Reviews

A Scanner Darkly Graphic Novel by Richard Linklater, Laura Dumm, Philip K. Dick, Gary Dumm

ratgrrrl's review

challenging dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

So much work went into making the spectacular movie adaptation of the Philp K. Dick story that I do appreciate the painted stills being repurposed into this graphic novel, which is given more design and care than a simple photo story book of a movie, but at the same time, I would love to have seen new artists adding to this worn their own style and perspectives. 

I hope the original artists who worked on the movie got paid for this. 

Look, the story is perfect. I laughed, I cried, I had my mind blown. Dick is an absolute legend. I just don't think I can give full marks for this, despite giving them to movie and story. 

This was another random in library read that I likely wouldn't have bothered with otherwise, but I'm glad I did as this story is so powerful however it is imbibed. 

bloodravenlib's review

3.0

In the interest of disclosure, I have to say that I have not read the original novel or seen the film yet. However, I still liked this one. I also borrowed it from my local public library branch.

See my note on it in my blog here:

[http://gypsylibrarian.blogspot.com/2007/06/short-booknotes-on-graphic-novels-14.html]

ashleyholcomb's review

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

carol26388's review

3.0

I gave this a go after reading the full-length novel. It provided some insight into the book, distilling some of the major points down to a few scenes. I found myself wondering if I'd enjoy watching the movie, especially with casting including Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr. and Woody Harrelson, favorite Hollywood poster-boys for drug use (I can't speak to whether Keanu does, he just acts like it).

And yes, I know Winona Ryder was in it; I'm forgetting that part on purpose. The oddest note in the graphic was discovering they made Donna a blonde

Apparently, these are stills from the animated version of the live-action film, but instead of being a detriment for me, I found the the translation of the actors' expression impressive. Scenes with the scramble suit were initially a visual challenge, but then became a storyline challenge when Fred was talking with his superior, also scrambled. I did like the way the comic could capture a little more of the surrounding atmosphere; it made the surroundings come to life and build a depth that I think was assumed in the book. They were also able to better capture the emotional tone of certain settings, whether a trip starting to go bad or a car out of control. I generally liked the way the panels were arranged and found the choices suited the scenes.

Overall, a fun companion to the novel and movie.