Review: Odd Is On Our Side (Graphic Novel)

Title Odd Is On Our Side
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. ;)