Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel is my second experience reading a graphic novel and I really enjoyed reading it, even though I had very mixed feelings about the anti-hero/protagonist Artemis Fowl. I mostly didn’t like him or the methods he used to retrieve his family fortune. I was rooting against him for most of the novel. It’s interesting to note that my 9-year-old cousin read this book too and she didn’t like Artemis either. While I waffled on how I would characterize his exploits, she immediately labeled him as bad and his mother as crazy. Always one for strong female characters, she loved that the book had fairies in it- especially when one is a take charge female crime-fighter.
This comic had a more complex style than the Nancy Drew that I read earlier this year. Complete with FBI styled profiles of each of the characters, it was fun to read and to see the confidential parts of the files which had been blacked out because the information was classified and not to be revealed. A genius, Artemis comes from a line of criminals- his father is mysteriously missing and he has taken it upon himself to recover the family fortune through nefarious deeds. At this point in his life, his family is comprised of a Special Ops type bodyguard and the bodyguard’s sister who functions as an assistant to Artemis’ mentally unstable mother.
I loved that the action started right in the first scenes and the characters quickly and firmly established. While I didn’t care that much for Artemis I enjoyed seeing him put his criminal mastermind to work and was entertained by the schemes he concocted. Artemis’ relationship with, and the fact that he is mostly alone in taking care of his mentally ailing mother serve as grounding for his character and provides some insight into what motivates him. The story is peopled with fun and entertaining secondary characters who are at times worthy of matching wits with Artemis. This quick and fun read had intriguing illustrations and sharp dialogue which moved the plot. Curious to see how Artemis develops, my cousin wants to read more of these graphic novels and I will more than likely be reading along with her!
I am an Amazon Associate. This book had been a part of my personal library collection until I gave it to my little cousin.
Other reviews and posts:
- The Confessions of Max Tivoli, by Andrew Sean Greer – Book Review
- The Stand: Captain Trips, by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Mike Perkins, Laura Martin & Stephen King – Book Review
- Story of A Marriage, by Andrew Sean Greer – Book Review
- Life Sentences, by Laura Lippman – Book Review
- Zora Neale Hurston: Stories – Book Review & Classics Circuit Tour
I thought Artemis was meant to be a good character, I didn’t realise he wasn’t. I haven’t read any of the Artemis books, so I wonder if this would be a good introduction to it.
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I had never heard of this before reading it Vivienne, so he might be later on. This is just the first book so that might be how he develops as the series continues. He’s not evil by any means but he definitely does some shady stuff in this first graphic novel.
You need to get your cousin to co-author reviews with you! I loved reading her take on the book along with yours!
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I really didn’t care for Artemis Fowl so maybe I would enjoy it better in graphic form!!
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I’m still compiling lists of graphic novels to read for the challenge. I think one of these months, I’m just going to knock them all out. Nice review.
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I read the original novel and I didn’t like Artemis much either. It’s hard to root for the good guy when he’s so bad! I didn’t continue with the series for that reason. I’m glad you liked reading the graphic novel, even if you didn’t like Artemis. You should try the Fables series. I loooooove those books.
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I hear that he is supposed to be good, so maybe that is something that develops more later on- I definitely didn’t care for him that much in this first one. The gn was fun because of the style of the storytelling. I will have to remember to look out for Fables.
I need to try another graphic novel and this one does look like fun. It’s hard if the main character isn’t appealing, though.
.-= Stacy´s last blog ..Digital Fortress, by Dan Brown =-.
I like Artemis better in the audio! He grows through the series, learning to care for others. On the other hand, the series is not so great that you’re missing anything by moving on.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Review: The Book of Fires by Jane Borodale =-.
I haven’t read this one, but my stepson loved it. I don’t know that he loved Artemis himself, but he loves graphic novels of any variety.
.-= Andi´s last blog ..I’m Excited About This Book =-.
I haven’t read any Artemis Fowl but it has always been on my radar. I really want to but how do I make the time.
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My son has Artemis Fowl on his book shelf somewhere…I should probably read that before the graphic novel version of it.
.-= Kathleen´s last blog ..I Kill Giants by Joe Kelley =-.
I don’t read a lot of graphic novels but I like the look of this one. May have to add it to the list.
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