Three Reviews
Reviewing is ultimately subjective. I can try and be objective but that would mean leaving out the emotional reaction I had to a work and well, isn’t that the whole point of reading? On the other hand, my tastes shouldn’t dictate trashing what is probably a quality story or artwork so I try my hardest to see what might be worthwhile there. Usually the two match up pretty nicely. Other times….
Eden: It’s an Endless World vol. 1
Objective review: In a creepy post-apocalyptic world, a dying scientist lives his final days helping two immune children grow up. The first half of the book is flashback, giving the reader a taste of the horror that came before the mysterious virus made everything go quiet. As with most manga, the first volume is mainly exposition and not a lot of action. The plot picks up once the story jumps 20 years into the future, as young Elijah and his robot struggle to survive and discover the secret of the controlling Propapeter.
Subjective review: In a story spanning several generations, a virus has taken out most of the population. Two immune children struggle to survive with their ailing mentor and robot. When a shadow government attempts to take them, the boy must fight and kill his previously-thought-dead-but-no-he’s-alive-and-the-enemy father. No, it’s not Star Wars. So much time is spent on flashbacks but little explanation is offered. The virus has creepy symptoms like the skin hardening and cracking which makes for some great visuals. The story could easily have skipped the backstory and just started with Elijah and his robot. I’ll stick with it to see if it improves but the cliches, predictable plot and silly looking mecha bore me.
Swallow me Whole
Objective review: In a beautifully illustrated, surrealistic style, Ruth struggles with schizophrenia at the height of adolescence. The pressure of her illness, school and family life collide with her joy at a budding romance and a great new job.
Subjective review: Yes, it’s got the prerequisite Alison Bechdel type artwork of slouching characters and smooth, wavy lines. Yes, it’s angsty. Yet, it’s missing a heart. I was excited to read this book because the previews made me think it was about a teen living with a mental illness but instead the focus seems to be on what weird thing can happen next. Which is a pet peeve of mine when it comes to mental illness books. The frog and the raining bugs certainly twist the page up but if they aren’t really giving me anything besides an “episode” then I lose interest. I wish more time had been spent showing Ruth’s interactions with those around her (her relationship with an understanding but frustrated teacher had the potential to be especially heartbreaking), and less time on trying to wow me with weirdness.
I Shall Never Return vol. 1
Objective: I can see why this is considered a modern classic. It has two flawed yet likable characters and leans hard on the drama. Though the artwork is not as polished as I like, it doesn’t stand in the way of the story. Risturo and Ken have always been best friends. Risturo helps Ken through his parents painful divorce and stands by him even after Ken takes up prostitution. There is an undeniable bond between the two and early in the first volume they give in. The drama doesn’t come from the will-they/won’t-they tension but rather can this relationship survive.
Subjective: I did like this yaoi a lot. However, I was somewhat annoyed at the dominating Ken causing heartache for Ritshuro and Ritshuro being even more taken with him each time. I realize this is where conflict comes from and that it gives room for the characters to grow but like Hot Gimmick, I’m not sure if I really want to watch it.
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Comments
That’s part of why reviewing them was so hard. Usually how I personally feel matches up with the quality but in all three of these cases I felt like there was something there that readers would enjoy or find worthwhile – just overall they left me a little cold. But I don’t want to discourage anyone from reading them cause they are good! I also felt like the reasons I didn’t completely love them are the same reasons others might have and so those reasons are worth mentioning.
BTW, I would totally watch that Matt Dillon show.
[...] French as Au temps de l’amour. Like the manga, the review is in French. Sadie Mattox reviews vol. 1 of Eden and vol. 1 of I Shall Never Return, along with the non-manga but very excellent Swallow Me Whole, at Extremely [...]
Ha, ha. Your objective reviews became more subjective with each title. You’re right: it’s impossible to do a critique without interjecting your feelings about the material. Otherwise, you just have something that reads like a TV Guide listing from the 60s or 70s: “Matt Dillon tells a dangerous transient to get out of town.”
That being said, I had higher hopes for “Swallow Me Whole.” Oh well.