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Girl Genius #15
The City of Lightning (The Second Journey of Agatha Heterodyne Volume 2)
Adventure, Romance, Mad Science! Agatha is the last of the Heterodynes, a notorious family of Mad Scientists that everyone had thought safely wiped out. When a rival scientist traps her family castle and the surrounding town in a time-freeze, Agatha must embark on a journey to find a way to reverse the effect and save the people she loves. Available in Softcover and Hardcover editions.
128 pages, Trade Paperback
First published August 30, 2016
About the author
Kaja Foglio
60 books133 followersAn artist and comics author, Kaja Foglio writes the Hugo Award-winning Girl Genius comics with her husband, Phil Foglio.
She has also produced illustrations for Magic: The Gathering and various fantasy novels.
Awards:
Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story (2009, 2010, 2011)
She has also produced illustrations for Magic: The Gathering and various fantasy novels.
Awards:
Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story (2009, 2010, 2011)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 28, 2016
Agatha adventures! Spoilers for earlier books ahead!
Indeed, the opening scene suffered a bit from being in the middle of a fight that ended the previous book's cliffhanger.
So first she has to deal with the rampaging train, and some unexpected arrivals -- and some cake -- before she goes on the City of Lightning that is Paris on her quest to free Mechanicsburg.
Involves Zeetha's heroically facing her fears and eating cake, a lot of advertising, an uncle of Violetta's, an edged conversation after Agatha's locket does not keep in Lucrezia once, an arranged marriage, an informative puppet show, selling information about the weasel, and more.
Indeed, the opening scene suffered a bit from being in the middle of a fight that ended the previous book's cliffhanger.
So first she has to deal with the rampaging train, and some unexpected arrivals -- and some cake -- before she goes on the City of Lightning that is Paris on her quest to free Mechanicsburg.
Involves Zeetha's heroically facing her fears and eating cake, a lot of advertising, an uncle of Violetta's, an edged conversation after Agatha's locket does not keep in Lucrezia once, an arranged marriage, an informative puppet show, selling information about the weasel, and more.
January 7, 2022
Paris! Cake! An upcoming party, and a grandmother and granddaughter whose machinations feel suspiciously familiar to those on a certain television show.
October 15, 2016
At this point, I should confess that I expected this series to be over long ago. What I thought would be a several volume contained story has grown so much they've started the numbering all over again. It is the Game of Thrones (or the Claremont X-Men) of fantasy graphic novels --- more characters, more places to visit, and more plot lines that I despair of ever seeing the end of. (And, at this point, I'm totally confused about the whole Storm King sequence of events.)
That being said, I'm happy with this volume. We get a good look at the Girl Genius version of Paris (a nice change of pace from the enclosed spaces in recent volumes), we are introduced to tiny megalomaniac clanks, there's a lot more clarity to what's going on with Gil, and I absolutely love the new character of Hoffman, who tends to discover whole civilizations while trying to earn extra credit for school. But still I ask: are we ending anytime soon?
That being said, I'm happy with this volume. We get a good look at the Girl Genius version of Paris (a nice change of pace from the enclosed spaces in recent volumes), we are introduced to tiny megalomaniac clanks, there's a lot more clarity to what's going on with Gil, and I absolutely love the new character of Hoffman, who tends to discover whole civilizations while trying to earn extra credit for school. But still I ask: are we ending anytime soon?
January 31, 2018
Agatha Heterodyne foils the Beast of the rails in a spectacular battle, with the aid of some surprising allies. Her reunion with Gilgamesh Wulfenbach results in a clash of sparks, a confrontation between two old lovers and enemies, along with cake. There’s nothing that can’t be resolved with cake. Agatha manages to make her escape in the sugary confusion to Paris, where she finds her name isn’t just known around the world, it’s been merchandized. There’s a downside to fame, for the Master of the City isn’t happy to have a Heterodyne in his city. Fortunately, the Master’s daughter, Colette, is more than happy to show Agatha around Paris (keeping an eye on her), but it’s hard to tell what these city sophisticates are up to. The students of Paris, however, are more than up for anything, including helping (or hindering) Agatha Heterodyne. Alas, even the helpful students have a talent for trouble, especially when they’re trying to improve their grades.
Having Agatha slip through his fingers again and again, dealing with plots (along with marriage proposals) from the Sturmhalten schemers, all the while with the Other lurking in the shadows, Gil is determined to rescue the one person who has a chance of outmanuevering the most devious of the devious…Prince Tarvek. Removing his rival intact from the frozen city of Mechanicsburg promises to be a challenge, even for a spark of Gilgamesh Wulfenbach’s calibre.
This was one of my favorite books in the series. First of all, the climatic battle against the Beast of the Rails was one of the best action sequences yet in a series of excellent action sequences. The conclusion involved an intriguing twist, not to mention one of the most Happy For Now outcomes I’ve ever seen for an artificial intelligence or a soul separated from living flesh. The subplot with Krosp took an earlier bit of weirdness, weaving it into the overall scheme of things. I was very happy to learn Gil planned to rescue Tarvek. I’ve been biting my nails in anxiety over the prince’s fate ever since the last book of the original series. I was glad to see that Gil hasn’t forgotten him. To top it all of, the scene between Klaus and Lucrezia was one of the most dramatic, touching, scary, and funny scenes I’ve read yet in ‘Girl Genius’. Once more, Klaus proves he does care about his son, for all his schemes. Lucrezia looks like she might yet have a few more secrets to be revealed in how she became the other. Not to mention it added a touch of the usual humour to our story to see old enemies eating cake.
Paris is proving to be one of most fascinating settings of all in a world of fascinating settings (it’s hard to equal Mechanicsburg). I was intrigued by the character of the Master, who disliked the Heterodynes (surprise, surprise), but was willing to give Agatha a chance. I’m very curious how Gil came to be a pet of his. All sorts of intriguing hints were dropped about his past by Colette and Wooster. Colette had a delightful moment of femslashiness where she flirted with Agatha. Readers are introduced to the character of Hoffman, who’s simply fun. Wooster and Violetta got to show off more of their skills, old adversaries reared their heads, one of them revealing that she may have been stalking Gil for some time.
For enriching an already multifaceted world, introducing new characters while deepening the old, all the while keeping an exceptionally fast plot going, and my enjoyment of the whole ride, this gets five stars.
Having Agatha slip through his fingers again and again, dealing with plots (along with marriage proposals) from the Sturmhalten schemers, all the while with the Other lurking in the shadows, Gil is determined to rescue the one person who has a chance of outmanuevering the most devious of the devious…Prince Tarvek. Removing his rival intact from the frozen city of Mechanicsburg promises to be a challenge, even for a spark of Gilgamesh Wulfenbach’s calibre.
This was one of my favorite books in the series. First of all, the climatic battle against the Beast of the Rails was one of the best action sequences yet in a series of excellent action sequences. The conclusion involved an intriguing twist, not to mention one of the most Happy For Now outcomes I’ve ever seen for an artificial intelligence or a soul separated from living flesh. The subplot with Krosp took an earlier bit of weirdness, weaving it into the overall scheme of things. I was very happy to learn Gil planned to rescue Tarvek. I’ve been biting my nails in anxiety over the prince’s fate ever since the last book of the original series. I was glad to see that Gil hasn’t forgotten him. To top it all of, the scene between Klaus and Lucrezia was one of the most dramatic, touching, scary, and funny scenes I’ve read yet in ‘Girl Genius’. Once more, Klaus proves he does care about his son, for all his schemes. Lucrezia looks like she might yet have a few more secrets to be revealed in how she became the other. Not to mention it added a touch of the usual humour to our story to see old enemies eating cake.
Paris is proving to be one of most fascinating settings of all in a world of fascinating settings (it’s hard to equal Mechanicsburg). I was intrigued by the character of the Master, who disliked the Heterodynes (surprise, surprise), but was willing to give Agatha a chance. I’m very curious how Gil came to be a pet of his. All sorts of intriguing hints were dropped about his past by Colette and Wooster. Colette had a delightful moment of femslashiness where she flirted with Agatha. Readers are introduced to the character of Hoffman, who’s simply fun. Wooster and Violetta got to show off more of their skills, old adversaries reared their heads, one of them revealing that she may have been stalking Gil for some time.
For enriching an already multifaceted world, introducing new characters while deepening the old, all the while keeping an exceptionally fast plot going, and my enjoyment of the whole ride, this gets five stars.
June 29, 2019
I would like to visit the version of Paris that only exists in the minds of Kaja and Phil Foglio. It's a wondrous place of gigantic subterranean worlds, fascinating exhibits of arts and sciences rarely seen by the sane, and a kind of grown-up version of the town that the Heterodynes ruled.
The story in this volume was a real treat, because we got to see much of the back story material that had been glossed over at the start of the series, since so many of the "royal" sparks of Europe had studied in Paris.
That said, the story was also a bit maddening because it got so complicated so quickly, and it was difficult to keep track of who was on which side of the various conflicts, and why. I actually lost track of where I was in the book for a while, thinking that I had finished it and starting the next volume before realizing that I had no idea what was going on with the second little clank, so I found my place and completed reading the section that I had accidentally skipped.
Still, the series remains excellent, even if the running gags about Agatha's image being used to promote weird merchandise are getting a tiny bit tired...although I WAS left wondering about the actual size of the market for crown polish.
The story in this volume was a real treat, because we got to see much of the back story material that had been glossed over at the start of the series, since so many of the "royal" sparks of Europe had studied in Paris.
That said, the story was also a bit maddening because it got so complicated so quickly, and it was difficult to keep track of who was on which side of the various conflicts, and why. I actually lost track of where I was in the book for a while, thinking that I had finished it and starting the next volume before realizing that I had no idea what was going on with the second little clank, so I found my place and completed reading the section that I had accidentally skipped.
Still, the series remains excellent, even if the running gags about Agatha's image being used to promote weird merchandise are getting a tiny bit tired...although I WAS left wondering about the actual size of the market for crown polish.
February 27, 2019
REREAD 2019
OK, this is a full 4/5 stars, not a half like the previous volume. It has found a spark, although I'm not sure yet it is the same as the original, but whatever it is, it is working.
