Customer Reviews

Girl Genius Volume 9: Agatha Heterodyne and The Heirs of the Storm SC

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

 

 

Agatha Heterodyne and the Heirs of the Storm has received the Hugo Award for Best Graphic Novel of 2009.

Two hundred years ago a mighty king fell in love with a mad scientist's beautiful daughter. But her father had promised her to another and tragedy followed. And so word spread of a prophecy: that peace would only come when the Storm King and the Heterodyne Princess were wed.

Now Agatha Heterodyne, mad scientist and long-hidden heir to that line, has returned to the seat of her family's power. She is joined there by not one but two Storm Kings, one a mad scientist who just destroyed an entire attacking army by calling lightning down upon it, the other the long-hidden heir to the original Lightning Throne. Dangers and challenges abound, with strange allies and stranger enemies. But before this volume ends, Agatha must chain both her suitors to the mad scientist's slab--to save the Storm King from resplendent, fiery death.

Volume 9, Agatha Heterodyne and the Heirs of the Storm, ends what will probably be the third major act of the Girl Genius story. Plot complications continue to build, and the foundation of the characters is driven deeper by their actions and by backstory revealed in doses measured but substantial. Agatha's romantic future and the romantic pasts of her companions provide comedy, as do the attitudes and relationships of the other mad scientists trapped in Castle Heterodyne. And everything, EVERYTHING, whether spoken or pictured, must be considered a likely clue or plot point. In spite of the medium, the comedy, and the repeated over-the-top moments (at which the Foglios excel), this is one of the most tightly plotted and characterized stories ever to reach the mass market. (If you doubt this, check the various web sites and pages dedicated to analysis of this story.)

If you want to begin reading the Girl Genius story, consider starting with Volumes One, Four, or Seven, or read the story online. But remember, Kaja and Phil Foglio are paid when we buy the books. This story deserves the support of its readers.

The Girl Genius series is quite simply steampunk/graphic novels/comics at their best. Filled with engaging and crazy characters, clever and intricate plotting, hilarious action and interaction -- not to mention steam-powered robots (clanks), Frankenstein-like constructs, zeppelins and mad science of all sorts -- it is in a class by itself. This volume is no different. If any of that sounds interesting, go buy volume 1. Once you do, you'll buy them all and eagerly await the next one. I do.

This whole series has been lots of fun. The book touts itself as having adventure, romance, and mad science. The romance is a bit tame but the humor more than makes up for it. And, yes, there is lots of adventure and mad science.

The Foglio's have created a very strong and interesting world to put a strong female lead. Their decision to put it for free on the internet and let those who love it purchase it in color is interesting but proves that those who appreciate good work will put their money where their mouth is.

If you want to excellent role models, exciting characters and complex plots in a world with a new twist that is familiar but all new this is the series for you.

Please start with the first and get the full effect. This is a series not to be missed.

Continued beautiful steampunk adventures of Agatha Heterodyne, Girl Genius! I buy the hardbacks, and haul them off to the San Diego Comic Con to get signed, I love them so. And wait by the computer with baited breath for the next installment (page) to come up on the screen. When I can finally hold them in my hands, it is bliss, and just as entertaining as the first time. The sign of a good book, you hate for it to stop, and this series is full of that little pain. Get this series!

Yes, you can read this volume all past volumes online for free, but there is nothing like having a print copy to flip through and enjoy at your leisure.