People are starting to read City of Spies and so far, they like it! Here’s what some of the advance reviews have had to say:
A starred review from Booklist says:
“With stupefying precision, Dizin’s art channels Hergé’s Tintin in tone, palette, and with the remarkable expressiveness of the clean, flexible figures. He also echoes the Belgian master’s sense of fun and action, even as Kim and Klavan put a sophisticated spin on classic boys’ adventure story elements…”
Another starred review, this time from Publisher’s Weekly (it’s the last review on the page) says:
“The writers manage the difficult trick of writing real children into a terrific adventure story, and the book is completely age-appropriate without ever talking down to its readers. Dizin’s loopily expressive art has a period feel while still looking fresh and kid-friendly. His work on “Zirconium Man and Scooter,” Evelyn’s comic about herself and her absent father as superheroes, is particularly charming.”
In their Spring/Summer Preview Kirkus Reviews (on page 11 of the pdf) says:
“…told with seat-of-the-pants, graphic-novel immediacy, is an artful melding of jewel-box illustration with noir atmosphere—Tintin directed by Hitchcock.”
The School Library Review wrote:
“…though this is the first graphic novel for all three creators, it is a strong book. Evelyn and Tony are particularly successful creations.”
Comic Book Resources’ Robot 6 blog says:
“It’s truly a beautiful, moving book. For both Young Adults and Old ones.
And it’s got tons of super-heroics and spy-smashing too.”
100 Scope Notes says:
“I love it when a book exceeds my expectations. This one did it.”
In a round-up of mystery books for kids (the review is about 3/4 of the way down the page), Bookslut says:
“…there is a lot about City of Spies to sing about. Evelyn and Tony are a lot of fun, and their friendship makes sense — it’s not at all forced… Dizin’s illustrations are truly outstanding — he captures the war era perfectly… City of Spies really is a complete package…”
City of Spies comes out April 27th, and will be available wherever books are sold.