Scan barcode
A review by shipwrecksteph
Activist: A Story of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Shooting by Lauren Elizabeth Hogg
4.0
I received a slightly early copy at the NYCC 2019 educators event. Many thanks to Zuiker Press.
The story told here is so important. The instigating event is horrific. But what the author, Lauren Hogg chose to do in the aftermath, is inspiring. It is necessary for this story to be told. And using a graphic novel to tell it is a great idea. The visuals can hit much harder and deeper then just words. I'm glad to see Zuiker Press and others creating these works.
The presentation of the story here has some issues, but they are minor. 90% of the story is told through narration instead of dialog. This can stilt the narrative flow sometimes. The art is very strong. But Lauren doesn't look like Lauren. The artwork gives her a much more angular and narrow facial structure. This isn't a problem because it looks different. It's a problem because it make her look older than she is during these events. Part of the power of this story is that this activist is a child. She's at an age where she shouldn't have to be doing this work, but she has chosen to. That lesson doesn't hit as hard when your 14 year old protagonist looks 18.
These issues are in no way disqualifying. The story is important and moving. There should be more work like this out there. I've notices a push towards non-fiction graphic novels over the past year. If you are as interested in this trend as I am, this is a great place to start.
The story told here is so important. The instigating event is horrific. But what the author, Lauren Hogg chose to do in the aftermath, is inspiring. It is necessary for this story to be told. And using a graphic novel to tell it is a great idea. The visuals can hit much harder and deeper then just words. I'm glad to see Zuiker Press and others creating these works.
The presentation of the story here has some issues, but they are minor. 90% of the story is told through narration instead of dialog. This can stilt the narrative flow sometimes. The art is very strong. But Lauren doesn't look like Lauren. The artwork gives her a much more angular and narrow facial structure. This isn't a problem because it looks different. It's a problem because it make her look older than she is during these events. Part of the power of this story is that this activist is a child. She's at an age where she shouldn't have to be doing this work, but she has chosen to. That lesson doesn't hit as hard when your 14 year old protagonist looks 18.
These issues are in no way disqualifying. The story is important and moving. There should be more work like this out there. I've notices a push towards non-fiction graphic novels over the past year. If you are as interested in this trend as I am, this is a great place to start.