The Graveyard Book Graphic Novel by P. Craig Russell/Neil Gaiman
Released: 31st July 2014
Series: The Graveyard Book Graphic Novel vol #1
Genre: Paranormal
Source: Publisher
My Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Goodreads | Bookworld | Book Depository
The first volume of a glorious two-volume, full-color graphic novel adaptation of Neil Gaiman's #1 New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning novel The Graveyard Book, adapted by P. Craig Russell and illustrated by an extraordinary team of renowned artists.
Inventive, chilling, and filled with wonder, Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book reaches new heights in this stunning adaptation. Artists Kevin Nowlan, P. Craig Russell, Tony Harris, Scott Hampton, Galen Showman, Jill Thompson, and Stephen B. Scott lend their own signature styles to create an imaginatively diverse and yet cohesive interpretation of Neil Gaiman's luminous novel. Volume One contains Chapter One through the Interlude, while Volume Two will include Chapter Six to the end.
Inventive, chilling, and filled with wonder, Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book reaches new heights in this stunning adaptation. Artists Kevin Nowlan, P. Craig Russell, Tony Harris, Scott Hampton, Galen Showman, Jill Thompson, and Stephen B. Scott lend their own signature styles to create an imaginatively diverse and yet cohesive interpretation of Neil Gaiman's luminous novel. Volume One contains Chapter One through the Interlude, while Volume Two will include Chapter Six to the end.
The Graveyard Book Graphic Novel by P. Craig Russell/Neil GaimanReleased: 11th September 2014
Series: The Graveyard Book Graphic Novel vol #2
Genre: Paranormal
Source: Publisher
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Goodreads | Bookworld | Book Depository
It Takes a Graveyard to Raise a Child.
Nobody Owens, known as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a graveyard, being raised by ghosts, with a guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor the dead. There are adventures in the graveyard for a boy--an ancient Indigo Man, a gateway to the abandoned city of ghouls, the strange and terrible Sleer. But if Bod leaves the graveyard, he will be in danger from the man Jack--who has already killed Bod's family.
Each chapter in this adaptation by P. Craig Russell is illustrated by a different luminary from the comic book world, showcasing a variety of styles from a breadth of talent. Together, they bring Neil Gaiman's award-winning, nationally bestselling novel The Graveyard Book to new life in this gorgeously illustrated two-volume graphic novel adaptation. Volume One contains Chapter One through the Interlude, while Volume Two includes Chapter Six to the end.
Nobody Owens, known as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a graveyard, being raised by ghosts, with a guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor the dead. There are adventures in the graveyard for a boy--an ancient Indigo Man, a gateway to the abandoned city of ghouls, the strange and terrible Sleer. But if Bod leaves the graveyard, he will be in danger from the man Jack--who has already killed Bod's family.
Each chapter in this adaptation by P. Craig Russell is illustrated by a different luminary from the comic book world, showcasing a variety of styles from a breadth of talent. Together, they bring Neil Gaiman's award-winning, nationally bestselling novel The Graveyard Book to new life in this gorgeously illustrated two-volume graphic novel adaptation. Volume One contains Chapter One through the Interlude, while Volume Two includes Chapter Six to the end.
Although I'm still a newbie when it comes to the realm of graphic novels, I can say with confidence that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this visual representation based on the original novel 'The Graveyard Book' by Neil Gaiman. In both volume one and volume two, I could definitely see the appeal of the story, aided by wonderful illustrations which are both atmospheric and captivating.
When it comes to the storyline itself, Neil Gaiman did a fantastic job in creating something multifaceted and intriguing. Each new development which occurs and different element which converges adds to the overall enjoyment of the books for me - as it blended fantasy, reality and hints of the supernatural with a slight horror undercurrent at times that makes it appealing to many reading audiences out there.
What I especially appreciated while reading this was the use of different colours to create a particular mood that suited the events happening in the book. While the graveyard was typically presented in blue tones which heightened the mystical element, others in the outside world were brighter and highlighted the difference between the two. In graphic novels especially, these visual components are what can carry the story through. In this case I found everything to be executed really well.
Reading these two books felt almost cinematic - the way that the story flows with the minimal dialogue and flourishing images meant that the pages simply flew by. In volume one Nobody's journey through learning about the graveyard and being raised by ghosts was an interesting one. With each page and new 'section' of the book by the different illustrators - everything flowed effortlessly. Although each new artist in different chapters still held their own distinct qualities, the overall effect was not only satisfactory; but enchanting at the same time.
When it comes to the storyline itself, Neil Gaiman did a fantastic job in creating something multifaceted and intriguing. Each new development which occurs and different element which converges adds to the overall enjoyment of the books for me - as it blended fantasy, reality and hints of the supernatural with a slight horror undercurrent at times that makes it appealing to many reading audiences out there.
What I especially appreciated while reading this was the use of different colours to create a particular mood that suited the events happening in the book. While the graveyard was typically presented in blue tones which heightened the mystical element, others in the outside world were brighter and highlighted the difference between the two. In graphic novels especially, these visual components are what can carry the story through. In this case I found everything to be executed really well.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In all, both volume one and two of this adaptation really impressed me. I'll definitely be reading more from Neil Gaiman in the future, and will be on the lookout for some more graphic novels as well.
In all, both volume one and two of this adaptation really impressed me. I'll definitely be reading more from Neil Gaiman in the future, and will be on the lookout for some more graphic novels as well.
So, do you have any graphic novels you would recommend for me to read? Feel free to leave them in the comments below!
I only read my first graphic novel this week too! I read the first two Terry Pratchett's Discworld books as graphic novels. Which I'm glad about....because I have a good feel of the story and I think I'd be brave enough to actually attempt the books. Hehe.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read The Graveyard Book BUT I WANT TO. My sister did and loved it and gosh... knowing she's read a book I haven't is most distressing. I need to fix this. ;-)
I've heard of the Discworld series, and it looks like it would fit into a graphic form really well so I might check those out too. Yes you should read The Graveyard Book - it's really good!
DeleteLove the pictures!
ReplyDeleteSo while I keep hearing amazing things about Neil Gaiman, I've never actually read his novels or graphic novels. I can't really say whether graphic novels are something I like--I haven't read any of them, so it wouldn't be fair of me to judge. :) Buuut in saying that this does look really great, though I'd probably read the actual book first.
Reading the original novel is good to give you a full grasp of the story and makes it even better when reading it this way, but they could still stand on their own. I have to say, that as my first delve into the world of graphic novels I was surprised at how much I enjoyed these!
DeleteOh hey! This was my first graphic novel read too! I just bought myself the second one but I read the first volume a while back and reviewed it. I love the illustrations in it - especially the parts with the Sleer. I loved how the artists made the Sleer's dialogue look all misty and creepy. I definitely have to read the second one before Halloween. =)
ReplyDeleteJazzie @ The Book Dancer
Glad to hear you liked it too Jazzie! I definitely agree that the Sleer parts were executed really well too. The second volume is just as good, if not even better than the first :)
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