Customer Reviews

Black: The Birth of Evil (The Circle Trilogy Graphic Novels, Book 1)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you haven't read the book, this will probably move a little quick and be a little hard to really follow. You definitely won't get as much out of it as if you've read the book (just as seeing a movie based on a book always leaves something to be desired). These things aside, however, they've done a great job of capturing the great story of Black in this medium. Great introduction to Ted if you've never read him, and great for us fans to go back to the world of the Trilogy in a different format. Bought all 3 of the graphic novels, and they are great.

Thomas Hunter is running through the streets of Denver for his life, and he's not quite sure why. After being clipped by a stray bullet he loses consciousness only to immediately awaken in a new fantasy world. In the new world Thomas finds himself on the run again, this time from the evil Teeleh and his bat-like minions. Thomas soon befriends two unique creatures who reveal to Thomas that this new world is the future. A quick history lesson reveals how a deadly virus will wipe out the earth's population back in the present. Realizing he is the only one who can stop the virus, Thomas discovers that he can instantly travel back to the present by simply falling asleep, and vice-versa. In order to stop the virus in his world, Thomas Hunter will also have to fight evil in the future. Both worlds are connected, and whether he likes it or not, Thomas is the link.

Ted Dekker's Circle Trilogy novels were groundbreaking to say the least when they were released in 2004. I still consider this trilogy to be one of the most inspirational and entertaining fictional works I've ever read. Naturally, I was thrilled when I heard the news that Circle Media was publishing the trilogy in graphic novel form. I must say the result is everything I was hoping for.

That being said, I would never suggest that someone should read the graphic novels instead of the novels to get the whole story. There is simply too much packed into these stories and you can only get the full experience through the actual books. But are the graphic novels worth reading? Absolutely!

Hats off to the writers who have cleverly adapted Dekker's complex plot lines into a story that flows well in the graphic novel format. Readers who are unfamiliar with the story will have no trouble following the story threads flowing through the alternating realities. The artwork is superb on every level. Seeing this story brought to life in such vivid detail was such a thrill, and I especially loved the way the artists effectively portrayed the other reality.

This is indeed a fun way to experience or re-experience Ted Dekker's most popular work. Circle Media has plans to adapt more of Dekker's works into graphic novels, with Showdown next on the list. If nothing else I hope these graphic novel adaptations will introduce more readers to Dekker and his arsenal of quality storytelling.

Review by Jill Williamson

To clarify, this is a review for the graphic novel of Black. A graphic novel is like a really long comic book. If you want to see my review of the regular novel, click here.

Someone is shooting at Thomas Hunter. Then they are chasing him. He runs to his sister's house for safety, but when he falls asleep he wakes up in a strange and foreign land. Every time he falls asleep in one world, he wakes up in the other. Thomas discovers that in order to save earth from a deadly virus, he must ask questions in the other world. And that fantasy world is about to encounter a major problem itself.

I love Dekker's Circle Trilogy. Reading this graphic novel after knowing the books so well was a bit difficult. I felt like it moved too fast and left out so many important details. But I read it aloud to my seven-year-old son and he loved it. The illustrations are excellent, and we did have to stop a few times so I could explain something, but even with details left out, this story captivated. I highly recommend this graphic novel for kids who love action-packed adventure stories. Even the ones who don't like to read should get into this. It's a little violent in parts, as Thomas is being shot at and the fighting is illustrated. So, if you aren't into that, you might not like this. If you do, you'll love it.

I absolutely loved this book!!! What I liked the most was the parallel with scripture, About how we also live in two worlds. It was just one of the most exciting reads, as I read I found myself feeling so happy and smiling. So if you want a "real" FEEL GOOD read, this is IT. Can not wait to read Red, following in the series.

If you haven't read Black you will not get that much out of this graphic novel. I gave this to someone as a gift. The person doesn't enjoy reading but listened to the audio CD of the Circle trilogy and loved it. He grew up with comic books and was floored by this book.

Black is the first of the circle trilogy and it is amazing! The graphic novel is so cool and you can read it in like an hour! I recommend this book, it has awesome, interesting characters and a great story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and as you flip the pages your jaw will drop at the plot twists. Make sure to have White and Red or else you will be out getting them because you will want to know what happens.

Loved the full book, and my son adored the graphic version. Dekker is just awesome!

Bought the wrong book. Thought it was a novel not a cartoon. not worth returning.

My bad, I guess. I bought it thinking that it was the actual book. Who knew "graphic novel" means "comic book". Just a warning to those of you thinking your getting a better deal, this is not the book. It is the comic book version of the book. I am sure that for those of you who enjoy comic books, it is fantastic. For me, I was disappointed.