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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
I found this kind of hard to read. Brutal and pretty depressing. But it is about war, after all.
should have read this one first. this makes you realize you usually only see the good of the side you're on.
Originally posted here
I am not big in the graphic novel world, for various reasons, mostly because I get very overwhelmed with what young adult novels are out there that I haven’t read, do I want to add more to that? Well, I guess I do! I have now started the graphic novel bandwagon and I love and adore them.
Set during the late 1800s, Boxers is the story of the Boxer Rebellion, it is the story of Little Bao and how he wants to protect his family and his country. Through use of history and excellent detail, Yang shows how Little Bao forms an army of what become the Boxers and how they will save the country. They have always been fine with how things are. They never needed or requested missionaries and soldiers come in to “save them.” All Little Bao and his group know is that things are changing and they do not seem to be changing for the better.
Finally one day the Boxers have had enough and they rise up. They say “no” and they stand their ground. This book does not have a happy ending, which suits the story and the time period. The real Boxer Rebellion did not end happily. And, although I have a history background, no background is needed to read these books. They consistently stand by themselves with no knowledge. If anything they are an amazing refresher. I also give a great hand clap to Yang because the drawings and the story had me intrigued throughout Boxers.
I am not big in the graphic novel world, for various reasons, mostly because I get very overwhelmed with what young adult novels are out there that I haven’t read, do I want to add more to that? Well, I guess I do! I have now started the graphic novel bandwagon and I love and adore them.
Set during the late 1800s, Boxers is the story of the Boxer Rebellion, it is the story of Little Bao and how he wants to protect his family and his country. Through use of history and excellent detail, Yang shows how Little Bao forms an army of what become the Boxers and how they will save the country. They have always been fine with how things are. They never needed or requested missionaries and soldiers come in to “save them.” All Little Bao and his group know is that things are changing and they do not seem to be changing for the better.
Finally one day the Boxers have had enough and they rise up. They say “no” and they stand their ground. This book does not have a happy ending, which suits the story and the time period. The real Boxer Rebellion did not end happily. And, although I have a history background, no background is needed to read these books. They consistently stand by themselves with no knowledge. If anything they are an amazing refresher. I also give a great hand clap to Yang because the drawings and the story had me intrigued throughout Boxers.
Boxers is the story of the Boxer Rebellion told from the perspective of Little Bao. Bao has a calling to fight the foreign devils who have taken over his country. He trains men and together they become Brother-Disciples of the Righteous and Harmonious Fist. They roam the Chinese countryside fighting the foreign devils and the Christian Chinese. What they do does not always seem right, but they are fighting for what they believe is right. The final battle comes in Peking as they try to drive the foreigners from the city.
I know pretty much nothing about Chinese history. I had heard of the Boxer Rebellion but really had no idea what it was about. Gene Luen Yang distills the history of the conflict down so that anyone can understand it. The graphic novel format is perfect for this story. Since it is told from the view of Little Bao, we don't get the entire story of the conflict and its aftermath, but we get enough. It will definitely peak your interest and make you want to learn more about the Boxer Rebellion.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers at ALA 2013.
I know pretty much nothing about Chinese history. I had heard of the Boxer Rebellion but really had no idea what it was about. Gene Luen Yang distills the history of the conflict down so that anyone can understand it. The graphic novel format is perfect for this story. Since it is told from the view of Little Bao, we don't get the entire story of the conflict and its aftermath, but we get enough. It will definitely peak your interest and make you want to learn more about the Boxer Rebellion.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers at ALA 2013.
The art in this is great first of all, and second of all, it's really interesting to read about history I don't really know about from a non-western perspective because you get a different side of the story than the one we are often told. Though this is obviously factionalized and has mythic elements, it is based on historical events and the author does a good job of showing how the Bao is conflicted and not necessarily entirely good-but where that anger and drive and destruction comes from. Really really interesting, and now I need to read part 2
Really well done. It doesn't pull any punches about the Boxer Rebellion, but tells the story in a very simple way. Also does a great job of combining history and mythology around the Boxer movement. The art reminds me of Herge and the Asian Tintin adventures.
I've been sitting on this review for a couple of days waiting for a muse, and haven't been able to find inspiration. It was a perfectly good read--high quality, fascinating story, engaging storytelling, compelling character development, impeccable illustrations--but for whatever reason I can't get myself excited to talk about it. Regardless, I'm very glad to have read it and recommend it to others.
I do have to admit some disappointment with volume #2. After finishing Boxers I was really looking forward to gaining more insight into Bao's story from another perspective in Saints, and instead ended up not enjoying the second story as much. So 4 stars for #1, 3.5 stars for #2.
I do have to admit some disappointment with volume #2. After finishing Boxers I was really looking forward to gaining more insight into Bao's story from another perspective in Saints, and instead ended up not enjoying the second story as much. So 4 stars for #1, 3.5 stars for #2.
I found this utterly fascinating! I think graphic novel fans are in for a treat with this and its companion, Saints.
Now here's a book that is both awesomely illustrated and thoroughly educational. If you know nothing about the turn of the 20th century in China, which I bet is most of us, then you need to read this book. It gives a perspective on the Boxer Rebellion that will shed some light on why those events took place.
I highly recommend this for any world history buffs and graphic novel enthusiasts. Be aware that the Boxer Rebellion was a violent event, so viewers be aware.
I highly recommend this for any world history buffs and graphic novel enthusiasts. Be aware that the Boxer Rebellion was a violent event, so viewers be aware.