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Rivers of London: Body Work #1
Rivers of London Vol. 1: Body Work
Peter Grant is part of a very special London police unit. Full-time cop and part-time wizard, he works on rather unusual crimes--those that involve magic and the general weirdness that permeates London's dark underbelly.
His latest case begins with a perfectly innocent car on a homicidal killing spree--without a driver. But then, before you know it, there's a Bosnian refugee, the Most Haunted Car in England, a bunch of teenagers loaded on Ketamine and a seemingly-harmless wooden bench with the darkest of pasts...
His latest case begins with a perfectly innocent car on a homicidal killing spree--without a driver. But then, before you know it, there's a Bosnian refugee, the Most Haunted Car in England, a bunch of teenagers loaded on Ketamine and a seemingly-harmless wooden bench with the darkest of pasts...
128 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2016
368 people are currently reading
6300 people want to read
About the author
Ben Aaronovitch
160 books13.5k followersBen Aaronovitch's career started with a bang writing for Doctor Who, subsided in the middle and then, as is traditional, a third act resurgence with the bestselling Rivers of London series.
Born and raised in London he says that he'll leave his home when they prise his city out of his cold dead fingers.
Born and raised in London he says that he'll leave his home when they prise his city out of his cold dead fingers.
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July 22, 2016Despite an affinity for both the written word and the visual arts, I have yet to be engrossed in a graphic novel. Quite honestly, I have yet to be even a little bit moved. This is clearly a case of "it's not you, it's me."
The artwork is nicely done, the color shading appealing. Panels are shaded sepia and autumn tones if they are memories, a nice trick as Aaronovitch's books incorporate Nightingale's past in Peter's investigations. The narrative voice is set off in rectangular orange boxes, a clever device that helps separate Peter's thoughts from the dialogue. I thought the mystery and investigation worked, if somewhat unremarkable. I did like the way the past/present contrast worked for the mystery. For fans of the series, there are bonus "day in the life" pages at the end for other major serires characters. Overall, the story seems to rely on the reader's prior series knowledge in numerous small ways, including an early joke about a lunch packed by Molly.
The series also deserves a shoutout for multi-ethnic normalcy, including a professional woman in a hajib. I just found myself not particularly interested, quite a contrast to my Peter Grant experience when reading or listening to the audio books.
Undoubtedly, your mileage will vary. In fairness to authors and illustrator, I'm passing on rating, but I'll give myself three stars for trying.
The artwork is nicely done, the color shading appealing. Panels are shaded sepia and autumn tones if they are memories, a nice trick as Aaronovitch's books incorporate Nightingale's past in Peter's investigations. The narrative voice is set off in rectangular orange boxes, a clever device that helps separate Peter's thoughts from the dialogue. I thought the mystery and investigation worked, if somewhat unremarkable. I did like the way the past/present contrast worked for the mystery. For fans of the series, there are bonus "day in the life" pages at the end for other major serires characters. Overall, the story seems to rely on the reader's prior series knowledge in numerous small ways, including an early joke about a lunch packed by Molly.
The series also deserves a shoutout for multi-ethnic normalcy, including a professional woman in a hajib. I just found myself not particularly interested, quite a contrast to my Peter Grant experience when reading or listening to the audio books.
Undoubtedly, your mileage will vary. In fairness to authors and illustrator, I'm passing on rating, but I'll give myself three stars for trying.
April 3, 2016
Ah, this was fun. What a neat idea/medium for presenting smaller-scale or side stories to the main arc of the novels. Casefics, as it were. London cop and apprentice wizard Peter Grant investigates a puzzling spate of lethal haunted cars, which turns out to have roots in several levels of past history. His boss Detective-Inspector Nightingale is great as always. Also includes some short-short extras, by way of treats. Full-value storytelling.
The tale appears to fall after Broken Homes in the main series timeline. I am unable to tell how it would work as a stand-alone for a new reader, but really, I see no reason why it shouldn't, and with luck send them back to the opening book. (Which is titled Rivers of London in the UK, and Midnight Riot in the US.)
This collected graphic novel is a lavish glossy full-color rendition, excellent production values.
Although for a visual interpretation of the main characters, I actually prefer this artist: http://archiveofourown.org/works/4996429
these weren't bad. Everyone was pretty recognizably themselves. Originally published as 5 separate comics, chapters of a sort; I prefer a collected edition, and was willing to wait.
My hope for more seems already answered, with an upcoming story called Night Witch, which I plan to nab when it reaches Minneapolis in its collected form.
Ta, L.
The tale appears to fall after Broken Homes in the main series timeline. I am unable to tell how it would work as a stand-alone for a new reader, but really, I see no reason why it shouldn't, and with luck send them back to the opening book. (Which is titled Rivers of London in the UK, and Midnight Riot in the US.)
This collected graphic novel is a lavish glossy full-color rendition, excellent production values.
Although for a visual interpretation of the main characters, I actually prefer this artist: http://archiveofourown.org/works/4996429
these weren't bad. Everyone was pretty recognizably themselves. Originally published as 5 separate comics, chapters of a sort; I prefer a collected edition, and was willing to wait.
My hope for more seems already answered, with an upcoming story called Night Witch, which I plan to nab when it reaches Minneapolis in its collected form.
Ta, L.
December 12, 2016
It was good to taste Mr. Aaronovitch humor once more and get back to Peter Grant :) Nice short story. The pics were quite nice, almost all character were beautifully drawn :)
February 20, 2018
For those of us who cannot get enough of the Peter Grant story, nor fast enough, the producers of Titan Comics have teamed Ben Aaronovitch up with gifted illustrators Andrew Cartmel, Lee Sullivan and Luis Guerrero to give us some very entertaining graphic work.
Five comics were combined into one compilation marking the first of the Graphic Novel stories in this expanding universe of FREAKING AWESOMENESS!! This one, about some haunted autos, as well as some Nightingale backstory, follows the general storyline though is more of a stand-alone than a contiguous part of the ongoing plot.
The story is fun and the artwork is superb, I especially like the way Molly was drawn. Fans of the series will also enjoy several short vignettes at the end that feature individual characters and add some levity to the overall experience.
I’ll end up reading all of these as I ravenously continue getting all I can of this amazing series.
Five comics were combined into one compilation marking the first of the Graphic Novel stories in this expanding universe of FREAKING AWESOMENESS!! This one, about some haunted autos, as well as some Nightingale backstory, follows the general storyline though is more of a stand-alone than a contiguous part of the ongoing plot.
The story is fun and the artwork is superb, I especially like the way Molly was drawn. Fans of the series will also enjoy several short vignettes at the end that feature individual characters and add some levity to the overall experience.
I’ll end up reading all of these as I ravenously continue getting all I can of this amazing series.
December 11, 2016
OK, let's talk Peter Grant Body Work.
Graphics/art work - didn't knock me out of my socks, but it was very decent and neat. I hate airbrushing (I know, I am repeating myself, pardon me) and it looks exactly like one, but it's just my personal dislike that shouldn't influence anyone's opinion. I hated Molly's looks. And actually all characters looked too... generic? Especially Peter, but I guess like everyone else here after 6 novels I have my very own image of him and it's not really a reproach, just a frown. Still 2 stars here, sorry.
Story - of course it's not fair to compare it to full novel, because it's a different media, so I won't. It was really good and enjoyable. It lacked a bit of Peter's full narration as we know it, but I guess it was impossible to make it any other way for a comic book. It didn't suck though, which is important. And it had plot twists! 4 stars.
Humour - it was there! It was still funny and I definitely recognize Aaronovitch's magic touch in it. 4 stars.
Something between well deserved 3.8 and 4 stars goes for a general rating and I think it will only get better from now, because I expect sub-plots together with lesser exposed characters of novels being evolved and their story lines expanded. I'm seriously satisfied with the 1st instalment I am definitely ready for more, as well as for another buddy reads. ;)
Graphics/art work - didn't knock me out of my socks, but it was very decent and neat. I hate airbrushing (I know, I am repeating myself, pardon me) and it looks exactly like one, but it's just my personal dislike that shouldn't influence anyone's opinion. I hated Molly's looks. And actually all characters looked too... generic? Especially Peter, but I guess like everyone else here after 6 novels I have my very own image of him and it's not really a reproach, just a frown. Still 2 stars here, sorry.
Story - of course it's not fair to compare it to full novel, because it's a different media, so I won't. It was really good and enjoyable. It lacked a bit of Peter's full narration as we know it, but I guess it was impossible to make it any other way for a comic book. It didn't suck though, which is important. And it had plot twists! 4 stars.
Humour - it was there! It was still funny and I definitely recognize Aaronovitch's magic touch in it. 4 stars.
Something between well deserved 3.8 and 4 stars goes for a general rating and I think it will only get better from now, because I expect sub-plots together with lesser exposed characters of novels being evolved and their story lines expanded. I'm seriously satisfied with the 1st instalment I am definitely ready for more, as well as for another buddy reads. ;)
January 21, 2019
2019-01: 3.5 stars. A little episode in the life of Peter, Guleed and Nightingale. I am so glad that Guleed is getting pulled into Falcon cases. This time it's killer cars, with a tie to a situation in Nightingale's youth. There were some funny moments, and while not as dark as the books, there's still evil for the Folly to deal with.
2018-08: 3.5 stars. Not as good as the novels, but enjoyable, and Guleed has a large presence in the book, so I'm happy. And Stephanopolous' reaction to Peter showing up at the beginning of the case had me grinning.
2018-08: 3.5 stars. Not as good as the novels, but enjoyable, and Guleed has a large presence in the book, so I'm happy. And Stephanopolous' reaction to Peter showing up at the beginning of the case had me grinning.
March 24, 2016
I will admit that I came late to the party over "The rivers of London" but I will gladly party with the best of them over it.
The book series is brilliant although I will reluctantly put my hand up and say I am only part the way through the published titles. So when I heard that the story was skipping over to comics and graphic novels I could not resist.
Now I am not sure where I saw it but these stories actually fit in with the series of novels (in fact there are a few veiled references in the first few pages) which is great as I get to see the London (and the people inhabiting it) through Mr Aaronovitch's eyes however this also caused a problem.
Now I will be the first one to admit I have black and twisted sense of humour and the books of Peter Grant strike a chord over that. However the comics do not really reflect the level seen in the books, now it maybe that the book relies of text and as such can go to town on wind ups and plays on words where as graphic novels are more conservative on words and let the pictures to the talking which ironically means fewer gags. I will admit I did miss them but it didn't spoil the story. I guess when you are spoilt you get to miss it even more.
So a great piece of work although a little light compared to the other stories but a strong start which I hope they continue with the next series which I see has already started.
The book series is brilliant although I will reluctantly put my hand up and say I am only part the way through the published titles. So when I heard that the story was skipping over to comics and graphic novels I could not resist.
Now I am not sure where I saw it but these stories actually fit in with the series of novels (in fact there are a few veiled references in the first few pages) which is great as I get to see the London (and the people inhabiting it) through Mr Aaronovitch's eyes however this also caused a problem.
Now I will be the first one to admit I have black and twisted sense of humour and the books of Peter Grant strike a chord over that. However the comics do not really reflect the level seen in the books, now it maybe that the book relies of text and as such can go to town on wind ups and plays on words where as graphic novels are more conservative on words and let the pictures to the talking which ironically means fewer gags. I will admit I did miss them but it didn't spoil the story. I guess when you are spoilt you get to miss it even more.
So a great piece of work although a little light compared to the other stories but a strong start which I hope they continue with the next series which I see has already started.
May 21, 2019
Inevitably, perhaps, this wasn't as good as the novels but it's still well worth a read if you're a fan of the series. The artwork's nice and the characters 'feel' right (even if they don't look how I imagined them... but it's hardly fair to expect the artist to read my mind so I'll let that one go).
I certainly enjoyed it enough to read the next collection (which is just as well, seeing as I've already bought it).
I certainly enjoyed it enough to read the next collection (which is just as well, seeing as I've already bought it).
May 12, 2017
Rivers of London follows in the footsteps of a rather familiar concept- a secret police force that deals with supernatural events. Rivers focus on a team called "falcon" that is a part of the London Metropolitan Police. In "strange" cases they get called out. Peter Grant is a detective with Falcon and has been called to the scene of an accident where a BMW and driver plunged into the Thames river.
Eventually we meet the rest of the team. Of them all I liked Nightingale the best. Det. Grant is also a good character. The rest didn't make much of an impact on me. This first Graphic Novel reads like Stephen King's Christine. Apparently cars are killing their owners and many of them are BMWs. I suppose that gives a new twist on the "Ultimate Driving Machine". Anyways, it is not a nefarious German trick to kill British citizens for Brexit. It is quite supernatural.
The rest of the story follows them as they go through the procedures for following up on this case. This series does tends to mix police techniques (the terminology and procedures are more realistic than most series of similar ilk) with a X-Files/BPRD type feel. Eventually as they follow the case to its end we are treated to multiple haunted BMWs, Grant's girlfriend who is a river goddess, the rest of their team including the silent psychotic maidservant and a brief background on Nightingale. I won't spoil the rest of the plot.
So is it worth it? This first issue wasn't bad. Nothing amazing-but not bad. The art is actually quite good. The writing is decent and sometimes funny. The way they shows magic to work and how it all fits in with these Police Officers is also good. So why three stars? Well..because it's good. Not great. Not amazing. Certainly not original (BPRD, Mythic, etc). But good. Good art helps as well. The one nice thing is that the writer knows London well and incorporates all sorts of London "slang" and tidbits of info. I leave it to my London dwellers to opine on the accuracy.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed this more if it were truly original. As the first volume of this series it's a nice introduction. I don't know why they felt the need to include some of the silly one or two page "short stories" that give you some minor background info on characters. It seems forced and added on at the last second. It's no big deal, but I didn't see the need nor did I enjoy the overall level of the short stories caliber, in relation to the rest of the main story.
So all things considered-3 stars. If you're into things like BPRD or Mythic...then you'll likely enjoy this one. I might be suffering from "secret organization that fights supernatural shit" burnout. Or maybe this is just another decent entry into that genre, but nothing amazing to see here (I still think BPRD is the finest of this type of story).
Eventually we meet the rest of the team. Of them all I liked Nightingale the best. Det. Grant is also a good character. The rest didn't make much of an impact on me. This first Graphic Novel reads like Stephen King's Christine. Apparently cars are killing their owners and many of them are BMWs. I suppose that gives a new twist on the "Ultimate Driving Machine". Anyways, it is not a nefarious German trick to kill British citizens for Brexit. It is quite supernatural.
The rest of the story follows them as they go through the procedures for following up on this case. This series does tends to mix police techniques (the terminology and procedures are more realistic than most series of similar ilk) with a X-Files/BPRD type feel. Eventually as they follow the case to its end we are treated to multiple haunted BMWs, Grant's girlfriend who is a river goddess, the rest of their team including the silent psychotic maidservant and a brief background on Nightingale. I won't spoil the rest of the plot.
So is it worth it? This first issue wasn't bad. Nothing amazing-but not bad. The art is actually quite good. The writing is decent and sometimes funny. The way they shows magic to work and how it all fits in with these Police Officers is also good. So why three stars? Well..because it's good. Not great. Not amazing. Certainly not original (BPRD, Mythic, etc). But good. Good art helps as well. The one nice thing is that the writer knows London well and incorporates all sorts of London "slang" and tidbits of info. I leave it to my London dwellers to opine on the accuracy.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed this more if it were truly original. As the first volume of this series it's a nice introduction. I don't know why they felt the need to include some of the silly one or two page "short stories" that give you some minor background info on characters. It seems forced and added on at the last second. It's no big deal, but I didn't see the need nor did I enjoy the overall level of the short stories caliber, in relation to the rest of the main story.
So all things considered-3 stars. If you're into things like BPRD or Mythic...then you'll likely enjoy this one. I might be suffering from "secret organization that fights supernatural shit" burnout. Or maybe this is just another decent entry into that genre, but nothing amazing to see here (I still think BPRD is the finest of this type of story).
January 5, 2019
“A perfect blend of CSI and Harry Potter“
I read the complete series and one of the novellas/short stories and wanted to see, how and what the comic adds to it.
Ok, so I pictured Guleed shorter and lighter, more Middle Eastern looking. And Stephanopoulos thinner and less well dressed. And with dark hair? Peter I picture looking like John Boyega, because I find him pretty cute. Too young for me, but whatever... So, I am pleased that the comic isn‘t that far off on that front. I never had a pretty clear picture of Beverly. I pictured Molly older looking? Undecided about The Nightingale. Anyway, so much for looks.
The plot kinda jumps in after the first few books, doesn‘t it? It‘s fun meeting all those familiar characters in the flesh, so to speak... Good artwork, I like the colouring. The plot was not Earth shattering, but solid... I am pleasantly surprised, I hadn’t expected it to be this good.
***Edit: This volume is set between books 4 and 5 of the main series.
List of novels and graphic novels in chronological order:
http://temporarilysignificant.blogspo...
And I looked up Sahra Guleed, apparently she‘s from Somalia—I did not remember that!
http://follypedia.wikia.com/wiki/Sahr...
The additional one-pagers at the end of my edition that are pretty cute and a little funny.
Well worth reading it. I will be reading the next one at some point. I got Volume 5 for free, so I might read that next, as the various volumes seem to be standalone. The numbering of the issues and collected volumes here on goodreads is a little confusing.
I read the complete series and one of the novellas/short stories and wanted to see, how and what the comic adds to it.
Ok, so I pictured Guleed shorter and lighter, more Middle Eastern looking. And Stephanopoulos thinner and less well dressed. And with dark hair? Peter I picture looking like John Boyega, because I find him pretty cute. Too young for me, but whatever... So, I am pleased that the comic isn‘t that far off on that front. I never had a pretty clear picture of Beverly. I pictured Molly older looking? Undecided about The Nightingale. Anyway, so much for looks.
The plot kinda jumps in after the first few books, doesn‘t it? It‘s fun meeting all those familiar characters in the flesh, so to speak... Good artwork, I like the colouring. The plot was not Earth shattering, but solid... I am pleasantly surprised, I hadn’t expected it to be this good.
***Edit: This volume is set between books 4 and 5 of the main series.
List of novels and graphic novels in chronological order:
http://temporarilysignificant.blogspo...
And I looked up Sahra Guleed, apparently she‘s from Somalia—I did not remember that!
http://follypedia.wikia.com/wiki/Sahr...
