Reviews

Doom Patrol Vol. 1: Brick by Brick by Gerard Way

howlinglibraries's review

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5.0

"You don't know what's going on inside of someone, really. There's a hidden universe in there... full of secret stars."

In this issue of Doom Patrol, Gerard Way puts his own unique spin on a classic set of characters. While you may recognize the cast, everyone can find something brand new to love in the beautiful, bold artwork and zany dialogue of Brick by Brick.

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The afterword of this graphic novel summed up so many of my thoughts regarding the book. Gerard wrote, “We want you to feel like it’s 3am and you have no idea what’s going on, but somehow you do,” and that is such a fantastic fucking way to phrase how I felt throughout the entirety of this comic book. I wasn’t raised on comics much (because I didn’t have a lot of access to them or exposure), so this was my very first taste of Doom Patrol. I’ll be upfront with you guys: I requested this ARC on NetGalley primarily because I have never outgrown my absolute adoration for My Chemical Romance or Gerard Way as an individual, and when I saw his name on it, I had to have it. That said… I thoroughly enjoyed this comic book.

The characters are absolutely brilliant. I wanted most of them to be real just so I could befriend them all, because they’re so clever and enjoyable. The dialogue is fun, and I’m certain it will bring a smile to your face, though more than once, it made me pause and think for a moment, too (as with the quote I used at the top of this review). The artwork is glorious, and colorful, and vibrant, and everything that I want in a graphic novel.

Overall, though, I’m going to have to agree with the thoughts I’ve seen from a lot of reviewers, as well as the reviewer that Gerard himself quoted in his afterword: I can’t review this story. It isn’t that I didn’t love it – because I did – and it isn’t that I was confused by it – because I wasn’t (not by the end, at least). It’s just that this comic is such an experience. Like any other roller coaster ride, someone could tell you about it all day long, but you’d never fully understand the delight of it until you strap yourself in.

I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Doom Patrol, DC comics, or just a damn good story. I can’t wait to see what else Gerard has in store for the world.

neonnikki's review

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4.0

I really enjoyed this! I wasn't sure how this was going to go, because I have a limited tolerance for super nonsensical stories and I'd heard this was next level weird. But as weird as this story is, it grabbed me from the start and I love this cast of characters and the journey they're on. The art (Nick Derington) and the colours (Tamra Bonvillain) are amazing. And I'm officially going to try and read whatever Gerard Way writes next.

b000000000f's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

birdmanseven's review

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2.0

The book looks great, and I like the vibe they are going for, but the narrative is just too abstract. It's hard to know what thread to follow as the story rolls along. I'd read the next volume if it was handed to me, but it's not something I'll seek out. I will try the other Young Animal titles as they appear though.

addison_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous funny fast-paced

3.5

I really enjoyed Gerard Way's version of this quirky group of superheroes. Doom Patrol has always been a favorite of mine and Way gives his own spin on them that keeps the weirdness but adds a touch of the modern world to their adventures. 

The artwork is excellent too. 

not_a_wally's review

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5.0

I don't really know how to review this. It's not something that can really be described. I guess it's just something you have to experience for yourself to understand. It's weird. It's great. It's Doom Patrol. I loved it.

kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review

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2.0

Read this because I started watching the HBO series.

Where's Rita? There is no Rita.

It is interesting. I like how Danny is used. But the plot is all over the place.

_jeno's review

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5.0

Gégé <3

jmbz38's review against another edition

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

2.25

amysariego's review

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3.0

It’s hard to rate/review this one since it’s so clearly setting up for a much longer series. I find it kind of hard to follow, and by the time I was getting used to the pace and the characters, it was over. I enjoyed it, and would probably pick up the next volume to see where it goes though.