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Venezia
Vénézia : l'intégrale tant attendue !
Rythme trépidant, coups de théâtre, imbroglios et jeux de masque : mise en scène par Fabrice Parme et Lewis Trondheim, cette histoire d'espionnage et de faux-semblants dans la Venise du VIe siècle évoque aussi bien le vaudeville que la commedia dell'arte ou les meilleurs films de Blake Edwards.
Rythme trépidant, coups de théâtre, imbroglios et jeux de masque : mise en scène par Fabrice Parme et Lewis Trondheim, cette histoire d'espionnage et de faux-semblants dans la Venise du VIe siècle évoque aussi bien le vaudeville que la commedia dell'arte ou les meilleurs films de Blake Edwards.
102 pages, Hardcover
Published November 27, 2015
1 person is currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Lewis Trondheim
526 books241 followersThe phenomenal Lewis Trondheim is never where you next expect him. As an artist and writer, Trondheim has earned an international following as one of the most inventive, versatile, and prolific graphic authors. From autobiography to adventure, from bestselling fantasy and children's books to visual essays, Trondheim's unique, seminal imagination consistently dazzles. His work has won numerous awards, including the Angoulême prize for best series with McConey and he also co-created the titanic fantasy epic Dungeon with Joann Sfar.
He is one of the founding members of the alternative publishing house L'Association, a proving ground for many of the greatest talents in European comics working today. He is also the editorial director of a new imprint called Shampooing, dedicated to comics for all ages.
Lewis lives in the South of France with his wife, Brigitte Findakly, and two children.
He is one of the founding members of the alternative publishing house L'Association, a proving ground for many of the greatest talents in European comics working today. He is also the editorial director of a new imprint called Shampooing, dedicated to comics for all ages.
Lewis lives in the South of France with his wife, Brigitte Findakly, and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 8, 2020
I cannot say that I enjoyed this one. Unfortunately, neither the characters nor the story nor the art style clicked with me.
***Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
***Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
July 18, 2022
Reminded me of a cartoon from the 1950's. It's about two spies in Venice in the 1600's. They hate each other instantly in their public identities but are immediately attracted to one another in their secret identities of the Black Scorpion and the Eagle. Too goofy and farcical for my enjoyment.
Received a review copy from Europe Comics and Edelweiss
Received a review copy from Europe Comics and Edelweiss
January 13, 2020
”Trust is a dirty word”
This was so much fun!
The snarky comments and the dry humor were dosed out in the perfect blend. It made me smile, it made me laugh. It was exactly what I needed to brighten up this rainy day.
In the first few pages I didn’t think I would like this one. But Giuseppe and Sophia quickly changed my mind. Their rapid bickering is o, so childish; but o, so much fun!
The Romance between “the Eagle” and “the Black Scorpion” is so adorable and delightful. I was rooting for them to kiss already!
I must confess I like the Second Part of this comic more than the first part. It was more action packed and less political. All together FUN!
I received this copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This was so much fun!
The snarky comments and the dry humor were dosed out in the perfect blend. It made me smile, it made me laugh. It was exactly what I needed to brighten up this rainy day.
In the first few pages I didn’t think I would like this one. But Giuseppe and Sophia quickly changed my mind. Their rapid bickering is o, so childish; but o, so much fun!
The Romance between “the Eagle” and “the Black Scorpion” is so adorable and delightful. I was rooting for them to kiss already!
I must confess I like the Second Part of this comic more than the first part. It was more action packed and less political. All together FUN!
I received this copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
December 9, 2019
Supereroi, identità segrete e caccia a un misterioso tomo DaVinci a Venezia del XVI secolo! Sento che questo è stato scritto solo per me.
Un romanzo grafico carino, dolce e unico che è sia un pignolo del genere che anche una rotazione originale su di esso. Ottima arte e formattazione.
Un piccolo avvertimento: ci sono molte battute sullo stereotipo culturale in questo. Non li trovo affatto offensivi e ti esorto a ricordare anche l'era in cui si svolge questa storia, ma se questo è qualcosa di cui sei sensibile, questo potrebbe non essere il romanzo grafico per te.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Un romanzo grafico carino, dolce e unico che è sia un pignolo del genere che anche una rotazione originale su di esso. Ottima arte e formattazione.
Un piccolo avvertimento: ci sono molte battute sullo stereotipo culturale in questo. Non li trovo affatto offensivi e ti esorto a ricordare anche l'era in cui si svolge questa storia, ma se questo è qualcosa di cui sei sensibile, questo potrebbe non essere il romanzo grafico per te.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
January 2, 2020
Italian Renaissance is a magnet to me. This tale of espionage takes a man and a woman on secret missions for their respective countries throughout palaces and back alleys in Venice. It is distaste at first sight and they relish a battle of witty exchanges and poisonous banter while in and out of their disguises.
Even though I had to zoom in to better read the texts and that got tiresome, I managed to have a lot of fun with the mischievous sense of humour. The panels are plentiful, drawn in colourful, slightly caricaturesque style and suffused in unlawful humour.
The oppossing spies clash whenever they meet in their double persona, yet an undercurrent of attraction pervades their encounters when they are disguised and popping all over roofs, punching bad guys and searching for clues or dogdging each other’s victories.
The missions show devious characters, beautiful renditions of Venice and twisted mysteries, especially the second adventure. This looks like a glimpse of a longer arc plot that will continue in future comics which I would love to read to find out if this couple falls for each other and tease all the secrets out of Venice. Very entertaining and funny.
Even though I had to zoom in to better read the texts and that got tiresome, I managed to have a lot of fun with the mischievous sense of humour. The panels are plentiful, drawn in colourful, slightly caricaturesque style and suffused in unlawful humour.
The oppossing spies clash whenever they meet in their double persona, yet an undercurrent of attraction pervades their encounters when they are disguised and popping all over roofs, punching bad guys and searching for clues or dogdging each other’s victories.
The missions show devious characters, beautiful renditions of Venice and twisted mysteries, especially the second adventure. This looks like a glimpse of a longer arc plot that will continue in future comics which I would love to read to find out if this couple falls for each other and tease all the secrets out of Venice. Very entertaining and funny.
December 12, 2019
*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Overall, I really liked this graphic novel. My favorite part was the art, followed closely by the characters. I thought it was fun and fast-paced, and I enjoyed how there were two different adventures included in this one edition. However, the reason I didn't give it five stars is that I thought that the word bubbles really took away from the art in some panels. They were solid white with the text on them and I would have perferred a more seemless inclusion of text.
I will definitely continue along with this series, though. It was a lot of fun and I can't wait to see what happens with these two main characters next.
Overall, I really liked this graphic novel. My favorite part was the art, followed closely by the characters. I thought it was fun and fast-paced, and I enjoyed how there were two different adventures included in this one edition. However, the reason I didn't give it five stars is that I thought that the word bubbles really took away from the art in some panels. They were solid white with the text on them and I would have perferred a more seemless inclusion of text.
I will definitely continue along with this series, though. It was a lot of fun and I can't wait to see what happens with these two main characters next.
January 4, 2020
Artwork: Fun and colourful, but perhaps, a fairly standard style. Much like reading a classic comic book.
Dialogue: Easy to follow and consistent, I actually really enjoyed the fact that the text was entirely dialogue and didn't rely on additional panels/words to fill in the gaps.
Story: Classic tale of espionage in a renaissance setting. At times, it was really funny, and I enjoyed the banter between the two characters. Loved the setting, and I definitely enjoyed the switching and the double crossing. The first half in particular touched a little too much on the misogyny for me to fully enjoy it.
*** Thanks to Netgalley for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review ***
Dialogue: Easy to follow and consistent, I actually really enjoyed the fact that the text was entirely dialogue and didn't rely on additional panels/words to fill in the gaps.
Story: Classic tale of espionage in a renaissance setting. At times, it was really funny, and I enjoyed the banter between the two characters. Loved the setting, and I definitely enjoyed the switching and the double crossing. The first half in particular touched a little too much on the misogyny for me to fully enjoy it.
*** Thanks to Netgalley for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review ***
December 10, 2019
This graphic novel was hugely entertaining right from the first frame. The drawings are colourful and delightful. The story is so funny, and the dialogue is snappy. I love the fact that Da Vinci is part of the plot (though making no actual appearance), and that both the male and female lead are equally adventurous and competent at what they do.
