The Griff: A Graphic Novel (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
Stefon Uwaezuoke The Griff Review This Graphic novel, The Griff by Christopher Moore, would be enjoyed by a person that enjoys action and adventure books because this book appeals to a sense of fiction and has many aspects that normal action novels have like explosions, guns, monsters, attacks on the human race, etc. If you like to read mystery or love books, then this is will not be very appealing to you. The story is humorous and action packed although the characters are generally light minded about the situation at hand, and there isn’t much to distinguish them from original graphic novel characters except for their unique personalities and back stories. Other than that the storyline is not very original or special considering that there are many other novels based on aliens and other creature invading Earth. The art in this novel done by Ian Corson is very well depicted throughout the story. He uses stunning and bold colors which set each character apart from each other and also help assert the story that the author is trying to present. Corson’s artwork depicted the invaders extremely well and positively affected Moore’s book. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this genre because the plot is, although unoriginal, executed by the characters in a high quality and very enjoyable fashion. The Griff is an excellent graphic novel with a strong storyline, vivid artwork, and amazing development and execution. Having just come off reading (okay, listening to - but it was unabridged) Moore's "Fool" - I was in the mood for more of his manic, madcap voice.I'm also a graphic novel junkie, and will give most stories a good benefit of the doubt if they're accompanied by serial artwork - it's two creative minds for the price of one!So, this was disappointing. The story was flat. I appreciated the set up, though. The world is invaded and destroyed by the dragon-like "Griff", which is done well enough - if not a little rushed. In fact, the whole story felt rushed. It's like Moore figured if he was doing a graphic novel, it would just have to be the one and then done. So we get what, in the Marvel / DC world, a six month story arc crammed into one issue.He does himself a service by relating the end of the world by limiting his characters to two sets of young people: (Loser guy + hot girl) x2, carry the wannabe.The dialogue, as has been noted, is fairly generic and feels like all the catchphrases of Moore's novel protagonists crammed into four characters. If the bubbles weren't stuck to the right character's head, you'd have to guess who was saying what - there's nothing in the tone to tip you off. And what the hell is with Moore and the word "fucksocks?" Also, I'm going to be in a minority here, but I found the artwork to be kind of insulting - especially Mo, who in her setup is a smart, witty video game designer, is drawn like a thirteen year-old's vision of a "bad girl", and some of the pin-up poses and panty shots (not to mention the nearly full-on orgasm she gets from touching a big gun) are just gratuitous. The male characters remind me of "Poochy" from the Simpsons - a focus-group "cool kid".I'd recommend Moore fans stick to his books.(But I REALLY wanted to like this. Boo.)
What do You think about The Griff: A Graphic Novel (2011)?
Poor storytelling. Interesting idea with Crappy execution. Something seemed almost lazy about it.
—LRL
This was short(it's a graphic novel after all), but entertaining.
—cassie
the artwork is amazing but the story leaves much to be desired.
—mamie
Love Christopher Moore and his whacky humor
—booker
