Scan barcode
aprivateislander's review against another edition
3.0
The main thing this book has going for it is the art, which is really outstanding.
Jen Wang comes from an animation background and you can definitely tell; the characters always look like they're about to burst into movement and every page is interesting and full of life. Her pages are laid out interestingly, and everything is dynamic and really fantastic.
That said, the story in this one is a little lacking -- a lot lacking. It's about a guy named Jon who is about to pack up and move to Peru with his older girlfriend to do good. He comes across a MPDG named Koko and her silent friend Faron, and you know, growing up and finding yourself ensues in a cliched, rushed manner. I couldn't begin to care about the characters and everyone felt like stock artistic quirky 20-somethings, with the most interesting character was the one that the story barely danced over. Everything goes as you might expect it to, but the story bounces around so much that it's difficult to really get attatched or invested in the characters.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed this more if I'd read less with similar premises, but I've read a lot better in the genre.
But while that sounds harsh, I must admit that the art is well worth the book and I'm happy with my purchase and read. I hope Ms Wang will continue to write stories, because this is a fine debut and I would happily get the next.
Jen Wang comes from an animation background and you can definitely tell; the characters always look like they're about to burst into movement and every page is interesting and full of life. Her pages are laid out interestingly, and everything is dynamic and really fantastic.
That said, the story in this one is a little lacking -- a lot lacking. It's about a guy named Jon who is about to pack up and move to Peru with his older girlfriend to do good. He comes across a MPDG named Koko and her silent friend Faron, and you know, growing up and finding yourself ensues in a cliched, rushed manner. I couldn't begin to care about the characters and everyone felt like stock artistic quirky 20-somethings, with the most interesting character was the one that the story barely danced over. Everything goes as you might expect it to, but the story bounces around so much that it's difficult to really get attatched or invested in the characters.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed this more if I'd read less with similar premises, but I've read a lot better in the genre.
But while that sounds harsh, I must admit that the art is well worth the book and I'm happy with my purchase and read. I hope Ms Wang will continue to write stories, because this is a fine debut and I would happily get the next.
royalmilktea's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
brizreading's review against another edition
4.0
A touching, clever, and beautiful graphic novel about two (or maybe four) young people trying to Be Good. In a way, it's kinda like Nick Hornby's How To Be Good. There's an anxiousness and a moral striving in the well-meaning characters, an inauthenticity. There's a wonderful, very funny bit where the titular Koko tries to volunteer at an old people's home.
I loved how this was told: Jen Wang exposits NOTHING, or only deftly. The art is also - mwah - effortless and delightful. It reminded me of Fiona Staples's art in Saga; the kind of drawing you really envy.
I loved how this was told: Jen Wang exposits NOTHING, or only deftly. The art is also - mwah - effortless and delightful. It reminded me of Fiona Staples's art in Saga; the kind of drawing you really envy.
tar92's review against another edition
4.0
Beautifully drawn. And it has a good message as far as what it means to be good. The story line is a bit all over the place but overall I like it.
theghosthybrid's review against another edition
4.0
I could very much hear this story, you know? Specifically, this song kept playing on repeat in my head. Without giving too much away, I like how the ending opened more possibilities, rather than simply tying up the loose threads.
I really enjoy Jen Wang's æsthetic style—it's fluid and expressive, yet solid and has heft. The coloring, surprisingly enough, reminds me of ink wash painting, and it's a joy to look at. Definitely check this one out! It's a solid read that'll make you feel a deep sense of contentment and (hopefully) a lust for life.
I really enjoy Jen Wang's æsthetic style—it's fluid and expressive, yet solid and has heft. The coloring, surprisingly enough, reminds me of ink wash painting, and it's a joy to look at. Definitely check this one out! It's a solid read that'll make you feel a deep sense of contentment and (hopefully) a lust for life.
catwhisperer's review against another edition
3.0
Jen Wang's 1st graphic novel. Overall I enjoyed the message (finding yourself/your passion without worrying about how others see you) but it was pretty rough around the edges and sometimes the intertwining stories just seemed convoluted.
thaiteixeira's review
3.0
It was very different from what I expected, but the last half of the book I really enjoyed and get in the vibe. It is a beatiful story if you can connect with it, but, yes, it is necessary to hold on a little and connect with the characters, which is a little difficult, but, once you do, it is amazing.