Seven Sons

by Alex Grecian, Riley Rossmo (Artist)

Seven identical Chinese brothers come to America during the Gold Rush of the 1850s. When two children fall through an iced-over river, Brother Number One tries to save them by breathing the entire river into his mouth. But he can't hold it long enough for them to get to safety and lets the water go, accidentally drowning the children. When a mob of angry townspeople tries to retaliate, each of Number One's brothers takes his place, using their remarkable abilities each time to save his life.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Historical Fiction, Fairy Tales, China, Fiction

88 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2006

About the author

Grecian is the author of several bestselling novels, including the horror/fantasies RED RABBIT, ROSE OF JERICHO and THE BOATMAN, plus the contemporary thriller THE SAINT OF WOLVES AND BUTCHERS, and five historical thrillers featuring Scotland Yard's Murder Squad: THE YARD, THE BLACK COUNTRY, THE DEVIL'S WORKSHOP, THE HARVEST MAN, and LOST AND GONE FOREVER, plus the original Murder Squad ebook, THE BLUE GIRL.

He also created the six-volume graphic novel series PROOF, and the two-part graphic novel RASPUTIN.

He currently lives in the American Midwest with his wife and son. And a dog. And a tarantula.

Reviews

[Glenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the spare quality of the art in this graphic novel. Since the illustrator observes the discipline of the story and does not vary the physical appearance of the identical brothers, each one is only revealed when he exercises his superpower. But of course, the mother is one-of-a-kind and carries the plot along to the final conclusion.

[Salamah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The seven sons is an old folktale that I have read many times as an educator so there is nothing really new here. This story is a nice addition to the list of rendetions. The art work is nice. If you are looking for something good to read this is a good one to pick up.

[StrictlySequential · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great art and quick read. Tragic yet endearing.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A graphic novel version of a childhood favorite, "The Five Chinese Brothers," set first in China, then the gold rush country of America. Apparently, it is a globetrotting oral tale with variations in the number of brothers, sometimes sisters, from all over the world. This is yet another variation in print.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great take on the ancient fable of seven identical brothers, each with a unique special talent. An early work from the team of Image's Proof, it showcases the love they have displayed in that book for adapting folktales. Moving the setting of the fable to the West is a very interesting touch that adds a great dimension to the theme of the work.

[D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting retelling of the old "Seven Chinese Brothers" story. The creative team would go on to create PROOF, one of my favorite comics, but Seven Sons feels pretty anemic comparatively speaking. Still, it's compelling, and worth reading, even just as a prologue to PROOF.

[Whatsupchuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might have gotten 4 stars but was upped due to my bias created by my love of a childhood story this was based on, and for the history of that story in the back of this comic.

I loved the illustrations. Raw and precise simultaneously.

[Eli Poteet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ate this up. Breath taking illustrations paired with a story of super powers I've known since kindergarten. I especially appreciated the bonus pages in the back describing all the media variations of the myth.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

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