Reviews

Mister Miracle: The Great Escape by Varian Johnson

_morgueann's review

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adventurous funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

The Goodness Academy on Apokolips trains youth of various classes for their roles in Lord Darkseid's authoritarian rule. The orphans - like Scott Free - are prepared for the front lines of battles. Scott - or Mister Miracle as he'd like to be called - is always trying to escape. With gadgets, gizmos and a good deal of luck, he never finds himself too hurt, but he also never finds himself free. 

The story starts with another failed escape attempt, and in its aftermath, we learn about the chosen family relationship Scott has that motivates him toward freedom, see hints into the mystery surrounding Scott's identity (including a prophecy!), and watch an enemies-to-lovers romance unfold. 

Excellent superhero origin story for teens, whether they are avid DC fans or not. Readers interested in stories with themes of inequality and identity will also find this graphic novel enjoyable. 

bookalchemist's review

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the art did this thing where when people moved, there was a line with a dot at the end to denote direction of movement. while cool, it took me a while to figure out there wasn't a tiny robot following people. otherwise, the art was solid and easy to read.

the story itself wasn't bad to someone with absolutely no knowledge of mister miracle, but i have a feeling it makes more sense if you do. otherwise, it's basically just a sci-fi adventure comic with some nods to marvel superheroes.

clairewrobel's review

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adventurous dark funny tense medium-paced

2.0

littlecat's review

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adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

3.5

I knew nothing about this character before reading this, not even of his existense,  so I cant speak of faithfulness to established worldbuilding or characterization.
I am not sure how i feel about the art but i do like the colouring, the panels are easy to read.
The classismus aspect was a bit flat but okay for the intended age group I think.
I found the ending rushed.

librarianryan's review

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adventurous slow-paced

3.0

 
I did not enjoy this story at all. I think mostly because I have no previous knowledge of the character and the story seems to start in the middle.  The characters are either in another world or demission, maybe hell????  They want to escape and get to earth.  The reason I say hell is because they are trained to die and rebirth or reform.  But Mister Miracle has been able to escape the “school” or “training facility” but not able to help others do so yet.  The story was not holding my attention. It also felt old in illustration, both in style and color.  This could be because I was reading a galley so I will hold judgement on that factor. Over all, I did not really enjoy this book, which was sad.  Maybe a second go I will like the character better.  I do know some kids who will love it, and as such should be added to library’s DC collections. 

catburps's review

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adventurous hopeful fast-paced

3.0

destdest's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

4.0

 While criticisms of the worldbuilding are valid, I was just here for the vibes, man.

Well, this was FUN! Slick-mouth Scott is in a hellish, sci-fi military school, and he's about to break out! The art style was simple but complimented the story well. I thought the dialogue was fun/ny and learning about the setting and Scott's past kept my interest.

Scott doesn't know when to shut up, but I like him a lot. Let's just say the boy's mouth is cut long and wide. I also thought Barda was going to be a filler bully character, but she gets some depth. 

Even though Himon's departure felt a bit rushed, Bekka's illness doesn't get resolved, and we don't find out
anymore about Scotty boy's past
, I had a really good reading experience with this, and I would love to read more with these characters. 

jessidee's review

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dark tense medium-paced

3.0

sienas_books's review

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adventurous emotional fast-paced

4.0

pussreboots's review

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adventurous dark medium-paced

4.0