Gettin' Graphic

Thursday, November 13, 2014

I've never been interested in reading graphic novels. With so many books out there to read, I've rarely strayed from the regular ol' text-only book. However, I've recently picked up a few due to the fact that reading something with more than 300 pages is harmful for my college career. Once I get into a good book, NOTHING can hold me back from finishing. And if I have to stay up and study through the night for midterms/finals, I will end up ripping all my hair out and bad things will happen.

So thank you to the authors, illustrators, and publishers who put together graphic novels. My hair and the people who have to deal with me on a daily basis thank you for being short and sweet.

Here are three graphic novels I've been able to finish these past two months:

Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol

Release Date: June 7, 2011
Publisher: First Second
Format: Paperback // 240 pages
Rating: 3 stars
Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who’s been dead for a century.

Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya's normal life might actually be worse. She's embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she's pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend - even a ghost - is just what she needs.

But Anya's new B.F.F. isn't kidding about the "forever" part ...
I LIKED THIS ONE. It's one of those stories where you can pretty much figure out the ending but it's still something you want to continue reading because it's how you get there that makes things interesting. This would be great for someone who likes YA and wants to start reading graphic novels. I don't think it's too intense, but there is still a good amount of conflict.

Would I read anything else by Vera Bristol? YES! I found a short online graphic piece titled "What Were You Raised by Wolves?" so I may take a look soon.

Cat Burglar Black by Richard Sala

Release Date: September 1, 2009
Publisher: First Second
Format: Paperback // 128 pages
Rating: 2 stars
When K. Westree arrives at Bellsong Academy, she thinks she's left her cat-burgling past behind her. But K soon discovers the school has a mystery of its own, a hidden treasure left behind by its founder, and she's the only one who has a hope of finding it. As she resumes her cat-burgling in an attempt to discover the school's secrets, K begins to question if a normal life is really what she wants.
This caught my eye while I was at the library waiting for my next class to start, so I just picked it up and read it right then. I like the illustrations, but I wish there were more details to shape the story. It felt rushed and packed together as if Sala wasn't given enough pages to write on. K, the main character, has SO much "baggage" that could have been developed, but a ton of things were left unsaid.

Would I recommend this? Unfortunately not. However, Delphine (another graphic novel by Sala) looks and sounds interesting, so I may give him another chance.

Locke & Key, Vol. 1 by Joe Hill

Release Date: October 7, 2008
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Format: Paperback // 152 pages
Rating: 5 stars
Locke & Key tells of Keyhouse, an unlikely New England mansion, with fantastic doors that transform all who dare to walk through them, and home to a hate-filled and relentless creature that will not rest until it forces open the most terrible door of them all!
WOW, I have never read ANYTHING like this before. I love the way this story flows—it's very action-packed, which kept me on my toes and glued to every single page. It's downright creepy but the relationships between the siblings and the need to find out what will happen next kept me hooked.

Will I be continuing this series? YES! Although there was so much gore and TONS of violence, the storyline is too enticing to give up. I will gladly read the next volume, even if it means the possibility of peeing in my pants and giving myself nightmares.

🖤🖤🖤

Other graphic novels I will be checking out (and reviewing, maybe) in the future!


Have you read any of the graphic novels I've mentioned?
What was the last graphic novel you read?

6 comments

  1. I love graphic novels! They're fun and an easy and quick read, so I like getting a bunch of them from the library at once and devouring them! The first one sounds like something I would like! I read Through the Woods and it's great. It's dark and has a gothic feel to it.
    ~Sara

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  2. I'm not much for graphic novels (I've only read very few) and I've yet to read any of these but Through The Woods looks so good! The last one I read was Chopsticks, and instead of illustrations, it used great photography + collage-like art. :D

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  3. I'm not really into graphic novels - I feel like I'm too impatient to read the next panel to really enjoy the pictures. But Locke & Key sounds great - I love creepy reads and if it is a bit unique in the storytelling that really appeals to me. I've heard so many good things about Anya's Ghost too that I feel like I should check it out. This is a great collection of graphic novels you're reading!

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  4. Yes, they're perfect during busy semesters! I have yet to talk about Amulet on my blog (it's coming soon though!) but you should read the series if you get a chance to!

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  5. I used to ignore them completely, but I think you should give them a chance! (Starting with Amulet, hehehe ...)

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  6. I still sometimes accidentally skip the graphics and just read the bubbles (I get too into the story!) but I'll always go back and appreciate the art. I think you should give it a try — I used to avoid graphic novels but I love a select few!

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