Synopsis: Graphic novel version of the Point Blanc narrative, in which investigations into the "accidental" deaths of two of the world's most powerful men have revealed just one link: both had a son attending Point Blanc Academy, a school for rebellious rich young men run by the sinister Dr Grief and set high in the French Alps. Alex has to infiltrate the academy as a pupil and establish the truth about what is really happening there.

Review: The narrative is well adapted to this shorter format and the fluid style of the line drawing indicates the artist’s background in creating manga. The page layout is engaging, with a lot of panel variations in terms of shape and rhythm, but also offers clear indications of which speech balloon to move to next, so supporting emergent readers whilst not undermining the pleasures of skilled readers.

 I did, however, wonder about the imagery. Whilst manga covers every genre, and can, of course, be in any style, one gets little sense of that in this book, with its almost ‘standardised’ or ‘generic’ manga style.

I was also slightly disappointed in the way that many of the smaller popular cultural references in the novels seemed to have been stripped out, a number of which could have translated fairly easily into a visual medium. This leaves the central narrative clear, but omits some of additional opportunities for the reader to explore the text. However, focusing on fewer elements may help support emergent readers into a higher level of engagement with the text.

In addition, I found the full colour artwork slightly bland in terms of the actual palette used, although this is to some extent inevitable, given the alpine setting.

This book will introduce new readers to the series, in either full-text, or graphic novel formats, so is a force for good. A good collaboration and well worth investing in, but doesn’t wholly gel.

2007-11-09