Neil Gaiman's Coraline, a Graphic Novel adapted and illustrated by P. Craig Russell
by Wendy Warkentin - Thursday Aug 07 2008 1:51 pm
Posted in: Reviews, Staff Pick, SciFi & Fantasy, New Releases, Graphic Novels

Imagine this new graphic novel adaptation of Neil Gaiman's Coraline to be your own private movie; no one will be around to shush you when you shriek unexpectedly.

Coraline is the story of a very intelligent girl who is desperate for attention. While exploring her new house, she happens upon a door, a door that leads her to all the glorious and surreal attention she could want and more.

Coraline's discovery leads her into a parallel life of delicious food, wondrous toys, a talking cat and another set of extremely attentive parents, with shiny black button eyes. She too soon recognizes the hollow promises and affection which lead to a witty game of finders-keepers complete with ghostly spectres, singing rats and her devious other mother, who wishes to keep her in that world forever.

This new edition is akin to a collector's item for those already enamoured with Coraline. Alternatively it is a brilliant collaboration of Neil Gaiman's lyrical thoughts and character development with P.Craig Russell's striking illustrations designed for a curious and slightly askew young mind. Winnipeg colourist Lovern Kindzierski has once again joined forces with these two, adding his vivid expertise.

Every time I read Coraline, I shiver. I shiver because a cold prickly fear of delight takes hold and suspends all belief. Both spooky and quirky, either edition is perfect to be read aloud on a rainy night or silently devoured under the covers with a flashlight.

An animated stop-motion film based on the novel is scheduled for release February 2009.

Watch for Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book with illustrations by Dave McKean coming September 2008.

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