Tune Book 2: Still Life by Derek Kirk Kim and Les McClaine
Review by Lauren
copy for review, but all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Andy Go thought he was signing on for an easy job as an exhibit in an alien zoo
– but it turns out his contract is for life! How can he escape? In the second
instalment of the TUNE series, our hapless hero Andy Go is settling into life in
an alien zoo…as one of the exhibits. It’s not so bad: the food is good, and
his environment is a perfect copy of his house back on Earth. But everything
falls to pieces when Andy realizes he’s been tricked: there will be no weekend
visits back to Earth, as he was promised, and his contract doesn’t last one
year…it lasts a lifetime.
Review: I wouldn’t read the above summary if you’re worried about any spoilers, but at that rate, you might not want to read this review. However, I’ll try to keep things as spoiler-free as I can! Tune: Still Life is the second book in this graphic novel series. Andy Go is an artist who thinks that he can drop out of school and still be successful. Obviously, that’s not always true, especially when it comes to the arts. Andy finds himself lying around his parent’s house in the first book without much to do, until he is given what seems like a wonderful job opportunity.
Tune: Still Life is where Andy enters this new job and finally realizes that he is stuck for more than a year, but rather his entire life. He is just a creature to be looked at and most of his “employers” think they are above him. There is one girl though that is interested in Andy’s artwork and wants to learn how to draw too, even if her father would be mad if he found out.
I love that Andy narrates the entire story, giving readers enough information. The world within Tune is very fascinating, though I don’t want to go into too much detail for fear of ruining things for others. Regardless, Tune is a really good series and when I finished the first book, I knew I had to have the second. Tune: Still Life was a great addition to the series and once again, I am dying to read the third book.
As for the artwork, I thought it was well done. Everything is in black and white, but the objects are clear and easy to view. The boxes on each page all float on a black background of stars, which is suitable to the book and a different way of placing the photos and text on the page. The page below shows you want I mean!
Music Pick: “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell
Looks like great art!
I've actually never read a graphic novel from cover to cover, but with how it's becoming a more and more popular choice, I definitely want to give this series a choice. The characters and narration of the main character sound really well done and I love the illustrations that you included 🙂 Great review, Lauren! <33
If I decide to pick up a graphic novel (which I quite honestly rarely do), I prefer it to be black and white. I suppose I'm a bit old fashoined like that.
This sounds pretty cool.
I still have not read a graphic novel. What is wrong with me? I love pictures and illustrations. I need to just give in and try one. This does look fun, who doesn't feel stuck in their jobs every now and again?
I love black and white graphics and the story line sounds interesting. I love that it is told in his perspective, wonderful review!
This looks like a pretty cool graphic novel and also one that could be very helpful to those who want to drop out of school. Great review!
Janina @ Synchronized Reading
Oh this seems like a great graphic novel. Thanks for that pic and I love when artwork is well done. Great review 🙂
PS. I remember hearing this song for a first time at English language class and we were so happy 🙂
Oh this seems like a great graphic novel. Thanks for that pic and I love when artwork is well done. Great review 🙂
PS. I remember hearing this song for a first time at English language class and we were so happy 🙂
This looks like a cool graphic novel! I love the illustrations and will keep this in mind for my son.
This sounds weird, but I mean that in a cool way. Very interesting. I have read a graphic novel since last year… or the year before that(?), so I'm curious about this.
Love the graphics!
Don't really read graphic novels, but this one sounds interesting. And nice music pick! Made me laugh at the tie-in to Andy being a zoo exhibit! *L*
I am always saying I should read more graphic novels. This one sounds fantastic! Glad you enjoyed it, and love the music pick. 🙂