What do you think?
Rate this book
Mercedes Thompson Graphic Novels #1.1
Moon Called, Volume 1: Issues #1-4
"Mercy Thompson inhabits two worlds without truly belonging to either. To the human inhabitants of Tri-Cities she's an oddity, a fiercely independent woman who repairs cars for a living. To the town's darker residents; werewolves, vampires, and fae, she's a walker, a last-of-her-kind magical being with the power to become a coyote. Mercy warily straddles the fine line dividing our everyday world from that darker dimension...
128 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2011
442 people are currently reading
994 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Briggs
114 books30k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Patricia Briggs was born in Butte, Montana, to a children’s librarian who passed on to her kids a love of reading and books. Patricia grew up reading fairy tales and books about horses, and later developed an interest in folklore and history. When she decided to write a book of her own, a fantasy book seemed a natural choice. Patricia graduated from Montana State University with degrees in history and German and she worked for a while as a substitute teacher. Currently, she lives in Montana with her husband, children, and six horses and writes full time, much to the delight of her fans.
Patricia Briggs was born in Butte, Montana, to a children’s librarian who passed on to her kids a love of reading and books. Patricia grew up reading fairy tales and books about horses, and later developed an interest in folklore and history. When she decided to write a book of her own, a fantasy book seemed a natural choice. Patricia graduated from Montana State University with degrees in history and German and she worked for a while as a substitute teacher. Currently, she lives in Montana with her husband, children, and six horses and writes full time, much to the delight of her fans.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
December 16, 2016
Guess what?
I've already read this, but evidently it was listed differently, so when I checked the isbn #, it seemed as though this would be something new for me.
You know what else?
Since I had entirely forgotten everything about it, I had fun reading this for thefirst second time! <--perks of a bad memory!
My 13 year old read this one with me (always fun!), and he seemed to like it as much as I did, so I'm pretty sure you don't have to have read any of the novels to follow along.
Ok. I'm lazy, and I've already written one review for this thing, so...
Yeah. Just gonna copy and paste that one since my feelings still stand.
Original review: 2012
Very few novels make good graphic novels. I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again.
But not this time.
David Lawrence did an excellent job adapting Moon Called to this format. It's been years since I've read the book, so I can't really remember each and every part of the actual story, but it seemed to me that most of the major plot points were there. It made sense, and it flowed well. I'm sure that wasn't easy.
As far as the art goes...
Well, I didn't love it or hate it. It had an anime feel to it, but it wasn't overpowering. Or maybe I should say, at least not all of the guys looked androgynous.
But most everyone did look slightly Asian.
Whatevah.
Some people will love the way it looks, I'm sure.
I've already read this, but evidently it was listed differently, so when I checked the isbn #, it seemed as though this would be something new for me.
You know what else?
Since I had entirely forgotten everything about it, I had fun reading this for the
My 13 year old read this one with me (always fun!), and he seemed to like it as much as I did, so I'm pretty sure you don't have to have read any of the novels to follow along.
Ok. I'm lazy, and I've already written one review for this thing, so...
Yeah. Just gonna copy and paste that one since my feelings still stand.
Original review: 2012
Very few novels make good graphic novels. I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again.
But not this time.
David Lawrence did an excellent job adapting Moon Called to this format. It's been years since I've read the book, so I can't really remember each and every part of the actual story, but it seemed to me that most of the major plot points were there. It made sense, and it flowed well. I'm sure that wasn't easy.
As far as the art goes...
Well, I didn't love it or hate it. It had an anime feel to it, but it wasn't overpowering. Or maybe I should say, at least not all of the guys looked androgynous.
But most everyone did look slightly Asian.
Whatevah.
Some people will love the way it looks, I'm sure.
April 13, 2018
4/13/18 - ON SALE for $2.99:
http://amzn.to/2BNUcoG
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
Patricia Briggs is the author I'm most looking forward to meeting at Dragon Con next weekend, so when I stumbled over the graphic novelization of the first book in her Mercy Thompson series (that I'd apparently one-clicked and forgotten), I decided a quick refresh was in order. Especially after seeing, "all new, never before published story," in the lower right corner of the book cover.
*kicks aluminum can*
But I'll get to that later.
Superficially, the graphic novel version of MOON CALLED stayed true to the original plot line--there were a few details that had me scratching my head, trying to recall if it really happened that way, but it's been so long since I first read MERCY that it could be my own faulty memory getting it wrong--but overall, I definitely felt the lack.
Not exactly a surprise given the condensed nature of graphic novels, but I've been spoiled by the really good ones that still manage to pack a powerful emotional punch despite the storytelling limitations.
Additionally, a lot of the characters didn't match up to my memory of their appearances. Again, it could be my recollection that's the problem, but I'm pretty sure Adam Hauptmann is blond and light, not scruffy and dark (b/c I prefer the latter).
And while details like that don't affect the plot itself, I'm OCD about them, so it drives me a little insane.
As for "all new, never before published story," it was worthless.
A few short, romanticized pages about the night Max was attacked and turned.
I finished both volumes, eight installments total, feeling like the Mercyness that is the foundation of one of my favorite urban fantasy series was absent, and the promised new material was a cheap marketing ploy used to ensnare hardcore fans.
Verdict: not recommended. To anyone. New prospects would be better off checking out the real thing, and established lovers-of-Mercy will just be disappointed.
http://amzn.to/2BNUcoG
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
Patricia Briggs is the author I'm most looking forward to meeting at Dragon Con next weekend, so when I stumbled over the graphic novelization of the first book in her Mercy Thompson series (that I'd apparently one-clicked and forgotten), I decided a quick refresh was in order. Especially after seeing, "all new, never before published story," in the lower right corner of the book cover.
*kicks aluminum can*
But I'll get to that later.
Superficially, the graphic novel version of MOON CALLED stayed true to the original plot line--there were a few details that had me scratching my head, trying to recall if it really happened that way, but it's been so long since I first read MERCY that it could be my own faulty memory getting it wrong--but overall, I definitely felt the lack.
Not exactly a surprise given the condensed nature of graphic novels, but I've been spoiled by the really good ones that still manage to pack a powerful emotional punch despite the storytelling limitations.
Additionally, a lot of the characters didn't match up to my memory of their appearances. Again, it could be my recollection that's the problem, but I'm pretty sure Adam Hauptmann is blond and light, not scruffy and dark (b/c I prefer the latter).
And while details like that don't affect the plot itself, I'm OCD about them, so it drives me a little insane.
As for "all new, never before published story," it was worthless.
A few short, romanticized pages about the night Max was attacked and turned.
I finished both volumes, eight installments total, feeling like the Mercyness that is the foundation of one of my favorite urban fantasy series was absent, and the promised new material was a cheap marketing ploy used to ensnare hardcore fans.
Verdict: not recommended. To anyone. New prospects would be better off checking out the real thing, and established lovers-of-Mercy will just be disappointed.
May 31, 2020
4 to 4 1/2 stars
February 24, 2015
Thanks to NetGalley and Dynamite Entertainment for providing me with this ARC. I was a little excited about a Mercy Thompson comic series. I love the medium, at its best, and I love Patricia Briggs and Mercy. It could have been a match made in somewhere really great. But.
The positive: I think the story was pared down very well. It's a massive challenge, to take a 288-page novel and morph it into a series of - what, 40-odd-page issues? The whole picture-is-worth-1000-words trope doesn't necessarily mean that the thousand words a picture is worth are useful to storytelling in an adaptation. The script for this series - the first four issues, at least - did a very nice job of conveying just about everything that needed conveying.
It's the artwork I have a massive problem with. Some of it was very well done, but that is only individual frames. Overall, I was deeply disappointed. I don't mean that Mercy doesn't look right, or Zee, or what-have-you. I can adapt to others' visions of characters I love: I adapted to Elijah Wood. I mean that nothing looks right. The coyote looks silly. Hell, the wolves look silly, often - paws don't quite sit on the ground properly, faces look strange - there is nothing of the beauty or fierceness or fearsomeness even ordinary wolves project, much less weres. There are a huge number of canids in this story; I only wish someone with a better feel for them had drawn this book – although the human anatomy isn't done much better in many cases. And while I'm sure it's not easy to illustrate the in-between stages of a were's change, there has to be a less foolish-looking way than was used here. Also, the book deserves better than classic Batman-style printed sound effects: "GRRRRRRR" and "BLAM" and such are probably hard to work around, but I wish they'd tried. All of the artwork just seems to rely too heavily on cliché.
And I have to say it: Mercy doesn't look right. She's too shallowly pretty, too dark-haired-Barbie-doll. And she's the one I have the least issue with, I think. Adam ... I really, really hate what they did to Adam. Adam Hauptman is supposed to be beautiful, and I see where they were trying for that. They missed, and hit waxy-effeminate-faery-no-one's-taking-THAT-seriously instead. And Jesse ... She looks like a china doll - one of those scary china dolls whose huge blue eyes open and close on their own, and which gets up in the middle of the night and kills you in your bed. Overall, the humans are too smooth, and the wolves too rough.
Even Stefan's Scooby Doo van didn't cut it. It was even mentioned in the text that it's painted like the Mystery Van - and ... it failed. There was a flower, I saw that, but otherwise it was almost unnoticeable. A big VW van painted like the Scooby Gang's should *not* be unnoticeable.
And the extra chapter, about the attack on Mac and his girl after the dance, was not only unnecessary (it added nothing to what we already knew), but it was everything I hate most about comic book art.
Finally, while the covers are the cream of a weak crop, I have Issues with the one showing Mercy carrying a wolf. On her shoulders. Is that supposed to be Adam? Because ... Really ... No. The average weight I'm finding for a North American wolf is 79 pounds. A werewolf is, IIRC, bigger. Human Adam is, so I find on the 'net, about 180 pounds. I don't know how that converts in the Change. Mercy's not that big, and she's not super-powered; she can turn into a coyote, is all. Suffice to say she is NOT going to be schlepping the Alpha of the Tri-Cities around on her shoulders like a wee lost lamb.
ETA: I just reread the novel, which inspires me to knock a star off this. Why? Because a werewolf doesn't weigh 180. He weighs about 250. It's mentioned often in the book - so Mercy's really, really not carrying one about on her shoulders. (Not to mention the whole he-might-eat-her thing.)
The positive: I think the story was pared down very well. It's a massive challenge, to take a 288-page novel and morph it into a series of - what, 40-odd-page issues? The whole picture-is-worth-1000-words trope doesn't necessarily mean that the thousand words a picture is worth are useful to storytelling in an adaptation. The script for this series - the first four issues, at least - did a very nice job of conveying just about everything that needed conveying.
It's the artwork I have a massive problem with. Some of it was very well done, but that is only individual frames. Overall, I was deeply disappointed. I don't mean that Mercy doesn't look right, or Zee, or what-have-you. I can adapt to others' visions of characters I love: I adapted to Elijah Wood. I mean that nothing looks right. The coyote looks silly. Hell, the wolves look silly, often - paws don't quite sit on the ground properly, faces look strange - there is nothing of the beauty or fierceness or fearsomeness even ordinary wolves project, much less weres. There are a huge number of canids in this story; I only wish someone with a better feel for them had drawn this book – although the human anatomy isn't done much better in many cases. And while I'm sure it's not easy to illustrate the in-between stages of a were's change, there has to be a less foolish-looking way than was used here. Also, the book deserves better than classic Batman-style printed sound effects: "GRRRRRRR" and "BLAM" and such are probably hard to work around, but I wish they'd tried. All of the artwork just seems to rely too heavily on cliché.
And I have to say it: Mercy doesn't look right. She's too shallowly pretty, too dark-haired-Barbie-doll. And she's the one I have the least issue with, I think. Adam ... I really, really hate what they did to Adam. Adam Hauptman is supposed to be beautiful, and I see where they were trying for that. They missed, and hit waxy-effeminate-faery-no-one's-taking-THAT-seriously instead. And Jesse ... She looks like a china doll - one of those scary china dolls whose huge blue eyes open and close on their own, and which gets up in the middle of the night and kills you in your bed. Overall, the humans are too smooth, and the wolves too rough.
Even Stefan's Scooby Doo van didn't cut it. It was even mentioned in the text that it's painted like the Mystery Van - and ... it failed. There was a flower, I saw that, but otherwise it was almost unnoticeable. A big VW van painted like the Scooby Gang's should *not* be unnoticeable.
And the extra chapter, about the attack on Mac and his girl after the dance, was not only unnecessary (it added nothing to what we already knew), but it was everything I hate most about comic book art.
Finally, while the covers are the cream of a weak crop, I have Issues with the one showing Mercy carrying a wolf. On her shoulders. Is that supposed to be Adam? Because ... Really ... No. The average weight I'm finding for a North American wolf is 79 pounds. A werewolf is, IIRC, bigger. Human Adam is, so I find on the 'net, about 180 pounds. I don't know how that converts in the Change. Mercy's not that big, and she's not super-powered; she can turn into a coyote, is all. Suffice to say she is NOT going to be schlepping the Alpha of the Tri-Cities around on her shoulders like a wee lost lamb.
ETA: I just reread the novel, which inspires me to knock a star off this. Why? Because a werewolf doesn't weigh 180. He weighs about 250. It's mentioned often in the book - so Mercy's really, really not carrying one about on her shoulders. (Not to mention the whole he-might-eat-her thing.)
July 14, 2020
I saw this on KU and as someone who loves Mercy I thought why not, its been a while since I've read the first book so I figured it'll seem new to me.
I didn't like the graphics at all. It didn't keep me invested, it also had several advertisement of other graphic novels mid story, I didn't care for that either. Mac's story, I totally skipped, I didn't really want to read about how he got changed considering he got killed .
If you haven't read this series you should read the book instead, absolutely awesome. If you don't mind poorly done comics then you can also pick this up.
I didn't like the graphics at all. It didn't keep me invested, it also had several advertisement of other graphic novels mid story, I didn't care for that either. Mac's story, I totally skipped, I didn't really want to read about how he got changed considering he got killed .
If you haven't read this series you should read the book instead, absolutely awesome. If you don't mind poorly done comics then you can also pick this up.
January 12, 2020
Comic adaptation of the first Mercy THompson novel, Moon Called.
After reading Homecoming, I said I wouldn‘t read another of these comic adaptations. Yet here I am. It was free with Kindle Unlimited. I stumbled across it, when getting a new copy of the novel. It does ok, as comic-to-book adaptations go. It‘s pretty true to the story and ticks off all the important plot points.
The art is nothing special. Adam looks odd.
Here is Bran...
Anatomic details are often not well done. The hands are too long or to stiff, they all look as if they are wearing eye shadow and are too androgynous for my taste. The coyote and the wolves in motion are just not done very well...
If you‘re a completionist and want to read this, it‘s ok for fans of the series. Or for a quick introduction into the series... Other than that not recommended.
Oh, and the extra story is drawn by another artists and, well.... not very good? However, it gives us an insight into the beginnings of the Alpha & Omega spin-off, as we get to meet Justin.
Time-line for the "Mercyverse":
http://www.patriciabriggs.com/books/t...
After reading Homecoming, I said I wouldn‘t read another of these comic adaptations. Yet here I am. It was free with Kindle Unlimited. I stumbled across it, when getting a new copy of the novel. It does ok, as comic-to-book adaptations go. It‘s pretty true to the story and ticks off all the important plot points.
The art is nothing special. Adam looks odd.
Here is Bran...
Anatomic details are often not well done. The hands are too long or to stiff, they all look as if they are wearing eye shadow and are too androgynous for my taste. The coyote and the wolves in motion are just not done very well...
If you‘re a completionist and want to read this, it‘s ok for fans of the series. Or for a quick introduction into the series... Other than that not recommended.
Oh, and the extra story is drawn by another artists and, well.... not very good? However, it gives us an insight into the beginnings of the Alpha & Omega spin-off, as we get to meet Justin.
Time-line for the "Mercyverse":
http://www.patriciabriggs.com/books/t...
December 22, 2015
I really enjoyed this, it was just like the book!
March 10, 2022
Not a fan of the art. I thought that they did a decent job with cutting the story down to fit a graphic novel, though. The "bonus story" is just a little of Mac's story that is already referenced in the main story, and did not really seem to add anything.
July 30, 2019
So far this is a really concise and true to story adaptation for moon called which in bot mad at. I will still say the artist aren’t my favorite and I prefer the artwork from hopcross jilly, hands down. But it’s always fun to be in this world.
February 19, 2017
This is the first time I've read a graphic novel. Yes, I know, that's shocking since I think most people probably have read at least one by the time they reach my age. I read tons of Archie comic books as a kid, but that's about as close as it got because I just had the misguided impression that graphic novels were all about superhero characters or Anime or was 'a guy thing'. Also, I was an idiot. I figured it out later of course, but then I just thought maybe I was 'too old' to be reading graphic novels. I was still a bit of an idiot. I eventually figured that out too, but then I was just lazy and didn't feel like purposely seeking out a graphic novel to read.
Anyways, I noticed this one was a new ebook addition to my library's online collection and since I really liked the novel it's based off of, I thought: why not give it a try? And I'm so glad I did! I can't say I particularly loved the artwork, the men aren't all that attractive, but still, it was a novel experience reading it (pun intended). It's been a while since I read the original book, but it seemed to stick to the plot in a condensed way that would make sense even if you hadn't read the book. It's too bad my library doesn't currently have any of the other volumes, I'll have to submit the online request for them. But now that I am no longer a graphic novel virgin, I think I am definitely open to reading more in the future - I liked this one! Also, I'm now slightly less of an idiot. Hooray!
Anyways, I noticed this one was a new ebook addition to my library's online collection and since I really liked the novel it's based off of, I thought: why not give it a try? And I'm so glad I did! I can't say I particularly loved the artwork, the men aren't all that attractive, but still, it was a novel experience reading it (pun intended). It's been a while since I read the original book, but it seemed to stick to the plot in a condensed way that would make sense even if you hadn't read the book. It's too bad my library doesn't currently have any of the other volumes, I'll have to submit the online request for them. But now that I am no longer a graphic novel virgin, I think I am definitely open to reading more in the future - I liked this one! Also, I'm now slightly less of an idiot. Hooray!
March 7, 2011
"In this house we eat our cookie dough like civilized women - with a spoon."
First I want to point out that I absolutely loved the depiction of the fighting wolves at the beginning of Chapter 3. Would love to have it as a wallpaper.
I'm not going to go through the story line because it follows Mercy's first book exactly. It begins with the werewolf attack on Mac and ends about the time that Mercy, Adam, and Samuel are in the van together headed back home.
I'm not crazy about the way Woo illustrates the most important male characters - Adam and Samuel. It's possible that I'm being too picky, but I expected them to look a little better. Everyone else is great - the wolves, Mercy, Zee, Charles and especially Jesse.
I think this graphic novel as a whole was excellent. Much better than "Homecoming".
Just a friendly warning, avoid the bonus chapter about Mac at the end. The story lacks imagination and the illustration is probably the worst I've ever seen.
First I want to point out that I absolutely loved the depiction of the fighting wolves at the beginning of Chapter 3. Would love to have it as a wallpaper.
I'm not going to go through the story line because it follows Mercy's first book exactly. It begins with the werewolf attack on Mac and ends about the time that Mercy, Adam, and Samuel are in the van together headed back home.
I'm not crazy about the way Woo illustrates the most important male characters - Adam and Samuel. It's possible that I'm being too picky, but I expected them to look a little better. Everyone else is great - the wolves, Mercy, Zee, Charles and especially Jesse.
I think this graphic novel as a whole was excellent. Much better than "Homecoming".
Just a friendly warning, avoid the bonus chapter about Mac at the end. The story lacks imagination and the illustration is probably the worst I've ever seen.
June 2, 2015
3.5*
September 8, 2022
📚 Hello Book Friends! For those who know me well, you know how much I love the Mercedes Thompson Series by Patricia Briggs. This paranormal series is filled with action, danger, and love. Ms. Briggs just released the thirteenth book in the series, and I am waiting to get my copy to read it. In the meantime, I am reading the graphic novel versions of the books. MOON CALLED, Volume 1 is based on the first book in the series and was written by David Lawrence and illustrated by Amelia Woo and Zach Matheny. The book follows the original story well and the illustrations of Mercy are awesome. I guess we all build an image of our favourite characters in our heads as we read. This is why the way Adam is presented in the graphic novel does not match that image and it was challenging to like the character. I think Adam's illustrations will grow on me as I continue reading the graphic novel series. I still loved revisiting the story through this medium and enjoyed the book very much.
#bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #mooncalled #patriciabriggs #dynamitecomics #torontolibrary #bookreview
September 22, 2024
I enjoyed this adaptation overall, but was underwhelmed.
The translation of the story to a much shorter format is well done and honors the original story.
But the artwork in general was a bit juvenile. Choice of camera angles were good, and the lighting was ok.
But the faces are mostly expressionless like dolls and the eyes tend to stare straight ahead as though they are never looking at eachother. The posing is often awkward and stiff, not quite fitting the camera angle.
It is confusing which installment is which and there are various versions listed on Amazon... ???
I downloaded Moon Called Vol.1 through Kindle Unlimited and then paid almost $5 for vol.2
... but it is also available as part 5 for $1????
There are 8 volumes for the first novel; 'Moon Called', each being such a small installation that it was frustrating.
I wish it was offered as a boxset or single read.
The translation of the story to a much shorter format is well done and honors the original story.
But the artwork in general was a bit juvenile. Choice of camera angles were good, and the lighting was ok.
But the faces are mostly expressionless like dolls and the eyes tend to stare straight ahead as though they are never looking at eachother. The posing is often awkward and stiff, not quite fitting the camera angle.
It is confusing which installment is which and there are various versions listed on Amazon... ???
I downloaded Moon Called Vol.1 through Kindle Unlimited and then paid almost $5 for vol.2
... but it is also available as part 5 for $1????
There are 8 volumes for the first novel; 'Moon Called', each being such a small installation that it was frustrating.
I wish it was offered as a boxset or single read.
October 19, 2021
I have a tough time rating the Mercyverse graphic novels when I read them. On one hand, it follows the story fairly well, and I love the plot of Moon Called. On the other hand, I feel bad saying this, but these graphic novels generally always have some of my least favorite graphic novel art styles I've ever seen. A lot of the panels look to me like someone took one of those old 3D modeling programs (think Sims 2-esque) and then drew over the stills. The poses aren't natural, faces look odd, things are disproportionate... It doesn't work for me. I'll read Volume 2 just for the sake of finishing the adaptation, but yeah, this one's a mixed bag for sure and I'd really only recommend it to major MT fans who want to relive the Moon Called plot in a new way.
October 1, 2020
So you ever watch those original Barbie movies (like Barbie as Rapunzel)? All the moves are stiff and jerky as if trying to mirror the actual mobility of the dolls.
That's what this artwork reminded me of.
That's what this artwork reminded me of.
August 3, 2023
There wasn't much of a surprise to this as it's more or less just a graphic novel adaptation of (the first half of) MOON CALLED (which is what it says on the tin, you idiot, go figure). Unlike for HOMECOMING I didn't love this art style but it was nice to have a clearer image of some of the scenery/setting so that was helpful.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
February 27, 2012
Mercedes “Mercy” Thompson runs a mechanic shop in the Tri-Cities area. Life is pretty ho-hum until Mac, a 16-year old werewolf, appears asking for a job. Mercy agrees, but there is something about Mac that is startlingly different. An attack on the local Alpha, Adam, the abduction of his daughter, Jesse, and the murder of Mac is just the beginning.
Patricia Briggs' Moon Called was an enjoyable Urban Fantasy novel. Mercy Thompson was a likeable character, the story was interesting, the werewolf mythos was different and intriguing. I also really liked Mercy Thompson: Homecoming, a graphic novel prequel to the story. So when I found that "Moon Called" had been adapted into graphic novel format, I was excited and immediately bought both Volume 1 and Volume 2.
Since this is a graphic novel, let's start with the artwork. Volume 1 includes the first four issues of the comic. The cover art is done by Brett Booth, who has been doing the Laurell K. Hamilton Anita Blake books, and Amelia Woo, who did some of the art in the later portions of "Homecoming". Brett Booth's style just isn't my thing. His characters all look the same--and they all look like characters from Hamilton's Anita Blake series. Same beefcake physique for men; same brilliant white for vampires; same pouty, doe-eyed look for the women. Not my thing. Amelia Woo's cover art looked more like how I was accustomed to seeing Mercy from "Homecoming": a strong, confident Mercy, with dark hair and a body that looks like it would work on cars.
However, the actual art for the comic was a different story. I'm not going to say it was bad; it was pretty darn good. The colors were great, and definitely created a mood. The werewolves were nicely done, as was Zee. The action scenes were very nicely portrayed as well. But...it was hard to tell which werewolf was which. And then we have Mercy. In most of the panels, Mercy looks like a very white anime girl who looks like she would get knocked over just lifting up a wrench. Lean lines, light brown hair, barely tinted skin, and, of course, big boobs with teeny tiny waist. I always got the impression that Mercy looked more like Michelle Rodriquez than Emma Watson, Jena Malone, or Kristen Stewart; this comic, however, didn't show that side.
Of course, this is MY perception of the artwork; other people may not have the same interpretation of Mercy and will love it. That is great, and to those that love it, I am glad you do.
The characters themselves are great. Mercy is still our humorous, independent shapeshifter. Mac, Adam, Jesse, Zee, Bran, Sean...they all appear here and are great. Stefan doesn't appear, which kinda makes me sad; he was a riot.
Speaking of which, the graphic novel definitely didn't lose the humor. One of my favorite lines was when Mercy and Jesse were talking about eating cookie dough: "In this house we eat our cookie dough like civilized women--with a spoon". I don't know why; it just tickled me and got me to laugh out loud.
One of the biggest concerns when reading a graphic novel adaptation is the story: did it get chopped up beyond recognition? In this case, I would say no. David Lawrence does a great job moving from the written word to pictures--he even includes an interesting essay at the end describing the difficulties of his job (definitely worth a read). The story flows well, keeps all the important plot lines, and doesn't wallow too much in unnecessary narration. I really liked how it very much functioned without having to know the novel--I haven't read "Moon Called" in a long time, and yet I didn't feel confused very much at all. (Any confusion I did have was about interpreting text or panels--things that aren't the fault of adapting.)
And lastly, this graphic novel includes a chapter detailing what happened to Mac. I really liked it; it cleaned up some questions I had and was particularly poignant.
I really enjoyed this graphic novel adaptation of "Moon Called". The story and characters were just as great as in the novel. Sure, the artwork doesn't always fit what I expected, but that is why I am only knocking down 1 star. A good read for long-time fans or for those new to the series.
Patricia Briggs' Moon Called was an enjoyable Urban Fantasy novel. Mercy Thompson was a likeable character, the story was interesting, the werewolf mythos was different and intriguing. I also really liked Mercy Thompson: Homecoming, a graphic novel prequel to the story. So when I found that "Moon Called" had been adapted into graphic novel format, I was excited and immediately bought both Volume 1 and Volume 2.
Since this is a graphic novel, let's start with the artwork. Volume 1 includes the first four issues of the comic. The cover art is done by Brett Booth, who has been doing the Laurell K. Hamilton Anita Blake books, and Amelia Woo, who did some of the art in the later portions of "Homecoming". Brett Booth's style just isn't my thing. His characters all look the same--and they all look like characters from Hamilton's Anita Blake series. Same beefcake physique for men; same brilliant white for vampires; same pouty, doe-eyed look for the women. Not my thing. Amelia Woo's cover art looked more like how I was accustomed to seeing Mercy from "Homecoming": a strong, confident Mercy, with dark hair and a body that looks like it would work on cars.
However, the actual art for the comic was a different story. I'm not going to say it was bad; it was pretty darn good. The colors were great, and definitely created a mood. The werewolves were nicely done, as was Zee. The action scenes were very nicely portrayed as well. But...it was hard to tell which werewolf was which. And then we have Mercy. In most of the panels, Mercy looks like a very white anime girl who looks like she would get knocked over just lifting up a wrench. Lean lines, light brown hair, barely tinted skin, and, of course, big boobs with teeny tiny waist. I always got the impression that Mercy looked more like Michelle Rodriquez than Emma Watson, Jena Malone, or Kristen Stewart; this comic, however, didn't show that side.
Of course, this is MY perception of the artwork; other people may not have the same interpretation of Mercy and will love it. That is great, and to those that love it, I am glad you do.
The characters themselves are great. Mercy is still our humorous, independent shapeshifter. Mac, Adam, Jesse, Zee, Bran, Sean...they all appear here and are great. Stefan doesn't appear, which kinda makes me sad; he was a riot.
Speaking of which, the graphic novel definitely didn't lose the humor. One of my favorite lines was when Mercy and Jesse were talking about eating cookie dough: "In this house we eat our cookie dough like civilized women--with a spoon". I don't know why; it just tickled me and got me to laugh out loud.
One of the biggest concerns when reading a graphic novel adaptation is the story: did it get chopped up beyond recognition? In this case, I would say no. David Lawrence does a great job moving from the written word to pictures--he even includes an interesting essay at the end describing the difficulties of his job (definitely worth a read). The story flows well, keeps all the important plot lines, and doesn't wallow too much in unnecessary narration. I really liked how it very much functioned without having to know the novel--I haven't read "Moon Called" in a long time, and yet I didn't feel confused very much at all. (Any confusion I did have was about interpreting text or panels--things that aren't the fault of adapting.)
And lastly, this graphic novel includes a chapter detailing what happened to Mac. I really liked it; it cleaned up some questions I had and was particularly poignant.
I really enjoyed this graphic novel adaptation of "Moon Called". The story and characters were just as great as in the novel. Sure, the artwork doesn't always fit what I expected, but that is why I am only knocking down 1 star. A good read for long-time fans or for those new to the series.
May 19, 2011
I absolutely love the Mercy Thompson books and was excited for the opportunity to read this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Dynamite Entertainment for providing me with this ARC.
While an incredibly accurate retelling of the first book, starting with Mac being attacked by wolves up to Adam, Mercy and Samuel returning home, I wasn't particularly wowed by the graphic version.
I will say the artwork is nicely done, but after reading 6 books in this series, I have a picture of the characters in my head and they did not match with what I saw in the novel. Others may disagree with me, but personally,I wasn't a fan of the way the characters were depicted. If I was new to the series, I'm sure this would not be a complaint as I genuinely do like the artwork.
Another problem might simply be that this doesn't feel complete. Part of the reason I love this series is the wonderfully developed characters that Briggs creates, and that's difficult to portray in a graphic novel. This is a nice retelling of the action, but there is so much more to the book than that. As a fan of the series, this was fun, but I would recommend the regular books over this.
While an incredibly accurate retelling of the first book, starting with Mac being attacked by wolves up to Adam, Mercy and Samuel returning home, I wasn't particularly wowed by the graphic version.
I will say the artwork is nicely done, but after reading 6 books in this series, I have a picture of the characters in my head and they did not match with what I saw in the novel. Others may disagree with me, but personally,I wasn't a fan of the way the characters were depicted. If I was new to the series, I'm sure this would not be a complaint as I genuinely do like the artwork.
Another problem might simply be that this doesn't feel complete. Part of the reason I love this series is the wonderfully developed characters that Briggs creates, and that's difficult to portray in a graphic novel. This is a nice retelling of the action, but there is so much more to the book than that. As a fan of the series, this was fun, but I would recommend the regular books over this.
June 20, 2011
Moon Called, Vol 1 – Graphic Novel by Patricia Briggs
* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Moon Called Vol 1 contains the first four issues of this comic. This graphic novel takes us back to the beginning of the Mercy novels. Mercy is a coyote with the ability to shift at will but was raised with werewolves. She’s a mechanic that just wants to run her garage.
I love the Mercy series and was very pleased with the way this graphic novel turned out. It followed the story line and contained beautifully drawn illustrations. The cells contained an adequate amount of text to let the readers follow the story. The added chapter at the end that tells Mac’s story was a nice bonus.
I am not a huge fan of graphic novels but I have to admit that this is probably one of the best I have seen. The illustrators did a fantastic job of telling Mercy’s story. The colors were beautiful and the cells that contained Mercy shifting were phenomenal.
Overall I have to say I am now a fan of graphic novels by Dynamite Entertainment. I give Moon Called 4 Flaming Hearts.
* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Moon Called Vol 1 contains the first four issues of this comic. This graphic novel takes us back to the beginning of the Mercy novels. Mercy is a coyote with the ability to shift at will but was raised with werewolves. She’s a mechanic that just wants to run her garage.
I love the Mercy series and was very pleased with the way this graphic novel turned out. It followed the story line and contained beautifully drawn illustrations. The cells contained an adequate amount of text to let the readers follow the story. The added chapter at the end that tells Mac’s story was a nice bonus.
I am not a huge fan of graphic novels but I have to admit that this is probably one of the best I have seen. The illustrators did a fantastic job of telling Mercy’s story. The colors were beautiful and the cells that contained Mercy shifting were phenomenal.
Overall I have to say I am now a fan of graphic novels by Dynamite Entertainment. I give Moon Called 4 Flaming Hearts.
December 29, 2021
Mercy Thompson: Moon Called Vol. 1 adapts the first half of the novel Moon Called, the first book in the Mercy Thompson series.
The Mercy Thompson series is one of my favorite urban fantasy series, so I was excited to see there was a graphic novel adaptation of the first book. The story itself is well pared down to fit the new format which I was happy about as I was curious how an almost three hundred page novel could be condensed into an eight issue series. The adaptation manages to hit all the major points of the novel while skipping the more minor scenes. This book roughly covers the first half of Moon Called, stopping at a great spot to make you want to pick up the second half. The art style in these comics though leaves something to be desired. The characters in particular aren't well designed and just look off.
Issues with the art style aside, Mercy Thompson: Moon Called Vol. 1 was an enjoyable enough adaptation of a great book that I will be picking up the second volume.
The Mercy Thompson series is one of my favorite urban fantasy series, so I was excited to see there was a graphic novel adaptation of the first book. The story itself is well pared down to fit the new format which I was happy about as I was curious how an almost three hundred page novel could be condensed into an eight issue series. The adaptation manages to hit all the major points of the novel while skipping the more minor scenes. This book roughly covers the first half of Moon Called, stopping at a great spot to make you want to pick up the second half. The art style in these comics though leaves something to be desired. The characters in particular aren't well designed and just look off.
Issues with the art style aside, Mercy Thompson: Moon Called Vol. 1 was an enjoyable enough adaptation of a great book that I will be picking up the second volume.
July 26, 2018
The artwork wasn’t that great. Characters were extremely misrepresented! If I hadn’t read the books first I would’ve been very confused as to the plot.
July 30, 2019
There is an essay in the back of this graphic novel from David Lawrence, who adapted it, who says that people never read graphic novels and think the story/script is great, but the art sucks. I found that funny, but also untrue. I’ve definitely enjoyed stories and wished I’d liked the art more. The good news is that this is not a consistent problem in this graphic novel. The bad news is that it does pop up. I’m a huge fan of the Mercy Thompson books, so I’m probably a harsher judge than most, but there definitely are panels where the art was lacking for me a bit, particularly when Mercy is being a coyote near werewolves. In one specific panel it was kind of hard to tell who was who, and that happens a couple of times with the men as well. Other times, the art is spot-on: the wolves in particular are GORGEOUS, and certain scenes are set up much how I imagined them myself. The story is very true to the originals, which I appreciated, and just fast-paced enough that I sped right through it without feeling like I missed much. I did not need the extra story about Mac, but I appreciated the attempt at bonus content.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2019
I must have read Moon Called, what, several times in the past years? Thankfully I have it as a digital copy because the pages would have been as worn out as my original Tamora Pierce stuff. That being said, this graphic novel depiction is well done! The illustrations were a little wonky and occasionally there were lettering errors in the speech bubbles that drove me nuts, but the shortened story was a welcome return to the Mercy Thompson universe.
It's about time I go about rereading the series...
It's about time I go about rereading the series...
June 24, 2019
Blech. The story adaption was choppy and very disjointed. It definitely relied on readers to already know the characters and some of the story from the novels. The art was uncanny valley weird, very much mannequins without any emotion or depth, but at points it bordered on creepy, like half finished video game art.
March 23, 2019
As I have admitted before, I am not much of a comic fan. The few that I have liked were all original content, rather than adaptations of novels. Moon Called is a fine book. Turning it into a graphic novel inevitably loses a lot of Patricia Briggs' superb writing. The result is almost a parody, with huge emphasis on violence and gore but without the substance and subtlety of the original.
March 15, 2022
I really enjoyed my revisit with this story in graphic novel form. I'm sad the whole series isn't reimagined in this way.
I loved Mercy's visual, Adam's grew on me but funnily enough I'd visualised Sam more like Stefan and Stefan more like Sam. So odd!
I loved Mercy's visual, Adam's grew on me but funnily enough I'd visualised Sam more like Stefan and Stefan more like Sam. So odd!
July 12, 2022
Nice to see
I have read all the Mercy Thompson books. It's a great change to put faces to names and see what places might look like. I never imagined just how much detail you could get this way! Love it!
I have read all the Mercy Thompson books. It's a great change to put faces to names and see what places might look like. I never imagined just how much detail you could get this way! Love it!
March 26, 2019
I absolutely love the Mercy Thompson series and getting to see the characters come to life in the comic was awesome! Now I want to reread the whole series 😍
December 25, 2019
Another fun instalment that follows the storyline of the first Mercy Thompson novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews