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American Gods, Vol. 2: My Ainsel by Rick Parker, Scott Hampton, P. Craig Russell, Neil Gaiman
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
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.
vigneswara_prabhu's review against another edition
4.0
Rating 4 out 5| A Grade; An Acid trip down dark alleyways
The bizarre yet phantasmal trip road trip with Shadow Moon & Mr. Wednesday continues. Having got a glimpse of the otherworld & beings which hide beneath the veneer of reality, Shadow finds himself further embroiled in the impending war between the Old Gods & New Ones.
Having found himself in a spot of trouble, Odin has his handyman spirited off to the innermost reaches of America, where hopefully he will be safe from prying eyes.
But outside our perception, the shadow conflict continues, as the first casualties of war begin to surface. Shadow is plagued by mysterious visions, about his destiny, past & not so dead wife, Lauren. Leading him to contemplate what his role is, in this whole kerfuffle. We are right there with him, riding along.
Volume 2, takes a breather after the events of the first Volume. We enter what is for many people one of the more interesting parts of the story, 'The Lakeside arc'. Shadow & we are given time to organize our thoughts and come to their own conclusions.
This volume also delves deeper into themes of human consciousness, predilection for violence, war, as well as philosophical musings as to the human condition. As they say, Gods are created from the thoughts of people, and in a way, they reflect the collective consciousness of the species.
We also meet an ever growing group of colorful characters, Gods & otherwise. With each new encounter, we are pulled deeper and deeper into the world which Mr. Gaiman have created. Where Gods work as Morticians, Call girls, cab drivers and see how their former awesome personas are made to reconcile with the reality that they now face. To scrap out a meagre existence in whatever fringes & gutters they can to survive.
Their varied reactions and outlook towards the current sorry state they find themselves in, form a crux of the narrative.
One other aspect, which I thoroughly enjoyed, were the various one-shots peppered throughout the story, 'Coming to America'. We get to know more, about how men through much trials & tribulations sailed to the new continent. And with them, much like rats in the hold, hitchhiked their gods, calling this land their new home.
Some however didn't make the journey intact. The rise of new religions & gods, pushing out the old. And one of the worse fates for a God is to be forgotten, as this would deal them the ultimate demise of oblivion. I think it is this glimpse into the abyss which makes 'The Tale of Nunnyunnini' one of my favorite one-shot.
Events are winding up to their inevitable conclusion. If you haven't picked up the story yet, I suggest you do so.
The bizarre yet phantasmal trip road trip with Shadow Moon & Mr. Wednesday continues. Having got a glimpse of the otherworld & beings which hide beneath the veneer of reality, Shadow finds himself further embroiled in the impending war between the Old Gods & New Ones.
Having found himself in a spot of trouble, Odin has his handyman spirited off to the innermost reaches of America, where hopefully he will be safe from prying eyes.
But outside our perception, the shadow conflict continues, as the first casualties of war begin to surface. Shadow is plagued by mysterious visions, about his destiny, past & not so dead wife, Lauren. Leading him to contemplate what his role is, in this whole kerfuffle. We are right there with him, riding along.
Volume 2, takes a breather after the events of the first Volume. We enter what is for many people one of the more interesting parts of the story, 'The Lakeside arc'. Shadow & we are given time to organize our thoughts and come to their own conclusions.
This volume also delves deeper into themes of human consciousness, predilection for violence, war, as well as philosophical musings as to the human condition. As they say, Gods are created from the thoughts of people, and in a way, they reflect the collective consciousness of the species.
We also meet an ever growing group of colorful characters, Gods & otherwise. With each new encounter, we are pulled deeper and deeper into the world which Mr. Gaiman have created. Where Gods work as Morticians, Call girls, cab drivers and see how their former awesome personas are made to reconcile with the reality that they now face. To scrap out a meagre existence in whatever fringes & gutters they can to survive.
Their varied reactions and outlook towards the current sorry state they find themselves in, form a crux of the narrative.
One other aspect, which I thoroughly enjoyed, were the various one-shots peppered throughout the story, 'Coming to America'. We get to know more, about how men through much trials & tribulations sailed to the new continent. And with them, much like rats in the hold, hitchhiked their gods, calling this land their new home.
Some however didn't make the journey intact. The rise of new religions & gods, pushing out the old. And one of the worse fates for a God is to be forgotten, as this would deal them the ultimate demise of oblivion. I think it is this glimpse into the abyss which makes 'The Tale of Nunnyunnini' one of my favorite one-shot.
Events are winding up to their inevitable conclusion. If you haven't picked up the story yet, I suggest you do so.