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dreaming_ace's review against another edition
5.0
Just like Volume 1, this was wonderful. Again I am enjoying the graphic novel in a way I did not when I read the book. Some of that is I have grown as a reader and I have gone deeper into the myths. This time parts that felt very "old man and the sea" in the book feel more appropriate to the story in the graphic novel form. Also, I have grown in my own understanding of America and it now is more plausible that this land contains great things such as gods and magic and story deep in its bones. Plus I have now spent time in the Midwest so parts of this part of the story make more sence.
Also, I want to give a shout out to the wonderful drawings done by David Mack, I really liked how his images looked and how they captured me.
Also, I want to give a shout out to the wonderful drawings done by David Mack, I really liked how his images looked and how they captured me.
jitka91's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
lacewing's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
ibnjah's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ralphiereads76's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, I'm more hooked into the story line. Is Shadow of the Raven Clan? Is that why Odin employed him? He has to be a god himself, right? Ugh, now I need the next one.
nathanaracena's review against another edition
4.0
Funny enough, I found part 2 of American Gods novel a bit laborious but found the graphic novels far better than its 1st counterpart. The visuals are stunning and although I’m still not the biggest fan of the art style, the panelling and colours are brilliant. Much more dynamic and enjoyable than the first graphic novel run.
bethtabler's review against another edition
4.0
I received a copy of this from the publisher via Edelweiss+ in exchange for my open and honest review.
American Gods, Vol 2 My Ainsel has the dubious task of portraying the middle of a book. Often when reading a story, the center is the boring part. The part that is not the exciting beginning or the escalating and profound conclusion. No. The middle is the part where the characters walk. If you are reading Lord of the Rings, odds are they are walking. It is significant but taken as a slice of the bigger narrative pie; the walking is boring.
Not so much with My Ainsel.
Don't get me wrong; this slice of the narrative is not as exciting as the first American Gods Vol. 1. Or, dare say, will it be as impressive as the not-yet-written Vol. 3 as the denument of the American Gods book plays out. But, this story was an exciting and faithful adaptation of Neil Gaiman's much-beloved novel. Oddly enough, instead of walking, this is the story of a long road trip. It is a vital part of the narrative, a needed pause. The characters, mainly Shadow and Wednesday, circle the wagons and gather the forces. The story also chronicles Shadow's time in Lakeside and touches on the parallel dimension that is accessible to gods. Because the narrative is pausing, the artwork has to do the heavy lifting to progress the story forward and create compelling visuals. I think that this is where the volume shines. The artwork is beautiful. I am a fan of Gaiman's comic style, expressive, artistic, and a touch wonky. It isn't perfect. Some of the character renderings are a bit off. For example, the young girls Shadow interacts with on a bus ride look much older than their 14 years. It can throw the reader out of the story. I did appreciate the depictions of Las Vegas as they were colorful and otherworldly. They are what someone thinks Vegas should look like, and in that way are useful. Although, as someone from Vegas I always find depictions of Vegas as some kaleidoscope adult dream world a description that lacks in imagination. But, in terms of the story, I liked the scene quite a bit.
Overall, this adaptation was excellent. It wasn't perfect; it had slight pacing, art, and story issues. But as far as a middle goes, it excelled. It did the original story justice, and undoubtedly will bring more American Gods fans into the fold.
I am looking forward to the third volume to see the artwork and how it further adapts the source material. If you are new to the series, congratulations, stay awhile. American Gods is a treat.
As a side note and a bit of cleverness on Neil Gaiman's part, My Ainsel is a Northumbrian folk tale and means My own self. I doubt that was a coincidence.
American Gods, Vol 2 My Ainsel has the dubious task of portraying the middle of a book. Often when reading a story, the center is the boring part. The part that is not the exciting beginning or the escalating and profound conclusion. No. The middle is the part where the characters walk. If you are reading Lord of the Rings, odds are they are walking. It is significant but taken as a slice of the bigger narrative pie; the walking is boring.
Not so much with My Ainsel.
Don't get me wrong; this slice of the narrative is not as exciting as the first American Gods Vol. 1. Or, dare say, will it be as impressive as the not-yet-written Vol. 3 as the denument of the American Gods book plays out. But, this story was an exciting and faithful adaptation of Neil Gaiman's much-beloved novel. Oddly enough, instead of walking, this is the story of a long road trip. It is a vital part of the narrative, a needed pause. The characters, mainly Shadow and Wednesday, circle the wagons and gather the forces. The story also chronicles Shadow's time in Lakeside and touches on the parallel dimension that is accessible to gods. Because the narrative is pausing, the artwork has to do the heavy lifting to progress the story forward and create compelling visuals. I think that this is where the volume shines. The artwork is beautiful. I am a fan of Gaiman's comic style, expressive, artistic, and a touch wonky. It isn't perfect. Some of the character renderings are a bit off. For example, the young girls Shadow interacts with on a bus ride look much older than their 14 years. It can throw the reader out of the story. I did appreciate the depictions of Las Vegas as they were colorful and otherworldly. They are what someone thinks Vegas should look like, and in that way are useful. Although, as someone from Vegas I always find depictions of Vegas as some kaleidoscope adult dream world a description that lacks in imagination. But, in terms of the story, I liked the scene quite a bit.
Overall, this adaptation was excellent. It wasn't perfect; it had slight pacing, art, and story issues. But as far as a middle goes, it excelled. It did the original story justice, and undoubtedly will bring more American Gods fans into the fold.
I am looking forward to the third volume to see the artwork and how it further adapts the source material. If you are new to the series, congratulations, stay awhile. American Gods is a treat.
As a side note and a bit of cleverness on Neil Gaiman's part, My Ainsel is a Northumbrian folk tale and means My own self. I doubt that was a coincidence.
peachykeenebooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
nickleby_shepherd's review against another edition
5.0
Same as Vol. 1
Never read the novel? No worries. This is a great adaptation; I don’t believe anything is lost.
If you have read the novel this is a wonderful way to reread.
Never read the novel? No worries. This is a great adaptation; I don’t believe anything is lost.
If you have read the novel this is a wonderful way to reread.