Review: Amulet, by Kazu Kibuishi
Rating: 5 stars
I read the first volume of this graphic novel series-- 2 books out so far-- this morning. It is an easy and quick read, but this does not mean that it is not wonderfully and deeply affective. The opening sequence, detailing a family tragedy that will echo throughout the rest of the volume, is incredibly human and sets the tone of the graphic novel so perfectly. It is so sad, and yet this does not stop the rest of the story from being full of humor and adventure. It's just that everything that happens from that moment on is tinged with a basic and terrible fear that all children have. The story also manages to deal with loss quite well, and realistically, and is note-perfect from the very beginning.
This is clearly a kids' story, but I really admire Kibuishi for not pulling any punches on the horror aspects of this comic. The scary monsters that populate the story are really really scary. Weirder, and more visually frightening than Lovecraft's creations. That having been said, I also suspect that they are the kind of creatures that kids want to read about. The artwork is really fascinating, the characters are memorable and well-written, and the plot is a terrifically involving little fantasy. I really can't recommend this book enough.
I read the first volume of this graphic novel series-- 2 books out so far-- this morning. It is an easy and quick read, but this does not mean that it is not wonderfully and deeply affective. The opening sequence, detailing a family tragedy that will echo throughout the rest of the volume, is incredibly human and sets the tone of the graphic novel so perfectly. It is so sad, and yet this does not stop the rest of the story from being full of humor and adventure. It's just that everything that happens from that moment on is tinged with a basic and terrible fear that all children have. The story also manages to deal with loss quite well, and realistically, and is note-perfect from the very beginning.
This is clearly a kids' story, but I really admire Kibuishi for not pulling any punches on the horror aspects of this comic. The scary monsters that populate the story are really really scary. Weirder, and more visually frightening than Lovecraft's creations. That having been said, I also suspect that they are the kind of creatures that kids want to read about. The artwork is really fascinating, the characters are memorable and well-written, and the plot is a terrifically involving little fantasy. I really can't recommend this book enough.