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384th out of 744 books
—
3,776 voters
A Flight of Angels
by
Rebecca Guay ,
Holly Black (Goodreads Author), Louise Hawes (Goodreads Author), Todd Mitchell (Goodreads Author), Alisa Kwitney (Goodreads Author), Bill Willingham (Goodreads Author)
The diverse mythology of angels is explored in this lushly painted graphic novel from high-profile fantasy authors including Holly Black (The Spiderwick Chronicles) and Bill Willingham (FABLES).Deep in the woods outside of a magical kingdom, a strange group of faeries and forest creatures discover a nearly dead angel, bleeding and unconscious with a sword by his side. They...more
Hardcover, 128 pages
Published
November 8th 2011
by Vertigo
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Dec 02, 2011
Jillian -always aspiring-
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
People who enjoy stories built around lore, mythology, and even fairy tales
Angels. The world seems to be obsessed with them, given all the art and fiction we devote to their names. Some people see angels as their muses, creatures to worship, guardians who protect the meek and oppressed, or even just avenging warriors who wage a great war of good and evil which we humans cannot see. But what is truth when it comes to these creatures? Is there any truth in the jumble of tales that surround them?
A Flight of Angels begins with a seemingly ominous occurrence: an angel sudde...more
A Flight of Angels begins with a seemingly ominous occurrence: an angel sudde...more
This graphic novel has beautiful illustrations and I can see why it is one of YALSA's top ten graphic novels of 2012. The story also goes very well with the illustrations.
When an angel falls into a dark forest, the magical creatures of the forest must decide the fate of the angel. They decide to call a tribunal and each tell a story about who they think this mysterious creature is.
Conceived and illustrated by Rebecca Guay, each story is written by a different author. The only author I was famil...more
When an angel falls into a dark forest, the magical creatures of the forest must decide the fate of the angel. They decide to call a tribunal and each tell a story about who they think this mysterious creature is.
Conceived and illustrated by Rebecca Guay, each story is written by a different author. The only author I was famil...more
A Flight of Angels explores the diverse mythology that surrounds angels through a series of short stories, all connected through a group of mythological creatures (faeries and the like) who have stumbled upon a fallen angel. The group calls a tribunal to decide the angels fate, and they each have a different idea of what angels are supposed to be. And they each have a different idea about what they should do with the angel they have found. Should they kill him or let him live?
I think the main th...more
I think the main th...more
I'm going to try to be as non-spoilerish as possible, but I might spill one or two details in my attempts to review the volume. If you're wondering if this is something you should get, then I would recommend it with one or two reservations. As long as you are OK with episodic "Canterbury Tales" type storytelling and don't expect the book to end with kittens wrapped in rainbows and sunshine, you'll be good to go. Oh, and don't expect this to be a religious type of book. These aren't those types o...more
Review originally published at www.fantasyliterature.com
An angel has fallen. Led by their insatiable curiosity, the hosts of fae have followed the descent of the white-winged creature and now gather around his still-breathing body to decide what to do with him. They decide to hold a trial, and present evidence in the form of stories about the deeds of angels to decide whether or not to let him live.
I am fairly new to reading graphic novels, so I do not know how original the conceit is of having...more
An angel has fallen. Led by their insatiable curiosity, the hosts of fae have followed the descent of the white-winged creature and now gather around his still-breathing body to decide what to do with him. They decide to hold a trial, and present evidence in the form of stories about the deeds of angels to decide whether or not to let him live.
I am fairly new to reading graphic novels, so I do not know how original the conceit is of having...more
An angel falls in a forest and is discovered by fae, who are believed by some to be fallen angels themselves. They are unsure if the angel should live or die, and thus conduct a tribunal of stories to decide the angel's fate.
It's short, for a graphic novel, and there's not much meat to it. However, the art is stunning enough to more than make up for it. I read the story in a couple of hours, but I could have spent many more just studying the details of the illustrations. There's no doubt that Re...more
It's short, for a graphic novel, and there's not much meat to it. However, the art is stunning enough to more than make up for it. I read the story in a couple of hours, but I could have spent many more just studying the details of the illustrations. There's no doubt that Re...more
My daughter won this book and I wanted to read it when I saw how gorgeous the art was.
