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crystalstarrlight's review against another edition
2.0
Anita Blake is an animator and an executioner. She has been approached to work for the vampires to solve the murder of five of their own. But Anita has a policy: she won't work with vampires. Period. But when the Master Vampire wants something, the Master Vampire gets it. Now, Anita must find out who is behind these vampire murders...or her friend may be in danger.
For a long time, I've been told I need to read this series, as it is one of the cornerstones of the urban fantasy/vampire genres. I'd tried to read the paperback novel on which this was based, but it wasn't clicking. So when I saw a graphic novel with some cool art, I thought I'd try it out.
While there were a couple of things that I liked - aspects of the artwork, the vampire/human interactions, and the fact that there is a strong female character - I found myself frustrated with this graphic novel...a lot.
The characters weren't either that interesting or notable. I am not growing too fond of Anita. She just seems to have a huge chip on her shoulder and acts like a know-it-all while not really doing a whole lot (or proving her supposed skills), all while pretending to be a Strong Female Character. Hopefully, I am proven wrong in the novel (Author's Note 7/17: BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!) or in later books (AN7/17: Double BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!), because I would very much like to like her. The other characters just don't stand out to me: Edward, Phillip, Ronnie...they are all just names, no personality or character jumps out at me.
The story was nearly incomprehensible. It seemed to jump all over the place. I didn't understand what happened at the bachelorette party in the slightest and what danger Catherine was supposedly in. And why again did the Master Vampire want Anita to investigate so badly...particularly given Anita's hatred for vampires?
But most of my complaints are graphic novel specific: starting with the art. It was weird, how huge Anita and other women's thighs were--bigger than either her waist or her head. I didn't realize that Anita was half-Mexican, because the graphic novel makes it appear she is either Vampire or Scandinavian. And lord have mercy, the artists need to work on her hair. In every side panel, her hair sticks out like a foot from her face. Side profiles are the worst, where her hair literally forms a ball around her head. Not to mention, Anita is supposed to be such a kick @ss women, but in half the panels, she looks like a meek, punished puppy, with big, sad eyes and puckering lips. This does not scream vampire hunter to me. Scars looked like someone had spit all over the characters.
And then, Stacie Ritchie obviously didn't know how to translate a book into a graphic novel (Jess Ruffner-Booth seemed to be better). There were lines of interior dialogue from Anita on nearly EVERY panel, completely disrupting the flow of the story. But even that wouldn't be bad, but most of the time, it was just descriptions of stuff that the panel ALREADY shows or random comments that would have made more sense in the book (such as mentioning her penguin fascination--we can see she wears a penguin shirt in every panel and cuddles a penguin in bed, we don't need her to explain it). There was only one page that really treated the book like a true graphic novel and that was the one where Phillip and Anita rush to the bathroom (towards the end, done by Ruffner-Booth--hence, why I say she is better at adapting).
I've bought Volume 2, so I hope it gets better. I've also got the novel, which I will read, but let me tell you, after reading the graphic novel, I'm not as excited. (AN7/17: AND FOR GOOD REASON TOO!)
For a long time, I've been told I need to read this series, as it is one of the cornerstones of the urban fantasy/vampire genres. I'd tried to read the paperback novel on which this was based, but it wasn't clicking. So when I saw a graphic novel with some cool art, I thought I'd try it out.
While there were a couple of things that I liked - aspects of the artwork, the vampire/human interactions, and the fact that there is a strong female character - I found myself frustrated with this graphic novel...a lot.
The characters weren't either that interesting or notable. I am not growing too fond of Anita. She just seems to have a huge chip on her shoulder and acts like a know-it-all while not really doing a whole lot (or proving her supposed skills), all while pretending to be a Strong Female Character. Hopefully, I am proven wrong in the novel (Author's Note 7/17: BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!) or in later books (AN7/17: Double BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!), because I would very much like to like her. The other characters just don't stand out to me: Edward, Phillip, Ronnie...they are all just names, no personality or character jumps out at me.
The story was nearly incomprehensible. It seemed to jump all over the place. I didn't understand what happened at the bachelorette party in the slightest and what danger Catherine was supposedly in. And why again did the Master Vampire want Anita to investigate so badly...particularly given Anita's hatred for vampires?
But most of my complaints are graphic novel specific: starting with the art. It was weird, how huge Anita and other women's thighs were--bigger than either her waist or her head. I didn't realize that Anita was half-Mexican, because the graphic novel makes it appear she is either Vampire or Scandinavian. And lord have mercy, the artists need to work on her hair. In every side panel, her hair sticks out like a foot from her face. Side profiles are the worst, where her hair literally forms a ball around her head. Not to mention, Anita is supposed to be such a kick @ss women, but in half the panels, she looks like a meek, punished puppy, with big, sad eyes and puckering lips. This does not scream vampire hunter to me. Scars looked like someone had spit all over the characters.
