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endlesstbr's review
5.0
A very interesting reimagining of Shelley's Frankenstein with a Latinx steampunk influence. Clearly drawn from close research of Mexican/Texan native populations and folk beliefs, I can't wait to see more of this world and its adventures.
brokenspine's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I read this for Skoden Readathon. It a reimagining of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein with a steapunk twist and rooted in Mexican culture.
What I liked: The story and the premise.
What I didn’t like: I wasn’t a particular fan of the artwork, but it worked for the story being told. I felt like there were quite a few holes in the story and there were big jumps in the story. The ending was a cliffhanger but it was still really abrupt and left a lot to be desired. And it doesn’t make me want to run out and get vol. 2.
There’s quite a bit of social commentary, but it’s not a pow on your face type of social commentary
What I liked: The story and the premise.
What I didn’t like: I wasn’t a particular fan of the artwork, but it worked for the story being told. I felt like there were quite a few holes in the story and there were big jumps in the story. The ending was a cliffhanger but it was still really abrupt and left a lot to be desired. And it doesn’t make me want to run out and get vol. 2.
There’s quite a bit of social commentary, but it’s not a pow on your face type of social commentary
sangloup's review
4.0
Extreme Book Nerd Challenge 2022
Challenge Topic: Book with Clock or Time in the Title.
So I have to check with the Library to make sure this one works for the Challenge, but when I borrowed it, the Title looks like "Clockwork Curandera: The Witch Owl Parliament" which would work for the challenge. But the way it is listed here... may not exactly fit.
As for the book. It wasn't too bad. It was a good mix of all the mythical creatures and Frankenstein into a steampunk kind of world. It has an intersting base for a seemingly good start to a story. We shall see.
Challenge Topic: Book with Clock or Time in the Title.
So I have to check with the Library to make sure this one works for the Challenge, but when I borrowed it, the Title looks like "Clockwork Curandera: The Witch Owl Parliament" which would work for the challenge. But the way it is listed here... may not exactly fit.
As for the book. It wasn't too bad. It was a good mix of all the mythical creatures and Frankenstein into a steampunk kind of world. It has an intersting base for a seemingly good start to a story. We shall see.
neoteotihuacan's review
5.0
So much imagination. Great combination of several genres, so many that this feels wholly fresh.
e_flah's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.0
I found the steampunk, alternate history take on Frankenstein really neat. The art was unexpectedly horrifying in the best way -- those witch owls are scary! The world of The Witch Owl Parliament was rich and full of things to explore. I found the pacing of the story a bit overwhelming as so much was thrown at the reader at once that it was hard to get a grasp on what was happening and why. I almost think the bonus short story at the end of the volume would've worked better at the beginning to provide a primer to the world. The Witch Owl Parliament wasn't for me but was definitely a unique graphic novel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Blood, and Gore
goldentortoisebeetle's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
I was putting off reading this, of all the graphic novels I've been renting, because I was worried I wouldn't be able to understand it in a meaningful way because of all the deeply cultural elements. That was not the case. Everything was approachable, even for a white girl from the midwest. That being said, I can't imagine how wonderfully impactful this series would be for someone who is Indigenous or middle/south American.
I love the premise - "what if a curandera, whose power to heal comes from her connection to nature - had to become a cyborg to survive? how would she navigate her new identity?" I love the reimagining of the past. the map at the beginning even gave me hope - that first contact hadn't led to as complete of a devastation as it had IRL. the pacing is also really good. to me even though the story was very rich it didn't feel like it was skipping over anything or moving too fast.
anyways, this is a really good book and I'm excited to see how the series unfolds. to my understanding there will be three volumes. this one was just released in 2021, so there will likely be a long wait for the next.
I love the premise - "what if a curandera, whose power to heal comes from her connection to nature - had to become a cyborg to survive? how would she navigate her new identity?" I love the reimagining of the past. the map at the beginning even gave me hope - that first contact hadn't led to as complete of a devastation as it had IRL. the pacing is also really good. to me even though the story was very rich it didn't feel like it was skipping over anything or moving too fast.
anyways, this is a really good book and I'm excited to see how the series unfolds. to my understanding there will be three volumes. this one was just released in 2021, so there will likely be a long wait for the next.
renatasnacks's review
Hmmm...I think the art is gorgeous and the concept is cool but this Vol 1 is so abbreviated, I wish they had waited to release this until they had more of it.
londibie's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
philipf's review
5.0
Magic and steampunk in an alternate 19th century Mexico? Sign me up!
I really enjoyed this graphic novel, and I can’t wait for the next volume in the series.
At first, I didn’t care for the art, but it grew on me, and now I think it is perfectly suited to the story. I especially like the use of red here and there, so it’s not just black and white.
I’ll definitely be backing the Kickstarter for volume 2.
I really enjoyed this graphic novel, and I can’t wait for the next volume in the series.
At first, I didn’t care for the art, but it grew on me, and now I think it is perfectly suited to the story. I especially like the use of red here and there, so it’s not just black and white.
I’ll definitely be backing the Kickstarter for volume 2.
cmstein's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0