Gray

Arvind Ethan David

Quick Take

A contemporary reimaging of the classic Oscar Wilde novel, "The Picture of Dorian Gray," Gray is a supernatural revenge thriller about an alluring but violent woman, Dorian Gray, who seeks vengeance on a cabal of powerful men who wronged her years ago; and of the straight-laced African American detective with a past of his own, who is tasked with stopping her.The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde's only novel and one of the classics of gothic literature, is the tale of the most beautiful man of his age, who sells his soul and his conscience in exchange for eternal youth, beauty and power - and who spends his life murdering, raping and corrupting. All the time in his attic, his picture degrades and rots.GRAY takes that basic idea but flips its moral framework and gender archetypes: our DORIAN GRAY is a Millennial social media princess who drifts through the coolest cliques of NYC, breaking hearts and turning heads wherever she goes. But Dorian has secrets. For one thing, she's a violent criminal. For another, she's an immortal creature of magic, who commits violent burglaries and assaults some of New York's most powerful men.30 years ago, whilst an innocent student, Dorian was sexually assaulted by these men. In that moment that she became something both more and less than human. 30 years later, but not a day older, she's ready for her revenge. Then Dorian meets Detective HANK WUTAN, the African-American NYPD detective assigned to stop these crimes, struggling with his own loyalties as a Black cop in the era of Defund the Police. Despite the fact that Dorian is his suspect number one, and he is effectively working for her abusers, they fall for each other, hard.GRAY takes Wilde's classic novel and reinvents it as a tale of cathartic revenge for the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter era, a violent fantasy about how powerful, super-rich white men don't always win, how the powerless can find justice, and about how a murderous demon and a law-abiding detective can be soul mates.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Gray

Introduction

"Gray" is a contemporary reimagining of Oscar Wilde's classic novel, "The Picture of Dorian Gray." In this thrilling supernatural revenge story, author Arvind Ethan David takes the original tale and flips its moral framework and gender archetypes. The protagonist, Dorian Gray, is a Millennial social media princess who seeks vengeance on a cabal of powerful men who wronged her years ago. Alongside Detective Hank Wutan, an African American cop with a past, Dorian embarks on a journey filled with cathartic revenge, exploring themes of justice and power dynamics.

About Arvind Ethan David

Arvind Ethan David, the author of "Gray," is a writer and filmmaker known for his unique storytelling style. With a background in both literature and film, David brings his expertise to the world of graphic novels, creating engaging narratives that captivate readers. His ability to blend genres and explore complex themes sets him apart as a talented storyteller.

Analysis of Views

A Fresh Take on a Classic: Readers praise the book for its unique approach to the original story. By reimagining Dorian Gray as a violent woman seeking revenge, David adds a new layer to the classic tale, exploring themes of gender, power, and justice in the modern age.
Engaging Pace: Many readers appreciate the fast-paced nature of the story, finding themselves hooked from the beginning. The pacing keeps readers flipping pages to uncover the next twist and revelation, creating a sense of anticipation throughout the narrative.
Stunning Artwork: The artwork in "Gray" receives high praise from readers. The illustrations by Eugenia Koumaki are described as gorgeous, with a distinctive style that enhances the overall reading experience. The use of colors and shading adds depth and emotion to the characters and scenes.
Well-Developed Characters: Readers appreciate the depth and complexity of the characters in "Gray." The protagonist, Dorian Gray, is portrayed as an anti-hero who captures readers' attention with her charisma and vulnerability. The relationship between Dorian and Detective Wutan is also explored in depth, creating a compelling dynamic that keeps readers invested in their journey.
Timely Themes: The book tackles timely social issues such as women's rights, minorities' rights, and police work. By incorporating these themes into the story, David adds relevance and resonance to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking read for contemporary audiences.

Reasons for Recommendation

Fresh Perspective: Readers recommend "Gray" for its fresh take on a classic tale. By reimagining Dorian Gray as a violent woman seeking revenge, David adds new layers to the story and explores timely themes that resonate with contemporary readers.
Engaging Pace: The fast-paced nature of the story keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for both suspenseful moments and moments of reflection, creating a well-rounded reading experience.
Stunning Artwork: The artwork in "Gray" is praised for its beauty and impact. The illustrations enhance the storytelling, adding depth and emotion to the characters and scenes. The use of colors and shading creates a visually stunning reading experience that complements the narrative.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Violence: Some readers express concerns about the level of violence in the book. While they appreciate the themes explored in "Gray," they find the graphic nature of some scenes distasteful or excessive. This may be a factor for readers who prefer more subtle or less violent storytelling.
Unresolved Cliffhanger: A few readers mention that the book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving them eagerly anticipating the next volume. While this may be seen as a positive aspect by some, others find it frustrating to have to wait for the conclusion of the story. They may prefer stories with more closure or resolution within a single volume.

Conclusion

"Gray" by Arvind Ethan David offers a compelling reimagining of Oscar Wilde's classic novel, "The Picture of Dorian Gray." With its unique gender-bent approach, exploration of timely themes, and engaging artwork, this graphic novel captivates readers from beginning to end. While some readers appreciate its fresh perspective and fast-paced narrative, others find the level of violence distasteful or express frustration with the unresolved cliffhanger. Overall, "Gray" is recommended for those seeking a thought-provoking read that blends classic literature with contemporary themes and artistic visuals.