What do you think?
Rate this book
Aristophania #1
Aristofanija 1
Priča Počinje u Marselju, 1899. godine. Radnika Klemana pod čudnim okolnostima ubio je izvesni Barboza, džin koji jede pacove. Sudeći po neobičnom razgovoru koji je vodio nekoliko minuta pre smrti sa jednom elegantnom i misterioznom ženom, ni Klemanov život nije bio ništa manje neobičan i tajanstven.
Devet godina kasnije, dok Klemanova udovica vene u zatvoru, a njeno troje dece suočava se sa nasiljem sveta odraslih, misteriozna žena vraća se u njihove živote. Njeno ime je grofica Aristofanija Bolt. Kako bi zaštitila decu od pretnje koja se nadvila nad njima, odvodi ih u snoliko okruženje koje naziva Azur. Vođena znatiželjom, deca ne odolevaju iskušenju da istraže svoju novu okolinu, ali ono što će otkriti – počevši od Aristofanijinih moći – prevazići će sve granice njihove mašte…
Devet godina kasnije, dok Klemanova udovica vene u zatvoru, a njeno troje dece suočava se sa nasiljem sveta odraslih, misteriozna žena vraća se u njihove živote. Njeno ime je grofica Aristofanija Bolt. Kako bi zaštitila decu od pretnje koja se nadvila nad njima, odvodi ih u snoliko okruženje koje naziva Azur. Vođena znatiželjom, deca ne odolevaju iskušenju da istraže svoju novu okolinu, ali ono što će otkriti – počevši od Aristofanijinih moći – prevazići će sve granice njihove mašte…
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 18, 2019
About the author
Xavier Dorison
183 books124 followersXavier Dorison est né en 1972 à Paris et passe trois années en école de commerce, où il organise le festival BD des Grandes Écoles, puis travaille chez Barclays Corp. Dès 1997, il écrit le premier tome du Troisième Testament, série co-scénarisé et dessiné par Alex Alice qui remporte un succès immédiat. Il publie ensuite deux séries aux Humanoïdes Associés : Prophet avec Matthieu Lauffray et Sanctuaire avec Christophe Bec. Il co-scénarise, avec Fabien Nury, le film Brigades du Tigre, qui sera également adapté en bande dessinée aux éditions Glénat avec Jean-Yves Delitte au dessin. Il co-scénarise, toujours avec Fabien Nury, le western fantastique W.E.S.T. mis en image par Christian Rossi. Et lance début 2007 une fresque pirate : Long John Silver. En 2008, il crée la série Les Sentinelles et participe au projet XIII Mystery, en scénarisant l'album sur La Mangouste. En 2008 également, il écrit Le Syndrome d'Abel pour son comparse Marazano, de retour au dessin. En septembre 2010, il s’associe à nouveau avec Alex Alice et commence la publication de l’antésuite du Troisième Testament, intitulée Julius, toujours chez Glénat. En mars 2012, paraît chez Dargaud le premier tome d’Asgard, série dans l’univers des vikings, dessinée par Ralph Meyer. En 2013 paraîtra chez Glénat une série coécrite avec son frère Guillaume Dorison.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 18, 2019
I really did not care for this at all. I found it very difficult to follow what was going on, there was far too much text on most pages, and that text itself was incredibly difficult to read.
The art itself was nice enough, but it was not enough to redeem this by more than a couple of stars. Definitely not a good choice for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Europe Comics for providing me with a DRC of this book.
The art itself was nice enough, but it was not enough to redeem this by more than a couple of stars. Definitely not a good choice for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Europe Comics for providing me with a DRC of this book.
March 7, 2019
The art in this is amazing!
The way the colouring in the panels slowly altered as the mood changed was magnificent! Unfortunately the characters were detestable and the story itself wasn't very well flushed out.
The cover and description seemed like this would be exciting, but I was bored for most of it.
Thank you NetGalley and Europe Comics for this DRC.
The way the colouring in the panels slowly altered as the mood changed was magnificent! Unfortunately the characters were detestable and the story itself wasn't very well flushed out.
The cover and description seemed like this would be exciting, but I was bored for most of it.
Thank you NetGalley and Europe Comics for this DRC.
March 17, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley
I think this is more a case of this book not being my personal preference than it actually being 'bad' in any way. I really like the idea of the story and the art is very good as well, but there is just a certain ratio of text to pictures in a graphic novel where if there is 'too much' text my brain just automatically shuts off and I can't focus on it anymore. I am just in a very specific head space when I read graphic novels and when the text is very small and dense it really turns me off of the whole thing. Obviously you still have to have words to tell a story, but graphic novels are by default a visual medium and I think that cluttering up the page with too many small text boxes really takes away from that and makes me feel like I am just plodding along instead of being carried away by the story. I've noticed that a lot of the translated European comics I get from NetGalley have this 'problem' though so maybe it's more of a cultural thing and what you are used to as a reader.
I think this is more a case of this book not being my personal preference than it actually being 'bad' in any way. I really like the idea of the story and the art is very good as well, but there is just a certain ratio of text to pictures in a graphic novel where if there is 'too much' text my brain just automatically shuts off and I can't focus on it anymore. I am just in a very specific head space when I read graphic novels and when the text is very small and dense it really turns me off of the whole thing. Obviously you still have to have words to tell a story, but graphic novels are by default a visual medium and I think that cluttering up the page with too many small text boxes really takes away from that and makes me feel like I am just plodding along instead of being carried away by the story. I've noticed that a lot of the translated European comics I get from NetGalley have this 'problem' though so maybe it's more of a cultural thing and what you are used to as a reader.
September 20, 2024
It felt like a Harry Potter clone in some aspects of it`s story.
Not for me!
Not for me!
June 9, 2019
Book Reaction: https://nildivision.blogspot.com/2019...
Rating: 2.5 Stars – far from hate but not quite a like
Thank you to Netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 2.5 Stars – far from hate but not quite a like
Thank you to Netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read
March 9, 2019When the Francoeur children's father dies, a mysterious old woman appears to deliver the news. She then disappears with out a trace only to reappear years later when the children are in trouble. Aristophania had a promising premise. I love it when mystery and magic intermingle and the back promised both.
Unfortunately, the story didn't deliver. I'm not sure if it is because I'm less familiar with comic book arcs-- though the ones I've read always tie up smaller stories in every issue-- but the plot dragged and the writer did not leave enough clues about the mysterious magic to keep me invested and the elements of magic it introduced early (like the timeline of Azur at the beginning) weren't given enough context around them for me to care.
It isn't until Page 48 of 63 we are really thrust into the main plot of the story-- the one that begins answering the mystery of the first pages. Presumably, the earlier pages are meant to allow us to get to know the characters but beyond a few overarching tropes-- the leader, the smart one and the dreaming girl no one thinks can do anything-- we don't learn much about them. Those pages also don't really work up to the main mystery in any appreciable way-- Aristophania alone wasn't really enough to keep the thread going and the children spent most of their time trying to figure out who she was without any success.
That said, there were some pages with beautiful art-- particularly those around the spring and in some of the close ups of the characters-- that were nice to look at. The ending also packs a punch, but this book felt less like a story and more like a prologue. I expected more.
An arc was provided to me by the publisher for an honest review. In very sorry not to have liked it, and I hope it finds its audience elsewhere.
Unfortunately, the story didn't deliver. I'm not sure if it is because I'm less familiar with comic book arcs-- though the ones I've read always tie up smaller stories in every issue-- but the plot dragged and the writer did not leave enough clues about the mysterious magic to keep me invested and the elements of magic it introduced early (like the timeline of Azur at the beginning) weren't given enough context around them for me to care.
It isn't until Page 48 of 63 we are really thrust into the main plot of the story-- the one that begins answering the mystery of the first pages. Presumably, the earlier pages are meant to allow us to get to know the characters but beyond a few overarching tropes-- the leader, the smart one and the dreaming girl no one thinks can do anything-- we don't learn much about them. Those pages also don't really work up to the main mystery in any appreciable way-- Aristophania alone wasn't really enough to keep the thread going and the children spent most of their time trying to figure out who she was without any success.
That said, there were some pages with beautiful art-- particularly those around the spring and in some of the close ups of the characters-- that were nice to look at. The ending also packs a punch, but this book felt less like a story and more like a prologue. I expected more.
An arc was provided to me by the publisher for an honest review. In very sorry not to have liked it, and I hope it finds its audience elsewhere.
March 9, 2019
I enjoyed reading this. It is an engaging story about three children who are part of a mystical kingdom. They don't know much about the kingdom or their part in it. All they know is that their father was killed when they were young and that they were scraping by in poverty with their mother.
When their mother is imprisoned they are left to the kindness of a mystical benefactor and as they explore their new home they realise that something is going on and it is something that is much bigger than they can comprehend.
And then the attacker who killed their father comes after the children and their benefactor introduces them to a world of powers and magics and they are caught up in a quest to remove a corrupt and dangerous king.
This is a really good start to what promises to be a great series of comics. The artwork is good and the story is intriguing. I am looking forward to the next volume and hoping that I won't have to wait too long to read book two!
Copy provided by Europe Comics via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
When their mother is imprisoned they are left to the kindness of a mystical benefactor and as they explore their new home they realise that something is going on and it is something that is much bigger than they can comprehend.
And then the attacker who killed their father comes after the children and their benefactor introduces them to a world of powers and magics and they are caught up in a quest to remove a corrupt and dangerous king.
This is a really good start to what promises to be a great series of comics. The artwork is good and the story is intriguing. I am looking forward to the next volume and hoping that I won't have to wait too long to read book two!
Copy provided by Europe Comics via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
March 11, 2019
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
1900s, Paris. The Francœur children are struggling to survive. Until a mysterious woman appears, claiming to have known their father. Countess Aristophania Bolt insists she's here to help the children. But strange things keep occurring, and it becomes harder and harder to know whom to believe. Who is Countess Aristophania? And can she be trusted?
This was an interesting read, with mysterious characters and illustrations that blended well with the story. The blending of fantasy and historical fiction makes it all the more fun. Overall not exceptional, but a very good read.
1900s, Paris. The Francœur children are struggling to survive. Until a mysterious woman appears, claiming to have known their father. Countess Aristophania Bolt insists she's here to help the children. But strange things keep occurring, and it becomes harder and harder to know whom to believe. Who is Countess Aristophania? And can she be trusted?
This was an interesting read, with mysterious characters and illustrations that blended well with the story. The blending of fantasy and historical fiction makes it all the more fun. Overall not exceptional, but a very good read.
October 5, 2022
Kao što uvod ove priče kaže, sve bajke počinju u nekom lepom dvorcu ili simpatičnoj kolibi u dubini guste šume. Aristofanija nije jedna od njih...
1899. godina je, a radnja počinje u Marselju, gde bednici koji tu preživljavaju i rade već odavno ne veruju da će im se život promeniti dodirom čarobnog štapića.
Upravo u tom paklu počinje naša priča. Radnika Klemana ubio je izvesni džin Barboza, a nekoliko minuta pre smrti, Kleman je vidjen sa elegantnom i misterioznom ženom.
Kada se devet godina kasnije ta žena pojavi pred Klemanovom decom, njihov život se potpuno menja. Deca su suočena sa nasiljem sveta odraslih, sa zlom, prevarama, željom za vlasti i mnogim nedaćama paklenog mesta u kom žive. Medjutim, grofica im pokazuje i drugu stranu života, onu lepšu. Postojati samo da biste postojali... Ono što će deca uz staru groficu otkriti, prevazilazi granice njihove mašte.
