This is one of those graphic novels where you enjoy the graphics and the artworks much more than the plot. The coloring and lights are spectacular. The plot is not really a plot, but rather a trip that takes the main charachter from one place to another. Good guys, bad guys, some gore. That's about it. There is only one "true" idea, which is the following: "imagine if there was a parallel world in this Mississippi town, where the souls of black people would live together and could communicate with normal people in their dreams". Nothing too fancy, huh? Yeah, I agree. That's why I would see this as a "fantasy" work, and that, to me, means no good. The problem I have with Fantasy is that it seems to be an entire genre written by 12 year olds: X was happy with Y, but then there was a big problem with Y, so X, with the help of Z, now needs to go there, and then there, and then there, and then there, in order to save Y or the world. Meanwhile, anything can happen and especially stuff that doesn't make any physical or scientific sense. In short, to me Fantasy is the death of imagination and the glorification of boredom. However, if you're not looking for a particularly satisfying story or plot, Bayou is a perfect graphic novel, full of great drawings. I know it might sound harsh, but my main criticism to this work is: "it lacks imagination". Even the weird charachters denote a lack of imaginative strength : people with animal heads that seem to come out from an illustrated book of the '60s, monsters that could be invented by a 7 y.o., and a plot that drags along without any strength.In addition, Bayou is very, very dark. I don't know if it is intended for young adults or what, but it is a whole hellish, sad, negative, bloody, dark vision. It seems like the author compensated for the lack of plot by adding extra gore and violence, which in my opinion ends up spoiling a truly beautiful work of art. SUMMARY:A graphic novel about civil rights . . . with swamp monsters.This book was just okay. Volume One was much better, in my opinion. I found myself getting lost in the story line from time to time. There is a lot of symbolism in this volume too. Even though I didn't like this one as much as the first, I'm still interested in reading the next volume to follow. I would like to know how this story is gonna end. The Bayou Series offer a feeling of realism with fantasy. In this volume of the series, "Bayou" enters the scene. I love the relationship that he and Lee develops. I would say that this one is still a must read, especially if you've read the first one and intend to follow the series.CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS: I would use this book to continue discussion/lesson surrounding civil rights issues.
What do You think about Bayou Vol. 2 (2011)?
Just seemed like nothing but nonsense when compared to the first book.
—Quan
Such a creative author. I'm sad to see there is no Volume 3.
—Shannon
