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A review by oliviak07
Shark Summer by Ira Marcks
3.0
I was not entirely sure what to expect from Ira Marck's, "Shark Summer". A graphic novel that is equal parts coming of age, as well as nostalgia for the summer blockbusters of our youth, "Shark Summer" is amusing both for the plot and the illustrations.
There were times where the plot seemed to jolt forward, much like a well-loved VHS tape, and either dialogue or action sequences were skipped. It caused the climax of the story to feel disjointed and or escalated, and not for the benefit of the reader. Yes, there were hints along the way as to the true nature of Martha's Vineyard's legend of the phantom shark. However, one feels as though it could have benefited from a steadier flow of sequencing.
Those observations aside, Marck's numerous homages to the 1975 film, "Jaws", were a delight. Whether you are a film buff, or only screen the movie on AMC during the Fourth of July weekend, you will recognize the finely placed details throughout the crew's journey around the island. My personal favorite involves a certain, top-secret prop.
Given Marcks's admiration of cinema, I am looking forward to his 2022 graphic novel, "Spirit Week", which takes inspiration from the 1980 film, "The Shining". It also appears that Elijah makes a cameo in this GN, and if so I am certain he will discover haunting gems for his cinematography reel.
There were times where the plot seemed to jolt forward, much like a well-loved VHS tape, and either dialogue or action sequences were skipped. It caused the climax of the story to feel disjointed and or escalated, and not for the benefit of the reader. Yes, there were hints along the way as to the true nature of Martha's Vineyard's legend of the phantom shark. However, one feels as though it could have benefited from a steadier flow of sequencing.
Those observations aside, Marck's numerous homages to the 1975 film, "Jaws", were a delight. Whether you are a film buff, or only screen the movie on AMC during the Fourth of July weekend, you will recognize the finely placed details throughout the crew's journey around the island. My personal favorite involves a certain, top-secret prop.
Given Marcks's admiration of cinema, I am looking forward to his 2022 graphic novel, "Spirit Week", which takes inspiration from the 1980 film, "The Shining". It also appears that Elijah makes a cameo in this GN, and if so I am certain he will discover haunting gems for his cinematography reel.