Monstress is like no other graphic novel I have ever read. It has the density of worldbuilding that one would expect from a high fantasy novel, and some of the most gorgeous art I have ever seen in a graphic novel. I read the first issue for free on Kindle and decided to go ahead and purchase all available volumes. Having now finished the first volume, I am already satisfied with my purchase. The only complaint I have at all is with the way the individual paperback volumes were delivered. Every single one of them had part of the spine partially torn or bent. It doesn't affect reading or my enjoyment of the story, but it is disappointing that when I display them, they will have a sort of shabby look to them right off the bat.
Despite my issues with the state of the delivery, I didn't drop any stars because of how enthralled I am with every aspect of this book. As mentioned above, the plotting and worldbuilding are equal to that of any high quality fantasy epic. It is so far the most elaborate opening plot I have ever encountered in a GN. There is a lot going on with this story. It contains considerably more background information and worldbuilding than most other GN I have read. Before I started it I was warned that it was kind of slow due to the amount of info dumping and back story, but I didn't find it slow at all. There was almost constant action exploding off the page, interspersed with flashbacks, conversations, and other means of unpacking some of the incredibly detailed history this tale is built upon.
While I didn't think it was slow, I do think because of the amount of information to process, it might not be for everyone. If you find yourself feeling bored or overwhelmed during intricately detailed worldbuilding, this might not be for you. Or if you prefer a straightforward type of GN with an easy to follow story (at least right off the bat, as so many books become more complex and twisty as they progress), this also might not be for you. I admit that I ended this first volume with far more questions than answers, but I count that as a good thing. I am absolutely hooked. However, on top of the history lessons, magic systems, and political machinations to unpack, there are also a bevy of characters to keep straight, from a variety of warring factions. Many of the memories/flashbacks leave the reader wondering what is going on, but I loved the feeling that I was learning the details and uncovering the memories along with the characters. So, while I can easily understand that some people find it a bit much for a GN, I was instantly sucked right in and can't wait to find out what happens next.
The detail and intricacy of the plot and world creation is only matched— if not surpassed— by the breathtaking art that brings this story to life. On every single page I find myself pausing to take in the beautifully detailed panels. I have never experienced another GN with similar art. It has almost a soft, watercolor feel to it at times, with bright, vivid colors that leap off the page. I would describe the overall style as art nouveau mixed with a light steampunk vibe. The characters are all distinctive in appearance, which makes them easy to keep straight (as opposed to some GN I have read in which two characters looked so similar I sometimes got them confused). These characters populate backgrounds both lovely and horrific, depending on the part of the story. Every aspect of the art is as glorious and full of life as the myriad characters that populate this world. Due to the quality of the art, I absolutely suggest you buy a hard copy, as opposed to the Kindle version. These are such high quality illustrations that I feel you do not experience their full impact in digital format.
Bottom line, I loved Monstress, Vol. 1: The Awakening, and I'm thrilled I purchased all available volumes before starting the series, so I don't have to wait to dive into volume two. The story that Marjorie Liu has begun in these pages is absolutely epic in every sense of the word, and Sana Takeda's brilliant artwork brings the story to life in the most fascinating and gorgeous way. It is a lot more reading than many graphic novels, specifically regarding the amount of history and backstory necessary to fully understand the plot. Monstress is not something I would recommend picking up for a light read! However, if, like me, you love a fully realized and realistically developed fantasy world, this GN is likely to be right up your alley. This is an epic fantasy graphic novel at its very best. I can't wait to discover where this story leads!
$4.99 with 38 percent savings
Digital List Price: $7.99 
The Digital List Price is the suggested price provided by the publisher for the eBook format.
Learn more
Learn more
Don’t miss the next book
About series subscriptions
By clicking "Subscribe now with 1-Click®," you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use and authorize us to charge your default payment method or other method on file on the release date for the lowest price available on Amazon.com during the pre-order period (+ any taxes). Your subscription continues until cancelled; cancel any time from Your Memberships & Subscriptions.
- Subscriptions are for new books in the series
- You’ll always get the lowest price offered during preorder (including active comiXology Unlimited member discounts)
- Cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at any time
New books delivered as they are released
Which books will I get?
Subscriptions are for new books in the series. You will not receive any previously released books or the current book as part of this subscription.
What will I be charged for each book?
Prices are set as pre-orders are made available. You will receive the lowest price available on Amazon.com during the pre-order period. If the book is eligible for a comiXology Unlimited discount and you are a member on the release date, you’ll get your discount too. You can cancel any book or your subscription at any time.
When will I be charged for each book?
Pre-orders will be placed within 24 hours, but you will not be charged until books are released and ready for download. We will automatically charge your default payment or other payment method on file.
Subscriptions are for new books in the series. You will not receive any previously released books or the current book as part of this subscription.
What will I be charged for each book?
Prices are set as pre-orders are made available. You will receive the lowest price available on Amazon.com during the pre-order period. If the book is eligible for a comiXology Unlimited discount and you are a member on the release date, you’ll get your discount too. You can cancel any book or your subscription at any time.
When will I be charged for each book?
Pre-orders will be placed within 24 hours, but you will not be charged until books are released and ready for download. We will automatically charge your default payment or other payment method on file.
You've subscribed to Monstress! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
There was an error. We were unable to process your subscription due to an error. Please refresh and try again.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Shop this series
See full series- Kindle Price:$56.78By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.
Shop this series
There are 9 volumes in this series.
Kindle Price:
$56.78
By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
This hit all the dark cords in me and I loved it!
"They call us monsters because it makes it easier to hurt us. But monsters are people too." This graphic novel sang to the darkness in me. A sweet song of monsters and ancient Gods. This was dark and violent, but with plenty of intrigue and cute cats to downgrade some of the grit. This hit all the right notes in the right places and I haven't even gotten into how much I just loved the art work in this. It was beautiful and I felt so fully immersed in this world. I can't wait to start volume 2. I just loved this. Tw: murder, blood, gore,
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2024
- Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2017
- Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2023
Top reviews from other countries
-
-
-
Carolina RamosReviewed in Mexico on March 8, 2017
El puro dibujo hace que valga la pena la venta
- FlaviaReviewed in Canada on February 9, 2017
I knew that this was going to be a comic not only of good visual quality
