graphic novels

I liked this book, but being one who has not read the Sandman books, I can't say how much this characteriztion of Death might differ from her Sandman persona, but I have to say that she is very cute ^_^ Check out page 32. This book deals with the lesbian couple who made an appearance in Death: The High Cost of Living. Foxglove has become famous, but her lover Hazel has begun to feel like she is being left behind, and although she is happy that her lover has found fame, she also dislikes the fact that she has to share Foxglove with the rest of the world. It starts to become weird when Hazel's child Alvie passes away one night, and Hazel strikes up a deal with death: give Alvie back and you will get someone else in return. Quite a simple plot. Not as good as the first volume, but still a fun read. Death, however, is a very minor character, she doesn't even show up until a third of the book is over. However, Death is stilla friend to all. Much nicer than the Grim Reaper would ever be.

While "Death: The High Cost of Living" had a more intriguing storyline, I still loved "Death: The Time of Your Life." The story features Foxglove, a minor character in the first Death graphic novel, and her lover, Hazel. Their trials and tribulations--including Foxglove's sudden rise to fame and the dynamic of having a son, Alvie--are illustrated (no pun intended.)

While the story isn't fleshed out as much as it could be, it was still a very enjoyable, engrossing read. The illustrations are beautiful and the emotions were dead-on and lacking in cliche, usually a given in Gaiman & co's work.

Foxglove must have been modeled on Ani DiFranco (another reason to love her!) but we don't really learn enough about Hazel. And as mentioned in other reviews, Death is far from the main character here. However, as I've stated, there is a lot to like here, and I do believe this qualifies as a must-have for Death--and Sandman/Gaiman--enthusiasts.

(Also an excellent introduction for those not familiar with Gaiman's world, or the world of comics at large.)

You see, it's not that this is a mediocre work - it's definitely above average (hence the 3 out of 5 star rating) - it's just that we've been spoiled silly by the brilliant standard of writing, plotting, philosophy and character that Neil Gaiman so generously gave us through the epic run of his, 'Sandman,' series and when we come across a spin-off graphic novel that doesn't quite live up to that standard, of course we're going to be just a wee bit disappointed. With that being said, if you were a fan of the, 'Sandman,' series then you certainly dug the character of Death, and with that of course you have to read this volume as well. While the artwork is brilliant throughout (almost taking on a japanese manga look at times) the writing, sadly, just isn't quite up to snuff. Still, it's a slim enough book to make breezing through quite an effortless and pleasing experience.