Age of Comics, and he does it with a nice mix of humor, The American Dream, Chinese heritage, and classic superhero tropes. I enjoyed the story on its own, but after reading one of the original Green Turtle comics in the back of the book, I have a greater appreciation for Yang's creative decisions in adapting the original.

mrackover's review against another edition

5.0

This was really sweet.

joghansah's review against another edition

adventurous challenging inspiring 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

5.0

I loved it! I'm rooting for Hank and the Shadow.