My first ever graphic novel read! I already can't wait for Volume II!
Rating: 5/5
Scandalous gossip, wild parties, and forbidden love—witness what the gods do after dark in this stylish and contemporary reimagining of one of mythology’s most well-known stories from creator Rachel Smythe. Featuring a brand-new, exclusive short story, Smythe’s original Eisner-nominated web-comic Lore Olympus brings the Greek Pantheon into the modern age with this sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel.
Content Warning: Sexual Assault, Being drugged
I received a surprise ARC of Lore Olympus from Del Rey, a branch from Penguin Random House. I requested this a while back and hadn’t gotten a response. So I assumed I wouldn’t be getting one as it got closer to the publication day. However, just a week before its release I found this on my doorstep! I was so excited, I’m certain I squealed. Thank you so much, Del Rey!
I’ve been a fan of Lore Olympus for a while now, having been following the webcomic on Webtoon. When I heard it was being turned into a graphic novel, I knew I needed to get it. It’s been a while since I first started the series so it was so much fun to reread these first 25 episodes. It was like falling in love with the series all over again.
And! This was my first ever graphic novel. I’m so glad this was my first. I was a little wary, I honestly find graphic novels and comics a little intimidating. I just never really knew how to read comic-style pages. But having this be my first made it much less intimidating since I was already familiar with the story. I still struggled a bit, but as I continued through the episodes, I got into the groove and being comfortable reading it.
This was my first ever graphic novel.
I ended up finishing this within an hour of starting. And just from reading this, I already feel more confident in reading graphic novels and can’t wait to find my next one! There are actually a few that I’ve had my eye on but stayed away from because I was nervous. But now I want to try them out!
That being said, I’m already dying for Volume II of Lore Olympus! July can’t come fast enough! In fact, I enjoyed reading this so much, that when my preorder of Lore Olympus came in I decided to reread it again to see the changes and see it in full color, as the ARC was in black and white. I think that’s the earliest reread I’ve ever done!
I’m already dying for Volume II of Lore Olympus!
Back to Lore Olympus! If you’re unfamiliar with this webtoon story, it’s pretty simple! We primarily follow a modern style retelling of the love story between Hades and Persephone. Alongside these two love birds, we meet numerous other characters within greek mythology often with their own stories we learn along the way.
I absolutely love Persephone! She’s a doll! I don’t want to say too much as I know much more beyond these first 25 episodes. But, she’s just a joy to follow full of innocence and bursting with life. I can’t wait to see her fall in love with Hades all over again as I continue rereading this series through these graphic novel releases.
Though this is more than just butterflies and rainbows. Despite the brightly colored illustrations, Lore Olympus touches on some dark themes. Some that can be triggering for readers. Including being drugged and sexual assault. So please keep that in mind.
Despite the brightly colored illustrations, Lore Olympus touches on some dark themes.
Going back to those bright colors, I’m so in love with the art style for Lore Olympus is in. I genuinely think it’s a beautiful style. It’s actually what drew me in to start this series in the first place. It’s so fun and bright! I can’t see this story being told in any other style. The colors especially are my favorite. I love seeing all the pink.
If you enjoy graphic novels and love greek mythology retelling, I highly recommend Lore Olympus!