Geis: A Matter of Life and Death Hardcover – July 26, 2016

I found this graphic novel through a "best of 2016" list and I wasn't disappointed. The story went by quickly but left a mark on my mind, and I found myself re-reading and wondering about the many questions left unanswered. The art works well for the story and the pacing, as there's no need to linger frame by frame if you read as fast as it unfolds. That's not to say it's not lovely in its way, but each frame isn't typically as detailed as the cover.The story itself reminded me of reading Sandman with its cast of characters both mysterious and mundane, leaving me wondering why they are there and what they will do -- only some of which is explained, of course. I also found similarity in the threads of darkness throughout, and I felt they were never gratuitous but rather an important part of the mosaic. For the very reasonable price (I paid about 13 dollars US) I received a beautiful hardcover and a feast for you imagination, lasting me about an hour plus time spent brooding the story and pining for the sequel.

I ordered this book based on a review from Onion AV Club, and was not disappointed. I would not call myself a comics connoisseur, but I certainly am a consumer of them.The world is an interesting, unusual fantasy setting, with a young girl as the primary protagonist. This alone would be refreshing, but the concepts and characters are executed well, drawing one into the material. As details are divulged, the mind races with extrapolations about the rest of the world; this is a hallmark of a good story.The artwork was fascinating. It is sketchy with a mid-value but saturated palette with effective coloring that demarcates action. Sometimes loose artwork like this sacrifices proportion, structure, or geometry. However, every line is well constructed, and the characters and environments are fluid, readable, evocative, and believable.It's a great book and I can't wait for the second.

This is a beautifully done book and it's currently my favorite graphic novel (that might be saying something, as a regular comics consumer and am apart of a book club dedicated to comics).The story is interesting and errie, about a high stakes game of power no one intentionally entered, that becomes more and more gripping with the second volume. It's a fantastical story with magic and a large cast of characters range from comedic, heroic, dark and complicated. The way magic works in this world is particularly fun and gruesome. I'm personally very attached to comics with good art, and I absolutely adore Deacon's style, with an ink and painterly quality. Very well illustrated, with great designs and use of color.Please do yourself a favor and read this great book!

Geis, pronounced gesh, is a Gaelic word for a taboo or curse. When a geis is placed upon you, it is like a spell that cannot be broken and certain rules must be obeyed. You might be prohibited from calling upon the aid of wolves, for example, or from breaking into someone's kitchen. If you ignore or break a geis, the consequences are dire.But a geis is always broken.As soon as it is spoken or written, your fate is set.After providing this handy definition at the beginning of this book, the story begins with the summoning of fifty people to the deathbed of the great chief Matakra. She has no heir and her will stipulates that there will be a contest to determine the next great chief. Some rich and powerful people from the land have signed up, but some others are also brought, seemingly against their will. They debate about choosing among themselves when the spirit of Niope, a sorceress, rises from the body of Matakra and starts the first test in the contest. All fifty are magically thrown from the room to distant corners of the land and must return to the castle before the light of dawn touches the castle's front doors.The people face various traps and challenges (some don't know the kingdom well enough to find their way back) as they try to return. A few decide it's not worth the bother. One, a witch, recognizes that Niope uses death magic and fears what will happen. A young girl is also among the candidates. She's the daughter of the Kite Lord and is able to fly back to the castle quickly. She and Nemas, a courtier, find out from Niope that only one contestant will survive and be ruler. All the others will die. They are forbidden from telling the others because this is a geis. A bit of mayhem ensues.The book has a very intriguing set up and the first test is resolved by the end, but this is far from the story's end. I was hoping for more story. A lot of characters are introduced but not all developed. It's going to be hard to remember the storyline by the time the next volume comes out, but it is a quick read so it would be easy to reread. The art is a bit simple with a muted color palate, which actually helps the story move quickly and gives it a feeling of ancientness and otherness. I am interested in more and hope the next volume comes out soon!

I stumbled onto this book randomly at my local library years ago, spaced on the title and took ages to find it again. I really cant understand how so many people slept on such a gem of a series. the art is gorgeous and spooky, the story has real earnestness, humanity and charm. It really reads like a classic fairy tale retold as a contemporary graphic novel, just capturing the feeling of those stories so well.Read it now, thank me later.

I understand that this was a library book, but labeling a book with 4 or 5 unremovable stickers as Very Good is not quite accurate. This title has a very soft paper cover on the hardcase, and attempting to remove any of the stickers immediately tears the beautiful cover. I would rate this book as Acceptable, because I will be required to leave all of the stickers on the cover.