CORALINE is a wonderful book…one of the best children’s/Young Adult books ever penned (although I know more adults who’ve had the heebie jeebies scared out of them by this fine novel). For reasons unknown, Neil Gaiman seems to allow artist P. Craig Russell to adapt Gaiman’s prose work, turning them into “graphic novels.” It’s not a match made in heaven. Russell’s illustrations add NOTHING to Gaiman’s fine prose. If anything, Russell’s illustrations tend to steal the thunder of unleashed & wild imagination that comes from reading a Gaiman story or novel. P. Craig Russell’s artwork is pedestrian (at best)and, truth be told, “mundane” would be a more accurate word to describe it. His illustrations are so mediocre that they actually detract from Gaimans’ fine storytelling abilities. I do not know why they continue this collaboration…perhaps they’re trying to hit the audience with Attention Deficiency Disorder, those who might not otherwise read a book unless EVERY last detail is reproduced in colorful illustration. Much of CORALINE’S magic works in the same way that old radio programs worked (in the pre-television days) or the way songs worked so well (in the pre-MTV days)..Gaiman’s prose allows the reader to open up the mind’s cathedrals to conjure up our own nightmarish & magical worlds. Russell’s intrusion on this sacred bond between writer & reader breaks an otherwise near-sacred relationship. A movie version of this book? Yes. I can see how this will allow the story to flourish in a new way and direction (although I imagine some of the more gripping psychological aspects of CORALINE might be lost when released in cinema houses…of course, this remains to be seen). As with P. Craig Russell’s other adaptations of Neil Gaiman’s prose works, his illustrations only cheapen what are otherwise masterfully told stories. Please DO NOT think that I am knocking P. Craig Russell’s known abilities/skill as an artist: his collaboration with Neil Gaiman on an ORIGINAL/JOINT effort, such as their joint work on SANDMAN’S “Ramadan” remains one of the finest comic books in existence. However, Russell’s adaptations of Gaiman’s prose work are worlds removed from their beautiful, landmark issue of SANDMAN…and, instead, makes the CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED comics of old seem like masterpieces by comparison. I’d love nothing more than to see Gaiman/Russell collaborate on a comic-book such as “Ramadan” (or the later SANDMAN-related story “Death in Venice”). However, Russell & Gaiman should do their reputations…as well as their readers…a favor and stop creating graphic novels out of Gaiman’s fine prose. It insults Gaiman’s legacy, as well insulting the intelligence of Gaiman’s readers.

Rating: 1 / 5

I was a bit taken aback when I received the book and found it was done in the comic book genre. I have decided to send it to my grandson for Easter. I am certain that he will enjoy this book. He is and always has been an avid reader since he was a little boy.

I’m sure it was my fault for not reading the entire review so I would know it was done in the comic strip way.

I am certain it will become a collectible edition oneday.

Rating: 3 / 5

This version of CORALINE is a graphic novel adaptation of the novel penned by Neil Gaiman.

The story follows a common theme in his works of the naive, yet determined, everyman who stumbles into an alternate reality.

The protagonist in this story arises in the form of a young girl named Coraline.

I found the dialogue to be smartly written and the narrative engaging. The artwork, while typical comic fare, set the visual mood quite well.

I greatly enjoyed this story. I found the characters likeable and believable in the context of the story, which in and of itself seemed to me to be an odd metaphor for “growing up.”

I cannot recommend this enough to fans of Neil Gaiman’s work or to someone looking for something just a little bit different.

Reviewed by: Breia “The Brain” Brickey
Rating: 5 / 5