Humayoun Ibrahim

"The Moon Moth" was my introduction to Jack Vance, a story I have read and enjoyed for many years. When I saw that a graphic novel adaptation was in the works, I put it on my wishlist, and upon reading it, was not disappointed.

Ibrahim's illustrations do justice to the source material, finally giving concrete form to the names of the masks, the instruments, and the culture of Sirene. I particularly appreciated the way that the dialogue bubbles changed depending on the instrumental accompaniment. It is the sort of thing that only a graphical medium can accomplish, and it was used unerringly.

I'm not sure how well the story would read to someone who was not already very familiar with the original. Much of the world building text in the story is left out, but the art captures and expands upon it nicely.

Recommended for fans of Vance, or anyone who enjoys good, detailed world building.… (mehr)

The Moon Moth is a story written once upon a time by the author Jack Vance, an icon of storytelling and science fiction alike. This graphic novel captures both the story, and in all honesty it also captures the author. Both in essence, in spirit and in art - though I should mention that one has to be familiar with either author or his works to instinctively recognise this.

If you are not familiar with the life and style of the author, that is not going to get in the way of enjoying this work. The illustrator, Humayoun Ibrahim, has not simply captured both story and author in all their aspects in his art, he has also managed to create a stage which captures your attention profoundly.

Be advised though, it is not your run of the mill artist adaptation, far from it. It is not simply an illustrated edition. It is a work of art, as each scene encapsulates the tale within in a style that is extremely suitable. And very well done.

I enjoyed this. Not simply because I had the opportunity to read this work as I was fortunate enough to receive a review copy from the publisher, but because to me the illustrator has managed to preserve the story, capturing it in a uniquely suited style, without tainting the memories I had of reading the original work. On the contrary, it provided a very captivating and refreshing taste to the whole.

Yes, as I said this is not a quick snap easy illustrated edition. It's much more than that. I dare say that if you give it the chance, and let it sink in with you page by page, you will see how this edition is a good example of how the whole can be even more than the sum of its parts.… (mehr)