Title: Gunnerkrigg Court, Volume 1: Orientation
Author: Thomas Siddell
First published January 1, 2007
296 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781932386349 (ISBN10: 1932386343)
Rating: 4.22
Overview
Antimony Carver is a bright and curious young girl who embarks on a thrilling journey at the enigmatic Gunnerkrigg Court, a British boarding school full of secrets and surprises. In this first volume of the series, Antimony navigates her way through her orientation year, encountering an array of fascinating characters and creatures, including robots, demons, forest gods, and mythical beings.
Joining forces with her new friend, Kat, Antimony uncovers the mysteries of the Court and learns valuable lessons about growing up. Don’t miss the chance to delve into the captivating world of Gunnerkrigg Court, brought to life in Tom Siddell’s beloved and award-winning web comic, now available in print for the first time.
About the Author
Tom is a bit of a mystery, as he isn’t one to talk about himself often. What we do know is that he hails from England, specifically Birmingham.
For a while he worked as an animator for a video game company, but in 2012 he took the leap and decided to focus solely on his own project, Gunnerkrigg Court.
Some rumors have circulated that Tom has a sweet tooth for Cadbury Extra Thick Chocolate Cakes, but we haven’t been able to confirm this with any reliable sources.
Editoral Review
Thomas Siddell’s Gunnerkrigg Court, Volume 1: Orientation is a masterfully crafted graphic novel that seamlessly blends fantasy and science fiction elements with philosophical musings on identity, power, and friendship. First published in 2007, the book has gained a cult following among readers of all ages and backgrounds, and its unique style and themes continue to resonate with contemporary audiences.
The story follows Antimony Carver, a young girl who is starting her first year at Gunnerkrigg Court, a mysterious and enchanting boarding school that is full of secrets and surprises. As Antimony navigates the complex social dynamics of the school, she discovers that she has a special connection to the magical world that lies beneath the surface of reality.
Along the way, she befriends a cast of quirky and endearing characters, including the school’s headmistress, a robot, and a ghost.
Siddell’s writing is both poetic and precise, and he deftly balances humor and drama throughout the book. The artwork is equally stunning, with intricate details and vivid colors bringing the world of Gunnerkrigg Court to life.
The characters are all well-developed and distinct, and their relationships and conflicts are both relatable and compelling.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to tackle complex philosophical concepts in an accessible and engaging way. Siddell explores themes of identity, power, and free will through the lens of the magical world he has created, and his insights are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
The book also touches on issues of gender, sexuality, and race, making it a particularly relevant and timely read in today’s political climate.
If there is one area where the book falls short, it is in its pacing. At times, the narrative can feel a bit meandering and slow-moving, particularly in the early chapters.
However, the payoff is well worth the investment, as the story builds to a thrilling climax that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Overall, Gunnerkrigg Court, Volume 1: Orientation is a must-read for fans of graphic novels, fantasy, and science fiction. Its unique blend of genre elements, philosophical musings, and charming characters make it a standout work in the medium.
I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and visually stunning read. 4.5/5 stars.
