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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
emotional
informative
fast-paced
The genius of this duology isn't apparent until the end of the second volume and I think it a shame this wasn't published as a single book.
I gave this 3 stars, which means that I liked it but didn't necessarily fall in love with it.
I'd never really read anything about the Boxer Rebellion before and to be honest, I didn't even know all that much about it either.
This graphic novel gave a really nice overview of the Boxer-side of the rebellion. The artwork was beautiful and the story itself was also enjoyable. I just didn't find it as engrossing as others. I will read the Saints-sequel to this, because then I will have seen the two sides of the story.
I'd never really read anything about the Boxer Rebellion before and to be honest, I didn't even know all that much about it either.
This graphic novel gave a really nice overview of the Boxer-side of the rebellion. The artwork was beautiful and the story itself was also enjoyable. I just didn't find it as engrossing as others. I will read the Saints-sequel to this, because then I will have seen the two sides of the story.
I had high hopes when going into "Boxers" due to the fact that I love "American Born Chinese." I wasn't exactly disappointed by it, but it wasn't as good as I was hoping for it to be either. I still really like Gene Luen Yang's art style, so that didn't change, I just didn't love the story plot as much. The story follows a young boy called Little Bao as he rises up to fight the Westerns that have come to China spreading Christianity. I like how Yang tackled an aspect of history by combining it with magical realism, therefore making it more interesting to a different audience.
One of my favorite thing about "Boxers" is how it displays the Chinese as "the good guys" and the westerners as "the bad guys" while in reality war is never that simple. It shows Bao having to do some unsavory things in order to lead his troops to victory, but he is still predominantly the good guy. The script than switches in the companion novel, "Saints." The fact that the story is told again from a different perspective in the next book is probably the most interesting thing about this series. It was an interesting choice to do this for sure, but I am not sure if it was the best one or not.
Overall, I enjoyed reading "Boxers." It didn't take too long and I am glad that I read another book by Gene Luen Yang.
One of my favorite thing about "Boxers" is how it displays the Chinese as "the good guys" and the westerners as "the bad guys" while in reality war is never that simple. It shows Bao having to do some unsavory things in order to lead his troops to victory, but he is still predominantly the good guy. The script than switches in the companion novel, "Saints." The fact that the story is told again from a different perspective in the next book is probably the most interesting thing about this series. It was an interesting choice to do this for sure, but I am not sure if it was the best one or not.
Overall, I enjoyed reading "Boxers." It didn't take too long and I am glad that I read another book by Gene Luen Yang.
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Going into this graphic novel I had not completely read the synopsis, so I had the notion of this simply being a recounting of true historical events from the perspective of a young kid, which is why I was taken aback at first by the fantastical elements. I was also surprised at how dark the story got- for someone I figured that sense it was categorized as young adult it would gloss over the more darker aspects even though the plot is taken for true historical events, and history is dark. After reading this I definitely want to eventually look into more nonfiction about the Boxer rebellion.
Gene Luen Yang always publishes interesting graphic novels that showcase Chinese culture. This one was no different. One thing to note, however, is that there is a LOT of violence and graphic depictions of this gruesome violence. Necessary for this historical context and plot, but it’s something to keep in mind with young readers. I’m looking forward to reading Saints.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Amazing story and illustrations! Tradition, stories, brotherhood/sisterhood - all of these are rolled into one along with other little aspects. The story of the defense of China from a people who were taking over the land for their own. Intense and gripping until the end.