Monstress Volume 1: Awakening

Monstress is like no other graphic novel I have ever read. It has the density of worldbuilding that one would expect from a high fantasy novel, and some of the most gorgeous art I have ever seen in a graphic novel. I read the first issue for free on Kindle and decided to go ahead and purchase all available volumes. Having now finished the first volume, I am already satisfied with my purchase. The only complaint I have at all is with the way the individual paperback volumes were delivered. Every single one of them had part of the spine partially torn or bent. It doesn't affect reading or my enjoyment of the story, but it is disappointing that when I display them, they will have a sort of shabby look to them right off the bat.Despite my issues with the state of the delivery, I didn't drop any stars because of how enthralled I am with every aspect of this book. As mentioned above, the plotting and worldbuilding are equal to that of any high quality fantasy epic. It is so far the most elaborate opening plot I have ever encountered in a GN. There is a lot going on with this story. It contains considerably more background information and worldbuilding than most other GN I have read. Before I started it I was warned that it was kind of slow due to the amount of info dumping and back story, but I didn't find it slow at all. There was almost constant action exploding off the page, interspersed with flashbacks, conversations, and other means of unpacking some of the incredibly detailed history this tale is built upon.While I didn't think it was slow, I do think because of the amount of information to process, it might not be for everyone. If you find yourself feeling bored or overwhelmed during intricately detailed worldbuilding, this might not be for you. Or if you prefer a straightforward type of GN with an easy to follow story (at least right off the bat, as so many books become more complex and twisty as they progress), this also might not be for you. I admit that I ended this first volume with far more questions than answers, but I count that as a good thing. I am absolutely hooked. However, on top of the history lessons, magic systems, and political machinations to unpack, there are also a bevy of characters to keep straight, from a variety of warring factions. Many of the memories/flashbacks leave the reader wondering what is going on, but I loved the feeling that I was learning the details and uncovering the memories along with the characters. So, while I can easily understand that some people find it a bit much for a GN, I was instantly sucked right in and can't wait to find out what happens next.The detail and intricacy of the plot and world creation is only matched— if not surpassed— by the breathtaking art that brings this story to life. On every single page I find myself pausing to take in the beautifully detailed panels. I have never experienced another GN with similar art. It has almost a soft, watercolor feel to it at times, with bright, vivid colors that leap off the page. I would describe the overall style as art nouveau mixed with a light steampunk vibe. The characters are all distinctive in appearance, which makes them easy to keep straight (as opposed to some GN I have read in which two characters looked so similar I sometimes got them confused). These characters populate backgrounds both lovely and horrific, depending on the part of the story. Every aspect of the art is as glorious and full of life as the myriad characters that populate this world. Due to the quality of the art, I absolutely suggest you buy a hard copy, as opposed to the Kindle version. These are such high quality illustrations that I feel you do not experience their full impact in digital format.Bottom line, I loved Monstress, Vol. 1: The Awakening, and I'm thrilled I purchased all available volumes before starting the series, so I don't have to wait to dive into volume two. The story that Marjorie Liu has begun in these pages is absolutely epic in every sense of the word, and Sana Takeda's brilliant artwork brings the story to life in the most fascinating and gorgeous way. It is a lot more reading than many graphic novels, specifically regarding the amount of history and backstory necessary to fully understand the plot. Monstress is not something I would recommend picking up for a light read! However, if, like me, you love a fully realized and realistically developed fantasy world, this GN is likely to be right up your alley. This is an epic fantasy graphic novel at its very best. I can't wait to discover where this story leads!

I gifted this book it was very liked

The story & artwork are exceptional. Usually with a graphic novel you can finish the title in no time at all, but with Monstress it is worth savouring the stunningly realised characters and world in each frame.

esta compra la hice despues de leer una una critica sobre mejores comics alternativos y no decepciona, buenos personajes, buena trama y lo mejor es la detallada y estetica ilustracion se ve casi en relieve, recomendada