Reviews

Dryad, Vol. 1 by Kurtis J. Wiebe

gabriellessrs's review

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5.0

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This book was kindly provided to me as an ARC by the author (NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review. The official edition is yet to be published.
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Dryad is like if a sitcom about a lovely, odd, and dysfunctional family just suddenly became explosive, edgy, and made all of its viewers fell from the edges of theirs sits. If you like fantasy, unrestrained by age plot and high-quality art, this comic series is the Saga's young sibling we have all been waiting to join the graphic novel party.
The plot is amusing and makes me wanna come back to see what happened to everyone. Although the beginning is pretty slow, once the plot starts to develop and the characters have time to present themselves, things start to move quickly.
I could not be happier to be reviewing this earlier! A comic series that I'll sure be following in the future!

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Overall rating: 5/5
Device used: Adobe PDF Reader on Desktop
Language: English, advanced level of ESL
Reader's discretion is advised: yes, there is graphic violence, sexual language and tones, and a few not-so-subtle sexual activities portrayed along the volume
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xlilith_rose's review

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4.0

I wasn’t sure what to expect, however I was hooked the illustration is beautiful.The family dynamics are great and I love the sibling bond. I can't wait to see to see where the series goes.

marieintheraw's review

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2.0

I picked this one up because the author worked on Rat Queens which I, once upon a time was really into. Unfortunately, this story lacks the magical feeling or wittiness that I loved from his other work.

I received an ecopy of this book via Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.

geekwayne's review

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3.0

'Dryad, Vol. 1' by Kurtis Wiebe with art by Justin Osterling is a new graphic novel from the creator of Rat Queens.

The Glass family live in a secluded and mysterious forest. Morgan, Yale and their twins Griffon and Rana seem to be at peace, but there are secrets lurking. Like why did Morgan and Yale leave a life behind and why are they suddenly in danger when the twins discover something in a nearby cave and bad guys start pouring in to the once peaceful forest.

The story dumps you in the middle and lets you figure things out as it goes. I didn't mind that, but it feels like the back half starts to meander a bit much. The art is solid and I did like the story.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Oni Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

evermoreliterary's review

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5.0

The artwork is magical and beautiful and everything I wanted! Saga is one of my favorite graphic novel series and Dryad reminds me of it in all the right ways. Strong family dynamics, badass parents who would do anything for their children, a mix of sci-fi and magic, and perfect artwork. Couldn't recommend this more, and I am DYING to know what happens next.

rgag86's review

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4.0

I got an e-arc of this from NetGalley.

This book left me so intrigued and I can’t wait for volume 2 to see what happens! It blends fantasy and sci-fi into an incredible world, and I have so many questions about the inner workings! Little breadcrumbs of information are revealed at just the right moments to make you keep turning the pages. This story also has some pretty strong Saga vibes!

bazayas's review

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adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • 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

Morgan and Yale chose the quiet old-fashioned town of Frostbrook to raise their children in because nothing ever happens there….until their twins, Griffon and Rana, accidentally open the town gate to the world outside. On the run from their parents’ old friends and enemies, Griffon and Rana realize their parents (and they themselves) are not who they seem.

This reminded me of the webcomics I read in the 2000s, with unapologetically lush art and storylines. It’s veryyyy much an intro to the story, but I love a story where the adults/parents are actual dynamic characters alongside the teenagers. It’s all the best parts of fantasy magic and elves with sci-fi mecha and the world is absolutely gorgeous. 

CW/TW:
violence; death; body horror

For fans of:
Saga series (but PG13); the Nimona movie; fantasy meets sci-fi; married MCs; twin dynamics; opposites attract couples

dame_samara's review

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4.0

To say that I was in love from the first page would in no way be an understatement Justin Osterling art kept me enraptured from the first page; watching it change and develop with the story was a joy that I can't understate. It truly made the differences apparent and, at times, striking while also showing the beauty of the melding of the worlds.

While Wiebe's writing honestly made me smile. Morgan felt so much like the type of strong-willed character that my friends play in tabletop RPGs, and the interesting use of tech and magic is amazing. I was left in aw to learn more about this world.

My only real turn-off was the depictions of sex, which, while acting to build the characters and relations, left the prudish side of me squirming in discomfort.

dangermom's review

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5.0

Fantastic art and the story had me hooked halfway through. Glad to have something to read during Saga's hiatus

spellsandmonsters_'s review

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4.0

Thank you NetGalley and Oni Press for the free ARC.

If the cyberpunk and fantasy genre had a baby, Dryad would be that baby! I loved this book. The art and story were great and super entertaining to read. I haven't quite read anything like this and I really enjoyed it.

The story follows the Glass family. First you see Yale and Morgan escaping their old life that you don't really learn about until a few issues in. You just assume that they lived a life that wasn't suitable for children. Then thirteen years later the quiet easy living village they took refuge in is attacked by their past. You then follow the family as they navigate to escape but get pulled back into their past. I most certainly will start picking up this title in single issues!