I'm going to agree with many of the other reviews here though. The art really draws you in, but the story just doesn't equal up to the art. I had a really hard time reading a few of the stories.
I'm not a fan of all the narrating boxes, with only little blurbs of talking here and there. A few of the stories had WAY too much narrating of facts and it made it hard to focus on the story.
Another problem that I had...more
I'm going to agree with many of the other reviews here though. The art really draws you in, but the story just doesn't equal up to the art. I had a really hard time reading a few of the stories.
I'm not a fan of all the narrating boxes, with only little blurbs of talking here and there. A few of the stories had WAY too much narrating of facts and it made it hard to focus on the story.
Another problem that I had...more
Anyone who currently reads comics has most likely had a non-comic reading friend come up to them and say something alone the lines of this: "I want to get into comics, but I'm not sure the mainstream Superhero stuff is for me...what else is out there"?
All Publishers have 'go-to' books for this exact type of scenario; some more than others. Vertigo Comics hands down has one of the largest libraries of books specifically great for this occasion such as Sandman, Fables, Y: The Last Man, V for Vende...more
All Publishers have 'go-to' books for this exact type of scenario; some more than others. Vertigo Comics hands down has one of the largest libraries of books specifically great for this occasion such as Sandman, Fables, Y: The Last Man, V for Vende...more
BOTTOM LINE: Superb book IF you like beautiful drawings mixed with a huge dose of "who the F*k cares, anyway...???!!" attitude, which ain't me.
The artwork here is simply glorious, practically pre-Raphaelite, a style I enjoy very much. The colorings are soft, subtle, and beautiful. The composition of the book is wonderful, using high-quality paper that allows those beautifully soft colors a clarity of reproduction that is so high you can almost feel the feathers in an angel's wings.
The arrangem...more
The artwork here is simply glorious, practically pre-Raphaelite, a style I enjoy very much. The colorings are soft, subtle, and beautiful. The composition of the book is wonderful, using high-quality paper that allows those beautifully soft colors a clarity of reproduction that is so high you can almost feel the feathers in an angel's wings.
The arrangem...more
The main problem with anthologies or when you have multiple contributing writers is the inconsistent storytelling. My favorite story was "Original Sin" by Louise Hawes. I loved how everything knew about the Adam and Eve story got turned upside down, that an angel played a major role in human's "downfall" and that ultimately, the "expulsion" from Eden was a choice. Normally I love Bill Willingham but his story "The Story Within the Story Within" was mundane compared to Alisa Kwitney's "Chaya Sura...more
There are some graphic novels you read for story. There are some you read for the art. And some you read and wonder why you read them. This one doesn't quite reach the third category, but it is definitely mired in the second. The art is beautiful, painterly and impressionistic, and multiple artists have applied different styles to each of the separate stories within the larger work. Like any collection, some stories are stronger than others, but none of them really seems important, and the wrapa...more
The premise: ganked from BN.com: The diverse mythology of angels is explored in this lushly painted graphic novel from high-profile fantasy authors including Holly Black (The Spiderwick Chronicles) and Bill Willingham (FABLES).
Deep in the woods outside of a magical kingdom, a strange group of faeries and forest creatures discover a nearly dead angel, bleeding and unconscious with a sword by his side. They call a tribunal to decide his fate, each telling stories that delve into different interpre...more
I caved about willingly bought a book that dealt with angels. Most of the art in this book was absolutely beautiful; however some of the stories I didn't really care for. I really enjoyed the frame story which was done by Holly Black, she also did "shining host" which was about the fall of angels. The twist she gives to the story however would have been interesting but I have heard it done before. I wish that she could have expanded it more but graphic novel writing is hard. I believe it was the...more
This book was received for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I was excited to read this graphic novel as it has been a while since I read a graphic novel cover to cover; the reason being that most graphic novels fall into two categories for me: GN’s that focus on the art and care little of the writing and GN’s that care more for the writing and little of the art. There are only a few gems out there that have both beautiful art and beautiful writing. This book is unfortunately no exception. This...more
I was excited to read this graphic novel as it has been a while since I read a graphic novel cover to cover; the reason being that most graphic novels fall into two categories for me: GN’s that focus on the art and care little of the writing and GN’s that care more for the writing and little of the art. There are only a few gems out there that have both beautiful art and beautiful writing. This book is unfortunately no exception. This...more
Huh.
The artwork is beautiful, if a little uneven. I liked how each story had its own style of art, but panel to panel it's not very consistent (i.e. one will be photographic and then the next will still show sketch lines; the line thickness varies a lot), which is odd, I think, for a graphic novel. The result, for me, was that the art distracted from the story in many places, rather than carrying it.
My favorite story was "Chaya Surah and the Angel of Death," and overall I liked the individual st...more
The artwork is beautiful, if a little uneven. I liked how each story had its own style of art, but panel to panel it's not very consistent (i.e. one will be photographic and then the next will still show sketch lines; the line thickness varies a lot), which is odd, I think, for a graphic novel. The result, for me, was that the art distracted from the story in many places, rather than carrying it.
My favorite story was "Chaya Surah and the Angel of Death," and overall I liked the individual st...more
A Flight of Angels serves as a great introduction (or reintroduction) to adults wishing to discover graphic novels. The pictures (graphics) are beautiful. A Flight of Angels encompasses a variety of stories loosely woven within one larger story. While the larger story provides a great backdrop for telling the tales, the writing in that story seems somewhat less sophisticated. However, where that one outer story may falter, the rest of the stories more than succeed. Though each story covers only...more
With gorgeous illustrations and a compelling story, this is easily my favorite of all the graphic novels I have (thus far) read.
No fewer than 5 people read this while I had it checked out. Mister BS loved it. My sister loved it. My friend pointed out that Rebecca Guay is known for illustrating magic cards, and he and his girlfriend loved it.
The story opens as a group of magical creatures discover a wounded angel in the forest. Because they are unsure of what to do about the angel, several of the...more
No fewer than 5 people read this while I had it checked out. Mister BS loved it. My sister loved it. My friend pointed out that Rebecca Guay is known for illustrating magic cards, and he and his girlfriend loved it.
The story opens as a group of magical creatures discover a wounded angel in the forest. Because they are unsure of what to do about the angel, several of the...more
This is beatifully illustrated compilation of angel stories by multiple authors that are tied in by a frame story. An angel has fallen in the woods and the faerie/fey folk who live there must determine his fate. In order to make an informed decision, the characters tell stories that show what they know about angels. The stories are interesting and moving, and for a book about angels, any mention of God was surprisingly absent--even in the Adam and Eve story.
Whatever your beliefs are, the storie...more
Whatever your beliefs are, the storie...more
The stories are mediocre, not particularly memorable but not completely forgettable either. What really makes this volume is the art. Guay's illustrations are beautiful and memorable, and of a depth and beauty not normally seen in the comic medium.
Worth a read, but not necessarily a second, and the *surprise* ending feels abrupt and a little ridiculous. The reader never gets to find out he real story of the angel, who is speculated on throughout the graphic novel, and the (view spoiler)...more
Worth a read, but not necessarily a second, and the *surprise* ending feels abrupt and a little ridiculous. The reader never gets to find out he real story of the angel, who is speculated on throughout the graphic novel, and the (view spoiler)...more
Nov 04, 2012
WeaklingNo14
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
death,
angel,
crime,
action,
creatures,
demon,
government,
magic,
other-world,
romance,
science,
supernatural
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I don't think I could adequately rave about how much I LOVED this book. The basic premise: a bunch of supernatural/mythical creatures have come across an angel, which falls from the sky into thier forest. As he lay there, they all decide to have a debate about what he might be, and weather he aught to be allowed to live or not, helped or not. As each tells a story of what THEY know about an angel, a new artist draws that tale. In doing so, we are instantly transported to another being's interpre...more
They say never judge a book by it's cover, but with comic books that's not the case. Judging this book by it's cover made me want to read it. Rebecca Guay's artwork in this is down right beautiful. One thing I was amazed with is the fact that she can actually draw different styles within the same book (much like J. H. Williams III and his work on Promethea).
Aside from the artwork, the story is well written too. Kind of reminds me if Geoffrey Chaucer and John Milton got together and wrote a comic...more
Aside from the artwork, the story is well written too. Kind of reminds me if Geoffrey Chaucer and John Milton got together and wrote a comic...more
Truly stunning. The artwork by Rebecca Guay is captivating even if the story isn't, which is not true, because she brought on some incredible writers who craft equally captivating stories. Within the narrative an angel falls to Earth in an enchanted wood and the supernatural denizens who come across him hold a tribunal telling tales of who he is or what angels truly are. Though Guay is the sole artist, in each segment written by a different write with a different writing style, she employs diffe...more
This lovely story reads just like an old fairytale, updated for a 21st-century audience, with feminist undertones and pop-adjusted folklore. The art, telling each story in a different style, is as stunning as the concept is unique. I wish this stand-alone was an ongoing series! Fans of The Sandman and Angel Sanctuary will want to check this one out. Trust me, I'm picky about my angel stories - this wonderful book tops my list.
A really excellent read and surprising concept with beautiful artwork. The story centers around several magical creatures who come across an unconscious angel and convene a tribunal to decide what to do with him. They each tell a story about the angel to persuade the judge whether to let the angel live or die. The stories vary in content and style, but each is engrossing and wonderful. Perhaps even more amazing is that all the stories are illustrated by the same artist. Each story's art features...more
This graphic novel was incredible, one of the best graphic novels I have read in a long time, as well as one of the best angel stories I've ever read. As someone who loves angel mythology, "A Flight of Angels" truly delivered on the promise within its title. The myriad of stories within the story helped to depict angels in unique light, helped by the truly gorgeous artwork. I especially loved the retelling of Adam and Eve. Anyone who is looking for a truly wonderful story with angels should read...more
This book was received for free through Goodreads First Reads.
As a graphic novel, the book is great. The illustrations are amazing with a great level of detail for what's important in them. The different styles of artwork corresponding to the different substories greatly enhance the experience of going through each of them.
All the tales told by the characters about angels show great passion from their respective authors in what they wanted to portray in their stories. However, in my opinion, the...more
As a graphic novel, the book is great. The illustrations are amazing with a great level of detail for what's important in them. The different styles of artwork corresponding to the different substories greatly enhance the experience of going through each of them.
All the tales told by the characters about angels show great passion from their respective authors in what they wanted to portray in their stories. However, in my opinion, the...more
When a group of the fair folk find a mysterious angel on the ground, they decide to conduct a tribunal. What follows are a series of frame tales, each written by a different author and exploring the concepts of sin, love, and death. As with all debates of heaven and hell, there is no right answer, and readers from varied spiritual backgrounds will find the text approachable. Each author’s tale fits into place, and Rebecca Guay’s illustrations are stunning. All in all, a lavishly and lusciously i...more
I really enjoyed this Vertigo graphic novel - which isn't that big of a surprise since most of Vertigo's books I've read over the past few decades (the horror!) have been either really good or really great; with only a few duds in the bunch. Plus I was visiting a new comic book shop from out of town and the coffee was just perfect and the music was spot on, and...well, I digress. This story involves an angel that falls from the sky and the perception of him (it?) from various faerie onlookers, e...more
Every once in a while a graphic novel comes along that steals the show on whatever it’s competing with on the shelf or display or endcap; A Flight of Angels is one of those books. The cover catches the eye with its color, complexity and style, right away piquing one’s interest, and then known names like Bill Willingham and Holly Black force the curious reader to pick it up and start reading.
Talented artist Rebecca Guay is known for illustrating fantasy and children’s books, including stories by...more
Talented artist Rebecca Guay is known for illustrating fantasy and children’s books, including stories by...more
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“Occasionally, there are battles in the sky. One likes to imagine the angels are always triumphant. One does not like to think of the ancient and terrible scales balancing the infernal and divine as wobbling back and forth. Tilting freely, to and fro. One does not like to think that sometimes it is the angel that falls.”
—
6 people liked it
“Most people would call me incompetent, clumsy, flawed..."
"A pearl is a flaw. A diamond is an accident of nature. In all of creation, there's nothing more precious than the unexpected deviation.”
—
5 people liked it
More quotes…
"A pearl is a flaw. A diamond is an accident of nature. In all of creation, there's nothing more precious than the unexpected deviation.”
Jul 02, 2012 08:21pm