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Girl Genius #9
Agatha Heterodyne and the Heirs of the Storm
Adventure, Romance, Mad Science! Agatha has finally made it to her ancestral castle, but so has a whole crowd of her friends - and enemies! Worse, the lives of two them are in danger, unless she can get the Castle's power source back up and running-quick!
144 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2010
4 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
Phil Foglio
167 books356 followersA popular science fiction fan artist in the 1970s, Phil Foglio began writing and drawing cartoons and comics professionally in the 1980s. His work includes Magic: The Gathering, Buck Godot, and the popular series of comics and novels, Girl Genius, co-written with his wife, Kaja Foglio.
Awards:
Hugo Award for Best Fan Artist (1977 and 1978)
Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story (2009, 2010, 2011)
Awards:
Hugo Award for Best Fan Artist (1977 and 1978)
Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story (2009, 2010, 2011)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 10, 2015
I've been giving these last few 5's instead of 4's, which is good, until you need a 6.
January 3, 2022
I am having trouble stopping reading this series. I got the latest volume for my kids for Christmas, and then I started reading from the start to model that strange activity and get them off their screens and now I just finished volume 9. But I do think all 3 other family members have started reading, too.
In my review of 8 I wrote that I wish the love interests were more diverse. They got a rainbow infection, so technically, I got my wish.
In which Agatha fights to save Gil and Tarvek, while they act like idiots, though very entertaining ones, and the castle itself tries to "help." Much is revealed, much is still murky (who IS Gil's bio dad?) I want these characters to have a good meal, a hot bath, and some restorative sleep.
I am having some delightfully naughty thoughts about Agatha living her best polyamorous life with blue boys Tarvek and Gil stashed in opposite wings of the sentient castle. Pretty sure this is exactly what the creators intended.
Something that made me laugh out loud: a big spider that said "Nyar." And the bonus Jäger comics, jam label, and ad at the end; well played!
But the love interests are still too cis-het and white and conventionally drawn. More body and love options! Rainbow over white doesn't count!
In my review of 8 I wrote that I wish the love interests were more diverse. They got a rainbow infection, so technically, I got my wish.
In which Agatha fights to save Gil and Tarvek, while they act like idiots, though very entertaining ones, and the castle itself tries to "help." Much is revealed, much is still murky (who IS Gil's bio dad?) I want these characters to have a good meal, a hot bath, and some restorative sleep.
I am having some delightfully naughty thoughts about Agatha living her best polyamorous life with blue boys Tarvek and Gil stashed in opposite wings of the sentient castle. Pretty sure this is exactly what the creators intended.
Something that made me laugh out loud: a big spider that said "Nyar." And the bonus Jäger comics, jam label, and ad at the end; well played!
But the love interests are still too cis-het and white and conventionally drawn. More body and love options! Rainbow over white doesn't count!
August 9, 2013
Action! Adventure! Heroism! Science! Pirates! Minions! Step right up, folks, and watch the show!
This series just keeps getting better and better. No longer just a clumsy naïve fool, Agatha truly comes into her own as she accepts her mastery of the castle and forces her will on those around her, all the while maintaining her own personal scruples. Trying to temper mercy with justice when you are longing to choke the life out of your enemies can be a difficult struggle. This can be especially tough when one is surrounded by mad professors, rabid criminals and machines run amok, all just itching to beat the tar out of each other or just sit back and cheer while the blood flies.
Leavening their “gaslamp fantasy” with plenty of humor and action lightly sprinkled with merry bits of random idiocy, the Foglios once again prove that science can be useful, deadly AND loads of fun.
This series just keeps getting better and better. No longer just a clumsy naïve fool, Agatha truly comes into her own as she accepts her mastery of the castle and forces her will on those around her, all the while maintaining her own personal scruples. Trying to temper mercy with justice when you are longing to choke the life out of your enemies can be a difficult struggle. This can be especially tough when one is surrounded by mad professors, rabid criminals and machines run amok, all just itching to beat the tar out of each other or just sit back and cheer while the blood flies.
