Abstract
Reviewed by: The Outcasts April Spisak Matthews, L. S. The Outcasts. Delacorte, 2007259p Library ed. ISBN 978-0-385-90382-0$18.99 Trade ed. ISBN 978-0-385-73367-0$15.99 Ad Gr. 7-9 In this graphic-novel adaptation of Schreiber's Vampire Kisses series (Vampire Kisses, BCCB 10/03) series, the relationship between Raven, goth outsider at Dullsville High, and Alexander, her gorgeous vampire boyfriend, is explored further. Here the couple's late-night graveyard dates are interrupted by Alexander's cousin and his friends, who seek vials of blood that will turn them full vampire, erasing their half-mortal weaknesses. Alexander is determined to keep them from the vials, knowing that the teens' lack of ethics or responsibility will result in them being deadly, vicious vampires, living the antithesis of his own moderated lifestyle. Setting up for future volumes, the book doesn't let the teens find the vials yet, but they do establish themselves as transfer students in Raven's school, and with Alexander inaccessible all day, Raven quickly finds herself (and her naïve best friend) in grave danger. The plot is streamlined to the extent that readers who are not already familiar with the series will likely find themselves confused and frustrated by the plot holes and lack of character development. In addition, fans coming for the manga may feel cheated by the extensive behind-the-scenes exploration into the shift from novel to graphic format and the addition of a print chapter from the fourth novel in the series. The primary audience seems to be fans who are interested in revisiting these characters in a new format, and the dramatic gray, black, and white manga-style illustrations do add new life to the characters and setting. Even with a scant plot, the hunky vampires, an immaculately dressed goth protagonist, and the thrill of forbidden love may still draw in readers who can't get enough of undead romances. Copyright © 2008 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
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