Trickster
[Native American Tales : A Graphic Collection
Graphic Novel - 2010
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Summary
Add a SummaryTwenty-one Native American storytellers are paired with twenty-one artists. Each storyteller tells a tale about a trickster type character. Coyote, raven, rabbit, raccoon, dog, wolf, beaver, and wildcat all have their day. The sheer range of storytellers is impressive, calling upon folks from Hawaii to the Eastern shore, from Alaska to Florida. Sometimes the stories are told traditionally. Sometimes they utilize a lot of modern terms (you don’t usually run across the term “crystal cathedral thinking” in a book of folktales these days). The final result is an eclectic collection, where each story plays off of the ones paired before and after it. Though oral in nature, editor Matt Dembicki finds a way to make these tales as fresh and spontaneous on the printed page as when they were told to generations of eager listeners.
Comment
Add a CommentI loved the playful tones and variety of artistic styles, it really kept me interested. It's also wonderful to note that different indigenous groups have unique understandings of legends. I'm currently doing research on indigenous mythologies and engaging with this graphic novel was a wonderful way to take a break from reading.
Highly recommend This Place: 150 Years Retold and 7 Generations for those who found this too light and young, those are some pretty intense (and heart-achingly beautiful) indigenous graphic novels.
I enjoyed the different art varieties in each of these Native American tales. It would have been nice to know a little more about where each of the stories come from though.
There are 21 tales represented here by various adaptors and artists. The differing styles of art are either a plus or a minus depending on whether you appreciate more or less of them. I generally did appreciate most of them so it was a bonus for me.
Being Native American trickster tales they generally center on coyote, rabbit, raccoon and raven, although sometimes the trickster does take human form.
At least 25 of the 44 adaptors and illustrators are of Native American descent based on the bios at the back.
Recommended for anyone interested in an assortment of Native American trickster tales.
Very cute stories, a wide range of artistic styles and an authentic feel.
It's a mixed bag in both story and art, but still a fun read.
I really love these stories.
I wish the art was more adult but alas it is for children.
The first story in this book is a graphic novel masterpiece and is in other format books.
This book was okay but I felt it was suited for a younger audience. It had multiple short tales but it was not my cup of tea.
I enjoyed the variety of the stories & most of the art in this graphic (novel) anthology. However, it will not be entertaining to "readers of all ages" as Perseus Publishing suggests. A majority of the stories are so simplistically told and drawn, that they will appeal to only very young readers.
This isn’t just a graphic novel and it isn’t just a pairing of smart writers and great artists. Dembicki has come up with a way of collecting a wide variety of Native American folktales into a single source, done in such a way that kids will find themselves enthralled. When was the last time a book of folktales enthralled one of your kids anyway? It’s remarkable.
A big anthology by different writers and artists telling Native American tales about Trickster, usually in an animal form, in a huge variety of styles. Probably best read a few at a time.