I was absolutely stunned by the way this wordless tale flows so smoothly as a young girl struggles to survive in a cruel world.
Although I usually read manga (Japanese comics), which have very detailed art, the visual effects in this "silent ballad" are simple astounding, and will probably have you flipping through it over and over.
Contrary to the title, blood song doesn't have much blood (or even the color red) in it at all. However, it does require some knowlege of some things that young children probably are not familiar with. (Due to the fact that there are no words, the reader must do a good bit of interpreting...) Also, there is a tad bit of mature material in here, but the girl is interacting with the real world, after all. This is no "picture book" for preschoolers, it requires a substantial amount of literary and visual interpretations to comprehend.
This full-color graphic novel makes excellent use of the impact of a sudden burst of color in a bluish-gray environment. The ending is absolutely beautiful and feels complete. An example of what masterful sequential art looks like, this is a must read for anyone who is visual! You will not regret reading this!

This is a story that begins far away, with a girl and her dog and the powerful journey of transformation and meaning they endure. It is a story without words, consisting of incredible images crafted with stark beauty and stunning ability. The main character of the story, a young girl on the verge of womanhood lives in a peaceful, pastoral setting in some remote village-but coming home from the river one day, she discovers that her peaceable world has been drastically changed, and this sends her on a vivid journey that only Mr. Drooker's art can do justice to.

This is my first encounter with Eric Drooker's evocative imagery. I'm determined it will not be my last. This book epitomizes the legitimacy of the graphic novel as a valid and valuable medium of expression. Powerful pictures crafted with a limited palette of colors make this story all the more striking and beautiful. The feeling of being swept up in a powerful story, of emotion and depth is immediate and takes the reader from the first page to the last. Perhaps the most remarkable thing is that this book can be read by anyone who can see the art on the page. No poor reading skills will block it's story, no language barrier stands in the way.

Native New Yorker, Eric Drooker is certainly a compelling artist and BLOOD SONG showcases his work in fine fashion. The art will likely appeal to a varied audience of viewers. The views presented in the story and the author's attitudes towards governmental authority might not appeal as widely. Mr. Drooker doesn't "mince words" with his story, nor does he pull his punches. But the larger message in Drooker's work is one of universal connection, hope and humanity in a continuing cycle.

Even if you've never encountered a graphic novel before, pick this one up, page through it. If that simple act doesn't keep you turning pages I'll be very surprised.

Happy Reading! ^_^ --shanshad

Graphic and powerful story of a girl's escape from an invading army, flight from her native land, arrival in a large and unfriendly city, love found, lost and renewal. Except for two pages of nonexplicit nudity, which some parents might object to, I would recommend this book to any mature fifth grader or adult.

Got this after a desire to collect the 9-11 comics as my ending run in comic collecting, and I must say I am impressed with not only the size of it, but the consitent and diverse work inside. Loads of unfamiliar work that perhaps wouldn't be seen on such a public level with such quality, and at 200 pages for the price its at, its damn good.

The stories themselves? Some make you think. Some make you wonder. All make you remember.

There's really not much I can say about this book. The stories contained in it are poignant and touching and heartbreaking and hopeful all at once, and each and every contributor has given not only their time and talent to the project, but clearly they've also given a piece of their hearts. Being born and raised in New York City, the events of September 11th are especially painful to me, but I came away from reading this book feeling just a little more hopeful than I did when I started it. Kudos to all involved for a magnificent effort. (And all of the money goes to a good cause, too!)

The power of the comic book medium is that, by using drawings, they express emotions and reactions that are difficult to put down in words. Due to the extreme nature of this event, this is an excellent way to express what we have all been through.

The most impact is provided by the independent, i.e. non-superhero, writers who express what they went through with pictures and words. From the initial shock to the lingering malaise, the complete cycle is expressed. Reading this book brought back those feelings in me and, even though my emotions were swelling up, I kept reading. This event is now part of our collective experience and we are forever affected by it.

I recommend reading through when you need some perspective on what's important in life. Enjoy life, tell your friends and family that you love them because you never know when it may end.

This review doesn't get too into the content of the book but the impact that it had. As for me, that's the sign of a good read.

First, this "novel" appears to contain two unrelated stories. "Flood" is the shorter of the two. I like a lot of Drooker's work, but as a piece of narrative this just didn't hold me for very long.

In both pieces very little action occurs-- most of the longer story involves the protagonist walking from one place to another. Most of "Flood" involves the protagonist ignoring an increasing level of water.

In addition, character development is almost absent.

The visual metaphors in this book
are skillful and moving,
as well as very witty at times.
I laughed, I... well I didn't really CRY,
but I did get sniffly. ;)
An engaging commentary on life.

Note: If you don't really look at the pictures,
you won't get anything out of it.
Some of this work is very subtle.

3. Type your review in the space below: (maximum of 1,000 words)

I will write only 3 words: I LOVE IT

If you are a real Ginsberg fan, you'll appreciate having this book in your collection, even if you you're not a big art lover. The art will inspire a new appreciation of the poems- and it's easier to carry than your "bible"(collected poems)! Poems inside: The Altering Eye Alters All, An Eastern Ballad, A Mad Gleam, In Death Cannot Reach What Is Most Near, Song, Lay Down Yr Mountain, Manhattan Thirties Flash, Morning, Howl, Footnote to Howl, New York Blues, Native New York, On Neal's Ashes, Punk Rock Your My Big Cry Baby, Get It?, Capital Air, Pentagon Exorcism, Love Forgiven, War Profit Litany, When The Light Appears, Tears, The Lion For Real, I'm A Prisoner of Allen Ginsberg, Fighting Phantoms Fighting Phantoms, This Form Of Life Needs Sex, Birdbrain!, American Again, New Stanzas For Amazing Grace, X-ray Manhattan, Jumping the Gun On the Sun, Rock Song, Gospel Noble Truths, The Ballad of the Skeletons, Father Death Blues, Confession Is Dream for the Soul, and my favorite, Sunflower Sutra.

This a beautiful book, that not only shares ginsbergs work but works with the images created by eric drooker to communicate the poems and songs vividly, providing candy for the eyes and mind. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys ginsberg, no ginsberg collection is complete without it , in my opinion.

an excellent illustrated book of gonsberg's poems

Eric has an amazingly sensitive and intense way of expressing his views on social justice issues. mainly it is all rapped up in love. devour this book and start painting on the walls.