Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Graphic Novel Review: The New Brighton Archeological Society

Authors: Mark Andrew Smith & Matthew Weldon
Publication date: November 2008
Genre: Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Copy Provided by: Author
Summary (via Goodreads):

Out of the ashes of misfortune will rise the next generation of great adventurers! After their parents are lost on an archeological expedition, four children begin to unlock the secrets of their parents' mysterious lives, discovering a hidden world of mystical artifacts, mythical creatures, and arcane knowledge. Soon they find themselves drawn into a conflict over a great library that has kept two kingdoms at war for centuries, the children must save an enchanted forest, the birthplace of magic itself. Join us as these children become the latest members of the fabled New Brighton Archeological Society, and take their first steps towards their true destiny!

Plot: It's a fun-filled plot full of discovery, adventure and some really cool magical aspects. It has it's good versus evil underlying plot and I love the connection between their parents and what they are doing. Definitely a series my students would enjoy!

Characters: Graphically I just love the way the characters look. They have the big heads but otherwise look fairly normal. I really think this graphic novel is stunning and I'm in love with the style - especially of the character. I also like that there's enough characters that each reader will have someone they relate to. Also, it's nice to see sort of nerdy kids turned superheroes (not exactly but they do fight otherworldy creatures). I love the sort of geekiness that the characters had going for them. Also, the general curiosity and adventure seeking of the kids reminds me of some of my escapades as a kid. I think I could match up most of the kids with some of my best friends when I was younger and it was kind of fun to just jump right in and imagine you were the one on the adventure.

Graphics: I absolutely love the graphics. Definitely a graphic novel that would capture my attention at a bookstore. There are great full colors and the characters are drawn so well. I love their quirky nerdy style and their big heads.

Similar graphic novels:
Alison Dare by J. Torres
Artemis Fowl The Graphic Novel by Eoin Colfer
The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook by Eleanor Davis
Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi

Series information: I haven't heard any news, but thusfar the graphic novel is a standalone.


Appropriate for Elementary-aged readers and up.

4 comments:

  1. He... I see Brighton and immediately think of my bunny Brighton.

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  2. Sounds good - is there any way to figure out where graphic novels are sold in India? :( I have a bookstore I know holds some, but the collection is probably not extensive enough to carry anything like this.

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  3. Just wanted to pop in to say thank you for putting the rating in as part of your review. That makes a huge difference for me as a reader, so I really like that feature. :)

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  4. The only suggestion I could give you Deepali is to see if there's a comic book store or possibly ordering them online. I know The Book Depository does free shipping for almost every country.

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