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Porcelain #3
Porcelain: Ivory Tower
More than a decade has passed, and Lady has become a Mother. Hidden behind the high walls of her tower, cut-off from the world, she has sacrificed everything to keep her Children safe.
Set within a world that’s a magical echo of our own, Ivory Tower is the story of Mother, a revolutionary, who must overcome ruthless enemies and the dark secrets of her past to carve a new future for all her Children.
Set within a world that’s a magical echo of our own, Ivory Tower is the story of Mother, a revolutionary, who must overcome ruthless enemies and the dark secrets of her past to carve a new future for all her Children.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
1 person is currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin Read
13 books83 followersBenjamin Read writes comics and makes films. He wrote the multiply award-nominated PORCELAIN: A GOTHIC FAIRY TALE, the silent comic BUTTERFLY GATE, and children’s book, NIGHT POST, as well as the TRUE GRIT and SUPER 8 comic adaptations. He also wrote and produced the films ARMISTICE and 500 MILES NORTH. He is one of the founder members of the Improper Books comics collective, and is fuelled principally by tea and whimsy. He is currently working on the rest of the Porcelain sequence, alongside writing his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 7, 2018
Really love this series, and it's filled with so much magic and beauty. This particular volume went a bit darker than some of the previous ones, and I really liked being drawn back into the world of Mother. It seems that the world has got darker and the enemies greater here, but maybe the greatest enemy is love. 4*s
March 29, 2019
This was awesome...until the finale (quite the reverse of the previous volume).
I liked how the world expanded, how the porcelain got their own personnalities... It was so much more interesting and original.
The war and the siege were handled perfectly. You clearly get a sense here how all this was unavoidable. One day or another they would have come for her.
The moral questions were also a high point : not wanting to send porcelain to war seems great until you realise humans are dying because of this. The fact that she did not want to be turned etc.
The ending however killed my enjoyment. I did not get the logic of accusing her of the death that happened because of the accusator?! What the fuck? How fucked up was that accusing her of something you were the cause of?
Ugh. I'm kinda done with this series to be honest. The ending seems kind of open to a sequel but I have been mixed feelings about this since volume 2 so.
I liked how the world expanded, how the porcelain got their own personnalities... It was so much more interesting and original.
The war and the siege were handled perfectly. You clearly get a sense here how all this was unavoidable. One day or another they would have come for her.
The moral questions were also a high point : not wanting to send porcelain to war seems great until you realise humans are dying because of this. The fact that she did not want to be turned etc.
The ending however killed my enjoyment. I did not get the logic of accusing her of the death that happened because of the accusator?! What the fuck? How fucked up was that accusing her of something you were the cause of?
Ugh. I'm kinda done with this series to be honest. The ending seems kind of open to a sequel but I have been mixed feelings about this since volume 2 so.
June 10, 2021
Wydarzenia ukazane w tomie drugim sprawiły, że bohaterka serii stała się bardzo nieufna wobec świata zewnętrznego. Teoretyczny spokój i całkowite odcięcie się od problemów miał zapewnić jej wysoki mur wieży, w której zamieszkała. To pozornie idylliczne miejsce, przypominające „raj” stało się domem, w którym mogła ona spokojnie wychowywać swoje potomstwo. Mowa tutaj zarówno o jej dwóch córkach (Tori i Ari), jak i wszystkich porcelanowych „tworach”, które stały się jej dziećmi, epatując coraz mocniej prawdziwym człowieczeństwem. Kilka lat wytchnienia pozwoliło zapomnieć o wielkim zagrożeniu. Taki stan rzeczy nie mógł jednak trwać wiecznie. W końcu jej wrogowie zaczęli działać, zmuszając ją do obrony. Jak na prawdziwą „matkę” przystało, jest ona zdeterminowana do ratowania swoich latorośli i zrobi wszystko, aby wróg pożałował swojej decyzji.