And then, Stacie Ritchie obviously didn't know how to translate a book into a graphic novel (Jess Ruffner-Booth seemed to be better). There were lines of interior dialogue from Anita on nearly EVERY panel, completely disrupting the flow of the story. But even that wouldn't be bad, but most of the time, it was just descriptions of stuff that the panel ALREADY shows or random comments that would have made more sense in the book (such as mentioning her penguin fascination--we can see she wears a penguin shirt in every panel and cuddles a penguin in bed, we don't need her to explain it). There was only one page that really treated the book like a true graphic novel and that was the one where Phillip and Anita rush to the bathroom (towards the end, done by Ruffner-Booth--hence, why I say she is better at adapting).
I've bought Volume 2, so I hope it gets better. I've also got the novel, which I will read, but let me tell you, after reading the graphic novel, I'm not as excited. (AN7/17: AND FOR GOOD REASON TOO!)
kathydavie's review
3.0
A graphic novel prequel in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter urban fantasy series revolving around Anita Blake, necromancer.
I've changed my mind about The First Death's usefulness...
My Take
This is a very useful short (and I don't think it's available as anything but a graphic novel)as the basis for the series is set-up: we meet Dolph, Zerbrowski, Manny, Edward, Jean-Claude, and, Buzz.
This short includes the pivotal attack on Anita that results in that broken collar bone and the cross burn while Edward flares out with his flame thrower---all issues that come up again and again throughout the series.
At the end of the short story, there's a sort of guide to the characters within the book with a biography on each of the major players and quotes from or of them from the various books.
As much fun as it is to visually see someone's interpretation of how the characters look---and Anita and Jean-Claude do look as I have imagined them---I greatly dislike the excessive melodrama. It doesn't run true to Anita's character.
The Story
Children are being brutally killed by vampires and Sergeant Storr has called Anita in to help track them down. Seems Edward also wants Anita's help in tracking down a bounty he's chasing---and they are not yet friends! Eeek!
The Characters
Anita Blake is an animator bringing people back from the dead temporarily to resolve legal, business, and family issues. She also consults with the police who draw on her experience with supernaturals, and she performs legal vampire executions. The vamps call her The Executioner. Manny Rodriguez is the vampire hunter and animator who taught Anita the ropes.
Jean-Claude is a master vampire, fifth in power under the Master of St. Louis, and he manages a strip club, Guilty Pleasures. Buzz is vampire security for the club. Adam is one of the strippers.
Sergeant Adolphus Storr is the head of the Regional Preternatural Investigation Taskforce (RPIT). Anita figures he must have annoyed someone... Zerbrowski is one of his detectives, and he's the master of the snarky remark.
Edward, a.k.a., Ted Forrester, is a bounty hunter who has graduated from chasing human criminals to hunting down the monsters: he prefers a challenge. He's also a sociopath who leads two lives: a professional assassin, he'll kill whoever he's paid to kill, and as a licensed vampire executioner, he'll do it legally as well. The vampires refer to the results of his finds as Death's work.
Brian Dickerson is one of the child victims.
The Cover
The cover is actually very spare with its gradiated cover with the light focus on Jean-Claude and Anita. Don't be fooled by their body positioning. Jean-Claude may have maneuvered himself into holding Anita, but it's not by her choice.
My guess about this title is that it's a metaphor for Anita's first introduction and seduction by Jean-Claude, The First Death if you will.
I've changed my mind about The First Death's usefulness...
My Take
This is a very useful short (and I don't think it's available as anything but a graphic novel)as the basis for the series is set-up: we meet Dolph, Zerbrowski, Manny, Edward, Jean-Claude, and, Buzz.
This short includes the pivotal attack on Anita that results in that broken collar bone and the cross burn while Edward flares out with his flame thrower---all issues that come up again and again throughout the series.
At the end of the short story, there's a sort of guide to the characters within the book with a biography on each of the major players and quotes from or of them from the various books.
As much fun as it is to visually see someone's interpretation of how the characters look---and Anita and Jean-Claude do look as I have imagined them---I greatly dislike the excessive melodrama. It doesn't run true to Anita's character.
The Story
Children are being brutally killed by vampires and Sergeant Storr has called Anita in to help track them down. Seems Edward also wants Anita's help in tracking down a bounty he's chasing---and they are not yet friends! Eeek!
The Characters
Anita Blake is an animator bringing people back from the dead temporarily to resolve legal, business, and family issues. She also consults with the police who draw on her experience with supernaturals, and she performs legal vampire executions. The vamps call her The Executioner. Manny Rodriguez is the vampire hunter and animator who taught Anita the ropes.
