I enjoyed the novel version more than this one; but that may just be because I wasn't a fan of the art style. I didn't like how the characters looked so roughly drawn. ( )

Bits and pieces of the story, which I read in its original form years ago, cane back to me as I made my way through this graphic adaptation. And graphic it is—depicting the violence of the bears and the battles between humans is gory detail and through bleak and evocative illustration. But it is a good version, with the same tension and supernatural-laden imagery of the original novel. I was left wanting more, not least because I can’t quite remember what happens next, but also because this is an engaging and engrossing graphic novel. ( )

L read cover to cover, I read parts. A pretty faithful adaptation of the original. ( )

This modern fantasy quest follows the adventures of Lyra, a young girl in an alternate Oxford. In this world, humans are accompanied by daemons- animal companions that more closely resemble one's soul, and the Magisterium controls all. Although Lyra is an orphan at Oxford College, her world has been relatively carefree, consumed by academics and education. That is, until children start to go missing, including a local Gypsy boy, Billy. Little does Lyra know, she'll soon be much more deeply embedded in this mystery than she could have ever imagined. Follow her journey to the freezing north, battling with witches, polar bears, and even an aeronaut along the way! Philip Pullman builds a rich fantasy world that captivates the reader and leaves them racing from each book in the series to the next book!

I've been a huge fan of His Dark Materials Trilogy since I was in middle school in the late 90s-2000s, so I've looked forward to each sequel, prequel, TV adaptation, and movie since, but I had yet to pick up the graphic novel until now. at being said, I don't know that I was missing out on much. Because there have already been several visual adaptations already (a movie and a TV series,) I had already formed a picture of Lyra and the other characters in my head that often didn't align with the graphic novel illustrations. I found the golden monkey and Roger to be especially unappealing depictions. The text, itself, followed the plot almost exactly, as far as I can remember, so if you're a graphic novel fan and haven't read the book yet, you'll get an accurate adaptation of it! ( )

3.5 stars. It was an enjoyable graphic novel version of the original story - excellent for a quick recap before continuing onward. However I feel that it wouldn't be able to stand on its own, as you don't get enough detail to justify motivations or actions. The art style was okay but by far not my favourite. However, overall it was enjoyable, quick, and a good start to my dark materials/book of dust marathon. ( )