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Reviews tagging 'Infidelity'
The Magicians: Alice's Story by Pius Bak, Lev Grossman, Lilah Sturges
2 reviews
masoudhouse's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
As someone who has read the novels, reading this comic feels like they did a Spark Notes version of the story. In some ways this makes sense because it focus is on Alice's part of the first novel. However, for someone who may not be familiar with the novels or the TV adaptation, this may feel like a rushed or incomplete journey.
What it does extremely well is focus on Alice's motivations. It's extremely introspective, with much of the caption boxes focusing on Alice's reactions or emotional turmoil. However, sometimes the author--Lilah Sturges-- seems too bound by original Magicians author Lev Grossman, to the point that it becomes clear that Alice didn't get her due in the novels. Quentin is flawed for much of The Magicians, and doesn't become complete until the very end of the book, and arguably by the end of the trilogy. This means that Alice as a protagonist in this graphic novel has to deal with an awful, juvenile and selfish romantic interest before the climax and denouement of this story. I can't say more without spoiling the book, but it means that structurally things end very abruptly in an odd place, and without Sturges able to take liberties with the story to make it narratively sound.
Pius Bak, the artist, does a good job on visuals. As a self taught artist, his work is admirable in that it's not always as refined or polished as an industry legend, but I really enjoyed it for that same reason. His work shows great expressions and makes great use of body language.
Overall, a pretty strong adaptation that could have benefitted from a longer page count. If you haven't read the novels, read the first one before reading this. Then read the next two, especially the third, to see the end of Alice's story. If you have read the novels, you'll really enjoy this for giving Alice her due with a little more time and a bigger spotlight.
What it does extremely well is focus on Alice's motivations. It's extremely introspective, with much of the caption boxes focusing on Alice's reactions or emotional turmoil. However, sometimes the author--Lilah Sturges-- seems too bound by original Magicians author Lev Grossman, to the point that it becomes clear that Alice didn't get her due in the novels. Quentin is flawed for much of The Magicians, and doesn't become complete until the very end of the book, and arguably by the end of the trilogy. This means that Alice as a protagonist in this graphic novel has to deal with an awful, juvenile and selfish romantic interest before the climax and denouement of this story. I can't say more without spoiling the book, but it means that structurally things end very abruptly in an odd place, and without Sturges able to take liberties with the story to make it narratively sound.
Pius Bak, the artist, does a good job on visuals. As a self taught artist, his work is admirable in that it's not always as refined or polished as an industry legend, but I really enjoyed it for that same reason. His work shows great expressions and makes great use of body language.
Overall, a pretty strong adaptation that could have benefitted from a longer page count. If you haven't read the novels, read the first one before reading this. Then read the next two, especially the third, to see the end of Alice's story. If you have read the novels, you'll really enjoy this for giving Alice her due with a little more time and a bigger spotlight.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Blood, Death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Animal death, and Sexual content
bookcaptivated's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Gore, Infidelity, Murder, and Sexual content
Moderate: Body horror and Vomit
Minor: Gun violence and Homophobia
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