The "Return of the Dapper Men" is a gorgeous visual treat. The art-deco/steampunk influenced artwork by Janet Lee is inspired and inspiring. It is a work of great beauty and heart that you will enjoy looking at over and over again.
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| an example of Janet Lee's artistry in "Return of the Dapper Men" |
That said, it rather breaks my heart to report that the storytelling in this book is not at all comparable to the illustrations. I found the writing to be clumsy and odd. The spiffy idea of a town stuck between a tick and a tock gets lost in the telling. I was confused throughout the book as I read it aloud to my son, and continued to be confused when I read it again silently to myself. I am a fairly insightful reader, but I just could not follow the text, which simply did not make sense(even in a fantasist or surreal way). I found myself telling my own story via the artwork, which is rich and detailed enough to carry it's own tale.
Here is a video preview of the book, which is basically all about the artwork:
The "Return of the Dapper Men" received 5 Eisner nominations and won the Eisner for Best Graphic Album in 2011. I think that the illustrations and page design merit that honor.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the illustrations and visual experience. If I were to grade the story I would have to give it only 2 stars. There is a sequel that is due to come out this year: Time of the Dapper Men, and I will certainly seek it out, but only for more of Janet Lee's splendid artwork.
Other books by Janet K. Lee:
Emma
The Wonderland Alphabet: Alice's Adventures Through the ABCs and What She Found There
She has an Etsy shop too!
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