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mackle13's review
2.0
So, I thought this book was going to be more about the historical Children's Crusade than it was. The Crusade is referenced in the story as a historical point, but it's definitely not the focus.
Also, this is a collected work where parts are missing. Per Gaiman's intro, it was an attempted collaboration of various Vertigo authors, back in the day, but some people went off with their assignments and then didn't really follow the outline of the story. So those parts were sort of just not collected, but new middle pieces were written to tie it in together. But we're left with characters that are introduced, and reference, but then never really seen.
Overall, it was an interesting attempt, but it definitely didn't get executed properly.
Also, this is a collected work where parts are missing. Per Gaiman's intro, it was an attempted collaboration of various Vertigo authors, back in the day, but some people went off with their assignments and then didn't really follow the outline of the story. So those parts were sort of just not collected, but new middle pieces were written to tie it in together. But we're left with characters that are introduced, and reference, but then never really seen.
Overall, it was an interesting attempt, but it definitely didn't get executed properly.
theowlinside's review against another edition
2.0
I was surprised I didn't particularly like this story. I thought it started strong, but then it got to a point where I didn't know what was going on and then it was an explosion of plot and then I poof. I may have to reread it after the dust has settled.
woowottreads's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
I was so very excited when I stumbled upon this. I got the first soft issue years ago and had never found the rest. And I completely forgot about the full collection, when I stumbled upon it yesterday at my local comic shop, which I almost never go to since I don't read many Western comics, and I never read superhero comics (they're just not my preference). But I went on a lark, looking for horror comics, and I found THIS to add to my Neil collection.
The art is interesting. Not my favourite, but mostly for completely subjective reasons. It's decent art objectively. The story is a little inconsistent, but that's to be expected when multiple people are writing it. It has some lovely, funny bits. But since I don't know other characters besides vaguely Black Orchid and Tim Hunter, I was a little confused; the lack of time spent with certain of the children made things a little rushed too.
But on the whole, a lovely time was spent. And I just love Edwin and Charles. I always have, always will.
I was so very excited when I stumbled upon this. I got the first soft issue years ago and had never found the rest. And I completely forgot about the full collection, when I stumbled upon it yesterday at my local comic shop, which I almost never go to since I don't read many Western comics, and I never read superhero comics (they're just not my preference). But I went on a lark, looking for horror comics, and I found THIS to add to my Neil collection.
The art is interesting. Not my favourite, but mostly for completely subjective reasons. It's decent art objectively. The story is a little inconsistent, but that's to be expected when multiple people are writing it. It has some lovely, funny bits. But since I don't know other characters besides vaguely Black Orchid and Tim Hunter, I was a little confused; the lack of time spent with certain of the children made things a little rushed too.
But on the whole, a lovely time was spent. And I just love Edwin and Charles. I always have, always will.
jsjammersmith's review against another edition
5.0
A fairy tale is in fact the last place a child is most safe, and yet the misfortune of us all, who were once children I suppose, is learning this lesson as grown-ups sing songs of innocence and hand us these tales and stories. Gaiman is, as always, a marvel, for his ability to take the mundane, the mystical, the magical, the historical, and combine it all into not just a semblance of a story, but a web of powerful experiences and images that are unlike anything most writers will produce in their lifetime.
The story of two dead boys who want to be detectives, the story of a group of children stolen away to a magical land by a warped and evil sadistic man, A Tale of the Children's Crusade is a chance to observe the real horror of violence against children. There were many passages in the book that left me aghast and crawling to find a semblance of humanity, but such moment only proof the aesthetic merits of this book. Rather than cling to the idea that childhood is a time of innocence and bliss, Gaiman is able, through his two dead-boy detectives to show the real fragility of children and their vulnerability to vice and manipulation.
And because it's Neil Gaiman, there's plenty of magic and fairy and worlds just outside of our own reality. This book was a lovely tie-in to his incredible Sandman series and it's a pity more people haven't taken the time to read and review this book.
Fairy tales are often stories of horror, pain, loss, and danger, but Gaiman reminds his reader that, even in the darkest of places, the capacity for strength in human beings, especially children, is everlasting.
The story of two dead boys who want to be detectives, the story of a group of children stolen away to a magical land by a warped and evil sadistic man, A Tale of the Children's Crusade is a chance to observe the real horror of violence against children. There were many passages in the book that left me aghast and crawling to find a semblance of humanity, but such moment only proof the aesthetic merits of this book. Rather than cling to the idea that childhood is a time of innocence and bliss, Gaiman is able, through his two dead-boy detectives to show the real fragility of children and their vulnerability to vice and manipulation.
And because it's Neil Gaiman, there's plenty of magic and fairy and worlds just outside of our own reality. This book was a lovely tie-in to his incredible Sandman series and it's a pity more people haven't taken the time to read and review this book.
Fairy tales are often stories of horror, pain, loss, and danger, but Gaiman reminds his reader that, even in the darkest of places, the capacity for strength in human beings, especially children, is everlasting.
yokaiakito's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
djahatimisor's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.0
larakaa's review against another edition
5.0
this book is so rich with ideas and images I definitely have to read it at least once more. I smiled almost all the way through it. Typical Gaiman style of narration.