Odd Is on Our Side
Published: October 2010
Genre: Comics, Fiction, Ghost, Graphic Novel, Manga, Mystery
Odd Thomas Graphic Novels Book 2
Check the summary of this book here:
The Review
Odd Is on Our Side is Dean Koontz's second graphic novel featuring Odd Thomas. It's written by Fred Van Lente and Koontz, with manga-style artwork by Queenie Chan. The narrative of this book revolves around Odd's premonition that something terrible would occur during his town's Halloween festival. Elvis Presley's spirit wants to help Odd and gestures wildly, but because he can't talk, Odd has difficulties determining what will happen and who is involved.
You must understand that graphic novel means comic book and not a gory or scary book, so it is just a comic and if you buy it, you must understand that it is not a textbook, it has comic book style art that has text with it as a story, so if you buy it, don't blame me or the authors for cheating you into buying it because it clearly says it is a graphic novel! And I am going to remind this to you many times in this review.
I had read all of Odd Thomas books and decided to attempt the graphic novel, which I quite enjoyed. Text that is clean and simple to read. Excellent work of art. The plot is simple to follow. I adore the fact that he can see ghosts and other supernatural beings. Elvis, in particular!
While I appreciate Dean Koontz's novels and the comedy in his Odd Tales, I don't think this story has much depth and the humor is kind of poor. Children, on the other hand, may appreciate the book and be inspired to read his Odd Thomas non-graphic novels, which are a treat.
Dean Koontz wrote several comedic novels about the eccentric yet endearing Odd Thomas, who claims he earned his name Odd because his mother misspelled Todd. However, it is descriptive since Odd is exceedingly intelligent, courteous, and odd; he employs the titles "sir" and "ma'am" even to individuals who are focused on killing him most horrifically. His moniker is also descriptive since, unlike other people, he sees deceased men and women, such as Elvis Presley. The deceased can and frequently do gestures to Odd, but they are unable to talk. Koontz has also collaborated with others on three Odd Thomas graphic books.
Are you new to the franchise? Don't be concerned! This and the other graphic novels will bring you up to speed with the characters without giving too much away about what is to come in the books.
Odd Is On Our Side is a terrific one-sitting read for younger readers, as well as a must-read for both die-hard Odd fans and newcomers. Examine them out! Without these, your collection is incomplete!
It was an enjoyable read. Of course, it lacks the richness and length of a whole novel, but it is a terrific self-contained narrative worth reading if you like the author and his creation.
I'll say it again: don't buy this if you don't enjoy comic books. I and other comic book fans will be pleased, but if you don't enjoy comics, this might be the worst waste of money for you.
In the words of a number of my friends, "I had no idea this was even a comic book kind of book. I anticipated a conventional book, like the other weird novels. Was I ever incorrect? I'm not even going to read it since I can't get beyond the 'comic book' element. Those of you who enjoy comic books may be happy with it. I simply wish it said clearly that it is in comic book style."
Okay time for my reply to these friends... One thing I must clarify is that when you see Graphic Novel printed on a book, it implies it is essentially a Comic Book, thus it was already on the book cover, and it is not the author's responsibility that you are unaware of this.
Odd Thomas is introduced to a new audience of readers. If you're not familiar with "graphic novels," have a look before purchasing this. It's essentially a comic book. However, Manga is much more than a comic book, and if you don't respect that, this is not the book for you.
Queenie Chan, a Hong Kong-born Manga artist living in Australia, drew the book. She is well-known in the Manga community and has a distinct creative flair. She gets interested in Manga projects because she likes the tale and wants to play a part in conveying it. And she demonstrates through her artwork that she likes this book and series, according to her rule of only drawing when she enjoys a story.
As stated before, the narrative was written by Fred Van Lente and Dean Koontz. Soon into the book, the reader will notice Koontz's characters are written by someone else.
Odd is already recognizable if you've read any of Koontz's Odd novels. Odd is younger in this prequel than he is in the novels. Odd and his lover Stormy Llewellyn are among the well-written characters. There are a number of minor characters who feature in later Odd Thomas works.
The plot is straightforward, including missing children, Halloween, and maybe some poison. Odd is the only one that sees some ghostly characters along the road.
Final Thoughts
This is a traditional Odd Thomas story, and I enjoyed it as always. The art, on the other hand, was not entirely horrible because I like Manga and it was to my liking, but if you don't like Manga, you won't like it as much as I did.
I thought the artwork had too much Manga in it, especially on the features of the female figures, and you have to see it to realize what I mean.
Odd Thomas's subsequent experiences, or perhaps his former ones, are described in a short, Manga-Esque, graphic novel manner. These volumes are essential reading for lovers of Koontz's main hero, Odd Thomas.
We explore what happened before Odd Thomas in Odd is On Our Side, and we follow Odd and Stormy on their adventures in and around Pico Mundo, California. Look for regulars you've grown to know and love over the course of the Odd Thomas novels.
Once again, all of the Odd novels are fantastic. Good for all ages and any Koontz lover. These are fantastic if you enjoy graphic novels.
This is a classic Koontz novel. It's in a format that most readers aren't used to, or, dare I say, are even interested in. Be cautious before making a purchase! This is a well-written, well-illustrated book for young readers, reluctant readers, anyone with a short attention span, aficionados of the supernatural, or Manga fans.
I read the paperback edition, and the font and images are standard sizes. According to my understanding, the Kindle edition may be more difficult to read. But still, it is worth it if you are into it.
Synopsis
“When things get scary, it’s nice to know that Odd is on our side.
The one and only Odd Thomas is back—in his second edgy and enthralling graphic-novel adventure from #1 New York Times bestselling suspense master Dean Koontz.
It’s Halloween in Pico Mundo, California, and there’s a whiff of something wicked in the autumn air. While the town prepares for its annual festivities, young fry cook Odd Thomas can’t shake the feeling that make-believe goblins and ghouls aren’t the only things on the prowl. And he should know, since he can see what others cannot: the spirits of the restless dead. But even his frequent visitor, the specter of Elvis Presley, can’t seem to point Odd in the right direction.
With the help of his gun-toting girlfriend, Stormy, Odd is out to uncover the terrible truth. Is something sinister afoot in the remote barn guarded by devilish masked men? Has All Hallows Eve mischief taken a malevolent turn? Or is the pleading ghost of a trick-or-treater a frightening omen of doom?”
Useful Search Related Words & Keywords
Comic Books, Dead People, Fred Van, Like A Comic, Pico Mundo, Story Line, Van Lente, Waste Of Money
Rating: 80/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
Buy the Kindle Version Here
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