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em_likes_books's review against another edition
2.0
2.5/5
I was a bit confused by this graphic novel... I think the topics and issues it covers are incredibly important and I think a graphic novel is a really unique and effective way to tell the story, but it just didn't quite work in this case.
I often felt like I was missing parts, (and perhaps that was because throughout the story there were occasionally instances that asked us to scan a QR code or go to a website "for more about x" but I didn't do that...) but it felt very rushed and jumpy and a bit disjointed. Personally, if I'm reading a story, I want it all to be in the format that's in my hands. Sure, that's a different story if I'm looking up background info on a topic or something, but I feel like some parts of the actual storyline were told outside the pages, and that just feels weird to me.
The dialogue felt unnatural and the ending was confusing to me. Overall, I was disappointed, but I'm not sure I was the intended audience either.
I was a bit confused by this graphic novel... I think the topics and issues it covers are incredibly important and I think a graphic novel is a really unique and effective way to tell the story, but it just didn't quite work in this case.
I often felt like I was missing parts, (and perhaps that was because throughout the story there were occasionally instances that asked us to scan a QR code or go to a website "for more about x" but I didn't do that...) but it felt very rushed and jumpy and a bit disjointed. Personally, if I'm reading a story, I want it all to be in the format that's in my hands. Sure, that's a different story if I'm looking up background info on a topic or something, but I feel like some parts of the actual storyline were told outside the pages, and that just feels weird to me.
The dialogue felt unnatural and the ending was confusing to me. Overall, I was disappointed, but I'm not sure I was the intended audience either.
stephanieisreading's review
5.0
Loved this comic! The characters were really engaging and fantastic, and the fourth issue killed me (in the best possible way.) I can't wait to see more from this universe! ♥
otterno11's review
3.0
(H)afrocentric is a fun, rather breezy comic focusing on a group of student activists at the fictional Ronald Reagan University, headed by the eager and uncompromising daydreamer Naima. Whether taking on gentrification in RRU’s Oakland neighborhood or signing up as “racial translators” to convey what different racial groups mean when talking to each other (as long as white people hear what they want to hear, of course), the comic keeps up a rather biting social commentary with a sharp wit.
The detailed but cartoonish art work with its strong, clear lines, reminiscent of more mainstream comics works in this satirical and light hearted take on social justice. It’s comic format is, I feel, ideal to highlight Naima’s thoughts and ideas as she imagines speaking with a resurrected Malcolm X and a better world, and also utilizes QR codes for more information or musical accompaniment, which is fun. Taking things to a magic realist style, the comic is free to escape the confines of reality.
All in all, the characters and issues presented were great, but in the end, (H)afrocentirc doesn’t feel that deep. The substance of the comic feels less important than the ideas being discussed, making it a little disjointed, and in spite of Naima’s passion and drive, nothing really feels at stake. Still, it’s definitely great to see these ideas represented in comics, a great way to make accessible ideas imperative to the community, ideas that teens or adults alike might not have encountered before, and it’s a great addition to any library collections.
The detailed but cartoonish art work with its strong, clear lines, reminiscent of more mainstream comics works in this satirical and light hearted take on social justice. It’s comic format is, I feel, ideal to highlight Naima’s thoughts and ideas as she imagines speaking with a resurrected Malcolm X and a better world, and also utilizes QR codes for more information or musical accompaniment, which is fun. Taking things to a magic realist style, the comic is free to escape the confines of reality.
All in all, the characters and issues presented were great, but in the end, (H)afrocentirc doesn’t feel that deep. The substance of the comic feels less important than the ideas being discussed, making it a little disjointed, and in spite of Naima’s passion and drive, nothing really feels at stake. Still, it’s definitely great to see these ideas represented in comics, a great way to make accessible ideas imperative to the community, ideas that teens or adults alike might not have encountered before, and it’s a great addition to any library collections.
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