Sunday, December 30, 2012

Uglies: Shay's Story by Scott Westerfeld

Title: Uglies: Shay's Story
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Publication Date: February 2012
Length: 208 pages

Uglies: Shay's Story is a graphic novel retelling of Uglies, from Shay's point of view. So, we get to see Shay befriending the Crims, meeting David, learning wilderness survival skills, etc.

I had big issues with this book. The writing was fine, and it was cool to see the other side of the events of Uglies, but I find it hard to believe that Scott Westerfeld actually signed off on this art.

First of all, everyone looks the same. I know, I know: I complain about that with all graphic novels. It's true I'm not the best at telling people apart in drawings. But in this story, it's particularly important for people to look different. Honestly, the uglies and pretties look pretty much the same. Which basically defeats the whole point of the books.

Also, Dr. Cable; this one, it's like they messed up on purpose. In the back of the book, there are early sketches, and notes about how Scott Westerfeld told the artists how to improve the look of the characters to be true to the books. From the notes: "She's a middle pretty, and Scott wanted her to look forty to fifty years old." Buuuut, Dr. Cable is not a Middle Pretty; she's a Special. That's kinda important to her character.

2 stars.

This book counts for the 2012 A-Z Book Challenge.

2 comments:

  1. I've been wanting to read the actual book for sometime but my library still doesn't have it. I usually stay away from graphic novels. They just don't quite do it for me.

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    1. I like graphic novels when the art is done well... the problem is I'm really picky with the art. :P But for this series I definitely recommend sticking with the novels!

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