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zachkuhn's review against another edition
4.0
Lovely to look at. The story is interesting, but the gaps--and usually I appreciate the gaps--in the narrative, especially with respect to where the characters will go, left me wanting more.
imperfectcj's review against another edition
2.0
The story in this book is scattered. It seems as though the author spent more time on the illustrations---which are quite nice---than he did developing the story.
As with other graphic novels I've read, I don't really see how the illustrations add to the story, and the story seems to lack the depth that it might have had if it were written in prose. Maybe I'd prefer a graphic novel in which the words are the most important part and the pictures secondary, rather than the other way around. But it's possible that it just isn't the genre for me. They're really quick to read, though. If my TBR were filled with these, I could be done in a year or two rather than seven years.
As with other graphic novels I've read, I don't really see how the illustrations add to the story, and the story seems to lack the depth that it might have had if it were written in prose. Maybe I'd prefer a graphic novel in which the words are the most important part and the pictures secondary, rather than the other way around. But it's possible that it just isn't the genre for me. They're really quick to read, though. If my TBR were filled with these, I could be done in a year or two rather than seven years.
timshel's review against another edition
3.0
Though Ruins has its strengths (a decent story, good character development), it failed to impress me much. Overall, the story arc is good, but the subplots fall to the side. The art leaves much to be desired. And, my biggest gripe: why are we getting a story about Mexico and a particular event in Mexican history through the eyes of gringos? Even the supporting cast is gringo. Actual Mexicans, well, they are merely used for making the background more colorful.
pattydsf's review against another edition
4.0
I shelved this graphic novel in my TBR almost four years ago. I am not sure what brought it to my attention, but maybe some folks here on Goodreads who read it about that time. I was actually surprised that my public library still had it since graphic novels are not that popular with their readers.
This is a beautiful book. The story about one butterfly traveling to Oaxaca was stunning – Kuper is an excellent artist. I had no trouble following that part of the book. The second story, which is about a couple who travel from Canada to Oaxaca for a sabbatical, was harder for me to follow. To be honest, I thought that part of the tale was based on a true story. Kuper has been to Oaxaca, but his life is not what he depicts in the book. In the end, I was able to fall into George and Samantha’s tale and when the two stories finally intertwine, I was blown away.
I am not a big graphic novel fan. I read them now and again and I am usually amazed by how the art and text work together. I think more in words than pictures and the skills that it takes to blend the two are impressive. If you read graphic novels this is one that you should pick up. You will likely find it worth your time.
This is a beautiful book. The story about one butterfly traveling to Oaxaca was stunning – Kuper is an excellent artist. I had no trouble following that part of the book. The second story, which is about a couple who travel from Canada to Oaxaca for a sabbatical, was harder for me to follow. To be honest, I thought that part of the tale was based on a true story. Kuper has been to Oaxaca, but his life is not what he depicts in the book. In the end, I was able to fall into George and Samantha’s tale and when the two stories finally intertwine, I was blown away.
I am not a big graphic novel fan. I read them now and again and I am usually amazed by how the art and text work together. I think more in words than pictures and the skills that it takes to blend the two are impressive. If you read graphic novels this is one that you should pick up. You will likely find it worth your time.
bandherbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I did not know what this Graphic Novel was about, except that it was an exquisitely presented book. I noticed it as I was shelving holds at my library, and the gorgeous cover with the Mayan pyramid, the Monarch butterfly, and the vivid red coloring on the page edges was enough to have me place a copy on hold immediately. This would make a beautiful addition to anyone's shelf or coffee table.
As for the narrative, we follow both a monarch butterfly and a couple, all heading to or staying in Oaxaca, Mexico. I found George and Samantha a bit insufferable, but their beautifully illustrated story more than made up for it.
My favorite pages were definitely from the butterfly's chapters, as Kuper colored these in monochromatic blues with only the orange from the Monarch's wings as the one bright spot. His illustrations of ancient Mayan lore and mythology were also fascinating. Never an exact copy, but definitely evoked the era, somewhat similarly to Craig Thompson's illustrations in [b:Habibi|10138607|Habibi|Craig Thompson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327899014s/10138607.jpg|15036678]
Stunning.
As for the narrative, we follow both a monarch butterfly and a couple, all heading to or staying in Oaxaca, Mexico. I found George and Samantha a bit insufferable, but their beautifully illustrated story more than made up for it.
My favorite pages were definitely from the butterfly's chapters, as Kuper colored these in monochromatic blues with only the orange from the Monarch's wings as the one bright spot. His illustrations of ancient Mayan lore and mythology were also fascinating. Never an exact copy, but definitely evoked the era, somewhat similarly to Craig Thompson's illustrations in [b:Habibi|10138607|Habibi|Craig Thompson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327899014s/10138607.jpg|15036678]
Stunning.
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