What has your experience been with graphic novels? Is this your first, or are you an old pro? Did Sailor Twain change your opinion about graphic novels in any way?
Created: 04/18/14
Replies: 14
Join Date: 10/15/10
Posts: 3290
Join Date: 02/21/14
Posts: 2
Yes, this was my first time reading a graphic novel. I had a difficult time with it because I hadn't done my research before signing up to receive it from Book Browse. I was taken by surprise when I opened the cover.
It did change my perception of this type of writing. I found a story can be well written and developed fully in this style of writing/graphics.
Join Date: 12/19/12
Posts: 37
This was the first time I had read an adult graphic novel. I've read smaller graphic stories as a teenager, but nothing of this depth or this length. I was really intrigued to sign up to receive it, and when I was selected I was pretty excited to get it in the mail. When it came I was shocked at how thick it was, but it only intrigued me more!
It changed my perception, in that I really loved the discovering that there's an outlet out there for creative people who can write and have story ideas, but also have artistic abilities. I personally have always kept journals and notebooks to write little stories and ideas and brainstorm characters and plots. But the idea of writing 300+ pages is not something I think I'd be capable of.
I'm also a fan of painting, drawing, doodling, and all arts & crafts. So from that perspective, it was enlightening that one could do BOTH, and still be considered an author AND an artist. The ability to share a complete story with character development, plot building, and story telling PLUS illustrate the whole thing in beautiful, detailed panels was really inspiring to see.
Join Date: 10/10/13
Posts: 41
This was the first graphic novel I've read. Did not know the genre existed. Although I was skeptical I was drawn to the location. Sailor Twain educated me on the genre and changed my initial perception which was that it would be like a comic book. However, sailor twain to me was like seeing an art film as opposed to a mainstream film because I became actively involved in linking the beautiful artwork to the evolving story. I certainly will be interested in more graphic novels and will reread sailor twain for the pure pleasure of the experience created by the author.
Join Date: 10/16/10
Posts: 769
Interestingly, I'd tried two other graphic novels recently and they did nothing for me - in fact, I couldn't finish either one (something very rare for me). I think partly that was because the two I'd tried were very violent and overtly sexual, so that was a turn-off, but I think more likely the issue was that there was so MUCH on each page -- very bright, detailed graphics and lots of text. I think the fact that Sailor Twain was published in black and white and the fact that the text was minimal actually added to my enjoyment of the book.
Join Date: 10/16/10
Posts: 769
Gwail, you said, "Yes, this was my first time reading a graphic novel. I had a difficult time with it because I hadn't done my research before signing up to receive it from Book Browse. I was taken by surprise when I opened the cover." So how long did it take you to get into it, if you did? Was it a slow process? I'd love to know if there was something in it, some part of the plot, that really drew you in.
Join Date: 03/22/12
Posts: 353
This was my first time reading a graphic novel. I never liked comics as a kid so I was not anticipating a change in how I felt about a story presented in this format. I wasn't really impressed but after I have read the comments of others on this site, I will try another graphic novel. I think maybe I am just too set in my ways.
Join Date: 02/25/14
Posts: 40
This was also my first time. I signed up to read it having a general sense of what this type of novel entailed. I was interested to see how the drawing & small amounts of written word would pan out. Since I'd never read anything like it, I was very excited to try something new. I realized fairly quickly that this just wasn't going to be my type of book. There are a lot of gaps and areas of interpretation. Those type of situations are really rare in other books (other than an actual book ending...) This was my first graphic novel & in all fairness it'll be my last.
Join Date: 10/23/12
Posts: 34
Join Date: 03/12/14
Posts: 19
Join Date: 05/08/14
Posts: 3
This is my first graphic novel. I didn't really know what to expect since I chose the book impulsively. When I received the book, I didn't expect to enjoy it but once I gave it a try I was hooked. I was a big fan of comic books as a child and this was reminder of that. I love the combination of art and the written word. I'm interested in reading another graphic novel to see if this is truly a genre that will have long lasting appeal to me.
Join Date: 03/30/14
Posts: 40
In the past I read and loved Persepolis by Marjan Satrapi but I felt Twain was a whole new experience- the use of the charcoal drawings, mythical allusions, etc. I was impressed with the amount of detail and the way the story was told--didn't want to take a break because I just didn't have a clue where it was going or how it would end. Especially loved the facial expressions-- a picture does show more than 1000 words. I will definitely continue to get my feet wet in this genre!
Join Date: 08/14/11
Posts: 27
This was my first time reading a graphic novel. Although lengthy Sailor Twain was a fast, mysterious and enjoyable read! The graphics do not distract from the story line but help with visuals we all have in our mind while reading. I believe the author actually has more in the say of how you perceive the story line by directing your thoughts with the visuals. I am also amazed at the amount of artistic involvement that goes into a graphic book. I enjoyed my new experience of reading a graphic novel!
Join Date: 04/21/11
Posts: 281
As I had partially answered another question, I hadn't requested Sailor Twain when all the choices were available but when an email was sent that the book was still available, I decided it sure wouldn't hurt to try something new. So this was my first graphic novel. It took twice reading it and I found I did miss a lot the first time. The ending is still a puzzle. I did like the book but doubt if I'd buy a graphic novel.
Join Date: 10/20/10
Posts: 33
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