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I Kill Giants #1-7
I Kill Giants
Barbara Thorson, a girl battling monsters both real and imagined, kicks butt, takes names, and faces her greatest fear in this bittersweet, coming-of-age story called "Best Indy Book of 2008" by IGN.
184 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2009
About the author
Joe Kelly
931 books196 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,900 reviews
December 8, 2014
This really grew on me. It had to. I started the book frustrated with Barbara, with her disconnect from the real world and total immersion in a fantasy world she's created, with her near inability to interact with the people around her. That's a bold thing that Kelly did, to start the reader off with an entirely outside perspective of Barbara, and only slowly reveal exactly what is going on inside her heart and mind, and what events in her life have caused her to react in this way. Once I understood her, and even earlier, when I was just beginning to see that there was something to understand, I became entirely absorbed in her story. In the end, this turned out to be a surprisingly moving and heart-felt story, and I'm very, very glad that I read it.
July 1, 2013
5.5 stars!
Introduction:
I have read so many Image Comics over time (Saga, Invincible, Chew) and I have been enjoying every one of them! Now, I had stumbled upon this unique little comic called “I Kill Giants” which is written by Joe Kelly along with artwork by JM Ken Niimura and it was seriously one of the most creative and intense comics I had ever read!
What is this story about?
Barbara Thorson was just your average fifth-grade student…alright maybe not so average student. Barbara’s big secret is that she kills giants for a living, using her trusty hammer Coveleski! Unfortunately, everyone at school thinks that she is a freak and she seems to have so many personal problems at home. Can Barbara overcome her biggest fear that will allow her to get through life?
What I loved about this story:
Joe Kelly’s writing: Wow! I was just so blown away by Joe Kelly’s emotional yet exciting writing! Honestly, this was the first time I had read any of Joe Kelly’s works and after reading this comic, I am definitely looking forward to reading more of his works! Joe Kelly has done a brilliant job at tying in Barbara’s personal problems with her obsessions with giants as it really brought a true depth to the story. I really wish I could tell you about what Barbara’s personal problems are, but that would pretty much give away the entire plot of this comic, but I will say that you will start tearing up once you hear about Barbara’s fears. I also loved the way that Joe Kelly really delve into why Barbara has such a terrible attitude towards people and why fighting giants has become an obsession to her since even though there were times where I just wanted to yell at Barbara for acting so coldly towards other people, I can actually sympathize with her because she is dealing with a trauma that frightens her. I also loved the mythical references to giants and fairies in this comic, even though they are not too major to the story as they added a fantasy atmosphere to the story.
JM Ken Niimura’s artwork: JM Ken Niimura’s artwork is truly creative and unique to look at, even though there were times where the artwork was a bit scratchy and it was a bit difficult to see what the characters were actually doing in the panels. However, I really loved the way that the characters look slightly cartoonish as it lessens the dark atmosphere of the story a bit. I also loved the black and white colorings of this comic as it really brought in a more serious tone to the story.
What made me feel uncomfortable about this story:
For anyone who does not like language in comics, this comic does have a bit of language in it, although it is not as strong as some of the more mature comics. Also, this comic is a bit dark, especially with the scenes of Barbara trying to deal with her personal problems.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, “I Kill Giants” is definitely one comic book that really surprised me! When I looked at the title, I actually thought that this book was going to be a blood fest of the main character slaying giants, but read this comic and the story is much deeper than that and that is what I really loved about this comic! I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this comic book to absolutely anyone!
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
April 25, 2016
Content warnings:
Abelist slurs
Lesbian slurs
Bullying
Violent responses/reactions to non-violent situations
Barbara is a character that I continuously had to remind myself to not judge too harshly. I figured there had to be an explanation. And there is...I'm just not sure it's enough. She's not nice, she's abusive and mean, and there's nothing in these pages that excuses that behavior - though many people make excuses for her behavior. However, there are reasons for her actions, too. It doesn't make them right, but she's an 11 (or so) year old child and even adults don't always react in the best possible way to difficult circumstances.
The author took an interesting angle of not allowing us to know what exactly is going on with Barbara, and not letting us find out until nearly the very end. I went into this book expecting a good fantasy, slaying, giant-killing story. And that's what I got, but on a different level. We, each of us, have giants to slay, things to overcome, and I think children have some of the most difficult ones as they learn how to navigate all the different, and sometimes painful, realities of life.
So, while I absolutely detested some - or a lot - of the things that Barbara did, it's hard to judge her. Because I understand, too. She takes her pain and anger out on those around her, not always justly, not fairly, but it's an emotional reaction that she can't quite control yet.
If I could have wished for one thing, it would have been her getting called on the behavior a bit more. The story dealt with getting her to deal with the underlying issue, and that's definitely needed, but I think that if we don't check ourselves when we're in pain and angry, care and empathy can get away from us - and it's a good lesson for kids that might be reading this to learn.
As I tell my son, nothing excuses violence - and believe me, it's a fine line to walk teaching no violence and the right to defend yourself. That's something I would have appreciated seeing reinforced here. When I started this, in the first dozen or so pages, I was going to pass it on to my daughters' to read. Now, I think I'm going to pass. Because no matter how much I can understand Barbara's pain, I can't excuse her violent responses to non-violent circumstances, or hurtful language - especially in a time when such things are so prevalent as it is.
There were a couple of things - beyond the violence that I mentioned above - that really bothered me here: 1) the comment from Barbara to her PE teacher (calling the teacher a "bull dyke"), this book would have been much more highly rated. But that's a line I wasn't comfortable with, especially when it was never, ever addressed or recriminated. Honestly, the more I think about it, the madder I get; 2) "fat girl bully"; 3) "I'm not like other girls, other girls are stupid"; 4) the boy/girl interests divide - can we just have a book that shows it's okay to like whatever one wants to like and not disparage others for liking other things? Ugh.
The more I write my review, the more I dislike what I've read. And that's just the story. I also didn't find the art particularly engaging - most of the time I had a hard time figuring out what was going on. I think that's a stylistic choice to fit with the fantasy/reality divide that we're straddling, but it didn't work for me.
This review is also available at The Book Eaters
Abelist slurs
Lesbian slurs
Bullying
Violent responses/reactions to non-violent situations
Barbara is a character that I continuously had to remind myself to not judge too harshly. I figured there had to be an explanation. And there is...I'm just not sure it's enough. She's not nice, she's abusive and mean, and there's nothing in these pages that excuses that behavior - though many people make excuses for her behavior. However, there are reasons for her actions, too. It doesn't make them right, but she's an 11 (or so) year old child and even adults don't always react in the best possible way to difficult circumstances.
The author took an interesting angle of not allowing us to know what exactly is going on with Barbara, and not letting us find out until nearly the very end. I went into this book expecting a good fantasy, slaying, giant-killing story. And that's what I got, but on a different level. We, each of us, have giants to slay, things to overcome, and I think children have some of the most difficult ones as they learn how to navigate all the different, and sometimes painful, realities of life.
So, while I absolutely detested some - or a lot - of the things that Barbara did, it's hard to judge her. Because I understand, too. She takes her pain and anger out on those around her, not always justly, not fairly, but it's an emotional reaction that she can't quite control yet.
If I could have wished for one thing, it would have been her getting called on the behavior a bit more. The story dealt with getting her to deal with the underlying issue, and that's definitely needed, but I think that if we don't check ourselves when we're in pain and angry, care and empathy can get away from us - and it's a good lesson for kids that might be reading this to learn.
As I tell my son, nothing excuses violence - and believe me, it's a fine line to walk teaching no violence and the right to defend yourself. That's something I would have appreciated seeing reinforced here. When I started this, in the first dozen or so pages, I was going to pass it on to my daughters' to read. Now, I think I'm going to pass. Because no matter how much I can understand Barbara's pain, I can't excuse her violent responses to non-violent circumstances, or hurtful language - especially in a time when such things are so prevalent as it is.
There were a couple of things - beyond the violence that I mentioned above - that really bothered me here: 1) the comment from Barbara to her PE teacher (calling the teacher a "bull dyke"), this book would have been much more highly rated. But that's a line I wasn't comfortable with, especially when it was never, ever addressed or recriminated. Honestly, the more I think about it, the madder I get; 2) "fat girl bully"; 3) "I'm not like other girls, other girls are stupid"; 4) the boy/girl interests divide - can we just have a book that shows it's okay to like whatever one wants to like and not disparage others for liking other things? Ugh.
The more I write my review, the more I dislike what I've read. And that's just the story. I also didn't find the art particularly engaging - most of the time I had a hard time figuring out what was going on. I think that's a stylistic choice to fit with the fantasy/reality divide that we're straddling, but it didn't work for me.
This review is also available at The Book Eaters
June 25, 2012
SPOILERS
Barbara is a pretty headstrong young high school girl who loves Dungeons and Dragons, dislikes school, isn't interested in friends or other people, and is obsessed with giants - more accurately, killing giants. But in our everyday world, is Barbara just a weird kid because we all know giants aren't real. Aren't they...
The most important thing potential readers to this book should understand that it's not a fantasy book (though it contains fantasy elements) and is set in our world, the "real world", and that it's far deeper than you'd expect from the manga artwork, macho title, and emo-kid main character. In fact, replace "giant" with "cancer" and you've basically got it.
I had such a strong emotional reaction to this book, partly because I knew nothing about it and it unexpectedly caught me off balance, but also because I identified so strongly with Barbara. When I was 12/13 my mum was diagnosed with cancer too and that age is already such a turbulent one that throwing into the mix the hitherto unthinkable possibility of losing your mum suddenly becoming an all-too real inevitability is really hard to deal with. And like Barbara I was also getting my ass kicked on a regular basis by a bully and I found solace not in D&D but in a similar board game called Warhammer (all of which changed within a couple of years, for the better).
Writer Joe Kelly and artist JM Ken Nimura bring pathos and heart in portraying Barbara's battle against her own demons through some pretty intense fantasy sequences with the titular giants and by the penultimate chapter when Barbara faces down the Titan I was bawling my eyes out. This comic book has bags of heart and soul in its pages, I can't believe it took me this long to pick it up.
Kelly and Nimura tell a difficult story well through an ingenious metaphor of fantasy and the really likeable character of Barbara. Through her inspiring courage and defiance in the face of the void she provides an admirable role model for teens going through parental loss and give them hope for a lighter future. The book goes beyond entertainment and art to illustrate raw human emotion vividly and memorably on the page. "I Kill Giants" is an unforgettable masterpiece that'll touch your spirit and deserves to transcend the audience of comics readers to readers in general.
Barbara is a pretty headstrong young high school girl who loves Dungeons and Dragons, dislikes school, isn't interested in friends or other people, and is obsessed with giants - more accurately, killing giants. But in our everyday world, is Barbara just a weird kid because we all know giants aren't real. Aren't they...
The most important thing potential readers to this book should understand that it's not a fantasy book (though it contains fantasy elements) and is set in our world, the "real world", and that it's far deeper than you'd expect from the manga artwork, macho title, and emo-kid main character. In fact, replace "giant" with "cancer" and you've basically got it.
I had such a strong emotional reaction to this book, partly because I knew nothing about it and it unexpectedly caught me off balance, but also because I identified so strongly with Barbara. When I was 12/13 my mum was diagnosed with cancer too and that age is already such a turbulent one that throwing into the mix the hitherto unthinkable possibility of losing your mum suddenly becoming an all-too real inevitability is really hard to deal with. And like Barbara I was also getting my ass kicked on a regular basis by a bully and I found solace not in D&D but in a similar board game called Warhammer (all of which changed within a couple of years, for the better).
Writer Joe Kelly and artist JM Ken Nimura bring pathos and heart in portraying Barbara's battle against her own demons through some pretty intense fantasy sequences with the titular giants and by the penultimate chapter when Barbara faces down the Titan I was bawling my eyes out. This comic book has bags of heart and soul in its pages, I can't believe it took me this long to pick it up.
Kelly and Nimura tell a difficult story well through an ingenious metaphor of fantasy and the really likeable character of Barbara. Through her inspiring courage and defiance in the face of the void she provides an admirable role model for teens going through parental loss and give them hope for a lighter future. The book goes beyond entertainment and art to illustrate raw human emotion vividly and memorably on the page. "I Kill Giants" is an unforgettable masterpiece that'll touch your spirit and deserves to transcend the audience of comics readers to readers in general.
December 26, 2021
I watched the movie, based on the graphic novel. I cried and cried. Fine performances by all of the cast in that movie. I am not a graphic novel reader, but am willing to give this one a shot. Catch the movie if you can - like A Monster Calls, it will leave you sobbing, but hopeful.
August 20, 2023
"Não se preocupe. Vamos ficar bem.
Aprendi uma coisa... depois da tempestade..
Somos muito mais fortes do que pensamos."
Aprendi uma coisa... depois da tempestade..
Somos muito mais fortes do que pensamos."
April 2, 2021
This was not what I expected, (in multiple instances). When I first encountered this book, it was while I was researching for my own giant story, and while I was looking at giant character designs. As I was searching, a certain image that popped up caught my attention: a single shot of a girl with rabbit ears, a badass - looking hammer, and a giant staring her down in the distant background.
Naturally my curiosity got the best of me, and I found the title of what I thought was a strange underground movie, & I found out that it was a book first.
The surprises didn't stop there. I also initially thought that it was a chapter book. Only to find out that it was a graphic novel.
The contents weren't what I expected it would be, while I was sure that I was going to dive head first into a steampunk/fantasy,(based on that one picture alone) I was faced with a much more grounded- in -reality story, instead.
Our main character is a little girl that loves to wear rabbit ears and carries around a bag and a "hammer". She tells everyone that she kills giants.
In her house, she feels she has to avoid a certain room that beckons to her, as she also prepares for a countdown to an incoming disaster in the main time... One that only she can stop.
For a brief moment early on, I thought there was going to be a twist- one that reveals that giants are real all along, and I thought it was confirmed again towards the end. I wasn't disappointed about the actual storyline at all, however.
The art was sketchy, and simplistic, but charming.
I liked the simple main character design. Which remained distinct, while also not trying too hard to be quirky.
I thought that the overall lesson at the end, was a nice and bittersweet one. (Even if they did really drill it into the reader's head).
Overall: 4.4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Naturally my curiosity got the best of me, and I found the title of what I thought was a strange underground movie, & I found out that it was a book first.
The surprises didn't stop there. I also initially thought that it was a chapter book. Only to find out that it was a graphic novel.
The contents weren't what I expected it would be, while I was sure that I was going to dive head first into a steampunk/fantasy,(based on that one picture alone) I was faced with a much more grounded- in -reality story, instead.
Our main character is a little girl that loves to wear rabbit ears and carries around a bag and a "hammer". She tells everyone that she kills giants.
In her house, she feels she has to avoid a certain room that beckons to her, as she also prepares for a countdown to an incoming disaster in the main time... One that only she can stop.
For a brief moment early on, I thought there was going to be a twist- one that reveals that giants are real all along, and I thought it was confirmed again towards the end. I wasn't disappointed about the actual storyline at all, however.
The art was sketchy, and simplistic, but charming.
I liked the simple main character design. Which remained distinct, while also not trying too hard to be quirky.
I thought that the overall lesson at the end, was a nice and bittersweet one. (Even if they did really drill it into the reader's head).
Overall: 4.4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2012
What an emotional roller coaster! And the first graphic novel to make me cry!
I Kill Giants follows a segment of the life of Barbara Thorsen, arguably the greatest giant slayer of all time, in her quest to defend the world from giants—and maybe defend herself from some giants and ghouls of her own.
Probably my favorite graphic novel, the story opens on the surface with a young, angsty girl trying to follow her passion of bringing down titans and giants. However, as the story progresses we find that Barbara and her family are dealing with extra issues out of their control, and that Barbara personally chooses not to tackle. The art of it all was beautifully done in, what I would call, an aesthetically pleasing grunge style.
As a teacher, I cannot stress the need for students struggling with great life-altering events to find closure and acceptance in healthy ways. The graphic novel portrays a youth dealing with a hardship in her life the only way she knew how—with her imagination—and readers will find her coping mechanisms both dark and enthralling.
Johnathan & Kristin
I Kill Giants follows a segment of the life of Barbara Thorsen, arguably the greatest giant slayer of all time, in her quest to defend the world from giants—and maybe defend herself from some giants and ghouls of her own.
Probably my favorite graphic novel, the story opens on the surface with a young, angsty girl trying to follow her passion of bringing down titans and giants. However, as the story progresses we find that Barbara and her family are dealing with extra issues out of their control, and that Barbara personally chooses not to tackle. The art of it all was beautifully done in, what I would call, an aesthetically pleasing grunge style.
As a teacher, I cannot stress the need for students struggling with great life-altering events to find closure and acceptance in healthy ways. The graphic novel portrays a youth dealing with a hardship in her life the only way she knew how—with her imagination—and readers will find her coping mechanisms both dark and enthralling.
Johnathan & Kristin
November 9, 2019
Πάρα πολύ καλό!!!
Μου θύμισε το Bridge to Terabithia και το A Monster Calls.
All things that live, die. This is why you must find joy in the living, while the time is yours, and not fear the end. To deny this is to deny life. To fear this... is to fear life. But to embrace this... Can you embrace this?
You are stronger than you think.
Μου θύμισε το Bridge to Terabithia και το A Monster Calls.
All things that live, die. This is why you must find joy in the living, while the time is yours, and not fear the end. To deny this is to deny life. To fear this... is to fear life. But to embrace this... Can you embrace this?
You are stronger than you think.
July 26, 2024
Read 07/21/202
Ok, I’m not gonna lie, I was disappointed with this one. It was more like a 3.5 for me rounded up 😬😬 and YES, I do feel like a horrible person for feeling that way, I understand why everyone loved it & why so many people felt that it was moving & hard hitting & all that goodness.
BUT.
I was 100% sure that this was going to be a five star read, I had heard literally nothing but great things, I’d heard like 20+ people gushing about this, I saw it in so many “favorites/best of…” vids, I had been saving this the way I always do with books/graphic novels that I think I’m going to love, it’s like I love to savor the feeling of having something I’m super excited about, which is completely nonsensical I know bc I have literally HUNDREDS of books/GNs that I’m looking forward to, but regardless that’s my MO, and I did it with “I Kill Giants” so that I could pull it out at the perfect moment when I wanted to treat myself to something special.
So I had seen a good amount of reviews and discussions about this, but the ending had not been spoiled for me, but I did know that the “killing giants” thing was likely some metaphor or distraction or imagined thing that was hiding the true meaning. But bc of the way one reviewer worded things, I’d been thinkin she was going to turn out to be schizophrenic, so I was obviously expecting a different sort of story, which I guess factored into my enjoyment. I did quickly catch on when a few clues were dropped here and there.
So, basically, our MC is an 11 year old girl named Barbara. She is spunky & fierce, a sarcastic lil nerd girl who seems to have a very rich fantasy life where she is a bad ass monster/giant eradicator, & as she herself admits, doesn’t suffer fools lightly. She’s also dealing with a bad case of the bullies, fearlessly goading a much larger girl into altercations that don’t end well for her, but she doesn’t seem to mind & takes her beatings like a champ, & on top of everything else her home life seems to be a bit shaky, but not all together terrible, as she has an older sister who clearly puts in the effort but who can’t seem to be exactly what Barbara needs. There are a couple lights at the end of the tunnel for her—a new friend, & a guidance counselor who genuinely cares for her.
BUT.
First & foremost I felt that this was a complete rip off of “A Monster Calls” by Patrick Ness. Like egregiously so. But if I’m being totally honest, I didn’t love Barbara😬😬 I know, I know, she’s
Ok, I’m not gonna lie, I was disappointed with this one. It was more like a 3.5 for me rounded up 😬😬 and YES, I do feel like a horrible person for feeling that way, I understand why everyone loved it & why so many people felt that it was moving & hard hitting & all that goodness.
BUT.
I was 100% sure that this was going to be a five star read, I had heard literally nothing but great things, I’d heard like 20+ people gushing about this, I saw it in so many “favorites/best of…” vids, I had been saving this the way I always do with books/graphic novels that I think I’m going to love, it’s like I love to savor the feeling of having something I’m super excited about, which is completely nonsensical I know bc I have literally HUNDREDS of books/GNs that I’m looking forward to, but regardless that’s my MO, and I did it with “I Kill Giants” so that I could pull it out at the perfect moment when I wanted to treat myself to something special.
So I had seen a good amount of reviews and discussions about this, but the ending had not been spoiled for me, but I did know that the “killing giants” thing was likely some metaphor or distraction or imagined thing that was hiding the true meaning. But bc of the way one reviewer worded things, I’d been thinkin she was going to turn out to be schizophrenic, so I was obviously expecting a different sort of story, which I guess factored into my enjoyment. I did quickly catch on when a few clues were dropped here and there.
So, basically, our MC is an 11 year old girl named Barbara. She is spunky & fierce, a sarcastic lil nerd girl who seems to have a very rich fantasy life where she is a bad ass monster/giant eradicator, & as she herself admits, doesn’t suffer fools lightly. She’s also dealing with a bad case of the bullies, fearlessly goading a much larger girl into altercations that don’t end well for her, but she doesn’t seem to mind & takes her beatings like a champ, & on top of everything else her home life seems to be a bit shaky, but not all together terrible, as she has an older sister who clearly puts in the effort but who can’t seem to be exactly what Barbara needs. There are a couple lights at the end of the tunnel for her—a new friend, & a guidance counselor who genuinely cares for her.
BUT.
First & foremost I felt that this was a complete rip off of “A Monster Calls” by Patrick Ness. Like egregiously so. But if I’m being totally honest, I didn’t love Barbara😬😬 I know, I know, she’s
November 11, 2009
It's good to pick a book with vaulted expectations, set the book down finished an hour and a half later, and have those expectations met. In I Kill Giants' earliest chapters, I was not at all sure this would be the case. The pace felt abrupt, the characterizations suffered some adjacency to verisimilitude, and the ground seemed well-worn and overly familiar as it hadn't been long since I had the pleasure of reading Nate Powell's Swallow Me Whole. Of course, by book's end, all that had been well-enough justified by Kelly and Niimura's wonderful story-telling.
I Kill Giants exploits expectations in order to tell a story that, while common, is made special by its telling. The creative team breathes a crisp newness into Barbara Thorson's imaginative life that many such tales lack—and in their lack become shallow caricatures that never come to life for the reader. Traveling with Barbara through the travails of her fifth grader's existence, we are given a unique vantage into the lives and motivations of much of her supporting cast. There are still clichés that never entirely extricate themselves from the narrative weight crushing any spark of life from their shell of an existence(for instance the bully, Taylor, who is just like every other storybook bully you've ever encountered), but for the most part, Kelly's script is a relief.
Accordingly, Niimura's visual work shows its excellence by nature of considering just how easy it would have been to really screw up the story by producing the wrong kind of art. When Niimura draws giants, they are impressive. When Niimura draws Barbara the giant slayer, she is awkwardly confident. When Niimura draws the intersection of worlds, we find ourselves charmed or horrified according to how Niimura wants us to feel. The only curiosity that took me out of the story and forced me to wonder at his visual choices was his depiction of Taylor, the bully (yes, her again); despite the character's solidly established age (she's a fifth grader), Niimura draws her as being well-enough into puberty that she's granted heftily developed breasts. While it's not outside the realm of possibility for such a girl to exist (apparently puberty is hitting girls earlier and earlier), it's far enough outside the norm that it may give readers (such as myself) pause.
In any case, I Kill Giants is the story of Barbara Thorson. Who kills giants. Or so she tells just about everyone.
Barbara is, sigh, precocious and outspoken. She's a bit geek (loves D&D and baseball history) and has a difficult homelife. Her interaction with her teachers (and school psychologist as a result of her interaction with teachers) is less than worthy of emulation. She seems to almost purposely make enemies with those around her. And yet, despite the difficulties she presents for herself and the reader who wants to sympathize, she cuts figure as an able protagonist. She's far from perfect and, for this story at least, we prefer her for it.
Amidst portents of the arrival of a grave doom, the heralding of a coming giant, Barbara has to negotiate a society with which she will have nothing to do. Against her wishes, the society around her makes many overtures of peace and goodwill. Some make ground while others break it. And all the while, the unseen world becomes increasingly active as the prophesied doom grows ever nearer. In the end, it's in Barbara's interactions with both worlds and their inevitable clash that I Kill Giants' story takes shape.
And it was wonderful to take in.
As a final note, it is a happy circumstance that I Kill Giants is as short as it is—for the book certainly bears a second reading (as many things previously hidden are unveiled only with knowledge gained in the book's climax).
I Kill Giants exploits expectations in order to tell a story that, while common, is made special by its telling. The creative team breathes a crisp newness into Barbara Thorson's imaginative life that many such tales lack—and in their lack become shallow caricatures that never come to life for the reader. Traveling with Barbara through the travails of her fifth grader's existence, we are given a unique vantage into the lives and motivations of much of her supporting cast. There are still clichés that never entirely extricate themselves from the narrative weight crushing any spark of life from their shell of an existence(for instance the bully, Taylor, who is just like every other storybook bully you've ever encountered), but for the most part, Kelly's script is a relief.
Accordingly, Niimura's visual work shows its excellence by nature of considering just how easy it would have been to really screw up the story by producing the wrong kind of art. When Niimura draws giants, they are impressive. When Niimura draws Barbara the giant slayer, she is awkwardly confident. When Niimura draws the intersection of worlds, we find ourselves charmed or horrified according to how Niimura wants us to feel. The only curiosity that took me out of the story and forced me to wonder at his visual choices was his depiction of Taylor, the bully (yes, her again); despite the character's solidly established age (she's a fifth grader), Niimura draws her as being well-enough into puberty that she's granted heftily developed breasts. While it's not outside the realm of possibility for such a girl to exist (apparently puberty is hitting girls earlier and earlier), it's far enough outside the norm that it may give readers (such as myself) pause.
In any case, I Kill Giants is the story of Barbara Thorson. Who kills giants. Or so she tells just about everyone.
Barbara is, sigh, precocious and outspoken. She's a bit geek (loves D&D and baseball history) and has a difficult homelife. Her interaction with her teachers (and school psychologist as a result of her interaction with teachers) is less than worthy of emulation. She seems to almost purposely make enemies with those around her. And yet, despite the difficulties she presents for herself and the reader who wants to sympathize, she cuts figure as an able protagonist. She's far from perfect and, for this story at least, we prefer her for it.
Amidst portents of the arrival of a grave doom, the heralding of a coming giant, Barbara has to negotiate a society with which she will have nothing to do. Against her wishes, the society around her makes many overtures of peace and goodwill. Some make ground while others break it. And all the while, the unseen world becomes increasingly active as the prophesied doom grows ever nearer. In the end, it's in Barbara's interactions with both worlds and their inevitable clash that I Kill Giants' story takes shape.
And it was wonderful to take in.
As a final note, it is a happy circumstance that I Kill Giants is as short as it is—for the book certainly bears a second reading (as many things previously hidden are unveiled only with knowledge gained in the book's climax).
May 13, 2016
I got the same feeling with this book that I did with "A Monster Calls", it was good, but not great.
It is the story of a girl named Barbara who thinks she fights giants, the giants being a metaphor for something else of course. Her big sister is taking care of her and her brother, but Barbara does not have the best relationship with them as of late. Something has happened that has distanced them.
It is a very well drawn piece of work, all in black and white. It might have been much better with coloured pages, but it was not too much missed. I disliked the main character, and the reasons I disliked her, where the same reasons that I understood her actions, because that made what was happening seem all the more real. That is the trait of a good unlikable character, I am glad they got it right.
If you liked "A Monster Calls", you will like this, and vice verso, or you will be bored of reading the same thing.
It is the story of a girl named Barbara who thinks she fights giants, the giants being a metaphor for something else of course. Her big sister is taking care of her and her brother, but Barbara does not have the best relationship with them as of late. Something has happened that has distanced them.
It is a very well drawn piece of work, all in black and white. It might have been much better with coloured pages, but it was not too much missed. I disliked the main character, and the reasons I disliked her, where the same reasons that I understood her actions, because that made what was happening seem all the more real. That is the trait of a good unlikable character, I am glad they got it right.
If you liked "A Monster Calls", you will like this, and vice verso, or you will be bored of reading the same thing.
January 10, 2021
Pretty awesome. I'm not usually a fan of manga-style or black and white artwork but this is great. (Although I do wish there was more black or, at best, a highlight color like red.) I Kill Giants is a surreal allegory (in the style of Joe the Barbarian) about Barbara Thorson, an angsty loner teen who deals with very bad things through fantasy. Or is it fantasy? This coming of age story is also about friendship, courage, bullies, allies, family, and the power of the imagination. Having been a quiet loner in high school, dependent on the catharsis of drawing and writing in notebooks and the escapism of video games, as well as a dark and growing presence in the home, I can totally relate to Barbara's struggle. Worth checking out.
January 3, 2013
Seth said his high expectations were met; mine were set high in part by him, but for some reason I didn't love this book. The highlight: Niimura's visual work, which was awesome. I thought the story was conventionally "inspirational," how you get through the challenges of "giants" in your life, and maybe especially as a kid, and Kelly had some similar challenges, and apparently some of the same angry responses, and presumably came to the same cathartic conclusion as the main character girl in this story. There's some "fantasy" in that there are depicted giants. I liked it.
May 18, 2019
Reminded me of A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. They both have a lot of things in common -- bullies, nerdy kid, giant monster, sick mother, stupid friend, wild imaginations, depressing story, etc.
Actual rating: 3.25 stars
June 29, 2018
I’m not crying you’re crying shut up.
April 3, 2021
Al se isplakah, sunce ti jebem.
February 25, 2018
I kinda expected it to be something else and it was. A little disappointed, I just felt that nothing really happened and I could see the end a mile away.
March 8, 2018
Siamo più forti di quanto pensiamo. ❤️
January 27, 2019
The artwork in this comic is super super amazing! Even If the story wasn't so interesting and full of oomph I would've kept on flipping through, it's that amazing. Cool story, amazing read and satisfying ending. Not many YA comics are this satisfying. Awesome book.
July 25, 2014
Barbara's a lonely girl, but she tries hard not to show it. Queen of the misfits, she loves fantasy books and D&D. And why shouldn't she? Her real life is no piece of cake. She's bored by school, has her own personal bully, and is coping with one very deep, dark secret.
Though I wasn't overly crazy about the manga style artwork, this is a wonderful, touching story that should not be missed.
Though I wasn't overly crazy about the manga style artwork, this is a wonderful, touching story that should not be missed.
February 2, 2022
Graphic novel STUPENDA!
Mi sono ritrovata in lacrime alla fine senza neanche accorgermene!
Questa è la storia di Barbara, una bambina molto speciale che ha un solo, unico obiettivo: uccidere i giganti. Barbara sa tutto di loro, legge e si documenta più che può, prepara trappole e porta sempre con sé un’arma speciale da utilizzare in caso di bisogno. Ma la vita di Barbara non è come quella degli altri ragazzini. Barbara è vittima di atti di bullismo, tutti a scuola la considerano matta e lei alimenta questa teoria con atti e gesti estremi.
In Barbara alberga una rabbia cieca, sconcertante, dirompente, una rabbia che ha una causa molto grave e molto triste.
Questa graphic novel è speciale.
Cupa ma veritiera, permette al lettore di entrare nel mondo emotivo di una bambina e di vedere come essa stessa cerca di affrontare un problema enorme, orribile e ingiusto. Lo fa grazie alla fantasia, combattendo i giganti e sperando di sconfiggerli per salvare chi le è più caro, ovviamente la vita continuerà imperterrita nel suo cammino e Barbara dovrà trovare la strada giusta per andare avanti nonostante tutto.
Mi sono commossa.
I disegni sono praticamente perfetti per la storia e Barbara è una bambina che non si può non amare, è stata una lettura toccante e bella, dolorosa... e piena di luce alla fine.
Consigliata! 💕
Mi sono ritrovata in lacrime alla fine senza neanche accorgermene!
Questa è la storia di Barbara, una bambina molto speciale che ha un solo, unico obiettivo: uccidere i giganti. Barbara sa tutto di loro, legge e si documenta più che può, prepara trappole e porta sempre con sé un’arma speciale da utilizzare in caso di bisogno. Ma la vita di Barbara non è come quella degli altri ragazzini. Barbara è vittima di atti di bullismo, tutti a scuola la considerano matta e lei alimenta questa teoria con atti e gesti estremi.
In Barbara alberga una rabbia cieca, sconcertante, dirompente, una rabbia che ha una causa molto grave e molto triste.
Questa graphic novel è speciale.
Cupa ma veritiera, permette al lettore di entrare nel mondo emotivo di una bambina e di vedere come essa stessa cerca di affrontare un problema enorme, orribile e ingiusto. Lo fa grazie alla fantasia, combattendo i giganti e sperando di sconfiggerli per salvare chi le è più caro, ovviamente la vita continuerà imperterrita nel suo cammino e Barbara dovrà trovare la strada giusta per andare avanti nonostante tutto.
Mi sono commossa.
I disegni sono praticamente perfetti per la storia e Barbara è una bambina che non si può non amare, è stata una lettura toccante e bella, dolorosa... e piena di luce alla fine.
Consigliata! 💕
May 28, 2023
La stanza al piano di sopra
"Le vivrà."
"Non sono venuto per lei. Sono venuto per te."
Siamo assoluti protagonisti del nostro mondo e lo difenderemo sino alla fine; l'oscurità non entrerà mai, non esiste, non è mai esistita.
Forse esiste, ma è abbastanza lontana: non è forse vero che in questo mondo vivremo per sempre?
La porta in fondo al corridoio si apre; uno spiraglio di luce segue lo scricchiolio.
I titani sono arrivati. E non verrò con voi. Non ancora.
Le scale che portano al piano di sopra non sono così lunghe, alla fine; e sopravviveremo anche a questo, potete ritornare nel mare.
"Tutto ciò che vive, muore. Proprio per questo devi trovare la gioia nel vivere, mentre il tempo è ancora tuo, e non aver paura della fine. Negare questo è come negare la vita. Temere questo è come temere la vita."
"Le vivrà."
"Non sono venuto per lei. Sono venuto per te."
Siamo assoluti protagonisti del nostro mondo e lo difenderemo sino alla fine; l'oscurità non entrerà mai, non esiste, non è mai esistita.
Forse esiste, ma è abbastanza lontana: non è forse vero che in questo mondo vivremo per sempre?
La porta in fondo al corridoio si apre; uno spiraglio di luce segue lo scricchiolio.
I titani sono arrivati. E non verrò con voi. Non ancora.
Le scale che portano al piano di sopra non sono così lunghe, alla fine; e sopravviveremo anche a questo, potete ritornare nel mare.
"Tutto ciò che vive, muore. Proprio per questo devi trovare la gioia nel vivere, mentre il tempo è ancora tuo, e non aver paura della fine. Negare questo è come negare la vita. Temere questo è come temere la vita."
July 2, 2019
Mi sono avvicinato al fumetto, dopo averne sentito parlare per parecchio tempo, solo dopo aver visto il film.
Il film è bello, il fumetto lo è almeno altrettanto.
Toccante, delicato, magico, potente.
La solitudine, il dolore, il bullismo, il mondo che ci creiamo nella nostra mente, il labile confine tra ciò che è reale e ciò che non lo è, il male e il dolore che vogliono divorare ciò che c'è di buono nella vita.
La lotta per la sopravvivenza. L'amicizia. La famiglia. La crescita.
E sempre, sempre, la domanda senza risposta: i giganti sono reali o no?
Bellissimo.
E in questa titan edition abbiamo anche il racconto di come è nata l'opera, della collaborazione tra i due autori, disegni aggiuntivi e la sceneggiatura del primo capitolo, tutti extra apprezzatissimi.
Il film è bello, il fumetto lo è almeno altrettanto.
Toccante, delicato, magico, potente.
La solitudine, il dolore, il bullismo, il mondo che ci creiamo nella nostra mente, il labile confine tra ciò che è reale e ciò che non lo è, il male e il dolore che vogliono divorare ciò che c'è di buono nella vita.
La lotta per la sopravvivenza. L'amicizia. La famiglia. La crescita.
E sempre, sempre, la domanda senza risposta: i giganti sono reali o no?
Bellissimo.
E in questa titan edition abbiamo anche il racconto di come è nata l'opera, della collaborazione tra i due autori, disegni aggiuntivi e la sceneggiatura del primo capitolo, tutti extra apprezzatissimi.
March 11, 2013
Released as a seven-issue, self-contained comic book series, about a teenage girl in the modern day who claims to kill giants. Difficult to expand much on that without spoilers. This book will upset you.
Nothing about this is well-done on a technical level, but I still found it effective. The writing is... okay, but there's very little payoff until the end. The art is not great and sometimes make it hard to tell what's going on.
The creators have pre- and post-issue comic book conversations between each other. These are terrible in both their art and prose and will make you hate them both.
Nothing about this is well-done on a technical level, but I still found it effective. The writing is... okay, but there's very little payoff until the end. The art is not great and sometimes make it hard to tell what's going on.
The creators have pre- and post-issue comic book conversations between each other. These are terrible in both their art and prose and will make you hate them both.
April 10, 2024
«Все, що живе, вмирає. Тому треба радіти життю, поки є час, і не боятися кінця. Заперечувати це означає заперечувати життя. Боятися цього… означає боятися життя. Але прийняти це… Чи можеш ти прийняти це?»
⠀
Межовий простір між реальністю та фантазією слугує ґрунтом для творчих пошуків, у якій митці знаходять свободу творити історії, які виходять за рамки буденності, використовуючи універсальне людське прагнення до дива, щоби втекти від реальності, яку людина не може пережити чи прийняти. Особливо дітям чи підліткам. Таку розповідь підготували сценарист Джо Келлі та художник Кен Нііумура в коміксі «Я вбиваю велетнів» про який сьогодні піде мова.
⠀
Історія розповідає про Барбару Торсон, молоду дівчину з молотом у руках, яка має здатність і тягар винищувачки велетнів. Барбара, яку в місті називають ексцентричною одиначкою, затято боронить своє місто та родину від цієї загрози, незважаючи на скептичне ставлення до її тверджень оточуючих.
⠀
Дівчинка має складний характер. Вона бешкетує в школі, зазнає знущань і встряє в бійки, а всі навколо намагаються виховувати її. Хоча багатьом вона виглядає поганою дитиною, насправді вона просто бореться в битвах, яких вони не бачать. Як реальних, так і уявних. Тому існує ймовірність того, що її дії мають під собою вагомі причини. У міру того, як розгортається її історія, мотивація дій дівчини стають зрозумілішими, розкриваючи характер, який є недосконалим, але, безперечно, людським. Барбара припускається помилок, що призводять до заплутаних ситуацій та складних стосунків з іншими. Незважаючи на її зовнішню злість, часом жорстоку поведінку, є моменти вразливості, які викликають бажання підтримати її. Ми всі переживаємо труднощі та конфлікти по-своєму. Барбара використовує свою уяву.
⠀
Дівчина конструює світ фантазій, як притулок від суворої реальності, якої вона воліє уникати. Хоча цей альтернативний світ дає їй відчуття сили, покладатися лише на уникнення — нераціональна стратегія. Зрештою, їй доведеться зіткнутися зі справжніми викликами, що чекають на неї, — справжніми гігантами, які постають на її шляху. Барбара не прагне стати хуліганом, вона прагне бути героєм. Однак за відсутності велетнів, які могли б вбити її, знищити місто та підтвердити її героїзм, вона спрямовує свої розчарування на мішенях серед однолітків. Протягом своєї подорожі, вона поступово відкриває для себе більш здорові механізми подолання труднощів, які вона пронесе в доросле життя, прокладаючи шлях до особистісного зростання та емоційної зрілості.
⠀
Келлі та Ніімура створили неймовірно пронизливу історію, яка розповідає про горе, заперечення та втрати. Цей комікс показує ескапізм, як палицю з двома кінцями: немає нічого поганого в тому, щоб уникати суворої та неприємної реальності, але всьому є межа. Ви тільки можете тікати від своїх проблем і реального світу дуже довго, але колись прийдеться зіткнутися із реальністю. Цей комікс може допомогти вам пройти цей шлях і сприйняти реальність. Хотілося б дуже побачити «Я вбиваю велетнів» українською мовою. Особливо в цей настільки важкий час для нашої нації, де ледь не кожна людина стикається із жорстокою реальністю втрати близьких для себе людей. І не тільки близьких. Та не менш болючих і важких втрат. Тому цей комікс вартує бути виданим.
⠀
«Ти сильніший, аніж здається.»
⠀
Межовий простір між реальністю та фантазією слугує ґрунтом для творчих пошуків, у якій митці знаходять свободу творити історії, які виходять за рамки буденності, використовуючи універсальне людське прагнення до дива, щоби втекти від реальності, яку людина не може пережити чи прийняти. Особливо дітям чи підліткам. Таку розповідь підготували сценарист Джо Келлі та художник Кен Нііумура в коміксі «Я вбиваю велетнів» про який сьогодні піде мова.
⠀
Історія розповідає про Барбару Торсон, молоду дівчину з молотом у руках, яка має здатність і тягар винищувачки велетнів. Барбара, яку в місті називають ексцентричною одиначкою, затято боронить своє місто та родину від цієї загрози, незважаючи на скептичне ставлення до її тверджень оточуючих.
⠀
Дівчинка має складний характер. Вона бешкетує в школі, зазнає знущань і встряє в бійки, а всі навколо намагаються виховувати її. Хоча багатьом вона виглядає поганою дитиною, насправді вона просто бореться в битвах, яких вони не бачать. Як реальних, так і уявних. Тому існує ймовірність того, що її дії мають під собою вагомі причини. У міру того, як розгортається її історія, мотивація дій дівчини стають зрозумілішими, розкриваючи характер, який є недосконалим, але, безперечно, людським. Барбара припускається помилок, що призводять до заплутаних ситуацій та складних стосунків з іншими. Незважаючи на її зовнішню злість, часом жорстоку поведінку, є моменти вразливості, які викликають бажання підтримати її. Ми всі переживаємо труднощі та конфлікти по-своєму. Барбара використовує свою уяву.
⠀
Дівчина конструює світ фантазій, як притулок від суворої реальності, якої вона воліє уникати. Хоча цей альтернативний світ дає їй відчуття сили, покладатися лише на уникнення — нераціональна стратегія. Зрештою, їй доведеться зіткнутися зі справжніми викликами, що чекають на неї, — справжніми гігантами, які постають на її шляху. Барбара не прагне стати хуліганом, вона прагне бути героєм. Однак за відсутності велетнів, які могли б вбити її, знищити місто та підтвердити її героїзм, вона спрямовує свої розчарування на мішенях серед однолітків. Протягом своєї подорожі, вона поступово відкриває для себе більш здорові механізми подолання труднощів, які вона пронесе в доросле життя, прокладаючи шлях до особистісного зростання та емоційної зрілості.
⠀
Келлі та Ніімура створили неймовірно пронизливу історію, яка розповідає про горе, заперечення та втрати. Цей комікс показує ескапізм, як палицю з двома кінцями: немає нічого поганого в тому, щоб уникати суворої та неприємної реальності, але всьому є межа. Ви тільки можете тікати від своїх проблем і реального світу дуже довго, але колись прийдеться зіткнутися із реальністю. Цей комікс може допомогти вам пройти цей шлях і сприйняти реальність. Хотілося б дуже побачити «Я вбиваю велетнів» українською мовою. Особливо в цей настільки важкий час для нашої нації, де ледь не кожна людина стикається із жорстокою реальністю втрати близьких для себе людей. І не тільки близьких. Та не менш болючих і важких втрат. Тому цей комікс вартує бути виданим.
⠀
«Ти сильніший, аніж здається.»
February 25, 2018
Originally posted @ THE NERDY SIDE OF A QUEEN
Simple words, yet so deep in giving a meaningful meaning.
I don’t know how I stumble to read this graphic novel, but I remember when I saw my friend reading this, I became intrigued what is the story of it. I Kill Giants is the title and I became curious to find out what is the story all about. Until, I also saw the movie trailer, and I’m shocked that it will be adapted into a movie. That’s why I eagerly read this and throw all my current readings to devour this one.
Barbara Thorson was our main character in the story. Well, she was a little weird, and sometimes mean. She became interested in GIANTS – that she wants to hunt and kill them. Because of being weird, everyone thinks of her as crazy and troublesome because she always went to principal’s office.
Everybody doesn’t believe everything Barbara says until she met the giant that would change her perspectives on her life.
I Kill Giants was like A Monster’s call graphic novel version, and this time the character was a girl. At first, I don’t know what would be the point of this graphic novel, but until the last pages, I became enthused by the message it wants to convey.
Though the character Barbara was weird – in terms of outfit and character, I became attached to her and what she was going through with her life.
Few pages, yet it still made my heart ache.
Though I hope it became longer because the ending was a little bit fast for me. But overall, the story was very compelling, and I love it to bits! I now know why it is adapted into a movie, and I will surely going to watch it!
Very well recommended!
“You are stronger than you think.”
Simple words, yet so deep in giving a meaningful meaning.
I don’t know how I stumble to read this graphic novel, but I remember when I saw my friend reading this, I became intrigued what is the story of it. I Kill Giants is the title and I became curious to find out what is the story all about. Until, I also saw the movie trailer, and I’m shocked that it will be adapted into a movie. That’s why I eagerly read this and throw all my current readings to devour this one.
Barbara Thorson was our main character in the story. Well, she was a little weird, and sometimes mean. She became interested in GIANTS – that she wants to hunt and kill them. Because of being weird, everyone thinks of her as crazy and troublesome because she always went to principal’s office.
Everybody doesn’t believe everything Barbara says until she met the giant that would change her perspectives on her life.
I Kill Giants was like A Monster’s call graphic novel version, and this time the character was a girl. At first, I don’t know what would be the point of this graphic novel, but until the last pages, I became enthused by the message it wants to convey.
Though the character Barbara was weird – in terms of outfit and character, I became attached to her and what she was going through with her life.
Few pages, yet it still made my heart ache.
Though I hope it became longer because the ending was a little bit fast for me. But overall, the story was very compelling, and I love it to bits! I now know why it is adapted into a movie, and I will surely going to watch it!
Very well recommended!
April 16, 2016
Okay, this graphic novel left me so conflicted I'm not sure even where to begin soooo . . .
Book content warnings:
ableist slurs
lesbophobic slurs
Basically, this book is about Barbara Thorson, a young girl who "kills giants" both imaginary and real. Sooner or later, though, she's going to have to face her ultimate fear: the Titan.
Only, the titan isn't so imaginary and is something that's all to real to many people (and kids). I won't spoil it for you, but to be honest, the family drama, and this reality is what I enjoyed. This and the ending, which did fill me up with contented feelings and a smile.
But there was so much I didn't like. I get Barbara is dealing with a ton, but to have this child yelling out slurs (that are also an issue with kids? like the "r" word and the "d" lesbian slur) just seemed like overkill. She also had the worst case of the "I'm not like other girls because they're stupid" attitude I've ever seen or read. This thinking needs to die immediately.
And then there's the matter of the fact that Joe Kelly can't write girls for shit. Especially young girls. He has no idea what they're like. "It's weird that you like all this boy stuff . . . but it's cool. How do you know about baseball?" says Barbara's friend.
??? what. You're right, no girls like baseball. None. Except for Barbara Thorson, apparently.
I also groaned when he fell back on the "fat girl bully" stereotype. Can we be done with this already? She was the only fat character in the graphic novel, also. You have to know what you're doing when you so obviously set your cast like that.
Soooo, I guess there were a ton more that I disliked than liked. The good just doesn't make reading it worth it.
Book content warnings:
ableist slurs
lesbophobic slurs
Basically, this book is about Barbara Thorson, a young girl who "kills giants" both imaginary and real. Sooner or later, though, she's going to have to face her ultimate fear: the Titan.
Only, the titan isn't so imaginary and is something that's all to real to many people (and kids). I won't spoil it for you, but to be honest, the family drama, and this reality is what I enjoyed. This and the ending, which did fill me up with contented feelings and a smile.
But there was so much I didn't like. I get Barbara is dealing with a ton, but to have this child yelling out slurs (that are also an issue with kids? like the "r" word and the "d" lesbian slur) just seemed like overkill. She also had the worst case of the "I'm not like other girls because they're stupid" attitude I've ever seen or read. This thinking needs to die immediately.
And then there's the matter of the fact that Joe Kelly can't write girls for shit. Especially young girls. He has no idea what they're like. "It's weird that you like all this boy stuff . . . but it's cool. How do you know about baseball?" says Barbara's friend.
??? what. You're right, no girls like baseball. None. Except for Barbara Thorson, apparently.
I also groaned when he fell back on the "fat girl bully" stereotype. Can we be done with this already? She was the only fat character in the graphic novel, also. You have to know what you're doing when you so obviously set your cast like that.
Soooo, I guess there were a ton more that I disliked than liked. The good just doesn't make reading it worth it.
June 24, 2018
Credevo di leggere una graphic novel di tipo fantasy, invece mi sono ritrovata a leggere una storia contemporanea che mi ha intrigato fin dall'inizio e mi ha sconvolto alla fine. Non mi aspettavo dei risvolti così introspettivi, davvero. I Kill Giants è una splendida e azzeccata metafora della vita. Barbara siamo noi, giovani, ingenui, che ci rifugiamo nella fantasia per paura di non saper affrontare qualcosa che ci spaventa, i giganti che non vogliono altro che atterrarci. Fantastica. La narrazione mi è piaciuta, i disegni tantissimo, la protagonista poi è una bambina, piccola e grande insieme, dotata di una immaginazione prolifica e di un sarcasmo saccente che ferisce, ma si tratta di uno scudo che usa per proteggersi, allo stesso modo del martello Coveleski.
Una gn che affronta temi importanti quali il bullisimo, l'amicizia vera, la famiglia, il chiudersi in se stessi, la paura del domani. Consigliatissima!
E se il finale mi ha strappato una lacrimuccia, le strisce a fine libro mi hanno fatto scompisciare dalle risate xD
Una gn che affronta temi importanti quali il bullisimo, l'amicizia vera, la famiglia, il chiudersi in se stessi, la paura del domani. Consigliatissima!
E se il finale mi ha strappato una lacrimuccia, le strisce a fine libro mi hanno fatto scompisciare dalle risate xD
August 18, 2024
Very interesting, and strongly reminiscent of A Monster Calls.
Barbara, unable to deal with what is happening in her home, instead finds a sense of security in tracking down and killing giants. She has a secret weapon: a mighty hammer. And companions in the form of tiny fairies . . . but also a human friend who seems to be willing to overlook her outrageous behavior and want to know the real Barbara.
I did find the violence (real violence) troublesome. Barbara gets in brutal fights, and even lashes out and hits a teacher. A bigger girl is bullying her, and even threatening her life, but the counselors and principal seem more concerned with Barbara's behavior. I realize that some of that is intentional, to highlight how alone and misunderstood Barbara is, but I think it went too far.
But I loved the dynamic black and white art, and the story itself.
Barbara, unable to deal with what is happening in her home, instead finds a sense of security in tracking down and killing giants. She has a secret weapon: a mighty hammer. And companions in the form of tiny fairies . . . but also a human friend who seems to be willing to overlook her outrageous behavior and want to know the real Barbara.
I did find the violence (real violence) troublesome. Barbara gets in brutal fights, and even lashes out and hits a teacher. A bigger girl is bullying her, and even threatening her life, but the counselors and principal seem more concerned with Barbara's behavior. I realize that some of that is intentional, to highlight how alone and misunderstood Barbara is, but I think it went too far.
But I loved the dynamic black and white art, and the story itself.
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