Leavening their “gaslamp fantasy” with plenty of humor and action lightly sprinkled with merry bits of random idiocy, the Foglios once again prove that science can be useful, deadly AND loads of fun.
Read
September 20, 2015Let me interrupt your death trap with this fiendish plot.
January 18, 2018
Agatha Heterodyne has her hands full dealing with a recalcitrant, evil castle with some very odd ideas about saving her and Prince Tarvek, her sick swain. In the meantime, her other admirer, Gilgamesh Wulfenbach finds himself running into the castle, only to meet a couple of old ‘friends’ all up to schemes of their own.
One of them is Prince Tarvek, for it turns out Agatha’s two admirers have a past history of their own and a *lot* of issues to work out.
Hilarity, excitement, and madness occur when several sparks find themselve loose in Castle Heterodyne. It’s up to poor Moloch Von Zinzer, reluctant minion extraordinaire to calm everyone down.
I didn’t quite enjoy this volume as much as the previous book, but it was a lot of fun. Gil and Tarvek’s backstory was fascinating. The antics of Merlot and Castle Heterodyne were hilarious in a maniacal way. Moloch’s talent for herding sparks was a nice additional layer of character development in this increasingly complicated tapestry of world and personalities.
For plot, character, and my overall enjoyment of the story, I give this four stars.
One of them is Prince Tarvek, for it turns out Agatha’s two admirers have a past history of their own and a *lot* of issues to work out.
Hilarity, excitement, and madness occur when several sparks find themselve loose in Castle Heterodyne. It’s up to poor Moloch Von Zinzer, reluctant minion extraordinaire to calm everyone down.
I didn’t quite enjoy this volume as much as the previous book, but it was a lot of fun. Gil and Tarvek’s backstory was fascinating. The antics of Merlot and Castle Heterodyne were hilarious in a maniacal way. Moloch’s talent for herding sparks was a nice additional layer of character development in this increasingly complicated tapestry of world and personalities.
For plot, character, and my overall enjoyment of the story, I give this four stars.
November 14, 2017
I love this series, but from this point forward, I think the novels are a bit too action-packed. Sometimes we need a pause to let the readers and characters breathe, like the fourth act of a play where we get some funny banter or the characters have a cup of tea and regroup before the shit hits the fan in the climax. Volumes 9-13 are all climax, and it's exhausting. Still love the series, though.
July 3, 2017
This series just keeps getting better and better!!
January 4, 2019
This ends on a cliff hanger, but same as the rest.
July 31, 2019
Too much fun!
May 30, 2020
Any story where you can turn people colors for humorous reasons is a good story. Also, more time with Gil is always welcome, and Gil and Tarvek make a surprisingly comedic duo.
April 9, 2021
We are officially into new territory for me with this book, and I am delighted with it. Hoping for more Gil, less Tarvek in the future, though.
November 21, 2022
This story arc about the ancestral Heterodyne home has gone on for ages and volumes and I still can't get enough. Kind of curious about where it's going next, though.
June 24, 2016
As alluded to in my review of Volume 8, Agatha is coming into her own. Time is moving much more slowly in these last few volumes as a lot of action is packed into just a few days. In fact, I think we've only passed two or three days in volumes 7-9 (as opposed to the seeming weeks with the circus). This means character development is happening in a real-time-esque fashion. Watching Agatha learn how to navigate the interpersonal relationships in this fashion is fascinating. She is less and less uncertain of herself. Constantly giving commands, in Spark-mode and not, Agatha is showing how much of a true Heterodyne she really is. I wonder how much of her substantial growth over the last few volumes is from her being around the castle? It seems like she is growing incredibly quickly, and I wouldn't be surprised to find that being back home in Heterodyne Castle is really boosting a portion of who she is that was long forgotten.