Jean-Claude is a master vampire, fifth in power under the Master of St. Louis, and he manages a strip club, Guilty Pleasures. Buzz is vampire security for the club. Adam is one of the strippers.
Sergeant Adolphus Storr is the head of the Regional Preternatural Investigation Taskforce (RPIT). Anita figures he must have annoyed someone... Zerbrowski is one of his detectives, and he's the master of the snarky remark.
Edward, a.k.a., Ted Forrester, is a bounty hunter who has graduated from chasing human criminals to hunting down the monsters: he prefers a challenge. He's also a sociopath who leads two lives: a professional assassin, he'll kill whoever he's paid to kill, and as a licensed vampire executioner, he'll do it legally as well. The vampires refer to the results of his finds as Death's work.
Brian Dickerson is one of the child victims.
The Cover
The cover is actually very spare with its gradiated cover with the light focus on Jean-Claude and Anita. Don't be fooled by their body positioning. Jean-Claude may have maneuvered himself into holding Anita, but it's not by her choice.
My guess about this title is that it's a metaphor for Anita's first introduction and seduction by Jean-Claude, The First Death if you will.
kathydavie's review against another edition
5.0
Text!!! Yes!!! Talk about action-packed and Hamilton is incredibly detailed in the scenery, the action, and her characters. I must read more about Anita Blake.
I had read the graphic novel version first...thank you god for text!
I had read the graphic novel version first...thank you god for text!
yodamom's review against another edition
5.0
Great story fantastic artwork I love Brett Booth's work
yodamom's review against another edition
5.0
Love this early Anita. The drawing's couldn't be better thanks to Brett Booth !
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this one. I'll definitely be continuing. I've read Guilty Pleasures (the novel), and I just thought it was okay. I think I prefer some stories in graphic novel form.
celtic_oracle's review against another edition
3.0
I got caught up in the story by the last couple of chapters, but I only made it that far because of my obsession with finishing any book I start. Far too much expository text, which made some of the art feel like filler. Yet on the other hand, I didn't feel like I really knew enough about what was going on. I guess that's the danger of reading the graphic version of something first.
Some lovely art in here, even if Anita is often grossly misproportioned. And I truly do love that she sleeps with a stuffed penguin. A nice way to hold on to childhood innocence when your job is so bleak.
Think I'll try the novel to see if it fills in the blanks better.
Some lovely art in here, even if Anita is often grossly misproportioned. And I truly do love that she sleeps with a stuffed penguin. A nice way to hold on to childhood innocence when your job is so bleak.
Think I'll try the novel to see if it fills in the blanks better.
audryt's review against another edition
I read this so long ago, I can't really rate it. Sadly, my memory is short-lived.
melindavan's review against another edition
4.0
I've heard about Laurell K. Hamilton, of course...good and bad things. I take it so many loved this series that when it changed somewhere along the way it really pissed them off. Since this is the first book I've read of hers I can't really comment on that...yet. But what I can say is I really enjoyed this first book of the series, which is saying something. Vampires aren't really my thing. I didn't read vampire stories at all until Charlaine Harris and let's face it, that ain't your typical vampire series either. This one is much more like what I would expect of a vampire story with one exception: it's set in our modern world (or modern being the 90s probably, since Anita still uses a beeper). There's the typical gore and dark places and scary characters that you'd expect of a vampire story, without the gothic elements.
I loved the main character, Anita Blake. I love the voice she has, how she tells the story. It's like she's speaking to you, rather than narrating. I have to admit when I first started reading I was put off a bit by the cadence of the writing but after awhile it so fit the character that I can't imagine it any other way. She's abrupt, you get that from the very sentence structure. She kills vampires on the side, but raises the dead for a living. You have to love a log line like that!
I won't go too in depth on the plot other than to say it's a mystery with all the prerequisite red herrings and clue chasing. I found it entertaining, and tried to guess all along the way who did it. I guessed wrong twice...so kudos to Hamilton!
All in all, if you like vampire stories, and don't mind them mixing in our modern society and not in the feel good Sookie Stackhouse kind of way, then try this one. I'm betting you'll like it!
I loved the main character, Anita Blake. I love the voice she has, how she tells the story. It's like she's speaking to you, rather than narrating. I have to admit when I first started reading I was put off a bit by the cadence of the writing but after awhile it so fit the character that I can't imagine it any other way. She's abrupt, you get that from the very sentence structure. She kills vampires on the side, but raises the dead for a living. You have to love a log line like that!
I won't go too in depth on the plot other than to say it's a mystery with all the prerequisite red herrings and clue chasing. I found it entertaining, and tried to guess all along the way who did it. I guessed wrong twice...so kudos to Hamilton!
All in all, if you like vampire stories, and don't mind them mixing in our modern society and not in the feel good Sookie Stackhouse kind of way, then try this one. I'm betting you'll like it!