Author: Matt Phelan
Genre: fairy tale, graphic novel
Similar books: Rapunzel's Ravenge by Shannon Hale
Fairy Tale Comics edited by Chris Duffy
The Diviners by Libba Bray (I know this seems like an odd choice, but the atmosphere is similar)
Rating:
 |
| artfully done - one to read and reread |
Summary (provided by publisher): The scene: New York City. The dazzling lights cast shadows that grow ever darker as the glitzy prosperity of the Roaring Twenties screeches to a halt. Enter a cast of familiar characters: a young girl, Samantha White, returning after being sent away by her cruel stepmother, the Queen of the Follies, years earlier; her father, the King of Wall Street, who survives the stock market crash only to suffer a strange and sudden death; seven street urchins, brave protectors for a girl as pure as snow; and a mysterious stock ticker that holds the stepmother in its thrall, churning out ticker tape imprinted with the wicked words "Another . . . More Beautiful . . . KILL." In a moody, cinematic new telling of a beloved fairy tale, extraordinary graphic novelist Matt Phelan captures the essence of classic film noir on the page—and draws a striking distinction between good and evil.
My opinion: I didn't love the first pages of this book but by the end of the first section it had really grown on me. Its a pretty traditional presentation of the story but the 20's New York setting gives it a fresh twist, especially as Phelan really captures the atmosphere. The use of text is spare and purposefully, allowing the illustrations to tell much of the story. Black and white images serve two purposes: they demand that all the details are strong as there is no color to distract from minor errors and the small touches of color have extra impact. Its a great choice for fans of graphic novels, fairy tales, and 20's culture.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
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