Reviews

Oddly Normal, Book 1 by Otis Frampton

thisisthelion's review against another edition

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4.0

What a blast I had reading this. The story is a mix of fantasy with a fish out of the water protagonist. Oddly Normal is a half-human half-witch who is picked on by her classmates and has completely-out-the-loop parents. After a total shit of a day which also happens to be her birthday (unfortunately I can relate to that and only wish some people to die slowly and painfully) she blows up and wishes that her parents would disappear.

Houston, we have a problem...

Her wish comes true and this is where our story seems to start. Now, Oddly only has her pseudo-hippie-witch-whatever-aunt to take care of her and she must move to Fignation, where her (witch) mother came from. Compared to Earth, Fignation is a weird place. The Fignatonians may look different than humans but they also suck. Figures.

This story read better as a trade. I started reading the issue when the came out but waiting a month between them is a pain in the ass and in this particular case I think this book loses momentum if you stop between issues. The story is not especially original but I wanted to keep turning pages to find out more. This seems like a introductory arc to Oddly's new surroundings and once she settles in a little bit I expect to know more about where the hell she sent her parents. She clearly has some sort of special powers and I want her to use them to bring the school bullies to their knees.

The art is pretty awesome: clear-lined which suits the story. The coloring is perfectly used to create juxtaposition between panels. It's vivid and bright colored and it pops up. The full or double-page panels look amazing. This is one of the best looking book I've ever seen.

The moment I finished it I wanted to have the next volume to read and that's probably the best compliment you can give a ongoing comic.

One last thing: I don't know what the deal is with Image and their kid-friend comics: the issues were A4 paper size but the trade is smaller. I want to experience the comics in the full size, Image morons!

bookph1le's review against another edition

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5.0

So fun and innovative. I was upset when I finished it. Can't wait to get my hands on more!

schmetterly's review

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funny lighthearted

3.75

marieintheraw's review against another edition

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4.0

This was cute and reminded me of Halloween Town.

listen_learn's review against another edition

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3.0

The graphics on this are great and I think it would interest a lot of readers, but I had a couple of beefs with the story:
1) No resolution to any part of the plot thus far. I don't mind if when I finish a first book there are many unanswered questions, but something should be resolved!
2) Too many cliches that are in every other middle-school, fantasy book

It still got three stars, because, like I mentioned before, I was fairly enamoured of the artwork and I think it has wide appeal.

mom2triplets04's review against another edition

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4.0

What a cute graphic novel great for middle grade readers. Has some great quotes and deals with bullies. It ended and I wanted more.

tbz_'s review against another edition

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5.0

I bought this book to read with one of Nieces. I think it is a fantastic story and the art is amazing. I have very much enjoyed reading this and so far my Niece says "It's good.", coming from an 11 year old I would consider that a great review!

grid's review against another edition

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4.0

This is actually the second time I’ve read this. Started my re-read because the 4th volume just came out.

marklpotter's review against another edition

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3.0

I frequently read stuff to see if my kids, and I have a slew of them, will be interested. While I can see that this book is well done and will recommend it to my younger girls this isn't really an adult read. I like the premise and the story is well done but I likely won't be reading more of it. I applaud Image for putting it out, this will be great for younger kids without being dumbed-down. If you have younger kiddos, especially girls, this could be the title that shows them how fun comics can be. I have a feeling this one will get added to the box at our local comic shop. While it's not for me it is a well written and awesomely drawn.

sam_antics's review against another edition

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5.0

Cute story about a half-witch girl who has to travel to another land to find her missing parents. A delightfully creepy cast of characters keeps this story very interesting. I wanted it to be longer! Will definitely keep reading this series.