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Mae #OGN
Mae
Mae is THE dream project of four time Eisner Award winner and New York Times bestselling creator Gene Ha.
90 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
3 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 16, 2017
Okay children/tween graphic novel, with very colorful art and large cats which make it look like this story is for younger audiences. The focus is on Abbie, who long ago left through a portal to fight monsters in other worlds, and is now returned to team with Mae to fight monsters. I think the story is just okay, and the characterization is just okay. And the art feels brightly lit and stylized and a little too cartoony for me, but it may really appeal to kids. There’s a quiet, sweet sensibility that informs this Kickstarter project (yay for that!), but it needed more depth and edge for me.
July 3, 2018
3.5/5
Mon avis en Français
My English review
When I saw the synopsis of this new comic book, I admit that I was intrigued. A mix of monsters? Parallel universes? How to resist that?
We discover Mae, a young woman who lives her life quietly and helps her sick father until her sister appears after 7 years of absence. She did not know what had happened to her, no news, so it’s a surprise to see her again. It’s even more incomprehensible when she says that she was in another world. But can Mae believe it?
The story intrigued me a lot and I found it fun to learn more about Abby and Mae. We can also discover the world and the people who populate it. There are still a lot of questions about everything that Abby has been through and I’m curious to see all that. The illustrations are also very nice elsewhere, so what more can we ask for?
Mon avis en Français
My English review
When I saw the synopsis of this new comic book, I admit that I was intrigued. A mix of monsters? Parallel universes? How to resist that?
We discover Mae, a young woman who lives her life quietly and helps her sick father until her sister appears after 7 years of absence. She did not know what had happened to her, no news, so it’s a surprise to see her again. It’s even more incomprehensible when she says that she was in another world. But can Mae believe it?
The story intrigued me a lot and I found it fun to learn more about Abby and Mae. We can also discover the world and the people who populate it. There are still a lot of questions about everything that Abby has been through and I’m curious to see all that. The illustrations are also very nice elsewhere, so what more can we ask for?
July 5, 2018
Received a copy via netgalley for review.
Solid 4.5 star rating
Finally got around to reading a comic it’s been awhile which I always love these due to time consuming reads I don’t always have the time for. Comics I’ve always loved how they can be a quick read but you get awesome imagery with them.
I didn’t know about this one and how it’s a few years old it was kicked off on Kickstarter which I’m learning lots of amaze balls things come from kickstarter these days.
Loved this! It was so quirky, the artwork was a bit rough looking but it kinda grew on me after awhile. The intro seems like a good start to this sci-fi world that I’m eager to read more of. It has a bad ass girl power vibe in a way since both characters are a duel leading lady role. They make it seem as though is Mae is the main character but I felt each had a tug line role of back and forth. It has lovely color themes throughout and lots of oddity characters for fantasy fans.
Solid 4.5 star rating
Finally got around to reading a comic it’s been awhile which I always love these due to time consuming reads I don’t always have the time for. Comics I’ve always loved how they can be a quick read but you get awesome imagery with them.
I didn’t know about this one and how it’s a few years old it was kicked off on Kickstarter which I’m learning lots of amaze balls things come from kickstarter these days.
Loved this! It was so quirky, the artwork was a bit rough looking but it kinda grew on me after awhile. The intro seems like a good start to this sci-fi world that I’m eager to read more of. It has a bad ass girl power vibe in a way since both characters are a duel leading lady role. They make it seem as though is Mae is the main character but I felt each had a tug line role of back and forth. It has lovely color themes throughout and lots of oddity characters for fantasy fans.
June 28, 2020
I love the world building and the creativity of non-human species. As a midwesterner, I also loved all the references to Indiana culture. While I liked the references to pop culture and science fiction properties, there are very nearly too many of them.
The choice to focus on the sister who was "left behind" was very interesting. I'm glad there was some extra back matter to fill in some of Mae's story.
This main storyline is not resolved in this first volume, so I hope there is more.
The choice to focus on the sister who was "left behind" was very interesting. I'm glad there was some extra back matter to fill in some of Mae's story.
This main storyline is not resolved in this first volume, so I hope there is more.
October 11, 2015
I first heard about this one while wandering the isles of C2E2 earlier this year. Gene Ha was Kickstarting the book and after a cursory look, I was in.
The book had a pretty quick turnaround from campaign to delivery and what I recieved made me very happy. Along with the hardback GN, I got some prints and stickers.
I was able to read this one front to back one afternoon in the park and was glad I did.
