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mangrii's review
4.0
4,5 / 5
Elfos es una serie concepto creada por Jean – Luc Istin en la que cada número está a cargo de un equipo de guionista y dibujante diferente, llevando ya 13 álbumes en su edición francesa. En este primer volumen recopilado por Yermo Ediciones, tenemos los dos primeros álbumes como son El cristal de los elfos azules y El honor de los elfos silvanos. La serie de Elfos nos ofrecerá historias completas en cada albúm repletas de fantasía clásica en el mundo mágico de Arran, donde existen cuatro tipos diferentes de Elfos y multitud de razas que ya conocemos de sobra (orcos, humanos,...).
Dos historias independientes, pero magnificas en su conjunto, con unos guiones muy buenos y un dibujo tan preciosista como espectacular, volviendo a revivir las razas más clásicas de la fantasía. Un volumen cargado de fantasía heroica y épica que narran historias llenas de compañerismo, de traiciones, leyendas y mitos con un trasfondo conocido, pero al que nos gusta volver de vez en cuando como lectores del género. Como punto débil pondría que ambas historias se hacen demasiado breves, a veces parece que la trama se apresura y trata de presentar todo a una velocidad abismal.
Tengo muchas ganas de leer el volumen dos y continuar leyendo más historias sobre estos mágicos y poderosos Elfos.
Elfos es una serie concepto creada por Jean – Luc Istin en la que cada número está a cargo de un equipo de guionista y dibujante diferente, llevando ya 13 álbumes en su edición francesa. En este primer volumen recopilado por Yermo Ediciones, tenemos los dos primeros álbumes como son El cristal de los elfos azules y El honor de los elfos silvanos. La serie de Elfos nos ofrecerá historias completas en cada albúm repletas de fantasía clásica en el mundo mágico de Arran, donde existen cuatro tipos diferentes de Elfos y multitud de razas que ya conocemos de sobra (orcos, humanos,...).
Dos historias independientes, pero magnificas en su conjunto, con unos guiones muy buenos y un dibujo tan preciosista como espectacular, volviendo a revivir las razas más clásicas de la fantasía. Un volumen cargado de fantasía heroica y épica que narran historias llenas de compañerismo, de traiciones, leyendas y mitos con un trasfondo conocido, pero al que nos gusta volver de vez en cuando como lectores del género. Como punto débil pondría que ambas historias se hacen demasiado breves, a veces parece que la trama se apresura y trata de presentar todo a una velocidad abismal.
Tengo muchas ganas de leer el volumen dos y continuar leyendo más historias sobre estos mágicos y poderosos Elfos.
rosebud_reading's review
4.0
Art was amazing, some of the dialogue was a little clunky but I enjoyed the story. Looking fwd to the next volume.
levi66's review
4.0
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book via Netgalley.
I've been having trouble writing this review. This is odd given that I really enjoyed the book. The setting is rich and grand, the artwork is exquisite. So, what's holding me back?
Elves, Vol. 1 is a U.S. re-release of the French graphic novel series Elfes. The series takes place in a fairly standard fantasy world with humans, elves, orcs, etc. Volume 1 contains the first two issues of the original series: The Crystal of the Blue Elves and The Honor of the Silvan Elves.
In the first story, the Blue Elf Lanawyn and her human friend Turin investigate the destruction of a Blue Elf town and the murder of its residents. We also meet the Blue Elf Vaalann, who may have access to a great Elven weapon. The second story has human princess Llali seeking help from the dangerous Silvan Elves. Each story is a vignette that hints at a much larger world rich in culture and history.
And yet, the stories themselves were not very compelling. Neither were the characters–I just had to look up some of the names, because I already forgot them. Which brings me back to my review troubles. I legitimately enjoyed the book, and will read the others in the series as they come out. I just can't think of much to say about it.
Several things do stand out to me upon reflection:
1. As previously noted, the stories are embedded in a much larger world. The worldbuilding is phenomenal, and the book hints at much more to come.
2. The writers pull no punches. They aren’t afraid to show real consequences for main characters.
3. The artwork is superb. The views of exotic locations and Elven designs generate a terrific sense of wonder.
Verdict:
The stories are mostly standard fare, with a little bit of edge to them. But the artwork is dazzling! I look forward to seeing future volumes.
View the complete review here at Epic Grit.
I've been having trouble writing this review. This is odd given that I really enjoyed the book. The setting is rich and grand, the artwork is exquisite. So, what's holding me back?
Elves, Vol. 1 is a U.S. re-release of the French graphic novel series Elfes. The series takes place in a fairly standard fantasy world with humans, elves, orcs, etc. Volume 1 contains the first two issues of the original series: The Crystal of the Blue Elves and The Honor of the Silvan Elves.
In the first story, the Blue Elf Lanawyn and her human friend Turin investigate the destruction of a Blue Elf town and the murder of its residents. We also meet the Blue Elf Vaalann, who may have access to a great Elven weapon. The second story has human princess Llali seeking help from the dangerous Silvan Elves. Each story is a vignette that hints at a much larger world rich in culture and history.
