Reviews

A Land Called Tarot by Gael Bertrand

mkhare's review against another edition

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4.0

3.75 stars

mogojojo1013's review against another edition

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2.0

This is a graphic novel with no actual words. The reader gets the entire story from the illustrations throughout the book. I think that is a very interesting way to tell a story, but I think that this world is too different and confusing to not have any words. The story was very two dimensional, there was not a lot of depth. As I went through all I thought to myself was "Oh now he's going over here, now he's walking past some stone dudes with stone cubes, oh look a huge snake thing." It just made it feel very disjointed and shallow.

ratgrrrl's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Since randomly coming across Christian Slade's Korgi series, which instantly became one of the favourite things I have ever come across and a joyous balm, I have discovered a great affection for silent comics. A Land Called Tarot is a wonderful example of how varied, strange, effective the medium can be.

Bertrand goes on a fascinating journey, seemingly between realms, as they embark on a strange quest of myth and magic inspired by and reflecting aspects of the tarot. 

Much like the tarot itself, A Land Called Tarot is open to interpretation with some interesting discussion here (https://imagecomics.com/features/exploring-a-land-called-tarot-essay). 

It is filled with beautiful artwork that evokes all manner of fantasy and science fantasy elements with touches of Zelda, Final Fantasy, Studio Ghibli, Moebius, and Escher. 

Honestly, I'm not sure I know exactly what's going on, but I love it and know it is something I will continue to return to, being inspired by, and ponder. 


zoes_human's review against another edition

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adventurous

4.0

droar's review against another edition

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4.0

Beautiful and confusing. I'm all for wordless books, but I tent to enjoy a bit less obliqueness. The illustrations are wonderful & you can feel the edges of the narrative but I could not connect them. Despite this, quite lovely to read.

taliaissmart's review against another edition

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3.0

This gorgeous wordless comic book volume follows the Knight of Swords as he walks around, having adventures. I'm not totally sure what happens in the adventures or how they connect, but the imagery is absolutely astounding. Really just beautiful, colorful artwork.

I love the whimsical feeling of A Land Called Tarot. I can imagine that certain kids will love poring over the pictures, assembling them into a mental narrative or just absorbing their artistic value. In terms of being a story, this isn't one. And I'm pretty sure that it's not supposed to be. In an interview, Bertrand said, "Sometimes we yearn for closure and resolution, and sometimes all we need is going out for walk." This is a walk. A lovely, confusing, meandering walk through dimensions, portals, identities- with absolutely no explanation. It's not quite my cup of tea (I tend to prefer content with a narrative), but it will definitely find its people.

I received a digital review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss.

Interview source: https://imagecomics.com/content/view/a-land-called-tarot-beloved-island-tale-gets-hardcover-collection-this-febr#sthash.c6Ep4Gqn.dpuf

idakristine's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

dalinar's review against another edition

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5.0

This book tastes the cake from Isola as my favourite no-dialogue graphic novel. The art is so soooooooo detailed, beautiful, and descriptive all on it's own. I just wish it were longer!

iowasjoe's review against another edition

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2.0

Total graphic storytelling. Pretty artwork with no dialogue or words.

oldmanrupee's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5