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kumquatlemon's reviews
24 reviews
Don't Go Without Me by Rosemary Valero-O'Connell
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This review focuses on storytelling from a graphic novel POV rather than just the writing.
My favorite story from the anthology is definitely the first one, and it's probably one of my favorite examples of creative and atypical paneling from anything I've read. The way the art flows out of its borders, which are molded by the other elements of the page, into another makes it feel like a modern day tapestry. Usually, in stories like these, artists tend to restrict their border-breaking but I'm glad Valero-O'Connell doesn't. The art is half, if not more, of the enjoyment of the story.
The characters all have a romantic type of problem, not necessarily in the sense of love and relationships, but more of the internal and external struggles that seem other-worldly but still speak to our emotions. Her writing and characters remind me of older stories and fairytales. I'm a big fan of stories with semi-ambiguity, especially when it comes to comics, so they hit just the right points for me to love the anthology.
I love her character designs in each of them and how well the pushes the conflict and mood of the stories. Valero-O'Connell is one of my favorite graphic novelist because she (seemingly) effortlessly blends writing with art where she builds a whole new fantastical world!
My favorite story from the anthology is definitely the first one, and it's probably one of my favorite examples of creative and atypical paneling from anything I've read. The way the art flows out of its borders, which are molded by the other elements of the page, into another makes it feel like a modern day tapestry. Usually, in stories like these, artists tend to restrict their border-breaking but I'm glad Valero-O'Connell doesn't. The art is half, if not more, of the enjoyment of the story.
The characters all have a romantic type of problem, not necessarily in the sense of love and relationships, but more of the internal and external struggles that seem other-worldly but still speak to our emotions. Her writing and characters remind me of older stories and fairytales. I'm a big fan of stories with semi-ambiguity, especially when it comes to comics, so they hit just the right points for me to love the anthology.
I love her character designs in each of them and how well the pushes the conflict and mood of the stories. Valero-O'Connell is one of my favorite graphic novelist because she (seemingly) effortlessly blends writing with art where she builds a whole new fantastical world!
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
"Laura-Deen" is a coming-of-age story following the main character, Frederica Riley, as she struggles with her on-again off-again girlfriend, Laura Deen. The reader is taken on a journey through young Freddy's relationship problems, whether it be romantic or platonic, and you sympathize with each character and their own unique troubles.
Coupled with beautiful art and sequencing, the story takes on a somewhat fantastical tone, using the art to swirl us from page to page. Tamaki's writing pairs finely with Valero-O'Connell's art and you can't help but feel entrapped in the world they build together.
I found this book after reading Valero-O'Connell's latest anthology, "Don't Go Without Me," which has much of the same flowing storytelling techniques and art that's used in this graphic novel.
This is a great book to get lost in, and to come back to whenever you're feeling down!
Coupled with beautiful art and sequencing, the story takes on a somewhat fantastical tone, using the art to swirl us from page to page. Tamaki's writing pairs finely with Valero-O'Connell's art and you can't help but feel entrapped in the world they build together.
I found this book after reading Valero-O'Connell's latest anthology, "Don't Go Without Me," which has much of the same flowing storytelling techniques and art that's used in this graphic novel.
This is a great book to get lost in, and to come back to whenever you're feeling down!
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Man Tiger by Eka Kurniawan
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Kurniawan's books all have a unique edge that makes the adventure feel otherworldly, and not just because of it's magical themes and plots. His writing style is exciting and draws you in from the first few pages!
Occasionally, it is a bit confusing to understand the sequence of events and is a bit disorienting. While I feel like it works for this type of story, it might get in the way of understanding the full plot.
Occasionally, it is a bit confusing to understand the sequence of events and is a bit disorienting. While I feel like it works for this type of story, it might get in the way of understanding the full plot.