What do you think?
Rate this book
Heart in a Box #1-7
Descorazonada
Emma se siente morir desde que su ex le rompió el corazón. Pero las rupturas no acaban contigo por muy mal que te sientas. En un momento de desesperación, Emma desea que su corazón roto desaparezca y un misterioso desconocido (cuyas intenciones no están muy claras) la complace. Pero dejar de sentir es mucho peor que sufrir mal de amores, y Emma cambia de idea. Recuperar su corazón no va a ser nada fácil. Ahora repartido en 7 pedazos dentro de 7 desconocidos. La única manera de volver a estar completa es juntar los trozos. Y para ello todo vale.
160 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2015
12 people are currently reading
885 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Thompson
763 books1,032 followersKELLY THOMPSON has a degree in Sequential Art from The Savannah College of Art & Design. Her love of comics and superheroes have compelled her since she first discovered them as a teenager. Currently living in Portland, Oregon with her boyfriend and the two brilliant cats that run their lives, you can find Kelly all over the Internet where she is generally well liked, except where she's detested.
Kelly has published two novels - THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING (2012) and STORYKILLER (2014) and the graphic novel HEART IN A BOX from Dark Horse Comics (2015). She's currently writing ROGUE & GAMBIT, HAWKEYE, and PHASMA for Marvel Comics and GHOSTBUSTERS for IDW. Other major credits include: A-Force, Captain Marvel & The Carol Corps, Jem and The Holograms, Misfits, Power Rangers Pink, and the creator-owned mini-series Mega Princess.
Kelly's ambitions are eclipsed only by her desire to exist entirely in pajamas. Fortunately pajamas and writers go hand in hand (most of the time). Please buy all her stuff so that she can buy (and wear) more pajamas.
Kelly has published two novels - THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING (2012) and STORYKILLER (2014) and the graphic novel HEART IN A BOX from Dark Horse Comics (2015). She's currently writing ROGUE & GAMBIT, HAWKEYE, and PHASMA for Marvel Comics and GHOSTBUSTERS for IDW. Other major credits include: A-Force, Captain Marvel & The Carol Corps, Jem and The Holograms, Misfits, Power Rangers Pink, and the creator-owned mini-series Mega Princess.
Kelly's ambitions are eclipsed only by her desire to exist entirely in pajamas. Fortunately pajamas and writers go hand in hand (most of the time). Please buy all her stuff so that she can buy (and wear) more pajamas.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
September 20, 2015
The Man with No Name breaks Emma's heart and she gets a chance to get rid of her heart to feel no more pain. But she soon realize that a life without a heart she has no life...
This graphic novel was a big surprise for me. I hoped it would be enjoyable to read. The art was a bit meh for me in the beginning, then it grew on me and in the end I came to love it. The same goes for the story. I was a bit confused when it came to the heart of the cat; I was afraid Brock had been run over or something. Then, I went back and read the pages again and I think my heart brook a bit when I realized what the cat had done. Without doubt the best part of the Heart in a Box. But that can be because I love cats.
This is a wonderful graphic novel. I loved the humor, the sadness and how wonderfully lovely the story could be sometimes. The ending was truly great. Read it!
I received this copy from Dark Horse Originals through Edelweiss in return for an honest review! Thank you!
This graphic novel was a big surprise for me. I hoped it would be enjoyable to read. The art was a bit meh for me in the beginning, then it grew on me and in the end I came to love it. The same goes for the story. I was a bit confused when it came to the heart of the cat; I was afraid Brock had been run over or something. Then, I went back and read the pages again and I think my heart brook a bit when I realized what the cat had done. Without doubt the best part of the Heart in a Box. But that can be because I love cats.
This is a wonderful graphic novel. I loved the humor, the sadness and how wonderfully lovely the story could be sometimes. The ending was truly great. Read it!
I received this copy from Dark Horse Originals through Edelweiss in return for an honest review! Thank you!
February 22, 2019
Updated review: 14/02/2018 - The artwork was superb and the storytelling wonderful. I ended up identifying with Emma on so many levels and will definitely re-read it again in the future.
Original review: What a lovely surprise of a book!
I bought this graphic novel on a whim and I am very glad I did.
Heart in a Box is an affecting read which follows Emma Elliot as she tries to piece her heart back together after a painful break-up. We follow her as she journeys across America, visiting myriad people in an attempt at making her heart whole once again.
The concept was brilliant and perfectly executed. The dialogue was sharp and the illustrations were superb. (I particularly loved Emma's eyes). And Bob was great! He looked like a human devil *swoons*
Heart in a Box is a perfect example of concise and effective storytelling - it isn't a long read (160 pages) and yet it embodies the whole story. We follow one woman on a life-changing rediscovery of herself and Thompson makes this look effortless. I shall definitely be checking out her other work!
I now feel inspired to take up the pen myself and have my way on paper. Perhaps I shall.
If you want a great little graphic novel to read in this lovely sunshine, Heart in a Box is definitely the way to go!
Original review: What a lovely surprise of a book!
I bought this graphic novel on a whim and I am very glad I did.
Heart in a Box is an affecting read which follows Emma Elliot as she tries to piece her heart back together after a painful break-up. We follow her as she journeys across America, visiting myriad people in an attempt at making her heart whole once again.
The concept was brilliant and perfectly executed. The dialogue was sharp and the illustrations were superb. (I particularly loved Emma's eyes). And Bob was great! He looked like a human devil *swoons*
Heart in a Box is a perfect example of concise and effective storytelling - it isn't a long read (160 pages) and yet it embodies the whole story. We follow one woman on a life-changing rediscovery of herself and Thompson makes this look effortless. I shall definitely be checking out her other work!
I now feel inspired to take up the pen myself and have my way on paper. Perhaps I shall.
If you want a great little graphic novel to read in this lovely sunshine, Heart in a Box is definitely the way to go!
October 5, 2021
Emma has her heart broken and can't take the pain. She wishes her heart away and soon regrets it now that she is completely empty. She must go on a cross-country trek to rediscover the 7 missing pieces of her heart. The series is dark, moody, introspective and a real engrossing read. Meredith McClaren's art is gorgeous and unique with great uses of color to tell the story.
May 22, 2021
A book about heartbreak, who doesn't like that?
I certainly do, and I found the story quite moving, eventhough some of the fantastical elements didn't make complete sense.
The art is interesting. It's the kind of art I have a visceral reaction to, at first not liking it, but after spending some time with it completely changing my mind and feeling it's quite beautiful.
Also, there's a cat, so that's great!
(Thanks to Dark Horse Books for providing me with an ARC through Edelweiss)
I certainly do, and I found the story quite moving, eventhough some of the fantastical elements didn't make complete sense.
The art is interesting. It's the kind of art I have a visceral reaction to, at first not liking it, but after spending some time with it completely changing my mind and feeling it's quite beautiful.
Also, there's a cat, so that's great!
(Thanks to Dark Horse Books for providing me with an ARC through Edelweiss)
October 5, 2021
I always love it when I book I know nothing about except the title surprises and delights me. It took me a second to warm up to the art, but the scripting grabbed me immediately in this fantasy yarn about heartbreak and the long cross-country road to putting the pieces back together.
In double-checking Kelly Thompson's name, I see that I've read some of her perfectly fine work-for-hire published by Archie and Marvel. Here's hoping she has a chance to put her heart into something as winning as this again in the near future.
In double-checking Kelly Thompson's name, I see that I've read some of her perfectly fine work-for-hire published by Archie and Marvel. Here's hoping she has a chance to put her heart into something as winning as this again in the near future.
November 23, 2015
I'm obviously in the minority here, but I just wasn't feeling this one. I had too many questions about how the whole heart thing worked. Which means that either there really was a lot that was left unanswered or worse, that I couldn't engage in the story enough to suspend my disbelief. Maybe less pieces of heart would have been better, I don't know.
September 3, 2018
After making a colossally bad decision to wish her broken heart away, Emma realizes that even a broken heart is better than no heart, and sets off on a cross-country tour to find the seven pieces. Emma has to convince each individual with a piece to will the piece back to her, and while doing this, Emma begins dealing with her emotional issues.
While the art style initially threw me, it grew on me, and by halfway through this volume, I really liked it. I also liked the the way Emma had to unearth her other memories and pain as part of her confrontations; her relationship with the cat was particularly sweet. And it was good there was a hopeful end to the story.
While the art style initially threw me, it grew on me, and by halfway through this volume, I really liked it. I also liked the the way Emma had to unearth her other memories and pain as part of her confrontations; her relationship with the cat was particularly sweet. And it was good there was a hopeful end to the story.
July 17, 2016
Holy moly, for a book so short this is an emotional roller coaster.
This is the story of a girl whose heart is broken by a two-timing jerkwad. She wishes her heart away and after a while realizes what a big mistake that was. Now she has to travel the country to get it back through any means possible.
This is a graphic novel that will pull at your heart strings. Friends are met and lost. You'll be on the edge of your seat for parts and breathing sighs of relief at close calls. You won't want to put this down.
This is the story of a girl whose heart is broken by a two-timing jerkwad. She wishes her heart away and after a while realizes what a big mistake that was. Now she has to travel the country to get it back through any means possible.
This is a graphic novel that will pull at your heart strings. Friends are met and lost. You'll be on the edge of your seat for parts and breathing sighs of relief at close calls. You won't want to put this down.
Read
May 18, 2018Initial review: OH MY GOD SUCH PERFECTION BUT I WILL HAVE TO STOP CRYING FIRST TO BE ABLE TO COME BACK AND WRITE ABOUT HOW INCREDIBLE THIS IS! PICK IT UP AND READ IT WHILE I GET MYSELF TOGETHER!
More thought out review: My thoughts could not be contained in a comment so they are in this video: https://youtu.be/pHvYc8-S-e0?t=3m41s
More thought out review: My thoughts could not be contained in a comment so they are in this video: https://youtu.be/pHvYc8-S-e0?t=3m41s
February 24, 2017
This was spectacular. I hope she gets reunited with Brock, but that's unlikely. Kinda confused as to what happened with piece number four, but that's irrelevant.
Def gonna check out the other books these two wrote/drew/whatever.
Def gonna check out the other books these two wrote/drew/whatever.
