WTH did I read? I admit, a lot of the graphic novel Slaughterhouse-Five, or the Children’s Crusade, went over my head. But that just means I need to read it again as this is not something that can be taken in all at once. The artwork is what really grabbed me this first reading. There was a lot going on, but it did not always feel “fleshed out” and there were things missing, yet, there was also too much going on as well. The lack of bold colors, and keeping with a more neutral palette sets the tone. The use of sexuality and nudity at times almost feels gratuitous (especially that photograph that pops up a few times), but at the same time, the perfect vehicle. How insane is the main character? Or how insane is the rest of the world? Read and find out.
I have not read the novel version of Kurt Vonnegut Jr’s book. However, I know that I would have missed a lot if the novel was my first experience. But I am now curious what the hoopla is all about. Ryan North and Albert Monteys created this graphic novel adaptation most likely because they were fans of the book. So, what is it about Billy Pilgrim that has captured people all these years? Do people like him? Are you supposed to like him? Is Billy a villain or hero? And honestly, how much is all of this in his head and we’re just along for the ride? And why are the aliens just a hand and eyeball? What did I miss there?
Then there is that second second half of the title. Why is that important? That seems random, and just as a “gotcha” that would never come to light. I mean if I had heard it before, I wasn’t remembering that I had. I just knew it as Slaughterhouse-Five. But when I read the reason for that, as there was no ambiguity there, I was maybe you should have led with that? Then again, probably not. Another interesting part of the book (and I found several) was when the reader knows what that the candles they used are made of. Not because of what the “material” was, but the combination of their indifference, they’re not wanting to know anything outside of their own self, a bit of their real innocence and this probably sums it up the whole story.
I was left with a lot of questions because that “too much and not enough” theme of the illustrations follows throughout the story itself. Are there “good guys” and “bad guys?” And would we agree on who is who or if there are any “good guys” at all? Why did that photograph make the rounds? Who were the children of Pilgrim? What about his wife? And that is just the start. I am still not sure if I get the draw of the novel, but I do appreciate the work Vonnegut, North and Monteys put into things.