Reviews

Beautiful Darkness by Fabien Vehlmann

Only show reviews with written explanations

nadiaschlosser's review

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dark mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

5.0

mend's review

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dark mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes

sullivc5's review

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dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Read this book for the vibes. Overall this feels like an illustrated, old version of a European fairytale. The plot is sparse and there's not much in the way of character development. The illustration style - reminiscent of children's books - reinforces this feeling. If you like things a little dark or a little morbid or lightly eerie, then this is a book for you.

sleepingnerd's review against another edition

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3.0

I was a bit conflicted on what to rate this graphic novel, honestly.

I was very excited to read it, mainly because the art is beautiful. It’s all watercolors, and I loved the smart way style was used – cartoonish and deceptively sweet for the small creatures, realistic for the normal people and animals. It really sets the two worlds apart. I also enjoy the themes of loss of innocence, the slow descent into chaos and what’s of more dark in our souls. The cute, sweet fairytale creatures quickly turn fickle, cruel, egotistical. I read a review that said they represented the facets of the dead girl’s personality, as she dies and it all dissolves into chaos and entropy, and I think that’s brilliant. Also, I’m a big fan of fairytales and children’s stories turned dark and disturbing.

However. The story’s lack of a clear path and plot really bothered me. How can I follow what you’re trying to say if you’re not really going anywhere? Maybe it’s because it’s all very experimental, and more imagery than story, but I personally prefer to follow a narrative, instead of seemingly senseless dark and disturbing scenes, one after another. It’s not even about the lack of answers, because I accept that sometimes it’s best not to explain everything. But it all felt very disconnected to me. The characters are also a bit flat, except for Aurora, Plim and Zélia. None of them are much likeable, save Aurora, but that actually makes it all very interesting and fits the novel, I think.

Still, beautiful art and amazing message, even if dark and bleary. The vindication at the end was also enjoyable, in a very horrific way. All in all, I enjoyed it.