Grand Guignol Orchestra, Vol. 1
Registered by 
GoryDetails
of Nashua, New Hampshire USA on 7/18/2012
This book is in a Controlled Release!
GoryDetails of Nashua, New Hampshire USA on 7/18/2012 This book is in a Controlled Release!
2 journalers for this copy...
I've been curious about this creepy-looking series for some time now, but had never picked up a copy. Finally came across this fair-condition copy of the first volume at Better World Books, and pounced!
I've enjoyed Kaori Yuki's artwork in other series, and it's just as lush here. The premise is that a virus has transformed many people into doll-like zombies, and it's spreading. Areas that become too heavily infested with these "Guignols" are destroyed along with all their inhabitants, but before things get that bad there are less draconian ways to battle the plague. Our heroes are a five-person group of traveling musicians whose talents can soothe the victims, restoring them to a semblance of their former selves before they die - yes, even at best this is a rather tragic story! The group encounters different people with their own agendas, including some who refuse to believe that their loved ones can't be healed of the plague - even when those loved ones start gnawing on them...
In between the heart-wrenching scenes and the horrifying ones, there are gentler segments, when the comrades acquire a new member for their orchestra and when they bicker among themselves. (There's a charming little scene involving the team pet, a hedgehog that apparently lives under the hat of the tallest fellow.) But the overall tone is very grim indeed, and there are some wonderfully shocking scenes. I want to read the rest of this series.
[There's a TV Tropes page for the series, short but of interest.]
I've enjoyed Kaori Yuki's artwork in other series, and it's just as lush here. The premise is that a virus has transformed many people into doll-like zombies, and it's spreading. Areas that become too heavily infested with these "Guignols" are destroyed along with all their inhabitants, but before things get that bad there are less draconian ways to battle the plague. Our heroes are a five-person group of traveling musicians whose talents can soothe the victims, restoring them to a semblance of their former selves before they die - yes, even at best this is a rather tragic story! The group encounters different people with their own agendas, including some who refuse to believe that their loved ones can't be healed of the plague - even when those loved ones start gnawing on them...
In between the heart-wrenching scenes and the horrifying ones, there are gentler segments, when the comrades acquire a new member for their orchestra and when they bicker among themselves. (There's a charming little scene involving the team pet, a hedgehog that apparently lives under the hat of the tallest fellow.) But the overall tone is very grim indeed, and there are some wonderfully shocking scenes. I want to read the rest of this series.
[There's a TV Tropes page for the series, short but of interest.]
I'm adding this to the Manga/Manhwa bookbox, which will be on its way shortly. Hope someone enjoys it!
*** Released as part of the Feb. 2013 Chill-of-the-month challenge, zombie theme. ***
*** Released as part of the Feb. 2013 Chill-of-the-month challenge, zombie theme. ***
I'll be keeping this one.
Read last night.
Kaori Yuki's series are a bit hit or miss with me. Generally, if I'm not interested in the first 2-3 chapters, the series won't take off for me. That is what happened with Grand Guignol Orchestra.
Like most of Yuki's stories, the art tends toward baroque and grim. A Gothic sensibility pervades the work, suitable for a horror story.
I'm not sure why I didn't care for this story. Maybe I'm just a bit zombied-out at present - they really are everywhere at the moment - and the doll-like undead that stalk the pages of Grand Guignol just seem too commonplace. Whatever the reason, I just couldn't get into the characters and their story.
Kaori Yuki's series are a bit hit or miss with me. Generally, if I'm not interested in the first 2-3 chapters, the series won't take off for me. That is what happened with Grand Guignol Orchestra.
Like most of Yuki's stories, the art tends toward baroque and grim. A Gothic sensibility pervades the work, suitable for a horror story.
I'm not sure why I didn't care for this story. Maybe I'm just a bit zombied-out at present - they really are everywhere at the moment - and the doll-like undead that stalk the pages of Grand Guignol just seem too commonplace. Whatever the reason, I just couldn't get into the characters and their story.
mailing to a friend in Topeka, KS!
