Author:
Lorenzo Ceccotti (LRNZ)
Genre:
Graphic Novel, Manga, Dystopian, Sci-Fi
Release
Date: 5th-7th April
A few starting notes:
I
received a free digital review copy of this book via NetGalley.
NetGalley provides review copies from publishers in exchange for fair
and honest reviews.
This is a translation, from an Italian author, which blends manga-style art with Western-style art.
So, of course, I was interested enough to give it a try. ;)
Premise:
In a post-apocalyptic Italy, with a corrupt government, a young boy is kidnapped.
But what's so special about him? Why does the government think they can use him? - That whoever has him, has power?
Best
bits:
The first few pages of every chapter were stunning, hand-on-your-heart, page-length pieces of art worthy of any museum or gallery.
These were the pieces that the striking cover-art promised. And they are truly breath-taking: like, tears-to-the-eyes style of beautiful.
The rest of the artwork was interesting in places... but more serviceable than anything.
I really liked the character of Steno, just because he was so damned sweet and innocent.
He was like a mini, Italian, dystopian, version of Captain America. I wanted to pet him on the head and give him a medal, simultaneously.
I really liked the character of Steno, just because he was so damned sweet and innocent.
He was like a mini, Italian, dystopian, version of Captain America. I wanted to pet him on the head and give him a medal, simultaneously.
There were moments of emotion in this book, and even of plot, that were really great - but... yeah, I have mixed feelings about this book.
Not
so great bits:
I had trouble actually following what was going on - I'm not going to lie.
I got the rebel-group characters confused a bit, because a lot of them were introduced in battle scenes and dark panels, or in a quick and running multi-person intro.
And then I'm just there like: who the hell was he? Where did she come from? Wait, which one is that?!
Maybe something was lost in translation... maybe.
The fact remains, I'm still not entirely sure wtf was going on. Maybe it's just me - maybe this book and me just didn't gel together; who knows?
Oh, and I say this so much that it's almost lost all meaning, but there's gore, violence, and some swearing in this book.
Oh, and I say this so much that it's almost lost all meaning, but there's gore, violence, and some swearing in this book.
Verdict:
Don't think I'm dismissing this book entirely.
Let's get one thing straight, for all my confusion - I enjoyed this book.
Let's get one thing straight, for all my confusion - I enjoyed this book.
There were narrative issues, ok? But those full-length pages? It was worth the read just for that.
Liked
this post? Try these:
I actually thik this is one I am going to try myself because I really like the idea of Golems. I once read a book series based on them myself and loved it. I don't know that many books based on them too. And the artwork sounds epic!
ReplyDeleteIt really is worth it just for those full-page pieces, but story-wise I'm still not all that clear on what was going on, lol.
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