The additional one-pagers at the end of my edition that are pretty cute and a little funny.
Well worth reading it. I will be reading the next one at some point. I got Volume 5 for free, so I might read that next, as the various volumes seem to be standalone. The numbering of the issues and collected volumes here on goodreads is a little confusing.
August 19, 2016
What on earth possessed me to read this zany book? I actually think that I must have had a brainstorm.
Yes, I am indeed a lover of London and it looks as if Ben Aaronovitch's raison d'etre is to talk about London but then enough becomes enough as I'm certainly not into vampires. It really is not my genre but I must confess that anything magical still continues to intrigue me.
Do I like this book? I'm really not sure and so why I continued to read it is completely beyond me.
Probationary constable Peter Grant meets Inspector Nightingale, who actually is a wizard with his own department within the police force. So Peter becomes an apprentice. Bizarre things happen, including a poor unsuspecting baby that is tossed out onto the lawn. Fair enough but some of these magical endeavours reminded me of Harry Potter and when the King of the Thames River entered the equation, well it was all too much for me.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm sure that many people will absolutely adore this book, and it is a part of a series, and many of my friends love it, but regrettably for me, well it is sheer zaniness and insanity.
Apologies to the author.
Yes, I am indeed a lover of London and it looks as if Ben Aaronovitch's raison d'etre is to talk about London but then enough becomes enough as I'm certainly not into vampires. It really is not my genre but I must confess that anything magical still continues to intrigue me.
Do I like this book? I'm really not sure and so why I continued to read it is completely beyond me.
Probationary constable Peter Grant meets Inspector Nightingale, who actually is a wizard with his own department within the police force. So Peter becomes an apprentice. Bizarre things happen, including a poor unsuspecting baby that is tossed out onto the lawn. Fair enough but some of these magical endeavours reminded me of Harry Potter and when the King of the Thames River entered the equation, well it was all too much for me.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm sure that many people will absolutely adore this book, and it is a part of a series, and many of my friends love it, but regrettably for me, well it is sheer zaniness and insanity.
Apologies to the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2019
2,25/5
Blah 😒
Blah 😒
December 17, 2019
buying this on payday this friday.
finally got around to buying this just today, spent a very enjoyable afternoon reading it after xmas dinner.
nice to see Peter between books. Can't wait for the next novel and comic in this superb series of books.
finally got around to buying this just today, spent a very enjoyable afternoon reading it after xmas dinner.
nice to see Peter between books. Can't wait for the next novel and comic in this superb series of books.
December 1, 2017
The surprising thing about this graphic novel is that it fits into the Rivers of London series just as if it were another written piece. The events in this book are referred to in the novel 'The Hanging Tree' so to be completely up to date you need to read the regular novels and the graphic novels. I believe there are two more collected graphics so I will be looking out for those in the near future.
A good story featuring the case of a 'possessed' BMW. Aareonovitch's London humor comes through in this just as much in the main books and the artists do a fine job of representing the characters. Lee Sullivan says he put some Roxy Music related gags into this comic, but I couldn't find any. If anyone has any ideas let me know :)
A good story featuring the case of a 'possessed' BMW. Aareonovitch's London humor comes through in this just as much in the main books and the artists do a fine job of representing the characters. Lee Sullivan says he put some Roxy Music related gags into this comic, but I couldn't find any. If anyone has any ideas let me know :)
October 3, 2017
Definitely not as good as the novels but if youre a fanboy like me of this series, its always fun revisiting these characters.
January 19, 2021
This was ok. I didn't love it as much as I loved the novels, I felt that Peter and Nightingale's snarky humour was lost. I did like the illustrations, it was nice to see everyone's faces.
May 10, 2017
This had promise, but wound up being rather dreary. The blurb on the front cover from io9 touts it as, "A perfect blend of CSI and Harry Potter," which doesn't reflect well on either (Yes, I'm one of the few people in Western civilization over the age of 12 who hasn't read Harry Potter. Or seen any of the myriad CSI spinoffs. It's not anything snobby, just haven't happened to get to either yet.) This GN was adapted from a prose novel, which perhaps I might like better.
Set in modern-day London, the story revolves around Peter Grant, a police detective who's part of a special unit who deal with cases involving magic. This case in particular involves a homicidal car ... It's a fun concept, and I like Peter and the rest of the team, but the whole book just feels kind of lackluster. Some individual scenes are exciting, but the story as a whole just seems to plod along. There's very little sense of mystery or suspense. There's also a confusing bit towards the middle of the book where Grant and Sahra arrive at a hospital room, spot a suspect who bolts, they pursue him all the way to the ground floor and out the door but he gets away, so they return to the room to talk with the people, and then suddenly there's another page where they're chasing the guy through the hospital and returning to the room again. Perhaps this was where a break between issues of the comic occurred? But there's no splash page or break or anything to indicate that, just one page right into the next. Bang! Sloppy storytelling any way you look at it. I like the ideas and the characters, but the storytelling is poor. Not sure if that's Aaronovitch or the team that adapted this to blame. You may enjoy this more than I did, but I can't really recommend it.
