Into the Volcano is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel by Don Wood. While the drawings are vibrantly done, the plotline of this book is very weak.[return][return]Sumo and Duffy are pulled out of school abruptly to go visit their Auntie on the island of Kocalaha; their mother is away on business in Borneo. I am not exactly sure what happens or why, but suddenly a volcano erupts and for some reason their Auntie takes them on a boat in the middle of it. The narration and dialogue is poor and confusing, and definitely detracts from the overall experience of the book. After the brothers undergo some trials in the volcano, including getting lost and breaking a collarbone, they unexpectedly meet their mother at the bottom of the volcano. (Yes, I know, it’s all very strange.) Apparently their mother is guarding some priceless jewels that were created from the volcanic lava; they all gather up as many jewels as they can and then get out of the volcano before it explodes. Everyone lives happily ever after.[return][return]I loved the graphics, as I stated; Don Wood is very talented. I do think he needs to team up with someone to help him write the actual storylines, though, because everything about this plotline was either confusing, far-fetched, or both. Sumo and Duffy are half-Hawaiian and come from a rich, upper-class background. As an adult female, I'm certainly not the target audience for this book, and I don't read graphic novels very often, so I'm certainly no expert. Having said that, I thought that the quality of the illustrations uneven at best. The artwork depicting the scenery of the ocean and the volcano was good, but the faces of most of the characters, especially the two brothers, looked subhuman. Auntie was grotesque. Maybe this was done purposefully, but either way, she was not pleasant to look at. There is plenty of action in the novel, but the plot didn’t make much sense, and the characters motivations were unclear. Overall, I wasn't a fan though having read the professional reviews and some of the Goodreads reviews, I realize I am in the minority, and it's quite possible that I just didn't get it.
What do You think about Into The Volcano (2008)?
I was at turns bored and underwhelmed by the story and unimpressed with the artwork. meh.
—YukiTenshino
My 8 year old son really loved this book. Wouldn't put it down!
—Marissaann2000
Liked it a lot but I don't like the illustrations much.
—thehungrypig
The art is amazing!!!!!! And the storyline was great!
—nawi
