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Tristan Strong: Graphic Novels #1
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky: The Graphic Novel
The best-selling and awarding-winning novel about a Black boy who helps folk heroes and gods through storytelling is now a dynamic graphic novel!
The talented team of Robert Venditti and Olivia Stephens brings to glorious full color the novel that best-selling author Jason Reynolds called "A brilliant action adventure rooted in African American lore."
Seventh grader Tristan Strong feels anything but strong ever since he failed to save his best friend when they were in a bus accident together. All he has left of Eddie is the journal his friend wrote stories in. Tristan is dreading the month he's going to spend on his grandparents' farm in Alabama, where he's being sent to heal from the tragedy.
But on his first night there, a sticky creature shows up in his bedroom and steals Eddie's notebook. Tristan chases after it--is that a doll?--and a tug-of-war ensues between them underneath a Bottle Tree. In a last attempt to wrestle the journal out of the creature's hands, Tristan punches the tree, accidentally ripping open a chasm into the MidPass, a volatile place with a burning sea, haunted bone ships, and iron monsters that are hunting the inhabitants of this world.
Tristan finds himself in the middle of a battle that has left Black American folk heroes John Henry and Brer Rabbit exhausted. In order to get back home, Tristan and these new allies will need to entice the god Anansi, the Weaver, to come out of hiding and seal the hole in the sky. But bartering with the trickster Anansi always comes at a price.
Can Tristan save this world before he loses more of the things he loves? Find out by diving into this stunning graphic novel adaptation of the original book.
Complete your graphic novel collection with these fan favorites:
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
The talented team of Robert Venditti and Olivia Stephens brings to glorious full color the novel that best-selling author Jason Reynolds called "A brilliant action adventure rooted in African American lore."
Seventh grader Tristan Strong feels anything but strong ever since he failed to save his best friend when they were in a bus accident together. All he has left of Eddie is the journal his friend wrote stories in. Tristan is dreading the month he's going to spend on his grandparents' farm in Alabama, where he's being sent to heal from the tragedy.
But on his first night there, a sticky creature shows up in his bedroom and steals Eddie's notebook. Tristan chases after it--is that a doll?--and a tug-of-war ensues between them underneath a Bottle Tree. In a last attempt to wrestle the journal out of the creature's hands, Tristan punches the tree, accidentally ripping open a chasm into the MidPass, a volatile place with a burning sea, haunted bone ships, and iron monsters that are hunting the inhabitants of this world.
Tristan finds himself in the middle of a battle that has left Black American folk heroes John Henry and Brer Rabbit exhausted. In order to get back home, Tristan and these new allies will need to entice the god Anansi, the Weaver, to come out of hiding and seal the hole in the sky. But bartering with the trickster Anansi always comes at a price.
Can Tristan save this world before he loses more of the things he loves? Find out by diving into this stunning graphic novel adaptation of the original book.
Complete your graphic novel collection with these fan favorites:
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
128 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2022
35 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
August 21, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up
Excellent adaptation of the novel into graphic form! This is something I will hand to my 8 year old, since the full novel might still be too much for him. It hits all the same plot beats and themes, but is greatly condensed. It's fun to see characters like Gum Baby brought to life in art this way and this series could be a great jumping off point for teaching more about African and Black American mythology. Loved it! Thank you to the publisher for sending a copy for review, all opinions are my own.
For my more detailed review of the novel, check here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Excellent adaptation of the novel into graphic form! This is something I will hand to my 8 year old, since the full novel might still be too much for him. It hits all the same plot beats and themes, but is greatly condensed. It's fun to see characters like Gum Baby brought to life in art this way and this series could be a great jumping off point for teaching more about African and Black American mythology. Loved it! Thank you to the publisher for sending a copy for review, all opinions are my own.
For my more detailed review of the novel, check here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
October 15, 2022
Fun and engaging adaptation of the book with great art!!!
September 4, 2022
I loved it! I enjoyed the depth of Tristan. He is less concerned about a hero's glory and more about dealing with his emotions.
