Books Butterfly Editorial Reviews

The Draycox Awakens by Jonathan Minott (Atop Throne Comics) – Editorial Review

The Draycox Awakens is a very well-illustrated, dark Fantasy Superhero Graphic Novel with a great setup and a satisfying and thrilling story

Books Butterfly Editorial Review of The Draycox Awakens

Introduction & Context

The Draycox Awakens is a gritty teen comic book from Atop Throne Comics. It tackles issues that school-going teens and young adults face. Themes like bullying, loneliness, friendship and inequality are illustrated here

The importance of forging connections with others cannot be overstated, especially for those who are often overlooked or bullied. The Draycox Awakens masterfully captures the essence of friendship through its extraordinary characters, shedding light on the challenges faced by today’s teenagers. We witness acts of revenge, highlighting the darker aspects of our society

Main Review

At the center of the book is Michael, a teenager burdened by his “odd” nature. He endures a painful existence, devoid of friends who could offer solace or protection from bullies. Despite his remarkable achievement of receiving a science award, his parents fail to acknowledge or appreciate his success, deepening his sense of isolation

Michael’s attempts to befriend a student at school, Kyle, only result in further bullying when Kyle’s friends peer pressure Kyle into being mean to Michael. When his friend Maggie intervenes, she becomes the target of a humiliating prank

In the midst of Michael’s struggles, a peculiar event occurs when he opens his computer – he is bombarded with cyberbullying messages, mocking him for being a coward

Meanwhile, a fantastic event occurs when enormous eggs fall from the sky, hatching a magnificent dragon bird that bonds with Michael, transforming him into an unstoppable force

Inspired, he embarks on creating a suit, gathering the necessary equipment to enhance his newfound abilities

When one is wronged, revenge often seems like the only path to satisfaction. Michael confronts his bullies and it leads to some shocking events

Please read The Draycox Awakens to find out the rest of the story

Strengths

The Draycox Awakens is an immersive quick-read comic (Graphic Novel) that captures readers and transports them to imaginary realms. The comic book leaves you contemplating issues that high-schoolers face, enabling readers to empathize with Michael as he endures bullying. Witnessing his transformation into an extraordinary figure, readers are inspired by his resilience and his courage

Although a work of fiction, the story reflects elements of reality. Michael’s experiences with bullying and isolation resonate with the struggles many teenagers face in their daily lives. This relatability allows readers to connect on a deeper level

The book is enhanced by vibrant illustrations that bring the narrative to life. The accompanying animated pictures provide visual cues, ensuring readers’ attention is held until the very end. The synergy between the written and visual elements creates an immersive reading experience

Weaknesses

One potential weakness lies in the organization of the book. The book’s panels flow in a Japanese manga style right to left direction. This is opposite to what Western book readers are used to (left to right). This confusing sequential order can take a bit of time to get used to

The book also ends in a bit of a cliffhanger, leaving the reader wanting to know more. With the second book in the series not available yet, it is somewhat frustrating for the reader to not get the full story

The transition to an anti hero might be upsetting to very young readers and we would recommend Draycox Awakens only for teenagers, young adults, and adults. Definitely not for anyone under 13/14 years of age

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Draycox Awakens vividly illustrates how individuals respond to being wronged, often resorting to revenge. It also underscores the significance of friendship during the formative teenage years, emphasizing the need for support and solidarity against bullying

Furthermore, the book highlights the pivotal role of parental love in a child’s life, as Michael’s parents’ apparent indifference contributes to his sense of loneliness. Ultimately, the story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us not to underestimate or mistreat others, as every action has consequences

Overall Recommendation

We whole-heartedly recommend The Draycox Awakens to teenagers and comic book enthusiasts alike

With its clear storytelling and exploration of how extraordinary abilities can help individuals protect themselves, the book is both engaging and thought-provoking. Our rating for this book is 90/100, a testament to its appeal and ability to captivate readers

For Adult Readers who love Graphic Novels and Comic Books – 90/100

For Young Adult Readers and Teenagers who love Graphic Novels – 100/100

For parents and older readers who want to understand the terrible impact of bullying on school kids – 100/100

For people who want a good story, but don’t usually read Comic Books – 80/100. It is a pretty good starting point to get into comics (other good choices are Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman and The Watchmen by Alan Moore)

Curator’s Thoughts

We really liked Mr. Minott’s book, especially that the protagonist Michael, after gaining super powers, became an Anti Hero

The book’s story is dark and thrilling and the art work elevates it to the top tiers of comic books

Where to get The Draycox Awakens by Jonathan Minott (Atop Throne Comics)

You can get The Draycox Awakens at Amazon –

1. The Draycox Awakens Kindle eBook by Jonathan Minott at Amazon Kindle Store

You can read up more about the Graphic Novel author and illustrator, Jonathn Minott, at his Amazon Author Page