Monstress, Vol. 1: Awakening

I don't read a lot of graphic novels these days, so when I'm thinking about my expectations for this sort of format, I'm really running on memories from when I actively collected superhero comics (Marvel, primarily) back in middle school and high school.

This is not that.

First, the art in this book is really nice. The variation between finely rendered areas of focus and impressionistic backgrounds and action is really delightful. Overall, it's lush and creative. It's beautiful unlike so many graphic novels and comics I've tried to read over the years.

The story is really different. It's a blend between eastern mythology, anime forms, and western epic fantasy tropes. Creative and intriguing.

But I did find it a little on the slow side. This is where it may be that my own expectations ruined the experience. It's hard for me to remember that when you're reading comics issue by issue, the pacing is perceived to be very, very different. Same with watching an anime series like, say, DragonballZ. If you binge – or read the comic as an omnibus like I did with this one, it sort of staggers along and the pacing is strange.

But overall, a really great read. I may pick up subsequent volumes later.