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A review by bandherbooks
Ruins by Peter Kuper
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.