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lizbusby's review against another edition
4.0
This book finds itself in an unusual position as far as books about Mormon history are concerned. Difficult incidents like treasure hunting and Fanny Alger mean that this book is a hard sell for the vast majority of faithful LDS members. But the book also takes angelic visions and Mormonism's communitarian ethic as seriously as its protagonist does, rather than as sinister inventions clearly meant to pull the wool over gullible members.
The full-color artwork is fantastic, managing to be beautiful while covering a lot of narrative, traits I don't usually find in the same graphic work. Though some of the minor characters can be difficult to tell apart, it's hardly a fault as the cast is huge. Van Skiver packs all of Joseph Smith's young life into one volume, which is a feat since many Joseph Smith comics barely manage to cover the First Vision. Speaking of which, this volume does not open with the First Vision which is a unique choice.
And did I mention the plush cover with gold embossing and a ribbon bookmark? I hope this book finds an audience because it richly deserves it. Anyone looking for a different, accessible yet accurate version of the Joseph Smith story could do much worse than this for a first introduction to this controversial part of American history.
The full-color artwork is fantastic, managing to be beautiful while covering a lot of narrative, traits I don't usually find in the same graphic work. Though some of the minor characters can be difficult to tell apart, it's hardly a fault as the cast is huge. Van Skiver packs all of Joseph Smith's young life into one volume, which is a feat since many Joseph Smith comics barely manage to cover the First Vision. Speaking of which, this volume does not open with the First Vision which is a unique choice.
And did I mention the plush cover with gold embossing and a ribbon bookmark? I hope this book finds an audience because it richly deserves it. Anyone looking for a different, accessible yet accurate version of the Joseph Smith story could do much worse than this for a first introduction to this controversial part of American history.
ohcatherinemayi's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.5
mister_books's review against another edition
In the end, i think NvS’s art style and v. In-the-moment approach to biography is just not for me
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