Hurricane Katrina was one of the most horrifying disasters I have lived through. I still remember what it was like to see that storm bearing down on Florida. It was just like any other storm in your average Floridian hurricane season. After it passed over Florida the tension ceased to exist. We all let out a sigh of relief. Shortly after this emotional relaxation the storm strengthened once again and headed straight for New Orleans. The area that was once known for Mardi Gras is now remembered as the city that endured one of this nations worst natural disasters.
This graphic novel is very…Well, graphic. It depicts perfectly what it would be like to be presented with an event such as Katrina. It makes you think many different things and ask yourself questions. When a father sends his family to a shelter and decides to stay at the house you think to yourself what you would do. If your father came up with this idea would you let him stay? Would you stay with him? Would you talk him into taking refuge along with the rest of the family?
If a person had no prior knowledge of the disaster and began reading the beginning of the novel it would almost take on a comedic feel. Some of the citizens make a joke of the upcoming storm and plan parties, etc. To know what is coming makes you cringe and wish you could tell the people to take all of their personal belongings and get the hell out of there!
Even though the illustrations resemble those seen in a comic book, it paints a perfect picture in your mind. With prior knowledge of the storm, this graphic novel shows you everything you have heard so much about.
2 comments:
I liked that you related your own personal experience of the storm to that of the story already presented. It added a refreshing personal touch to your post. Even though there were no questions at the conclusion, when writing about the father, I like that you asked the reader what they would do if this particular situation presented itself to them. And lastly, I agree on the overall comedic feel near the beginning. But I also think this was necessary to portray the genuine nature of the events. I imagine that’s exactly what is was like, conversation going about as usual, no one expecting the storm to be as catastrophic as it was.
I agree, I also thought the characters were entirely Neufield’s creation and without seeing the video I wouldn’t have known otherwise. It was also great to compare the real and cartoon versions of the characters, very interesting. And I do suppose graphic novels have been previously centralized on a certain type of audience, so pieces like A.D. are a breath of fresh air. It’s great to see that graphic novelists are now daring to tackle more serious issues, not only to reach a broader audience, but also to address the more serious issues in an unconventional way. Great feedback, keep up the good blog!
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