Quick Take

She is ALLURING She is MYSTERIOUSShe is BANDETTE!The world's greatest thief is a costumed teen burglar by the nome d'arte of Bandette! Gleefully plying her skills on either side of the law alongside her network of street urchins, Bandette is a thorn in the side of both Police Inspector Belgique and the criminal underworld. But it's not all breaking hearts and purloining masterpieces when a rival thief makes a startling discovery. Can even Bandette laugh off a plot against her life?

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Presto! (Bandette, #1)

Introduction

"Presto!" is the first volume of the Bandette series, written by Paul Tobin and illustrated by Colleen Coover. This graphic novel introduces readers to Bandette, a charming and mysterious teenage thief who operates in Paris. With her network of street urchins and her wit, Bandette becomes a thorn in the side of both the police and the criminal underworld. In this book review summary, we will explore the author's background, analyze readers' views, and discuss the reasons for recommending and not recommending this book.

About Paul Tobin

Paul Tobin is an Eisner-award winning and New York Times-bestselling author known for his work on comic books and graphic series. He has written several successful titles, including "Bandette," "Colder," and "I Was the Cat." Tobin's writing style is characterized by its humor, charm, and ability to create engaging stories that captivate readers. His collaboration with Colleen Coover, the illustrator of "Bandette," has resulted in a visually stunning and entertaining graphic novel series.

Analysis of Views

Charming and Fun: Readers praise "Presto!" for its charming and fun nature. The story is described as a delightful and lighthearted read that brings a smile to their faces. The characters, particularly Bandette, are portrayed as likable and relatable, making it easy for readers to become invested in their adventures.
Artwork and Atmosphere: The artwork by Colleen Coover is widely acclaimed for its beauty and ability to enhance the atmosphere of the story. The watercolor illustrations create a pastel France that feels like an homage to classic cartoons or European comics. The art style complements the book's tone, making it perfect for younger readers while still appealing to a broader audience.
Campy and Campaign: Readers appreciate the campy and playful tone of "Presto!" It reminds them of classic adventure TV shows and 1960s Batman comics, adding a nostalgic element to the storytelling. The campy atmosphere adds to the overall enjoyment of the book, making it a fun and entertaining read.
Lack of Depth: Some readers feel that "Presto!" lacks depth in its character development and world-building. They feel that while the story is engaging and enjoyable, it doesn't provide enough background information or context for the characters and their motivations. This lack of depth may prevent readers from fully immersing themselves in the story.
Short Stories and Bonus Content: While some readers appreciate the inclusion of short stories featuring Bandette's recurring characters, others feel that they are too short to add value or depth to the main story. They suggest that if the second volume contains these additional stories, they may choose to skip them to focus on the main narrative.

Reasons for Recommendation

Charming and Fun: Readers recommend "Presto!" for its charm and fun nature. The book's lighthearted tone and likable characters make it an enjoyable read that can put a smile on anyone's face. It's perfect for all ages and offers a refreshing break from more serious or darker comics.
Stunning Artwork: The beautiful watercolor artwork by Colleen Coover is another reason why readers recommend "Presto!" The art style complements the storytelling and creates a visually stunning reading experience. The vibrant colors and detailed illustrations add depth and charm to the book.
Nostalgic Elements: The campy and playful tone of "Presto!" reminds readers of classic adventure TV shows and 1960s Batman comics. This nostalgic element adds a sense of familiarity and comfort to the reading experience, making it a perfect choice for fans of retro comics or those looking for a fun escape from modern comics.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Depth: Some readers feel that "Presto!" lacks depth in its character development and world-building. They find it challenging to become invested in the story without sufficient background information or context for the characters' motivations. This lack of depth may prevent readers from fully engaging with the book.
Short Stories: While some readers appreciate the inclusion of short stories featuring Bandette's recurring characters, others feel that they are too short to add value or depth to the main story. They suggest that if the second volume contains these additional stories, they may choose to skip them to focus on the main narrative. This may limit the appeal of the book for those who are looking for more substance in their reading experience.

Conclusion

"Presto!" (Bandette, #1) is a charming and fun graphic novel that introduces readers to Bandette, a teenage thief operating in Paris. Written by Paul Tobin and illustrated by Colleen Coover, this book has received praise for its artwork, lighthearted tone, and nostalgic elements reminiscent of classic adventure TV shows and 1960s Batman comics. While some readers appreciate the inclusion of short stories featuring Bandette's recurring characters, others feel that they lack depth and detract from the main narrative. Overall, "Presto!" offers a delightful reading experience that appeals to fans of offbeat comics looking for a lighthearted escape from more serious stories.