Scan barcode
canislatrans's review against another edition
4.0
I've had a healthy dose of Lincoln in this sesquicentennial year of the Emancipation Proclamation. But this book was a bit different: a slice of Lincoln's life that we often hear of only in hints and snippets, when he was more down and out than up and coming. Recommended, even if you're not much for the 'graphic novel' format.
chwaters's review against another edition
3.0
This graphic novel tells of a lesser-known chapter of Abraham Lincoln's life. It begins well before his presidency, before his marriage to Mary Todd. It follows a young Lincoln through his early days as a struggling lawyer. Set-back after set-back drive Lincoln into a deep, dark depression that nearly kills him.
I must confess I did not know a whole lot about Lincoln's early life as most historical documents focus on his presidency and the years leading up to it. This graphic novel presents a less-than-glamorous tale of a man trying to find his way in the world. The stylized artwork may not be to everyone's liking, but this is still a very accessible book that adds an extra dimension to the life of one of America's greatest historical figures.
I must confess I did not know a whole lot about Lincoln's early life as most historical documents focus on his presidency and the years leading up to it. This graphic novel presents a less-than-glamorous tale of a man trying to find his way in the world. The stylized artwork may not be to everyone's liking, but this is still a very accessible book that adds an extra dimension to the life of one of America's greatest historical figures.
khoerner7's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not a fan of graphic novels but I read this one for a genre study we are doing at work. The book focuses on the early years of Lincoln when he first moved to Springfield. It deals with his political struggles, the end of his engagement to Mary Todd Lincoln and the deep depression he suffers from. While the story was good, I wasn't crazy about the lettering or the pictures. It is hard to distinguish one character from the other.
mybluepants's review against another edition
4.0
Bizarre, funny graphic novel of pre-presidential Lincoln battling possibly his worst depressive episode.
cjordahl's review against another edition
3.0
I liked it, it's a solid 3, maybe a little higher. Fascinating to know that a figure like Abraham Lincoln was debilitated nearly to the point of suicide by emotional troubles. No hint of greatness here.
I have previously read Noah Van Sciver's Fante Bukowski books. I especially appreciated them for their humor. Van Sciver's work in "The Hypo" feels flat without it.
Odd detail in the art: Van Sciver draws only 4 fingers and toes on his characters' hands and feet. Once I noticed it I couldn't stop seeing it. I found it off-putting for drawings that are otherwise kind of realistic. Does he draw this way in the Fante Bukowski books? I don't remember.
I have previously read Noah Van Sciver's Fante Bukowski books. I especially appreciated them for their humor. Van Sciver's work in "The Hypo" feels flat without it.
Odd detail in the art: Van Sciver draws only 4 fingers and toes on his characters' hands and feet. Once I noticed it I couldn't stop seeing it. I found it off-putting for drawings that are otherwise kind of realistic. Does he draw this way in the Fante Bukowski books? I don't remember.
starnosedmole's review against another edition
3.0
A glimpse at a narrow window in Lincoln's life before he became president, during which he wrestled with severe depression. There are plenty of charming and thoughtful moments in this graphic novel, but I wish it had covered a longer stretch of time.
chidseyca's review against another edition
3.0
I liked it, but it was hard to tell all the male characters apart. Dear artist: Why did you draw them all the same? I kept having to double check who it was. Either way it was an okay story, but it was the drawing and line work that kept it interesting.
woodlandbooklover's review against another edition
3.0
The story was interesting, and I hope historically accurate. It shows a very human, flawed, and vulnerable side to the mythical persona. I really struggled with the art. I didn't like the style, which made the characters look the same and it was disorienting. It was listed as YA, but that may be questionable depending on the scenes about prostitutes.