Dorizon ovde delimično opravdava očekivanja, što se crteža tiče. Čini mi se da je u Životinjskom zamku uneo više emocija u svoj rad. Ovde mi se u pojedinim delovima činilo da su totalno lišeni emocije, sivi i bezlični. Naravno, umetnik je verovatno želeo da crtež prati trenutnu atmosferu u priči. Sa druge strane, u pojedinim delovima crteži odišu magijom i prelepim bojama koje teraju da se dugo zadržite na njima.
Priča je zanimljiva. Mešavina je toliko emocija i elemenata, da vas vuče da nastavite sa čitanjem. Medjutim, za moj ukus je malo kratka. Imamo primetan razvoj karaktera, koji je divan. Sa druge strane, imamo i sporo upoznavanje dece sa načelima sveta u kom se nalaze i osnovama magije i kako ona funkcioniše. Da je priča duža, to bi bilo još zanimljivije. Čarobna knjiga je odlučila da četiri toma podeli u dva dela, što je odlična ideja. U prvom delu čitaoci u Srbiji će dobiti objedinjeni prvi i drugi tom (Azurno kraljevstvo i Progresori). Čekam da vidim i nastavak, pa da saznam kako se sve završilo. Od raznih nedaća, podlaca, ljubavi, obmane, emocija, straha ali i hrabrosti, ubistava, misterije, do tajnog kraljevstva i rata koji vodi, ovde je prisutno apsolutno sve. Vaše je da se opustite i uživate (i naravno sačekate nastavak... 🙈). Od mene imate preporuku. Vredi imati ga u kolekciji.
1899. godina je, a radnja počinje u Marselju, gde bednici koji tu preživljavaju i rade već odavno ne veruju da će im se život promeniti dodirom čarobnog štapića.
Upravo u tom paklu počinje naša priča. Radnika Klemana ubio je izvesni džin Barboza, a nekoliko minuta pre smrti, Kleman je vidjen sa elegantnom i misterioznom ženom.
Kada se devet godina kasnije ta žena pojavi pred Klemanovom decom, njihov život se potpuno menja. Deca su suočena sa nasiljem sveta odraslih, sa zlom, prevarama, željom za vlasti i mnogim nedaćama paklenog mesta u kom žive. Medjutim, grofica im pokazuje i drugu stranu života, onu lepšu. Postojati samo da biste postojali... Ono što će deca uz staru groficu otkriti, prevazilazi granice njihove mašte.
Dorizon ovde delimično opravdava očekivanja, što se crteža tiče. Čini mi se da je u Životinjskom zamku uneo više emocija u svoj rad. Ovde mi se u pojedinim delovima činilo da su totalno lišeni emocije, sivi i bezlični. Naravno, umetnik je verovatno želeo da crtež prati trenutnu atmosferu u priči. Sa druge strane, u pojedinim delovima crteži odišu magijom i prelepim bojama koje teraju da se dugo zadržite na njima.
Priča je zanimljiva. Mešavina je toliko emocija i elemenata, da vas vuče da nastavite sa čitanjem. Medjutim, za moj ukus je malo kratka. Imamo primetan razvoj karaktera, koji je divan. Sa druge strane, imamo i sporo upoznavanje dece sa načelima sveta u kom se nalaze i osnovama magije i kako ona funkcioniše. Da je priča duža, to bi bilo još zanimljivije. Čarobna knjiga je odlučila da četiri toma podeli u dva dela, što je odlična ideja. U prvom delu čitaoci u Srbiji će dobiti objedinjeni prvi i drugi tom (Azurno kraljevstvo i Progresori). Čekam da vidim i nastavak, pa da saznam kako se sve završilo. Od raznih nedaća, podlaca, ljubavi, obmane, emocija, straha ali i hrabrosti, ubistava, misterije, do tajnog kraljevstva i rata koji vodi, ovde je prisutno apsolutno sve. Vaše je da se opustite i uživate (i naravno sačekate nastavak... 🙈). Od mene imate preporuku. Vredi imati ga u kolekciji.
April 29, 2019
the art in this is great, the way the colouring in every panels slowly change as the mood changed as well is impressive. Unfortunately, it doesnt go the same way with the story and characters.
the story didnt deliver. The plot dragged and didnt leave enough clues about the 'mysterious magic' to keep me invested. and there are few points were the it felt like some things werent givent enough context around it for me to care about it. basically it felt rushed for me.
The cover and description seemed like this would be exciting, but I was bored for most of it; until page 45 to the end where i felt like i was thrust into the main plot of the story. The earlier pages were meant to allow the readers to get to know the characters and environment and the story but those parts didnt really work up to the main point or mystery.
the story didnt deliver. The plot dragged and didnt leave enough clues about the 'mysterious magic' to keep me invested. and there are few points were the it felt like some things werent givent enough context around it for me to care about it. basically it felt rushed for me.
The cover and description seemed like this would be exciting, but I was bored for most of it; until page 45 to the end where i felt like i was thrust into the main plot of the story. The earlier pages were meant to allow the readers to get to know the characters and environment and the story but those parts didnt really work up to the main point or mystery.
January 4, 2021
Primo volume che mi piacevolmente intrattenuto.
Un tomo per lo più introduttivo che però ha il pregio di ben caratterizzare i personaggi principali,la trama si lascia intravedere ma non svela ancora molto al lettore.
Un tomo per lo più introduttivo che però ha il pregio di ben caratterizzare i personaggi principali,la trama si lascia intravedere ma non svela ancora molto al lettore.
March 17, 2019
The story is one of wonder and fantasy. Countess Aristophania Bolt from the Kingdom of Azur was a friend of their father and explained his death their mother when they were too young to understand.
The consequences of him being killed was that they were close to discovering his family and so now they had to escape and remain hidden from these agents of the dark powers.
As the children grow older they struggle to live and have enough to eat and live safely. When events take another turn for the worse, they are separated from their mother and Aristophania intervenes and promises to care for them.
She takes them to aplace of great beauty but with strict rules and like any kids they do not like to be given boundaries. Their desire to find out the truth and see or themselves the secret places on the estate they cannot leave bring them more questions than answers.
They learn that Aristophania has cosmic connections with powers beyond their understanding but is she a force for good or evil. Can they truely trust her to have their best interests at heart.
Beautifully told and supported by exquisite artwork; the dialogue and illustrations capture these strange forces within and outside the chronology of the earth. This sense of mystery and enchantment is matched by the evil wrought against those who stand against the absolute power of the bannished king.
This is just the first episode of what promises to be a thrilling series with the three likeable children standing at a threshold. At a portal, open to knowledge beyond the natural world, from where they will cease to be children but may never reach adulthood. Is it a step too far? A leap of faith to find their mother and revenge their father? Or just the ramblings of an old woman with strange but waning powers who needs young blood for her own ends.
Don't you love cliff-hangers? No spoilers please!
The consequences of him being killed was that they were close to discovering his family and so now they had to escape and remain hidden from these agents of the dark powers.
As the children grow older they struggle to live and have enough to eat and live safely. When events take another turn for the worse, they are separated from their mother and Aristophania intervenes and promises to care for them.
She takes them to aplace of great beauty but with strict rules and like any kids they do not like to be given boundaries. Their desire to find out the truth and see or themselves the secret places on the estate they cannot leave bring them more questions than answers.
They learn that Aristophania has cosmic connections with powers beyond their understanding but is she a force for good or evil. Can they truely trust her to have their best interests at heart.
Beautifully told and supported by exquisite artwork; the dialogue and illustrations capture these strange forces within and outside the chronology of the earth. This sense of mystery and enchantment is matched by the evil wrought against those who stand against the absolute power of the bannished king.
This is just the first episode of what promises to be a thrilling series with the three likeable children standing at a threshold. At a portal, open to knowledge beyond the natural world, from where they will cease to be children but may never reach adulthood. Is it a step too far? A leap of faith to find their mother and revenge their father? Or just the ramblings of an old woman with strange but waning powers who needs young blood for her own ends.
Don't you love cliff-hangers? No spoilers please!
February 1, 2020
** Free copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. **
Aristophania follows three young siblings in early 1900s Paris. Raised by their mother after their father was killed, the Francœur siblings have only known struggle. When their mother is arrested and they find themselves alone, the Francœur children encounter a mysterious and magical woman claiming to know their father.
I definitely liked the premise of this story - I love magical worlds that exist on the fringe of the "normal" world. In a lot of ways, this read as Dickens meets high fantasy, and I loved the mood that gave.
I did feel a little let down, however. Reading this felt simply like a "taste" - almost like reading a prologue rather than a fully developed novel.
Technically speaking, I also need to criticize the choice of font for the speech bubbles. It was incredibly difficult to read, especially on a screen. (Granted, I did read an ARC, so maybe this has been changed since publishing?)
Lastly, (I always have to say something about the art), the art was a major positive. Very well-drawn and appealing to look at. I especially applaud the use of color to emphasize mood and setting.
Overall, this story showed promise, even though I felt a bit unfulfilled. I'm intrigued enough to probably pick up volume two.
Aristophania follows three young siblings in early 1900s Paris. Raised by their mother after their father was killed, the Francœur siblings have only known struggle. When their mother is arrested and they find themselves alone, the Francœur children encounter a mysterious and magical woman claiming to know their father.
I definitely liked the premise of this story - I love magical worlds that exist on the fringe of the "normal" world. In a lot of ways, this read as Dickens meets high fantasy, and I loved the mood that gave.
I did feel a little let down, however. Reading this felt simply like a "taste" - almost like reading a prologue rather than a fully developed novel.
Technically speaking, I also need to criticize the choice of font for the speech bubbles. It was incredibly difficult to read, especially on a screen. (Granted, I did read an ARC, so maybe this has been changed since publishing?)
Lastly, (I always have to say something about the art), the art was a major positive. Very well-drawn and appealing to look at. I especially applaud the use of color to emphasize mood and setting.
Overall, this story showed promise, even though I felt a bit unfulfilled. I'm intrigued enough to probably pick up volume two.
March 11, 2019
I liked this first installment in a French graphic novel series. This volume establishes the setting in 1900 France, and provides us with an origin story for the three protagonists. These are impoverished siblings, Victor, Basile, and Calixte Francoeur, whose father is killed and whose mother has been sent to prison. Enter a mysterious older lady of considerable wealth and power, Aristophania, who takes the children to her estate . After the children witness magic and unexplained events, Aristophania explains that their father was a member of the same magical order as she, and they can choose to join her in it or continue in their mundane lives. I'm a little leery of the rich-person-fixes-it-all trope indicated by this first volume and the somewhat stereotyped and as-yet mostly undeveloped children--the fighter, the scholar, the innocent--but I'd like to read more. The art is gorgeous and evocative.
April 3, 2019
This book has a strong beginning making the reader feel like they are inside a fairytale with delicate and beautiful language.
Sadly for me, that sense of magic was soon lost but I did like the social critic and how well researched the time in which the story was set was researched and how the tone of the drawings seemed to reflect the darkness the characters were living through.
Thank you to Net Galley and Dargaud for this ARC.
Sadly for me, that sense of magic was soon lost but I did like the social critic and how well researched the time in which the story was set was researched and how the tone of the drawings seemed to reflect the darkness the characters were living through.
Thank you to Net Galley and Dargaud for this ARC.
March 7, 2019
The art style is interesting and the book has an intriguing plot for the most part. I do feel that there are many people who will genuinely enjoy the way this story plays out, it just isn't one I would read again.
I voluntarily read and received a free ARC copy of this title through NetGalley in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and received a free ARC copy of this title through NetGalley in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 7, 2019
This book has a strong beginning making the reader feel like they are inside a fairytale with delicate and beautiful language.
Sadly for me, that sense of magic was soon lost but I did like the social critic and how well researched the time in which the story was set was researched and how the tone of the drawings seemed to reflect the darkness the characters were living through.
Sadly for me, that sense of magic was soon lost but I did like the social critic and how well researched the time in which the story was set was researched and how the tone of the drawings seemed to reflect the darkness the characters were living through.
March 6, 2019
Art and story are good. Characters are stellar.
April 7, 2019
Read in English.
Hmmm… A graphic novel that's quite strong on the visual side (albeit the tails of the speech bubbles are a little hard to see at times), but not one with much that's really original to offer. Three children get placed in the sanctuary of a magical landscape at the request of an old biddy, but that's because they're destined to play a part in killing an evil king, and the old biddy and their dead father were warriors against him. Only the French would make one of the three kids such a rabble-rousing socialist aggravator, but that doesn't really make for an improvement to what is really a bunch of standard fantasy tropes. Yes, the final beat of this part of the story does suggest a different approach, but one was certainly needed.
Two and a half stars.
Hmmm… A graphic novel that's quite strong on the visual side (albeit the tails of the speech bubbles are a little hard to see at times), but not one with much that's really original to offer. Three children get placed in the sanctuary of a magical landscape at the request of an old biddy, but that's because they're destined to play a part in killing an evil king, and the old biddy and their dead father were warriors against him. Only the French would make one of the three kids such a rabble-rousing socialist aggravator, but that doesn't really make for an improvement to what is really a bunch of standard fantasy tropes. Yes, the final beat of this part of the story does suggest a different approach, but one was certainly needed.
Two and a half stars.
April 12, 2019
The art was breathtaking and I wish I could just judge Aristophania on that, because then it would have easily gotten 5 stars, but unfortunately the characters were all unlikeable and the story never actually took off.
February 5, 2019
Le style de dessin n'est pas ce que je préfère et les dialogues manquent souvent de vie/réalisme mais l'histoire est prenante et j'ai envie de savoir la suite.
March 26, 2019
IIf i’m being honest this wasn’t my favorite. I read a digital copy and while some of the words were crisp and easy to read others were very blurry. I didn’t particularly like the art and I struggled to like the story. I think because I was expecting something more whimsical like the cover art. And this story was pretty brutal and the kids seemed unlikeable. The boy with his nude photos and ect. It wasn’t for me. But I think maybe others might enjoy it more. I also think it was pretty short so maybe with further storyline or context it would be better.
March 22, 2019
'Aristophania (The Kingdom of Azur #1) by Xavier Dorison with art by Joël Parnotte is about three children and a fantastical benefactor looking out for them.
It is the early 20th Century and three children live with their mother. Years before their father died, and an old woman gave the children a dice to use if they ever needed help. Now times are hard. One child works in the factory and plays confidence games. When their mother is taken, they have no choice but to call on the mysterious Countess Aristophania Bolt. She will help them, but what is the price they must pay.
I liked this story of fantasy and the setting it was in. I liked that all three kids had unique personalities. I thought the art was good as well as the story. I'm curious where this story will lead.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
It is the early 20th Century and three children live with their mother. Years before their father died, and an old woman gave the children a dice to use if they ever needed help. Now times are hard. One child works in the factory and plays confidence games. When their mother is taken, they have no choice but to call on the mysterious Countess Aristophania Bolt. She will help them, but what is the price they must pay.
I liked this story of fantasy and the setting it was in. I liked that all three kids had unique personalities. I thought the art was good as well as the story. I'm curious where this story will lead.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
June 1, 2019
The story was interesting but I'm not sure I liked the execution of it. It felt too compacted and I'm not a big fan of the characters. Also too much text in one bubble most of the time. The art is beautiful though. I don't think I'll pick up the rest of the series unless it's finished so I could binge it.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
September 17, 2019
I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I recently switched over from YA to reading graphic novels and I really love looking at the photos to go along with the stores. This particular story the artist did a great job with the pictures almost as if I imagined them in my head. I would highly recommend this to anyone that is into graphic novels.
February 3, 2021
Nachtrag vom 3. Februar 2021 - was hängengebieben ist: Ganz netter Fantasy-Comic, der im Frankreich der Jahrhundertwende spielt, aber dann doch jede Menge Genre-Clichés verwurstet. Hätte mir vor vierzig Jahren wahrscheinlich besser gefallen.
February 2, 2023
Nije loše, ali Franko-Belgijanci ne umeju da naprave kul strip, pa to ti je.
October 8, 2021
Twarda gustowna oprawa skrywa 63 strony komiksu, na których przedstawiona zostaje dość intrygująca ezoteryczna historia. Na początek fabuła przenosi nas do Marsylii roku 1900, kiedy to uczciwy, lubiany i niezwykle pracowity robotnik Clément ginie w dość drastycznych i mocno tajemniczych okolicznościach. Śmierć głowy rodziny mocno odbija się na jego żonie i trójce dzieci. Kolejne przedstawione tutaj wydarzenia ukazują rok 1909, kiedy to trójka pociech podrosła, brak ojca mocno jednak wpływa na ich całe życie. Na dodatek ich matka zostaje nagle aresztowana bez żadnego powodu, a one same zostają pozostawione na pastwę losu. Wszystko zmienia się pewnego dnia, kiedy to kontaktuje się z nimi pewna tajemnicza starsza kobieta (Aristophania Bolt). Przedstawicielka wyższych sfer ponoć dobrze znała ich ojca i teraz ma zamiar zaopiekować się jego potomstwem. Rodzeństwo, które do tej pory wychowywało się w Paryskich slumsach i każdego dnia musiało walczyć o przetrwanie, teraz przenosi się do malowniczej Prowansji, która wydaje się być dla nich iście bajkową krainą. To właśnie tam zaczną oni odkrywać tajemnice przeszłości, sekrety skrywane przez ich ojca, zjawiskową magię oraz swoje własne przeznaczenie.
Xavier Dorison w swoim dziele serwuje czytelnikowi dość różnorodną mieszankę treści. Początkowo skupia się on na mocno społecznej tematyce, ukazując nędze klasy robotniczej początku wieku, która ciężką pracą i wyrzeczeniami budowała majątki ludzi wyższych sfer. Jest to jednak zaledwie wstęp do dalszej bardziej interesującej historii. W momencie, kiedy trójka dzieci dostaje się pod opiekę tajemniczej kobiety, czytelnik wraz z nimi ma okazję odkrywać kolejne sekrety przeszłości i teraźniejszości. Z kolejnymi stronami autor dodaje również do fabuły coraz wyraźniejszą dawkę magii, która wyraźnie w późniejszych tomach będzie odkrywać znaczącą rolę.
Niczego złego nie można napisać również na temat przedstawionych tutaj postaci. Prym oczywiście wiodą tutaj młodzi bohaterowie, którzy z jednej strony charakteryzują się typowo dziecięcą ciekawością z drugiej zaś nauczeni przetrwania w dzielnicach biedy, nie są nazbyt ufni i do każdego podchodzą z wielkim dystansem. Nieźle prezentuje się również ich zamożna opiekunka, która nadal skrywa jednak pewne nieodkryte tajemnice.
Oczywiście nie wszystko jest tutaj idealne. Twórca musiał na określonej ilości stron przedstawić na tyle wciągającą i spójną opowieść, aby czytelnicy sięgnęli po kolejne tomy. Można uznać, że cel ten został zrealizowany, nie zmienia to jednak faktu, że w kilku momentach cała historia mogłaby pokusić się o odrobinę większą głębię. Czasem zbyt szybko przeskakujemy tu pomiędzy kolejnymi wydarzeniami, nie pozwalając im zbyt dobrze „wybrzmieć”. Na całe szczęście jest to jednak tylko drobna wada, która nie wpływa mocno na ostateczną pozytywną ocenę scenariusza.
Jeśli chodzi o warstwę artystyczną komiksu (Joël Parnotte), prezentuje się ona dość dobrze. Artysta stawia głównie na proste rysunki, z dużą ilością ceni i zimną paletą barw. Świetnie sprawdzają się on w ukazywaniu mrocznej strony slumsów i dobrze kontrastują z kolorowymi terenami Prowansji. Nie są to może rysunki które potrafią zachwycić każdego, na pewno jednak dość dobrze dopasowują się one do samej treści.
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/recen...
Xavier Dorison w swoim dziele serwuje czytelnikowi dość różnorodną mieszankę treści. Początkowo skupia się on na mocno społecznej tematyce, ukazując nędze klasy robotniczej początku wieku, która ciężką pracą i wyrzeczeniami budowała majątki ludzi wyższych sfer. Jest to jednak zaledwie wstęp do dalszej bardziej interesującej historii. W momencie, kiedy trójka dzieci dostaje się pod opiekę tajemniczej kobiety, czytelnik wraz z nimi ma okazję odkrywać kolejne sekrety przeszłości i teraźniejszości. Z kolejnymi stronami autor dodaje również do fabuły coraz wyraźniejszą dawkę magii, która wyraźnie w późniejszych tomach będzie odkrywać znaczącą rolę.
Niczego złego nie można napisać również na temat przedstawionych tutaj postaci. Prym oczywiście wiodą tutaj młodzi bohaterowie, którzy z jednej strony charakteryzują się typowo dziecięcą ciekawością z drugiej zaś nauczeni przetrwania w dzielnicach biedy, nie są nazbyt ufni i do każdego podchodzą z wielkim dystansem. Nieźle prezentuje się również ich zamożna opiekunka, która nadal skrywa jednak pewne nieodkryte tajemnice.
Oczywiście nie wszystko jest tutaj idealne. Twórca musiał na określonej ilości stron przedstawić na tyle wciągającą i spójną opowieść, aby czytelnicy sięgnęli po kolejne tomy. Można uznać, że cel ten został zrealizowany, nie zmienia to jednak faktu, że w kilku momentach cała historia mogłaby pokusić się o odrobinę większą głębię. Czasem zbyt szybko przeskakujemy tu pomiędzy kolejnymi wydarzeniami, nie pozwalając im zbyt dobrze „wybrzmieć”. Na całe szczęście jest to jednak tylko drobna wada, która nie wpływa mocno na ostateczną pozytywną ocenę scenariusza.
Jeśli chodzi o warstwę artystyczną komiksu (Joël Parnotte), prezentuje się ona dość dobrze. Artysta stawia głównie na proste rysunki, z dużą ilością ceni i zimną paletą barw. Świetnie sprawdzają się on w ukazywaniu mrocznej strony slumsów i dobrze kontrastują z kolorowymi terenami Prowansji. Nie są to może rysunki które potrafią zachwycić każdego, na pewno jednak dość dobrze dopasowują się one do samej treści.
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/recen...
August 17, 2020
Zu Beginn dieses Jahres in deutscher Übersetzung bei SPLITTER erschienen, ist Das Reich Azur von Autor Xavier Dorison und Zeichner Joel Parnotte der erste Teil einer auf vier Bände ausgelegten Comicreihe: Aristophania. Was hat mich zugreifen lassen? Das Splitter-Regal in meinem Comic-Laden hat ja mittlerweile gigantische Ausmaße - doch das Cover war schon der erste Eyecatcher: Der Jugendstil-Schriftzug und das in geheimnisvollem Grün gehaltene Titelbild einer schwebenden Frauengestalt stachen heraus. Dorison war mir auch als Co-Autor von Christophe Becs Heiligtum und als Verfasser der erfolgreichen Reihe Undertaker (selbst aber noch nicht gelesen) ein Begriff.
Daheim las ich ein paar Artikel zum Buch und war zunächst etwas entsetzt. Von Mary-Poppins-Charme war da plötzlich die Rede... ein Fehlkauf? Zum Glück nicht. Daß eine Dame aus gutem Hause mit exellenten Manieren und guten Flugeigenschaften Kinder unter ihre Fittiche nimmt, ist dankenswerterweise die einzige Parallele zu Disneys biederem Kitschmärchen. Die Fabelwelt, der die titelgebende Gräfin entstammt, ist sehr viel komplexer, und auch wenn Dorison in diesem ersten Band nur einen winzigen Zipfel des Vorhangs lüftet, ahne ich eher eine an Neil Gaimans Niemalsland gemahnende, düstere Hintergrundgeschichte.
Der verantwortungsvolle, aber aufbrausende Basile, sein hochintelligenter aber lebensuntüchtiger kleiner Bruder Victor und die neunjährige Calixe sind Geschwister in einem Armenviertel in Marseille zur Zeit der Frühindustrialisierung. Ihr Vater kam vor einigen Jahen unter ungeklärten Umständen ums Leben - wir Leser haben aber bereits in der Eingangsszene erfahren, daß hier ein Konflikt zwischen übersinnlichen Mächten den Hintergrund bildet. Als ihre rebellische Mutter in einem polizeilichen Willkürakt verhaftet wird, kommt eine alte Bekannte ihres Vaters ins Spiel: Die Gräfin Aristophania. Sie siedelt die Kinder aus den elendigen Marseiller Verhältnissen auf ihr Anwesen in der Provence um. Und die Provence ist auf einmal das Reich Azur. Der Begriff Azur scheint aber auch so etwas wie Lebensenergie und magisches Talent zu bezeichnen. Und Hals über Kopf finden sich die Kinder in einer Welt voller Magie und Gefahren wieder.
Auch wenn ich dem ersten Band der Reihe noch wenig Konkretes zur Handlung zu entnehmen ist, gelingt es dem Autor, Spannung und Atmosphäre aufzubauen - trotz der eher konventioneller Fantasy-Kost, die er serviert. Die tiefen, opulenten und datailverliebten Bilder Parnottes sind das eigentliche Plus des Comics. Seine entschiedene Farbgebung, seine eindringlichen Schraffuren, die differenzierte Charakterdarstellungen und seine einfache und trotzdem sehr erwachsene Bildsprache überzeugen mich sowohl im rötlich-grauen Marseille als auch in der durch vielerlei Grün verlockenden Provence auf ganzer Linie. Dieser Tage soll der Nachfolgeband Der verbannte König erscheinen, und ich werde wohl schon bald schreiben können, wie es weitergeht - die Gräfin hat mich angeködert!
Daheim las ich ein paar Artikel zum Buch und war zunächst etwas entsetzt. Von Mary-Poppins-Charme war da plötzlich die Rede... ein Fehlkauf? Zum Glück nicht. Daß eine Dame aus gutem Hause mit exellenten Manieren und guten Flugeigenschaften Kinder unter ihre Fittiche nimmt, ist dankenswerterweise die einzige Parallele zu Disneys biederem Kitschmärchen. Die Fabelwelt, der die titelgebende Gräfin entstammt, ist sehr viel komplexer, und auch wenn Dorison in diesem ersten Band nur einen winzigen Zipfel des Vorhangs lüftet, ahne ich eher eine an Neil Gaimans Niemalsland gemahnende, düstere Hintergrundgeschichte.
Der verantwortungsvolle, aber aufbrausende Basile, sein hochintelligenter aber lebensuntüchtiger kleiner Bruder Victor und die neunjährige Calixe sind Geschwister in einem Armenviertel in Marseille zur Zeit der Frühindustrialisierung. Ihr Vater kam vor einigen Jahen unter ungeklärten Umständen ums Leben - wir Leser haben aber bereits in der Eingangsszene erfahren, daß hier ein Konflikt zwischen übersinnlichen Mächten den Hintergrund bildet. Als ihre rebellische Mutter in einem polizeilichen Willkürakt verhaftet wird, kommt eine alte Bekannte ihres Vaters ins Spiel: Die Gräfin Aristophania. Sie siedelt die Kinder aus den elendigen Marseiller Verhältnissen auf ihr Anwesen in der Provence um. Und die Provence ist auf einmal das Reich Azur. Der Begriff Azur scheint aber auch so etwas wie Lebensenergie und magisches Talent zu bezeichnen. Und Hals über Kopf finden sich die Kinder in einer Welt voller Magie und Gefahren wieder.
Auch wenn ich dem ersten Band der Reihe noch wenig Konkretes zur Handlung zu entnehmen ist, gelingt es dem Autor, Spannung und Atmosphäre aufzubauen - trotz der eher konventioneller Fantasy-Kost, die er serviert. Die tiefen, opulenten und datailverliebten Bilder Parnottes sind das eigentliche Plus des Comics. Seine entschiedene Farbgebung, seine eindringlichen Schraffuren, die differenzierte Charakterdarstellungen und seine einfache und trotzdem sehr erwachsene Bildsprache überzeugen mich sowohl im rötlich-grauen Marseille als auch in der durch vielerlei Grün verlockenden Provence auf ganzer Linie. Dieser Tage soll der Nachfolgeband Der verbannte König erscheinen, und ich werde wohl schon bald schreiben können, wie es weitergeht - die Gräfin hat mich angeködert!
June 7, 2020
Schon als ich das Cover auf der Verlagsseite sah, war es um mich geschehen. Es wirkte so herrlich magisch und farbintensiv. Als ich dann aber die Kurzbeschreibung dazu las, war meine Neugier vollends geweckt. Denn statt Freude und Heiterkeit erwartete mich hier eher Traurigkeit und Verlust. Ich war gespannt, was mich hier erwarten würde.
Als ich das Buch dann in meinen Händen hatte, war von wieder weglegen nicht einmal die Rede. Ich las es in einem Stück, da mich die Welt, die Zeit und besonders die Geschehnisse einfach nur emotional packten. Besonders die Behandlung gegenüber weniger gut betuchten Menschen war dabei ein großes Thema und wurde mit sehr ehrlichen Bildern auch so gezeigt. Egal ob Wohnquartiere oder Arbeitsstellen schön war anders. Das dann die Polizisten nur aufseiten der Mächtigen stand, war da kaum noch verwunderlich.
Was sehr düster und traurig klingt, ist aber leider eine Wahrheit die wir seit Jahrhunderten mit uns herumtragen. Wer Macht hat, will sie behalten und Geld regiert ja bekannterweise eh die Welt. In der Geschichte fand ich mich in Marseille wieder und lernte dabei 3 Kinder und ihre Mutter kennen. Ein schönes Gespann, das mir besonders dadurch gefiel, das die Kinder unterschiedliche Persönlichkeiten und Leidenschaften hatten. Der Älteste stand für seine Geschwister ein, der Mittlere besuchte die Schule und liebte Bücher und das kleine Mädchen strotze einfach noch vor Hoffnung, das ihre Brüder alles gut werden ließen.
Die Mutter spielte in dem Ganzen auch eine große Rolle, da sie ein Opfer der oben erwähnten polizeilichen Übergriffe wurde. Bis jetzt klingt wirklich noch alles sehr hart, aber es verdeutlichte mir noch einmal das Themen wie Mobbing, Gewalt gegenüber Schwächeren oder Korruption keine neuzeitlichen Probleme sind.
Doch genug von dem vielen schlechten. Sowohl am Anfang als auch im weiteren Verlauf des Buches lernte man schließlich Aristophania Bolt kennen. Die ältere Dame, welche auf den ersten Blick zwar edel aber doch eher schwach wirkte, umgab ganz klar ein Geheimnis. Schnell zeigte sich das sie Magie beherrschte, welche aus einem Reich namens Azur kam. Ein paar Informationen gab es dabei schon, aber weiten noch nicht alles. Um so mehr ist mein Interesse geweckt worden, denn ich möchte unbedingt wissen wie es mit Aristophania, den Kindern und dem Reich Azur weitergeht.
Der Auftakt dieser Reihe hätte nicht spannender beginnen können. Neben einer Menge sozialkritischen Themen und der passenden Darstellung von ihr, gab es dann auch die magischen Momente, welche dem Ganzen die Düsternis nahmen. Die Illustrationen waren einfach nur wunderschön und sehr detailliert und erzeugten zusammen mit den stimmigen Dialogen eine packende Geschichte, bei der ich gespannt bin, wo sie mich hinführt.
Als ich das Buch dann in meinen Händen hatte, war von wieder weglegen nicht einmal die Rede. Ich las es in einem Stück, da mich die Welt, die Zeit und besonders die Geschehnisse einfach nur emotional packten. Besonders die Behandlung gegenüber weniger gut betuchten Menschen war dabei ein großes Thema und wurde mit sehr ehrlichen Bildern auch so gezeigt. Egal ob Wohnquartiere oder Arbeitsstellen schön war anders. Das dann die Polizisten nur aufseiten der Mächtigen stand, war da kaum noch verwunderlich.
Was sehr düster und traurig klingt, ist aber leider eine Wahrheit die wir seit Jahrhunderten mit uns herumtragen. Wer Macht hat, will sie behalten und Geld regiert ja bekannterweise eh die Welt. In der Geschichte fand ich mich in Marseille wieder und lernte dabei 3 Kinder und ihre Mutter kennen. Ein schönes Gespann, das mir besonders dadurch gefiel, das die Kinder unterschiedliche Persönlichkeiten und Leidenschaften hatten. Der Älteste stand für seine Geschwister ein, der Mittlere besuchte die Schule und liebte Bücher und das kleine Mädchen strotze einfach noch vor Hoffnung, das ihre Brüder alles gut werden ließen.
Die Mutter spielte in dem Ganzen auch eine große Rolle, da sie ein Opfer der oben erwähnten polizeilichen Übergriffe wurde. Bis jetzt klingt wirklich noch alles sehr hart, aber es verdeutlichte mir noch einmal das Themen wie Mobbing, Gewalt gegenüber Schwächeren oder Korruption keine neuzeitlichen Probleme sind.
Doch genug von dem vielen schlechten. Sowohl am Anfang als auch im weiteren Verlauf des Buches lernte man schließlich Aristophania Bolt kennen. Die ältere Dame, welche auf den ersten Blick zwar edel aber doch eher schwach wirkte, umgab ganz klar ein Geheimnis. Schnell zeigte sich das sie Magie beherrschte, welche aus einem Reich namens Azur kam. Ein paar Informationen gab es dabei schon, aber weiten noch nicht alles. Um so mehr ist mein Interesse geweckt worden, denn ich möchte unbedingt wissen wie es mit Aristophania, den Kindern und dem Reich Azur weitergeht.
Der Auftakt dieser Reihe hätte nicht spannender beginnen können. Neben einer Menge sozialkritischen Themen und der passenden Darstellung von ihr, gab es dann auch die magischen Momente, welche dem Ganzen die Düsternis nahmen. Die Illustrationen waren einfach nur wunderschön und sehr detailliert und erzeugten zusammen mit den stimmigen Dialogen eine packende Geschichte, bei der ich gespannt bin, wo sie mich hinführt.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews