Just try to put it down.
Frantz introduces readers to a world of spirits suffused in tension and magic in her debut solo graphic novel.
The citadel is a tightly guarded spirit fortress. The world outside is full of chaotic human unrest. Between them stands the chancellor—a cloaked figure whose face is perpetually hidden in the shadows of a hood. Sometimes called a witch, sometimes a “window walker,” the chancellor’s true identity is unknown. Her powers are all but limitless, to the benefit of those she protects and the detriment of those who threaten her and her people. But that kind of power comes at a cost; it breeds fear among those who don’t understand it, and innumerable atrocities have been committed in the name of fear. Frantz immerses readers in a world that feels so much bigger than the brief glimpse readers get here they will dearly hope for more. It is no small talent to so effectively deploy the unknown and the unseen in a narrative to create such visual and textual richness. Even with an inviting and masterfully paced art style, the exploration of violence begetting violence cannot help but be heavy, but the added questions of magical powers, the origin of a city of spirits, and the chancellor’s role in it all break up the density. The world Frantz creates is a racially diverse one.
Just try to put it down. (Fantasy. 10-14)Pub Date: Dec. 1, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-945820-26-7
Page Count: 120
Publisher: Iron Circus Comics
Review Posted Online: Oct. 14, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2018
This slender graphic adaptation of the Great American Novel preserves some of Twain’s language, most of his plot and a good sense of his sardonic take on human society. Mixing dialogue balloons with enough boxed narrative to evoke Huck’s distinctive voice, Mann packs in all of the major incidents and tones down at least some of the violence—the two con men are only “punished” here rather than specifically tarred and feathered, for instance. Similarly, though Huck gets viciously slapped around by his father in the pictures, in general there isn’t much other blood visible. The illustrator’s faces tend toward sameness, but Kumar populates his color art with strong, stocky figures, depicts action effectively and, by using irregular frames and insets, sets up an engrossing helter-skelter pacing. A good choice for readers who aren’t quite up to tackling the original, with perfunctory but well-meant notes on Twain’s life and the history of slavery in the United States. Co-published with its prequel, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, adapted by Matt Josdal, illustrated by Brian Shearer (ISBN: 978-93-80028-34-7). (Graphic classic. 12-14)
Pub Date: Oct. 19, 2010
ISBN: 978-93-80028-35-4
Page Count: 72
Publisher: Campfire
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2010
A graphic-novel treatment of Shakespeare that fails miserably where others have succeeded. In this brutally savaged graphic adaptation of the play, the Bard’s lines have been transformed into conversational banality (“How is it going, Shylock?”; "That goes for me too!") within often-misplaced dialogue balloons. Astonishingly, there’s nary a mention of Jews, leaching all the power from Shylock's "Has not a Jew..." speech ("And why has [Antonio] done this? Do I not have eyes like everyone else..."). Actually, just about all of the set speeches are nearly unrecognizable: "The quality of mercy is not strained" becomes “You don’t need to have a reason to show mercy.” Visually, the floridly dressed Venetian figures in Kumar’s showy illustrations just stand about in panel after panel, gesturing awkwardly and looking past one another’s shoulders. Portia’s taste for revealing, off-the-shoulder gowns may give adolescent gawkers pause, but as an invitation to read the original or see it performed here’s sure proof that all that glisters is not gold. A closing set of riddles is offered as an activity link to Portia’s three boxes in the play. Skip. (Graphic adaptation. 12-14)
Pub Date: May 17, 2011
ISBN: 978-93-80028-59-0
Page Count: 22
Publisher: Campfire
Review Posted Online: April 4, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2011
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