Also, I loved the inclusion of African American and African folklore. I grew up with John Henry and Brer Rabbit and learned about Anansi later on in life, but I had never heard about High John/John the Conqueror. The way folklore is dispersed throughout felt great and made the world of Alke feel colorful.
I want to read the original novel now because I feel like some of the emotional aspects will probably hit harder (not that they're bad in graphic form). I'm ready to see this adapted whether as a TV show or a movie.
Also, I loved the inclusion of African American and African folklore. I grew up with John Henry and Brer Rabbit and learned about Anansi later on in life, but I had never heard about High John/John the Conqueror. The way folklore is dispersed throughout felt great and made the world of Alke feel colorful.
I want to read the original novel now because I feel like some of the emotional aspects will probably hit harder (not that they're bad in graphic form). I'm ready to see this adapted whether as a TV show or a movie.
January 24, 2025
Very excellent interpretation of an already fantastic story, and I hope they make the rest of the series in this style. The scenes of action & Tristan's storytelling powers are superb, and all the characters look great.
Hilariously, I forget exactly what comic Tristan was reading when Eddie first approached him to talk about how High John is superior to all superheroes, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't EMAWK-MAN! XD
Hilariously, I forget exactly what comic Tristan was reading when Eddie first approached him to talk about how High John is superior to all superheroes, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't EMAWK-MAN! XD
May 7, 2024
soo good very intresting i love african mythology like its so cool I like it more than greek maybe im being biased cuz im African but still I love it they need to make the other 2 books in the series and I would like to say tristan is a pretty cool character
August 28, 2022
It was a good adaption but graphic novels tend to make my head hurt especially when it’s hot out for some reason so I gave it 3 stars
Read
November 6, 2022I was excited to explore more of the illustrator's work, but this book wasn't the right fit for our age levels right now.
November 17, 2024
I enjoyed the novel more than this graphic novel adaptation. However, I enjoyed seeing the story come to life through the artist’s interpretation. Gum Baby will always be my favorite character. 😀
December 10, 2023
I loved seeing the characters I loved in graphic novel form. I wish more books from the Presents imprint had graphic novels.
August 20, 2022
A perfect graphic novel adaption!
March 3, 2023
This title's normal print book is the middle-grade companion read for my library's (Griffin-Spalding County Library #NEABigRead of Circe by Madeline Miller. So, I figured I would save myself time & read the graphic novel because the graphic is always better, right? The illustrations in this title are amazing & I love the representation piece. Overall, the title gives me #WakandaForever meets #TalesFromAnansi.
Pros:
-exploration of masculine emotions via feelings of guilt, grief & more
-inclusion of coping mechanisms
-introduction to classic African & Black American histories & tales
Cons:
-difficulty in following the story line & would like for it to have been tied together better
All in all, the author laid the ground work for a few sequels & I am here for it!
#BigReadVibes
#GriffinSpalding
Pros:
-exploration of masculine emotions via feelings of guilt, grief & more
-inclusion of coping mechanisms
-introduction to classic African & Black American histories & tales
Cons:
-difficulty in following the story line & would like for it to have been tied together better
All in all, the author laid the ground work for a few sequels & I am here for it!
#BigReadVibes
#GriffinSpalding
February 28, 2025
I picked this up at random when shopping at a black-owned bookstore to be proactively anti-racist, and I was pleasantly surprised when I realised I had picked up a book illustrated by Artie and the Wolf Moon's artist! She hadn't posted anything about it on her Patreon*, so I didn't expect to find anything new, after all!
The art is a little rough in places, and sometimes backgrounds take a significantly lower priority, but I do like it overall—it actually feels appropriate for MidPass. I haven't read the original book to tell how the GN version compares, but it did feel like a Part One while also being a complete story in itself should the rest of the series not get illustrated.
I also LOVE that John Henry is immediately identifiable! Or maybe that's just my "raised totally white" background cheering that I know a thing for once without looking it up (compared to, say, Anansi is very different from the other versions of him I've read). Like, I'd never heard of High John or the Maafa, something I'll definitely have to remedy down the road.
Hopefully I'll find a book on at least one of them when I visit the bookstore again! (though, I will still pick books at random unless I find one I'm actively following, just to give literally anything a chance that I otherwise might not)
Recommended for fans of folklore/urban fantasy!
*unless I can't read... which is possible given my habit of skimming things to get the gist when time's an issue
The art is a little rough in places, and sometimes backgrounds take a significantly lower priority, but I do like it overall—it actually feels appropriate for MidPass. I haven't read the original book to tell how the GN version compares, but it did feel like a Part One while also being a complete story in itself should the rest of the series not get illustrated.
I also LOVE that John Henry is immediately identifiable! Or maybe that's just my "raised totally white" background cheering that I know a thing for once without looking it up (compared to, say, Anansi is very different from the other versions of him I've read). Like, I'd never heard of High John or the Maafa, something I'll definitely have to remedy down the road.
Hopefully I'll find a book on at least one of them when I visit the bookstore again! (though, I will still pick books at random unless I find one I'm actively following, just to give literally anything a chance that I otherwise might not)
Recommended for fans of folklore/urban fantasy!
*unless I can't read... which is possible given my habit of skimming things to get the gist when time's an issue
September 4, 2025
I really don't know how to rate this. I think the hardest thing was just how much is shoved into this story. Thanks to my wonderful mother, her excellent teaching, and several rounds of studies on folklore during our homeschool years, I was already accustomed to at least half of the folklore characters. That made it a little easier, but it was still a lot of characters with a lot of dynamics to digest. According to other reviews, this aspect is amplified in the novelization, which can be more overwhelming due to its greater depth. So I don't think that my complaint with this is just with the graphic novel version, but maybe the overall story. However, I can't comment on how the characters flow in the novel, so maybe it is less overwhelming. Either way, the shear mass of characters and folklore gods was my biggest complaint. I think I got lost in who they were and where the story was going with all the details.
Beyond that, I think the story is a powerful one. It holds no punches, especially for a middle grade novel, and uses its characters and story to directly comment on generational trauma and slavery, the power of African American history and its importance, personal trauma and survivors guilt, and very briefly comments on the struggle African American men have with mental health and the ways they subtly (or not so subtly) pass that culture on. I really liked exploring all of the characters from African American folklore, both ones I knew, and ones that were new to me. I still think the story holds the emotional punch it was trying to convey with Eddie's life, as I did tear up during the end.
I think this could start some valuable conversations with kids and get them interested in folklore they may not traditionally be exposed to. I do think it is for a slightly older crowd, as goes handle heavy subjects and even I found the villains unsettling (but that's exactly what they should be).
I don't think I'll pick up the other books in this series, just because I've found myself pretty burned out with this genre of story from Rick Press or the like. However, I am glad to see both the graphic novel and novelizations of this story exist in our world.
Beyond that, I think the story is a powerful one. It holds no punches, especially for a middle grade novel, and uses its characters and story to directly comment on generational trauma and slavery, the power of African American history and its importance, personal trauma and survivors guilt, and very briefly comments on the struggle African American men have with mental health and the ways they subtly (or not so subtly) pass that culture on. I really liked exploring all of the characters from African American folklore, both ones I knew, and ones that were new to me. I still think the story holds the emotional punch it was trying to convey with Eddie's life, as I did tear up during the end.
I think this could start some valuable conversations with kids and get them interested in folklore they may not traditionally be exposed to. I do think it is for a slightly older crowd, as goes handle heavy subjects and even I found the villains unsettling (but that's exactly what they should be).
I don't think I'll pick up the other books in this series, just because I've found myself pretty burned out with this genre of story from Rick Press or the like. However, I am glad to see both the graphic novel and novelizations of this story exist in our world.
June 16, 2025
Tristan Strong in graphic novel form is bold, fast-paced, and visually engaging, but it also sacrifices some of the original’s emotional depth and narrative nuance. While it’s a great introduction for younger or reluctant readers, the full novel remains the stronger version of the story.
