suspiciouspinecone's review against another edition
dark
funny
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I don't how accurate it is, but there was definitely some cool stories in here, some of which had me feeling a lot (looking at you, After The Pain)
benvedou's review against another edition
4.0
Easing my way into 2020.
This is a good collection of stories. A number of artists and writers joined forces to update (and, in some cases modernize) these Asian folk tales. My deepest wish is that the source material was treated with respect, but frankly I don’t know and can’t comment on anything other than my own enjoyment of reading through this book.
The art and storytelling style for each story differs slightly. Some are truly stunning aesthetically. Others are a bit ugly or don’t flow well. The entire book is a mixed bag, but if you don’t like a given story here, you still get to admire some art and listen to the lessons of another culture, and then move on with your life.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway here, as a western reader, is that Japan should not have a monopoly on the continent’s folk tales and mythology. I wish more collections like this were made.
This is a good collection of stories. A number of artists and writers joined forces to update (and, in some cases modernize) these Asian folk tales. My deepest wish is that the source material was treated with respect, but frankly I don’t know and can’t comment on anything other than my own enjoyment of reading through this book.
The art and storytelling style for each story differs slightly. Some are truly stunning aesthetically. Others are a bit ugly or don’t flow well. The entire book is a mixed bag, but if you don’t like a given story here, you still get to admire some art and listen to the lessons of another culture, and then move on with your life.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway here, as a western reader, is that Japan should not have a monopoly on the continent’s folk tales and mythology. I wish more collections like this were made.
austinzzz's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the different styles and stories from different Asian countries.
ceraphimfalls's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Super cute stories here, especially #EndOfTheWorld and Ghost Pepper. I realize the conceit of this series is one book per continent, so this is appropriately the largest volume in the series. But I would love to see a sister series of the different regions on Asia. There was certainly an abundance of East Asian stories, but only a sprinkling from other regions. There are so many amazing stories and storytellers out there, I am thankful that Iron Circus Comics is out there to give these artists and writers a wider platform to share their stories.
revafisheye's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
5.0
binnybeenreading's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
it was fine, it wasn’t anything special and the only one to really stick out to me was the one about the brahmin, the tiger, and the jackal. also i was hoping for more or a variety of cultures.
br00k3a133n's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
4.5
vippolito2000's review against another edition
3.75
I liked some stories and tuned out during others but I'd still definitely recommend for anyone interested in anthologies, graphic novels, and/or Asian stories from a wide range of countries
oliviak07's review against another edition
3.0
An anthology that expands one's folktale environment, "Tamamo the Fox Maiden and Other Asian Stories" is a rich collection for anyone who enjoys legends and fables alike.
Given the variety of authors, editors, translators, and illustrators, the graphic novel has a tale and a picture for everyone regardless of their preferred genre. My favorite tales included an array of both comedy and tragedy: "The Great Flood" (China), "Ghost Pepper" (Laos), "After the Rain" (Myanmar), "Urashima Taro" (Japan), "The Ballad of Mulan" (China), and "Hoichi the Earless" (Japan).
My only criticism about this collection was the lack of authors and illustrators who are of Asian decent. Yes, there are allies whose respect and love of the stories they drew inspiration from is immeasurable. However, this would have been a great chance to shine a light on artists and storytellers from the continent of Asia, or by Asian Americans.
I would like to find a way to include this anthology in my upcoming Graphic Novel Book Club, so that these tales of old can find a new and appreciative audience.
Given the variety of authors, editors, translators, and illustrators, the graphic novel has a tale and a picture for everyone regardless of their preferred genre. My favorite tales included an array of both comedy and tragedy: "The Great Flood" (China), "Ghost Pepper" (Laos), "After the Rain" (Myanmar), "Urashima Taro" (Japan), "The Ballad of Mulan" (China), and "Hoichi the Earless" (Japan).
My only criticism about this collection was the lack of authors and illustrators who are of Asian decent. Yes, there are allies whose respect and love of the stories they drew inspiration from is immeasurable. However, this would have been a great chance to shine a light on artists and storytellers from the continent of Asia, or by Asian Americans.
I would like to find a way to include this anthology in my upcoming Graphic Novel Book Club, so that these tales of old can find a new and appreciative audience.
lemon_drop's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
4.0