Scan barcode
inkerly's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
This was one of the most disturbing graphic novels I’ve read. (SEE CONTENT WARNINGS) But I’m so intrigued by it.
I think what is hauntingly grotesque about it is the contrast of beautiful Nigerian culture and life with the garish Nigerian monster & Chioma’s appearance after the incident.
As a graphic novel, the art style complemented the goriness of the story, but the different font sizes and small but long blocks of text on different pages made it unpleasant to read. Also some aspects of the novel were kept strangely vague. To a nonWest African what are “West African features” in the context of this story ?(especially when the visuals don’t align?) What is “European style”? What are “Mumou”? Things like this could have been explained in a better way.
I’m not gonna lie and say that I even understood what the ending meant or the moral of the story but this was a neat graphic novel, so I might entertain more visuals by Nnedi. Apparently it’s based on her book “On the Road”, I might give that a read too.
I think what is hauntingly grotesque about it is the contrast of beautiful Nigerian culture and life with the garish Nigerian monster & Chioma’s appearance after the incident.
As a graphic novel, the art style complemented the goriness of the story, but the different font sizes and small but long blocks of text on different pages made it unpleasant to read. Also some aspects of the novel were kept strangely vague. To a nonWest African what are “West African features” in the context of this story ?(especially when the visuals don’t align?) What is “European style”? What are “Mumou”? Things like this could have been explained in a better way.
I’m not gonna lie and say that I even understood what the ending meant or the moral of the story but this was a neat graphic novel, so I might entertain more visuals by Nnedi. Apparently it’s based on her book “On the Road”, I might give that a read too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Torture, Blood, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Injury/Injury detail
erine's review against another edition
3.0
A little slice of horror. Reminded me in some ways of [b:Apocalypse Taco|41104101|Apocalypse Taco|Nathan Hale|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1534662019l/41104101._SX50_.jpg|64218603], in the way that the world dissolved and continually reshaped itself around the main character. The idea that the world just does this sometimes -- becomes something completely different and sucks you right along with it -- disturbs me greatly and yet clearly happens in reality all the time.
ezrasbabel's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
immense_storm's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
tor's review
4.0
This book was scary in all the right places. It had striking visuals, including some cool visual choices in the page layouts! I enjoyed the story concept itself too, although I found some story developments felt a bit sudden, like they could’ve used more elaboration - which would have been great, because I would’ve liked to spend more time with these characters and their world!
zhollows's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sabesaw's review against another edition
2.0
I love the concept, but the execution was poor. The art style, while interesting and fitting for the story wasn't really my cup of tea. The backgrounds behind the panels were distracting and at times confuse me. The art also wasn't consistent. The MC often looked completely different page to page and panel to panel. I know expressions change people's faces and look, but this was too much.
While I enjoyed the story itself the art often wasn't consistent with the actual story (more inconsistencies!). There were way too many times when the words said one thing and the art showed something different. It was very distracting and pulled me out of the story. With that being stead I did enjoy how well the art fit the story and while not my cup of tea I did enjoy some of the art.
I imagine the short story is a better read and will seek that out. I was really hoping to enjoy this more, but forced myself to finish because I love Okorafor's work so much. Great story, poor art choices.
While I enjoyed the story itself the art often wasn't consistent with the actual story (more inconsistencies!). There were way too many times when the words said one thing and the art showed something different. It was very distracting and pulled me out of the story. With that being stead I did enjoy how well the art fit the story and while not my cup of tea I did enjoy some of the art.
I imagine the short story is a better read and will seek that out. I was really hoping to enjoy this more, but forced myself to finish because I love Okorafor's work so much. Great story, poor art choices.
ree_anna's review
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5