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Yoko Tsuno #7
On the Edge of Life
Besides being pretty, intelligent and courageous, Yoko Tsuno is an electronics engineer. This specialization draws her and friends Pol and Vic into adventures that cross the border between fantasy and science fiction. Yoko crosses the globe and travels through time and space; but no matter where her exploits take her, the young girl always remains faithful to herself, never forgetting values such as loyalty, friendship and respect for life. In this first volume, our heroine is called to the bedside of her friend Ingrid, who is struck down by a mysterious disease that leaves her powerless. Yoko Tsuno soon realizes that a strange vampire, dressed all in black, shadows her.
48 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1976
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 22, 2023
Re-reading for comfort :0)
Still a little gem!
I grew up with Yoko, loving her scifi adventure stories and waiting not so patiently for the next album, devouring each as soon as I could. This one is one of her best and I can still remember the awe I felt when I first read it in the 70s.
Leloup's creation is one of the first female BD hero - she first appeared in Spirou magazine in 1970, her first album being published in 1972. Here was a girl that yes could fight or rather defend herself if need be, but who preferred intelligence, wit and courage to solve problems, one who valued life in any shape or form. Although Yoko is very well portrayed, the secondary characters are less so, especially Pol and Vic, but this doesn't really detract from the stories. After all, this series is aimed at children (12 years old - ish) and so has an element of 'naivety'. This however doesn't mean that the stories are dumb or silly. Far from it. In this instance, we have gothic elements in an amazing old setting that turn into science fiction and 'modernity', all tied up around a plot concerning blood. Leloup's publishers were worried about this but thankfully did let him carry on. And from what I've heard, influenced quite a few girls to become scientists, and even hematologists!
Yoko's adventures are really mysteries that are set on earth but also in space and time, with several plot lines progressing throughout the whole series, and recurring characters (Khany and the Vineans are favourites). If you read this in English, be aware that this is her 7th story (1st translated) and that you'll have missed the background information about the trio and Ingrid (original publication list). However I commend Cinebook for finally translating French and Belgian comics for the delight of a larger public (http://www.cinebook.co.uk) :O)
Finally, a word about the art. Leloup's style is similar to Herge's, both preferring the ligne claire, but Leloup is much more obsessed about details and veracity. Anything rendered from the real world, whether building or mechanical, is painstakingly done to perfection, which is why Herge had Leloup draw for instance the Carreidas plane in Flight 714.
As for inventions, Leloup has a Jules Vernesque approach, designing machines extrapolated from real science.
Thank you Mr Leloup for giving us a character that girls could follow, one that showed them that you can do anything and be anything you want, while taking their imaginations on amazing trips :O)
Still a little gem!
I grew up with Yoko, loving her scifi adventure stories and waiting not so patiently for the next album, devouring each as soon as I could. This one is one of her best and I can still remember the awe I felt when I first read it in the 70s.
Leloup's creation is one of the first female BD hero - she first appeared in Spirou magazine in 1970, her first album being published in 1972. Here was a girl that yes could fight or rather defend herself if need be, but who preferred intelligence, wit and courage to solve problems, one who valued life in any shape or form. Although Yoko is very well portrayed, the secondary characters are less so, especially Pol and Vic, but this doesn't really detract from the stories. After all, this series is aimed at children (12 years old - ish) and so has an element of 'naivety'. This however doesn't mean that the stories are dumb or silly. Far from it. In this instance, we have gothic elements in an amazing old setting that turn into science fiction and 'modernity', all tied up around a plot concerning blood. Leloup's publishers were worried about this but thankfully did let him carry on. And from what I've heard, influenced quite a few girls to become scientists, and even hematologists!
Yoko's adventures are really mysteries that are set on earth but also in space and time, with several plot lines progressing throughout the whole series, and recurring characters (Khany and the Vineans are favourites). If you read this in English, be aware that this is her 7th story (1st translated) and that you'll have missed the background information about the trio and Ingrid (original publication list). However I commend Cinebook for finally translating French and Belgian comics for the delight of a larger public (http://www.cinebook.co.uk) :O)
Finally, a word about the art. Leloup's style is similar to Herge's, both preferring the ligne claire, but Leloup is much more obsessed about details and veracity. Anything rendered from the real world, whether building or mechanical, is painstakingly done to perfection, which is why Herge had Leloup draw for instance the Carreidas plane in Flight 714.
As for inventions, Leloup has a Jules Vernesque approach, designing machines extrapolated from real science.
Thank you Mr Leloup for giving us a character that girls could follow, one that showed them that you can do anything and be anything you want, while taking their imaginations on amazing trips :O)
April 30, 2017
On the Edge of Life by Roger Leloup
5/5 Stars
Pros:
+ Wonderful main character. Yoko Tsuno is a japanese engeneering grad, part-time investigator, full-time sci-fi heroine. She's witty, elegant and very scrappy. She somehow manages to be sarcastic while still being friendly. She has an unassailable sense of morality and an incredible capacity for generosity and compassion. I absolutely adore her and could sing her praises forever.
+ Extraordinary attention to detail. The art is so lovely, the backgrounds so intricate, you can feel all the care Mr. Leloup put into drawing his beloved Yoko Tsuno.
+ The coolest "vampire" you will ever see.
Cons:
- This is actually not the first book! Chronologically speaking it's the 7th. The first one is actually The Curious Trio. This didn't bother me personally, but others might want to have that in mind before reading it.
- Same face syndrome is that you? It is, and they even make it a plotpoint!
- The pacing is a little mercurial and it took me a while to get into the dialogue. It might be the translator's fault. There seems to be a few reviews blaming him for the bad writing and altough I don't understand a word of french, I'm inclined to agree. But more importantly, was it really necessary to end almost every sentence in ellipses?! For goodness' sake... Why is this even a thing?... Seriously... So many... ellipses...
Ok, so here's the deal: Yoko Tsuno will always have a special place in my heart. But I grew up on Franco-Belgian Comics, so I might be a bit biased. That said, I had a great time! I know I will definitely be reading The Curious Trio as soon as possible!
So if you like Tintin, or Spirou or even Blake & Mortimer, and you don't mind reading something geared at children, give Yoko Tsuno a try. You might just find you love it as much as I do.
5/5 Stars
Pros:
+ Wonderful main character. Yoko Tsuno is a japanese engeneering grad, part-time investigator, full-time sci-fi heroine. She's witty, elegant and very scrappy. She somehow manages to be sarcastic while still being friendly. She has an unassailable sense of morality and an incredible capacity for generosity and compassion. I absolutely adore her and could sing her praises forever.
+ Extraordinary attention to detail. The art is so lovely, the backgrounds so intricate, you can feel all the care Mr. Leloup put into drawing his beloved Yoko Tsuno.
+ The coolest "vampire" you will ever see.
Cons:
- This is actually not the first book! Chronologically speaking it's the 7th. The first one is actually The Curious Trio. This didn't bother me personally, but others might want to have that in mind before reading it.
- Same face syndrome is that you? It is, and they even make it a plotpoint!
- The pacing is a little mercurial and it took me a while to get into the dialogue. It might be the translator's fault. There seems to be a few reviews blaming him for the bad writing and altough I don't understand a word of french, I'm inclined to agree. But more importantly, was it really necessary to end almost every sentence in ellipses?! For goodness' sake... Why is this even a thing?... Seriously... So many... ellipses...
Ok, so here's the deal: Yoko Tsuno will always have a special place in my heart. But I grew up on Franco-Belgian Comics, so I might be a bit biased. That said, I had a great time! I know I will definitely be reading The Curious Trio as soon as possible!
So if you like Tintin, or Spirou or even Blake & Mortimer, and you don't mind reading something geared at children, give Yoko Tsuno a try. You might just find you love it as much as I do.
September 30, 2021
Yoko Tsuno, a woman of action, travels to Rothenburg, Germany after receiving a letter from one of her friends only to find out that her friend hadn't sent the letter. An adventure ensues that includes vampire legends, history, super science, and some Cold War intrigue. I really enjoy how this series mixes genres.
Regarding the art, the depiction of Rothenburg is beautiful. I've been there before, so it was a lot of fun to see parts of the town that I recognized.
Regarding the art, the depiction of Rothenburg is beautiful. I've been there before, so it was a lot of fun to see parts of the town that I recognized.
August 2, 2017
Mon tome préféré. J'ai du le lire des dizaines et des dizaines de fois. C'est en voulant relire celui-là que je me suis lancée dans le (re)lecture de tous les volumes. Bref, j'adore !
April 30, 2017
The book was impressive because of how incorporated both science and folklore. With the use of (). And of how the concept of somehow a 'Vampire' being on the run.
However, the book disappointed me with the scene when ().
But over all the book was fascinating and I recommend to everyone, because the story will pick your interest who ever you are.
However, the book disappointed me with the scene when ().
But over all the book was fascinating and I recommend to everyone, because the story will pick your interest who ever you are.
August 10, 2022
Ce volume est mon 1er opus préféré de chez préféré !!
A mes yeux, c'est la 1ère histoire où on y voit une héroine de papier la plus humaine jamais croisée dans une bande dessinée de science-fiction.
Tout d'abord, la localisation géographique.
Cette histoire se déroule, bien entendu en plein milieu des années 70, en Allemagne. En effet, suite à un courrier reçu, notre chère japonaise fait le trajet afin d'y retrouver son amie Ingrid (voir L'orgue du Diable).
Ce qu'ignore YK, c'est que son amie est malade à cause d'un "vampire" ...
Ensuite, sur fond d'une tragédie passée pendant la 2ème guerre mondiale, Yoko volera au secours d'une famille déchirée. Afin de "ramener à la vie" une petite fille plongée dans le coma en 1945, une jeune docteur fait des tests sanguins dont Ingrid est le parfait cobaye en raison de son groupe sanguin. Pour la suite => z'avez qu'à lire l'histoire ^^
Concernant le plan graphique, Leloup affine le physique du trio de l'étrange. Nos héros ont quasi atteint leurs apparences finales.
Au niveau du dessin des immeubles, des maisons, de tout le matériel scientifique mis en avant dans l'histoire, Roger Leloup se surpassera !! (sans parler du choix des couleurs tout à fait approprié)
S'il y a des lecteurs qui veulent faire la connaissance de notre jeune électronicienne (c'est ce qu'elle est à la base), je recommanderai cette aventure.
A mes yeux, c'est la 1ère histoire où on y voit une héroine de papier la plus humaine jamais croisée dans une bande dessinée de science-fiction.
Tout d'abord, la localisation géographique.
Cette histoire se déroule, bien entendu en plein milieu des années 70, en Allemagne. En effet, suite à un courrier reçu, notre chère japonaise fait le trajet afin d'y retrouver son amie Ingrid (voir L'orgue du Diable).
Ce qu'ignore YK, c'est que son amie est malade à cause d'un "vampire" ...
Ensuite, sur fond d'une tragédie passée pendant la 2ème guerre mondiale, Yoko volera au secours d'une famille déchirée. Afin de "ramener à la vie" une petite fille plongée dans le coma en 1945, une jeune docteur fait des tests sanguins dont Ingrid est le parfait cobaye en raison de son groupe sanguin. Pour la suite => z'avez qu'à lire l'histoire ^^
Concernant le plan graphique, Leloup affine le physique du trio de l'étrange. Nos héros ont quasi atteint leurs apparences finales.
Au niveau du dessin des immeubles, des maisons, de tout le matériel scientifique mis en avant dans l'histoire, Roger Leloup se surpassera !! (sans parler du choix des couleurs tout à fait approprié)
S'il y a des lecteurs qui veulent faire la connaissance de notre jeune électronicienne (c'est ce qu'elle est à la base), je recommanderai cette aventure.
April 18, 2019
This is probably the high point of the series.
With photorealistic backgrounds of a romantic German town and high quality technical drawings of operating theatres in secret medieval settings, this fast paced story combines crime mystery, legends of vampires, family tragedy, memories of the Second World War, medical thriller, and East / West Germany spy story all in one. Yoko’s impulsiveness and sass places her in genuine peril, gripping the reader. Contrary to other instalments in the series, the traditional graphic novel format provides sufficient length and detail, and this complex story does not feel cramped. On the contrary, it flows with genuine suspense, humour, and humanism.
This would be highly impressive in any medium.
With photorealistic backgrounds of a romantic German town and high quality technical drawings of operating theatres in secret medieval settings, this fast paced story combines crime mystery, legends of vampires, family tragedy, memories of the Second World War, medical thriller, and East / West Germany spy story all in one. Yoko’s impulsiveness and sass places her in genuine peril, gripping the reader. Contrary to other instalments in the series, the traditional graphic novel format provides sufficient length and detail, and this complex story does not feel cramped. On the contrary, it flows with genuine suspense, humour, and humanism.
This would be highly impressive in any medium.
January 9, 2017
While the art is typical of European graphic novels of the late 70s, which is certainly nothing to complain about, the story is winding. And I honestly did not find the eponymous Yoko Tsuno to be a very believable Japanese heroine.
June 12, 2020
Second Printing = July 2015 = £6.99
June 6, 2022
Kerrassaan aika mainio ja niin pikkutarkkaa piirrosta. Enemmän kuitenkin pidän Yoko avaruusoopperoista, mutta silti: Kerrassaan mainio.
November 30, 2022
This was a charming but weird book, probably not helped by the fact that it's volume one in the English editions (so the first one I read) but actually volume 7 in a long-running Belgian series.
Yoko Tsuno is a graphic novel series that has been running since 1970 and apparently is still published today. It's drawn in Ligne claire style, hence the strong resemblance to Tintin. Like Tintin, it's basically about a zany cast of characters traveling around the world and having adventures with everything from East German spies (it's still set in the 70s) to aliens.
The distinguishing feature of this series is the main character, Yoko Tsuno, who is a female Japanese electrical engineer (in the 70s!). Cute, feminine, yet also brilliant, honorable, and capable of delivering a mean karate-chop, Yoko's expressions are half the charm of this book.
Jumping in in the "middle" of the series, the ensemble cast is all new to me when they materialize at Yoko's call. The plot of On the Edge of Life involves Yoko visiting her friend Ingrid, who has become bedridden with anemia. Ingrid's cousin thinks she's being preyed on by a vampire. Of course there are no vampires in this book - Yoko Tsuno is very science-y. Instead, we get a hidden laboratory, a doctor trying to save his daughter who has been kept in suspended animation since the end of World War II, clones, and East German spies.
If you like Tintin you will probably like Yoko Tsuno. I liked the art and the retro setting, but it's a bit too madcap/spykids for me.
Yoko Tsuno is a graphic novel series that has been running since 1970 and apparently is still published today. It's drawn in Ligne claire style, hence the strong resemblance to Tintin. Like Tintin, it's basically about a zany cast of characters traveling around the world and having adventures with everything from East German spies (it's still set in the 70s) to aliens.
The distinguishing feature of this series is the main character, Yoko Tsuno, who is a female Japanese electrical engineer (in the 70s!). Cute, feminine, yet also brilliant, honorable, and capable of delivering a mean karate-chop, Yoko's expressions are half the charm of this book.
Jumping in in the "middle" of the series, the ensemble cast is all new to me when they materialize at Yoko's call. The plot of On the Edge of Life involves Yoko visiting her friend Ingrid, who has become bedridden with anemia. Ingrid's cousin thinks she's being preyed on by a vampire. Of course there are no vampires in this book - Yoko Tsuno is very science-y. Instead, we get a hidden laboratory, a doctor trying to save his daughter who has been kept in suspended animation since the end of World War II, clones, and East German spies.
If you like Tintin you will probably like Yoko Tsuno. I liked the art and the retro setting, but it's a bit too madcap/spykids for me.
July 11, 2020
Oh, das war immer einer meiner Lieblingsbände als Kind! Rothenburg ob der Tauber ist direkt bei mir um die Ecke und wie oft hat man das denn als Kind, dass ein Comicband direkt in der eigenen Umgebung spielt?
Das fand ich schön: Die liebevolle und detailgetreue Darstellung Rothenburgs (immer einen Ausflug wert!), die Storyline (wenn auch nicht ganz logisch), schön gezeichnet, mysteriöse Vorkommnisse, Spannungsaufbau, aufwändige technische Details.
Das hat mir nicht so gefallen: der Böse sieht sein Fehlverhalten plötzlich ein (na klar) und wird doch wieder gut; Yokos Verletzung hat jetzt nicht so wirklich was zur Handlung beigetragen, mir ist das eine oder andere Plothole aufgefallen und ich finde Yokos Haut immer einen Stich zu gelb. Man merkt richtig, wie sich Leloup 1977 dachte "Asiaten sind doch GELB", dann nehm ich mal diese Farbe hier. Keine Ahnung, ob er keine asiatische Person kannte, aber die Hautfarbe ist einfach unreal.
Ich gebe diesem Buch 4 Sterne. Wenn man ein Logikfanatiker ist, wird dieses Buch nicht der beste Band der Reihe sein, denn es gibt einige Fehler oder Lücken.Trotzdem, die Nostalgie, die Story, Rothenburg ob der Tauber... ich habe "Zwischen Leben und Tod" immer noch sehr gern gelesen.
Das fand ich schön: Die liebevolle und detailgetreue Darstellung Rothenburgs (immer einen Ausflug wert!), die Storyline (wenn auch nicht ganz logisch), schön gezeichnet, mysteriöse Vorkommnisse, Spannungsaufbau, aufwändige technische Details.
Das hat mir nicht so gefallen: der Böse sieht sein Fehlverhalten plötzlich ein (na klar) und wird doch wieder gut; Yokos Verletzung hat jetzt nicht so wirklich was zur Handlung beigetragen, mir ist das eine oder andere Plothole aufgefallen und ich finde Yokos Haut immer einen Stich zu gelb. Man merkt richtig, wie sich Leloup 1977 dachte "Asiaten sind doch GELB", dann nehm ich mal diese Farbe hier. Keine Ahnung, ob er keine asiatische Person kannte, aber die Hautfarbe ist einfach unreal.
Ich gebe diesem Buch 4 Sterne. Wenn man ein Logikfanatiker ist, wird dieses Buch nicht der beste Band der Reihe sein, denn es gibt einige Fehler oder Lücken.Trotzdem, die Nostalgie, die Story, Rothenburg ob der Tauber... ich habe "Zwischen Leben und Tod" immer noch sehr gern gelesen.
May 8, 2024
The star here is Rothenburg. Many scenic views of the medieval town, based on photographs, but drawn in the ligne claire style. It’s a good thing, because other than that, this story has no visual interest whatsoever. Absolutely none. No reason for it to be a comic, may as well have been a low-budget tv episode or a middle-grade paperback.
The story is Nancy Drew girl detective stuff. With a few chase scenes and a little karate thrown in (no sense of motion). And some gross medical experiments. Convoluted and not very interesting. None of the characters has a personality; it’s pure plot, something which is very common in bandes dessinees.
Doesn’t really have a villain, until an attempt is made to add one late in act three. Just when you think it’s over it will go on for several more pages; the book can’t make an exit. Overly wordy. A snooze fest. The translation from cinebook is especially poor.
The story is Nancy Drew girl detective stuff. With a few chase scenes and a little karate thrown in (no sense of motion). And some gross medical experiments. Convoluted and not very interesting. None of the characters has a personality; it’s pure plot, something which is very common in bandes dessinees.
Doesn’t really have a villain, until an attempt is made to add one late in act three. Just when you think it’s over it will go on for several more pages; the book can’t make an exit. Overly wordy. A snooze fest. The translation from cinebook is especially poor.
September 17, 2025
certainement l'un des meilleurs scénarios de cette série pour moi par contre combien ils bandent sur une expérience médicale extraordinairement pas éthique (littéralement ils rendent malade une femme pour tester un sang artificiel et le scénar c'est que le seul méchant c'est un type qui veut se faire du fric grace à ça les autres sont juste bien intentionnés ils veulent juste sauver une petite fille snif snif). aussi ils aiment VRAIMENT l'idée d'utiliser la science pour s'affranchir du temps. "trente ans d'attente pour cette seconde" ça fend un peu le coeur !
