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A review by vigil
Monstress, Book One by Marjorie Liu
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
tense
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? Yes
5.0
i’m utterly devouring this comic series! it’s definitely confusing at first, liu doesn’t take the time to fully introduce you to the world, instead throwing you in head first (making you feel as confused as our main character, maika.) but the learning curve is a very short one, and the pieces start to fall into place soon enough.
it’s not a comic for everyone. grimdark doesn’t begin to describe the setting, but it’s used for a purpose. marjorie liu doesn’t shy away from from the horrors of war and failed societies (many details she pulled from her own family’s experience during wwii, i believe) and the effects and tragedy left in its wake.
the series has its share of heartwarming moments, mainly in the form of kippa, and her relationship with the world and the people around her. it’s a world chockfull of bad guys, no good guys, and everyone with their backs to the wall and the choices they make because of it.
i just enjoyed this series so much that i’m giving it a five star despite its aforementioned issues (pacing, vagueness, entry confusion.) if you go into this series treating it like you would a sci-fi / fantasy novel where you stick through the beginning as you gain a hold on the story and setting, you’ll be much better off.
it’s not a comic for everyone. grimdark doesn’t begin to describe the setting, but it’s used for a purpose. marjorie liu doesn’t shy away from from the horrors of war and failed societies (many details she pulled from her own family’s experience during wwii, i believe) and the effects and tragedy left in its wake.
the series has its share of heartwarming moments, mainly in the form of kippa, and her relationship with the world and the people around her. it’s a world chockfull of bad guys, no good guys, and everyone with their backs to the wall and the choices they make because of it.
i just enjoyed this series so much that i’m giving it a five star despite its aforementioned issues (pacing, vagueness, entry confusion.) if you go into this series treating it like you would a sci-fi / fantasy novel where you stick through the beginning as you gain a hold on the story and setting, you’ll be much better off.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Racism, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Kidnapping, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail