Scan barcode
happentobeshort's review
4.0
This was a lot more fun than I thought it would be??? Which is by no means a bad thing. It kinda even reminded me of the Jackie Chan Adventures show????!? I DUNNO. It had that kind of fun vibe to it that made me think of those martial art cartoons that are also super fantastical.
Basically this kid Angel doesn't understand why everyone at school is freaked out by him and that even if he is super late to class he doesn't get in trouble. He also has a bodyguard-male nanny dude who drives a sports-car and doesn't quite understand why his family is so feared as they are just in the "fish" business. WRONG-O! They are a big mafia family.
To rub salt into the confusing teenage wound, he discovers his bodyguard has the ability to channel the powers of a tiger and even turns into one when he feels the need. The kicker? These 'avatars' are getting killed off slowly slowly by others so they can absorb the power and with every adult avatar there is a younger counterpart. And Angel is the younger tiger.
I really enjoyed the concept of the animal avatar, and at the end of this volume, Angel is much older so I'm 100% going to check out the next one because I wanna know what happens next!!! PS THE ART IS SUPER. The art really added to my enjoyment.
https://hercommonplaceblog.wordpress.com/
Basically this kid Angel doesn't understand why everyone at school is freaked out by him and that even if he is super late to class he doesn't get in trouble. He also has a bodyguard-male nanny dude who drives a sports-car and doesn't quite understand why his family is so feared as they are just in the "fish" business. WRONG-O! They are a big mafia family.
To rub salt into the confusing teenage wound, he discovers his bodyguard has the ability to channel the powers of a tiger and even turns into one when he feels the need. The kicker? These 'avatars' are getting killed off slowly slowly by others so they can absorb the power and with every adult avatar there is a younger counterpart. And Angel is the younger tiger.
I really enjoyed the concept of the animal avatar, and at the end of this volume, Angel is much older so I'm 100% going to check out the next one because I wanna know what happens next!!! PS THE ART IS SUPER. The art really added to my enjoyment.
https://hercommonplaceblog.wordpress.com/
armaget's review
2.0
This book kind of just made me angry. Reading this on the couch I kept muttering “this is stupid. Ayy that’s so dumb >: (“
My brother asked what about what was so dumb, and I told him all the stupid stuff happening as I read it.
To be fair, this was only in part three of this comic. The first two parts were decent, if slow.
Ok let’s get more into this: the first two parts were incredibly removed from the third part. While for me the first two read like a graphic novel, the third part switches just so quickly into superhero comic style ???
Before I continue I'd like to share a comment I got from that same brother- I was telling him what the book was and he said "Oh so like a tiger furry"
You can do whatever you want with that information. Moving on...
Another thing was the characters were just not very character-y. The main character Angel is so so so annoying and none of the supporting characters are even worth a thought.
Which annoys me a lot. supporting characters matter and are essential to an interesting story
The cool thing for me was, well, of course, the drawings. Something about cool tiger guys fighting mafia guys. (Which wasn’t actually that frequent... oh well)
Let’s get into the “lore” of this world, the dizhis (basically all those were tigers and other were creatures) One thing I thought was cool was how there were said to be very few left, saying they had killed each other off. That gives a great insight into what these dizhi guys are really about...
However, the dizhis are cool! I would have liked to actually see more of them, or at least more personality out of the few that showed up. Maybe I just want more characterization...
Before I end this joyful reveiw I'd like to share a comment I got from that same brother- I was telling him what the book was and he said "Oh so like a tiger furry"
You can do whatever you want with that information. Moving on...
Happy Ending Rating: 2/10 for being basic, boring, and rushed
My brother asked what about what was so dumb, and I told him all the stupid stuff happening as I read it.
To be fair, this was only in part three of this comic. The first two parts were decent, if slow.
Ok let’s get more into this: the first two parts were incredibly removed from the third part. While for me the first two read like a graphic novel, the third part switches just so quickly into superhero comic style ???
Before I continue I'd like to share a comment I got from that same brother- I was telling him what the book was and he said "Oh so like a tiger furry"
You can do whatever you want with that information. Moving on...
Another thing was the characters were just not very character-y. The main character Angel is so so so annoying and none of the supporting characters are even worth a thought.
Which annoys me a lot. supporting characters matter and are essential to an interesting story
The cool thing for me was, well, of course, the drawings. Something about cool tiger guys fighting mafia guys. (Which wasn’t actually that frequent... oh well)
Let’s get into the “lore” of this world, the dizhis (basically all those were tigers and other were creatures) One thing I thought was cool was how there were said to be very few left, saying they had killed each other off. That gives a great insight into what these dizhi guys are really about...
However, the dizhis are cool! I would have liked to actually see more of them, or at least more personality out of the few that showed up. Maybe I just want more characterization...
Before I end this joyful reveiw I'd like to share a comment I got from that same brother- I was telling him what the book was and he said "Oh so like a tiger furry"
You can do whatever you want with that information. Moving on...
Happy Ending Rating: 2/10 for being basic, boring, and rushed
djl's review
3.0
3.5 stars
This was a fascinating graphic novel that incorporated shape-shifting tied in with the Chinese zodiac. I think the art was what really blew me away (such a sucker for great art in graphic novels) and I'm a fan of tigers, so point to both writer Ozanam and illustrator Jurion.
The story was very high-paced and action-driven, which I went in expecting. However, the jumping around was a bit head-tilting and made me have to look back a few pages to make sure that I hadn't missed something (I hadn't, it was revealed in a flashback a few pages ahead).
Overall, the characters were interesting, and readers could tell the conflict that Angel experienced with doing his duty but also feeling for his family. I felt there were some parts missing in the time jump, especially with regards to Lisa. Yes, she went on a date with Angel (under "circumstances"), but beyond that... there was nothing to explain her motivations in 1) protecting him as "Klaw" and 2) Frank stating that she'd always had a crush on Angel. That was completely out of left field.
That being said, I DO like what did happen towards the end of the last story's arc for her (not spoiling).
I think it's definitely worth the read, and I'm looking forward to seeing where readers will go from here in book 2.
This was a fascinating graphic novel that incorporated shape-shifting tied in with the Chinese zodiac. I think the art was what really blew me away (such a sucker for great art in graphic novels) and I'm a fan of tigers, so point to both writer Ozanam and illustrator Jurion.
The story was very high-paced and action-driven, which I went in expecting. However, the jumping around was a bit head-tilting and made me have to look back a few pages to make sure that I hadn't missed something (I hadn't, it was revealed in a flashback a few pages ahead).
Overall, the characters were interesting, and readers could tell the conflict that Angel experienced with doing his duty but also feeling for his family. I felt there were some parts missing in the time jump, especially with regards to Lisa. Yes, she went on a date with Angel (under "circumstances"), but beyond that... there was nothing to explain her motivations in 1) protecting him as "Klaw" and 2) Frank stating that she'd always had a crush on Angel. That was completely out of left field.
That being said, I DO like what did happen towards the end of the last story's arc for her (not spoiling).
I think it's definitely worth the read, and I'm looking forward to seeing where readers will go from here in book 2.
yonnyan's review
4.0
When I first saw Klaw: The First Cycle, what immediately drew me in was the cover. While being immensely minimalistic, there was just something captivating about the sharpness of the tiger and the young man. There was a magic behind it that lured me towards its contents with great interest. When I was offered an advanced copy of the title for reviewing, I jumped on the opportunity with great vehemence. I am so proud to say that not only was I not disappointed, I was genuinely shocked with how far it surpassed my expectations.
We have Angel Tomassini who's a young kid getting bullied within the first few pages of the book. While being abused in such a terrible fashion, something within him comes to life, something extraordinary and enchanting. We see young Angel transform into a tiger, where he is then able to defend himself. From here, an intricate story starts to unfurl.
Klaw is a graphic novel series that creates a vastly unique, fantasy-infused tale with a superheroesque scrim. When you start reading, the visual narrative feels like it's going to revolve around a lonely child growing up in a difficult predicament with a dad who just doesn't seem to have enough time for him; a simple account about growing up, however. It quickly mutates into a complex and brilliantly stimulating fiction about self-identity, friendship, and the lines in between the black and white of right-and-wrong, human-and-monster. It makes for an effortlessly riveting storytelling experience.
If that isn't enough to draw your attention, then let me discuss the artwork. Joel Jurion's glorious expertise as an illustrator truly brings this entire project to life. I felt as if I was watching a fantastic piece of animation rather than reading a book. The art is a modern-day homage to the classic comic book panels, utilizing a style that is aesthetically pleasing, as well as perceptibly beguiling. Every line, every shadow, every expression--it's all clean, crisp, and sharp. Profuse attention to detail with refined drawings and colorfully meticulous environments causes the reader to feel like they are in the story themselves.
I adored Klaw: The First Cycle in its entirety for all that it is worth. An astounding and original story coupled with breathtaking visuals makes for a supremely satisfying ride for the imagination. I am so completely addicted to this series that I will be counting down the days until its next installment; four and a half stripes out of five.
We have Angel Tomassini who's a young kid getting bullied within the first few pages of the book. While being abused in such a terrible fashion, something within him comes to life, something extraordinary and enchanting. We see young Angel transform into a tiger, where he is then able to defend himself. From here, an intricate story starts to unfurl.
Klaw is a graphic novel series that creates a vastly unique, fantasy-infused tale with a superheroesque scrim. When you start reading, the visual narrative feels like it's going to revolve around a lonely child growing up in a difficult predicament with a dad who just doesn't seem to have enough time for him; a simple account about growing up, however. It quickly mutates into a complex and brilliantly stimulating fiction about self-identity, friendship, and the lines in between the black and white of right-and-wrong, human-and-monster. It makes for an effortlessly riveting storytelling experience.
If that isn't enough to draw your attention, then let me discuss the artwork. Joel Jurion's glorious expertise as an illustrator truly brings this entire project to life. I felt as if I was watching a fantastic piece of animation rather than reading a book. The art is a modern-day homage to the classic comic book panels, utilizing a style that is aesthetically pleasing, as well as perceptibly beguiling. Every line, every shadow, every expression--it's all clean, crisp, and sharp. Profuse attention to detail with refined drawings and colorfully meticulous environments causes the reader to feel like they are in the story themselves.
I adored Klaw: The First Cycle in its entirety for all that it is worth. An astounding and original story coupled with breathtaking visuals makes for a supremely satisfying ride for the imagination. I am so completely addicted to this series that I will be counting down the days until its next installment; four and a half stripes out of five.
afreen7's review
2.0
This is the story of Angel Tomassini, son of a major mafia boss of the city, hormonal teenager and just as clueless about everything as harry potter. Only he is worse. And he is immature. And also a Dizhi.
I guess I had high expectations from this considering the mythology and characters involved but I was let down pretty hard.
So chapter wise:
1. Awakening: Pretty run of the mill origin story albeit a little rushed. A tiger-like creature seems to be killing people and especially one who has bullied Angel and is dating his crush. I thought Angel Tomassini is an amazing name for a protagonist. Too bad I didn't like him as the hero. It's not enough for the writer to make a character have special powers and be the protagonist without making the readers feel like they deserve it at some point. The others characters were just as uninteresting.
2. Tabula Rasa: In this chapter the whole mythology of the Dizhi is revealed and I was sooo loving it. Chinese mythological characters in modern times. Super cool! except, correct me if I am wrong; there are only two people who can carry the chi at any time and most of the Dizhis are not in Asia, the original continent where they started. That's sound just weird. Also, we follow Angel as he trains, which is super fast forwarded. Amazing action scenes and Dizhi reveals ensue along with giant evil corporation hatching evil plans.
3. Unions: This chapter skips through even faster, years later when Angel has completed his training. He is now Klaw! defender of the city, saviour of the innocent...except no, he is actually more focused on stalking his crush, Lydia. And he starts doing the one thing that was believed to be horrible enough to cause extinction of the Dizhi He absorbs other Dizhis...like why!? . And I had so much hope for Lydia. Her character could have gone her own way, become independent, become a badass after her Dragon Dizhi reveal (which was very unexpected). I was like yes! she finally gets to hold her own but no. They ride off into the sunset. But the ending was just too disappointing for me.
Pros:
- The art was beautiful. A lot of detail and range of colour. The animal anatomy and fight scenes especially were very nice.
- The mythology
-The diversity of characters
Cons
-weirdly fast plot progression
-few or none female characters..actually just the one.
-unrelatable characters especially the protagonist
-the ending
I guess I had high expectations from this considering the mythology and characters involved but I was let down pretty hard.
So chapter wise:
1. Awakening: Pretty run of the mill origin story albeit a little rushed. A tiger-like creature seems to be killing people and especially one who has bullied Angel and is dating his crush. I thought Angel Tomassini is an amazing name for a protagonist. Too bad I didn't like him as the hero. It's not enough for the writer to make a character have special powers and be the protagonist without making the readers feel like they deserve it at some point. The others characters were just as uninteresting.
2. Tabula Rasa: In this chapter the whole mythology of the Dizhi is revealed and I was sooo loving it. Chinese mythological characters in modern times. Super cool! except, correct me if I am wrong; there are only two people who can carry the chi at any time and most of the Dizhis are not in Asia, the original continent where they started. That's sound just weird. Also, we follow Angel as he trains, which is super fast forwarded. Amazing action scenes and Dizhi reveals ensue along with giant evil corporation hatching evil plans.
3. Unions: This chapter skips through even faster, years later when Angel has completed his training. He is now Klaw! defender of the city, saviour of the innocent...except no, he is actually more focused on stalking his crush, Lydia. And he starts doing the one thing that was believed to be horrible enough to cause extinction of the Dizhi
Pros:
- The art was beautiful. A lot of detail and range of colour. The animal anatomy and fight scenes especially were very nice.
- The mythology
-The diversity of characters
Cons
-weirdly fast plot progression
-few or none female characters..actually just the one.
-unrelatable characters especially the protagonist
-the ending
More...