The Graveyard Book Graphic Novel Volume 2 by Neil Gaiman
on September 2014
Pages: 176
Goodreads

Volume two of the full colour graphic novel of The Graveyard Book, adapted by P. Craig Russell and illustrated by an extraordinary team of renowned artists. Inventive, chilling, and filled with wonder, Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book reaches new heights in this stunning adaptation. Artists Kevin Nowlan, P. Craig Russell, Tony Harris, Scott Hampton, Galen Showman, Jill Thompson, and Stephen B. Scott lend their own signature styles to create an imaginatively diverse and yet cohesive interpretation of Neil Gaiman's luminous novel. Volume One contained Chapter One through the Interlude, while Volume Two includes Chapter Six to the end.

After reading the first volume I was eagerly anticipating the second (and final!) graphic novel adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s award-winning novel, The Graveyard Book. Five different artists lend their skills to deliver a beautifully cohesive story featuring Nobody “Bod” Owens and ghostly friends. Picking up where the first volume finished, this instalment shows as Bod navigates growing up in the graveyard among ghosts who never age and the threat the man named Jack still poses.

Many artists each with their own style contribute over the course of the two volumes and it is clear they are each a part of the same story. I loved how wonderfully the story flows. I’ve never really considered myself a graphic novel person before but I can truly appreciate how much effort has gone into making sure the artists are true to Neil Gaiman’s story. The horror, magic and whimsy of Gaiman’s storytelling is evident in every frame of this book. The illustrations are stunning in their portrayal of Bod’s graveyard life and bring the gothic to life. The contrast of the supernatural with the everyday world was delivered nicely and I liked the continuity between the first volume and the second one.

Since reading the first volume, I couldn’t wait to find out what happen next so I read the original novel. I was impressed with how true to the novel the graphic version was. All the characters, details and story are the same yet different from the original and I loved how well they worked. Each works perfectly on their own or as a companion each other. The two volumes of the graphic adaptation are harmonious with many elements being carried over throughout the two books. I truly loved how well everything worked together.

If you are not a novel-reading person or know someone who doesn’t like books for their wordiness – I highly recommend these graphic novels. The illustrations are gorgeous and deliver the entire story with the eerie drawings and vivid characters bringing the story to life. IF you loved Neil Gaimans’s original novel, you will appreciate the work everyone involved in this project has put into keeping it authentic. It is a great addition to the Graveyard Book universe.

 

Thanks to Bloomsbury Australia for the review copy