The flow of this graphic novel adaptation of the Walter Dean Myers Monster was a little hard at times to follow with the bouncing between timelines. We see “before events” as well as “during events” and “current events.” The ending suggests an after the current events scene or two.
The themes of truth, trust and lies are tossed on their heads in Guy A. Sims adaptation. Monster: The Graphic Novel includes a realistic take on the justice system. However, due to the type of people and the fact the characters are not likable, I believe you will have empathy but maybe not a real sympathy. Even for our narrator. With that said the outcomes of the trail seem realistic and each character may not be completely “fleshed out” but as characters each one is interesting and is important overall.
The ideas of truth, lies and trust shape the story. Steve Harmon, a young man accused of partaking in a robbery of a store that ends in the murder of the clerk/owner, explores who do you trust. Your lawyer? Your buddies? Your family? Your gang? And it explores the idea of truth and lies. Who is telling the truth? Are lies just other forms of truth? And who is to say what is a lie? It could be the truth for that person, but not for you. And of course, that truth might have conditions. After all, Steve was “only” the lookout for the robbery. That does not mean he should be given 25 to life for felony murder, should it? And due to what the lawyer wants him to say, was he even there doing anything or just happens to be an “innocent” bystander? Also, race does play a part, but maybe not as large as you might assume.
Harmon is a character who may not be a reliable narrator. You need to see all the factors, even small ones. As a film maker (or wants to be) he sets the trial and his life up as a movie as he tells you the events. This way he can pick and choose who you see, hear, and what pieces he allows or edits out. The ending reinstates the fourth wall breaking (sometimes he speaks directly to the reader and sometimes it feels as if you are reading his diary) but I will not say how as it is a piece of the story I feel you need to experience fresh and with your own feelings, thoughts and even biases.
The cover gives you a false assumption to the illustrations. Dawud Anyabwile created black and white imagery that is both fleshed out and simple. Not simplistic, but not as busy or colorful as you might think. The setup is in the traditional paneling of graphic novel, but also it can feel like a movie as well. The art is not graphic but does not hide what is happening or how people look.
Best for ages 14 and up (there is language and violence, plus concepts might not be appropriate for younger readers).
