Dawn Dvorak reviews a slew of graphic novels starting with Axe Cop by Malachai Nicolle.
This is one of those books that I just did not get. I don't understand what is so funny and why this is so beloved. Perhaps having the entire comic all at once rather than waiting every day or week for a new page ruins the experience? Anyway, this book is completely written by 5-year-old Malachi Nicolle, and as such many of the characters are twisted and some of the plots are nonsensical. The illustrations are all done by Malachai's older brother Ethan, and they are all well done. This book includes the six original Axe Cop stories, sixty-two additional episodes (split into two stories), and a series of "Ask Axe Cop" which are short comics based on reader-questions. I found these questions the most interesting (only interesting?) part, because Ethan wrote a little note alongside each question giving back story or providing additional information. I also want to note how odd it is that this is written by a 5-year-old, but considered a YA graphic novel.
Meanwhile by Jason Shiga
Meanwhile is a graphic novel that you will probably either love or hate. It's a choose-your-own adventure book, and instead of saying "to chose x turn to page 2, to chose y turn to page 3" it uses a series of "pipes" you must follow along the numerous tabs that stick out on the right side of the book. The pipes must be followed on the individual pages as well, because they doesn't follow the traditional left to right, top to bottom pattern. This can seem cool if you're loving the story, but can definitely grow frustrating. Some of the pipes even travel in a twisted knot, requiring you to follow the pipe exactly or get very confused when you turn to the wrong page. The plot is sort of silly, starting with a choice between chocolate and vanilla ice cream, but quickly turning to a mad scientist forcing you to pick between using three if his inventions. Overall, I think it is a wonderfully innovative idea, but the execution lacks.
Friends with Boys by Faith Erin Hicks
This graphic novel is about a 14-year-old girl who is starting high school after being homeschooled. She has three older brothers who are already in high school, but that does not make her transition any less awkward, mostly because they all have their own problems that they are dealing with. These problems may or may not be related to their mom running out on the family, apparently needing a break after spending so much time home with her kids. The title comes from the fact that Maggie has never had any girl friends, apart from the ghost of a widowed lady who periodically haunts her.
Overall this is a fun read! The author does a good job of integrating text with the graphics but still using character expressions and body language to illustrate their feelings. She also mixes up the size and layout of the panels to show movement and better highlight certain areas (it also makes the pages more visually interesting, which is a plus).
Kampung Boy by Lat
Kampung Boy is an autobiographical graphic novel about a boy named Lat growing up in rural Malaysia on a kampung. The story starts when he is a baby and follows him through leaving the kampung for boarding school. There really isn't much of a plot besides Lat growing older. For example, as time passes, Lat's family grows with two younger siblings, but they just show up in a frame saying "now I have a younger brother" and that is it. The drawings are very funny, with characters wearing funny pants and having big teeth. I think this would be a good way to introduce kids to another culture. The story is fun and kids should be able to find some similarities between their life and Lat's life, but also will see the differences. The story does stop at an odd point, as an industrial company is interested in buying up the kampung, but Lat goes off to school without finding out what happens. There are sequels though, so I am sure the story picks up there.
RSS Feed