Bibliography:
Frampton, Otis. 2006. Oddly Normal: vol. 1. Irving, Texas: Viper Comics. ISBN: 097778830X
Plot Summary:
There is obviously something very unique about Oddly Normal. She is a ten year old girl with pointed ears and green hair, but more important is her ability to make her parents disappear. Immediately after Oddly’s entire house vanishes, her aunt arrives and takes Oddly to Fignation, where things are not quite what they seem. Oddly is both impressed and dissapointed with the new world she’s discovered, but the mystery surrounding her family grows.
Critical Analysis:
This book was initially appealing because of the color panels. After having read American Born Chinese, I wanted to check out some other graphic novels to compare, and black and white illustrations aren’t as appealing unless they are very unique.
The story comes across as both vague and complex. Vague in the sense that there seem to be details left out or skimmed through, and complex in the sense that this is a series of books which all have a trailing climax and may need to be referenced before the conclusion. The story is not entirely unique, either. An angsty young girl is trying to find her identity among family and school peers. The only difference may be that Oddly Normal is ten years old, which seems a little young to be so cynical. Fans of the graphic novel genre may be more interested, but this book wasn’t winning this reader over.
Review Excerpts:
Booklist: “Frampton’s art is refreshingly quirky, with strong lines and bold use of color. The world he creates is full of fun and whimsy, and kids will easily relate to Oddly’s struggle to become comfortable in her own skin. This will quickly become a favorite among comics fans.” – Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Connections:
- Other graphic novels and regular fiction such as the Weetzie Bat series would be good read-alikes.