Historia od samego początku pokazywała swoją nietuzinkowość. Autor nie bał się łączyć tutaj mocnych, trudnych i emocjonalnych tematów z dużą dawką fantastyki, dodatkowo całość jeszcze doprawiając solidną szczyptą baśniowości. Pierwszy tom stanowił świetne wprowadzenie, oczarowując czytelnika gotyckim klimatem. Część druga to widowiskowa akcja, która potrafiła w kilku momentach mocniej wcisnąć w fotel. Część ostatnia to z kolei najlepsze z możliwych zakończeń tej opowieści, które idealnie oddaje klimat całej serii. Jeśli jednak ktoś liczy na wyjaśnienie wszelkich pojawiających się w historii wątków i rozjaśnienie niektórych zawiłości fabularnych, to może poczuć się odrobinę zawiedziony. Autor postanowił pozostawić czytelnikom trochę miejsce do własnych interpretacji, mocniej skupiając się na fragmentach, które będą wywoływać u odbiorcy mocne reakcje emocjonalne.
Benjamin Read kolejny już raz tworzy tutaj świetny obraz głównej bohaterki. Tym razem stara się ukazać jej obecne życie, które zostało naznaczone decyzjami z przeszłości i wydarzeniami, których była uczestnikiem. Wspomnienia te momentami dość mocno ją „przygniatają” co widać zarówno w jej zachowaniu, jak i obliczu (pomiędzy drugą i trzecią częścią minęło ponad dziesięć lat). Bardzo istotną rolę w całej historii pełnią tutaj również „porcelanowe” istoty, których dotknęła szeroko pojęta ewolucja (zarówno fizyczna, jak i duchowa). Niejednokrotnie będzie pojawiać się tutaj niezwerbalizowane pytanie, co czyni nas tak naprawdę ludźmi?
Same pozytywy dostrzega się również w oprawie graficznej dzieła, które nadal prezentuje się znakomicie. Chris Wildgoose kolejny razem przepełnia album pracami, z których wylewa się steampunkowa estetyka. Do tego dochodzi jeszcze jego finezja i niesamowita subtelność niektórych kadrów, na których można (a nawet trzeba) zatrzymać się nieco dłużej. Najbardziej jest to widoczne w rozkładówkach, które dosłownie zapierają dech w piersi.
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/recen...
Historia od samego początku pokazywała swoją nietuzinkowość. Autor nie bał się łączyć tutaj mocnych, trudnych i emocjonalnych tematów z dużą dawką fantastyki, dodatkowo całość jeszcze doprawiając solidną szczyptą baśniowości. Pierwszy tom stanowił świetne wprowadzenie, oczarowując czytelnika gotyckim klimatem. Część druga to widowiskowa akcja, która potrafiła w kilku momentach mocniej wcisnąć w fotel. Część ostatnia to z kolei najlepsze z możliwych zakończeń tej opowieści, które idealnie oddaje klimat całej serii. Jeśli jednak ktoś liczy na wyjaśnienie wszelkich pojawiających się w historii wątków i rozjaśnienie niektórych zawiłości fabularnych, to może poczuć się odrobinę zawiedziony. Autor postanowił pozostawić czytelnikom trochę miejsce do własnych interpretacji, mocniej skupiając się na fragmentach, które będą wywoływać u odbiorcy mocne reakcje emocjonalne.
Benjamin Read kolejny już raz tworzy tutaj świetny obraz głównej bohaterki. Tym razem stara się ukazać jej obecne życie, które zostało naznaczone decyzjami z przeszłości i wydarzeniami, których była uczestnikiem. Wspomnienia te momentami dość mocno ją „przygniatają” co widać zarówno w jej zachowaniu, jak i obliczu (pomiędzy drugą i trzecią częścią minęło ponad dziesięć lat). Bardzo istotną rolę w całej historii pełnią tutaj również „porcelanowe” istoty, których dotknęła szeroko pojęta ewolucja (zarówno fizyczna, jak i duchowa). Niejednokrotnie będzie pojawiać się tutaj niezwerbalizowane pytanie, co czyni nas tak naprawdę ludźmi?
Same pozytywy dostrzega się również w oprawie graficznej dzieła, które nadal prezentuje się znakomicie. Chris Wildgoose kolejny razem przepełnia album pracami, z których wylewa się steampunkowa estetyka. Do tego dochodzi jeszcze jego finezja i niesamowita subtelność niektórych kadrów, na których można (a nawet trzeba) zatrzymać się nieco dłużej. Najbardziej jest to widoczne w rozkładówkach, które dosłownie zapierają dech w piersi.
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/recen...
October 14, 2018
The 'Porcelain' trilogy by Benjamin Read and Chris Wildgoose and published by Improper Books, concludes with 'Ivory Tower'. Child, which began the series, later becoming Lady in the book 2, is now Mother, a revolutionary that will do whatever it takes to protect her children - both her two daughters, Tori and Ari and those in white Porcelain. But as her enemies close in on them, fearing her magical power over the the porcelain automatons, her measures of protection become ever more arrogant, believing that only she knows how to keep them all safe, exerting a stricter level of control which starts to fracture the family she has built within the tower she calls home.
The story by Benjamin Reed is tight and very tense. Once again, very much character driven. As such, the distinctive personalities of Mother and her daughters shine through, mostly clashing against one another, it also drives the narrative as Ari pushes back against Mother, wanting to escape the confines of the walls of the tower, and Tori becoming unsettlingly more and more like Mother over the course of the book. It made for a very engaging and compelling read to see this unfold. The tone of the three part series has also become a lot darker as the story progressed. It's been interesting to see the character development of Child as she's grown up from when we first see her as the likeable cocky street urchin who meets Uncle and discovering the secrets of the Porcelain. But the tragic events in book 2; 'Bone China', leads Mother to become more isolationist, afraid of what the outside world would do to her and her Children. This self imposed solitude chips away at her, changing her personality, often resulting in her having to make decisions that lack any rationality.
The art by Chris Wildgoose, with assists by André May and Alexa Rose, is once again superb, full of detail and bringing the world of Porcelain to vivid life, making it a joy to read. The art is definitely a highlight of the series.
The 'Porcelain' trilogy is a sad and bittersweet story about family, power, control and the repercussions of isolation. A tale of a child off the streets, making a chance discovery and growing up over the years. Blinded by the love for her Children and only wishing to keep them safe from harm, and sacrificing everything to keep them that way, which although she means well, in the end sadly backfires. It's a recommended read, not just this volume, but the whole trilogy.
The story by Benjamin Reed is tight and very tense. Once again, very much character driven. As such, the distinctive personalities of Mother and her daughters shine through, mostly clashing against one another, it also drives the narrative as Ari pushes back against Mother, wanting to escape the confines of the walls of the tower, and Tori becoming unsettlingly more and more like Mother over the course of the book. It made for a very engaging and compelling read to see this unfold. The tone of the three part series has also become a lot darker as the story progressed. It's been interesting to see the character development of Child as she's grown up from when we first see her as the likeable cocky street urchin who meets Uncle and discovering the secrets of the Porcelain. But the tragic events in book 2; 'Bone China', leads Mother to become more isolationist, afraid of what the outside world would do to her and her Children. This self imposed solitude chips away at her, changing her personality, often resulting in her having to make decisions that lack any rationality.
The art by Chris Wildgoose, with assists by André May and Alexa Rose, is once again superb, full of detail and bringing the world of Porcelain to vivid life, making it a joy to read. The art is definitely a highlight of the series.
The 'Porcelain' trilogy is a sad and bittersweet story about family, power, control and the repercussions of isolation. A tale of a child off the streets, making a chance discovery and growing up over the years. Blinded by the love for her Children and only wishing to keep them safe from harm, and sacrificing everything to keep them that way, which although she means well, in the end sadly backfires. It's a recommended read, not just this volume, but the whole trilogy.
February 1, 2018
I almost believe that Chris Wildgoose, the artist of this brilliant work, has a monopoly on a bright clean lined image that's perfect for comics. His art shines in this Porcelain trilogy and I loved this one most of the three. Now that's not to say Benjamin Read shouldn't be highlighted for his engaging and tense writing. I really did not see what was coming and that's a lovely surprise for an older guy who has read tons!
The story of how Lady becomes Mother is not told directly but we can guess how things have gone since the last tale. Her relationship with the 'children' is well portrayed and her decisions explained. I have found through the series I have begun to wonder what she was becoming and in this part we soon learn. I look forward to seeing where this fantastic team are taking this series and hoping it doesn't end here
The story of how Lady becomes Mother is not told directly but we can guess how things have gone since the last tale. Her relationship with the 'children' is well portrayed and her decisions explained. I have found through the series I have begun to wonder what she was becoming and in this part we soon learn. I look forward to seeing where this fantastic team are taking this series and hoping it doesn't end here
August 17, 2021
Beloved Mother, bring our enemies to the white, or send them to the dark, but leave them not in this world to harm us.
I've really enjoyed this trilogy and the final installment ties everything together nicely.
Girl has grown to Mother with her daughters growing in influence and power. Mother's enemies are gathering and arming for war. Mother has tough decisions to make and long held secrets will be revealed. What lengths will Mother go to in order to protect her beloved children!
This was thoroughly enjoyed. Each panel soaked in to get the full impact of the story. 5 stars.
I've really enjoyed this trilogy and the final installment ties everything together nicely.
Girl has grown to Mother with her daughters growing in influence and power. Mother's enemies are gathering and arming for war. Mother has tough decisions to make and long held secrets will be revealed. What lengths will Mother go to in order to protect her beloved children!
This was thoroughly enjoyed. Each panel soaked in to get the full impact of the story. 5 stars.
January 28, 2018
This whole series was visually stunning with a story that left me wanting more. This was my first foray into graphic novels and I was surprised at the complexity of characters and nuanced story telling. This will not be my last GN from this talented pair.
April 17, 2018
Amazing, story-wise and visually. Highly recommended. So glad I bought the signed edition in London :-)
April 18, 2020
Another great instalment with gorgeous artwork, though a bit darker than the previous volumes.
July 29, 2020
I liked it but it was not as mind-blowingly good as the others in the series
January 8, 2022
Będę tęsknić za tą serią, Porcelana jest magiczna ❤️
September 17, 2022
Je suis triste que l’histoire se finisse comme cela..
June 8, 2025
2.5
Visually amazing, the pace was way better but I didn't appreciate the last part (the ending could've been different)
Visually amazing, the pace was way better but I didn't appreciate the last part (the ending could've been different)
June 3, 2019
I am going to review this series as a whole, after reading the final chapter - Ivory Tower.
Truthfully, one of the best comics read recently.
Amazing story, drawings, colours, characterisation and message. I appreciate the fact that the story is only three volumes long and that at no point did I feel the story too rushed.
Strong, independent female main characters with a great supporting and diverse casting. The story flows beautifully and the momentum builds in intensity from one chapter to the next.
I would have preferred more focus on Mother's two daughters and the ending feels slightly unbalanced and rushed.
The second installement feels to me the best of the series.
Truthfully, one of the best comics read recently.
Amazing story, drawings, colours, characterisation and message. I appreciate the fact that the story is only three volumes long and that at no point did I feel the story too rushed.
Strong, independent female main characters with a great supporting and diverse casting. The story flows beautifully and the momentum builds in intensity from one chapter to the next.
I would have preferred more focus on Mother's two daughters and the ending feels slightly unbalanced and rushed.
The second installement feels to me the best of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2024
I'm not usually a graphic novel person, but I thoroughly enjoyed this. The art is spectacular, and I loved the comments at the end that helped explore the characters in more detail. I like how the story and the porcelain itself evolve over the series; it is scaringly realistic. The plot itself in this final book was quite cliche, in fact disappointingly predictable - but saying that, the characters and themes are handled interestingly enough to make this a gripping read. I will definitely be going over it again to pick out some hidden details I missed the first time round!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews