Written by Brea Grant
Illustrated by Yishan Li
Published by Sixfoot Press
Son's Review
(Age: 5)
T read this to himself twice, which means that he looked at each page carefully, from beginning to end. Then he announced to me that he had read it.
I've read this twice. Some monsters are scary. The rat blasts lasers from his eyes. I like the bunny.
Mom's Review
I think of this like a gateway drug to gothic, horror, and classics in general. Once you start, you'll want something more, and it'll lead you down the path to Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Mysteries of Udolpho.
I don't usually (ever) read graphic novels, so I'm starting with my impression of it as a book in general. Mary is a shorter graphic novel (I read both it and one Sherlock Holmes story last evening). The font is comfortable to read; the pictures flesh out the text nicely. I felt like I got a full picture of what was happening. The story is fast-paced, as one should expect of a novella or even a short story. Now to the story itself: it's an exciting take on Mary Shelley's legacy. Her descendants are successful female writers who also possess the gift to heal real, live monsters. Our main character is present-day high-schooler Mary; she learns of her gift after a dissection lab results in Frankenfrog. At first she doesn't want to get involved with the monsters who want her help, but she realizes it's the right thing to do. There are road bumps, family strife, and danger along the way. But, there's the benefit of working along side a cutie whom she almost kisses. Mary is a quick and exciting read.
If tweens/teens like gothic, graphic novels, or are perhaps toying with the idea of reading classics but feel intimidated, this is one to seek out! I'm hoping that Mary is just a taste of what Grant and Li have in store for readers – I'd like to see what happens now that Mary embraces her gift. Mary may seem niche at first, but I think that its adrenline-pumping effect will engage a wide range of readers.
Side note: Once I finish the Sherlock Holmes books, I need to reread Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus.
Note: A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
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