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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
There's nothing more I can add to a review for this book that others haven't already said. I knew a little about the Boxer Rebellion before, but reading it from this first-person perspective, learning how things progressed through the eyes of the main character Little Bao, is so incredibly effective. I've seen Yang speak about this book/series and it's obvious that his immense research allowed to see the Boxer Rebellion in a deeper way than many others before him did not. I really value the opportunity to see the events from Yang's detailed point of view, and I think his story and art were wonderfully composed.
Other reviewers mentioned that the supernatural elements of the story were distracting, and there is credence to the comment, but if you've read American-Born Chinese, it is not completely foreign. For me, that part held almost a welcome comfort, a familiarity that gave me a touch-point outside the story, too.
Readers be warned: this is a full-on war, and Yang did not shy away from that. Even in comic-panel form, the violence and blood is a bit jarring, so this is not a book to share with the young and innocent, no matter their age. As with all books, pre-read for appropriateness.
Other reviewers mentioned that the supernatural elements of the story were distracting, and there is credence to the comment, but if you've read American-Born Chinese, it is not completely foreign. For me, that part held almost a welcome comfort, a familiarity that gave me a touch-point outside the story, too.
Readers be warned: this is a full-on war, and Yang did not shy away from that. Even in comic-panel form, the violence and blood is a bit jarring, so this is not a book to share with the young and innocent, no matter their age. As with all books, pre-read for appropriateness.
What a wonderful way to learn about this part of Chinese history. The language is simple but sufficient and the drawings are a lovely muted color palette, but being a depiction of war there is a lot of violence. I've only read the first volume so far, but I really appreciate the pairing...because 'good guys' and the 'bad guys' are often not clear cut. Following a teen boy as a fictional village leader of the Boxers, here we see those who are fighting against the influence and encroachment of colonialism and Christianity in the Chinese culture and government. The second volume promises to share the perspective of a Chinese girl who is a Christian convert.
considering i am not generally a graphic novel person; this one was captivating. Can't wait to read it's counterpart
Gene Yang does an amazing job putting faces and heart-wrenching stories behind the people who led and fought on the Boxer side of the Boxer Rebellion in China. Even though this is a comic book, I had to put it down a couple of times to take a bit of a breather because the depth and intensity overwhelmed me and I couldn't even imagine how my ancestors' ancestors lived through the war and tension. I can't help but wonder if what happened in history affects the "keep the peace" disposition many overseas Chinese immigrants (first gen) have when they're living in a foreign country. Worth exploring, would be curious to talk to older first gen immigrant families. Not excited to read the other side's recollection of events.
The art isn't stunning but it is effective. I like the contrast between the colorfulness of the art in this book and the monochrome of the other book. The story is amazing.
Hopefully anyone who reads this will go on and read further about the exploitation of China by the colonial powers and their own corrupt government.
Wow, this was a difficult read. The violence and the hate was so hard to comprehend. I thought this was fantastic and heart breaking at the same time. The ending was a bit rushed and their were these bits of humor that I thought did not fit the story at all. If you are searching for a fun, light hearted read, this is not the book for you. The graphic novel aspect may make it seem like it's simple but it's actually a really complex read. I totally recommend it.
Idk how GR is going to arrange my reviews so I'm just going to say here that I accidentally read Saints before Boxers (on the same day) and that affected how I went into this.
So reading Boxers was interesting as it was about Bao growing up feeling fond towards Tu Di Gong, the earth god, and the memories that came with it like celebrating the harvest and watching the operas. I'm probably using all the wrong words because I don't really relate but I can see his feelings through how Yang portrays his story. So I can understand that he and his village would feel threatened when some foreigner comes and destroys their god in order to proclaim another religion. Which is totally different from how Vibiana experiences Christianity. Omgosh this parallel is so good.
I'm wondering if this is in colour because it's easier to show the gods that come to possess the Boxers because they have associated them with their vibrant colour and that's how they know that their presence is within them.
The colours though didn't help me not to feel utterly miserable with everything, along the course of the story, going wrong. By that I mean, things going wrong for the Boxers and to Bao and to the people he cared about. It really makes you question, what is the point fo war because it really doesn't solve anything and no one wins.
On another note, was really hoping that the bit where Bao and Vibiana meet gets extended more but I guess it doesn't really matter in Bao's storyline whereas it matters more to Vibiana. It's just so amazing that even with shared bits, they have different significance to play in each story.
So reading Boxers was interesting as it was about Bao growing up feeling fond towards Tu Di Gong, the earth god, and the memories that came with it like celebrating the harvest and watching the operas. I'm probably using all the wrong words because I don't really relate but I can see his feelings through how Yang portrays his story. So I can understand that he and his village would feel threatened when some foreigner comes and destroys their god in order to proclaim another religion. Which is totally different from how Vibiana experiences Christianity. Omgosh this parallel is so good.
I'm wondering if this is in colour because it's easier to show the gods that come to possess the Boxers because they have associated them with their vibrant colour and that's how they know that their presence is within them.
The colours though didn't help me not to feel utterly miserable with everything, along the course of the story, going wrong. By that I mean, things going wrong for the Boxers and to Bao and to the people he cared about. It really makes you question, what is the point fo war because it really doesn't solve anything and no one wins.
On another note, was really hoping that the bit where Bao and Vibiana meet gets extended more but I guess it doesn't really matter in Bao's storyline whereas it matters more to Vibiana. It's just so amazing that even with shared bits, they have different significance to play in each story.
This is technically my first graphic novel. I really enjoyed it.
I ended up reading Boxers after Saints, so it was very interesting for me to see the connections between Little Bao's and Four-Girl's/Vibiana's journeys. With Little Bao we see the other side of the coin, he is fighting with all his might against the "foreign devils" for China, as he is repeatedly told by the spirit of the first emperor. Little Bao and his company fights with the Gods of the Opera on their side, so like in it's companion there is also a touch of magical realism here. As Little Bao's continues on his path, he finds himself forced to make decisions he wouldn't ordinarily make and deal with horrific consequences.
If you have never read any of Gene Luen Yang's work and/or are interested in the Boxer Rebellion, I highly recommend Boxers and it's companion Saints. Recommended for ages 12+.
If you have never read any of Gene Luen Yang's work and/or are interested in the Boxer Rebellion, I highly recommend Boxers and it's companion Saints. Recommended for ages 12+.