Set in modern-day London, the story revolves around Peter Grant, a police detective who's part of a special unit who deal with cases involving magic. This case in particular involves a homicidal car ... It's a fun concept, and I like Peter and the rest of the team, but the whole book just feels kind of lackluster. Some individual scenes are exciting, but the story as a whole just seems to plod along. There's very little sense of mystery or suspense. There's also a confusing bit towards the middle of the book where Grant and Sahra arrive at a hospital room, spot a suspect who bolts, they pursue him all the way to the ground floor and out the door but he gets away, so they return to the room to talk with the people, and then suddenly there's another page where they're chasing the guy through the hospital and returning to the room again. Perhaps this was where a break between issues of the comic occurred? But there's no splash page or break or anything to indicate that, just one page right into the next. Bang! Sloppy storytelling any way you look at it. I like the ideas and the characters, but the storytelling is poor. Not sure if that's Aaronovitch or the team that adapted this to blame. You may enjoy this more than I did, but I can't really recommend it.
June 8, 2020
Gorgeous art! This is the kind of thing I want to see when I buy a graphic novel. Excellent realistic detail, vivid colours. Peter Grant is rendered especially nicely (v. handsome and properly fit), and none of the women are overly pinuppy. Beverley Brook is shown wearing something resembling a wetsuit when she’s in the river, instead of something more revealing—yay!
While there’s nothing wrong with how Thomas Nightingale and Molly are depicted, I’m keeping the mental images of them I’ve developed while reading the novels. (I picture Molly as a bit more exotic, and for some reason I’ve always imagined Nightingale as resembling Bill Nighy.)
If you’re looking for diversity, the Rivers of London series definitely has it; and this graphic novel is no exception. It was especially nice to see D.C. Sahra Guleed (and her headscarf) here.
And of course, there’s also Toby the Jack Russell terrier, the little yip-o-metre himself.
The way the plot was constructed/depicted confused me a bit at times, but it all came together in the end. The story was quite interesting.
I also enjoyed the short “Tales from the Folly” pieces at the end, all of which made me chuckle.
This was a fun piece of eye candy to help tide me over until the next novel comes out, and I’d definitely be interested in reading another graphic novel from the same team.
Re-read after finishing Cry Fox because I wanted a memory refresher. I think this one has the best set of "Tales from the Folly" so far. The one in which Molly is trying to give Toby a bath is just priceless.
While there’s nothing wrong with how Thomas Nightingale and Molly are depicted, I’m keeping the mental images of them I’ve developed while reading the novels. (I picture Molly as a bit more exotic, and for some reason I’ve always imagined Nightingale as resembling Bill Nighy.)
If you’re looking for diversity, the Rivers of London series definitely has it; and this graphic novel is no exception. It was especially nice to see D.C. Sahra Guleed (and her headscarf) here.
And of course, there’s also Toby the Jack Russell terrier, the little yip-o-metre himself.
The way the plot was constructed/depicted confused me a bit at times, but it all came together in the end. The story was quite interesting.
I also enjoyed the short “Tales from the Folly” pieces at the end, all of which made me chuckle.
This was a fun piece of eye candy to help tide me over until the next novel comes out, and I’d definitely be interested in reading another graphic novel from the same team.
Re-read after finishing Cry Fox because I wanted a memory refresher. I think this one has the best set of "Tales from the Folly" so far. The one in which Molly is trying to give Toby a bath is just priceless.
February 23, 2017
After 1000 pages of collected Sandman manifested the comic as postmodern doorstop novel, this is back to its more usual mode, the comic as snack, to paraphrase one friend.
Souffle-light fun with characters from the novels (including one new-to-me DC, Carey, who perhaps turned up after the third book, the one I was up to). The investigation of haunted cars felt at first like something from a U cert film, but got a little darker and more interesting later. Some details of illustrations, historical backstory, and extra features such as Peter Grant's guide to various West London suburbs, echo the allusion-thick content of the prose books, but I never lost the feeling of the comic stories as a sketch outline where one is used to the full painting.
As I may have said before when I read issue 1, Grant is almost the way he looks in my head, but too slim: I think of him as more mesomorph than ectomorph; and Nightingale really should be blond (he could swap hair colours with Stephanopoulos - that would be just right).
Souffle-light fun with characters from the novels (including one new-to-me DC, Carey, who perhaps turned up after the third book, the one I was up to). The investigation of haunted cars felt at first like something from a U cert film, but got a little darker and more interesting later. Some details of illustrations, historical backstory, and extra features such as Peter Grant's guide to various West London suburbs, echo the allusion-thick content of the prose books, but I never lost the feeling of the comic stories as a sketch outline where one is used to the full painting.
As I may have said before when I read issue 1, Grant is almost the way he looks in my head, but too slim: I think of him as more mesomorph than ectomorph; and Nightingale really should be blond (he could swap hair colours with Stephanopoulos - that would be just right).
October 27, 2020
Terrific artwork,especially the beemers and an interesting idea for a story.3.5
September 26, 2018
Peter Grant, der Londoner Polizist für die übersinnlichen Fälle, wird kontaktiert, als ein ein Auto mit totem Fahrer aus dem Themse geborgen wird. Das Auto stellt sich als übersinnlich aufgeladen heraus. Noch mehr seltsame Verkehrsunfälle und seltsame Vorfälle ergeben eine Spur zu einem Schrotthändler, der Teile aus einem zu verschrottenden Auto ausgebaut hat, um sie in andere als Ersatzteile einzubauen. Die Besitzer des Ursprungswagens haben etwas zu verheimlichen... Und wieder einmal hat das Unheil seinen Ursprung tief in der Vergangenheit. Das multiethnische gegenwärtige London hat mit dem angelsächsichen Erbe zu kämpfen. Es ist eine spannende Geschichte, sehr schön bebildert. Aber es ist eben nicht einfach, einen "Fall" der in Romanform etwa 400 Seiten hat, in einen Comic-Band von 120 Seiten zu erzählen. Aaronovitch und vor allem Andrew Cartmel sind sehr filmerfahrene Autoren, so ist der Comic sehr filmisch geworden. Aber die Geschichte ist sehr komprimiert und hat Schwachstellen. Kenner der Buch-Reihe sind da im Vorteil, besonders weil vieles vorausgesetzt wird, viele Figuren nicht "erklärt" werden.
January 13, 2025
Now that I have read all of one Dresden Files GN I guess that gives me the expertise to declare this is like Dresden Files, but Very British?
At any rate I enjoyed it. Beware a possessed Bimmer!
At any rate I enjoyed it. Beware a possessed Bimmer!
March 27, 2018
This is fine if you're a fan of Aaronovitch's Peter Grant/Rivers of London series. The plot felt like something you would find in one of the novels, though it's condensed to fit the comic format.
Peter is tasked with investigating a case where someone drowned. More specifically, their car had been tampered with causing them to drive into a body of water. As Peter can sense vestigia (magical residue that's left someone does magic, more or less), he becomes aware that the car was tampered with by using magic, thus making it a mystery for The Folly (the magical division of the police force).
I'm not sure that this would be a good entry point for people who are new to the series. The text assumes that the reader is familiar with the characters and the world; I can see new readers being confused with some of the information that's doled out (ie. there's a mention of Leslie, but new readers wouldn't know - or have any reason to care - about who she is). Otherwise, it's a fun mystery with dashes of fantasy that might intrigue new readers enough to pick up the novels.
The art is perfectly mediocre - it's not BAD but it's not good by any means. Peter looked a bit too clean-cut imo (I always picture him as more rugged for some reason), but everyone looked close to what I have imagined in my head reading the novels. As a side-note, I loved that there so many POC (Peter is mixed race, there was a character who wore a hijab, etc.)
It was pleasant enough that I'm willing to read the other installments in this format, but I'm not sure I would wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of the novels or new readers.
Peter is tasked with investigating a case where someone drowned. More specifically, their car had been tampered with causing them to drive into a body of water. As Peter can sense vestigia (magical residue that's left someone does magic, more or less), he becomes aware that the car was tampered with by using magic, thus making it a mystery for The Folly (the magical division of the police force).
I'm not sure that this would be a good entry point for people who are new to the series. The text assumes that the reader is familiar with the characters and the world; I can see new readers being confused with some of the information that's doled out (ie. there's a mention of Leslie, but new readers wouldn't know - or have any reason to care - about who she is). Otherwise, it's a fun mystery with dashes of fantasy that might intrigue new readers enough to pick up the novels.
The art is perfectly mediocre - it's not BAD but it's not good by any means. Peter looked a bit too clean-cut imo (I always picture him as more rugged for some reason), but everyone looked close to what I have imagined in my head reading the novels. As a side-note, I loved that there so many POC (Peter is mixed race, there was a character who wore a hijab, etc.)
It was pleasant enough that I'm willing to read the other installments in this format, but I'm not sure I would wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of the novels or new readers.
May 7, 2016
The books creeped in under the radar, the police constable that found his way into this special squad within the London police department that was aimed at the more supernatural affairs within the kingdom of England. It is a little crew that is fighting the more supernatural crime in their own way.
