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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
So this book is probably a terrific read for its intended audience. The main character is spunky and brash and puts up with no nonsense from her milquetoast mom and gender stereotype loving dad. She goes off on her own adventures to save her sisters riding a dragon and that is great.
Unfortunately, I'm not the target audience. This book relies a lot on fairy tale parody story cliches and can't decide if it wants to be a fairy tale parody, a fantasy parody or a seamless world combining the two. If it's a fairy tale parody it a story cobbled together from other fairy tale parodies with the ever present "Princess in a tower guarded by a dragon" trope in full effect. Think back to all the collected Western(because that's where we seem to be)fairy tales you have ever read. Does this come up enough it warrants so many stories using it as a jumping point for their fairy tale parody? Are there any fairy tales cliches actually being used here?
Honestly, not enough to think of this as a fairy tale even though he first page is Princess Adrienne making fun of a fairy tale. it's being set up as a fairytale parody, not a fantasy parody but most of the story is spent poking fun at fantasy cliches. Adrienne is the contrast to the princess in the story her mom reads to her in the beginning, but its a straw man of a story, a fairy tale in name only and then it goes on to, rightfully, mock things like womens armor in fantasy, using mocking versions of the Red Sonya, Wonder Woman, and Xena's armor. I don't know where the fairy tale portion ended up or why it never addresses how actual fairy tales are full of girls doing amazing things. I love a smart modern fairy tale, especially when they poke fun at things, and that was what I was hoping for, and that wasn't what I got. I probably would have loved it if I were younger, and not well versed in fairy tales enough to notice its flaws.
Unfortunately, I'm not the target audience. This book relies a lot on fairy tale parody story cliches and can't decide if it wants to be a fairy tale parody, a fantasy parody or a seamless world combining the two. If it's a fairy tale parody it a story cobbled together from other fairy tale parodies with the ever present "Princess in a tower guarded by a dragon" trope in full effect. Think back to all the collected Western(because that's where we seem to be)fairy tales you have ever read. Does this come up enough it warrants so many stories using it as a jumping point for their fairy tale parody? Are there any fairy tales cliches actually being used here?
Honestly, not enough to think of this as a fairy tale even though he first page is Princess Adrienne making fun of a fairy tale. it's being set up as a fairytale parody, not a fantasy parody but most of the story is spent poking fun at fantasy cliches. Adrienne is the contrast to the princess in the story her mom reads to her in the beginning, but its a straw man of a story, a fairy tale in name only and then it goes on to, rightfully, mock things like womens armor in fantasy, using mocking versions of the Red Sonya, Wonder Woman, and Xena's armor. I don't know where the fairy tale portion ended up or why it never addresses how actual fairy tales are full of girls doing amazing things. I love a smart modern fairy tale, especially when they poke fun at things, and that was what I was hoping for, and that wasn't what I got. I probably would have loved it if I were younger, and not well versed in fairy tales enough to notice its flaws.
This series was highly touted in the corners of the Internet that I inhabit. It was said to be this fantastic series that is great for adults and children of both genders alike. I enjoy easily accessible graphic novels, mostly because I can lend them out to friends who don't normally read them or my kids.
This is definitely a story I could lend out, but I wish it were a bit more polished in it's presentation. There are a few awkward moments where the story moves too quickly. Some of the characters don't have solid personalities, especially the King. I also feel that some of the characters were misrepresented, mainly the dwarf girl who is taller than the main character.
I would also recommend getting this book in a physical shop (if you can; it's pretty rare). The book itself is as large as a manga, but it seems like some content was cut off. Mine likely was cut wrong, but since I got it online I can't just take it back... lol
However, I don't want to deter anyone from reading this. it was a genuinely enjoyable story that made me chuckle at times. I liked how it poked fun at the general conceptions of how we view fantasy heroes, heroines, and the genre itself. A breath of fresh air, so to speak. Here's to volume 2!
(Also Skullkickers... Awesome.)
This is definitely a story I could lend out, but I wish it were a bit more polished in it's presentation. There are a few awkward moments where the story moves too quickly. Some of the characters don't have solid personalities, especially the King. I also feel that some of the characters were misrepresented, mainly the dwarf girl who is taller than the main character.
I would also recommend getting this book in a physical shop (if you can; it's pretty rare). The book itself is as large as a manga, but it seems like some content was cut off. Mine likely was cut wrong, but since I got it online I can't just take it back... lol
However, I don't want to deter anyone from reading this. it was a genuinely enjoyable story that made me chuckle at times. I liked how it poked fun at the general conceptions of how we view fantasy heroes, heroines, and the genre itself. A breath of fresh air, so to speak. Here's to volume 2!
(Also Skullkickers... Awesome.)
Not bad, but I want it to be funnier. The situation itself is funny. There are lots of opportunities for jokes, puns, and witty banter that don't get used. Some guards are shaking down a peasant vendor, which has tons of potential, but the dialogue comes off a little lame and the writer isn't reaching for laughs.
A princess who bonds with her dragon and then goes on to save herself? The premise reminds me of Cimorene and the Enchanted Forest Chronicles, but with illustrations and less subtle dialogue. I really, really wanted to like this a lot, but felt like I was being hit over the head with the girl power stuff. I'm hoping that as the series goes on, Princess Adrienne and Bedelia are allowed to just do their thing without announcing how they're tearing down stereotypes every step of the way. Because their actions and personalities are enough.
"Waiting for your Prince Charming? Save Yourself!" This first volume did a good job of introducing the main characters and laying out the rules of its world: princesses get locked up and wait to be rescued by men. Except Princess Adrienne, who decides to save herself and go on a quest to save her sisters.
It's a good start so far, and now that the introductions are out of the way, I'm ready for more battles and for the story to really move forward in the following volumes.
It's a good start so far, and now that the introductions are out of the way, I'm ready for more battles and for the story to really move forward in the following volumes.
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Princess Adrienne, locked up in a tower and guarded by a dragon, is tired of being treated like she can't take care of herself. When she discovers a sword underneath her bed, she quickly learns how to use it, acquires ill-fitting armor (from deceased princes who tried to save her), and sets off on a quest to rescue her other sisters who have been locked up in their own towers. Along the way, Princess Adrienne meets Bedelia Smith (accomplished blacksmith and fighter) and gets in a few skirmishes.
A fantastic feminist comic. Adventure, humor, friendship, and great female role models. Plus, a dragon named Sparky.
A fantastic feminist comic. Adventure, humor, friendship, and great female role models. Plus, a dragon named Sparky.
This is *awesome*! It's everything I could want in a comic: fun art, fantastic female characters, a great feminist message, a far more diverse cast of characters than I find in most other books, action and adventure, plenty of quirky humor and great one-liners... Seriously, it's phenomenal. As the mother of a daughter who is becoming a huge comic book/graphic novel/manga fan, I am so glad a comic like this exists. As the mother of a young son who's probably destined to become a fan, I'm so glad representation like this exists. This book is great, great, great, and I am so looking forward to reading the second one.
Rat Queens for the G rated crowd. I'm glad kids today get to grow up with this.
The bad news: sometimes feels like a thin setup to poke fun at dumb tropes.
The good news: it's a pretty fun one, and the tropes deserve every poke.
The better news: they improve with every volume, at least so far (up to #4).
The good news: it's a pretty fun one, and the tropes deserve every poke.
The better news: they improve with every volume, at least so far (up to #4).