Category: Graphic Novels

Flash Review: Lost in Taiwan by Mark Crilley

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By Maureen Tai, 16 January 2024

Can you lose your way in an unknown place and end up finding yourself? This is what happens in Lost in Taiwan (ages 12+), an exquisite ode to the island, in graphic novel form. Paul, an angst-ridden, screen-addicted American high-schooler finds himself lost in the town of Changbei, Taiwan, without his phone and without any Mandarin language skills. Luckily, he is saved by an unexpected new friend. Bubbly, scooter-riding Peijing takes Paul under her wing, showing him – and readers – a side of Taiwan that is rarely seen, and challenging Paul’s Western ethnocentricity when he refers to her culture as “exotic.” The stunning and masterfully rendered illustrations are thoughtful and detailed, bringing Paul and Peijing’s blossoming friendship (and romance) to life. This gentle, coming-of-age graphic novel shows how enriching and rewarding travelling outside one’s comfort zone can be, and will appeal in particular to those keen to catch an authentic glimpse of how the Taiwanese live, love, and pray.

Ages 12 and up.

Flash Review: a first time for everything by Dan Santat

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By Maureen Tai, 9 January 2024

In this humorous and heart-warming middle-grade graphic memoir, a first time for everything, Dan Santat recounts the life-changing and awkward “firsts” of his middle school life: first time being ridiculed, first party, first school trip to Europe, first Fanta, and of course, first love. It is impossible not to get swept into Dan’s story, and to root for the hapless and quiet “good boy” as he navigates complicated relationships in a European setting in the late 1980s: the illustrations are rich with action, expression and detail and the storytelling is masterfully paced and never predictable. Both kids and adults alike will find much to relate to and enjoy in this endearing, feel-good read about embracing life’s challenges, no matter how dire they may appear to be. A well-deserved 2023 National Book Award winner.

For ages 11+.

Flash Review: Suee and the Shadow by Ginger Ly & illustated by Molly Park

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By Maureen Tai, 5 October 2023

You’d be forgiven for spotting the resemblance of the heroine in Suee and the Shadow (ages 10+) to the titular character in the hit Netflix series, Wednesday, except that the deliciously creepy graphic novel was published 5 years earlier. Suee says she’s a normal 12 year-old with (mostly) exemplary grades and sophisticated vocabulary but it quickly becomes clear that she’s different. Taciturn, opinionated, world-weary, a self-made loner who can’t wait for the end of her first semester in her new elementary school. But a strange voice lures Suee into a lonely exhibit room and before she knows it, she’s passed out after an encounter with a mysterious being, lurking in the dark. Is it a dream after all? To say anything more would be to spoil the story, but this well-paced, page-turner of a mystery/thriller/fantasy will captivate readers rooting for the complicated protagonist as she uncovers the truth about herself, her shadow and an ancient curse while making a few good friends along the way (and the good news is that there’s book 2!). One small gripe. You’d lose sight of the fact that the story is set in South Korea. Apart from the names of the characters, there are no other overtly Korean features in the illustrations: no Korean text on signs or food wrappers, no designs on the flags. Perhaps a deliberate artistic choice, or a publisher requirement, but it feels like a lost opportunity to visually showcase aspects of Korean culture, in particular the beloved Hangul. I’d love to see this revisited in future reprints (and there will be reprints, of that, I am fairly certain).

Ages 10 and up.

Flash Review: The Only Child by Guojing

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By Maureen Tai, 28 September 2023

The Only Child (ages 4+), the debut wordless graphic novel by Chinese illustrator Guojing, was inspired by her own experience growing up in the days of China’s one child policy. The masterful, atmospheric and haunting pencil drawings tell the story of a little girl who spends many of her days alone. After looking at photographs of happier times on a cold, wintry day, she decides to embark on a solo journey to her grandmother’s house, a place of warmth and birthday cake. The giddy look of wonder on the girl’s face turns to anguished tears as she realises she’s lost her way, and that she’s alone in a dark forest. Suddenly, a shadowy, familiar form magically emerges from the gloom to take the girl on an adventure she will never forget, and ultimately to help her find her way home. A gorgeous visual masterpiece that will leave your heart slightly broken, but mended by the end.

Ages 4 and up.