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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
After having read American Born Chinese earlier this year, I was excited to pick up more of Gene Luen Yang’s work. I loved the simple art style, the Asian-American characters and themes, and the simple yet effective story.
Level Up hit those marks, but not quite to the extent American Born Chinese did. While it still focused on family and dynamics of the culture (this time discussing youth culture rather than that of Asian-Americans, though there is a bit of that as well), it didn’t resonate quite as much with me.
Part of it was expectations: with a title like Level Up, and a cover that looks like a GameBoy, I was expecting more to do with gaming culture; perhaps the protagonist has to enter into a game or live his life as a game, or something… but instead, it was about sacrifices and honoring family.
In his heart, Dennis wants to be a gamer. He’s been transfixed with them since he was a young boy, but his father would never allow it, saying sacrifice makes us who we are and there’s no time for games if you want to succeed. Dennis swallows his hurt, as his Dad taught him, and focuses intently on his studies. When his father passes away, however, Dennis finally gets to game. Things happen, and Dennis is a man of extremes.
The ending lesson of happiness and finding what that means for you feels a little too on the nose and fortune cookie-ish, but it’s a pretty solid examination of today’s youth culture, or at least what older people seem to think it is.
Level Up hit those marks, but not quite to the extent American Born Chinese did. While it still focused on family and dynamics of the culture (this time discussing youth culture rather than that of Asian-Americans, though there is a bit of that as well), it didn’t resonate quite as much with me.
Part of it was expectations: with a title like Level Up, and a cover that looks like a GameBoy, I was expecting more to do with gaming culture; perhaps the protagonist has to enter into a game or live his life as a game, or something… but instead, it was about sacrifices and honoring family.
In his heart, Dennis wants to be a gamer. He’s been transfixed with them since he was a young boy, but his father would never allow it, saying sacrifice makes us who we are and there’s no time for games if you want to succeed. Dennis swallows his hurt, as his Dad taught him, and focuses intently on his studies. When his father passes away, however, Dennis finally gets to game. Things happen, and Dennis is a man of extremes.
The ending lesson of happiness and finding what that means for you feels a little too on the nose and fortune cookie-ish, but it’s a pretty solid examination of today’s youth culture, or at least what older people seem to think it is.
This was a great little graphic novel. Dedicated to the author's and illustrator's brothers "the good Asian sons," it told the story of a rocky father-son relationship that extended beyond the father's death. The book included video games, obstinate angels, and medical school. It was a well put together story.
I'm on a kick, reading as much from Yang, because this guy never seems to let me down. The art was different that in [book:American Born Chinese|118944] and [book:Boxers & Saints|17261194], less vivid, but I still liked the colors and such. (Is it that Yang himself illustrated those aforementioned books, but someone else illustrated this one? Did he draw for those others? I honestly know nothing.)
Anywho, this story was short and sweet, and obviously, inevitably, I got a tad emotional. Ever since ABC (whoa, just realized that acronym is the first three letters of the alphabet...) and even [book:The Eternal Smile: Three Stories|4437831], I can't help but expect a shocking twist in all of Yang's book. This one didn't have twist; more like an emotional reveal, which I appreciated. Also, the patented humor was there, and as always, I was glad for it.
All in all, really enjoyed this. I honestly love graphic novels so much, and I just gotta keep reading them!
Anywho, this story was short and sweet, and obviously, inevitably, I got a tad emotional. Ever since ABC (whoa, just realized that acronym is the first three letters of the alphabet...) and even [book:The Eternal Smile: Three Stories|4437831], I can't help but expect a shocking twist in all of Yang's book. This one didn't have twist; more like an emotional reveal, which I appreciated. Also, the patented humor was there, and as always, I was glad for it.
All in all, really enjoyed this. I honestly love graphic novels so much, and I just gotta keep reading them!
This was a really cute story! I loved the artwork and colours in this book. The dialogue was great, and the plot was humourous and heartwarming.
Somewhat depressing and guilt-laden, but a good story to be told
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love that this is a comic book with the theme of gaming that looks like a Gameboy. I saw one kid reading it and two other kids eyeing it excitedly and commenting "it's like a comic book" the same day it hit the shelf.
However, I am a little confused about what Gene Yang is trying to say. Follow your dreams except if they are stupid and/or self centered? Do what your dad wants you to do, but for your own reasons? Maybe I am overthinking it and the whole thing comes together when he uses his gaming skills to do colonoscopies. I support this as a singular, eccentric vision but something still seems a little bit half-baked.
However, I am a little confused about what Gene Yang is trying to say. Follow your dreams except if they are stupid and/or self centered? Do what your dad wants you to do, but for your own reasons? Maybe I am overthinking it and the whole thing comes together when he uses his gaming skills to do colonoscopies. I support this as a singular, eccentric vision but something still seems a little bit half-baked.
You don't have to be Asian-American to struggle with the weight of familial expectations; every young adult has to learn how to live his or her best life. A touching story of a young man's maze-like path to finding his destiny - discovering a way to make himself happy and honor his father's memory.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes