Shutter Island

by Christian De Metter, Dennis Lehane (Original Work)

Dennis Lehane's masterpiece of mystery and suspense--brought to life for the first time as a graphic novel.

In 1954, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels and his partner, Chuck Aule, are sent to Shutter Island to find a mass murderer who has escaped from Ashecliffe Hospital, a fortress-like federal institution for the criminally insane. As an intense hurricane bears relentlessly down on the island, the marshals are forced to piece together clues to a shocking puzzle hidden within Shutter Island, taking them on a dark, twisted journey, where paranoia assumes an air of cool rationality and the line between sanity and madness disappears...

Filled with his trademark grit, insight, and pathos, "Shutter Island" is vintage Dennis Lehane. Now adapted for the first time as a graphic novel by internationally renowned artist Christian De Metter, this riveting story brilliantly captures our capacity for depravity and deliverance.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Mystery, Comics, Bande Dessinée, Thriller, Fiction, Horror

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 2008

Reviews

[Melissa Chung · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much more the 3rd time lol. After reading the novel last year I re-watched the movie. They were very similar. This time around since I knew the story already I was able to really see what was going on and I caught all the lines that said why Teddy was on the island. I can't believe I missed those subtle clues the last time I read the book.

The illustrations were great very old school with strong jaws and thick lines. Loved it.

This is such a great mystery.

[Giovanni Gelati · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not seen the movie, but after reading this graphic novel I probably will have to see it. The g.n. was excellent. It was well written; the artwork was gritty, dark and was as moving as the dialogue. I really was taken aback by the whole thing. It really caught me off guard. I thought hey, the movie did okay, why not give it a shot; what can I lose? Pretty much a night’s sleep.
The thing I think or at least hope is that the graphic novel is an excellent vehicle to reach people in a different way. I would not have even thought about viewing the movie if not for seeing the g.n.. There are many authors of novels that are using the g.n. format now, and I have seen many movies now use this as an extension of the movie itself. Some are prequels or new action in the series that helps build the legend and keep the characters fresh for some fans. I have gotten a few family members that have seen the film take a look at just the images in the graphic novel to see if the artwork did the movie justice. They felt it was spot on, especially after they review some of the dialogue.
Whether or not you have seen the film of the same name, this is a really good suspenseful graphic novel. All is not revealed till the very last frame. I am not a fright guy, but this was captivating, and hard to be separated from. Fast, action filled, a good mystery, and above all well written, well drawn, and great execution. Check it out. Have you seen the movie?
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[Sandra Girard-Demontigny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The more I advanced in my reading and the more I was upset, I understood less and less. All the elements that were seen ended up contradicting later in the story. I enjoyed reading it and what I liked the most was the mystery there was throughout the comic book.

Plus j’avançais dans ma lecture et plus j'étais contrarié, car je comprenais de moins en moins de chose. Tout les éléments qu'on voyaient finissait par ce contredire plus tard. J'ai apprécié en faire la lecture et ce que j'ai aimé le plus était le mystère qu'il y avait tout au long de la bd.

[Alexandre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bien bon, mais le film est tellement excellent et bien réalisé, sorry not sorry.

[Ikayuro · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I could do a partial rating and give it a 3.5, but it's more towards a 3 than a 4, so here we are.

I loved the book and the movie both, so I thought I'd give this a shot! I LOVE the artwork and how the colors play into everything. It suits the story really well and drives the points home.

My one complaint has to do a lot with the formatting, and that's to be expected. Important pieces of the story are missing, like the visit to the caves, and it makes some of the revelations nonsensical. (Why it matters that his hands were black, shaking, etc.)

All in all, it's okay. Came for the story, stayed for the artwork.

[WortGestalt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Die Zeichnungen sind großartig und interpretieren die Handlung vortrefflich. Wenn man allerdings den Roman kennt, fällt einem die notwendige, aber eben doch sehr starke Reduzierung des Inhalts auf, zwischen einzelnen Szenen entstehen teilweise stark abgehackte Sprünge und so ist die Story nicht das, was den Roman ausgemacht und mich an ihm letztlich so fasziniert hat. Trotzdem ist die grafische Umsetzung ein Fest, sie ist atmosphärisch und greift gleichzeitig dieses Gefühl von einer verwaschenen Wahrnehmung auf.

[Gwen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible writing, dark and twisty and I had to just keep reading and reading!

[Veronica F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read with a good story. I had the movie before so I kind of remembered the story. I wish the pictures were a little brighter, but I get why they were dark.

Definitely a good fast read.

[come_readwithme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book and the movie adaptation already; this graphic novel adaptation is very good too ! The style of drawing really suits the story.

[Aletta Klanke · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cool! Loved the drawing, so dark and gloomy. This made me fall in love with graphic novels all over again.

[Noor Tareq · Rating 3 out of 5]

الفيلم رائع ، لكن الروايه استطاعت تفسير ما لم يستطع الفيلم تفسيره .

[Ruben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gaaf, spannend. Wel ingewikkeld en een stuk minder leuk als je de clue al kent.

[Yusuf Yasin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before I start the review, I must mention that I watched the movie before reading the novel and by doing so I set very high expectations to what this novel should deliver. What I received was a good read (get it) but overall unsatisfactory comparison to what I personally though it could be. If this seems a bit confusing hopefully, I will be able to clarify below.

I will try to make the review as spoiler free as possible.

Starting with the art style of the graphic novel I see what the artist was aiming for, an atmospheric and depressing tone. However, the black and white with green color scaling simply did not do it for me; it ultimately ended up being very bland and a bit messy in my opinion. Additionally, from the first page to around the 20th I had some issues distinguishing between the two main characters (which has never happened to me with any other graphic novel). Nevertheless, its with the assistance of the white and black along with green scaling that lets the novel stand out and truly shine at a very specific part of the novel, and that is its dream sequence parts. Once readers enter the dream sequence, you are greeted with bright warm colors which immediately grabs your attention, that being said, in the context of the story, even though the colors may seem welcoming and beautiful you as the reader know that there is something very wrong. In my opinion this is where the novel succeeds, grabbing the readers attention by visually imposing the daunting yet beautiful imagery.

The novel wastes no time putting the reader straight into the action. With the main characters, marshals Teddy and Chuck solving a case that revolves around the disappearance of a psychiatric patient. The novel takes place at an island with no additional backup available and no way to get back home due to a heavy storm, the main character are stuck on the island and have no choice but to attempt to solve the case. The feeling of disarray immediately sets in as you are introduced to guards questionable characters who all clearly have ulterior motives that goes beyond simply assisting the marshals in their case.

I recommend the novel to a very certain type of audience, a kind of audience that are patient with their read, enjoy a good thriller and love a good mystery. If you do not fill any of the criteria listed above you may not enjoy the novel. Who know though, maybe this is the novel that will get you into mystery/thriller novels.

[clara ✧*🌼°×✿ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Dan Fly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un thriller bourré d'indices à chercher avec un final dingue ! À lire 2 fois ou idéal en complément du film
[CHRONIQUE] http://pugoscope.fr/2919-shutter-isla...

[James Mourgos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 1954, Teddy Daniels and his partner are both FBI agents investigating a missing persons report on Shutter Island, a psychiatric facility for the criminally insane. The missing person is a mass murderer who has escaped the mental hospital on the island. Knitting together clues, Teddy becomes convinced that the doctors and patients are all setting him up for something, but he has no clue what, until the end. And what an ending!

The graphic novel is based on the book (not the film) written by Dennis Lehane. The muddy brown & yellows are thanks to French artist Christian De Metter. The art is important to the story, to convey the depravity and depression often associated with places like this.

I have not read the book nor seen the movie, so I can only assume the ending is the same. The panels are written out like a standard comic book, with no splash pages or excitement of a thrilling ending. The story plods along in some places – the parts with no dialogue and just pictures is especially interesting and leads you on a merry mind-bending chase.

If Dennis Lehane is making some kind of commentary on psychiatric methods, he's doing a good job. Is it "therapy" to lock someone up, possibly for life, filling a patient with drugs and arcane and at times evaluative silly advice that does nothing to forward sanity?

Interesting subplots: Who is this girl that disappeared from her cell? Why are there guards around a "sanitation facility?" And what's the meaning of a code found in the missing girl's room? All artfully done, all suspenseful in reading.

There are some murder scenes, some craziness and some blood but not graphically so.

Check out the publisher's websites, at Tokyopop.com and HarperCollins.com for more info on the book and its critical reception.

[A Reader's Heaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a graphic novel based on the book by Dennis Lehane - a very smooth noir piece of writing and one of my favourite Lehane novels.

I have seen some reviews that say that the illustrations aren't very good and some that say they are brilliant - I am stuck in the middle. I love the uses of the bleak and gritty colours, really typifying the time period and the setting...but there are some scenes where it is hard to know who is talking.

The story itself is a fine re-telling of the plot - however, it does seem to leave out quite a bit of the story (possibly for the sake of space) but left in some rather dull parts.

Overall, an enjoyable read but probably most enjoyable if you haven't read the book.


Paul
ARH

[shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Main reason I can't give this 4 stars is because of the illustrations. Often times I found it physically hurt my eyes to look at because the drawings were so so dark. I would have liked a little more range when it came to the color scheme! But overall I love this story.

[Jenn G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never seen the movie, I tried some years ago but I wasn't into it. This graphic novel convince me to watch it. The illustrations were amazing but too dark when it was the night time, it was hard to see.

[Dustyloup · Rating 4 out of 5]

C'était un peu difficile à distinguer les personnages. à mon avis, il faut lire ça après vous avez vu le film, mais pas tout de suite .

[Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane and Christian De Metter is a mystery/thriller graphic novel published in 2009. It follows US Marshal Teddy Daniels as he investigates the disappearance of a mass murderer and psych patient who goes by the name of Rachel Solando.
The story begins with Teddy Daniels and his partner Chuck Aule traveling to an asylum on Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of a patient named Rachel Solando. Things quickly seem to not add up, such as the removal of their firearms, and the fact that no one can account for the location of Solando throughout the course of her escape. They meet with Dr. Cawley, one of the main doctors on the island. After several interviews, they conclude that the doctor is hiding something. A hurricane outside stunts their investigation, and after being informed that Solando had been miraculously found, they are told to return home. After a dream, Daniels decides that things are still not quite as they should be. He confesses to his partner they main reason he wanted the case, was because the man who killed his wife was locked up here.
The power quickly goes out because of the storm, and so Daniels and Aule race to the Cell Block where the dangerous inmates are kept, fighting there way through, they are able to detain most of the inmates and get them back into their cell. More and more information continues to lead to dead ends and Daniels starts to lose hope, he then receives one more clue that sends him out into the night. He soon realizes that his partner is gone, and that this island has far more secrets that what meets the eye.
Personally, this is one of the best stories I have read in a while, that has truly left me wanting more. The visuals, noir-like theme, and psychological thrill kept me reading from cover to cover until I was finished. Like most mystery novels there was a twist at the end, and although I did figure part of it out before the end. There was still far more that came as a complete shock to me. The novel reminded me of a popular horror/survival video game Outlast they both used the corrupt asylum theme, and I saw many similarities between the two as I read. One point to highlight about the novel is how well the main character is developed. Given that it is a graphic novel, there were not many pages for the authors to dedicate time to this, yet readers could clearly see the development of Teddy Daniels.
From the time I opened the cover, I was unable to set the book down, even sitting in the parking lot delaying my commute home to finish it. The twists, theme, illustrations, and plot were enough to keep me hooked, and allow me to highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quick read. Whether you’re a heavy or scarce reader, Shutter Island is a novel anyone, and everyone can appreciate.

[Sylvaine Yvenou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shutter Island (BD):
L'immense roman de Dennis Lehane adapté en BD par le talentueux Christian de Metter

J'ai lu et adoré le roman il y a déjà plusieurs années. J'avais gardé en mémoire la chute de l'histoire, comment peut-on l'oublier? J'ai donc pris plaisir à en redécouvrir de nombreux passages choisis avec soin par Christian de Metter. le fil de l'histoire est parfaitement respecté, le scénario défile sous nos yeux aussi implacable , torturant et torturé. Les mots deviennent images mais pour moi , et j'assume mon propos, l'image ne peut pas remplacer pas la phrase quelque soit le talent du graphiste.

Vous faire un résumé de l'histoire me semble superflu et inutile

Christian de Metter a choisi des tons à dominante sépia qui rendent bien la condition pénitentiaire, la noirceur des individus détenus, leur violence. Quelques autres couleurs surviennent parfois , le vert foncé, une trace de rouge.. marquant le retour en arrière , la remontée des souvenirs

Petit voir gros bémol , la taille de la police m'a rendue la lecture des textes inconfortable voire difficile. Autre écueil rencontré la grande ressemblance entre les physionomies de Teddy Daniels et celle de Chuck Aule qui m'a beaucoup gênée au début de ma lecture ensuite je me suis habituée d'au temps plus que Teddy est omniprésent ..

J 'avoue ne pas avoir encore vu le film . A ce jour j'hésite.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Η ιστορία τα σπάει και έχει ένα από τα μεγαλύτερα και συναρπαστικότερα plot-twists που έχω δει σε ταινία/βιβλίο, επιπέδου psycho. Το κόμικ δεν υπολείπεται σε τίποτα, κρατώντας την σκοτεινιά του βιβλίου και εξελίσσοντας την σε κάτι αόριστα διεστραμμένο. Η παλέτα χρωμάτων είναι λιτή και απέριττη με αποχρώσεις του χλωμού κίτρινου και πράσινου να κυριαρχούν ενώ όλο το άλμπουμ είναι περασμένο σαν σε φίλτρο sepia. Το σχέδιο δεν είναι καθόλου φορτωμένο και θυμίζει έντονα Αμερική στα μέσα του 20ου αιώνα ενώ η διάταξη των καρέ είναι κινηματογραφική στα πρότυπα noir ταινιών της τότε εποχής. Χωρίς να είμαι ειδικός νομίζω πως ο χρωματισμός έγινε με νερομπογιές ή κάτι παρόμοιο, σίγουρα δεν είναι ψηφιακός και αυτό ανεβάζει ακόμα περισσότερο στα μάτια μου τη συνολική δουλειά. Ο De Metter μεταξύ άλλων διασκεδάζει να δημιουργεί διασκευές κλασικών έργων λογοτεχνίας αφού έχει φτιάξει και το Scarface του Armitage Trail (από το οποίο εμπνεύστηκε και η ταινία με τον Pacino) ενώ ασχολείται το κατιτίς του και με το ιστορικό BD [Paroles de la guerre d'Algerie 1954 - 1962] αλλά και τις βιογραφίες [Marilyn, de l'autre côté du miroir]. Σίγουρα θα προτιμηθεί ξανά σαν δημιουργός.

[Book.ineuse Littéraire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un emprunt @bibliothequesdenancy de qualité, une incroyable découverte, je n'aurais clairement pas acheté de moi-même, car les planches ne sont pas à mon goût, beaucoup trop sombre, tout est accès sur le visage et c'est vrai qu'ils sont très réalistes. Donc un conseil ne vous arrêtez pas aux planches, car l'histoire en vaut vraiment le coup !

J'ai été choqué par la qualité de l'histoire, c'est une BD qu'on prend le temps de lire, je lisais sans me poser de questions et la fin, le retournement de situation que je n'ai pas du tout vu venir ! 😱

J'ai beaucoup aimé l'ambiance de ce huis clos.
On retrouve 2 enquêteurs qui rejoignent une île au large de Boston, dans un hôpital psychiatrique. Pourquoi ? Parce que Rachel a disparu, il faut enquêter pour la retrouver !

J'ai adoré l'enquête, j'ai adoré cette atmosphère spéciale sans trop savoir pourquoi ! (On comprend à la fin.)

(Je ne vous conseille pas de lire le résumé babelio si comme moi, vous découvrez l'histoire car il spoil toute la BD)

Je decouvrirai le roman et le film avec grand plaisir !

Et toi tu as lu le livre ou vu le film? La BD t'intéresse?

[Paper Trees · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true psychological thriller that masters the genre. Oh how I’ve missed this brand of storytelling ! Both the dialogue and the artwork lived up-to the grit, suspense and pathos of the original story. I will never forget the horror, confusion and deep fascination I felt as a child watching this movie for the first time with my father (odd film choice to bond over with a parent, I know - wasn’t my idea 😅). This rare and brilliant graphic novel gifted by my brother re-evoked those feelings once more and I’m very grateful to have this edition in my collection.

The story is accessible to all in this format and can be read in one sitting.

[Aylin Kuhls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ist schwierig zu bewerten, wenn man den Film schon kennt. (Und kleine Anmerkung nebenbei, der Comic ist vor der Verfilmung entstanden.) Es geht natürlich einiges an Spannung verloren, wenn man die Geschichte schon kennt. Trotzdem waren die Zeichnungen sehr atmosphärisch und zogen einen in ihren Bann. Die Geschichte ist auch in diesem Medium toll erzählt. Als nächstes nehme ich mir dann wohl den Roman vor. :)

[Scott Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just to complete the cycle, I decided to read this graphic novel. I have read the book, watched the movie, and now read the graphic novel. Obviously I love the story. The graphic novel is well done and through the use of colors and shading - does a great job setting the mood and themes of the story.

[Tom Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the atmospheric artwork. I haven't read the original novel, but I've seen the film, and this graphic novel captures that same bleakness and sense of dread. Unfortunately, knowing the twist ending in advance makes the story much less effective.

[Nick Katenkamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was brilliantly done. Adapted very faithfully, the story itself is great the and the artwork fits the style of the story. The only brief criticism I would have is that the two marshals are hard to differentiate at the beginning of the book due to their similar look.

[Sandy Niaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Première expérience où un livre me retourne le cerveau, ça m'a pris 2 hr avant d'avoir toutes mes facultés mentales.
Les illustrations sont magnifiques dans un style un peu film noir mais avec beaucoup de présence du vert durant toute l'oeuvre.