A review by frasersimons
The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec: Pterror Over Paris / The Eiffel Tower Demon by Jacques Tardi
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Published in ‘76, you really do need to sort of be aware of what graphic novels were like at the time, I think. The plot is completely secondary to shocking twists and turns no one could see coming. Nowadays we chalk that up to bad plotting and, generally, let’s be honest, the older comics are sort of known for bad writing. Bombastic. Not exactly high lit. But it’s fun and it’s almost always steeped in social commentary.
This is no different. We are told very little about anyone, including Adéle herself, it’s just a whole lot of wild stuff about psychics and prehistoric creatures and murders and double crossings. It’s just fun. But to top it off, though, the artwork is just staggeringly good. Far better than what most modern comics produce. Old Paris and the unusual colour choices, soaked in 70s aesthetic. Really love the style. And very happy I tracked down a copy because it’s completely sold out through here (in Canada). I hope they’ll go beyond the first two volumes, but doesn’t seem like they will. It’s been ages since that second one was published.
This is no different. We are told very little about anyone, including Adéle herself, it’s just a whole lot of wild stuff about psychics and prehistoric creatures and murders and double crossings. It’s just fun. But to top it off, though, the artwork is just staggeringly good. Far better than what most modern comics produce. Old Paris and the unusual colour choices, soaked in 70s aesthetic. Really love the style. And very happy I tracked down a copy because it’s completely sold out through here (in Canada). I hope they’ll go beyond the first two volumes, but doesn’t seem like they will. It’s been ages since that second one was published.