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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
The cartoonish style this is drawn in is completely at odds with the sex and romance in this graphic novel. This was a weird read for me, not only because of the ill-fitting art, but also because of the story that weaves three plots together in such a sloppy fashion. The ending was confusing and I expected so much more after all that build up of drama. I want to care about the men leading this story, but with the way they treat women how can I? The ableism and objectification of women was only the tip of the iceberg. I also found it interesting from a black feminist standpoint that the first woman we see nude is the only black woman in the whole story (all the other white ladies one of our heroes is banging get to keep their clothes on. How interesting. Not). Of course the second woman we see nude is the beautiful, wonderful white lady love of my life character. She's FAR more fascinating than both the leading men and yet we never get into her story at all. She's nothing more than the chick some dude fell for despite having her own life and motivations. However, there's lots of back story to go around for other secondary male characters. I really couldn't see the epic romance in this. Just lackluster, lukewarm male characters being products of their time. If the author had spent a little more time explaining the present day story and limiting his exposition, then maybe I would have liked it more.
An excellent graphic novel and story. A tale laced with history, fantasy, romance, and suspense. What can I say about this book?
First off, the visuals are fantastic. It was made with charcoal, literal charcoal, which gives it a distinct visual style. Because it wasn’t digitally made, you can see all the human imperfections: the lines aren’t straight, faces aren’t the same in consecutive panels, and so on. The details and mastery of the art tool is so good, with smudges and lines and shading used for details and textures.
There’s a lot of historical context and details that help with the world building. There are some scenes where the story progress without any words, which feels amazing.
Plus, it feels very adult. Sure, some nudity is shown, but it feels real in the way things are depicted, and the ending left me wanting more.
A fantastic tale and comic. I love mermaids and it makes me want to make my own stories.
First off, the visuals are fantastic. It was made with charcoal, literal charcoal, which gives it a distinct visual style. Because it wasn’t digitally made, you can see all the human imperfections: the lines aren’t straight, faces aren’t the same in consecutive panels, and so on. The details and mastery of the art tool is so good, with smudges and lines and shading used for details and textures.
There’s a lot of historical context and details that help with the world building. There are some scenes where the story progress without any words, which feels amazing.
Plus, it feels very adult. Sure, some nudity is shown, but it feels real in the way things are depicted, and the ending left me wanting more.
A fantastic tale and comic. I love mermaids and it makes me want to make my own stories.
I wanted to like this one more than I did. Portions were stunning. Especially the design of the book and the panels featuring the steam boats. I think it's a matter of taste rather than execution. I just did not care for the way that the faces were drawn. There seemed to be a slight manga-esque look that distracted me from the story.
What do I think about a story about a mermaid? It's hard to say. I am fascinated by the mermaid herself, but her story is unfulfilled and mysterious up until the end. I am intrigued by what actually happens to Twain, but his story as well is unfulfilling and tragic? Tragic isn't quite the right word, since he chooses his end, but there is something melancholy and gruffly sad about how his story is wrapped up.
And the people I end up cheering for are also likewise left mysteriously unfulfilled as well.
All in all, it reads like an adventure that has not ended yet, and yet it has.
I suppose I wanted more of a conclusion. While mermaids are mysterious beings, I don't think enough was told about this one to make it a satisfying tale. Certainly the art is compelling, if at times a bit simplistic. Siegel clearly loves women and makes an effort to illustrate their charms (all of them, it would seem), but sometimes leaves the men to languish by lacking definition.
That all being said, I am enchanted by the tale at turns. The best idea of the book being that there are mermaids in rivers and that you don't have to look very far for the fantastical to find you. The mystery is carried well throughout the narrative, if not wrapped up to my satisfaction. Overall a lovely read, one that I will do again in the future.
And the people I end up cheering for are also likewise left mysteriously unfulfilled as well.
All in all, it reads like an adventure that has not ended yet, and yet it has.
I suppose I wanted more of a conclusion. While mermaids are mysterious beings, I don't think enough was told about this one to make it a satisfying tale. Certainly the art is compelling, if at times a bit simplistic. Siegel clearly loves women and makes an effort to illustrate their charms (all of them, it would seem), but sometimes leaves the men to languish by lacking definition.
That all being said, I am enchanted by the tale at turns. The best idea of the book being that there are mermaids in rivers and that you don't have to look very far for the fantastical to find you. The mystery is carried well throughout the narrative, if not wrapped up to my satisfaction. Overall a lovely read, one that I will do again in the future.
Loved the charcoal art, the way it captured moods and impressions, and the way the narrative moves along gathering strength, eventually pulling all the little threads together and sweeping you up in it. I encountered this when the web comic began but after a few visits forgot about it (as I tend to do with web comics), so I was glad to be able to dive into the story all at once. The mythical influences and the themes of loyalty and obsession are handled well, and it's all very interesting.
I loved how the artwork was done in charcoal instead of coloured inks which added to the fantasy. The plot was captivating and spellbinding. The ending had some loose ends so I hope that means a sequel is in the works.
I thought I was going to really enjoy this book, but I had a lot of trouble following the story.