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3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
dark
funny
sad
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
This wasn't the first graphic novel I've read, but they're not a genre I often actively seek out. But when I expressed how eager I was to read Tomine's Scenes from an Impending Marriage (which our library is ordering!), my illustrator friend and coworker Joel loaned me some of Tomine's other work to check out. I sat down intending to check out just a few pages before a nap--and read the whole thing in one sitting. (That's probably bad graphic novel reading form or something, but what can I say? I was hooked.) The story follows Ben Tanaka and his often troubled interpersonal relationships--with his Asian-American activist girlfriend Miko, with his brash but lovable womanizing lesbian friend Alice, and with a few white women he convinces himself he hasn't fetishized. Other reviewers have pointed out that the characters aren't particularly likable (not that they're supposed to be) and don't have the most depth to them, which is an assessment I'd agree with. But the story captivated me in a way that made that okay--like hearing your flawed friend's retelling of something that's happened to him, and listening in a sympathetic way. And the illustration was perfectly subtle and absolutely effective. I'm looking forward to exploring more of Tomine's work.
This graphic novel was praised to the stars, so my lukewarm response might be because I thought it was going to be more than what it is: a small story about a slacker and his relationship and racial identity problems. Funny, well-drawn, but really the only unique thing about it was the medium that it was presented in. Still, it was an enjoyable enough read.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I think I'll need to noodle on this one for a bit before I rate it. I liked it though
Interesting characters. The story held my attention during a quick read but ultimately I didn't find it very memorable.
This was an interesting book. I learned a bit about Asian-American culture and I rooted for the couple to eventually find their way back to each other. The main character, Ben, was extremely unlikeable. It would have been nice if he had realized that his poor attitude was the cause of his relationship problems and gotten himself together, but that didn't happen. The ending of the book was anticlimactic. I wanted closure for the couple, but didn't get it.
funny
reflective
sad