Bone: The Complete Cartoon Epic in One Volume
by Jeff Smith
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Book Summary Information
Author: Jeff SmithBrand: Cartoon Books
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-09
ISBN: 188896314X
Number of pages: 1300
Publisher: Cartoon Books
Book Reviews of Bone: The Complete Cartoon Epic in One Volume
Book Review: "Happiness Abound!"
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm sad.
I'm sad that I had to finish this wonderfully crafted story, and I'm sad to have to put it on my bookshelf. I had wanted there to be more to the story, 'cause once I started reading it, I was hooked. I even read two of the seven books in one night.
And so it is for many Bone fans.
Jeff Smith's tale about three funny-looking "bone" creatures begins as with any other "typical" fantasy novel: light-hearted and simple. It's the story about three Bone cousins having just been chased out of their hometown by an angry mob. They get lost out in the seemingly endless wilderness, and, soon enough, delve upon a forest where the first of many awaiting adventures begins.
Bone is often compared to The Lord of the Rings; appropriately so, because Jeff Smith was heavily inspired by Tolkien's six-part story (not a three-part as many believe), and so created his own fantasy epic with a twist of humor and wild (and ingenious) animation, utilizing doodles he mustered up from his childhood imagination.
Right from the get-go, I was hooked (as I already mentioned). I enjoyed every page I read, from the clever humor to the prolific story-telling, Bone quickly became one of my favorite reads. I have read reviews where others believe Bone heavily carries many common motifs and cliches found in other fantasy stories, and I can see why they might come to these conclusions. But as "unoriginal" as Bone might appear, I believe Smith, just as with any other author, was inspired enough to borrow from other masterpieces and, in an original fashion, created his own powerful storytelling. Sure, there are the archetypal would-be heroes who don't initially know their own destiny, but it's a joy to watch them grow and have the reader grow with them. It's as Roland Barthes argued in developing the "scriptor," where no author creates his or her own masterpiece out of thin air (at least, not any longer), but rather uses pieces here and there from other literary sources and creates their own original tale.
Smith's animation is some of the best I've seen in any medium. As a huge fan of Calvin and Hobbes, I was quickly enamored with his characters and humor, as both authors have been students of Walt Kelly's Pogo.
I recommend this not only as a graphical joyride, but for anyone who enjoys good stories. Just because it's animated doesn't mean it isn't good literature. I rank this story up there with Lord of the Rings, Narnia and Harry Potter.
Yes, I just said that.
Others might feel otherwise, but I'll remain firm in my opinion, and cherish Bone as one of my most beloved fictional reads.
Just as an end note, I have the rare, hardcover limited version of Bone: One Volume Edition. It is a wonderfully manufactured piece of literature. From the sturdy covers to the gilded pages, and even the ribbon bookmark, I am the proud owner of one of the highly collectible hardcovers, and believe it's worth every penny. (Since only 2000 were made, they're practically impossible to find; but when one chances to pop up on eBay or some other website, you can be sure it'll be going for a pretty penny.)
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