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dalinarsreads's review against another edition
5.0
This was interesting? Not sure on my thoughts but I am for sure going to continue with this graphic novel series and the art is beautiful.
Merged review:
This was interesting? Not sure on my thoughts but I am for sure going to continue with this graphic novel series and the art is beautiful.
Merged review:
This was interesting? Not sure on my thoughts but I am for sure going to continue with this graphic novel series and the art is beautiful.
coco_lolo's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
My first serious foray into comics and graphic novels, and I must say that this was a pleasant surprise! That is most likely because I enjoy manga so much and, in some ways, Monstress reads a bit like one, whether it be the art style or the story.
Speaking of art, Sana Takeda's character designs and style is absolutely incredible - as gorgeous as it can be creepy, the art is what sold this first volume of Monstress for me. There were times when I felt that things were a bit too dark, but that's easy to overlook because it was so clean and precise, and everyone looked distinct.
The plot, though entertaining, is convoluted in that there is a lot going on behind the scenes and at the forefront, and for most of this volume I felt that the story could have been better fleshed out. World building is something I would also like to see more of, because while I did like the information provided at the end of most chapters, this universe doesn't yet feel cohesive. And what is the influence behind the culture? Egyptian? Japanese? Hebrew? It seems to be inspired by various elements that don't necessarily mesh together so far.
Although Maika is a interesting character because of her position in the world of humans and Arcanics, I feel like she's going to have to undergo some major development before I can say I actually like her. She just felt too much like all the other kickass heroines I've come across, the girl that is distant and closed off from almost everyone else and doesn't know who she is because she has (of course) lost pieces of her memories. I was also annoyed by how she sort of speaks down to people: rather than addressing them by their names, it was "little fox" or "cat" or "ravenborn." On a side note, though, I thought Kippa was adorable and want to see her create more of a relationship with Maika, and Ren the cat is the best character hands down: his were the lines I truly laughed at.
I talked more about my issues with Monstress in this review, but I really did like what was going on and am hoping the story and characters strengthen in the subsequent issues. I'll definitely be picking up the second collected volume when it comes out this summer!
My first serious foray into comics and graphic novels, and I must say that this was a pleasant surprise! That is most likely because I enjoy manga so much and, in some ways, Monstress reads a bit like one, whether it be the art style or the story.
Speaking of art, Sana Takeda's character designs and style is absolutely incredible - as gorgeous as it can be creepy, the art is what sold this first volume of Monstress for me. There were times when I felt that things were a bit too dark, but that's easy to overlook because it was so clean and precise, and everyone looked distinct.
The plot, though entertaining, is convoluted in that there is a lot going on behind the scenes and at the forefront, and for most of this volume I felt that the story could have been better fleshed out. World building is something I would also like to see more of, because while I did like the information provided at the end of most chapters, this universe doesn't yet feel cohesive. And what is the influence behind the culture? Egyptian? Japanese? Hebrew? It seems to be inspired by various elements that don't necessarily mesh together so far.
Although Maika is a interesting character because of her position in the world of humans and Arcanics, I feel like she's going to have to undergo some major development before I can say I actually like her. She just felt too much like all the other kickass heroines I've come across, the girl that is distant and closed off from almost everyone else and doesn't know who she is because she has (of course) lost pieces of her memories. I was also annoyed by how she sort of speaks down to people: rather than addressing them by their names, it was "little fox" or "cat" or "ravenborn." On a side note, though, I thought Kippa was adorable and want to see her create more of a relationship with Maika, and Ren the cat is the best character hands down: his were the lines I truly laughed at.
I talked more about my issues with Monstress in this review, but I really did like what was going on and am hoping the story and characters strengthen in the subsequent issues. I'll definitely be picking up the second collected volume when it comes out this summer!
tinyperidot's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
eldritchreader's review against another edition
5.0
Monstress is a steampunk story, following Maiko – a young female amputee with a monster inside of her. The artwork in this graphic novel would be more than enough to convince readers this is a must-have for their collection. Intricately vicious and beautiful, it builds an astounding world full of brilliant creatures and terrible violence.
The story itself has a richness that is often missed in graphic novels. This is blatant in the first volume, drawing readers into an almost-epic that, while full of detail, is engaging and can be read through quickly. Every single character clearly has an in-depth background that will no doubt unfold as the story continues. And the worldbuilding itself seems intertwined throughout these individual stories. If you love the darker, grittier, more adult graphic novels, like Saga, then you should absolutely be adding this to your list.
becandbooks.com ‧ trigger warning database ‧ book depository ‧ more links
Merged review:
Monstress is a steampunk story, following Maiko – a young female amputee with a monster inside of her. The artwork in this graphic novel would be more than enough to convince readers this is a must-have for their collection. Intricately vicious and beautiful, it builds an astounding world full of brilliant creatures and terrible violence.
The story itself has a richness that is often missed in graphic novels. This is blatant in the first volume, drawing readers into an almost-epic that, while full of detail, is engaging and can be read through quickly. Every single character clearly has an in-depth background that will no doubt unfold as the story continues. And the worldbuilding itself seems intertwined throughout these individual stories. If you love the darker, grittier, more adult graphic novels, like Saga, then you should absolutely be adding this to your list.
becandbooks.com ‧ trigger warning database ‧ book depository ‧ more links
The story itself has a richness that is often missed in graphic novels. This is blatant in the first volume, drawing readers into an almost-epic that, while full of detail, is engaging and can be read through quickly. Every single character clearly has an in-depth background that will no doubt unfold as the story continues. And the worldbuilding itself seems intertwined throughout these individual stories. If you love the darker, grittier, more adult graphic novels, like Saga, then you should absolutely be adding this to your list.
→ trigger warnings: war themes, slavery, rape discussed, suicide, hunting, blood depiction, electrocution, death (including of a child and mother), dead bodies, nonconsensual body mutilation and experimentation, decapitation and dismemberment, fire and burning alive, murder, stabbing
becandbooks.com ‧ trigger warning database ‧ book depository ‧ more links
Merged review:
Monstress is a steampunk story, following Maiko – a young female amputee with a monster inside of her. The artwork in this graphic novel would be more than enough to convince readers this is a must-have for their collection. Intricately vicious and beautiful, it builds an astounding world full of brilliant creatures and terrible violence.
The story itself has a richness that is often missed in graphic novels. This is blatant in the first volume, drawing readers into an almost-epic that, while full of detail, is engaging and can be read through quickly. Every single character clearly has an in-depth background that will no doubt unfold as the story continues. And the worldbuilding itself seems intertwined throughout these individual stories. If you love the darker, grittier, more adult graphic novels, like Saga, then you should absolutely be adding this to your list.
→ trigger warnings: war themes, slavery, rape discussed, suicide, hunting, blood depiction, electrocution, death (including of a child and mother), dead bodies, nonconsensual body mutilation and experimentation, decapitation and dismemberment, fire and burning alive, murder, stabbing
becandbooks.com ‧ trigger warning database ‧ book depository ‧ more links
iamhume's review against another edition
3.0
Meh. Considering it took me 2 months to read, I think it's safe to say this wasn't for me. Pretty art but the story was jarring and had too much info dumping for my taste.
Merged review:
Meh. Considering it took me 2 months to read, I think it's safe to say this wasn't for me. Pretty art but the story was jarring and had too much info dumping for my taste.
Merged review:
Meh. Considering it took me 2 months to read, I think it's safe to say this wasn't for me. Pretty art but the story was jarring and had too much info dumping for my taste.
makoshark98's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-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
felifirefly's review against another edition
5.0
What a great Graphic Novel this is!
It's really beautiful and has the right combination of Steampunk, Art Deco, Horror elements.
It is beautiful and violent at the same time. So is the story.
A bit confusing at first, because the reader is thrown into the happenings, memories, imaginations of the young protagonist, has to deal with the world building and historical information + all those different groups who are/were in war and support/betray one another. This was pretty hard at the beginning, but as you get more and more information, everything starts to make sense.
+ there are adorable cats in this story :)
I can't wait to read the next volume.
Merged review:
What a great Graphic Novel this is!
It's really beautiful and has the right combination of Steampunk, Art Deco, Horror elements.
It is beautiful and violent at the same time. So is the story.
A bit confusing at first, because the reader is thrown into the happenings, memories, imaginations of the young protagonist, has to deal with the world building and historical information + all those different groups who are/were in war and support/betray one another. This was pretty hard at the beginning, but as you get more and more information, everything starts to make sense.
+ there are adorable cats in this story :)
I can't wait to read the next volume.
It's really beautiful and has the right combination of Steampunk, Art Deco, Horror elements.
It is beautiful and violent at the same time. So is the story.
A bit confusing at first, because the reader is thrown into the happenings, memories, imaginations of the young protagonist, has to deal with the world building and historical information + all those different groups who are/were in war and support/betray one another. This was pretty hard at the beginning, but as you get more and more information, everything starts to make sense.
+ there are adorable cats in this story :)
I can't wait to read the next volume.
Merged review:
What a great Graphic Novel this is!
It's really beautiful and has the right combination of Steampunk, Art Deco, Horror elements.
It is beautiful and violent at the same time. So is the story.
A bit confusing at first, because the reader is thrown into the happenings, memories, imaginations of the young protagonist, has to deal with the world building and historical information + all those different groups who are/were in war and support/betray one another. This was pretty hard at the beginning, but as you get more and more information, everything starts to make sense.
+ there are adorable cats in this story :)
I can't wait to read the next volume.
tangodiva's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this! I immediately downloaded Volume 2 and eagerly await Volume 3 which is coming this month, I think?
I was a little confused, not gonna lie, but Professor Tam Tam's lectures at the end of some sections helped. Thanks Learned Cat!
Just GORGEOUS, Art Deco art and world building that is deeply intricate. LOVE THIS!
Merged review:
I loved this! I immediately downloaded Volume 2 and eagerly await Volume 3 which is coming this month, I think?
I was a little confused, not gonna lie, but Professor Tam Tam's lectures at the end of some sections helped. Thanks Learned Cat!
Just GORGEOUS, Art Deco art and world building that is deeply intricate. LOVE THIS!
I was a little confused, not gonna lie, but Professor Tam Tam's lectures at the end of some sections helped. Thanks Learned Cat!
Just GORGEOUS, Art Deco art and world building that is deeply intricate. LOVE THIS!
Merged review:
I loved this! I immediately downloaded Volume 2 and eagerly await Volume 3 which is coming this month, I think?
I was a little confused, not gonna lie, but Professor Tam Tam's lectures at the end of some sections helped. Thanks Learned Cat!
Just GORGEOUS, Art Deco art and world building that is deeply intricate. LOVE THIS!
thems0kitty's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5