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gub_gub_gub's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ninolule's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
sleepingnerd's review against another edition
3.0
This book was... Ok? I had high expectations for it, and that's always a thing that can hinder more than help you. I love the art style and the allegorical, whimsical concept of the shadows. I also really enjoyed how you could really feel the emotions of the characters, specially the father – his love and helplessness was palpable.
The story, though, was just... ok. It didn't make me feel much, which was disappointing, since I expected this book to have me in tears. Maybe because it was a little too long, and the allegories got lost along the way. Perhaps if it was a bit more concise, or if it restricted itself to the more whimsical parts (like the father at end), it would have been better. In any way, it's still a good story and a solid read, and the art is amazingly beautiful and fluid, hence the three stars.
The story, though, was just... ok. It didn't make me feel much, which was disappointing, since I expected this book to have me in tears. Maybe because it was a little too long, and the allegories got lost along the way. Perhaps if it was a bit more concise, or if it restricted itself to the more whimsical parts (like the father at end), it would have been better. In any way, it's still a good story and a solid read, and the art is amazingly beautiful and fluid, hence the three stars.
thisisstephenbetts's review against another edition
3.0
Beautiful, allegorical fairytale. An idyllic family of three living in the woods, become aware that there are three shadows watching them, seemingly getting closer. The father attempts to protect his family from the mysterious trio, without knowing what they want or having any idea of what they will do next.
The book is beatifully drawn, with lots of controlled scribbly lines (a little reminiscent of a slightly lighter Mattotti), but Pedrosa varies his style to good effect. Some of the pages are really stunning.
Pedrosa is an animator for Disney, and it really shows - the images are really dynamic. Sometimes the characters themselves can be a little too cartoony, the expressions a little too exaggerated. It's not unattractive, but I found it a little jarring against the rest of the art. I got used to it though. Also, I found his pacing was a little erratic - the flow didn't seem to be quite right. I may be wrong, but I think this is not uncommon in animators coming to comics. I'm not sure what causes this feeling - it'd be a good area for more thought and analysis.
In the end, the story, while pleasant and enjoyable, feels a little slight, and maybe takes a little too long in the telling (certainly, it seemed to keep going longer than necessary). I would recommend this book on the strength of its art, and I hope that Pedrosa's comics chops improve. I'll keep an eye out for his other work.
The book is beatifully drawn, with lots of controlled scribbly lines (a little reminiscent of a slightly lighter Mattotti), but Pedrosa varies his style to good effect. Some of the pages are really stunning.
Pedrosa is an animator for Disney, and it really shows - the images are really dynamic. Sometimes the characters themselves can be a little too cartoony, the expressions a little too exaggerated. It's not unattractive, but I found it a little jarring against the rest of the art. I got used to it though. Also, I found his pacing was a little erratic - the flow didn't seem to be quite right. I may be wrong, but I think this is not uncommon in animators coming to comics. I'm not sure what causes this feeling - it'd be a good area for more thought and analysis.
In the end, the story, while pleasant and enjoyable, feels a little slight, and maybe takes a little too long in the telling (certainly, it seemed to keep going longer than necessary). I would recommend this book on the strength of its art, and I hope that Pedrosa's comics chops improve. I'll keep an eye out for his other work.
elyana's review against another edition
4.0
Une jolie fable signée Cyril Pedrosa.
Cela aurait pu être un coup de cœur si l'œuvre avait été un peu plus aboutie, mais tout de même une très belle histoire.
Cela aurait pu être un coup de cœur si l'œuvre avait été un peu plus aboutie, mais tout de même une très belle histoire.
basilbasil's review against another edition
4.0
Yeah this book didn't turn out to be anything like I thought it would be- way darker, and way better.
hafsa's review against another edition
4.0
This graphic novel is stunningly illustrated, and beautifully dictates the lengths parents will go to to hold onto their children. The illustrations are my favourite part - perfectly capturing the subtle strangeness that the story embodies.