The story is pretty simple so far, but allot of fun. There is an Alice in Wonderland / Wizard of Oz feel to it that I really enjoy and makes me think of the Charlie story in Supernatural not too long ago.
In this volume, we were able to slowly wade into the story and feel it out a bit before getting an interesting new character towards the end.
The best thing in the first issue was the art. The characters are distinct and look amazing. There are some iconic images right off the bat that really anchor the book.
The only thing I can say against this volume was that it felt a little light. It could have done with another 20 pages of story to really give us full opening story.
However, it left off at a good place, so don't feel that it cut off prematurely, I just wanted more.
This was a great start and I'm really looking forward to seeing what comes next.
The book had a pretty quick turnaround from campaign to delivery and what I recieved made me very happy. Along with the hardback GN, I got some prints and stickers.
I was able to read this one front to back one afternoon in the park and was glad I did.
The story is pretty simple so far, but allot of fun. There is an Alice in Wonderland / Wizard of Oz feel to it that I really enjoy and makes me think of the Charlie story in Supernatural not too long ago.
In this volume, we were able to slowly wade into the story and feel it out a bit before getting an interesting new character towards the end.
The best thing in the first issue was the art. The characters are distinct and look amazing. There are some iconic images right off the bat that really anchor the book.
The only thing I can say against this volume was that it felt a little light. It could have done with another 20 pages of story to really give us full opening story.
However, it left off at a good place, so don't feel that it cut off prematurely, I just wanted more.
This was a great start and I'm really looking forward to seeing what comes next.
February 17, 2016
I was so excited to read this because I'd heard such great things following the Kickstarter campaign! I really enjoyed both the story and the artwork. It's billed as a graphic novel, but is really only the prelude to a much larger story that I hope will have the opportunity to continue.
As a side note, I bought my copy directly from Gene Ha at a convention, and it was the highlight of my day. He seems like a genuinely awesome person, supportive of librarians (my chosen profession), and I have heard that he's very supportive of women. So, I'm really happy to write this review of Mae and to support additional installments going forward! :D
As a side note, I bought my copy directly from Gene Ha at a convention, and it was the highlight of my day. He seems like a genuinely awesome person, supportive of librarians (my chosen profession), and I have heard that he's very supportive of women. So, I'm really happy to write this review of Mae and to support additional installments going forward! :D
November 2, 2018
Overall a ho-hum fantasy. Nothing special here.
October 3, 2015
OCD with copyrights, epic fantasy cat people, and there are some Doctor Who references too! A great premise to a fantasy comic involving portals. I loved the interactions between Mae and here friend, Dahlia. And then later how she deals with her free-spirited sister who has returned after years away. She takes a lot in stride with all the monsters coming out of the woodwork. I really wonder what will occur with Colt and Dahlia left behind, now that there the sisters have a mission on their hands. I can't wait to see where Abbie leads Mae to in their quest!
October 23, 2015
I received the hardcover as a reward for backing the Kickstarter project. I'm not familiar with Gene Ha, but the concept of Mae sounded interesting and the art looked pretty, so I took a chance on it.
Mae isn't bad by any means. The writing is okay and the art is generally quite nice (although sometimes it can look a bit weird). I didn't fall in love, but I don't dislike it either. It's a decent introduction to a series that could turn out to be good in the future. Right now, I wouldn't recommend it.
Mae isn't bad by any means. The writing is okay and the art is generally quite nice (although sometimes it can look a bit weird). I didn't fall in love, but I don't dislike it either. It's a decent introduction to a series that could turn out to be good in the future. Right now, I wouldn't recommend it.
June 14, 2018
I requested this because I like reading books that have a sister dynamic in them. Mae was an interesting Graphic Novel. In terms of the plot... I thought it was interesting but there were plot holes. Not only that but the art style wasn’t what I expected and I don’t think it flows well with the story. Even with that being said, I will definitely read the 2nd vol because I want to see what happens!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2018
I didn't really like this one. I really wanted to and I can't even explain why I didn't.
The artwork is bright and colorful. I loved that the characters were varied and interesting. I didn't like that most of them had complicated names - it disrupts the flow. A few are okay but almost every character becomes laborious.
Nothing wrong with the plot except that I didn't connect to it nor did I connect to the main characters. There's very little character development - I know nothing about them and wasn't given time to care about them.
The artwork is bright and colorful. I loved that the characters were varied and interesting. I didn't like that most of them had complicated names - it disrupts the flow. A few are okay but almost every character becomes laborious.
