Author: Gene Luen Yang + Derek Kirk Kim
Publisher: First Second, 170 pages
Copyright: 2009
School Library Journal Review:
Gr 9 Up
Yang and Kim are expert storytellers and work well together here to present three tales with fablelike takeaways. "Duncan" seems to be a hero story set in a lush medieval Europe, with the titular character embarking on an iconic quest to win the hand of the fair lady-except for odd visual details that crop up, such as the frumpy and definitely modern woman holding her bespectacled head in her hands and the apparently magic Snappy Cola bottle. The turn from fantasy to Duncan's reality is made smoothly and doesn't ask readers to appreciate its cleverness so much as to recognize how fantasy can, indeed, aid real healing. The volume's title story starts off as a riff on capitalism and religious gullibility involving talking frogs and then makes a hairpin turn with the revelation that a broadcast tycoon has blended America's tastes for Saturday morning cartoons and reality shows. In "Urgent Request," a contemporary cubicle inhabitant allows herself to fall for the fraudulent Nigerian royalty email plea for cash, but thereby gains the strength she needs to confront her abusive boss. Artwork in each of the stories is stylistically different and wholly appropriate to the theme of the specific tale. Smart teens will enjoy this thoroughly and will push it into friends'-and hopefully even adults'-hands for discussions around topics ranging from political insights to how narrative creates personal identity.-Francisca Goldsmith, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia
Review:
The Eternal Smile is a collection of three graphic novels focusing on the nature of reality and fantasy. Gene Luen Yanga brings us three stories about fantasy, reality, and the way we think and dream about both.
The first story, "Duncan's Kingdom", features a classic story of a brave knight determined to win the hand of the queen by slaying a metaphorical creature. The second story, "The Eternal Smile", tells the story of Gran'Pa Greenbax, a money-hungry businessman who attempts to cash in on a religious scheme centered on a mysterious smile in the sky. The third story, "Urgent Request", brings readers into a romance which begins when Janet receives an urgent email from Prince Henry of Nigeria. He needs her help in securing his family fortune.
These stories may appear to be fluffy and aimed at younger readers, but each deals with heavy issues (abuse, self-confidence, greed, and faith). Strange, beautiful tales about being an outsider and being true to yourself, these stories will resonate with teens. The artwork is very different in each story, setting them distinctly apart from one another. From the epic fantasy art in the first to vintage comic book in the second, and ending with modern style in the final story. At the same time, the stories all work together as a collection. They have similar story arcs as well as that overarching theme of identity. Overall, these are uplifting stories about how we reconcile our fantasies with our real lives.
Highly recommended. This book belongs in all teen graphic novel collections because it shows teens how great graphic novels can be. And if you are an adult like me who enjoys them, make sure you get your hands on this one.
Reading Level: Intermediate (mature themes)
Notes about Audience: Recommended for ages 13 and up.
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