Zola. Where to start? I'm really conflicted about her presence. There seems to be much more to her than meets the eye, but our background story of a "poor damsel in distress" coming from Gil seems, well, like a rouse. Gil is good at only seeing what he wants to, like Zola's inability to care for herself. She has turned into mere comic relief in this volume, and I feel like this won't last.
But watching Gil and Tarvek interact is awesome. Their history as rivals was a bit predictable, but it was still welcome. Their strange endless rivalry over everything and constant banter kept at bay by Agatha kept me swallowing every page we came across. PLUS they kept changing colors. For the first time, I found myself giggling as each page passed. How can you not laugh at this?
A: I need you to get yourself and Tarvek somewhere safe-- away from the castle.
G: Tarvek-? TARVEK STURMVOARUS?! That smug condescending SNAKE?!
A: You know him?
T: GILGAMESH HOLZFALLER! It IS you! I THOUGHT I heard your degenerate bleating! Get away from her, you SWINE!
And it continues. Even though Gil is trying to save first Tarvek, then both he and Tarvek, and eventually even Agatha's life is on the line-- throughout this entire bout of colorful sickness, they still bicker.
Volume 9 ended on a cliffhanger! A big one for being mid-story-cycle, too. Bring on Volume 10!
Zola. Where to start? I'm really conflicted about her presence. There seems to be much more to her than meets the eye, but our background story of a "poor damsel in distress" coming from Gil seems, well, like a rouse. Gil is good at only seeing what he wants to, like Zola's inability to care for herself. She has turned into mere comic relief in this volume, and I feel like this won't last.
But watching Gil and Tarvek interact is awesome. Their history as rivals was a bit predictable, but it was still welcome. Their strange endless rivalry over everything and constant banter kept at bay by Agatha kept me swallowing every page we came across. PLUS they kept changing colors. For the first time, I found myself giggling as each page passed. How can you not laugh at this?
A: I need you to get yourself and Tarvek somewhere safe-- away from the castle.
G: Tarvek-? TARVEK STURMVOARUS?! That smug condescending SNAKE?!
A: You know him?
T: GILGAMESH HOLZFALLER! It IS you! I THOUGHT I heard your degenerate bleating! Get away from her, you SWINE!
And it continues. Even though Gil is trying to save first Tarvek, then both he and Tarvek, and eventually even Agatha's life is on the line-- throughout this entire bout of colorful sickness, they still bicker.
Volume 9 ended on a cliffhanger! A big one for being mid-story-cycle, too. Bring on Volume 10!
January 11, 2015
This is the ninth TP in the Girl Genius series. I have really been enjoying this series a ton. I love the colorful artwork, the crazy characters, and all the humor. These book always have me laughing my butt off.
Agatha is still trying to get Castle Heterodyne up to full power. Of course all of this is complicated by the arrival of Gil and the fact that Gil actually knows the woman pretending to be the fake Agatha. Many antics ensue and parts of this book are incredibly hilarious.
I have loved this whole series so far. The illustrations are crazy colorful and match the tone of the story perfectly. The characters are quirky and hilarious. I love the odd humor through and enjoy all the mad science that goes on in these books.
Agatha really comes into her own in this book. She has Castle Herterodyne obeying her every command (where the castle isn’t broken) and she is taking control of a potentially explosive (literally) situation. I enjoyed the scenes with her and Gil, they are so funny. The both like each other a lot and work together really well, but they just haven’t realized it yet.
The introduction of the mysterious Heirs of Storm also happens in this book and I am very curious to see what that storyline leads to in future installments. I am absolutely loving Castle Heterodyne itself and its snarky somewhat bloodthirsty personality.
Overall this has been a fantastic series and this was an absolutely stellar book in this series. The plot is complex and so well done, the character highly entertaining, and the illustration detailed and colorful. I am really really enjoying this series. I highly recommend this series to anyone who like fantasy graphic novels with a heavy dose of humor. I also recommend it to all the steampunk fans out there. It is just so much fun!
Agatha is still trying to get Castle Heterodyne up to full power. Of course all of this is complicated by the arrival of Gil and the fact that Gil actually knows the woman pretending to be the fake Agatha. Many antics ensue and parts of this book are incredibly hilarious.
I have loved this whole series so far. The illustrations are crazy colorful and match the tone of the story perfectly. The characters are quirky and hilarious. I love the odd humor through and enjoy all the mad science that goes on in these books.
Agatha really comes into her own in this book. She has Castle Herterodyne obeying her every command (where the castle isn’t broken) and she is taking control of a potentially explosive (literally) situation. I enjoyed the scenes with her and Gil, they are so funny. The both like each other a lot and work together really well, but they just haven’t realized it yet.
The introduction of the mysterious Heirs of Storm also happens in this book and I am very curious to see what that storyline leads to in future installments. I am absolutely loving Castle Heterodyne itself and its snarky somewhat bloodthirsty personality.
Overall this has been a fantastic series and this was an absolutely stellar book in this series. The plot is complex and so well done, the character highly entertaining, and the illustration detailed and colorful. I am really really enjoying this series. I highly recommend this series to anyone who like fantasy graphic novels with a heavy dose of humor. I also recommend it to all the steampunk fans out there. It is just so much fun!
June 20, 2016
Volume nine of Agatha Heterodyne's exciting adventures see her ensconced in her family seat: Castle Heterodyne. The castle turns out to be a sentient fortress, albeit one that is badly damaged and whose consciousness is fragmented and which is a death trap. Complicating matters are Agatha's friends who have come in to help her, but who she sees as a burden that she must protect, and her enemies, also in the castle, trying to destroy it. And it doesn't help that even the bits of the castle that acknowledge her are becoming increasingly erratic.
The story in this ongoing webcomic is becoming ever more complex, and catching up in the hard copy volumes makes it much easier to track what's going on, and who the various characters are. The love triangle between Agatha, Gil and Tarvek deepens and is becoming more interesting as it goes on, with Agatha being continually embarrassed both by the gentlemen in question, and by the bystanders who Assume Too Much.
My favourite new character, though, is the Castle. Castle Heterodyne is an ancient, somewhat deranged personality with the most awesomely perverse sense of humour. Every time it speaks (possibly with Christopher Lee's voice), it dominates, even without the physical presence of its many torture machines, death traps and gizmos.
The only thing missing from this volume (as Kaja Foglio acknowledges at the end of the book) are the Jägermonsters, but we do at least get some short strips (and lovely full page art) featuring them at the back.
The story in this ongoing webcomic is becoming ever more complex, and catching up in the hard copy volumes makes it much easier to track what's going on, and who the various characters are. The love triangle between Agatha, Gil and Tarvek deepens and is becoming more interesting as it goes on, with Agatha being continually embarrassed both by the gentlemen in question, and by the bystanders who Assume Too Much.
My favourite new character, though, is the Castle. Castle Heterodyne is an ancient, somewhat deranged personality with the most awesomely perverse sense of humour. Every time it speaks (possibly with Christopher Lee's voice), it dominates, even without the physical presence of its many torture machines, death traps and gizmos.
The only thing missing from this volume (as Kaja Foglio acknowledges at the end of the book) are the Jägermonsters, but we do at least get some short strips (and lovely full page art) featuring them at the back.
October 28, 2014
An installment in the continuing story. With spoilers ahead for the earlier ones.
First page is their Hugo acceptance speech, with Agatha interrupting to figure out the cause. It's not mind-control worms.
It opens easily enough, with guards watching over the rejoicing in Mechanicsburg. The Baron had sent not soldiers but barrels of strong drink. But within a page, we are following a new arrival, which culminates in Othar's being sent into the Castle to retrieve Gil.
Meanwhile in the Castle, Gil bumps into the false Heterodyne heir. Turns out she's Zola, someone he knew in Paris -- where she had a dreadful habit of getting mixed up with things that he had to rescue her from. And Agatha discovers that she built a death ray in her sleep, and that Tarvek is seriously ill. She decides to recruit Gil to help.
They meet up, a fraught moment interrupted by Dr. Merlot, out for revenge. A bit of an adventure, revealing why he blames Agatha for his presence there.
The first of many revelations and much action during the course of a heroic effort to cure Tarvek. Several rescues of Zola. Tarvek's revealing how he and Gil had known each other as boys. The realization that most of the medicinal stuff in the castle is old. A big fight between Gil and Tarvek that does what they want it to, and a secret, quiet bargain between them.
This one doesn't end on a mere transition. For the first time, it ends on a cliff-hanger.
First page is their Hugo acceptance speech, with Agatha interrupting to figure out the cause. It's not mind-control worms.
It opens easily enough, with guards watching over the rejoicing in Mechanicsburg. The Baron had sent not soldiers but barrels of strong drink. But within a page, we are following a new arrival, which culminates in Othar's being sent into the Castle to retrieve Gil.
Meanwhile in the Castle, Gil bumps into the false Heterodyne heir. Turns out she's Zola, someone he knew in Paris -- where she had a dreadful habit of getting mixed up with things that he had to rescue her from. And Agatha discovers that she built a death ray in her sleep, and that Tarvek is seriously ill. She decides to recruit Gil to help.
They meet up, a fraught moment interrupted by Dr. Merlot, out for revenge. A bit of an adventure, revealing why he blames Agatha for his presence there.
The first of many revelations and much action during the course of a heroic effort to cure Tarvek. Several rescues of Zola. Tarvek's revealing how he and Gil had known each other as boys. The realization that most of the medicinal stuff in the castle is old. A big fight between Gil and Tarvek that does what they want it to, and a secret, quiet bargain between them.
This one doesn't end on a mere transition. For the first time, it ends on a cliff-hanger.
September 9, 2015
For many years I have followed Girl Genius Webcomic as one of my daily rituals. I have been following the Foglio's quirky humour and idiosyncratic drawings.
What I really like of the series is the depth of scope and worldbuilding, with many details becoming obvious much later than when they appear. As such the recently appeared novels are the perfect complement, as you can finally be inside the head of Agatha, overcoming one of the limitations of comic: wordcount. So instead of being sparse with words, they can let out freely.
The series takes place in an alternate Europa, one where some kind of magical technology, the Spark, has made it diverge wildly from our own. The series follows the adventures, with some sadness and romance but mostly with good humour, of Agatha, the Girl Genius, and a huge supporting cast. I would call it Steam Fantasy instead of Steampunk, but it is better than most stories with than label.
I supported the kickstarter campaign, so I got the first 12 books. I suspect they are only scratching the surface so far...
I will recycle the review for the others, because they are really part of a continuum, and all are at a high level. If you do not believe me, just try it, it is free: www.girlgeniusonline.com
February 23, 2019
REREAD 2019
The problem with getting further and further into a series, is that you eventually run out of original stuff to say. That is starting to become a problem with GG here.
This album is down another star again. I don't know if it is the lack of Jagers or what, but it doesn't give me the same feels as the previous ones. Not that they give any big feels either, but you get my point, right? The two others I couldn't put down, this one I put down on more than one occasion.
So what do I think it is, other than the lack of Jagers?
There's a lot of backstory, which can be a bit boring when you've read it four times already. Then there's the whole Zola thing, which I still don't like.* And then there's the whole sickness-thing going on. While it is interesting in building characters and pushing parts of the plot forward, in other ways it feels a little like fluff, filler, and I'm not really a fan of that.
Oh well, things will get interesting again!
*I thought about it, and part of what I don't like is her character in general. It is understandable to not like a plot to overthrow an MC you like, but I just don't like Zola as a character. At all.
The problem with getting further and further into a series, is that you eventually run out of original stuff to say. That is starting to become a problem with GG here.
This album is down another star again. I don't know if it is the lack of Jagers or what, but it doesn't give me the same feels as the previous ones. Not that they give any big feels either, but you get my point, right? The two others I couldn't put down, this one I put down on more than one occasion.
So what do I think it is, other than the lack of Jagers?
There's a lot of backstory, which can be a bit boring when you've read it four times already. Then there's the whole Zola thing, which I still don't like.* And then there's the whole sickness-thing going on. While it is interesting in building characters and pushing parts of the plot forward, in other ways it feels a little like fluff, filler, and I'm not really a fan of that.
Oh well, things will get interesting again!
*I thought about it, and part of what I don't like is her character in general. It is understandable to not like a plot to overthrow an MC you like, but I just don't like Zola as a character. At all.
June 7, 2010
http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/1448489.html
This is the ninth volume in the Foglios' Girl Genius saga, originally published online, but now available as part of the Hugo Voters' Packet; it's not a series I know other than having read Volume Eight last year when it too was up for the Hugos. I liked this one more; perhaps it is that I am now even a little more familiar with the characters, but also the storylines seemed a little less opaque, with the intelligent castle particularly memorable as playing its own game with Agatha, its ostensible owner (at one point it muses that it would quite like to be reconstructed as a yurt, so that it could go and visit exotic places). As ever, the Foglios' artwork is gorgeous and distinctive. I don't think they will score a second successive Hugo - Neil Gaiman is sure to win for Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader? - but I will rank this volume higher than I did last year's.
This is the ninth volume in the Foglios' Girl Genius saga, originally published online, but now available as part of the Hugo Voters' Packet; it's not a series I know other than having read Volume Eight last year when it too was up for the Hugos. I liked this one more; perhaps it is that I am now even a little more familiar with the characters, but also the storylines seemed a little less opaque, with the intelligent castle particularly memorable as playing its own game with Agatha, its ostensible owner (at one point it muses that it would quite like to be reconstructed as a yurt, so that it could go and visit exotic places). As ever, the Foglios' artwork is gorgeous and distinctive. I don't think they will score a second successive Hugo - Neil Gaiman is sure to win for Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader? - but I will rank this volume higher than I did last year's.
March 28, 2012
Characterrrrrrrs. I was not aware that a volume that is basically Agatha, Tarvek, and Gil wandering Castle Heteordyne looking for a cure to their life threatening illness and bickering all the while was my idea of a good time but guess what? It is! :D I can't believe I like Tarvek as much as I do, I wouldn't have guessed it the first time I met his extraordinarily two-faced manipulative self. Or that I would find the love triangle as entertaining as I do! :D I don't think it's a proper triangle because Agatha isn't interested in Tarvek but it's an excellent excuse for everyone to make harem jokes. Harem jokes are essential to every tasteful humorous adventure comic as I am sure you are all aware. 4.5 stars
February 21, 2011
More Agatha!
Not a whole lot gets done in this volume except to get to see Gil and Tarvek snipe at each other. I like the Castle Heterodyne setting and it is a nice way to give back-story on crazy Heterodynes and the way that broke the castle, but at times I feel like we've got a dungeon crawl running for too long and damage to characters is not cumulative.
I've been reading the story online, so I have bit of trouble remembering what bit is in what volume. Maybe Amanda will have a better take.
Not a whole lot gets done in this volume except to get to see Gil and Tarvek snipe at each other. I like the Castle Heterodyne setting and it is a nice way to give back-story on crazy Heterodynes and the way that broke the castle, but at times I feel like we've got a dungeon crawl running for too long and damage to characters is not cumulative.
I've been reading the story online, so I have bit of trouble remembering what bit is in what volume. Maybe Amanda will have a better take.
June 12, 2012
Audience: 4-8th grade, students who like to read about a girl heroine, students who like fantasy/science fiction, or light romance, students who are interested in comic book style books.
Appeal: Drawings are vivid and illustrate the emotions in the story well, a complex plot with many characters and motives, and a whole world unto its own. Agatha is the heroine of the story, and enjoys science and medicine. This may appeal to readers who like to read about a girl protagonist.
2010 Hugo Award winner for Best Graphic Story
Appeal: Drawings are vivid and illustrate the emotions in the story well, a complex plot with many characters and motives, and a whole world unto its own. Agatha is the heroine of the story, and enjoys science and medicine. This may appeal to readers who like to read about a girl protagonist.
2010 Hugo Award winner for Best Graphic Story
March 10, 2012
Originally published online as a Web comic (where it can be found at www.girlgeniusonline.com), this series follows the exploits of a young woman, Agatha, who discovers she is the lost heir to a long-feared dynasty. Instead of a terribly serious version of this tale, the author/artist stick to humor over horrors. Still friends and enemies die, leaving their mark on Agatha as she grows to understand who she is and what she can do.
June 19, 2012
Now with both consorts in the castle and Agatha might have to choose, what could go wrong. I love the smoke knight and all the minions are just fun. But who should Agatha choose? I am torn more than ever though I think I am more routing for Tarvek because Gil seems to easily distracted by a pretty girl in distress... Agatha should be more interesting than saving Zola, but I do love when Agatha wants a turn to save her... that was awesome.
June 24, 2012
I borrowed this from the library hoping it was the first volume. Sadly my local library doesn't seem to have the first volume, so I'll just have to track it down myself.
Obviously this is not the beginning of Agatha's story. I found it very easy to read. It's not so overly complicated that it's confusing to start in the middle. Sure a lot happened before this volume, and I'll look forward to reading all of it, but this volume is good on its own.
Obviously this is not the beginning of Agatha's story. I found it very easy to read. It's not so overly complicated that it's confusing to start in the middle. Sure a lot happened before this volume, and I'll look forward to reading all of it, but this volume is good on its own.
October 5, 2015
Lots of love triangle stuff but it's actually very entertaining. I love it whenever Gil and Tarvek bicker back and forth. They're adorable.
This is another great collection of a great story, but I will voice a specific complaint: the story sprawls sideways a lot. Agatha gets sidetracked by a thing, and then by this other thing, and then yet another thing. AND THEN the volume ends with yet another thing. It can get frustrating, especially when reading the comic in real time.
This is another great collection of a great story, but I will voice a specific complaint: the story sprawls sideways a lot. Agatha gets sidetracked by a thing, and then by this other thing, and then yet another thing. AND THEN the volume ends with yet another thing. It can get frustrating, especially when reading the comic in real time.
July 29, 2010
This Steampunk romp is filled with gorgeous and whimsical artwork from fan favorite Phil Foglio. Agatha Heterodyne is a strong female lead, and the story is action-packed and humorous, but it suffers from being an isolated chapter in a longer narrative—supporting characters are often sketchily defined without clear motives.
September 26, 2010
To call this "more of the same" is exceedingly high praise for this wonderful series. The Foglios have managed to capture lightning in a bottle, and turned it into easily the best long-form adventure story I've read in a very long time. The world is lavish with detail, the mysteries unfold in engaging ways, and the humor of the characters make you care. What could be better?
December 4, 2010
Once I got into the story, it was really engaging, and I noticed the tiny tiny heads much less. And the art became much more accomplished. But this is like the story that won'tend--it's a little exhausting! I wish there was a firmer break between volumes, and more resolution all around. But this is still a very entertaining series.
January 26, 2011
The Foglios have received a much-deserved Hugo award for this series. It's the best steampunk that I've ever seen (or read). And, although the plot seems to be getting rather more convoluted than necessary, it's a problem that seems inherent in serial SF as a form.
It's totally worth reading, and free online!
It's totally worth reading, and free online!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews