By Dean Koontz and Fred Van Lente
Genre Graphic Novel
Pages 186
Recommended by Me
First sentence I try to lead a simple and quiet life.
Synopsis
A prequel to the Odd Thomas series, this graphic novel follows Odd trying to discover why there are Bodachs suddenly hanging around town right before Halloween.
What it has going for it
Well, this was my very first graphic novel ever! I decided I needed to get over my block against them and give one a shot. I figured I'd go with an Odd Thomas GN because, let's face it, you can't go wrong with Odd, and because it was and Odd Thomas book, I enjoyed it. The pictures were fun and, I though, the characters were portrayed well. There was some fun extras in the back where the artist, Queenie Chan, talks about and shows some of her first attempts at some of the character and, most importantly, the Bodachs. Because Dean Koontz was involved (thank goodness) the final result of the Bodachs were EXACTLY how I imagined them. The best part, I have to admit, was how fast of a read it was. It's fun to read something so quickly and still get a whole story.
What's lacking
I enjoyed my foray into graphic novels but I don't think I'm exactly convinced to read a ton more. I got so into the story I kept forgetting to do more than glance at the pictures and that seems a shame. After all, it was a GRAPHIC novel. Wasn't I supposed to really enjoy the graphics? This was mainly my own problem, though, and had nothing to do with the pictures. Like I said, I thought they were very well done, I'm just not sure I get the whole concept. *shrugs* The story was OK but not nearly as good or creepy as the actual novels but it worked for the GN concept.
Yea or Nay?
If you like graphic novels and haven't had the pleasure of meeting Odd then, yes, read these books and then maybe you'll fall in love with him and read the novels. ;)
I haven't read any graphic novels yet. I really want to, but I want to start with The Walking Dead. The only problem is that I've heard that graphic novel is quite explicit. Hmmm. What to do?!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I've seen some scary ones so be careful. ;)
DeleteI actually really like GNs, though I don't read very many of them. I guess I wouldn't want to read a bunch right in a row, I'd need to have a novel or something in between. Isn't Odd Thomas one of those series you're always raving about?
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm constantly talking about this one. They're so amazing!
DeleteGlad you liked it! Graphic novels are cool. :) I only like the ones related to the novels I've already loved. I probably wouldn't pick up just any unless I knew something about the story/characters ahead of time.
ReplyDeleteYeah, that's why I decided to read one I had a good chance of liking.
DeleteI have been considering graphic novels but Dean Koontz is not an author that I enjoy. Nice review, though.
ReplyDeleteActually Dean Koontz isn't my favorite author either but the Odd Thomas books are completely different than his other stuff and so awesome!
DeleteNever heard of this series, but I do love my GN's. I usually get mine from NetGalley because they're free! I'll have to look into Odd Thomas. I know nothing about this novel series at all.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
Oh, you really need to look into it. The Odd Thomas books are some of my favorite books ever and you probably know by now how picky I can be. ;)
DeleteI can't say I'm a big fan of graphic novels, but I do enjoy one on occasion. I tend to study the details of the pictures and take forever to read them! Odd Thomas is a character I haven't gotten around to reading, yet, although I do have at least the first book -- probably the first two. I can't even remember. I'm so bad about grabbing books when I see them for a quarter or can acquire them from PBS and then just shelving them for eternity. (blush)
ReplyDeleteI buy tons of books too and then they just sit around on my shelves waiting for me to finally get to them. Sigh.
DeleteI am a fan of graphic novels, and Odd Thomas to boot. I have the newest one, House of Odd, but I'm saving it for April's Readathon.
ReplyDeleteA graphic novel is perfect for a read-a-thon. I'm so glad you know how awesome Odd is!
DeleteI've only read one western graphic novel and that was Vampire Academy and I didn't really like it because everyone was so ugly. How shallow is that? Generally, I enjoy graphic novels but I think I have the same problem as you, I don't appreciate the pictures much because I just want to read!
ReplyDeleteYeah, regular books will always be my first choice but it was fun to venture out of my comfort zone.
DeleteI like graphic novels, but in small doses. Actually, I think I prefer manga best with Emma and Fullmetal Alchemist being my favorites.
ReplyDeleteI should try a manga next. Then I'd really be stepping out of my comfort zone.
DeleteYay! So happy you finally read a graphic novel! I wish you had enjoyed the experience more though! I love them! Although not as much as regular fiction....
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it I just like regular books better. I'm glad I tried one, though.
Delete