January 8, 2017
I'm not overly familiar with graphic novels - but I really liked this one! It's poignant, sad, sweet - I see why everyone is raving. I like the illustration style and the story is well done.
November 3, 2015
I received this graphic novel in my October LandFallFreight. I didn't know what to expect from it at first but I was very happy with it. I love the artwork and I loved the overall story. The endin was not what I was expecting but it was brilliant. My favourite character is Brock lol. I'm hoping that there is a second book because I want to see if she gets all the pieces back to their owners. I would recommend this novel to everyone.
February 12, 2023
ENGLISH VERSION BELOW
-----------------------------
Hinter dieser Graphic Novel verbirgt sich ein sehr interessantes Konzept. Der Hauptfigur Emma wird das Herz gebrochen. Ihr Schmerz ist so groß, dass sie sich nichts sehnlicher wünscht, als dass dieser Schmerz verschwindet und alles vorbei ist. Plötzlich steht ein Typ neben ihr und bietet ihr an, sie von diesem Schmerz zu erlösen, in dem er ihr Herz an sich nimmt. Emma stimmt dem zu. Was sie nicht bedacht hat, ist, dass das Herz nicht nur solch große Schmerzen empfinden kann, sondern auch für alle großen positiven Gefühle verantwortlich ist. Emma hat Sehnsucht nach ihrem Herz und diesen großen Gefühlen. Was sie nicht wusste: der Typ zerlegt ihr Herz in mehrere Teile und übergibt diese anderen, die ein Herz benötigen. Emma kann diese Teile spüren und somit auch aufspüren. Um ihr Herz jedoch wieder vollständig zusammensetzen zu können, braucht sie alle Teile, und das im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes. Sie muss die Teile dem jeweiligen Körpern entnehmen, was wiederum den Tod des anderen bedeutet. Die Teile muss Emma in einer Box sammeln – Heart in a box.
Man versteht Emma so gut, man versteht ihren Schmerz, man versteht die Emotionen, die Emma durchläuft. Es ist eine Geschichte mit Details, über die man lange nachdenkt. Man fiebert mit. Über oftmals wenige Worte und ein paar wenige Panels werden die Geschichten jener erzählt, die Teile ihres Herzens erhalten haben und warum sie diese benötigt haben.
Schade ist, dass es keinerlei Erklärungen gibt. Emma fragt bei dem Typ zwar nach, erhält jedoch keine Antworten, da es nicht seine Aufgabe ist, ihr das System zu erklären.
Danke an Leen, dass sie diese Graphic Novel zu unserer Bücherrunde mitgebracht hat, da ich sonst niemals darauf gestoßen wäre.
-----------------------------
-----------------------------
There is a very interesting concept behind this graphic novel. The main character, Emma, has her heart broken. Her pain is so great that she wants nothing more than for this pain to disappear and for everything to be over. Suddenly a guy stands next to her and offers to release her from this pain by taking her heart. Emma agrees. What she hasn't considered is that the heart can not only feel such great pain, but is also responsible for all great positive feelings. Emma longs for her heart and these great feelings. What she didn't know is that the guy breaks her heart into several parts and gives them to others who need a heart. Emma can feel these parts and thus also track them down. However, in order to completely reassemble her heart, she needs all the parts, literally. She has to take the parts from the respective bodies, which in turn means the death of the other. Emma has to collect the parts in a box - Heart in a box.
You understand Emma so well, you understand her pain, you understand the emotions Emma is going through. It's a story with details that you think about for a long time. You root for it. Over often a few words and a few panels, the stories of those who have received pieces of her heart and why they needed them are told.
It is a pity that there are no explanations. Emma does ask the guy about it, but doesn't get any answers because it's not his job to explain the system to her.
Thanks to Leen for bringing this graphic novel to our book round, as I would never have come across it otherwise.
-----------------------------
Hinter dieser Graphic Novel verbirgt sich ein sehr interessantes Konzept. Der Hauptfigur Emma wird das Herz gebrochen. Ihr Schmerz ist so groß, dass sie sich nichts sehnlicher wünscht, als dass dieser Schmerz verschwindet und alles vorbei ist. Plötzlich steht ein Typ neben ihr und bietet ihr an, sie von diesem Schmerz zu erlösen, in dem er ihr Herz an sich nimmt. Emma stimmt dem zu. Was sie nicht bedacht hat, ist, dass das Herz nicht nur solch große Schmerzen empfinden kann, sondern auch für alle großen positiven Gefühle verantwortlich ist. Emma hat Sehnsucht nach ihrem Herz und diesen großen Gefühlen. Was sie nicht wusste: der Typ zerlegt ihr Herz in mehrere Teile und übergibt diese anderen, die ein Herz benötigen. Emma kann diese Teile spüren und somit auch aufspüren. Um ihr Herz jedoch wieder vollständig zusammensetzen zu können, braucht sie alle Teile, und das im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes. Sie muss die Teile dem jeweiligen Körpern entnehmen, was wiederum den Tod des anderen bedeutet. Die Teile muss Emma in einer Box sammeln – Heart in a box.