I also enjoy the new scenery of Paris and the new characters, but I can't help but feel that they're telling the same story over again, with a Heterodyne popping up out of nowhere and how that affects the political world, even if the setting is somewhat different now than when the series started.
Oh! I've also noticed at least 3 hints at LGBT+ in these last two comics, not all of them in Paris, and this makes me so happy!
OK, this is a full 4/5 stars, not a half like the previous volume. It has found a spark, although I'm not sure yet it is the same as the original, but whatever it is, it is working.
I also enjoy the new scenery of Paris and the new characters, but I can't help but feel that they're telling the same story over again, with a Heterodyne popping up out of nowhere and how that affects the political world, even if the setting is somewhat different now than when the series started.
Oh! I've also noticed at least 3 hints at LGBT+ in these last two comics, not all of them in Paris, and this makes me so happy!
April 3, 2019
After wrapping up the train adventure of the previous volume, Agatha and her crew journey to Paris, a city of intrigue, weird science and celebrity (Agatha's story has become very popular as a subject for theater). Is the Other still lurking in Agatha's mind? Is breaking into the most secure institution in Paris really worthwhile if it gets you a good grade? I'm inclined to say the plotline has gotten less coherent as the series goes along, but as the heart is goofy science, goofy characters and funny dialogue, that's not a huge problem.
January 20, 2017
More Girl Genius. This has much the same energy as other volumes with some fun new twists and revelations. The "Journey" format suits the series well and it is enjoyable to learn more about this world and the larger than life characters in it. The abundance of characters is confusing at times. But fun!
October 2, 2019
Entertaining, particularly when we get to see this world's version of Paris. But I'd completely forgotten some of the continuity they dredged up; might be starting to get a little heavy on the plot threads. (B)
December 11, 2017
While the new characters and story, and Paris, are all par for this series, it felt like it was dragging and quite a bit like filler.
April 11, 2018
I understand why these books rate awards for graphic novels.
May 10, 2018
A.H. goes to Paris. More sparky fun.
November 23, 2018
I absolutely adore these adventures! "I can show you the math." "Yes, please!" LOL
November 4, 2020
The action moves to Paris and introduces a whole new set of characters.
April 15, 2021
The weather still continues charming, and I still continue my binge-read of two decades worth of material and still continue to be highly entertained.
June 16, 2024
Oooo a juicy one, and we're in Paris! How fun.
December 7, 2016
More adventure. Romance. Mad science! and cake!
The gaslamp fantasy world expands as we get to see Paris. Here the Master of Paris, a legendary spark, from his Awful Office in the Awful Tower rules absolutely over the city-state.... except for the apparently innumerable subterranean kingdoms.
Will Agatha find the needed clues to rescue Mechanicsburg from time stasis? While keeping her motley entourage from killing Martellus, and vice versa? When Gil shows up, will she kiss or kill him? Naturally, none of these questions will be answered in this review, but there will be plenty of fun and mayhem (and cake) still ahead
The gaslamp fantasy world expands as we get to see Paris. Here the Master of Paris, a legendary spark, from his Awful Office in the Awful Tower rules absolutely over the city-state.... except for the apparently innumerable subterranean kingdoms.
Will Agatha find the needed clues to rescue Mechanicsburg from time stasis? While keeping her motley entourage from killing Martellus, and vice versa? When Gil shows up, will she kiss or kill him? Naturally, none of these questions will be answered in this review, but there will be plenty of fun and mayhem (and cake) still ahead
February 20, 2023
Another excellent volume about Agatha. I can't wait to get the next one. Some of my favorite things about this story is how many little sidekicks Agatha has gathered. They're hilarious. I also love how people are drawn to her, and how comfortable she is to even have her enemies hang around her. And the humor in this is my favorite. The writers of this comic are intelligent and fantastic. This is my all-time favorite comic book series.
October 31, 2016
Superb as always. Loved the final reveal :)
October 11, 2017
A wonderful continuation of the story of Agatha and her friends adventures. So much fun, almost wish I was there with them.
January 2, 2017
I love these books. So far, each and every one.
April 4, 2022
Paris and Colette, need I say more? :D
April 22, 2017
In this volume of the long-running webcomic, we see the conclusion of the fight against the Beast of the Rails that formed the cliffhanger from the previous volume (and gains Agatha an awfully cute new clank), before the gang makes it to Paris to try and find something that might help free Mechanicsburg from its time stasis bubble. We also find out why Gil is behaving even more strangely than usual and get some insight into the machinations of The Other across Europa.
So lots of intrigue, humour, lovely artwork but not enough Jägermonsters (there's rarely enough Jägermonsters). It's getting harder to keep the whole story in your head at once, which isn't surprising given how long long the comic has been going for, but it does make you wonder if there's any end for the story planned, and how far away it might be.
So lots of intrigue, humour, lovely artwork but not enough Jägermonsters (there's rarely enough Jägermonsters). It's getting harder to keep the whole story in your head at once, which isn't surprising given how long long the comic has been going for, but it does make you wonder if there's any end for the story planned, and how far away it might be.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews