Amulet is a popular fantasy graphic novel series created by Kazu Kibuishi. The series follows the adventures of Emily, a young girl who discovers a magical amulet and is drawn into a dangerous and mysterious world. The Amulet series is known for its stunning artwork and captivating storylines. Kibuishi’s illustrations are rich and detailed, bringing the fantastical world of the series to life. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to become invested in their journeys and struggles. Throughout the series, Emily and her friends must navigate treacherous landscapes, confront dangerous creatures, and unravel the mysteries surrounding the amulet.
Reading it — or, as the writer and Amulet fan David Lipsky says, "watching" it — is to be taken in and coughed up a few hours later at the last panel.
Kibuishi, the author, is a borrower but also a genuine talent the dialogue is witty, quick and authoritative, the drawings cleanly handsome, and the action goes well over the legal speed limit. The titular amulet that Emily wears is an all-powerful but dangerous talisman that s a Lord of the Rings rip ; and Emily is thought to be The One the foretold savior whom a rebel army has been waiting for like The Matrix.
Throughout the series, Emily and her friends must navigate treacherous landscapes, confront dangerous creatures, and unravel the mysteries surrounding the amulet. Along the way, they learn about courage, friendship, and the power of family. One of the standout features of the Amulet series is the way it tackles important themes such as grief, loss, and the consequences of one's actions.
A Novel So Graphic You Can't Look Away . For Kids
As a book snob, I've fought and lost a lot of rear-guard actions lately.
It was one thing when academics and hipsters (a horn-rimmed multitude) started wrinkling their brows over comic book artists like Daniel Clowes and Art Spiegelman. I was down with that, however reluctantly. Only a bitter-ender could deny that some comic book writers have had a big enough cultural impact — and have come up with resonant enough stuff — to merit a real scholarly look-see.
But in a tiny inner voice, I always told myself real books were not just better, but much more up my particular alley. I'd put away childish things. So how do I explain my guilty pleasure, the graphic novel series Amulet, by Kazu Kibuishi?
Amulet is a derivative schmaltz-fest: obvious, goofy, and a breath-quickening thrill read. My brain kept registering objections while some hysterical page-turning left me with a full-blown case of reader's wrist.
The books' hero is Emily, who inherits a magic amulet and is transported (with her brother, via her basement) to a world called Alledia, where an Elf King is raring to kill her. But one of the things that makes Amulet a delight — it's actually set to be a movie starring a pair of cute, young Pinkett-Smiths — is its shamelessness.
Read An Excerpt:
Excerpt: Amulet 1
It's made of fun bits from movies and books we've already enjoyed: a mash-up. The titular amulet that Emily wears is an all-powerful but dangerous talisman (that's a Lord of the Rings rip); and Emily is thought to be "The One" — the foretold savior whom a rebel army has been waiting for (like The Matrix). The amulet itself tempts Emily to disregard the "Life Force," the better to channel its own dark power (a la Star Wars), while a bounty hunter chases good guys around a city in the clouds (that's Empire Strikes Back) and a mysterious character trains Emily in venerable warrior ways .
You get the idea.
Kibuishi, the author, is a borrower but also a genuine talent — the dialogue is witty, quick and authoritative, the drawings cleanly handsome, and the action goes well over the legal speed limit. And Kibuishi has added to the mix some idiosyncratic and just plain cool story touches: One of Emily's robot companions, Morrie, shows his anxiety in senseless chatter and forehead sweat; Emily's favorite protector is pink and looks huggably like a bunny doll. My favorite: The family house doubles as a conveyance they can drive from a Captain Kirk-ish chair — making it a kind of Starship Enterprise with feet. Or is it more like a Transformer?
And such questions are the point: A shrewd writer like Kibuishi benefits from coming late to the tradition. Most everything in Amulet has in a way been fan-tested before Kibuishi began writing.
Darin Strauss is the author of The Real McCoy and Half a Life. He is a clinical associate professor of writing at New York University. Robert Birnbaum hide caption
toggle caption Robert BirnbaumReading it — or, as the writer and Amulet fan David Lipsky says, "watching" it — is to be taken in and coughed up a few hours later at the last panel.
As for the "guilt" in this guilty pleasure: It's probably just me. Judging by some informal subway observation, there's scarcely a middle-aged guy left who feels self-conscious publicly reading a comic book. Kibuishi's skill has run my literary elitism into the sand. Maybe it's time to pick up childish things.
My Guilty Pleasure is edited and produced by Ellen Silva with production assistance from Rose Friedman and Lacey Mason.
The series not only entertains but also touches on deeper topics that resonate with readers of all ages. The Amulet series has received critical acclaim and has a large and dedicated fan base. It has been praised for its imaginative storytelling, compelling characters, and stunning artwork. The series has also been recognized with several awards and nominations. Overall, the Amulet graphic novel series is a must-read for fans of fantasy, adventure, and beautifully illustrated stories. Its engaging narrative and impressive artwork make it a standout in the genre. Whether you're a seasoned graphic novel reader or new to the medium, this series is sure to captivate and inspire you..
Reviews for "The Impact of Amuley Graphic Nobel Series on Cultural Representation"
1. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with the Amuley graphic novel series. I found the storyline to be confusing and hard to follow. The characters were also quite underdeveloped, making it difficult to connect or care about them. The artwork was decent, but overall, the series just didn't captivate me like I had hoped.
2. Mark - 1 out of 5 stars - I couldn't get into the Amuley graphic novel series at all. The art style was not my cup of tea, and I found it visually unappealing. Additionally, the plot felt disjointed and lacked depth, with the storylines jumping around without clear direction. I was hoping for a compelling and immersive experience, but unfortunately, this series fell flat for me.
3. Lisa - 2 out of 5 stars - Although the Amuley graphic novel series received a lot of praise, I found it to be overhyped. The artwork was admirable, but the storylines were lacking in substance. I felt like the characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult for me to emotionally invest in their journeys. Overall, I think this series might be better suited for a younger audience or someone with different tastes.
4. Jonathan - 2 out of 5 stars - I had high expectations for the Amuley graphic novel series, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to them. The artwork was average, and the storylines felt predictable and clichéd. The dialogue was also quite weak, lacking the wit and depth that I look for in graphic novels. I struggled to finish the series, as I found it to be repetitive and uninteresting.
5. Sarah - 3 out of 5 stars - While I didn't hate the Amuley graphic novel series, it didn't blow me away either. The artwork was visually appealing, but the storylines felt rushed and lacking in detail. I found myself wanting more substance and depth from the characters and plot. Overall, it was an average read for me, but I can understand why it has its fans.