Last Man: The Stranger by Bastien Vivès, Balak, and Michaël Sanlaville
Review by Lauren
Source: copy for review; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: The Games are already
underway when Richard Aldana arrives in town. This mysterious stranger
seems to have more in common with our world than the world where the
Games are held. He smokes cigarettes and wears a leather jacket while
everyone else in this medieval realm is casting spells and weaving
tapestries. Nobody knows what to make of him, but when Aldana enrolls in
the games he quickly becomes a top contender. Eschewing magic and using
only his martial arts prowess, Aldana also befriends and protects a
small boy for reasons as mysterious as his origins.
Who will win the games? Who is Richard Aldana, really? And what is the ultimate purpose of this gruelling gladiatorial contest?
Review: This book, and its soon to be
released sequels, were originally published in France. Once they became
popular, they were translated into English and are now being released
here. When looking up the summary for this book, I saw people describe
this as a manga (Japanese comic). I’ve only read one manga, so I’m no
expert, but I was a bit surprised to read that. I figured I’d mention it
for those interested though.
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In general, this was a curious graphic novel. It
focuses on 11-year old Adrian who is training to fight in a martial arts
competition, except most people use powers like summoning wind instead
of their fists. This is what makes Richard Aldana truly interesting to
the people in this town. He comes from seemingly nowhere, partners up
with Adrian, and begins to win battle after battle with his bodily
strength alone. Adrian tries to help by always fighting first, but he
never wins. If not for Aldana, he would have been eliminated from the
game after the first fight. But this is a partner’s competition, and
Aldana does do his best to help teach Adrian.
There isn’t a lot of backstory, and it’s
something that keeps readers a little confused while reading. I assume
most of this will be revealed later though, like the summary states. Why
are these games happening? Who is Aldana really? I’m definitely curious
to know more, though Last Man: The Stranger was definitely not my most
favorite graphic novel. It’s interesting, nonetheless, and I love books
from other countries.
I like graphic novels, so I'll check it out. Thanks for the review :)
ReplyDeleteReally? it's French? I've never heard about them
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering how much the books being translated contributed to that confusion. Perhaps not at all but I've just finished a book translated from the Spanish that though well translated did make for confusing reading at times as the translator used words that somehow didn't read quite right.
ReplyDeleteNice review, and the book might just be lost in translation really. Many thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYeah this might be something that was lost in translation but then again, maybe book two explains it all? Either way, if you continue the series I hope you get all the answers you need!
ReplyDeleteNo backstory? Usually that would be included within the first book which makes me wonder if maybe in France, readers know more about the series beforehand perhaps? Or like another comment suggested, maybe it was lost in translation. You really do need those type of why and what questions answers, because even with graphic novels that's a bit too hard to follow. Hopefully if you continue, book two will provide those much needed answers. Wonderful review Lauren <3 thanks for sharing hun.
ReplyDeleteI think it's neat that you experienced reading a com in from another country. It does sound a bit confusing, but I'm glad that you enjoyed it overall.
ReplyDeleteLindy@ A Bookish Escape