Scan barcode
roach's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
He asks if I believe in magic but I don't answer.
[Quote translated from German.]
It's been 4 volumes now and I'm still absolutely in love with the wild, chaotic, and nightmarish art style. Even if the plot isn't the clearest at all times with its big ideas of pulling from all sorts of real-world conspiracy theories in a grand scheme about reality and fiction, the awesome art makes up for some of the weaker spots in writing. In fact, it complements the swirling, blurry themes of the plot incredibly well.
Since this story is getting closer to a conclusion, the threads have to start coming together more clearly and I'm incredibly curious how they're gonna decide on ending this whole thing. But for now, I'm still enjoying the mysterious, dream-like vibe of this entire project.
It's been 4 volumes now and I'm still absolutely in love with the wild, chaotic, and nightmarish art style. Even if the plot isn't the clearest at all times with its big ideas of pulling from all sorts of real-world conspiracy theories in a grand scheme about reality and fiction, the awesome art makes up for some of the weaker spots in writing. In fact, it complements the swirling, blurry themes of the plot incredibly well.
Since this story is getting closer to a conclusion, the threads have to start coming together more clearly and I'm incredibly curious how they're gonna decide on ending this whole thing. But for now, I'm still enjoying the mysterious, dream-like vibe of this entire project.
waldowade's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
scoobierubie's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
3.75
Having read all four volumes in rapid succession, I have to say I’m disappointed in this ending? I feel as though the book started to spin its wheels around the third volume; introducing more and more interesting concepts to create more instances for interesting conversations that are really what made the series shine, but in my opinion without resolving anything they already set on the table. That, combined with another cliffhanger in a Tynion book that was sold to me as being a complete, finished story? I’m a little bummed that Tynion continues to come out the gate so strong only to not really stick the landing for me. Maybe not having satisfying answers is the point, as that is arguably part of what the story is about? But that is more of a retroactive excuse than, in my opinion, a valid way to deliver a story. I still deeply enjoyed reading this set of volumes and I can’t bring myself to rate it below what I have on craftsmanship and writing prowess alone— but I just wish at the very least the cultural conversation around these books more clearly disclosed that they aren’t finished. I’m tired of leaving Tynion’s work feeling dissatisfied in the moment when there’s so much interesting stuff there that would perhaps land better if what I was reading was the middle and not the “for now” end.
farmerkristyn's review
4.0
This series continues to impress me with its strong dialogue and highly conceptual plot. The art is not always easy to look at, but I think that's what's so good about it. Just like how the plot forces me to chew on it and really engage my brain, the art forces me to take in all the details with real concentration. There's a lot to take in with this graphic novel, and it's not something you can fly through.
I don't think this installment was quite as strong as the first two, but it was better than the previous volume. I do think Tynion is crafting the overarching plot really well and I'm eager to know what happens next, even if I preferred the more episodic nature of the first two's poignant, standalone storylines. Overall, a really solid addition to the story. I'm looking forward to the next one.
I don't think this installment was quite as strong as the first two, but it was better than the previous volume. I do think Tynion is crafting the overarching plot really well and I'm eager to know what happens next, even if I preferred the more episodic nature of the first two's poignant, standalone storylines. Overall, a really solid addition to the story. I'm looking forward to the next one.
kamneggs's review
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
brandonadaniels's review
5.0
This continues to be the best book coming out. This feels like it might be setting up the end game though, which royally bums me out. I want this series to go on forever.
duparker's review
3.0
3.5 Stars. I've enjoyed this series so much, but this entry was weaker than the others. The artwork and vibe was consistent, but the story was the weaker point.
rebus's review
5.0
The opening salvo of the series was a near masterpiece and the 2nd and 3rd volumes were very good, but they've hit it out of the park with this one. It opens in 1991 and tells us that the rot is coming quickly and that people will lose their minds after having been fed these Disney fairytales for so long, understanding at last that the servants of the status quo aren't the good guys and that it's institutions that really determine our reality, that the US was only ever the idea of a country (using its power to maintain itself, not live up to any ideals). Just focus and put on a happy face!
It was a long time between reading the 3rd volume and getting this at my local library, but I may have to add them all to my personal collection so I can read it all again. Had I known it would reach this sort of climax, I might have rated them all a bit higher. As it stands, this is the best of the series so far, which I'm now inclined to believe is one of the great subversive masterpieces of graphic art, a surreal trip into the LSD dreams of Hunter S. Thompson, with art that evokes his old pal Ralph Steadman (and the comic book geek's old fave, Bill Siekniewicz).
It was a long time between reading the 3rd volume and getting this at my local library, but I may have to add them all to my personal collection so I can read it all again. Had I known it would reach this sort of climax, I might have rated them all a bit higher. As it stands, this is the best of the series so far, which I'm now inclined to believe is one of the great subversive masterpieces of graphic art, a surreal trip into the LSD dreams of Hunter S. Thompson, with art that evokes his old pal Ralph Steadman (and the comic book geek's old fave, Bill Siekniewicz).
ogreart's review against another edition
4.0
I am glad I stuck with this series. I am looking forward to seeing how Tynion develops this further.