Man versteht Emma so gut, man versteht ihren Schmerz, man versteht die Emotionen, die Emma durchläuft. Es ist eine Geschichte mit Details, über die man lange nachdenkt. Man fiebert mit. Über oftmals wenige Worte und ein paar wenige Panels werden die Geschichten jener erzählt, die Teile ihres Herzens erhalten haben und warum sie diese benötigt haben.
Schade ist, dass es keinerlei Erklärungen gibt. Emma fragt bei dem Typ zwar nach, erhält jedoch keine Antworten, da es nicht seine Aufgabe ist, ihr das System zu erklären.
Danke an Leen, dass sie diese Graphic Novel zu unserer Bücherrunde mitgebracht hat, da ich sonst niemals darauf gestoßen wäre.
-----------------------------
-----------------------------
There is a very interesting concept behind this graphic novel. The main character, Emma, has her heart broken. Her pain is so great that she wants nothing more than for this pain to disappear and for everything to be over. Suddenly a guy stands next to her and offers to release her from this pain by taking her heart. Emma agrees. What she hasn't considered is that the heart can not only feel such great pain, but is also responsible for all great positive feelings. Emma longs for her heart and these great feelings. What she didn't know is that the guy breaks her heart into several parts and gives them to others who need a heart. Emma can feel these parts and thus also track them down. However, in order to completely reassemble her heart, she needs all the parts, literally. She has to take the parts from the respective bodies, which in turn means the death of the other. Emma has to collect the parts in a box - Heart in a box.
You understand Emma so well, you understand her pain, you understand the emotions Emma is going through. It's a story with details that you think about for a long time. You root for it. Over often a few words and a few panels, the stories of those who have received pieces of her heart and why they needed them are told.
It is a pity that there are no explanations. Emma does ask the guy about it, but doesn't get any answers because it's not his job to explain the system to her.
Thanks to Leen for bringing this graphic novel to our book round, as I would never have come across it otherwise.
August 3, 2015
I got this book as an ebook ARC from Edelweiss.
This was fantastic. The story is about a girl who has her heart wished away and after seeing how bad it is without feeling has to go on a journey to get the pieces back to make her whole.
First of all, the illustrations were beautiful. Absolutely stunning. The colors were perfect and everything just looked amazing. The frames weren't too busy and every thing flowed. Nothing was abrasive about the way it was setup.
The story was wonderful too. Through all her hardships, she realized that having a heart is so much better; that having emotion is what makes us alive. The ending was so perfect. It was so heartfelt and made me just so happy. Well composed and well written. This story had an easy time pulling on my heartstrings. The main character, Emma, was so easy to relate too...I know that many people have gone through hard times and felt like nothing mattered. This story just really spoke to me.
I'd gladly recommend this to other people. It was a perfect blend of illustration, story-telling and above all else, heart.
This was fantastic. The story is about a girl who has her heart wished away and after seeing how bad it is without feeling has to go on a journey to get the pieces back to make her whole.
First of all, the illustrations were beautiful. Absolutely stunning. The colors were perfect and everything just looked amazing. The frames weren't too busy and every thing flowed. Nothing was abrasive about the way it was setup.
The story was wonderful too. Through all her hardships, she realized that having a heart is so much better; that having emotion is what makes us alive. The ending was so perfect. It was so heartfelt and made me just so happy. Well composed and well written. This story had an easy time pulling on my heartstrings. The main character, Emma, was so easy to relate too...I know that many people have gone through hard times and felt like nothing mattered. This story just really spoke to me.
I'd gladly recommend this to other people. It was a perfect blend of illustration, story-telling and above all else, heart.
August 4, 2015
I got the ARC of this free from Edelweiss.
I really enjoyed the story and the message. The art was unique and lovely.
This is a tale that has an interesting -- and mostly unexplained -- mythology behind it all. it doesn't matter that it's left as glimpses, because we get enough to make it tantalizing. What's going on in the foreground is both an exploration of the way we relate to others and how we deal with the fallout when those relationships become sour. I mean, yeah, on the surface it's about a woman who is searching for the pieces of her heart, but in a way it's also just showing us more pointedly what we really do in life when we're focused on something we really want... The ways our pain can sometimes spread to others, but also how sometimes we can use that same pain to make things better.
My only gripe -- which takes this down a star -- is that I wish it were longer. I wanted just a bit more meat.
I really enjoyed the story and the message. The art was unique and lovely.
This is a tale that has an interesting -- and mostly unexplained -- mythology behind it all. it doesn't matter that it's left as glimpses, because we get enough to make it tantalizing. What's going on in the foreground is both an exploration of the way we relate to others and how we deal with the fallout when those relationships become sour. I mean, yeah, on the surface it's about a woman who is searching for the pieces of her heart, but in a way it's also just showing us more pointedly what we really do in life when we're focused on something we really want... The ways our pain can sometimes spread to others, but also how sometimes we can use that same pain to make things better.
My only gripe -- which takes this down a star -- is that I wish it were longer. I wanted just a bit more meat.
March 28, 2023
Heart in a Box opens with a woman in a brutal fight, which ends in the death of her opponent, and a promise there’s an explanation for this. The explanation? Emma had a terrible breakup, and made a really bad decision. She made a magical/supernatural deal to keep herself from feeling so terrible. Which, it turns out, keeps her from feeling anything at all. What follows is her quest to reclaim her heart, which leads to some pretty dark places. I rooted for Emma all the way, even as she wrestled with her conscience about the fallout from her choices. Life isn’t always pretty. But by the end of the book, she’s grown, and I doubt she’ll make the same mistakes twice.
I first came across Thompson from her comics blogging, and I’m so thrilled to see her pursuing this path with her writing. She’s very talented. McClaren’s art may not be for everyone. It’s a bit complicated. But it makes you love the characters, since it’s clear she loves them so much herself. They all have great hair, too.
I first came across Thompson from her comics blogging, and I’m so thrilled to see her pursuing this path with her writing. She’s very talented. McClaren’s art may not be for everyone. It’s a bit complicated. But it makes you love the characters, since it’s clear she loves them so much herself. They all have great hair, too.
November 22, 2015
Get your shit together, heart.
It's all in pieces, I know.
It's not easy, I know.
You want to be whole again, I know.
But if you do it right, you'll be bigger, better and in more pieces and places than before, but in a good way.
If not... well, keep reading untill you get it.
It's all in pieces, I know.
It's not easy, I know.
You want to be whole again, I know.
But if you do it right, you'll be bigger, better and in more pieces and places than before, but in a good way.
If not... well, keep reading untill you get it.
June 3, 2016
It was good, it was different, it was interesting, it was special, but too many questions were left with no answer.
July 15, 2023
Pacing felt off to me...
November 17, 2015
Heart in a Box is the story of a girl named Emma who has just gone through a breakup, and wishes that she could get rid of her her heart so that she will no longer have to deal with the emotions of pain and loneliness. Of course, after "Bob" shows up to grant her wish, she realizes having no heart is worse than having a broken one, and goes on a journey to reunite the pieces of her lost heart.
This is one of those sorts of stories where I the entire time I was reading it I was like, "yes." The author just gets it. From the awesome gay best friend to the need to do weird shit to your hair after a traumatic event, everything in this story just felt so connected to reality, despite the fact that the entire plot is based on a fantastical heart loss and reclamation system. The character's journey takes her on an epic cross country road trip, with stops in several major cities. I haven't been to all of the places Emma visits, but I've been to enough of them to appreciate the authentic vibe the writer and illustrator have given the setting. Mostly, though, it is being able to identify and empathize with Emma on every step of her journey that sells this story. Granted, Emma's actual situation is a bit unique, as are many of the ordeals she must face on her quest, but the emotional issues she deals with are universal and completely understandable.
The art in this graphic novel is unique, strange, and beautiful. It took a little while for me to adapt to the style, but it is visually striking and suits the story. The artwork really started to grow on me after a bit, and I really fell in love with it by the end of the story. The visuals greatly contribute to the feel of the characters and setting as the story progress. It is incredibly well integrated with the story being told.
Overall I think this is a fantastic story, with beautiful art, and a charming and heartfelt message. I love all of the characters and how they interact with each other and the world around them. The book feels effortlessly truthful in a way that many other stories strive for, yet fail to achieve. It is depressing, heartwarming, entertaining, and thought provoking, all while being a quick read. It leaves a lasting impression, and is a story I'm sure I'll want to revisit in the future. Highly recommended.
This is one of those sorts of stories where I the entire time I was reading it I was like, "yes." The author just gets it. From the awesome gay best friend to the need to do weird shit to your hair after a traumatic event, everything in this story just felt so connected to reality, despite the fact that the entire plot is based on a fantastical heart loss and reclamation system. The character's journey takes her on an epic cross country road trip, with stops in several major cities. I haven't been to all of the places Emma visits, but I've been to enough of them to appreciate the authentic vibe the writer and illustrator have given the setting. Mostly, though, it is being able to identify and empathize with Emma on every step of her journey that sells this story. Granted, Emma's actual situation is a bit unique, as are many of the ordeals she must face on her quest, but the emotional issues she deals with are universal and completely understandable.
The art in this graphic novel is unique, strange, and beautiful. It took a little while for me to adapt to the style, but it is visually striking and suits the story. The artwork really started to grow on me after a bit, and I really fell in love with it by the end of the story. The visuals greatly contribute to the feel of the characters and setting as the story progress. It is incredibly well integrated with the story being told.
Overall I think this is a fantastic story, with beautiful art, and a charming and heartfelt message. I love all of the characters and how they interact with each other and the world around them. The book feels effortlessly truthful in a way that many other stories strive for, yet fail to achieve. It is depressing, heartwarming, entertaining, and thought provoking, all while being a quick read. It leaves a lasting impression, and is a story I'm sure I'll want to revisit in the future. Highly recommended.
August 24, 2015
When the Man with No Name breaks Emma's heart, she wants to die. But you never die from these things; you just want to. In a moment of weakness, she wishes her broken heart away and a mysterious stranger--who may or may not be totally evil--obliges. But emptiness is even worse than grief, and Emma sets out to collect the seven pieces of her heart spread across the country, a journey that forces her to face her own history and the cost of recapturing it, and leads inevitably to a confrontation with the Man with No Name himself!
Heart in a Box has a very interesting plot - the concept of hearts being a commodity that can be wished away and traded. When Emma gets her heart broken by a guy (Man with No Name, seriously - his name is never mentioned), she wishes that she could get away from her feelings; essentially she wishes her heart away an agent, a Acquisitions one, comes to take it. Naturally, later she realizes what a big mistake it was to give your heart away, and asks for it back. He tells her that her the pieces of her heart are scattered, and she will have to go get them back, whichever means works.
The means of getting a heart and varied, as well as the ways of giving them. There is forcibly taking by death, willingly wishing it away, or leaving a piece behind. What I found beautiful in the story was how initially she had to take a piece by violence, but as the story progresses, she gets it by love. She even questions whether to get it, the call of her heart and the feelings of it a strong lure, but the methods hurting her even more. It was sad, but touching, and the story's open ending fits the flow so well.
This was one of the few graphic novels I have appreciated; a beautiful story being the focus and not the artwork. The artist does have a good style, and the fact that Emma's character was drawn as an average woman, not an 'ideal' woman was bonus points in its favor. Her overly huge eyes - almost cartoon-ish, were a bit distracting, though. Overall, I enjoyed this book, so much so that I was surprised when it got over so soon.
Received a free galley from Dark Horse Originals via Edelweiss; this does not affect my opinions or review.
Heart in a Box has a very interesting plot - the concept of hearts being a commodity that can be wished away and traded. When Emma gets her heart broken by a guy (Man with No Name, seriously - his name is never mentioned), she wishes that she could get away from her feelings; essentially she wishes her heart away an agent, a Acquisitions one, comes to take it. Naturally, later she realizes what a big mistake it was to give your heart away, and asks for it back. He tells her that her the pieces of her heart are scattered, and she will have to go get them back, whichever means works.
The means of getting a heart and varied, as well as the ways of giving them. There is forcibly taking by death, willingly wishing it away, or leaving a piece behind. What I found beautiful in the story was how initially she had to take a piece by violence, but as the story progresses, she gets it by love. She even questions whether to get it, the call of her heart and the feelings of it a strong lure, but the methods hurting her even more. It was sad, but touching, and the story's open ending fits the flow so well.
This was one of the few graphic novels I have appreciated; a beautiful story being the focus and not the artwork. The artist does have a good style, and the fact that Emma's character was drawn as an average woman, not an 'ideal' woman was bonus points in its favor. Her overly huge eyes - almost cartoon-ish, were a bit distracting, though. Overall, I enjoyed this book, so much so that I was surprised when it got over so soon.
Received a free galley from Dark Horse Originals via Edelweiss; this does not affect my opinions or review.
March 10, 2017
It's been over a month since I read this, so my thoughts might be a little muddled, but here we go.
When Emma's boyfriend (The Name With No Name) breaks Emma's heart, she wishes she could be rid of it so she can stop hurting. Her wish is granted, but after experiencing the listlessness of feeling nothing, she finds herself wanting it back. However, it's been broken into 7 pieces and dispersed. To get them back, Emma must embark on a roadtrip across the country and track them all down.
As you can gather from the summary, this book has a pretty unique premise. Does Thompson pull it off? Mostly, I'd argue. This comic is very short, so it felt rushed in some aspects (the mechanisms of the heart stuff was a bit confusing at times), but it was also a very poignant read that benefited from its economic page count.
Emma is a full-realized character and Thompson's writing of her was really spot-on, but where she really shone was in her body language and facial expressions. Meredith McClaren's art is what really breathed life into this book. It has a weird, almost manga-like, style to it that initially caught me off guard, but I acclimatized, I couldn't imagine it any other way. The exaggerated style really highlights the emotions and a lot is conveyed to the reader using very little - a feat that looks easy, but is most definitely not.
With Thompson's astute writing and McClaren's evocative art, they bring the very real pain and heartache that comes with heartbreaks to life. The first several pages of this were relatable in a very real and uncomfortable way. There were a few other touching moments too, such as when
This wasn't what I was initially expecting, but I enjoyed it all the same. It certainly has its flaws, but it's emotional core really holds it together and kept me along for the ride.
When Emma's boyfriend (The Name With No Name) breaks Emma's heart, she wishes she could be rid of it so she can stop hurting. Her wish is granted, but after experiencing the listlessness of feeling nothing, she finds herself wanting it back. However, it's been broken into 7 pieces and dispersed. To get them back, Emma must embark on a roadtrip across the country and track them all down.
As you can gather from the summary, this book has a pretty unique premise. Does Thompson pull it off? Mostly, I'd argue. This comic is very short, so it felt rushed in some aspects (the mechanisms of the heart stuff was a bit confusing at times), but it was also a very poignant read that benefited from its economic page count.
Emma is a full-realized character and Thompson's writing of her was really spot-on, but where she really shone was in her body language and facial expressions. Meredith McClaren's art is what really breathed life into this book. It has a weird, almost manga-like, style to it that initially caught me off guard, but I acclimatized, I couldn't imagine it any other way. The exaggerated style really highlights the emotions and a lot is conveyed to the reader using very little - a feat that looks easy, but is most definitely not.
With Thompson's astute writing and McClaren's evocative art, they bring the very real pain and heartache that comes with heartbreaks to life. The first several pages of this were relatable in a very real and uncomfortable way. There were a few other touching moments too, such as when
This wasn't what I was initially expecting, but I enjoyed it all the same. It certainly has its flaws, but it's emotional core really holds it together and kept me along for the ride.
March 26, 2016
Picked up on many recommendations from friends.
Basic Plot: Emma is going through a break-up and in a moment of anguish, gives up her heart so she is left without the pain.
Waking up empty, she wants her heart back and goes on a journey to find her missing peaces. Meeting people (and cats) along the way.
Firstly the protagonist is very body positive. She is draw like a real women, and I don't mean this in a 'Real Women Have Curves'. I just mean, she is real. Her body is all different shapes in different places. When tired and moody, she looks it. Her emotion is shown on her fave and she is not made to look pretty all the time.
When dealing with a break-up, she changes her look drastically. I recognized this in myself and many other people. When life changes you, often you want to change, so you change look in a drastic and unplanned way.
The story, following Emma as she gives up her heart and knits it back together after a break-up. Although depicted in a magical way, I felt it was very grounded in real life. Having to meet new people and work through her problems, while going through her grief.
Emma does this in a very unique way and I love the literal take on all her feelings. It's portrayed in a very human and thoughtful way.
Without giving away the ending, it makes Emma look at the effect and relationship she has put onto other people.
She has built something in her head, without validation, and someone has torn it down.
The art work is confusing at times, I had trouble seeing what I was looking at. But the colour grading throughout the book is stunning. From dull- to full colour depending on emotion and heart state.
I would highly recommend it to anyone but especially someone going through a break up.
Basic Plot: Emma is going through a break-up and in a moment of anguish, gives up her heart so she is left without the pain.
Waking up empty, she wants her heart back and goes on a journey to find her missing peaces. Meeting people (and cats) along the way.
Firstly the protagonist is very body positive. She is draw like a real women, and I don't mean this in a 'Real Women Have Curves'. I just mean, she is real. Her body is all different shapes in different places. When tired and moody, she looks it. Her emotion is shown on her fave and she is not made to look pretty all the time.
When dealing with a break-up, she changes her look drastically. I recognized this in myself and many other people. When life changes you, often you want to change, so you change look in a drastic and unplanned way.
The story, following Emma as she gives up her heart and knits it back together after a break-up. Although depicted in a magical way, I felt it was very grounded in real life. Having to meet new people and work through her problems, while going through her grief.
Emma does this in a very unique way and I love the literal take on all her feelings. It's portrayed in a very human and thoughtful way.
Without giving away the ending, it makes Emma look at the effect and relationship she has put onto other people.
She has built something in her head, without validation, and someone has torn it down.
The art work is confusing at times, I had trouble seeing what I was looking at. But the colour grading throughout the book is stunning. From dull- to full colour depending on emotion and heart state.
I would highly recommend it to anyone but especially someone going through a break up.
January 4, 2016
I don't really know what to make of this. I've not got a huge amount of experience with graphic novels, so there are some aspects I just have nothing to say about.
The illustration was pleasing enough. I wasn't really sure where this was meant to be pitched. Is it a teen sort of novel or is it meant to be adult? Given some of the scenes, I'd presume the latter.
That being said though, I don't know that I'd rate the written content or concept as all that adult.
The protagonist gives up her heart and has to retrieve the pieces. Thinking back on it as a concept, I actually really like it. I think it has a lot of potential, but unfortunately I don't think this really uses it. There's very little pacing and the retrieval of each heart piece is simply too quick, with little anticipation. There's never any indication of failure. In the case of a couple of them I'm not even really sure how she got them back.
I think that would be my main complaint. The whole thing felt underdeveloped. The story itself works, but it lacks any real meat. If it had been bulked up to give it a little more suspense and some room to explain itself, I think I'd have quite enjoyed this.
It's also ridiculously short. It's billed as a graphic novel but I was through the whole lot in an hour, maybe less. I know they tend to be quick reads by their nature, but I was surprised at just how little was written here.
The illustration was pleasing enough. I wasn't really sure where this was meant to be pitched. Is it a teen sort of novel or is it meant to be adult? Given some of the scenes, I'd presume the latter.
That being said though, I don't know that I'd rate the written content or concept as all that adult.
The protagonist gives up her heart and has to retrieve the pieces. Thinking back on it as a concept, I actually really like it. I think it has a lot of potential, but unfortunately I don't think this really uses it. There's very little pacing and the retrieval of each heart piece is simply too quick, with little anticipation. There's never any indication of failure. In the case of a couple of them I'm not even really sure how she got them back.
I think that would be my main complaint. The whole thing felt underdeveloped. The story itself works, but it lacks any real meat. If it had been bulked up to give it a little more suspense and some room to explain itself, I think I'd have quite enjoyed this.
It's also ridiculously short. It's billed as a graphic novel but I was through the whole lot in an hour, maybe less. I know they tend to be quick reads by their nature, but I was surprised at just how little was written here.
September 26, 2015
I hope to write a more detailed review, but in the meantime, these are the main impressions: this story is personal, original, and INSPIRED.
I've been a longtime listener of the 3 Chicks podcast and Kelly and Sue have been a huge influence on my comic book reading experience. They have steered me towards so many stellar reads that I've lost count. I wish Kelly success in everything that she does, so I assumed that when she stepped into the role of creator, I would automatically love everything she does. It's funny because instead of blindly loving on her work, I've found myself holding her to a higher standard and reading with a super-critical eye. But I've got to say, she has knocked it out of the park, first with Jem, then with Carol Corps, and now with Heart in a Box. Each one plays to a different audience and in a superb way. I'm so happy for Kelly because with this book she truly proves that she has a unique voice to contribute to the comics medium, with fresh stories to tell.
Go, Kelly, go!!!
I've been a longtime listener of the 3 Chicks podcast and Kelly and Sue have been a huge influence on my comic book reading experience. They have steered me towards so many stellar reads that I've lost count. I wish Kelly success in everything that she does, so I assumed that when she stepped into the role of creator, I would automatically love everything she does. It's funny because instead of blindly loving on her work, I've found myself holding her to a higher standard and reading with a super-critical eye. But I've got to say, she has knocked it out of the park, first with Jem, then with Carol Corps, and now with Heart in a Box. Each one plays to a different audience and in a superb way. I'm so happy for Kelly because with this book she truly proves that she has a unique voice to contribute to the comics medium, with fresh stories to tell.
Go, Kelly, go!!!
August 27, 2016
"Heart in a Box" presents interesting concepts - to be careful with what we wish for and the need to experience negative emotions in the grieving process. However, despite having enjoyed the base concepts, the execution was only average-poor.
There are so many things in the plot that aren’t explained. The narrative, that tries to be deep, becomes inconsistent. The heart division process is not explained, as it is not focused how the heart fragments are distributed across multiple characters. Above all, the main character, in her quest to gather her heart, only uses every character she meets. All the journey seems random and the introduced characters didn’t bring anything to the plot.
I liked the drawing and colouring, but honestly can’t get past the flaws pointed out. When I finished reading the graphic novel I gave it 3 stars, pointing more to 2.5. However, the more I think about the story, more I consider that the actual ratting is 1.5-star....
There are so many things in the plot that aren’t explained. The narrative, that tries to be deep, becomes inconsistent. The heart division process is not explained, as it is not focused how the heart fragments are distributed across multiple characters. Above all, the main character, in her quest to gather her heart, only uses every character she meets. All the journey seems random and the introduced characters didn’t bring anything to the plot.
I liked the drawing and colouring, but honestly can’t get past the flaws pointed out. When I finished reading the graphic novel I gave it 3 stars, pointing more to 2.5. However, the more I think about the story, more I consider that the actual ratting is 1.5-star....
September 18, 2016
Heart in a Box is not a perfect graphic novel, but it has (and pardon this accidental pun) so much heart that its faults pale in comparison. The story deals with a woman lost in heart ache, so she wishes her heart away. She quickly comes to realise that wasn't such a good idea, so she has set off on a journey to get her heart back.
Now, this set up might seem like readers are in for some fuzzy, happy story of her learning about love and feelings or something. There are certainly good points for her. However, her quest to get her heart back often hurts people, and she gets involved in some rather dark events. It was a far more satisfying and unique story than I anticipated, and the strange art style further set it apart.
I should note there was one scene in an underground brothel that used the suffering of other women as window dressing. I thought it was both unnecessary and rather gross.
Now, this set up might seem like readers are in for some fuzzy, happy story of her learning about love and feelings or something. There are certainly good points for her. However, her quest to get her heart back often hurts people, and she gets involved in some rather dark events. It was a far more satisfying and unique story than I anticipated, and the strange art style further set it apart.
I should note there was one scene in an underground brothel that used the suffering of other women as window dressing. I thought it was both unnecessary and rather gross.
March 30, 2016
There's something inspiring about this story. Emma has just had her heart broken. In the midst of the pain and turmoil, she wishes her heart away. Her journey begins here. A journey to piece her heart back together.
While the synopsis may sound chic flick sequel, it was so much more than that for me. This a story everyone on the planet can relate to, a broken heart. It's emotional and raw and honest. Mending ones heart is never easy. It takes a lot of time, tears, pain, and will power to feel whole again. But the journey can take to incredible places your emotions may not have been able to feel otherwise. And your heart can be mended bit by bit by the most unlikely moments and people.
Emma's story shows us that everyone deserves love and happiness.
While the synopsis may sound chic flick sequel, it was so much more than that for me. This a story everyone on the planet can relate to, a broken heart. It's emotional and raw and honest. Mending ones heart is never easy. It takes a lot of time, tears, pain, and will power to feel whole again. But the journey can take to incredible places your emotions may not have been able to feel otherwise. And your heart can be mended bit by bit by the most unlikely moments and people.
Emma's story shows us that everyone deserves love and happiness.
February 13, 2016
I bought this book from Meredith McClaren at a convention, and I'm happy to say that I really loved it. The artwork was beautiful and I really enjoyed the characters. There was a little more grit than I would have liked in this type of story, mostly just because it made me worry for the safety of the cat. However, for the most part, it was a poignant story, and I found it to be pretty relatable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews