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After the Rain
Nnedi Okorafor’s story of Chioma, a young Nigerian-American woman whose destiny is revealed during a furious rainstorm—now in paperback, with bonus content including Q&As with the creative team and never-before-seen art and designs!After the Rain is an adaptation of Nnedi Okorafor’s short story, “On the Road.” The adaptation, written by John Jennings and illustrated by David Brame, begins in Nigeria during a powerful and unexpected storm. While visiting her grandmother, a young Nigerian-American woman named Chioma answers a knock at the door and is horrified by what she sees—a young boy with a severe head wound is standing on the doorstep. When he touches Chioma, his hand burns like fire and just as suddenly as he arrived, he disappears. Her grandmother comes down to see what is wrong and chastises Chioma for opening the door for a stranger. Outside there are only footprints in the mud which vanish in the same manner as their owner. This event sets off a chain of mysterious occurrences that become more and more terrifying. Chioma knows that something is wrong, and that the boy has “marked” her in some way. . . . Haunted and hunted, Chioma must embrace her heritage in order to survive.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2021
46 people are currently reading
3896 people want to read
About the author
Nnedi Okorafor
152 books17.9k followersNnedi Okorafor is a New York Times Bestselling writer of science fiction and fantasy for both children and adults. The more specific terms for her works are africanfuturism and africanjujuism, both terms she coined and defined. Born in the United States to two Nigerian (Igbo) immigrant parents and visiting family in Nigeria since she was a child, the foundation and inspiration of Nnedi’s work is rooted in this part of Africa. Her many works include Who Fears Death (winner of the World Fantasy Award and in development at HBO as a TV series), the Nebula and Hugo award winning novella trilogy Binti (in development as a TV series), the Lodestar and Locus Award winning Nsibidi Scripts Series, LaGuardia (winner of a Hugo and Eisner awards for Best Graphic Novel) and her most recent novella Remote Control. Her debut novel Zahrah the Windseeker won the prestigious Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature. She lives with her daughter Anyaugo in Phoenix, AZ. Learn more about Nnedi at Nnedi.com and follow Nnedi on twitter (as @Nnedi), Facebook and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews
January 13, 2021
In this graphic novel adaptation of Nnedi Okorafor's short story "On the Road", we are following Chioma, who is visiting her family in Nigeria. Shortly after she arrives, the rural town is hit with a harsh storm. And as soon as the rain stops, a young man comes to the door. When Chioma answers, she sees that his head is bashed in, there is blood everywhere, and with all her knowledge and common sense, this boy should be dead. Her instinct, as a police officer, is to help him. So she let's, not only this boy but the curse that follows him, into her life.
Over the next few days, Chioma feels like she is being followed. There is a nasty odor she can't seem to determine it's origin. And the town's lizards flock to her in scary numbers. She has no idea what she has awoken, but her grandmother, great aunt, and the other town elders seem to be preparing for what's to come.
As always, Okorafor does such an amazing job conveying so much in so few words. The way she built up the tension in this story had me actually anxious. And the build-up to the big reveal truly paid off. As with the majority of Okorafor's writings, this story centers on African mythology and it is absolutely beautiful.
Also, I was obsessed with David Brame's illustrations throughout this. They truly took this story to the next level. There is artwork in this that I want to print and hang on my walls.
The ending to this was really cool and I'm truly hoping and crossing my fingers that there will be more in this world.
The only issue I had with this, was that there were a couple of instances where the story didn't line up with what was happening in the illustrations and that kind of threw me off for a moment. But it's a very small complaint Overall, this was haunting, thrilling, beautiful, and a great read!
Over the next few days, Chioma feels like she is being followed. There is a nasty odor she can't seem to determine it's origin. And the town's lizards flock to her in scary numbers. She has no idea what she has awoken, but her grandmother, great aunt, and the other town elders seem to be preparing for what's to come.
As always, Okorafor does such an amazing job conveying so much in so few words. The way she built up the tension in this story had me actually anxious. And the build-up to the big reveal truly paid off. As with the majority of Okorafor's writings, this story centers on African mythology and it is absolutely beautiful.
Also, I was obsessed with David Brame's illustrations throughout this. They truly took this story to the next level. There is artwork in this that I want to print and hang on my walls.
The ending to this was really cool and I'm truly hoping and crossing my fingers that there will be more in this world.
The only issue I had with this, was that there were a couple of instances where the story didn't line up with what was happening in the illustrations and that kind of threw me off for a moment. But it's a very small complaint Overall, this was haunting, thrilling, beautiful, and a great read!
October 4, 2023
The question of identity is presented in a shockingly original tale about Chioma - a young Nigerian - American woman - who returns to Nigeria to visit her family. Chioma is a police detective in Chicago; she is dedicated and trying to make positive change. But when she returns home she must face a dark calling from her past - and she must try to figure it out this calling even as ancestral spirits demand a sacrifice from her she may not want to offer.
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August 23, 2022yessssssss
December 9, 2020
The quality of the digital arc was terrible, I had to squint and zoom in just to read some of the pages. Even then it was almost impossible to read and it was a little frustrating. This definitely took away from the experience so I hope whatever happened will be fixed upon publication. As for the positives, I loved the artwork and wish it was in color! The cover makes sense now but I do feel like it was rushed and wish there were more answers. I was a little confused at the end too.
I’d like to see more from Nnedi Okorafor in the future. Thank you for the advanced copy to Netgalley and the publisher!
I’d like to see more from Nnedi Okorafor in the future. Thank you for the advanced copy to Netgalley and the publisher!
July 25, 2020
"On the Road" is a short story from Nnedi Okorafor's Kabu Kabu collection. Chioma is a visiting her family in Nigeria. Shortly after arriving the town is hit with torrential rains in which should have been their dry season. As soon as the rain stops you have this young man come to her door. His head is bashed in. Chioma can see the blood matter. For all intents and purposes this young man should not be alive. He should not be able to walk or talk. But there he is, the monster at her door. And she lets him in.
Over the next few days Chioma senses she is being followed. There is a strange odor wafting through her house and she seems to possess a strange magnetism for the town's lizards. She has no idea what she has awoken or what fate awaits her. But the elders of the town seem to know something. As Chioma gets thinner and weaker the women of the village prepare for what's to come.
Okorafor does a great job with the build up. She certainly had me anxious and it definitely did not help that I was reading this story at 3 am on a rainy day when the house and neighborhood were fast asleep. Like Binti, I found that I fell right into the story and the pages of this fantasy came to life. As with the majority of Okorafor's work After the Rain is centered on African mythology.
For the most part the graphic novel is true to "On the Road" with a few departures for clarity's sake. I loved the artwork by David Brame and found that his illustrations really do make the story leap off the page.
I am hoping that this is a superhero origin story and that there will be a spin off or sequel to After the Rain.
Over the next few days Chioma senses she is being followed. There is a strange odor wafting through her house and she seems to possess a strange magnetism for the town's lizards. She has no idea what she has awoken or what fate awaits her. But the elders of the town seem to know something. As Chioma gets thinner and weaker the women of the village prepare for what's to come.
Okorafor does a great job with the build up. She certainly had me anxious and it definitely did not help that I was reading this story at 3 am on a rainy day when the house and neighborhood were fast asleep. Like Binti, I found that I fell right into the story and the pages of this fantasy came to life. As with the majority of Okorafor's work After the Rain is centered on African mythology.
For the most part the graphic novel is true to "On the Road" with a few departures for clarity's sake. I loved the artwork by David Brame and found that his illustrations really do make the story leap off the page.
I am hoping that this is a superhero origin story and that there will be a spin off or sequel to After the Rain.
Read
July 28, 20203.5 stars maybe?
I really loved the atmosphere of this book and the art style really topped it off, though it was really hard to read sometimes (the words were blurry on my device)
The fact that there wasn't any explanation near the end kinda rubbed me the wrong way, but then I thought, it leaves a long impression and has you forever guessing like the characters in there.
Love the mention of food, the culture shown, and just the vibes. But the execution felt a bit flat in a sense to me esp the ending felt quite rushed ?
I really loved the atmosphere of this book and the art style really topped it off, though it was really hard to read sometimes (the words were blurry on my device)
The fact that there wasn't any explanation near the end kinda rubbed me the wrong way, but then I thought, it leaves a long impression and has you forever guessing like the characters in there.
Love the mention of food, the culture shown, and just the vibes. But the execution felt a bit flat in a sense to me esp the ending felt quite rushed ?
November 14, 2021
Creepy as.
Visiting Nigeria on holiday, our protagonist finds herself indoors in the middle of a huge storm.
Horror: the scene is set.
Also mentioned in my July Wrap Up Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lly-3...
Beautiful artwork that bleeds into the pages
3.5 stars
Visiting Nigeria on holiday, our protagonist finds herself indoors in the middle of a huge storm.
Horror: the scene is set.
Also mentioned in my July Wrap Up Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lly-3...
Beautiful artwork that bleeds into the pages
3.5 stars
February 14, 2021
A thirtysomething Nigerian American police officer from Chicago falls into some supernatural something or other with visions and body horror during a visit to her grandmother in Nigeria. I haven't read the original story, but this adaptation left me a bit confused and mostly indifferent, especially since it does not seem well-done, with words and images sometimes out of sync or outright contradicting each other: a pink lizard is blue, the stone face of a monster suddenly transforms into the wood mask with which (uh-oh) it has been depicted for the last eight pages. The art is a bit too cartoony to ever seem scary or ominous.
By the end it seems like the set-up for a sequel that might be more interesting.
By the end it seems like the set-up for a sequel that might be more interesting.
November 8, 2020
After the Rain is a very interesting graphic novel about cultural identity, guilt, redemption, tradition, and above all, Nigerian traditional beliefs. It is a bit confusing at times, since the protagonist is a Nigerian American (or "Nigamerican " in Okorafor's coinage) who has little understanding of what is happening to her, and the author doesn't spoon-feed anything to us. It's really interesting that this graphic novel was based on a short story, since the art (althoguh rough) is at its best with depictions of the Nigerian mythical entities and spirits actually does help give some context and understanding as to what is going on. And the goings on are creepy, unsettling, and ultimately empowering. An engaging read.
April 11, 2021
4.5 Stars
This was a brilliant graphic novel with a unique and powerful story. The artwork was absolutely stunning with bold colors and a distinct style. I loved how the author incorporated their Nigerian heritage into a compelling horror story. The story blended an emotional backstory with beautiful cultural details into a narrative that was memorable and terrifying. I would highly recommend to graphic novel readers looking for a fresh horror story.
This was a brilliant graphic novel with a unique and powerful story. The artwork was absolutely stunning with bold colors and a distinct style. I loved how the author incorporated their Nigerian heritage into a compelling horror story. The story blended an emotional backstory with beautiful cultural details into a narrative that was memorable and terrifying. I would highly recommend to graphic novel readers looking for a fresh horror story.
December 28, 2021
It's difficult for me to ever become fully invested in a graphic novel (my own personal problem) but I was quickly pulled in my Nnedi's story and the captivating artwork. So often horror graphic novels aim to be as dark and foreboding as possible so I loved the colorful imagery. I also won't be forgetting some of the horrifying body horror for a long time. Hope there is a sequel!
January 7, 2023
4.5 stars
I really love this graphic novel! The art is gorgeous, the story was great I highly recommend for a great fantasy read!
I really love this graphic novel! The art is gorgeous, the story was great I highly recommend for a great fantasy read!
July 7, 2021
I’ve read Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor, and I absolutely loved it. So when I saw that she had a graphic novel out, I was really excited! Reading reviews of this graphic novel, I now see that this is an adaptation of her short story “On the Road.”
I want to preface my review by saying I really love graphic novels. I love how an author can tell a story through both words and artwork, with some of the heavy lifting usually done by the images. I love to linger over panels and absorb everything they’re trying to say. That said, there were quite a few times I felt that the art and the story weren’t on synchronized. I was confused at times as well, and I know it’s not because of Okorafor’s writing. The art also didn’t set well with me; it’s just not my style. It feels loud and busy, and to be honest it almost made my eyes hurt.
I did enjoy the story line; Chioma is an Nigerian-American born in the USA who now works as a cop in Chicago. She comes home to her small town in Nigeria to visit her grandmother and auntie, and it is there that she has a supernatural encounter that leaves her feeling like she finally straddles both cultures fully.
Knowing that this graphic novel is based on a short story, I feel I would enjoy the story better than this graphic novel. But I will continue to seek out Okorafor’s books; her vivid imagination cause her novels to nearly burst off the page.
I want to preface my review by saying I really love graphic novels. I love how an author can tell a story through both words and artwork, with some of the heavy lifting usually done by the images. I love to linger over panels and absorb everything they’re trying to say. That said, there were quite a few times I felt that the art and the story weren’t on synchronized. I was confused at times as well, and I know it’s not because of Okorafor’s writing. The art also didn’t set well with me; it’s just not my style. It feels loud and busy, and to be honest it almost made my eyes hurt.
