It’s going to be a graphic novel extravaganza around here for a while, as I not only work through posting reviews of the fabulous Cybils finalists, but also work through a small pile of graphic novels that have been sent to me for review and are waiting eagerly to be read. Can I complain? Nope. I would, however, like to note where I obtained the following titles: sources include Stanislaus County Library and review copies sent by publishers for Cybils judging–thank you to Archaia Press and IDW Publishing. Anyway, read on for some of my thoughts and reactions during the judging period.
First, the Cybils winner! Congratulations to Gunnerkrigg Court: Orientation, which is the novelization of a serial webcomic by Tom Siddell. In fact, it’s book one of a series, one that fans of fantasy “school stories” (like, well, the big HP) are sure to enjoy. It’s surreal and mysterious, peppered with odd critters, magical and mechanical constructs, and intriguingly-utilized mythological elements. The friendships, however, are appealing and realistic, as we see main character Antimony settle into her new life at the odd Gunnerkrigg school.
It’s a good story with a consistent pace, nicely conveyed through the graphic storytelling using a brief chapter format. At the end of each chapter is a little one-page “extra” mini-story; these are cute and fun, though I didn’t feel they added a lot to the main story. In terms of visual style, I loved the diversity of characters and, particularly, the fantastical elements and overall atmosphere. The main character could have been a bit more visually expressive, though I know it’s part of Antimony’s personality to be a bit reserved and keep to herself. Overall, I’m left intrigued and wanting to read more–I guess I’ll have to read the sequel to find out how they develop and figure out the real story behind this strange magical school across from a dangerous wood, watched over by creepy mechanical birds…
The Dreamer: The Consequence of Nathan Hale, Pt. 1, by Lora Innes, seemed to inspire a lot of differing opinions in the judging panel. I, for one, thought it was a worthy candidate, despite a few minor complaints. I’m not so sure about the cover artwork, for one thing…but the story inside is told in a very classic comic style (reminiscent–for me, at least–of DC/Vertigo titles of the ’90s). It works well for this story, which has a contemporary storyline as well as one which takes place in America’s past. Modern-day high school student Beatrice starts visiting a handsome Revolutionary soldier in her dreams…dreams that seem all too real.
It’s nicely done, though a few of the soldier characters were hard to tell apart. I think the blending of past and present is appealing, as well as the blending of genres: is it historical-romance-fantasy-adventure? The historical details are well-utilized, despite a few anachronistic elements that bugged me a little, and it’s got a great set of characters (and the possibility for interracial romance between Bea and a school friend, though poor Mr. Smarty Pants Teenager Guy doesn’t really stand a chance against Sexy Soldier Boy). This one’s also a serial, as I was somewhat abruptly reminded at the end of this volume when I was LEFT HANGING, darn it.
With this one, it’s hard to know if the romance elements are going to irritate guy readers, but I think it’s got potential for both male and female reading audiences.
That's the ONLY thing I hate about serialized graphics — being left hanging. The cover of The Dreamer is definitely … interesting – but I'll take your word for it that the story inside has substance.