Bone: One Volume Edition by Jeff Smith
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Book Reviews of Bone: One Volume Edition
Book Review: A must have
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought all BONE comics...here in Italy were published by three different editor..in more than 15 year!!! Once finished, I've seen this edition. Now I have a BIG BOOK with the whole story on it, in a format which remember "Lords of the rings". GH!Book Review: My son loves this comic
Summary: 4 Stars
My son is 7, and while he enjoys reading when he HAS to, he doesn't read without being told to. We had gotten one of the Bone volumes at the library, and he devoured it. He couldn't put it down, he even ignored video games to read it. So, I bought this book, thinking he would do the same with it. Well, not so much. I think in part it is because the illustrations are in black and white, where the single volume from the library was in color. It made it much more interesting to look at. And while I knew how many pages were in this book, you don't realize how large it is until you get it, so I think the size makes it cumbersome for him since he is only 7. But, he does enjoy the story, I think he would just like it more if it were in color.Book Review: A comic and epic fantasy comes of age
Summary: 4 Stars
When Jeff Smith created his "Bone" saga, he was doing something right. What is there not to like about the three charming Bone cousins - the resourceful Fone Bone, the greedy Phoney Bone, and the inscrutable Smiley Bone? And how can you not get caught up in their dramatic adventures? But Smith's Bone is more than just a cute comic strip. It shows the evolution of the graphic novel as a viable literary format, with all the hallmarks that we've come to expect from traditional fiction:
1. Characterization - the three Bone characters have endearing and memorable qualities with immediate appeal, and the other characters in their world are equally, outstanding, charming, and unique.
2. Setting - Jeff's Smith world is peopled by a variety of other fantastic creatures and characters (Thorn, Rose Gran'ma Ben, Ted the insect, the Great Red Dragon, the Possum Kids, Stupid Rat Creatures, and others). The Bone-iverse has Tolkiensque overtones, and will be an instant hit with fans of the fantasy genre.
3. Plot - after leaving Boneville and entering a fantasy world of monsters and magic, the Bone cousins quickly get caught up in a compelling and suspenseful adventure story.
4. Style - Smith is a great story-teller, and his narrative has a great deal of wit, humour and charm, although the story becomes more serious and less comic as the story progresses. But once you're hooked, you're in for the ride until the protagonists complete their adventures.
The Bone adventures were originally released as nine separate volumes in black and white, and have recently been re-released by Scholastic in full colour, thus springing even more to life. While those of us who enjoy Smith's unique blend of light-hearted comic and epic fantasy have welcomed the re-released colour version only too readily, this particular edition has the advantage of containing the complete Bone adventures in 1300 pages at a budget price, and is still charming despite the limitations of black and white.
A comparison with the usually incomparable Lord of the Rings might seem ridiculous, but I can appreciate why many have even dared suggest it. Smith himself credits his interest in mythology and his sense of mystery to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and George Lucas' Star Wars trilogy. Unlike these, the Bone saga is much more light-hearted, at least in its inception, and it's hard to imagine that it could attain the impact or depth of more serious graphic novels, despite sharing with LOTR and Star Wars an epic scope. At the same time, it has to be conceded that as the story progresses, it becomes more serious. The plot begins with an innocent charm reminiscent of Tolkien's The Hobbit, but as the narrative progresses it begins to take on the qualities of a more serious and epic work, much like Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings advanced beyond the simple story of The Hobbit both in scope and tone. Some readers will appreciate the deepening of literary qualities as the story progresses, while others will regret that the latter part of the story lacks some of the accessibility, appeal, naivety, and charm of the first chapters, and might find the heavier tone excessive. Both will have to agree that as a blend of light hearted comedy, slapstick humor, adventure, and epic fantasy, Bone is a comic for all ages, and for the ages. GODLY GADFLY (2007)
Book Review: One of the best comics - and stories - ever made.
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been a fan of Bone for years and this one volume edition is a must have. The writing and the art are equal parts amazing and captivating.
I originally went about things the hard way and collected the individual volumes over the years. The problem is that I have some in hardcover, some in softcover and some I don't have at all (I missed getting the last volume, Crown of Horns, which is now out of print). So if you're looking to get into Bone, this is the way to go.
I absolutely love this story. The characters are unique and entertaining. You'll find yourself caring about the characters more and more as you progress through the story, just like someone reading Harry Potter or even Lord of the Rings.
Speaking of Lord of the Rings, while this book has a very cartoony look to it, the story does get very serious at times and the fantasy element is on par with Rings and any other high-fantasy stuff you could name. Yes there is a lot of comedy and silliness, but there is more than a fair share of serious story telling - and that will keep you coming back for more. Even though there are some serious (and dark) parts, this is very much an all-ages story.
Don't get the editions (if they still make them) that colorize the comics. Black and white is the best way to witness this story, since that is how it was originally intended.
Jeff Smith is an amazing artist and a top-notch story teller, do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
Bone was very much a big influence on me when I was writing my novel, "The Magic of Eyri" and after re-reading the Bone saga in this edition I realized just how much of an influence Jeff Smith's work had on me.
Bone is a classic and I would recommend it to any one looking for something a little different in the world of comics. You'll be glad you checked it out - and make sure to give it a chance, the story starts out very funny but it ends up shifting gears and going full throttle into the realm of high fantasy.
The Magic of Eyri
Book Review: It Makes a Nice Paperweight!
Summary: 5 Stars
Bone is a children's comic written and illistrated by the very talented Jeff Smith. It was created for over 10 years and recently they decided to release the entire comic in 1 book. This book is huge, coming in at over 1300 pages! Jeff Smith is a great writer, and you can easily see his cartoon's quality increase, along with the maturity and art. I really think this is a great comic for both adults and children, don't let the cartoonish look fool you. Bone tells the story of 3 Bones, who are chased out of Boneville and must fend for themselves. Overall I really enjoyed this comic and you can't beat a 1300 page comic for only $25. One thing I didn't like about the comic is it is entirely in Black and White. Although originally release in Black and White, Jeff Smith has been slowly colorizing them and they add a whole new dimension to the comic. Overall I think anyone interested in comics, kids or adults, should check out this wonderful comic.