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elizabethlk's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars.
I didn't enjoy this as much as I did the first book in the series, but it still made for a fun little read. Best artwork was probably in The Mask Dance and in Loah. My favourite story was probably Radio Adrift, although I also had a soft spot for Carapace and Desert Island Playlist.
I would recommend it for anyone in need or want of a decent middle-grade comics anthology. I already have the next of the series checked out of the library.
I didn't enjoy this as much as I did the first book in the series, but it still made for a fun little read. Best artwork was probably in The Mask Dance and in Loah. My favourite story was probably Radio Adrift, although I also had a soft spot for Carapace and Desert Island Playlist.
I would recommend it for anyone in need or want of a decent middle-grade comics anthology. I already have the next of the series checked out of the library.
rickklaw's review against another edition
2.0
Kazu Kibuishi's follow-up anthology to the award-winning Flight series, Explorer continues in much the same vein except now each volume features a loose conglomeration of stories under a common theme. The first book centered around mysterious boxes and offered much the same quality of the previous series. While still relying on his regular cadre of talented contributors, the second and newest collection, Explorer: The Lost Islands fails to measure up to the standard of its predecessors. Even though every story is beautiful rendered, the often lackluster writing fails in execution and often feels forced into the theme. Of the seven stories, only three memorable tales emerge: the clever "Desert Island Playlist" by [a:Dave Roman|266715|Dave Roman|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1200331121p2/266715.jpg] and [a:Raina Telgemeier|21618|Raina Telgemeier|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1200153437p2/21618.jpg]; the gorgeous and poetic "Loah" by Michael Gagné; and the humorous "Radio Adrift" by the brother and sister team of Katie and Steven Shanahan.
tashrow's review against another edition
4.0
This second book in the Explorer series again takes a single theme and has short illustrated stories that center on that. The book is a collection of different illustrators and authors, so one story to the next is very different both in the story itself and in the style of the art. It makes for a very compelling book to read. I had several favorite stories in the book, including The Mask Dance by Chrystin Garland where the setting is dark and looming and people are disguised by masks. The reveal of the truth is great fun while still being dark and eerie. Another favorite was Desert Island Playlist by Dave Roman and Raina Telgemeier. Readers of Smile and Drama will enjoy seeing another piece of work by Telgemeier. This story too has a mystery at its heart all set on a desert island. This is another strong graphic novel that young readers are sure to enjoy.
This second book loses some of the darkness and wonder of the first which was a masterpiece. At the same time, it is a book worth getting because it displays such a wide range of art styles and story types. Both books in the series are like unwrapping presents when you turn to a new story, you are sure to be surprised.
Amulet fans, graphic novel readers and students interested in art should all find something to love in this new collection. Appropriate for ages 10-13.
This second book loses some of the darkness and wonder of the first which was a masterpiece. At the same time, it is a book worth getting because it displays such a wide range of art styles and story types. Both books in the series are like unwrapping presents when you turn to a new story, you are sure to be surprised.
Amulet fans, graphic novel readers and students interested in art should all find something to love in this new collection. Appropriate for ages 10-13.
cleverbaggins's review against another edition
4.0
The second book was just as good but themed with Lost Islands. Again, lots of cute stories including and creepy and intriguing one about an island girl tricked into going to the wrong festival, a kid stranded on an abandoned island who makes his escape trying to just do a good deed, and a gorgeously illustrated story about fish that live in a pond on an island when the volcano decides to explode. The island story alone is worth buying this one for me. There's something about it that twinges at my writing needs.
shidoburrito's review against another edition
4.0
Hooray! I love these comic anthologies, all these having the theme of islands. These are like the Flight comic anthologies, but much shorter. Can't wait for volume 3!
depleti's review against another edition
4.0
Another great collection of stories with beautiful art. I especially loved the one with the festival and the masks. Some amazing art in that story.
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