Name: The Twilight Children
ISBN: 9781401262457

Jamie Hernandez

The Twilight Children

Maggie Gordon

While the visuals of this story are outstanding, the story is formulaic and unsatisfying. There are supernatural orbs and a strange supernatural lady, and a whole lot of sexual drama that has nothing to do with the actual plot. I am all for world and character building, but it does have to add to the story. Instead, I felt like I was reading a bunch of tropes, strung together without any consistency or cohesion. Nothing was particularly memorable, nothing really happened, and I'm afraid even the bright and vibrant art couldn't save this book from mediocrity.

Jessica Nottingham

So, I'm left feeling confused and kind of conflicted. I finished this first volume with a ton of questions, and a kind of "What did I just read?" vibe about the whole thing. Here's the skinny: the art is wonderful, the characters are charming, the storyline is where things seem to fall apart. I'm all for a slow build up, but honestly? I'm not even sure where this is headed.
 
If I had to guess, I'd say that Gilbert Hernandez was using this first volume as a means of introducing the "world" that's being built. The characters are fairly built up, going so far as to peek into their backstories and see why they are the way they are. I was smitten with the art style too. It seemed to fit this story just perfectly, with it's careful sense of whimsy. As far as the build up goes, that completely made sense.
 
It's the series of events that occur that really had me scratching my head. I fully support vague panels, and working up to something epic. Still, if I'm left wondering what on Earth (or possibly not on Earth) is even going on, it takes some of the magic away. None of my questions were answered. Nothing made sense. I admit, it all drove me a little mad.
 
Would I read the next volume? Probably. If only to find out what is actually happening to this village. I only wish this first volume had drawn me in a little more.