This is a collection of a short series based upon the book series created by Aaronovitch whose big claim to fame is of course his involvement with the classic but brilliant series called Doctor Who.
An opening of a new universum from the books into comics, not unlike the Dresden files has doen, but this universe is somewhat less obvious a more subtle version than Harry Dresden.
This book has some of Kings' "Christine" the book about the haunted automobile in its veins and yet dares to go different. A nice little comic intro in the world of "Rivers of London". A nice advertisement to read the books, which by the way are pretty good.
This is a collection of a short series based upon the book series created by Aaronovitch whose big claim to fame is of course his involvement with the classic but brilliant series called Doctor Who.
An opening of a new universum from the books into comics, not unlike the Dresden files has doen, but this universe is somewhat less obvious a more subtle version than Harry Dresden.
This book has some of Kings' "Christine" the book about the haunted automobile in its veins and yet dares to go different. A nice little comic intro in the world of "Rivers of London". A nice advertisement to read the books, which by the way are pretty good.
March 25, 2022
I forgot to put this one up on Goodreads! I read it one or two weeks ago, after finally succumbing and buying all the Rivers of London comics for Kindle. I have seen the print version of one volume, and it did not look like much. I am an European Comics fangirl and this was not „up to my standards“ graphics and book wise. But I wanted the stories! And now I was much more satisfied with the first one than I had anticipated. The writing is that good, and the graphics serve their purpose. I got quite attached to them after a while - maybe because I had to glue my myopic eyes to my tiny smartphone screen to actually be able to read them. Anyways, looking forward to the next one, but taking it slow to make them last.
February 12, 2024
Not too bad!
This was a fun lil mystery about haunted cars. I've only read the first Rivers of London book, so it was nice that I could jump into this story without losing much context. (Although I have no idea what was up with Molly - that's obviously a THING).
Artwork is simple and clear, making the action nice and easy to follow. The story skimps on words a little but I didn't mind it so much here.
The mystery was a fun adventure - nothing too over the top or mysterious but a bit of fun all the same.
I'd be curious to pick up more volumes in the series.
This was a fun lil mystery about haunted cars. I've only read the first Rivers of London book, so it was nice that I could jump into this story without losing much context. (Although I have no idea what was up with Molly - that's obviously a THING).
Artwork is simple and clear, making the action nice and easy to follow. The story skimps on words a little but I didn't mind it so much here.
The mystery was a fun adventure - nothing too over the top or mysterious but a bit of fun all the same.
I'd be curious to pick up more volumes in the series.
January 7, 2019
It was fun to get a Rivers of London book in a graphic novel format, even if all the characters were not exactly how I pictured them in my head. The story was pretty good, a nice open and closed case all within one volume. It’s been over 6 months since I listened to The Hanging Tree, so this will tide me over until my hold on Lies Sleeping finally comes in.
December 5, 2017
It’s great to have another Peter Grant story, this time in graphic novel form. The art was quite amazing.
June 30, 2018
Nearly perfect! Loved the last few cells!
June 9, 2020
I really needed a new Peter Grant story in my life right now, and this has delivered. The story is good, the humor and the characters are all there. The story has the same fun mix of police procedural and spook, this time involving haunted cars that drive themselves with homicidal intent.
The artwork was surprisingly faithful to how the characters are depicted in the books, I especially enjoyed Molly and Gulleed. The car mechanic has a great distinctive look with a crumpled face and red hair with beads. I much enjoyed the coloring as well - so many adult comics are dark and gloomy nowadays, this one bursts with color.
You do need to be familiar with the Peter Grant books. None of the characters or locations are introduced, their rekationships, the whole magic stuff, are not explained, there are references to events in the book (“after what happened to Lesley”), and running gags about Molly’s cooking. I loved that Nightingale explained things to Toby when we needed some exposition.
Overall, I think five stars is probably too generous as there is nothing groundbreaking here. But I enjoyed it a lot, and this is what I needed right now.
The artwork was surprisingly faithful to how the characters are depicted in the books, I especially enjoyed Molly and Gulleed. The car mechanic has a great distinctive look with a crumpled face and red hair with beads. I much enjoyed the coloring as well - so many adult comics are dark and gloomy nowadays, this one bursts with color.
You do need to be familiar with the Peter Grant books. None of the characters or locations are introduced, their rekationships, the whole magic stuff, are not explained, there are references to events in the book (“after what happened to Lesley”), and running gags about Molly’s cooking. I loved that Nightingale explained things to Toby when we needed some exposition.
Overall, I think five stars is probably too generous as there is nothing groundbreaking here. But I enjoyed it a lot, and this is what I needed right now.
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