I’d recommend this to anyone who is a fan of graphic novels, humour and adventure.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’d recommend this to anyone who is a fan of graphic novels, humour and adventure.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2020
My thanks to Europe Comics for a digital edition via NetGalley of ‘Venzia’ by Lewis Trondheim with art by Fabrice Parme in exchange for an honest review. It was translated from the French by Jessie Aufiery and published in November 2019.
This is a romp played very tongue-in-cheek set in Venice during the first half of the sixteenth century. Two spies find themselves travelling to Venice on assignments that overlap. After their first encounter on the road, Giuseppe, who works for Charles Quint (Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor) and Sophia, employed by Frances I of France, hate one another with a passion. Yet both have a secret identity that allows them to conduct their investigations incognito.
Once Giuseppe abandons his wig and false moustache, he becomes “the Eagle.” Sophia transforms into “the Black Scorpion” by donning black tights and hood. The Eagle and the Scorpion immediately feel a powerful attraction for one another…
This originally was a two volume comic. The first part, ‘Triple Cross’ introduces the characters and has them seeking to disrupt a trade deal between Venice and the Mamluks. The second part, has them tracking down the mysterious ‘Codex Bellum’ created by Da Vinci.
This was a total delight from start to finish. The banter between Giuseppe and Sophia both in and out of their secret identities was so funny. I was almost weeping with laughter as they bounced over the rooftops and canals of Venice.
The artwork was colourful and playful and complimented the text perfectly. I especially felt that the architecture of Renaissance Venice was beautifully rendered.
It was pure entertainment and wonderfully distracting.
This is a romp played very tongue-in-cheek set in Venice during the first half of the sixteenth century. Two spies find themselves travelling to Venice on assignments that overlap. After their first encounter on the road, Giuseppe, who works for Charles Quint (Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor) and Sophia, employed by Frances I of France, hate one another with a passion. Yet both have a secret identity that allows them to conduct their investigations incognito.
Once Giuseppe abandons his wig and false moustache, he becomes “the Eagle.” Sophia transforms into “the Black Scorpion” by donning black tights and hood. The Eagle and the Scorpion immediately feel a powerful attraction for one another…
This originally was a two volume comic. The first part, ‘Triple Cross’ introduces the characters and has them seeking to disrupt a trade deal between Venice and the Mamluks. The second part, has them tracking down the mysterious ‘Codex Bellum’ created by Da Vinci.
This was a total delight from start to finish. The banter between Giuseppe and Sophia both in and out of their secret identities was so funny. I was almost weeping with laughter as they bounced over the rooftops and canals of Venice.
The artwork was colourful and playful and complimented the text perfectly. I especially felt that the architecture of Renaissance Venice was beautifully rendered.
It was pure entertainment and wonderfully distracting.
January 6, 2020
Two stories in this comic book set in Venice in the 16th Century where this city state is keen for allies and political edge. Amid this intrigue it is not surprising that spies are sent to see what is afoot and keep their governments informed of any strategic advantage Venice may accrue.
On to this stage sleuthing rivals enter in their undercover guises Signorina Sophia Cantabella and Signor Giuseppe Pintorello who immediately loathe each other. Their alto egos are the the exact opposites, being brave and resourceful, Sophia transforms into “The Black Scorpion” while Giuseppe becomes the dashing “The Eagle”. When their paths cross there is an immediate chemistry and while they are competitors naturally untrusting of each other they seem to be falling in love.
The stories are well plotted with action, tension and believable twists. The drawings capture the spirit and sense of place of this special location and the writing is clear and tries to be witty to push the story and develop the characters.
For me it is quite repetitive, and the vying for top spy works well for a time. The sense of ‘will they won’t they kiss’ a running theme that may maintain interest for some. Yet it doesn’t leave me gasping for more, and while I enjoyed the reading process, perhaps this graphic novel didn’t hit the spot for me.
I’m sure it will please most who like their comic books. It is original and creative with a thrilling mystery at its heart.
On to this stage sleuthing rivals enter in their undercover guises Signorina Sophia Cantabella and Signor Giuseppe Pintorello who immediately loathe each other. Their alto egos are the the exact opposites, being brave and resourceful, Sophia transforms into “The Black Scorpion” while Giuseppe becomes the dashing “The Eagle”. When their paths cross there is an immediate chemistry and while they are competitors naturally untrusting of each other they seem to be falling in love.
The stories are well plotted with action, tension and believable twists. The drawings capture the spirit and sense of place of this special location and the writing is clear and tries to be witty to push the story and develop the characters.
For me it is quite repetitive, and the vying for top spy works well for a time. The sense of ‘will they won’t they kiss’ a running theme that may maintain interest for some. Yet it doesn’t leave me gasping for more, and while I enjoyed the reading process, perhaps this graphic novel didn’t hit the spot for me.
I’m sure it will please most who like their comic books. It is original and creative with a thrilling mystery at its heart.
July 5, 2020
Two spies from two France and Spain are sent to Venice in the 16th century. The two spies are Giuseppe and Sophia, who also go by the alteregos “the Eagle” and “the Black Scorpion.” They hate each other, but they keep turning up at the same places on the same missions, so they have to figure out if they want to keep fighting or work together.
This was a funny graphic novel. It had a spy versus spy storyline, where they kept meeting each other and trying to foil each other’s plots. There was the added humour of their alter ego disguises, who didn’t know each other. They would change into their disguises at the same time, but they didn’t realize that they were still the same person.
I found the beginning of this story a little complicated because there were so many characters from different countries. I didn’t understand the politics of it at the beginning, because many characters seemed similar. The graphics were very detailed, but that meant that sometimes the jokes were subtle. There was one part where Giuseppe lost his fake mustache and it landed on another character, but I didn’t notice it at first because the illustrations were so small.
This was an entertaining graphic novel!
Thank you Europe Comics for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a funny graphic novel. It had a spy versus spy storyline, where they kept meeting each other and trying to foil each other’s plots. There was the added humour of their alter ego disguises, who didn’t know each other. They would change into their disguises at the same time, but they didn’t realize that they were still the same person.
I found the beginning of this story a little complicated because there were so many characters from different countries. I didn’t understand the politics of it at the beginning, because many characters seemed similar. The graphics were very detailed, but that meant that sometimes the jokes were subtle. There was one part where Giuseppe lost his fake mustache and it landed on another character, but I didn’t notice it at first because the illustrations were so small.
This was an entertaining graphic novel!
Thank you Europe Comics for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2020
An Amusing "Spy v. Spy" Set in Venice
The Black Scorpion, a charming, skilled, and beautiful woman, and The Eagle, a self-assured, dashing, and slightly pompous charmer, are agent-spies competing in Renaissance Venice. Surrounded by colorful and goofy characters, they scheme, cheat, and trade bon-mots as they race each other on identical missions.
The whole thing is colorful, energetic, and sly. It's a love/hate romantic comedy that offers few surprises, but delightful banter, silly scenes, and clever set pieces. There is a nice satirical edge, but that never overwhelms the fun energy of the madcap romance.
The art is sharp and colorful, with an exaggerated cartoony look that serves the story well.
The plot didn't break any new ground, and some of the hi-jinks got repetitive, but that doesn't seem to be the point of a battle of the sexes rom-com. This was a bright, fresh charmer.
(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
The Black Scorpion, a charming, skilled, and beautiful woman, and The Eagle, a self-assured, dashing, and slightly pompous charmer, are agent-spies competing in Renaissance Venice. Surrounded by colorful and goofy characters, they scheme, cheat, and trade bon-mots as they race each other on identical missions.
The whole thing is colorful, energetic, and sly. It's a love/hate romantic comedy that offers few surprises, but delightful banter, silly scenes, and clever set pieces. There is a nice satirical edge, but that never overwhelms the fun energy of the madcap romance.
The art is sharp and colorful, with an exaggerated cartoony look that serves the story well.
The plot didn't break any new ground, and some of the hi-jinks got repetitive, but that doesn't seem to be the point of a battle of the sexes rom-com. This was a bright, fresh charmer.
(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
February 2, 2020
This really nails the screwball, it has to be said. Two people involved in espionage, a catty young slip of a thing and a big lumpen brute of a bloke, evidently hate each other and want nothing more than the death of their opponent. But, when they're in disguise… This seems to also quite swiftly and eloquently encapsulate Venice's more wacky history, as well, so it's all good – isn't it? Well, for one, some of the idiotic side-characters are far too idiotic, and unfunny with it. Also, the artwork is heinously cartoonish at times, unapologetically Saturday morning TV fare. Things can get rather confusing as to who's who and on what side and why. But there is still enough going for this to make it a flippant entertainment, and the canon of truly great love/hate relationships has a new couple to knock on the door for entry. And the messenger pigeons provided a real laugh. Perhaps the second story here isn't as strong as the first (the novelty wears thin), but it's all of a reasonable standard, and worth checking out. Three and a half stars.
August 29, 2020
Great graphic novel. One of the few that has a truly enjoyable romantic story. It's fun and light and not filled with zombies. I really felt like it could be critiqued as a story on its own and when you add the appealing illustrations, you have something I feel good in recommending. It has strong characters, especially the male and female leads, and cultural references mixed with witty dialogue used for emotional sparring. And no decapitation is involved!
Not for young children but okay for preteens and above, I recommend this graphic book for those who like a clever romance with likable characters.
However, (here it comes) it does lack flow and focuses a lot more on the relationship than action and moving the story along. But I have the reputation of not liking the Romance genre in general, so I suspect this is more just a subjective me-thing. But since I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review, then that is what you will get. And why I took away one star in my rating.
Sincerely, Laura-Lee
Not for young children but okay for preteens and above, I recommend this graphic book for those who like a clever romance with likable characters.
However, (here it comes) it does lack flow and focuses a lot more on the relationship than action and moving the story along. But I have the reputation of not liking the Romance genre in general, so I suspect this is more just a subjective me-thing. But since I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review, then that is what you will get. And why I took away one star in my rating.
Sincerely, Laura-Lee
December 28, 2019
This is an awesome graphic novel! The two main characters are normal people by day and spies by night. They have many chance encounters and despise each other at first but then as their missions continue to intersect...
The art style in this is beautiful and full of colorful European images. The characters are also funny and fun to follow. However I would say this graphic novel is definitely adult, so just be aware of that. This is such a fun book, I highly recommend you pick this up if you like graphic novels or spy stories!
I think the only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars is that I would have liked to see more of the spy characters interacting with their home countries/ the head quarters they are spying for. But I really like spy agency stories so that might just be a personal preference. Overall though I loved this!
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the free copy!
The art style in this is beautiful and full of colorful European images. The characters are also funny and fun to follow. However I would say this graphic novel is definitely adult, so just be aware of that. This is such a fun book, I highly recommend you pick this up if you like graphic novels or spy stories!
I think the only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars is that I would have liked to see more of the spy characters interacting with their home countries/ the head quarters they are spying for. But I really like spy agency stories so that might just be a personal preference. Overall though I loved this!
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the free copy!
December 18, 2019
Language: PG (5 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG
Giuseppe and Sophia hate each other by day, but their alter egos The Eagle and Black Scorpion are falling for each other. As these two spies compete to accomplish the same tasks for their employers, their feelings start to get in the way. Will Venice be able to survive those with harmful intents?
I liked the idea of this story, but I found the execution to be too corny and repetitive. I felt like the two heroes were doing and saying the same things every other panel, and my interest decreased with every page. Also, the content seems to be written for more of a high school audience except for the humor that feels more immature. The mature content rating is for innuendo, mention of pornography, and nudity.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Giuseppe and Sophia hate each other by day, but their alter egos The Eagle and Black Scorpion are falling for each other. As these two spies compete to accomplish the same tasks for their employers, their feelings start to get in the way. Will Venice be able to survive those with harmful intents?
I liked the idea of this story, but I found the execution to be too corny and repetitive. I felt like the two heroes were doing and saying the same things every other panel, and my interest decreased with every page. Also, the content seems to be written for more of a high school audience except for the humor that feels more immature. The mature content rating is for innuendo, mention of pornography, and nudity.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
January 7, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book. I've always wanted to read a book where two regular people hate each other but then in their hidden identities they fall in love because they don't know it's really the person they hate. I saw a story prompt similar to that before and I'm glad Trondheim decided to write a story like that. I found the dialogue between the two main characters to be really witty and entertaining. I got a little bit confused sometimes with all the different political characters so it was harder for me to be truly immersed in the story and I also found the last couple pages confusing so that's why I rated this book a 4/5. I just really loved the interactions between the two main characters and the art style was really well done too! Thank you Netgalley for a copy!
June 19, 2020
If Kate and Petruchio were spies, and lived in Venice instead of Padua, they would be these two goofs. The book takes us through two adventures undertaken by the Eagle and the Scorpion, hired spies whose day jobs are as a painter and a singer in 1500's Italy. Of course, when they meet in their nornal identities, they loathe each other, when they meet as spies, they have the massive hots for each other.
December 14, 2019
A fun, action-packed graphic novel with two strong main characters who keep crossing paths over the course of their adventures. With the beautiful art style and a plot that keeps you guessing and begging for more and more of the hilarious dynamic between the two leads, I couldn't have asked for much more.
A massive thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the free copy!
A massive thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the free copy!
December 18, 2019
Two people are running to hire a boat. The man and the woman are in immediate dislike of each other and rather childish about it. The woman gets the boat but at a price. Then they discover they are renting rooms in the same house. What they don't realize? They are both masters of disguise, spying on the same meeting. When they run into each other as their alter egos, they are able to work together.
The artwork is fabulous and the storyline is fun. There is a little bit of gap in some of the story lines but I wonder if that is translation. Overall a fun book.
The artwork is fabulous and the storyline is fun. There is a little bit of gap in some of the story lines but I wonder if that is translation. Overall a fun book.
January 13, 2020
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the graphics, it was well illustrated, but the story was a typical espionage trope set in the renaissance era...I wasn't surprised or really entertained by it.
I liked the graphics, it was well illustrated, but the story was a typical espionage trope set in the renaissance era...I wasn't surprised or really entertained by it.
May 5, 2020
One interesting read, though a bit jumbled, about two spies who had to spy for 2 different nations. Two spies who possess same skill of spying, who got at each others' throat when disguising as normal people, and flirted to each other while being spies,
December 16, 2019
I really enjoyed this graphic novel. It was entertaining, romantic and the drawings were beautiful and detailed.
December 16, 2019
***Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
A rollicking, fun graphic novel with cool illustrations.
A rollicking, fun graphic novel with cool illustrations.
October 26, 2020
Some of the humor doesn't quite come off and I'm not sure this is as romantic as the marketing would like you to think, but it's a perfectly fine way to spend an hour if you like the artwork.
January 17, 2020
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley
This was an interesting concept. The beginning of an enemies-to-lovers story, but there were some flaws. I'm giving it a 3.5 and rounding down to 3 for GR's full-star rating system. While it had a few flaws, it also had potential and there were some funny moments. I'm not one for slap-stick comedy, but it reminded me of the old Carry On style and M.A.S.H. humour; it just took it a little too far, for me to give it the bonus points that could have bought it.
From the concept and blurb, I assumed this would be a YA-appropriate book, but it really isn't. There is definite adult humour, and while there is no swearing (the worst is Prig) it's due to the timeline of the story rather than an inability to use it. This is 1700s era, so you're unlikely to get anything much worse than what's in a Shakespeare play, so this makes sense. But the humour is definitely adult - hints of artistic pornography, Carry-On style jokes that are now borderline (or not so much) sexual harassment, and a lot of suggestive comments.
The story is a bit slow and repetitive, at times. The jokes are often repeated. And there are so many panels and so much included on a single page that it was hard to read on my tablet without constantly zooming in. Which got annoying and frustrating, after a while. The "you're in my way" by day, as they hate each other, and "let me save you" by night, as their alter-ego's got a little old after a while, because it was just so constant. The jokes of the name being some form of Italian food were also shticky and repetitive. And Tufu was a stereotypical barbarian pig.
Overall, if the comic had come out about 5-10 years ago, it would have been a big hit. Very reminiscent of old-school humour. However, this stuff isn't P.C. anymore and really doesn't pass by most audiences. The constant sexual harassment jokes, in particular, were my pet bug. Being a woman, the threat of being kidnapped or held captive is not - has never been, and will never be - funny. Not even in the hay-day of 80's comedy. For that reason, I had to round it down rather than up. But the story had potential. If it had just focused on the Spy-Game, the Will-They/Won't-They and the intrigue, it would have been better. The illustrations were great and the colouring perfect for the style and time of the story. But the humour, for me, let it down. And it took a long time to get to the point. Unfortunately, I won't be reading the next issue.
Copy received through Netgalley
This was an interesting concept. The beginning of an enemies-to-lovers story, but there were some flaws. I'm giving it a 3.5 and rounding down to 3 for GR's full-star rating system. While it had a few flaws, it also had potential and there were some funny moments. I'm not one for slap-stick comedy, but it reminded me of the old Carry On style and M.A.S.H. humour; it just took it a little too far, for me to give it the bonus points that could have bought it.
From the concept and blurb, I assumed this would be a YA-appropriate book, but it really isn't. There is definite adult humour, and while there is no swearing (the worst is Prig) it's due to the timeline of the story rather than an inability to use it. This is 1700s era, so you're unlikely to get anything much worse than what's in a Shakespeare play, so this makes sense. But the humour is definitely adult - hints of artistic pornography, Carry-On style jokes that are now borderline (or not so much) sexual harassment, and a lot of suggestive comments.
The story is a bit slow and repetitive, at times. The jokes are often repeated. And there are so many panels and so much included on a single page that it was hard to read on my tablet without constantly zooming in. Which got annoying and frustrating, after a while. The "you're in my way" by day, as they hate each other, and "let me save you" by night, as their alter-ego's got a little old after a while, because it was just so constant. The jokes of the name being some form of Italian food were also shticky and repetitive. And Tufu was a stereotypical barbarian pig.
Overall, if the comic had come out about 5-10 years ago, it would have been a big hit. Very reminiscent of old-school humour. However, this stuff isn't P.C. anymore and really doesn't pass by most audiences. The constant sexual harassment jokes, in particular, were my pet bug. Being a woman, the threat of being kidnapped or held captive is not - has never been, and will never be - funny. Not even in the hay-day of 80's comedy. For that reason, I had to round it down rather than up. But the story had potential. If it had just focused on the Spy-Game, the Will-They/Won't-They and the intrigue, it would have been better. The illustrations were great and the colouring perfect for the style and time of the story. But the humour, for me, let it down. And it took a long time to get to the point. Unfortunately, I won't be reading the next issue.
December 30, 2019
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley.
I liked this- it definitely immersed me in the Venetian setting! It's essentially two stories about the same two main characters in one edition, and I actually really liked that. I was entertained and would definitely be excited for a sequel.
I liked this- it definitely immersed me in the Venetian setting! It's essentially two stories about the same two main characters in one edition, and I actually really liked that. I was entertained and would definitely be excited for a sequel.
April 27, 2020
Venezia by Lewis Trondheim with art by Fabrice Parm is a dated graphic novel, and the tale is one that we have seen a million times before, mixing secret identities with a love hate relationship.
It’s misogynistic to the core, and at times attempts to disguise this by positing Sophia/The Black Scorpion as a mastermind that can save herself and quip back faster than Giuseppe/The Eagle can. However, this is rendered redundant by the artistic choices of the novel to cater to the male gaze and to have Sophia fall in love with a man who clearly cannot respect her.
I found the story to be confusing; in the first section there was no clear resolution and it seems that other readers have had the same difficulty. The story, when present, was slow and repetitive, which doesn’t assist you in following the overall plot. The second half had a much more intriguing premise, but it seems that this is just an attempt to use Leonardo da Vinci’s name to sell it.
*I received a free copy of this via NetGalley for review*
It’s misogynistic to the core, and at times attempts to disguise this by positing Sophia/The Black Scorpion as a mastermind that can save herself and quip back faster than Giuseppe/The Eagle can. However, this is rendered redundant by the artistic choices of the novel to cater to the male gaze and to have Sophia fall in love with a man who clearly cannot respect her.
I found the story to be confusing; in the first section there was no clear resolution and it seems that other readers have had the same difficulty. The story, when present, was slow and repetitive, which doesn’t assist you in following the overall plot. The second half had a much more intriguing premise, but it seems that this is just an attempt to use Leonardo da Vinci’s name to sell it.
*I received a free copy of this via NetGalley for review*
December 29, 2019
Giuseppe and Sophia are off to a bad start. But, as life has it, they're both in Venice undercover. And their paths will cross again and again. As they both carry on with their mission, their distaste for each other will grow. They irony? Their alter egos will fall in love in the meantime. Which pair will win in the end?
Venezia is an amusing adventure full of humoristic features. It's fast-paced and well-written, and it's accompanied by beautiful visuals. A recommended read.
Venezia is an amusing adventure full of humoristic features. It's fast-paced and well-written, and it's accompanied by beautiful visuals. A recommended read.
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