This adaptation introduces us to seventh grader Tristan Strong, who feels anything but strong after losing his best friend in a tragic bus accident. Sent to his grandparents’ Alabama farm to heal, Tristan’s grief collides with myth when a strange creature steals his friend’s journal—and a punch to a mysterious Bottle Tree rips open a chasm into the MidPass, a magical, chaotic world of burning seas, bone ships, and folklore come alive. There, Tristan teams up with African American folk heroes like John Henry and Brer Rabbit and must convince the trickster god Anansi to help him seal the breach in the sky before more is lost.
🎨 Why It Works:
✔️ Reluctant Reader Friendly – With vivid artwork and action-driven pacing, this is a great hook for middle-grade readers who may find the full novel intimidating.
✔️ Folklore Front and Center – African American and West African traditions take the spotlight in a way that feels both celebratory and essential.
✔️ Gorgeous Visuals – Olivia Stephens brings the MidPass to life with colorful energy and emotional range, giving the story a cinematic feel.
🔍 Why It Fell Short:
✂️ Truncated Storytelling – The adaptation leaves out key emotional beats and backstory that gave the novel its emotional weight.
⏩ Rushed Pacing – The condensed structure moves so quickly that character development and plot complexity are lost in the shuffle.
💬 Final Take:
This is a fun, flashy way to experience Tristan’s world, but it’s no substitute for the original novel by Kwame Mbalia. It’s perfect for classrooms, libraries, and readers who need a more visual entry point into African American mythology, but I still recommend following up with the novel for the full impact.
This adaptation introduces us to seventh grader Tristan Strong, who feels anything but strong after losing his best friend in a tragic bus accident. Sent to his grandparents’ Alabama farm to heal, Tristan’s grief collides with myth when a strange creature steals his friend’s journal—and a punch to a mysterious Bottle Tree rips open a chasm into the MidPass, a magical, chaotic world of burning seas, bone ships, and folklore come alive. There, Tristan teams up with African American folk heroes like John Henry and Brer Rabbit and must convince the trickster god Anansi to help him seal the breach in the sky before more is lost.
🎨 Why It Works:
✔️ Reluctant Reader Friendly – With vivid artwork and action-driven pacing, this is a great hook for middle-grade readers who may find the full novel intimidating.
✔️ Folklore Front and Center – African American and West African traditions take the spotlight in a way that feels both celebratory and essential.
✔️ Gorgeous Visuals – Olivia Stephens brings the MidPass to life with colorful energy and emotional range, giving the story a cinematic feel.
🔍 Why It Fell Short:
✂️ Truncated Storytelling – The adaptation leaves out key emotional beats and backstory that gave the novel its emotional weight.
⏩ Rushed Pacing – The condensed structure moves so quickly that character development and plot complexity are lost in the shuffle.
💬 Final Take:
This is a fun, flashy way to experience Tristan’s world, but it’s no substitute for the original novel by Kwame Mbalia. It’s perfect for classrooms, libraries, and readers who need a more visual entry point into African American mythology, but I still recommend following up with the novel for the full impact.
January 1, 2023
4.5 rounded up to 5.
This was a thoroughly engaging story, but as someone who has not read the book this was adapted from, the pacing could have used some adjustment.
How some things connected together from “point A to point B equals point C” were not immediately identifiable as related. I think I missed some subtext that the book provided more insight on.
Adaptations also tend to be bogged down in a lot of exposition. I experience that most acutely in the first half, but it got better as the story progressed.
This book really could have benefitted from 30-50 more pages to really space plot events and emotional beats out better. That could just be an issue with adaptations from long source material though.
Tristan is a strong character and I really enjoyed Gum Baby. John Henry and High John were also standouts. Learning more about black folktales and legends was also fascinating since I had only a cursory knowledge of John Henry. I love fairies and so the fairy characters that speak in whistle were also a highlight.
I was hoping the adaptation would spark my interest in reading the full book—middle grade books with boy mcs usually aren’t my jam(yes, seriously)—and I think it was mission accomplished. When I get around to it, that is the true question. I will 100% stick with the adaptation schedule though. Red Pyramid is done (I think) and Percy Jackson Lost Hero Arc petered out (I think, but not 100% sure), and so I’m just assuming that the Tristan series will be a focus for at LEAST one more adaptation.
Highly recommend for mythology/folktale fans.
This was a thoroughly engaging story, but as someone who has not read the book this was adapted from, the pacing could have used some adjustment.
How some things connected together from “point A to point B equals point C” were not immediately identifiable as related. I think I missed some subtext that the book provided more insight on.
Adaptations also tend to be bogged down in a lot of exposition. I experience that most acutely in the first half, but it got better as the story progressed.
This book really could have benefitted from 30-50 more pages to really space plot events and emotional beats out better. That could just be an issue with adaptations from long source material though.
Tristan is a strong character and I really enjoyed Gum Baby. John Henry and High John were also standouts. Learning more about black folktales and legends was also fascinating since I had only a cursory knowledge of John Henry. I love fairies and so the fairy characters that speak in whistle were also a highlight.
I was hoping the adaptation would spark my interest in reading the full book—middle grade books with boy mcs usually aren’t my jam(yes, seriously)—and I think it was mission accomplished. When I get around to it, that is the true question. I will 100% stick with the adaptation schedule though. Red Pyramid is done (I think) and Percy Jackson Lost Hero Arc petered out (I think, but not 100% sure), and so I’m just assuming that the Tristan series will be a focus for at LEAST one more adaptation.
Highly recommend for mythology/folktale fans.
October 5, 2023
Looks like the Rick Riordan Presents books are starting to get graphic novel adaptations. If they're all as strong as this one, that's a great thing. I haven't gotten around to reading the Tristan Strong novels, so I jumped at the chance to get a condensed version here. The story is strong, the African American folklore elements are fascinating and perfectly integrated, there's a ton of action and most importantly, engaging characters. Tristan especially is a good lead character. He's clever and relatable, and making storytelling his superpower is such a fun twist.
However, this book is really short. 128 pages is very brief, even for a middle grade graphic novel. That means the plot needs to move at a breakneck pace, and that characterization is getting a little shortchanged. As much as I liked Tristan, I would have wanted more time to get to know him, and especially to get to know his companions on this quest. It looks like all of the Rick Riordan and Rick Riordan Presents graphic novels are a similar length, which seems like an odd choice to me. Most middle grade graphic novels are 200+ pages, which makes this look awfully slim in comparison. It's still a great read, just a rushed one.
However, this book is really short. 128 pages is very brief, even for a middle grade graphic novel. That means the plot needs to move at a breakneck pace, and that characterization is getting a little shortchanged. As much as I liked Tristan, I would have wanted more time to get to know him, and especially to get to know his companions on this quest. It looks like all of the Rick Riordan and Rick Riordan Presents graphic novels are a similar length, which seems like an odd choice to me. Most middle grade graphic novels are 200+ pages, which makes this look awfully slim in comparison. It's still a great read, just a rushed one.
September 29, 2023
Think "Percy Jackson meets West African and African-American Folktales" in this graphic adaptation of this fantastic adventure story by Kwame Mbalia. Tristan is spending a month with his grandparents to heal from the death of his best friend in a tragic accident. While there, a strange and tiny creature sneaks into his room to steal his best friend's journal. Tristan chases the creature and during the fight for the journal, he tears open a hole into another world and begins his adventure to save the world.
This graphic novel includes fun illustrations and intriguing graphics. Unfortunately, the graphic version feels a bit like water skiing over the plot from the original story. It was challenging to follow the story because this version jumped from one big event to the next big event without connecting them well.
Overall, the graphic novel is a fun version to discuss. There is a lot of great discussion to be had about the use of color symbolism in the conversation bubbles and so much more. The students in my graphic novel class enjoyed this one overall though many felt somewhat confused by the plot.
This graphic novel includes fun illustrations and intriguing graphics. Unfortunately, the graphic version feels a bit like water skiing over the plot from the original story. It was challenging to follow the story because this version jumped from one big event to the next big event without connecting them well.
Overall, the graphic novel is a fun version to discuss. There is a lot of great discussion to be had about the use of color symbolism in the conversation bubbles and so much more. The students in my graphic novel class enjoyed this one overall though many felt somewhat confused by the plot.
March 14, 2023
A graphic novel adaptation of the novel in which Tristan accidentally releases an old evil that affects both Midpass and Alke, and he must join forces with African gods and gods from African American folklore to keep both worlds safe. All while still dealing with the grief of losing his best friend in a tragic accident.
I had Tristan Strong book 2 on my shelf waiting to be read, and this was the perfect refresher on what happened in book 1 before I dove into book 2. I felt like Gum Baby wasn't as sticky and disturbing in the illustrations as was described in the original, and I'm a bit shocked that there was only one "Sweet Peaches" that I noticed in the dialogue. Overall, though, it felt very true to the original.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There is some fighting, and a past death is replayed in Tristan's memory. Actual deaths aren't shown on page, neither are injuries really. They are more implied.
I had Tristan Strong book 2 on my shelf waiting to be read, and this was the perfect refresher on what happened in book 1 before I dove into book 2. I felt like Gum Baby wasn't as sticky and disturbing in the illustrations as was described in the original, and I'm a bit shocked that there was only one "Sweet Peaches" that I noticed in the dialogue. Overall, though, it felt very true to the original.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There is some fighting, and a past death is replayed in Tristan's memory. Actual deaths aren't shown on page, neither are injuries really. They are more implied.
May 28, 2023
I read and reviewed the novel for Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky when it first came out and I LOVED it. The graphic novel version consolidates the major events from the novel into a graphic novel format. I had a good time revisiting key characters and seeing the journey in an accelerated format. Regardless of which format it’s written in, Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky is a great book!
I would 100% recommend that those that enjoy the graphic novel at least give the novel a chance though…the world and the characters are so much more developed in the novel (rightfully so). You get a glimpse into the relationships in the graphic novel, but there’s so much more to the original novel. Gum Baby and Tristan’s relationship alone makes the novel worth it, in my opinion.
I would 100% recommend that those that enjoy the graphic novel at least give the novel a chance though…the world and the characters are so much more developed in the novel (rightfully so). You get a glimpse into the relationships in the graphic novel, but there’s so much more to the original novel. Gum Baby and Tristan’s relationship alone makes the novel worth it, in my opinion.
July 24, 2024
A graphic novel version of the first Tristan Strong book.
I had read the actual novel Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky. I enjoyed it, but it was a lot. A lot of characters, history, stories, etc. Even I got confused through most of it. Some of my students have picked it up and put it down since it can be intimidating. So this graphic novel seemed like a great idea to make the story more accessible. The visuals definitely helped me better understand who everyone was. It gave the story more of a personality I guess, but I also felt like they left out a lot of the heart and soul from the first book to make it more accessible. Overall, I think kids will enjoy this, but I'm not sure if they'll understand all of the elements and what they represent.
I had read the actual novel Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky. I enjoyed it, but it was a lot. A lot of characters, history, stories, etc. Even I got confused through most of it. Some of my students have picked it up and put it down since it can be intimidating. So this graphic novel seemed like a great idea to make the story more accessible. The visuals definitely helped me better understand who everyone was. It gave the story more of a personality I guess, but I also felt like they left out a lot of the heart and soul from the first book to make it more accessible. Overall, I think kids will enjoy this, but I'm not sure if they'll understand all of the elements and what they represent.
April 28, 2023
I haven't read the book on which this is based though I snatched up the graphic novel when I saw that they had chosen the chapter book for the Battle of the Books. "This will be great," I thought. I was wrong. If you don't have at least a passing knowledge of African-American folklore, you might be terribly lost. Thankfully, I have a passing understanding of the importance of the characters; I was still lost as the plot twitched around and the characters appeared and disappeared with no background or meaning given.
This was a book that I wanted to recommend and enjoy but I gave up halfway through. Please read for yourself.
This was a book that I wanted to recommend and enjoy but I gave up halfway through. Please read for yourself.
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July 21, 2023This story is both fascinating and familiar, as I was *obsessed* with Anansi stories as a kid...
But having not read the full-length novel, my one critique is that the graphic novel may have been a bit too sparse on details. It felt like it jumped from one thing to another maybe a bit too fast.
Then again, it might have been that my concentration was lowered so I just don't know what the heck is going on. I still was able to have a broad overview and I think anyone who's interested in mythic tales like these (we LOVE Rick Riordan Presents) is going to like this one.
But having not read the full-length novel, my one critique is that the graphic novel may have been a bit too sparse on details. It felt like it jumped from one thing to another maybe a bit too fast.
Then again, it might have been that my concentration was lowered so I just don't know what the heck is going on. I still was able to have a broad overview and I think anyone who's interested in mythic tales like these (we LOVE Rick Riordan Presents) is going to like this one.
February 5, 2025
Library copy
This was a decent adaptation of the novel, but because so much was condensed into a much shorter book, I felt like a lot was missing in the way of background and explanation of the folk lore. The novels haven't been as popular as I had hoped, so I bought the graphic novel to entice readers to continue the story in the next books in the series. Will see how that works. Seeing pictures of the Gum Baby made this one even creepier for me!
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
This was a decent adaptation of the novel, but because so much was condensed into a much shorter book, I felt like a lot was missing in the way of background and explanation of the folk lore. The novels haven't been as popular as I had hoped, so I bought the graphic novel to entice readers to continue the story in the next books in the series. Will see how that works. Seeing pictures of the Gum Baby made this one even creepier for me!
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
December 1, 2023
As someone who has not read the original book (but will soon be doing so), this was fabulous! It took my breath away with the gorgeous artwork, the even pacing, and the explanation of the stories, the mythologies, and lore involved. I adored seeing Tristan's adventure throughout Alke and getting to learn more about Black American folk heroes. John Henry and High John were especially fun to read about. Gum Baby made me cackle so much and I can't wait to see more Gum Baby in the future.
October 22, 2022
A great graphic novel adaptation of a great middle grade book! I enjoyed the art style and felt that the adapted storyline was true to the original material. However, I did find that at times it was quite fast paced, and due to the graphic novel nature of this book it was a bit hard to follow along with the plot. Regardless, I was able to follow along and enjoy the story!
May 26, 2023
I liked this better than the chapter book because I found it much easier to follow. I am unsure if that's because I've already read the chapter book, or because it's just much easier to follow. Then I read the _Aru Shah_ gn and found that one far easier still, so I picked that one for the shared summer read.
January 2, 2024
This is a story that certainly deserved to be brought into another medium, and thus to another audience. There is fun, there is wisdom, there is adventure, there is truth. This book is testimony to the power that stories hold. It is a vivid reminder that both the stories that bring us joy, and the stories that make us face the painful parts of ourselves need to be told.
July 5, 2024
Unlike most other reviewers, I haven't read the original novel that this is adapted from. Also, I'm not very familiar with African American and West African folklore. As a result, I feel that I didn't get all the nuances, details, and backstory that are probably in the novel. Given all that, this graphic novel held my attention and piqued my interest in reading the original story.
September 27, 2024
I have not read the novel that this graphic novel is based on which is why I am giving it 3 stars. Personally, as a reader, I would have enjoyed this story more in prose. I felt like there were so many holes in the graphic novel that were just unanswered to keep a manageable length and within the graphic novel format. Our middle schoolers are REALLY enjoying this one though, so what do I know?!
December 24, 2024
Being gracious and giving this 3 stars because the art was cool and I’m sure it’s a really good adaptation of the actual book, but it’s pretty hard to understand everything if you’ve never read the full novel. I was hoping I could cheat my way out of reading the whole thing, but I’m gonna have to read the full one to better understand all the folktale and characters.
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