Customer Reviews

Three Shadows

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book reminds me of the early work of Scott Morse, particularly SOULWIND, both in terms of some of the fantasy elements but also in the storytelling influences Cyril Pedrosa brings into his narrative. You will see shades of Disney, European comics, and traditional Japanese painting.

The story involves a family living on a remote farm in an imaginary country who one day see three horses and riders in the distance. Believing they have come for his son, the father tries to take the boy far away, hoping to outrun these dark harbingers. The plot is largely about the bonds of family and the strange people along their journey who run counter to their beliefs and their mission. At times, the structure meanders a bit, particularly in a side story near the end that actually follows the three shadows on a misadventure, but these are forgivable quirks. THREE SHADOWS is otherwise touching, vividily imagined, and beautifully drawn.

Every once in a while, among the sea of graphic novels flooding the market, one hits you right between the eyes. As the father of a young child (and son, no less) Three Shadows did just that. Using a real-life tragedy, Cyril Pedrosa successfully pours his emotions on the pages and takes the reader on a journey that runs the gamut of emotions. I don't usually purchase GN's (one read from the library is usually enough), but I bought and have read this story three times so far, finding more depth each time. It's unfortunate that the loss of a child can bring out such a touching work, but Pedrosa can rest assured that through that loss I have contemplated what it means to be a father and (I hope) it has made me a better one. Highly recommended.

Cyril Pedaroa is a former artist for Disney, but has since transferred his creative and artistic talents to the world of graphic novels. Three Shadows is a story of life, a family's love, grief, and death rolled into an all too short novel. A small farming family, father, mother, and their young son named Joaquim. They live an ideal life with all that they could ever need in their lives. Until the day Joaquim approaches his parents and tells them of the three shadows outside watching him. The father takes Joaquim and journeys in hopes of escaping the shadows. Joaquim's father is willing to do anything to protect his son, including giving up his own life.

In the end, all of the characters introduced in the novel, find that no matter how hard you try, you can't escape death. The story itself would appear to be a simple one, but the twists and turns of the lives portrayed make it a compelling story. Although the story is more father and son, the mother's love is evident by her sacrifice to allow father and son to undertake their journey. Both parents handle the situation as best as they know how and exemplify a family's love for one another. The story's overall message is that even in death, you can find hope, and that even though death may come, life will still go on.

What really sells the story and draws the reader in, are the illustrations. The illustrations in the novel are simple black and white line drawings, but through Pedrosa's use of lines they convey emotion and energy. Even without words, the drawings are able to convey joy, fear, grief, and love through the characters expressions and movements. The reader becomes not a mere witness to the story, but a participant, feeling a sense of the place, the time, and the people. The characters cease to be mere drawings on the page, but become real to the reader, as if we could meet them in real life.

Three Shadows is hands down one of the best graphic novels I have ever read. Pedrosa will pull your emotions all over the place with his great storytelling and art. The layouts are amazing, and each panel in the book stands as a great illustration on its own. I highly recommend it.

I wasn't prepared for how much I would fall in love with this wonderful little novel. The art is amazing -- sweeping and impressionistic -- and perfectly compliments the story. The story itself? It tackles the difficult subject matter of losing a child with an incredible love and grace. Written after a close friend's tragic loss of his child, The Three Shadows was author Cyril Pedrosa's way of working through his own shock and pain. It is an unforgettable homage to life, family, love and loss.

This is a really great graphic novel that I would recommend for anyone. I couldn't put it down. The story is simple, yet deep and moving. A must read.

I've read a lot of graphic novels an comics in my life. This may be the best one ever.

Its very touching stories Pendrosa has. I didn't found any problem with the jagged page borders, it seems a nice design, any other book such as 'vitamin D: new perspectives in drawing' also put the same approaches. it gives certain feeling to the book design overall.
It is a symbolic story. Three shadows are actually The Fates in Greek Mythology. Clotho, who spins the thread of life. Lachesis, who decide how long one life has to be. Atropos, cuts the tread of life.
Its a love story. How much a love of a parents give to their child? They dare to exchange their life and sold their very own soul to protect and keep their son's life.
First i was wondering where this story lead to, but when i read the back flip: "three shadows was born out of the agony of watching his close friend's child die very young." i need no more explanation about the sad ending. It now become clear and a happy ending. The Shadows took Joachim, but then like Mom said to her husband,"I shall lose a son, I hope we won't lose each other too." And at the end they have two daughters. Life is beautiful if only we know how to reap wisdom from it.

I loved this book! One of the few graphic novels I read beside manga....
It really touched me. I believe it could have been much longer though...
with the "running" scenes and all. But it was really good none the less, I believe.
I loved the art work! The story was really good and unique. I hope Pedrosa comes
out with more books like this one (with the same style of drawing too!)... if he
does, I will be sure to buy them... to support him and this great book!
A fable of fantasy with real-life-struggles.... A family who must come to terms
with the truth, which is something we all must face... something that will happen,
but there is a hope! Like in this story... A real hope that there is something more!
Which is as good enough reason as any to hold on... and I'm so glad we have that!
Keep making stories like these Pedrosa! They are one of a kind! I love it!

This was one of the best books I have read in years. Brilliantly conceived on every level. Draftsmanship, technique, story, character... it all comes together perfectly and in a unique way only comics can deliver. I can't recommend it enough.