3.96 AVERAGE

oliviak07's review

3.0

Most readers will be able to empathize with the grief that Dan Santat, and his "Aquanaut" characters, express in this poignant graphic novel. Although the dialogue is overshadowed by the captivating illustrations, together both elements offer readers a reassuring thought when it comes to loss.

Several of the people I have discussed the GN with have had similar reactions to the overall outcome of this highly promoted piece. We enjoyed it, but much like other titles that were projected 'blockbusters', "Aquanauts" did not (fully) meet our anticipation.

That is not to say that Santat's piece was terrible, and hardly worth the hub-bub. Given the nature of how the book depicts death, grief, and 'moving forward', it could very well be used as spring board into a discussion with young adults about one of the most uncomfortable and confusing experiences we all face at one point or another.

Side Note: for those who are movie buffs, get ready for "Finding Nemo" meets "Terminator 2: Judgement Day". You'll know when you see it.

Again, I did not feel as though I wasted time with this GN, and if you have similar or opposing thoughts feel free to share them! I love of a good discussion when two sides of the coin are present.

oneheart7's review

5.0
adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
thebookwitch876's profile picture

thebookwitch876's review

4.0
adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

boathon's review

4.25
emotional funny sad fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
meryt's profile picture

meryt's review

4.25
adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

larafaith's review

4.0
funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
maggietokudahall's profile picture

maggietokudahall's review

5.0

More liberation of sea creatures from sea world type places pls!

cpersin's review

4.5
adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous funny hopeful medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
harukoreads's profile picture

harukoreads's review

4.0

Very fun, sweet, simple sort of story with energetic illustrations. Santat is so imaginative!