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ericbuscemi's review against another edition
3.0
I read this the day after finishing the first volume. I had hoped some of the issues of the first volume would be worked out in the second, but instead, I only found more problems.
The story was still non-linear and convoluted, and the art was still monochromatic, with not enough character definition. Additionally, I found the plot moved way too quickly, with the characters moving from country to country in a matter of frames, with little or no explanation or consequence to their actions. More importantly, I started to feel as if the triples' personality splits were not differentiated enough. It seemed more of a gimmick to be used in conversation, rather than an affliction of characters that were carrying three distinct personalities inside them.
That all being said, I still liked both volumes for their ambition and interesting premise, if not how they were executed. I can only hope that future volumes evolve and solve these issues.
The story was still non-linear and convoluted, and the art was still monochromatic, with not enough character definition. Additionally, I found the plot moved way too quickly, with the characters moving from country to country in a matter of frames, with little or no explanation or consequence to their actions. More importantly, I started to feel as if the triples' personality splits were not differentiated enough. It seemed more of a gimmick to be used in conversation, rather than an affliction of characters that were carrying three distinct personalities inside them.
That all being said, I still liked both volumes for their ambition and interesting premise, if not how they were executed. I can only hope that future volumes evolve and solve these issues.
joshgauthier's review
4.0
When a graphic novel is called "Cowboy Ninja Viking" how much more is there to say about it, really?
In full honesty, there's a conversation to be had about the story's use of multiple personality disorder and other moments that... well, we'll just say that they're not exactly PC.
But these elements of the story only add to the manic energy of the comic as a whole. Fully embracing its premise, CNV tends to present itself in a relatively serious manner akin to traditional, gritty international spy adventures. However, the somewhat-seriousness tone of the writing is undercut by a sort of twisted humor that occasionally leans into the ridiculous. And whatever reservations I had about the ability of the creative team to blend these different elements into a functioning whole, their willful embrace of the concept has actually yielded a surprisingly coherent graphic novel.
The art throughout this comic is rough, bordering on abstract at times, with heavy lines and shifting use of color. I can appreciate the reasoning of those who state that this style doesn't work for them--but I actually found it to work well with the writing while adding an additional layer to the overall tone. Additionally, the visual techniques used to differentiate between the personalities of the characters is a testament to the way writing and art can be leveraged to great effect.
But the visual style does occasionally present a challenge in keeping track of the characters--due both to the rough style and the fact that many characters have three or four presentations of themselves which alternate frequently throughout. Additionally, the non-linear storytelling and general plot delivery occasionally lead to moments of confusion.
But on the whole, CVN presents a dynamic cast of developed characters enmeshed in a complex and engaging plot. It takes a concept prime for comics and uses it to its fullest capability--with humor, action, and moments of sincere emotion. Overall, the storyline actually offers a well crafted and exciting spy caper, with its own unique twists.
The volume's ending is... interesting, but benefits well from the bonus story included with the collection. And so, "Cowboy Ninja Viking" is a prime example of the fact that comics are willing to go where other mediums might not dare to tread, and the end result is fully realized and more successful than I ever anticipated it would be.
In full honesty, there's a conversation to be had about the story's use of multiple personality disorder and other moments that... well, we'll just say that they're not exactly PC.
But these elements of the story only add to the manic energy of the comic as a whole. Fully embracing its premise, CNV tends to present itself in a relatively serious manner akin to traditional, gritty international spy adventures. However, the somewhat-seriousness tone of the writing is undercut by a sort of twisted humor that occasionally leans into the ridiculous. And whatever reservations I had about the ability of the creative team to blend these different elements into a functioning whole, their willful embrace of the concept has actually yielded a surprisingly coherent graphic novel.
The art throughout this comic is rough, bordering on abstract at times, with heavy lines and shifting use of color. I can appreciate the reasoning of those who state that this style doesn't work for them--but I actually found it to work well with the writing while adding an additional layer to the overall tone. Additionally, the visual techniques used to differentiate between the personalities of the characters is a testament to the way writing and art can be leveraged to great effect.
But the visual style does occasionally present a challenge in keeping track of the characters--due both to the rough style and the fact that many characters have three or four presentations of themselves which alternate frequently throughout. Additionally, the non-linear storytelling and general plot delivery occasionally lead to moments of confusion.
But on the whole, CVN presents a dynamic cast of developed characters enmeshed in a complex and engaging plot. It takes a concept prime for comics and uses it to its fullest capability--with humor, action, and moments of sincere emotion. Overall, the storyline actually offers a well crafted and exciting spy caper, with its own unique twists.
The volume's ending is... interesting, but benefits well from the bonus story included with the collection. And so, "Cowboy Ninja Viking" is a prime example of the fact that comics are willing to go where other mediums might not dare to tread, and the end result is fully realized and more successful than I ever anticipated it would be.
wanderlustlover's review against another edition
2.0
Graphic Novel Bookclub 2016:
This book really was boring and wordy to me by the 22nd page, and as someone who loves comics as well as books that are 900 pages, that's saying something. It's not well organized, overly wordy and bothersome in that the storyline was very plot hole laden and more reliant on the "triplet shitck" rather than consistent story arcing.
Review will be in for both volumes
This book really was boring and wordy to me by the 22nd page, and as someone who loves comics as well as books that are 900 pages, that's saying something. It's not well organized, overly wordy and bothersome in that the storyline was very plot hole laden and more reliant on the "triplet shitck" rather than consistent story arcing.
Review will be in for both volumes
vernip's review against another edition
2.0
I picked up the 2nd volume at the library thinking, "surely I'm not missing too much from not getting the first?"
I was dead wrong and super confused for the entirety of reading.
Thing is, my local library didn't HAVE THE FIRST VOLUME AT ALL!
...
Just, why?
I was dead wrong and super confused for the entirety of reading.
Thing is, my local library didn't HAVE THE FIRST VOLUME AT ALL!
...
Just, why?
maarongraham's review against another edition
3.0
Great concept, really good art, really uneven writing.
tiedyedude's review against another edition
4.0
The sketch-y, staccato art work was a little confusing. I had some trouble following the jumps in time and location. However, once I adjusted to the style, this was a hell of a fun read! Such great world building and modifying the word bubbles was a wonderful way to differentiate personalities. Really interested in a movie adaptation with Chris Pratt.
mlindner's review against another edition
2.0
Very hard to understand the story, both narratively and artistically.
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