Review: DRESDEN FILES: DOWN TOWN by Jim Butcher & Mark Powers

Release Date: October 13th, 2015

Type: Series, Magic, Graphic Novel, Comic Book, Wizards, Between the Novels, Urban Fantasy, Science Fiction, Talking Skulls and Such

About the Book: Chicago wizard-for-hire Harry Dresden and his new apprentice, Molly Carpenter, intend to end the havoc caused by a mad sorcerer - one whose ambitions would have the Windy City streets carved out as his own private kingdom. But when the magical upstart enters into an alliance with the notorious mob boss "Gentleman Johnnie" Marcone, will the fast-and-loose Dresden and his young charge survive unscathed? This graphic novel collects the critically acclaimed, six-issue series in one volume, and features a bonus section with Jim Butcher's original story outline, sketchbook artwork from Carlos Gomez, cover gallery with roughs from Stjepan Sejic, and more! [Description from Netgalley.com]

My Review: I like these "between the novels" stories because it lets me get a taste of Dresden's world for a short time. I really enjoy this series, in fact, I consider it a modern day classic in the field of Urban Fantasy. Dresden is a fascinating character, and his friends even more so. All the wacky members of his family (be they blood related or no), add so much to the series, and make it something special - and this graphic novel is no different. In fact, I think Mouse, Molly, and the ever interesting Marcone make this graphic novel more interesting than it would have been if it was just Dresden fighting the bad guy.

There was nothing wrong with this story. I didn't find any major faults. My only comment is that it wasn't so deeply fascinating and magical that I couldn't put it down. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't great. Maybe because this story is so short, it doesn't have the magic of the actual Dresden novels. But this was good enough to hold me over until Dresden gets his next book.

Cover Lovin': Looks good, and fits with the other Dresden Files graphic novels I have seen.

Recommendation: At least some familiarity with Dresden is recommended prior to reading this. Background information is included for those that might not be caught up, but there's a lot of little stuff that will leave the reader confused or unsure if they're not familiar with the series.

Final Rating: THREE POINT FIVE out of FIVE stars (3.5/5).

Check out some of the other Dresden Files Graphic Novels!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

REVIEW: "Jim Butcher's Dresden Files: War Cry" by Jim Butcher

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Release Date: November 11, 2014

Type: Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Wizards, Wardens, Vampires, Series, Harry Dresden Mostly Knows What He's Doing (Or Not)

About This Book: A war is raging between the vampire forces of the Red Court and the White Council - a war that the wizards are losing. So desperate are the Council that they've dragooned the experienced and the outcast to reinforce their thinning ranks of Wardens. One of these draftees is one Harry Dresden, Chicago's only wizard-for-hire and a guy who's long been looked upon with suspicion by the supernatural authorities. Now, he's one of them, and his first big mission as a Warden is a doozy: take a small team of greenhorns to a frigid town in the middle of nowhere to rescue a handful of mortals who've been targeted by the Red Court. The question is, why exactly are these particular mortals so crucial to the outcome of the war? The answer will come only if Harry can keep them, and his team, alive for one very long night. This graphic novel collects the critically acclaimed, five-issue series in one volume, and features a bonus section with Jim Butcher's original story outline, sketchbook artwork from Carlos Gomez, cover gallery with roughs from Stjepan Sejic, and more!

My Review: I'm a busy person. I have a full time job, volunteer opportunities, plus plenty to take care of in my home life... so I don't always get the chance to re-read old favorites, and revisit old worlds. So I'm grateful that these graphic novels exist. War Cry is the perfect way to visit Dresden's world, to experience his life for a little longer, without having to commit to re-reading one of the books (which is something that should be savored, and can therefore take some time).

War Cry is a fantastic story, and I'm giving major kudos to the authors for managing to fit everything that happens into a book that is, what, a little over 100 pages? And they do it well - at no point did the story feel rushed, or get jumbled because too much was happening at once. My eyes were glued to the page, desperate to see how Harry would manage to get himself out of yet another bad situation (poor guy).

In short, this is a great read for fans of the series. It is not recommended for newbies to Dresden's world, since it requires some previous knowledge of the Wardens, the vampires, etc. I will say, for readers that have not caught up on Dresden's story, that this graphic novel does an excellent job of explaining what is going on now, why they are doing what they are doing, and where it fits in. So enjoy!

Cover Lovin': This is a great one. We see the team of four Wardens ready to do battle - with Harry front and center. The artist even manages to get each character's personality traits to shine in their expressions.

Recommendation: For fans of the series! The great story and wonderful artwork would make this a great read for anyone, but I doubt anyone but fans of the Dresden Files would get much out of this, as they don't have the extensive back story.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5).

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~