Thanks NetGalley and Abrams Comics for this arc

2/5 stars

Unfortunately this wasn't for me. The story was confusing and kept jumping around, making it hard to keep track what was going on. And I understand not having colour pages for the arc, but the text was really hard to read and got jumbled a lot of the time. Maybe that was part of what made this unenjoyable for me :(

Frank Miller's Pandora, Book 1 offers an imaginative take on a young girl’s journey to reshape her world. Annabeth’s discovery of a relic that warps reality brings a fresh twist to the coming-of-age theme. The artwork is bold and dynamic, capturing the darker, more intense moments of Annabeth’s transformation. There's an underlying sense of chaos that keeps the story interesting, as her powers begin to spiral out of control.

While some aspects of the narrative could have been explored in more depth, Pandora succeeds in presenting a unique concept with visual flair. Annabeth’s struggles with belonging and identity resonate, and the story sets up a foundation for intriguing developments in future installments. A solid start with potential for growth, making it an enjoyable read deserving of 3 stars.

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC of this book. Sadly, this book was not for me. While the premise sounded interesting, and seems to be something I would enjoy, I felt that it was lacking. It seemed to jump from place to place very quickly without much subtext and left me confused and wondering if there was perhaps a previous book that I had missed. I found myself going back more than once and checking that I had not missed a crucial part of the story. Perhaps when all is said and done with the final colour pages, the art will fill in the blanks.

The art is beautiful. I really enjoyed the pictures and everything about the art. The colors fit well, the letters were perfect for the story. But I just could not get into the story.

3 stars

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Abrams ComicArts for an advance copy of this modern fairy tale told in graphic novel form created by a master of sequential art known more for his film noir story style based on stories from his youth.

Fairy tales were something I read, but had no real impact on me. I was probably introduced to fairy tales through either Disney books, or other safe media. These lacked the strangeness, the fear, and the sex that most classic fairy tales drew on. Not in the Anne Rice Sleeping Beauty sense, but of dashing princes, and women just coming into their own, growing up in ways they didn't understand. I know it was after high school that I started looking and reading about fairy tales. I think it was a Brothers Hildebrandt illustrated edition. Maybe it was Sandman. Looking at tales I knew from movies in their original form, I came to appreciate the idea of these stories more, and became a fan of modern retellings and brand new stories that shared these themes. Frank Miller is a creator I never thought would write fairy tales, though in looking at his characters one can see a certain magic even in his street level heroes. Miller's mother used to share stories that she made up with him, and he has brought these stories into our modern day, with the help of a few collaborators. Frank Miller's Pandora Book 1 is created by Frank Miller, with additional writing from Anthony Maranville and Chris Silvestri with art by Emma Kubert, and tells of a young woman, wanting to escape her surroundings, and the dangers that lurk deep in the dark woods around her.

Annabeth is fifteen years old, smart and lonely. Annabeth helps her Mom run a boarding house filled with people that Annabeth would really not be around. Also living with them is Annabeth's Grandfather, who is wheelchair bound, but full of past stories and adventures that Annabeth loves to hear about. Her Grandfather understands her feelings but always makes it clear the woods are full of things not to be messed with, and not ever to be brought home. Another bad day at school makes Annabeth run into the woods, where she finds a boy and something else, Something that might change everything. And not for the best.

This is a young adult story about growing up, learning about life, and learning about monsters. Monsters living in fear of other monsters, the monster of being trapped and alone in a place one can't stand, and the monster that is other people interfering with a person's life. I never thought I would use the words young adult story by Frank Miller in a sentence, but it is true. Annabeth is well written, though many of the supporting cast need a little filing out, but that is what future issues are. The story is pretty clear and consistent, with a lot going on, and lots of plot lines to be explored. The art is really good. Emma Kubert is a third generation comic artist, and has a nice style, with great backgrounds, great expressions, and a nice palette of colors. The expression on the character's faces tell so much about the story, that even if the words were removed from certain panels, readers could tell what is going on.

A story that has a great art, and a story that makes a person want to know more. I had an Ereader edition, but I understand the hardcover will have different covers, and lots of other treats. So I am looking forward to that. And I can't wait to see where this fairy tale goes.

Frank Miller is a brilliant artist. I love his work. I had to read this graphic novel. I’m not sure I 100% understood the plot of this novel, but I enjoyed the adventure. I liked the art style. It’s dark and mysterious. The characters were drawn according to to their personalities and I am here for it.

I will say that the plot was a little confusing and I’m not sure I understand all that happened. But sometimes, you don’t have to get it all to enjoy the art and characters.

I liked the little demons Pandora draws the best. And the glowing flowers are really superb.

This is a fun, graphic novel version of Pandora. The artwork felt like a throwback to some of the original D&D style with creepy demons and overly busy backgrounds. This is not my favorite style, but those who appreciate more of a comic book feel will enjoy it.

I struggled with this one. The art is really pretty! However, I was not a big fan of the plot. I felt like we did not build the characters enough & I just wasn't that invested in what was going on. I read a review e-copy that wasn't in color yet, and I think that will make a huge difference in the enjoyability of the book!

Thanks to NetGalley, Frank Miller, and Abrams ComicArts for the chance to read and review! My thoughts and opinions are my own, so please still check this one out if interested!

I am not the right audience for this. I was expecting more of a graphic novel instead of a comic book style. I do believe this is a good story and will be great for many readers.

Thanks to NetGalley, the Publisher, and the Author for an ARC of this book in exchange for my review.

"Frank Miller's Pandora" is a YA dark fantasy graphic novel. It is gripping and absorbing story with themes of self-discovery, rebellion, and the consequences of playing with the fabric of reality.

The artwork is truly beautiful with fantastic creature character designs and settings. The fast pacing made this one a blink and it's over book that should complell readers to seek out more in a book 2.

Frank Miller’s Pandora is book one of a YA dark fantasy graphic novel. It follows the story of a 15-year-old Annabeth who is unhappy with her life, and then one day she finds a flower that allows her change her life.

The story is very fast-paced, though it moved too quickly for my liking, it was like I blinked and the story was over. I would’ve enjoyed more character development and world-building, especially for a fantasy book. I also found the dialogue to be a little rushed due to the pacing.

The artwork is beautiful, I loved all of the creature character designs, and I liked seeing the Other Realm towards the end. I can’t wait to see more of it in book 2.

I’d recommend checking this one out if you liked the Spiderwick Chronicles.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted copy. Frank Miller’s Pandora releases in October.

This was a miss for me, though I can see the appeal that this would have for some readers. I will say the art was incredible! I can definitely see myself picking this back up for the art alone. This will be an absolutely stunning graphic novel when it is published!

This was pretty fun to read, and like all good Frank Miller content, a little unhinged at times. I'd be interested to see how this looks in color.

I am a huge sucker of the works of Frank Miller and I purchased this series as individual issues. That being said, I am of two minds on the final product. I both enjoyed and was disappointed by it. I enjoyed seeing the fantastical, young adult-esque adventures presented therein. I just wish the end result lived up to the promise of the visuals and the story they began telling. I will be checking out the next volume, as I really did want to love it and ended up liking it quite a bit.

Special Thanks to Abrams ComicArts and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review

This was a strange book for me. There were elements I like a lot, but I am more confused about the world after reading it. It is the first volume (well… chapters 1-6). I am rating it a three star because there is potential and I am curious, but rather lost. A few things I like, the artwork is great and I know it will look better when it’s all in color. It’s an interesting concept, even though I still do not completely understand it (again, hopefully future volumes will clear some things up.) Things I didn’t care for: Knox and Annabeth’s conversations and relationship development are abrupt. I don’t understand why she thinks he’s flirting with her and why she has this draw to him. How does he not know what crying is, but knows what fighting looks like? I don’t understand, which characters are really worth paying attention to and which are just background noise. The fact that Annabeth’s mom allows creepy Meeks to stay at that house after the way he talks to and treats her daughter is sickening - I don’t care how much you need money, get rid of the creep!

Again, this is just the first volume and I am keen to see where it goes, but there are so many unanswered questions and I feel the authors rushed some dialogues and scenes that is made it almost nonsensical.

Thank you NetGalley and Abrams ComicArts for this ARC. I enjoyed it… sort of… just need to see where it is going. I would consider suggesting it my high school (YA) students, but I think some of the imagery is not something I would suggest to a middle school age. I don’t know where the story is going, so I might wait a book or two before deciding to put it in the library.

I have mixed feelings - the story and art is fast-paced and was easy to keep up with and stay interested in. I think there were times where it went too fast - the readers could use a few more beats to get emotionally invested. This is though, at its core, a story that speeds ahead. I'm ready for Book 2!

Annabeth is a teenager living with her mother and grandfather, in a boarding home setup with its own host of strange characters living with them. Annabeth struggles with bullying in school, though she is academically and artistically gifted. She comes across Knox, a strange boy who has no knowledge of the practical world. He leads her further into the forest by her house, despite her grandfather's warnings, only for her to discover mysterious, magical forces at play.

A teenage girl searches for the perfect world but nothing is as perfect as it seems. Annabeth is a fifteen year old girl who is unhappy, she's not popular at school, her home life isn't great, and she just feels like she doesn't belong. When she finds a mysterious flower shaped relic with the power to warp reality it gives her the opportunity to transform her world... but every change has a cost. This was a fun graphic novel that I think young adult readers will have fun with. It's a fantasy read with faeries, drama, and a touch of romance. It's definitely for YA readers who enjoy teen girl fantasy reads.

Release Date: October 8,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Abrams ComicArts for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

This was a great book. The art is dynamic and full of small details, and I can imagine when the final product is produced in color rather than black and white, the art will be even better. The story is fast, and it keeps readers engaged. The main character is dynamic and constantly changes to go against the magic and the creatures she faces. This is a great book if you are looking for a fast-paced graphic novel with fantasy and magical elements.

The art in this was very interesting! Though this preview wasn’t in full color, I am sure it will look amazing in color! I enjoyed the characters, and the story a lot, as well!