I did enjoy the story line; Chioma is an Nigerian-American born in the USA who now works as a cop in Chicago. She comes home to her small town in Nigeria to visit her grandmother and auntie, and it is there that she has a supernatural encounter that leaves her feeling like she finally straddles both cultures fully.
Knowing that this graphic novel is based on a short story, I feel I would enjoy the story better than this graphic novel. But I will continue to seek out Okorafor’s books; her vivid imagination cause her novels to nearly burst off the page.
March 1, 2021
This is a unique graphic novel that blends elements of traditional Nigerian folklore with modern horror and supernatural imagery. At times I had difficulty following the storyline, but the illustrations crackled with life and energy, and there were some truly creepy monster/horror moments.
May 23, 2021
3.5 stars
May 26, 2021
After the Rain was something I jumped on as soon as I saw our library had a copy. I am already a big fan of Nnedi Okorafor, the BINTI trilogy is one I really enjoy. She has become for me an author I will always check out when available. Binti is a great African futurist space opera that is told over three novellas ripe for more exploration.
John Jennings who wrote this adaptation has been a guest on my podcast before to talk about his fantastic take on the Octavia Butler classic Parable of the Sower. So the idea of Jennings and Nnedi Okorafor together was something I didn't want to miss.
For me, this was a one-sitting read that is equal parts powerful story and beautiful art. It is the story of Chioma a Chicago cop who returns to Nigeria to visit her family and connect with her Grandmother. Once there the spiritual nature of the place brings to the surface some of the these she is haunted by.
The tone is set by massive rains that surprise everyone during the dry season. This strange event is a catalyst that results in ghosts, spirits, and tortured memories. I have not read the original short story but Jennings and Brame breathe a powerful life into this tale.
Really cool ghost story with tons of African vibes and amazing art. Beyond the cool art and ghost story are deep themes of redemption, guilt, and cultural identity. Heavy stuff but all woven into the story. Big thumbs up.
John Jennings who wrote this adaptation has been a guest on my podcast before to talk about his fantastic take on the Octavia Butler classic Parable of the Sower. So the idea of Jennings and Nnedi Okorafor together was something I didn't want to miss.
For me, this was a one-sitting read that is equal parts powerful story and beautiful art. It is the story of Chioma a Chicago cop who returns to Nigeria to visit her family and connect with her Grandmother. Once there the spiritual nature of the place brings to the surface some of the these she is haunted by.
The tone is set by massive rains that surprise everyone during the dry season. This strange event is a catalyst that results in ghosts, spirits, and tortured memories. I have not read the original short story but Jennings and Brame breathe a powerful life into this tale.
Really cool ghost story with tons of African vibes and amazing art. Beyond the cool art and ghost story are deep themes of redemption, guilt, and cultural identity. Heavy stuff but all woven into the story. Big thumbs up.
July 27, 2020
Thank you NetGalley for a gifted eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
It is really unfortunate that I must review the copy I was given. This review is based solely on that file and I will likely seek out a finished print copy to fully appreciate this story.
My first heartache occured after downloading the kindle file to find out that it is in black and white. (The finished copy will be full color) I have a strong distaste for graphic novels not in color. The purpose one reads a graphic novel (instead of or in conjuction with the original format) IS the art! From what I could tell, the art is decent, but the grayscale really does it no favors.
Then whomever inked this perticular file, used a defective font. Just throw that salt in the wound why don't you! I could only read about every third word and had to guess the context. It was a very unhappy experience.
SO I can't fully rate the art or the story of this GN accurately. I give THIS file this rating and really hope they redeem themselves in January.
It is really unfortunate that I must review the copy I was given. This review is based solely on that file and I will likely seek out a finished print copy to fully appreciate this story.
My first heartache occured after downloading the kindle file to find out that it is in black and white. (The finished copy will be full color) I have a strong distaste for graphic novels not in color. The purpose one reads a graphic novel (instead of or in conjuction with the original format) IS the art! From what I could tell, the art is decent, but the grayscale really does it no favors.
Then whomever inked this perticular file, used a defective font. Just throw that salt in the wound why don't you! I could only read about every third word and had to guess the context. It was a very unhappy experience.
SO I can't fully rate the art or the story of this GN accurately. I give THIS file this rating and really hope they redeem themselves in January.
June 7, 2021
After the Rain tells the story of Chioma, a Nigerian-American Chicago cop, who's visiting family in Nigeria. During the (unusual) torrential rains, Chioma makes the mistake of opening the door to a boy who is so injured that he should not be alive (is he? was he? who was he?!) After that, she starts feeling like someone's following her. Eventually, things go from bad to worse and she gets seriously injured. But the women of the town know what must be done to save her. It takes Chioma a visit to the other side (wherever that may be) and back to start to believe in the legends and myths of her Nigerian culture and to become something more.
The story is certainly creepy and the tension builds very nicely. I haven't read the original story, but the graphic novel adaptation stands alone well on its own. The horror elements are nice and gory. There's little holding back here. The art is beautiful, both the line art and coloring is vibrant and expressive.
Recommended for those who like downpours, masks, smell of tar and dancing.
The story is certainly creepy and the tension builds very nicely. I haven't read the original story, but the graphic novel adaptation stands alone well on its own. The horror elements are nice and gory. There's little holding back here. The art is beautiful, both the line art and coloring is vibrant and expressive.
Recommended for those who like downpours, masks, smell of tar and dancing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2021
I got a full colour copy, so no issues there.
For old-white-guy readers like me, this is yet another of the brain-stretchers of which there have been so many lately as publishing finally starts to open up to all the writers of the world. Okorafor has done some of the heavy lifting in that process.
So, Chicago cop visits her family in Nigeria, and magic happens, and she doesn't know what to do. If I understood the book right, she opens up to her heritage and its magic, and they engage with her murky past. She makes it out the other side as a Nigamerican, with two sources of strength.
Too many graphic novels overdo the actual ink-on-page darkness and violence so much it's hard to tell what the hell is happening. Even at its densest, this one doesn't do that. There's plenty of What-the? but it is resolved each time and we can move on.
Gotta find the short story and see how they compare.
For old-white-guy readers like me, this is yet another of the brain-stretchers of which there have been so many lately as publishing finally starts to open up to all the writers of the world. Okorafor has done some of the heavy lifting in that process.
So, Chicago cop visits her family in Nigeria, and magic happens, and she doesn't know what to do. If I understood the book right, she opens up to her heritage and its magic, and they engage with her murky past. She makes it out the other side as a Nigamerican, with two sources of strength.
Too many graphic novels overdo the actual ink-on-page darkness and violence so much it's hard to tell what the hell is happening. Even at its densest, this one doesn't do that. There's plenty of What-the? but it is resolved each time and we can move on.
Gotta find the short story and see how they compare.
January 29, 2022
This was kind of confusing to read an an interesting case where I think the novel probably works a lot better. This felt like a stream of consciousness story.
From what I could gather, the main character opened up insight into another world after a traumatic event in her past. Since then, she’s been able to see things and access the world, whether she wants to or not.
The art is very unique and the colors make the pages very interesting to look at. However, I couldn’t solidly tell you what happened in this story and I think the novel/original story is probably a lot easier to understand.
From what I could gather, the main character opened up insight into another world after a traumatic event in her past. Since then, she’s been able to see things and access the world, whether she wants to or not.
The art is very unique and the colors make the pages very interesting to look at. However, I couldn’t solidly tell you what happened in this story and I think the novel/original story is probably a lot easier to understand.
September 23, 2021
I don't understand what happened in here.
Read
December 23, 2020TWs: extensive body horror; death/murder; blood/gore
Rep: Nigerian-American MC; Nigerian cast
--
Honestly, I'm...not sure what to say about this book? I just felt unattached to it. I didn't feel like I knew the main character or had a reason to care for her, which isn't necessarily the point in every horror short story, but it felt like the story wanted me to care and I didn't. I also had a sense that I was missing something or not grasping what they wanted me to throughout--maybe that's user error, maybe that's an issue of fleshing out the story, maybe that's not translating it properly into graphic novel form, I'm not sure. (Speaking of graphic novel form, I want to note I haven't read the short story this is adapted from, so I can't comment on how it went from there to here.) The ARC quality was also not great (all b/w and grainy), which might've affected the experience. I will say I liked the unsettling art style and the concept--just wish I'd felt like I got more out of it by the end.
Rep: Nigerian-American MC; Nigerian cast
--
Honestly, I'm...not sure what to say about this book? I just felt unattached to it. I didn't feel like I knew the main character or had a reason to care for her, which isn't necessarily the point in every horror short story, but it felt like the story wanted me to care and I didn't. I also had a sense that I was missing something or not grasping what they wanted me to throughout--maybe that's user error, maybe that's an issue of fleshing out the story, maybe that's not translating it properly into graphic novel form, I'm not sure. (Speaking of graphic novel form, I want to note I haven't read the short story this is adapted from, so I can't comment on how it went from there to here.) The ARC quality was also not great (all b/w and grainy), which might've affected the experience. I will say I liked the unsettling art style and the concept--just wish I'd felt like I got more out of it by the end.
February 13, 2021
The book was very interesting, but when you get closer to the end of the book there was more chatter of what is happening and what the main character was describing what she was going through. Now since this is a graphic novel I felt like the panels would have done well of describing what we were seeing than having the little bubbles of the narrator and the main character constantly describing over and over again what was happening. But this book is following a Nigerian American woman named Chioma who is a cop from Chicago who goes to Nigeria and visits her Aunt and Grandmother. One night it was raining a boy came knocking their door and Chioma answers it and realized this boys brain was showing and that he should be dead and so the boy touches her hand as she tries to help him but then as she is helping him he disappears. Now throughout the book and after her encounter with the boy she’s starts to feel like something is haunting her and she is mentality but stable at this point. As we move further in the book we still do not know what he haunting her and the people including her own family does not tell her anything. So eventually we do get more information and what is occurring is something only people in Nigeria and the people in the village know about except her because she primarily loved her life in America. Now this book has great meaning, but I definitely feel like there could have been a little bit more to it at times.
March 30, 2021
I have not read the original short story by Nnedi Okorafor. This review is of the comic as a standalone piece. I'm sure the original story was great but this adaptation does not hit the mark. The best thing I can say about it is that the art has a sense of motion.
My biggest issue with this comic is that the art would directly contradict the narration i.e. describing a lizard as pine-green and orange but it's colored yellow and blue, stating there are three lizards but drawing five, saying you closed the curtains but they're drawn wide open, claiming to be huddled in bed but the character is on the floor, describing footsteps in grass but drawing a dirt road, saying you're crying but the character is not, saying you grabbed a can of beef ravioli but drawing peas on the can???
I could go on but it would be excessive. Small discrepancies are fine but there were just so many that it actively distracted me from the story! The heavy reliance on narration also made everything feel so far removed. I couldn't relate to or care about Chioma because there was nothing to ground me in her story or her emotions except text over unrelated images.
My biggest issue with this comic is that the art would directly contradict the narration i.e. describing a lizard as pine-green and orange but it's colored yellow and blue, stating there are three lizards but drawing five, saying you closed the curtains but they're drawn wide open, claiming to be huddled in bed but the character is on the floor, describing footsteps in grass but drawing a dirt road, saying you're crying but the character is not, saying you grabbed a can of beef ravioli but drawing peas on the can???
I could go on but it would be excessive. Small discrepancies are fine but there were just so many that it actively distracted me from the story! The heavy reliance on narration also made everything feel so far removed. I couldn't relate to or care about Chioma because there was nothing to ground me in her story or her emotions except text over unrelated images.
July 22, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a chance to review this book.
I almost DNFed this book. The font and the text was weird, which made it almost impossible for me to make out what the words were saying. Hopefully the final text of this book will be easier to read.
My favorite part of this book was the illustrations. They were beautiful and they’re the sole reason why I am giving this book more than one star.
I haven’t read “On the Road” yet, so I can’t compare this graphic novel to the short story that it was based off of, but what I can say is that it didn’t feel like this story translated well to a graphic novel. The story was heavy on thoughts and descriptions. When I read graphic novels, lots of dialogue and only a little bit of inner thought flows smoother. The lack of dialogue to some extent prevented me from getting invested in the story.
This story is probably good as a short story, but this graphic novel adaptation just did not work well for me.
I almost DNFed this book. The font and the text was weird, which made it almost impossible for me to make out what the words were saying. Hopefully the final text of this book will be easier to read.
My favorite part of this book was the illustrations. They were beautiful and they’re the sole reason why I am giving this book more than one star.
I haven’t read “On the Road” yet, so I can’t compare this graphic novel to the short story that it was based off of, but what I can say is that it didn’t feel like this story translated well to a graphic novel. The story was heavy on thoughts and descriptions. When I read graphic novels, lots of dialogue and only a little bit of inner thought flows smoother. The lack of dialogue to some extent prevented me from getting invested in the story.
This story is probably good as a short story, but this graphic novel adaptation just did not work well for me.
August 31, 2022
this may be some of the best art i’ve seen in a graphic novel. i liked the story but i think it would be beneficial if there was more information on the history. also, an additional volume would be amazing considering where the story ended.
March 14, 2022
Very cool, loved the artwork for this one, especially the framing.
June 29, 2024
** This was a NetGalley book [original due date 1.5.2021] and I have just now found it at FLP OverDrive to read and review. I was unable to do so originally due to a bad file with no pictures, illustrations, and/or text. **
This was just not my cup of tea.
To clarify, I liked the story [even though it was an adapation, Nnedi Okorafor just shines through] very much and in fact, it sent me looking for the story story compilation it is from so I can both read the original story AND have more of Ms. Okorafor's fantastic writing.
Unfortunately, what didnt work for me was the illustrations; I didn't like them at all [the colors and presentation of them] and [for me] it just didn't work and instead of enjoying the story, it just made me anxious to get to the end [I do not read a lot of graphic novels and this might be why these illustrations didn't work for me; while they didn't work for me, I can totally appreciate the work and dedication that went into making the illustrations].
I am grateful to have read it finally though and look forward to the short story collection it brought me to.
This was just not my cup of tea.
To clarify, I liked the story [even though it was an adapation, Nnedi Okorafor just shines through] very much and in fact, it sent me looking for the story story compilation it is from so I can both read the original story AND have more of Ms. Okorafor's fantastic writing.
Unfortunately, what didnt work for me was the illustrations; I didn't like them at all [the colors and presentation of them] and [for me] it just didn't work and instead of enjoying the story, it just made me anxious to get to the end [I do not read a lot of graphic novels and this might be why these illustrations didn't work for me; while they didn't work for me, I can totally appreciate the work and dedication that went into making the illustrations].
I am grateful to have read it finally though and look forward to the short story collection it brought me to.
April 9, 2025
John Jenning's words and David Brame's vibrant artwork brilliantly bring to life Nnedi Okorafor's “On the Road” from her collection “Kabu Kabu”.
After opening the door to a stranger on a heavily raining night, main character Chioma is plagued by smells and other visitations, culminating in a nightmarish vision/occurrence one night in the forest, when she is visited by a terrifying, otherworldly being who forces her to confront a terrifying happening from years earlier.
“On the Road” was one of my favourites from Okorafor's short story collection, and it was a pleasure to revisit it, as interpreted by two other talented artists. The visuals are full of movement and are arresting, and though many are filled with unsettling imagery, the individual panels are also beautiful, and together, retell the original story in a memorable way.
After opening the door to a stranger on a heavily raining night, main character Chioma is plagued by smells and other visitations, culminating in a nightmarish vision/occurrence one night in the forest, when she is visited by a terrifying, otherworldly being who forces her to confront a terrifying happening from years earlier.
“On the Road” was one of my favourites from Okorafor's short story collection, and it was a pleasure to revisit it, as interpreted by two other talented artists. The visuals are full of movement and are arresting, and though many are filled with unsettling imagery, the individual panels are also beautiful, and together, retell the original story in a memorable way.
January 27, 2021
(Gifted from Abrams via Netgalley)
This is a graphic novel adaptation of the story “On the Road” by Nnedi Okorafor. I haven’t read the original story, but this adaptation has made me interested in reading it and more of Okorafor’s short stories! It’s a really compelling, fast paced story that had me thinking about healing, violence, trauma, identity.... the way we carry things. The illustrations themselves were also very beautiful! I loved all the detail and care that was put into it and I hope to read this again just so I can see the physical copy with color illustrations. I would highly recommend for Okorafor fans for sure!
This is a graphic novel adaptation of the story “On the Road” by Nnedi Okorafor. I haven’t read the original story, but this adaptation has made me interested in reading it and more of Okorafor’s short stories! It’s a really compelling, fast paced story that had me thinking about healing, violence, trauma, identity.... the way we carry things. The illustrations themselves were also very beautiful! I loved all the detail and care that was put into it and I hope to read this again just so I can see the physical copy with color illustrations. I would highly recommend for Okorafor fans for sure!
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