dlberglund's review
3.0
I had both over and underestimated this graphic novel. I thought it was going to be about young people and their their relationship with gaming (and, let's face it, probably relationships with their parents, too). Instead, it was about a kid who graduates from high school on page 18 and spends the rest of the book waffling between being a slacker and committing to the path his father wanted for him. I didn't feel the joy I was hoping to-- not when he was gaming, not when he was successful at studying, and not even much when he was with his friends. The tone was very adult-introspective, and it didn't work with my expectations.
sandraagee's review
3.0
Hmm. Not quite what I was expecting - was expecting a lot more video game stuff, actually. Like the art, but I admit that it isn't brilliant. Storyline could have used just a little cleaning up, but it works. And I appreciate the fact that the story features a college kid - there just aren't enough of those.
sophievigeant's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
chadstep's review against another edition
4.0
Made me think about the John Porcellino stories I read (King Cat Comix)--just the right amount of sentimentality, and touching moments--but with a cool mix of magic realism (angels?) and family history.
haia_929's review
4.0
This is a trimmed down version of my review, to view the full review visit The Book Ramble.
Dennis is haunted by his father's death. He lets ghosts from his past try to force his hand in achieving his destiny, and almost gets completely screwed for it. Gene Luen Yang and Thien Pham create a fun story through Dennis's journey about finding what makes you happy and working to get it.
I really enjoyed this. I am a big fan of basically everything from First Second, because they publish some great stuff. This is no exception. I have read, or plan to read, most of Gene Luen Yang's work.
The story, about a boy who wants to live up to expectations his parents have but has to do so by sacrificing his own happiness, is pretty standard, kind of the classic college story that's in a lot of YA content. I think that Yang handled the concept well, with a bit of a twist at the end (no spoilers, I promise). I found the mixture of realistic story with sci-fi/fantasy from the video game world worked really well.
The art for me was just okay. I like Pham's style just fine, but I just felt something was lacking. The style is very much the same as Sumo, which is fine, but I think for this story it didn't quite gel the right way for me. I thought it was lacking some of the depth necessary for this story. The emotions didn't carry across in quite the right way, though they were still present. I liked it, but it wasn't completely on point.
I found Dennis a likeable guy for the most part. I can completely understand his desire to work in video games and pursue the things he enjoys doing for a living. The little angels that hang out with his were a good mix of cute and creepy which kept me interested throughout.
Overall, an enjoyable and cute read. The art wasn't perfect for me, but was still good. I definitely recommend this to fans of graphic novels, and young adult readers.
Dennis is haunted by his father's death. He lets ghosts from his past try to force his hand in achieving his destiny, and almost gets completely screwed for it. Gene Luen Yang and Thien Pham create a fun story through Dennis's journey about finding what makes you happy and working to get it.
I really enjoyed this. I am a big fan of basically everything from First Second, because they publish some great stuff. This is no exception. I have read, or plan to read, most of Gene Luen Yang's work.
The story, about a boy who wants to live up to expectations his parents have but has to do so by sacrificing his own happiness, is pretty standard, kind of the classic college story that's in a lot of YA content. I think that Yang handled the concept well, with a bit of a twist at the end (no spoilers, I promise). I found the mixture of realistic story with sci-fi/fantasy from the video game world worked really well.
The art for me was just okay. I like Pham's style just fine, but I just felt something was lacking. The style is very much the same as Sumo, which is fine, but I think for this story it didn't quite gel the right way for me. I thought it was lacking some of the depth necessary for this story. The emotions didn't carry across in quite the right way, though they were still present. I liked it, but it wasn't completely on point.
I found Dennis a likeable guy for the most part. I can completely understand his desire to work in video games and pursue the things he enjoys doing for a living. The little angels that hang out with his were a good mix of cute and creepy which kept me interested throughout.
Overall, an enjoyable and cute read. The art wasn't perfect for me, but was still good. I definitely recommend this to fans of graphic novels, and young adult readers.
calistareads's review
4.0
Let me say that I pretty much think that video games are a time sucking evil in this world, but I have played some of them in my life. So this was an interesting read.
I thought this was such a great story. This kid grows up and his parents won't let him play video games and that's all he wants to do. His father demands he becomes a doctor. The dad dies and the kid begins to play games and has a natural ability and does really well. Then 4 angels show up and force him into college and force him to study. He gets into med school.
I love the ending. I love love love it. I want to talk about it, but I will not spoil it. There is a simple wonderful twist at the ending. I will say that all the time he spent playing video games comes in handy. It's so beautiful - really
First Second came through again. They are amazing.
I thought this was such a great story. This kid grows up and his parents won't let him play video games and that's all he wants to do. His father demands he becomes a doctor. The dad dies and the kid begins to play games and has a natural ability and does really well. Then 4 angels show up and force him into college and force him to study. He gets into med school.
I love the ending. I love love love it. I want to talk about it, but I will not spoil it. There is a simple wonderful twist at the ending. I will say that all the time he spent playing video games comes in handy. It's so beautiful - really
First Second came through again. They are amazing.
blessedbookworm's review
4.0
I don't read many graphic novels but the cover caught my eye when I was browsing at the library. I loved the message behind the story and I think it is true for all parents regardless of race or culture: parents want their children to strive for more and have a better life then they did. I enjoyed this book and will look for his other book American Born Chinese.
mjfmjfmjf's review
4.0
I really wasn't expecting much from this. But what I got is an example of telling a true story in a graphic novel form. Well, not true as in history or biography. Just true as in feels true. The author and pov character's background and culture is not mine. So I didn't feel the echo of this was me. But the idea of someone's expectations running your life - that might be universal. Not the greatest of art - but good enough. Terrible cover though, and not the most interesting of framing devices.
psykobilliethekid's review
5.0
This book gave me all the feels. It's really, really good and worth the read. :)