Tales of Great Goddesses: Gaia: Goddess of Earth by Imogen Greenberg and Isabel Greenberg on the illustrations is a picture book graphic novel that shows how the “Sisterhood fights the Drums of Chaos” (their words not mine). Or in other words, it is a modern take on the Greek mythology with a pro-female look.
Gaia is the Earth and the Mother of All. She created the world, and she ruled the land and Earth, while her husband the sky. And then the trouble starts. From here on out the Gods/Males all create chaos, war, famine, you name the bad thing, it is their fault. The children and grandchildren of Gaia fear the powerful Zeus (grandson) as those before feared Cronus (son) and his father before him. Then, the mortals will follow suit, giving tributes to Gods for their favors in return. And because of this, mortals will create war and famine and chaos as well. And the women, The Fates, and Furies, are here to save the day.
Yes, it is a little heavy handed in the “girl power” aspect.
That is not a bad thing, but it is a bit repetitive. As is the language used, bro. Yes, we have “Modern Dude Language.” I am not sure if this is for the male readers to enjoy as well as this does lend itself to a “female read” or the author thinks this is how kids talk. There is, of course, “proper speak” as well, but the mix is not always “gelled” well. Still, the point is made, and the story comes to light: Greed and war and that stuff is Bad. Environmental and peace and that stuff is Good. However, the battles and such of the Gods do show how some natural events are explained. A volcano? Nope, a God that was imprisoned in the mountain having a fiery temper tantrum.
The illustrations are a 50/50 like/dislike for me. Colorful, not always realistic, but you know the idea. The details vary from panel but can be busy. They are cartoonish but soften some of the harder elements (eating the children/rock) and such. Sometimes the art tells more than the text, but both do work well together.
The ending was a bit longer than I would have liked, but what was needed. And there are a few afterwards as well. This is the second in the Tales of Great Goddesses series, with Athena the first.