Nothing wrong with the plot except that I didn't connect to it nor did I connect to the main characters. There's very little character development - I know nothing about them and wasn't given time to care about them.
September 28, 2017
This one ended just as it got started. It was a quick read, and I'd still be interested to read the next one, but it the story happened so fast and then was over, I'm having a hard time deciding if I really like it or not.
September 27, 2019
Really loved the geeky references/jokes and the strong female lead characters. The art was hit and miss for me. Some scenes were just odd and amateur looking, and then other scenes were beautiful and intricate.
September 25, 2017
I love this graphic novel! The artwork is beautiful, and the storyline is intriguing. I also enjoy the pop culture/geek references and banter. I highly recommend this book for YA and adults!!!
December 28, 2019
Loved a lot about this. Beautiful illustrations, intriguing world building. But the author is leaving out too much. I needed more.
March 6, 2025
It’s a good sci-fi graphic novel
March 18, 2017
The good: geeky references and jokes, strong female leads, positive relationships, pretty art, and overall I enjoyed the fantasy land/story (kinda DnD/WoW type of thing).
The bad: clunky story flow, super overt plot and characters, overdramatic reactions for no reason at times (like an immature teen). Even though I had more positives, these are glaring flaws that you're constantly reminded of while reading.
The bad: clunky story flow, super overt plot and characters, overdramatic reactions for no reason at times (like an immature teen). Even though I had more positives, these are glaring flaws that you're constantly reminded of while reading.
June 30, 2018
A kickstarter marvel that’s about to take flight Lionforce. Reading these first six comics really set up a kind of Alice in Wonderland / Wizard of Oz feel but with a modern mild Silent Hill feel. The first six issues covers a lot of backstory but the new comic should bring Mae into the world her sister has been fighting to save on the other side of the dimensional door. Can’t wait to read more!
June 7, 2016
Mae was a book I wanted to like. As a Kickstarter backer, I was quite invested in this book. Perhaps that's why I'm a bit sour. It's hard knowing that you put money into something only for it to turn out mediocre.
That's not to say there wasn't a kernel of a good idea. A young girl disappears to a magic world, then reappears to her long lost family years later. I like it, I really do. To Gene Ha's credit, the emotional turmoil of Mae comes across fairly well, even through stilted dialogue. And that's pretty much where my praise ends.
There's some decent length to this book, but I found it lacking in content. The cover calls the book a graphic novel, but it feels more like the first episode of a TV series. That's not much bang for my buck. We learn precious little of the conflict, which is integral to this sort of story. To make up for this, Gene Ha could have got me more invested in his characters. Unfortunately, they lack for personality. I know what Mae looks like, but I don't know who she is as a person. I can believe that she's upset that her sister's been away so long, but I can't care.
While the story isn't stellar, the art isn't any better, which is a shame because Gene Ha is primarily known for his art. Doing a Google search of his name shows some competent black and white work. However, his digital colorings are poor by comparison. This odd photorealistic lighting combined with somewhat stylized design gives me an uncanny feeling. It's especially unpleasant to look at the art up close. The book would've probably been better as pen and ink work, but it still wouldn't raise its rating.
I backed this with the hope that Gene Ha would at least deliver a decent and unique read. In the future, though, I doubt I'll back any more projects of his.
That's not to say there wasn't a kernel of a good idea. A young girl disappears to a magic world, then reappears to her long lost family years later. I like it, I really do. To Gene Ha's credit, the emotional turmoil of Mae comes across fairly well, even through stilted dialogue. And that's pretty much where my praise ends.
There's some decent length to this book, but I found it lacking in content. The cover calls the book a graphic novel, but it feels more like the first episode of a TV series. That's not much bang for my buck. We learn precious little of the conflict, which is integral to this sort of story. To make up for this, Gene Ha could have got me more invested in his characters. Unfortunately, they lack for personality. I know what Mae looks like, but I don't know who she is as a person. I can believe that she's upset that her sister's been away so long, but I can't care.
While the story isn't stellar, the art isn't any better, which is a shame because Gene Ha is primarily known for his art. Doing a Google search of his name shows some competent black and white work. However, his digital colorings are poor by comparison. This odd photorealistic lighting combined with somewhat stylized design gives me an uncanny feeling. It's especially unpleasant to look at the art up close. The book would've probably been better as pen and ink work, but it still wouldn't raise its rating.
I backed this with the hope that Gene Ha would at least deliver a decent and unique read. In the future, though, I doubt I'll back any more projects of his.
March 28, 2016
Genre prejudices exist. I have had discussions with people who have issues with "portal fiction" as Gene Ha would label it. The most recent discussion I've had about the concept was regarding Lev Grossman's the MAGICIANS but the crux of it all is that some people find the genre in and of itself to be a bit rote and that in the hands of a lazy writer nothing inventive can come of it.
Gene Ha is not a lazy writer.
MAE is a book that embraces the conventions and tropes of the portal fiction genre and filters it through the lens of charters who themselves are aware of those tropes and conventions. Gene applies a carefully loving sensibility to the narrative that when paired with his unique artistic styling creates something truly special.
My only qualm is in the way the volume ends because with these Kickstarter projects you never know when the next installment will come about and I am lazy and selfish.
Gene Ha is not a lazy writer.
MAE is a book that embraces the conventions and tropes of the portal fiction genre and filters it through the lens of charters who themselves are aware of those tropes and conventions. Gene applies a carefully loving sensibility to the narrative that when paired with his unique artistic styling creates something truly special.
My only qualm is in the way the volume ends because with these Kickstarter projects you never know when the next installment will come about and I am lazy and selfish.
November 9, 2015
I was a Kickstarter backer, so I wanted to like this more than I actually did. Story-wise, it feels like a good first issue. I guess I was expecting more of a standalone story, but I can't really criticize it for that. In this "first issue" Ha sketches good characters and sets up a lot of ideas that will be fun to see him explore. He also has some very interesting and stylish character design.
However, I just did not enjoy the art. Ha's layouts and panel-work are very good. But the digital coloring is ugly as hell and his photo-referenced, but cartoon-ified faces just aren't appealing to me.
However, I just did not enjoy the art. Ha's layouts and panel-work are very good. But the digital coloring is ugly as hell and his photo-referenced, but cartoon-ified faces just aren't appealing to me.
June 17, 2016
Mae has an intriguing concept, but the portal trope can feel stale so my fingers are crossed this one doesn't end up that way. Abbie and her friend Dahlia are pretty average young women when suddenly Abbie's long-missing sister Mae returns, thrusting them all into trouble. She was apparently a queen in another world and is clearly a bit of a warrior as well. Abbie doesn't believe her until a cat thug appears.
The story isn't anything super fresh, but it's interesting enough. However the art really didn't sit with me. It felt like a comic book populated with Sim characters and I found it very distracting. I'll give it a few more.
The story isn't anything super fresh, but it's interesting enough. However the art really didn't sit with me. It felt like a comic book populated with Sim characters and I found it very distracting. I'll give it a few more.
October 25, 2015
While I enjoyed the story, I really wasn't a fan of the art style in this book. Though the process description at the end of the volume shows otherwise, I just couldn't shake the feeling that the characters, up close, looked like low-poly Poser models overly lit by invisible sources and then sketched around the edges for a cel-shading effect. I like Gene's art in the companion volume that came with this on Kickstarter a good deal more, though I'd still be interested to read further to see where the story goes.
November 20, 2015
I just received my Kickstarter version of this graphic novel today ( https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/... ). It's a gorgeous hardcover book, with a different cover illustration, featuring the two sisters. I love the art and use of colors and plot. This volume pretty much sets up the story, can't wait to see where it goes next :)
November 24, 2015
The result of an incredibly successful kickstarter campaign Gene Ha's Mae works pretty well as the first instalment of a potentially sprawling modern day fantasy style story. The story sets up numerous elements which could be explored at length, the main problem facing readers is not knowing when or if they will see it happen.
July 11, 2016
Gene Ha turns out to be as talented a writer as he is an artist. "Mae" is visually stunning, and the story is fast paced and engaging. Mae features believable characters that open the door to an unbelievable world. "Mae" only begins to scratch the surface of Ha's incredible fantasy world, and it's got me hooked for the upcoming ongoing series.
November 12, 2015
This book was amazing. And made by someone I know. I really want the next book. Its so good. I can't wait until the next book and to read it. I think that the plot is super good and the drawings were good to. I recommend this book to people that like fantasy and action. READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!
January 1, 2016
Cracking start to the story of Mae, who's coming to terms with her runaway sister's return. Fast-pased, with luscious visuals and characters just starting to come into their own, I'm only sorry it wasn't longer.
September 23, 2015
Fantastic blend of storytelling and art. This first volume sets up the story. Now I have to wait until the next volume to find out what happens.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews