nod away: WTF?!?

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(Edited)

Someone gave me a book token for my birthday, so I went to the local bookshop (David's in Letchworth) to see what took my fancy. I have been getting into graphic novels and they have a selection there. I wanted something a bit different and this one caught my eye.

Cover

I had not heard of Joshua W. Cotter before. He seems to favour black and white drawings, but some of them are really intricate.

Complex drawings

The book starts off pretty odd with little clue as to what is coming.

Intro

It eventually settles into the story of scientist Melody McCabe who has been sent to a space station where a project is going on around some sort of joint consciousness. It is not made totally clear what that is. These parts are quite dialogue heavy and sometimes there is little action going on.

Comic

You can see a few more pages on his site.

There is another story running in parallel of a unnamed guy who emerges from some sort of statis chamber and goes off on an adventure. That has no real dialogue.

I found out after reading a fair bit of this that it is part of a planned sequence of a fair few volumes (maybe seven). The second has been published and he is working on a third.

There is some fairly graphic violence and adult themes, so it may not be one for younger readers.

I have to say I found it bewildering, but engaging, like some arty movies I have watched. You have to admire the vision and artistry. The book does end on a cliffhanger, so I will have to decide whether I get the next one. I have some other books I want to read first.

Graphic novels like this can be relatively expensive, so it is a commitment to get into a series. I have suggesting for the Sandman volumes when people ask me what I want for my birthday. I just have not had time to get into the Netflix version of that, but I will soon.

Happy reading.

comics graphicnovel joshuawcotter art proofofbrain palnet neoxian
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24 comments
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Very cool. Was actually looking into the sandman series this evening. Everyone has been telling me to watch the Netflix version, then I realised it's Neil Gaimens' work. Always prefer his written work to any film adaptation. They just can't do it justice....

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It seems he is heavily involved in this series, so I'd hope it's what he wanted. I know he changed some aspects, but then he wrote the books a long time ago and he will have fresh ideas. He does have an amazing imagination.

!BEER

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I actually started watching and is quite good. Pleasantly surprised.

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The book cover is catchy.. Although, it's not my kind of book.

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We each have our own tastes, but it's interesting to see what is out there.

!BEER

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I totally agree.

Thanks for the beer

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My wife and I are actively trying to read more. Three books this month might be a record!

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It takes me a while to get through a book as I just tend to read before I sleep. I have managed a few books this year though.

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If I read before bed I'm out like a light. We have been getting home from work and reading about 15-30 mins before we cook dinner to unwind for the day. It's working for us. In fact, my wife is calling for me to get off the computer to sit outside and read now!

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I'm starting another book now. I just accept that I can't read everything I'd like to.

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I actually just finished A sea of Tranquility I'd recommend it.

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I didn't know Netflix were doing the sandman! I hope they do it justice

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Seems it's the biggest show on there right now. I've just seen the first episode as we've been busy. It was good, but had some differences from the comic.

!BEER

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Hmm sounds interesting. Sometimes I like it when they are a series but sometimes I'd rather them just be a single story. I don't like when authors or film makers drag a story on longer than it has to.

Two decent single book graphic novels are Persepolis (true story) and BlackHole if you are looking for recommendations. Persepolis is a better story but Blackhole has better artwork lol

Just ideas for future if you need any.

I didn't realize that sandman was a graphic novel but that makes sense. I saw it come up on Netflix recently

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I've heard of Persepolis. I'll have to check it out some time. Artists will each have their own concept of how their stories should pan out. Sometimes they need more volumes.

Sandman was originally a comic, but I only started reading it recently. It has a lot of dedicated fans with high expectations. It seems most people are happy with the adaptation.

!BEER

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Okay good to know about Sandman.

Yeah Persepolis is one of the best real life story G.N.'s that I've read. I would put it up there with Maus, for sure. Similar vibes in a way too, because it's very much a political commentary.

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thanks for the heads up on this book. wonderful inking, and nice to see some imaginative page layouts and use of the art medium's ability to tell a story in a unique way!

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My pleasure. The guy has some skills and imagination.

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