Athena: Grey Eyed Goddess

It’s about time I reviewed a graphic novel.  Honestly though, I know next to nothing about graphic novels.  This one was a finalist for the 2010 Cybils though so it’s fair to say I’m starting at the top.  Being a graphic novel novice, I did find it a bit hard to follow at first.  I wonder if it seems more natural to people who are used to reading the format.

George O’Connor is working on a set of graphic novels about the Greek gods.  It’s a perfect fit for the format I think since the gods in many ways are the original superheros.  How better to introduce comic lovers to the world of mythology?  This edition focuses on Athena, goddess and warrior.  Several of her stories are told by the Fates.

Cool: The front cover is equipped with a handy-dandy family tree, the back pages feature an author’s note, some very thorough Greek Notes (the r is rather adorably careted in allowing us to realize that these notes are very much for geeks) about various characters and choices the author has made in his retelling.  Additionally, there are some cool trading card looking pages that feature an illustration of a major character along with information like: roman name, sacred plant, symbols, modern legacy.  Finally there’s a discussion guide, a bibliography and hey, a cool website too (no really, it makes me think O’Connor is completely fabulous, check it out)!!

Great for: Reluctant readers.  Many readers who are loathe to pick up a chapter book are more than willing to take a peek at a graphic novel.  It’s a great way to get them interested in the stories without having to fight their way through a lengthy book.

Athena is also a pretty fabulous heroine.  At the end of the book, O’Connor makes  point of clarifying that Athena was more of an exception to the rule in Greek culture than the expected and tips his hat to modern girls and all their accomplishments.  The book is great for showing both girls and boys that women can kick butt.  Big points for making Andromeda black as well!  It’s nice to see people of color in mythology.

I also think this is a pretty good match for fans of Percy Jackson.  It was legitimately exciting and definitely modern.

Don’t miss:  Zeus: King of the Gods which is the first book in this series.

Sex, Nudity, Dating – Men are often bare chested in the illustrations.  Zeus is shown flirting with women while married to Metis.  After swallowing Metis, Zeus married Hera.  In a frame a small amount of cleavage is visible. Gestation is mentioned.  The book states that “Zeus has had many lovers.”  Medusa and Poseidon are lovers in Athena’s temple. Danae is visited in her tower by Zeus in the form of a golden rain.  He “was with her there and she became pregnant.”
Profanity – None.
Death, Violence and Gore –  If you weren’t aware yet that Kronos eats his children then you haven’t been with me all month.  The battle with the Titans is referenced, Kronos is depicted carrying his scythe.  Zeus swallows his pregnant bride. Hephaestus cleaves Zeus’s skull with a hammer and spike to get Athena out (Zeus is shown held down with the spike placed on his forehead).  There is swordplay and spear play and a character is impaled.  There’s an illustration of skulls and skeletons.  The battle of the gigantes happens and the gigantes are these large teethed giant things “born of the mingling of mother earth and the spilled blood of…the sky.”  There are a two beheadings (one occurs off screen, the other is illustrated).  People are turned to stone (or into spiders).
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – None.
Frightening or Intense Things –  Three witches share an eyeball and a tooth.  There is a seamonster.