And yet, the stories themselves were not very compelling. Neither were the characters–I just had to look up some of the names, because I already forgot them. Which brings me back to my review troubles. I legitimately enjoyed the book, and will read the others in the series as they come out. I just can't think of much to say about it.
Several things do stand out to me upon reflection:
1. As previously noted, the stories are embedded in a much larger world. The worldbuilding is phenomenal, and the book hints at much more to come.
2. The writers pull no punches. They aren’t afraid to show real consequences for main characters.
3. The artwork is superb. The views of exotic locations and Elven designs generate a terrific sense of wonder.
Verdict:
The stories are mostly standard fare, with a little bit of edge to them. But the artwork is dazzling! I look forward to seeing future volumes.
View the complete review here at Epic Grit.
veereading's review
2.0
The art in this graphic novel is definitely beautiful but that's the only thing I enjoyed about it. There were so many weak areas in this book. One of my major problems was the plot. The pacing was completely off; it was too fast in some places and too slow in others. The story line in the first story was unique but its execution was poor; the characters were sloppy, the writing style was choppy, and I always felt as if I had been thrown into the middle of the story. In terms of the second story, the flow and writing style were better, but the characters still lacked depth and the plot itself was boring. This wasn't a terrible graphic novel, but it was by no means good. But hey, at least the artwork was impressive!
I received this novel as an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this novel as an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
lavalentinois's review
4.0
Elves is a groundbreaking graphic novel created by Jean-Luc Istin and Kyko Duarte. The first volume consists of the first two issues of the Elves: The Crystal of the Blue Elves and The Honor of the Silvan Elves. The two stories are not connected even though they are happening in the same universe.
The Crystal of the Blue Elves
Blue Elves are elves closely connected to the element water. They build cities and live on islands. They build great fleets and are the primary rulers of the sea. On the other hand, there are also humans who resent the Blue Elves for their power and are quite bloodthirsty.
After an Elven city of Ennlya has been massacred, a Blue Elf named Lanawyn and her human companion Turin must investigate who has caused this great tragedy leading them into many dangers and possibly even costing them their lives.
The Honor of the Silvan Elves
When the human city of Eysine has been attacked by orcs mercenaries, the king's daughter Llali endeavours into the forest ruled by the so-called Forest Spirits, who are actually Silvan Elves, to seek their help in driving the orcs away. There she meets a Silvan Elf who realises the power she carries and together they try to bring back the good that the world has almost completely lost.
I have immensely enjoyed this graphic novel! The art was astounding, what I liked the most about it is the fact that it was slightly different in both The Crystal of the Blue Elves and The Honor of the Silvan Elves, but at the same time it kept its beauty. The difference in the aesthetic of the art and the colour pallet only contributed to the story that was told.
The only critique I have is that I wanted a bit more. Not because I feel the story was not well branched out, but because I wanted to dive into the presented world much, much deeper!
I must say I enjoyed the second issue, The Honor of the Silvan Elves a bit more. The characters were as if they were made out of flesh and blood. I could empathise with them and the end made my eyes water.
I simply loved traveling through this fantasy world filled with such magnificent beings. It felt like going home to Tolkiens Middle Earth, but also in the same time it felt like I was discovering a whole new world.
I wholeheartedly recommend this graphic novel.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
https://bookprejudice.wordpress.com/2017/05/02/jean-luc-istin-elves-1-2-review/
The Crystal of the Blue Elves
Blue Elves are elves closely connected to the element water. They build cities and live on islands. They build great fleets and are the primary rulers of the sea. On the other hand, there are also humans who resent the Blue Elves for their power and are quite bloodthirsty.
After an Elven city of Ennlya has been massacred, a Blue Elf named Lanawyn and her human companion Turin must investigate who has caused this great tragedy leading them into many dangers and possibly even costing them their lives.
The Honor of the Silvan Elves
When the human city of Eysine has been attacked by orcs mercenaries, the king's daughter Llali endeavours into the forest ruled by the so-called Forest Spirits, who are actually Silvan Elves, to seek their help in driving the orcs away. There she meets a Silvan Elf who realises the power she carries and together they try to bring back the good that the world has almost completely lost.
I have immensely enjoyed this graphic novel! The art was astounding, what I liked the most about it is the fact that it was slightly different in both The Crystal of the Blue Elves and The Honor of the Silvan Elves, but at the same time it kept its beauty. The difference in the aesthetic of the art and the colour pallet only contributed to the story that was told.
The only critique I have is that I wanted a bit more. Not because I feel the story was not well branched out, but because I wanted to dive into the presented world much, much deeper!
I must say I enjoyed the second issue, The Honor of the Silvan Elves a bit more. The characters were as if they were made out of flesh and blood. I could empathise with them and the end made my eyes water.
I simply loved traveling through this fantasy world filled with such magnificent beings. It felt like going home to Tolkiens Middle Earth, but also in the same time it felt like I was discovering a whole new world.
I wholeheartedly recommend this graphic novel.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
https://bookprejudice.wordpress.com/2017/05/02/jean-luc-istin-elves-1-2-review/
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