Scan barcode
andhochmuth's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
lattelibrarian's review
3.0
Ghost Tree is a strange and enchanting novel that blurs the line between life and death. If you knew that your spirit would still roam after your death, would you invite those still living to help keep you company and settle your soul? At first, that's what Brandt's grandfather wanted. But now that he's dead, he realizes what a fool he had been for spending his time so close to such a blurred reality--and doesn't want Brandt to suffer the same fate. But Brandt has his own problems and reason for escaping: his marriage is in shambles, and he doesn't see how he could possibly make it work. And even more troubling are the demons who have begun to haunt not only his ancestors, but his dead (and first) girlfriend.
With a fun art style and colorful illustrations, Ghost Tree offers an intriguing look at how the past, present, and future can blur--especially when family and romance are entangled. Overall, I found this to be a truly interesting look on what happens after life, and who is allowed to be the carrier of such otherworldly burdens.
Review cross-listed here!
With a fun art style and colorful illustrations, Ghost Tree offers an intriguing look at how the past, present, and future can blur--especially when family and romance are entangled. Overall, I found this to be a truly interesting look on what happens after life, and who is allowed to be the carrier of such otherworldly burdens.
Review cross-listed here!
bmpolito's review
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ohsnapsabrina93_'s review
dark
emotional
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
dantastic's review
5.0
Eager to escape his rocky marriage, Brandt flies home to Japan and encounters his grandfather's ghost at the Ghost Tree, a willow tree in the forest behind his grandmother's house.
I'd never heard of Ghost Tree before it was up for an Eisner award but I decided to give it a shot. Totally worth it.
Rooted in Japanese ghost lore, Ghost Tree is the story of men running from their problems. Brandt, like his deceased grandfather, can see ghosts and talk to them at the Ghost Tree.
It doesn't sound that great from my description but Ghost Tree is one of those sensitive little tales, like one of those one issue Sandman stories back in the day. It's about dangers of dwelling in the past and of hiding from hiding from your fears instead of confronting them. The ghost of Brandt's lost love shows him the way and sends him on his merry way.
The art reminds me both of Moebius and Stan Sakai. It feels minimalist most of the time but also manages to be intricate. Zero has such a striking design and all the individual ghosts are bursting with character. The writing, specifically the character, drive the story along at a good clip. As I breezed through the pages, dreading reaching the end, both not wanting the story to end and not wanting to see what befell Brandt.
Ghost Tree is the best standalone graphic novel I've read in years. Five out of five giant centipedes.
I'd never heard of Ghost Tree before it was up for an Eisner award but I decided to give it a shot. Totally worth it.
Rooted in Japanese ghost lore, Ghost Tree is the story of men running from their problems. Brandt, like his deceased grandfather, can see ghosts and talk to them at the Ghost Tree.
It doesn't sound that great from my description but Ghost Tree is one of those sensitive little tales, like one of those one issue Sandman stories back in the day. It's about dangers of dwelling in the past and of hiding from hiding from your fears instead of confronting them. The ghost of Brandt's lost love shows him the way and sends him on his merry way.
The art reminds me both of Moebius and Stan Sakai. It feels minimalist most of the time but also manages to be intricate. Zero has such a striking design and all the individual ghosts are bursting with character. The writing, specifically the character, drive the story along at a good clip. As I breezed through the pages, dreading reaching the end, both not wanting the story to end and not wanting to see what befell Brandt.
Ghost Tree is the best standalone graphic novel I've read in years. Five out of five giant centipedes.
ppetropoulakis's review
3.0
A story of Japanese spirits and how different generations are influenced by their existence. The characters encounter a fantastical realm full of spirits with emotion, regrets, and passions. This group of ghosts and a couple of living characters create an interesting cast in an unusual setting.
emilyyjjean's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
5.0
This is a very emotion filled story. I loved the artwork a lot. That ending though 😥
joshgauthier's review
4.0
A haunting and lovely story about the ghosts of our pasts and the choices that help shape our futures--about grief and loss, family and love, and the need to keep moving forward rather than clinging to memories we cannot reclaim.