(notage étoile généreux surtout pour le distinguer du précédent général sur le début de la série)
(notage étoile généreux surtout pour le distinguer du précédent général sur le début de la série)
August 12, 2020
Contrary to what you might expect from the cover, this is among the more grounded Yoko Tsuno stories and hence more to my taste than the completely fantastical ones. I think I like the feeling that I could go visit the places depicted in the book and recognize the settings. As always the art is amazing, and not just on a technical level. For example, the cars chosen for the characters are not only recognizable and drawn accurately, they also reflect their personality. Lots of creative ideas in the plot too.
(I read this in French)
(I read this in French)
March 28, 2021
An intriguing adventure for Yoko Tsuno, electronics engineer, her first album in English but her seventh in French. A vampire is preying upon her German friend Ingrid, but everyone thinks she is delusional. The cover gives a bit too much away, and some off-colour comments from Yoko's pal Pol will raise eyebrows, but overall it's pretty great. She's a highly admirable character, and the art is simply stunning.
January 5, 2023
Palasin viimein syksyllä aloittamani projektin kimppuun ja luin kaksi viimeistä Yoko Tsuno albumia. Tämä Elämän rajoilla on myös ensimmäinen Yoko Tsuno tarina, jonka olen lukenut. Muistan lukeneeni tämän lapsena 80-luvulla jossain kyläpaikassa ja se jätti lähtemättömän vaikutuksen. Ja on kestänyt hyvin aikaa vaikka viittaukset Itä-Saksaan, Neuvostoliittoon ja toiseen maailmansotaan paljastavatkin kirjoitusajan.
July 22, 2017
Yoko is terug in Duitsland en in het middeleeuwse decor van Rothenburg beleeft ze een gothisch-technisch avontuur waarbij ze bijna zelf het leven laat. Zoals wel vaker bij Leloup zijn de gebeurtenissen bijzonder vergezocht, maar de emotionele component maakt de bizarre verwikkelingen genietbaar. Dit boek is uniek in de reeks omdat het een schurk bevat die tot inkeer komt.
April 14, 2018
Un de mes tomes préférés. Je ne vais pas encore une fois insister sur la perfection des décors ^^.
L'histoire tourne autour de la science, de l'éthique et finalement, ce qui montre que ça a été écrit y'a longtemps, c'est les mentions d'Allemagne de l'Est. Y'a du mystère, de l'amitié, c'est un album vraiment top.
L'histoire tourne autour de la science, de l'éthique et finalement, ce qui montre que ça a été écrit y'a longtemps, c'est les mentions d'Allemagne de l'Est. Y'a du mystère, de l'amitié, c'est un album vraiment top.
November 10, 2021
I prefer the original French, but still a great story.
August 2, 2023
Needlessly dramatic, but okay Halloweenish sci-fi story.
June 8, 2024
Borrowed from the local library. Good, enjoyable romp from a time when science was exciting. Recommended as an alternative to Tintin, etc.
March 15, 2017
Où Yoko aide à nouveau son amie Ingrid aux prises avec un «vampire» (mais pourquoi «ils» n'ont pas simplement demandé l'aide d'Ingrid?). Dans le monde de Yoko, une fille ressemble forcément, comme deux gouttes d'eau, à sa mère.
February 7, 2012
What if Nancy Drew had been Japanese and interested in science?
That little-asked question is answered by the Yoko Tsuno series. For some odd reason, we're only getting translations of a small fraction of this long-running series. Volume 1 of the English translation is volume 7 of the original, which means that we don't get to find out the relationships of the cast of characters in a natural fashion. That, however, is the only real weakness in this clever, beautifully-drawn graphic novel.
The characters are rather stylized, but the artist has done a marvelous job of drawing the scenery and buildings in the story.
The tale itself hinges on futuristic science mixed with old world spookiness. Yoko is lured to the bedside of an old friend, who is suffering from a strange malady. Someone seems to be stealing some of her blood at night, and replacing it with an artificial plasma. Shadowy figures, secret passages and a host of other strange things lead Yoko into chases through the streets of old Rothenburg, in search of a remarkably scientific vampire.
Overall, this would be a good graphic novel to hand to a kid who likes Nancy Drew, but has run out of them. Or to one who just likes mysteries, and would like one in graphic novel form. Either way, it's a good book.
That little-asked question is answered by the Yoko Tsuno series. For some odd reason, we're only getting translations of a small fraction of this long-running series. Volume 1 of the English translation is volume 7 of the original, which means that we don't get to find out the relationships of the cast of characters in a natural fashion. That, however, is the only real weakness in this clever, beautifully-drawn graphic novel.
The characters are rather stylized, but the artist has done a marvelous job of drawing the scenery and buildings in the story.
The tale itself hinges on futuristic science mixed with old world spookiness. Yoko is lured to the bedside of an old friend, who is suffering from a strange malady. Someone seems to be stealing some of her blood at night, and replacing it with an artificial plasma. Shadowy figures, secret passages and a host of other strange things lead Yoko into chases through the streets of old Rothenburg, in search of a remarkably scientific vampire.
Overall, this would be a good graphic novel to hand to a kid who likes Nancy Drew, but has run out of them. Or to one who just likes mysteries, and would like one in graphic novel form. Either way, it's a good book.
May 24, 2014
I will beg to differ from most of the overly positive reviews here. Yes the book does indeed look good even great with highly detailed pannels seamingly put together but the story failed to excite me. I do think that maybe my fail to grasp the series is due to the fact that I had no idea who Yoko Tsuno was combined with the fact that this is volume 7 of the original stories dubbed as vol 1 by the english publisher. Cinebooks just publishes the stories in an arbitrary way the next volume I bought called the "time spiral" is actually vol 11 of the original series. So I had no idea who Yoko Tsuno was and because this is vol 7 I am still unaware of who the main character is. Plus the story looks pretty much convuluted and dated. The whole point of the the arc is painfully depicted on the cover and the regenaration/static life-in-a-bubble thing might have been ok as an idea back in the 70's but it's been beated to death since. So despite the good art and the unsual protagonist (you don't happen to see a young chinese girl as the main hero even nowadays) the book and publisher's faults make me lower my grades. Maybe the next volumes will be better, who knows
Grades 3/5 for the book as it is
2/5 for the english publication on it's own.
Grades 3/5 for the book as it is
2/5 for the english publication on it's own.
July 13, 2016
Oh the joys of ligna Claire
The sci of sci-fi is accurate and precise, never going overboard neither stopping to explain itself, resulting in a confident science fiction story that bows to nothing.
Plot wise, this book doesn't do much, but makes up for it using immaculate chase scenes, peppered with the occasional humourous jokes. The characters are vague, never getting the chance to develop themselves, and the result is a story that is good enough to satisfy but nothing further.
But all that can be forgiven, for all small thing. The artwork it just gorgeous. It's so accurate and detailed, that the plot takes a back seat, while the reader gets a vivid picturesque imagination. That's what I did anyway.
The sci of sci-fi is accurate and precise, never going overboard neither stopping to explain itself, resulting in a confident science fiction story that bows to nothing.
Plot wise, this book doesn't do much, but makes up for it using immaculate chase scenes, peppered with the occasional humourous jokes. The characters are vague, never getting the chance to develop themselves, and the result is a story that is good enough to satisfy but nothing further.
But all that can be forgiven, for all small thing. The artwork it just gorgeous. It's so accurate and detailed, that the plot takes a back seat, while the reader gets a vivid picturesque imagination. That's what I did anyway.
December 5, 2013
The best of Roger Leroup's brilliant Yoko Tsuno comics. A story of pure humanity and sacrifice in the face of destruction and death. Leroup not only knows how to write and draw a good comic (he learned the craft from Herge himself) but his stories are full of such warmth that you can not but love the characters. JUST a comic perhaps, but one of the best in its genre.
February 7, 2009
Issue One of Yoko Tsuno has a freakin adorable drawing style, fun story that goes fast, and some really goofy jokes that I couldn't help but laugh at. It's not the most complicated story ever, and Yoko is a little TOO perfect, but I enjoyed it like whoa.
October 24, 2021
Le premier Yoko Tsuno que j'ai lu, trouvé chez un voisin qui les avait quand j'étais encore en primaire. Évidemment, j'ai lu tous ceux qu'il avait, et même si je ne les jamais possédés, j'ai toujours adoré cette série.
October 13, 2009
See review for vol. 3
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