Bone: Tall Tales by Jeff Smith & Tom SniegoskiCompleted January 4, 2011
Reason for Reading: Carry on with the Series
Long before the Bone cousins were ever lost in the uncharted desert on the outskirts of the Valley, Big Johnson Bone, the discoverer of Rolling Bone River, founded Boneville. But little is known of the mighty explorer's adventures before he started his famous trading post. So when Smiley Bone sits down with a group of young scouts to retell the legendary stories of Boneville's origin and its tough, no-nonsense founder, what they hear are tall tales in typical bone fashion--wild antics, complete with rat creatures, dragons, and a snarky little monkey! Previously published in black-and-white as Stupid-Stupid Rat-tails, this edition features new stories and full-colour art.I started this series back in 2009. Other than a review of Rose and my brief thoughts in my post at the end of 2010, I have never reviewed this series. I just find graphic novels hard to review because they are really one large story and I hate to give things away. I had meant to post a general look at the entire series when I finished book 9, but my reviewing was a bit sporadic last year. This is the newest book in the series. While it starts off taking place after the events of the original series, it actually looks back on things that happened beforehand. So, it is sort of a prequel, but sort of not at the same time. It was fun, though. A collection of short stories with fantastic artwork. It is my kind of book!
I am glad that one of the stories included Fone Bone and Phoney Bone. Smiley is the one that is telling the stories in the beginning, but then one of the boys starts dreaming and that becomes the rest of the book. While this book was fun and I enjoyed Johnson, the main character, I was disappointed to not see more of the original characters. They are really what made the series fun. I read it through the library initially, but now I think I am going to buy the complete set in one book so I will be able to reread them at some point. The combination of Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone is hilarious. They play off of each other really well! It would take a lot to beat out Fables to be my favourite, but it does hold a special place in my heart.
If you are looking for a fun introduction to graphic novels, this is the series for you. There is humour, adventure, mystery, romance, and so much more! I strongly recommend both this book and the entire series.
Bone Series:
Out from Boneville
The Great Cow Race
Eyes of the Storm
Tall Tales
I can't believe I haven't read this yet! I loved the Bone series. I'll have to see if my library has it.
ReplyDeleteI really want to read Rose and after that I may go on to read the rest.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, Kelly--thank you so much for reminding me about this book. I can't believe I'd totally forgotten about it! Must. Read. Soon. Though I am disappointed to hear we don't see much of the cousins Bone.
ReplyDeleteMemory: I just found out it existed by accident. Apparently there is a novel coming out in February.
ReplyDeleteRhinoa: Rose was where I started, too. I am glad that I read on!
Debi: Yeah, it was sad. It seems to be the case for the novel coming out, too. They are concentrating more on other characters. :(