An uneven reimagining of a classic story.
A lonely boy and his childhood friend embark on a dreamy and philosophical train ride across the galaxy in this translated graphic novel from Japan.
This adaptation of Night on the Galactic Railroad, Miyazawa’s classic fantasy novel published posthumously in 1934, follows Giovanni, a sensitive and awkward boy in a village that evokes continental Europe, who works to support his sick mother while his father is away at sea. Too tired from work to engage, he’s isolated from classmates, who, save for Campanella, are often unkind to him. While on an errand to get milk, Giovanni contemplates going to the riverside Galactic Festival, but an encounter with class bullies sends him running to the hills. There, he’s transported onto a train that’s departing Galaxy Station; somehow, Campanella is also on board. Although they’re perplexed, the two embark on an ethereal journey across the Milky Way, encountering intriguing travelers and gradually unraveling a hidden truth. The story delicately engages with themes of death, loss, and friendship. While Kitahara faithfully adapts the original storyline, some nuances are lost between the sometimes clunky and vague language and the poor layout of text within the speech bubbles. The beautiful art can be detailed to the point of overstimulation, making it easy to miss important information. Those unfamiliar with the original may find this presentation too opaque to convey the story’s full impact; previous fans will likely appreciate elements of this version.
An uneven reimagining of a classic story. (cast of characters) (Manga. 12-18)Pub Date: March 18, 2025
ISBN: 9784805318713
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Tuttle
Review Posted Online: April 4, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
In addition to the supernatural elements, Brosgol interweaves some savvy insights about the illusion of perfection and...
A deliciously creepy page-turning gem from first-time writer and illustrator Brosgol finds brooding teenager Anya trying to escape the past—both her own and the ghost haunting her.
Anya feels out of place at her preppy private school; embarrassed by her Russian heritage, she has worked hard to lose her accent and to look more like everyone else. After a particularly frustrating morning at the bus stop, Anya storms off, only to accidentally fall down a well. Down in the dark hole, she meets Emily, a ghost who claims to be a murder victim trapped down in the dank abyss for 90 years. With Emily’s help, Anya manages to escape, though once free, she learns that Emily has traveled out with her. At first, Emily seems like the perfect friend; however, once her motives become clear, Anya learns that “perfect” may only be an illusion. A moodily atmospheric spectrum of grays washes over the clean, tidy panels, setting a distinct stage before the first words appear. Brosgol’s tight storytelling invokes the chilling feeling of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline (2002), though for a decidedly older set.
In addition to the supernatural elements, Brosgol interweaves some savvy insights about the illusion of perfection and outward appearance. (Graphic supernatural fiction. 12 & up)Pub Date: June 7, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59643-552-0
Page Count: 224
Publisher: First Second
Review Posted Online: April 18, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2011
A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes.
The Plague has left a population divided between Elites and Ordinaries—those who have powers and those who don’t; now, an Ordinary teen fights for her life.
Paedyn Gray witnessed the king kill her father five years ago, and she’s been thieving and sleeping rough ever since, all while faking Psychic abilities. When she inadvertently saves the life of Prince Kai, she becomes embroiled in the Purging Trials, a competition to commemorate the sickness that killed most of the kingdom’s Ordinaries. Kai’s duties as the future Enforcer include eradicating any remaining Ordinaries, and these Trials are his chance to prove that he’s internalized his brutal training. But Kai can’t help but find Pae’s blue eyes, silver hair, and unabashed attitude enchanting. She likewise struggles to resist his stormy gray eyes, dark hair, and rakish behavior, even as they’re pitted against each other in the Trials and by the king himself. Scenes and concepts that are strongly reminiscent of the Hunger Games fall flat: They aren’t bolstered by the original’s heart or worldbuilding logic that would have justified a few extreme story elements. Illogical leaps and inconsistent characterizations abound, with lighthearted romantic interludes juxtaposed against genocide, child abuse, and sadism. These elements, which are not sufficiently addressed, combined with the use of ableist language, cannot be erased by any amount of romantic banter. Main characters are cued white; the supporting cast has some brown-skinned characters.
A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023
ISBN: 9798987380406
Page Count: 538
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Sept. 9, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2023
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