The Exile
An Outlander Graphic Novel
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3.5 • 188 Ratings
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
Diana Gabaldon’s brilliant storytelling has captivated millions of readers in her bestselling and award-winning Outlander saga. Now, in her first-ever graphic novel, Gabaldon gives readers a fresh look at the events of the original Outlander: Jamie Fraser’s side of the story, gorgeously rendered by artist Hoang Nguyen.
After too long an absence, Jamie Fraser is coming home to Scotland—but not without great trepidation. Though his beloved godfather, Murtagh, promised Jamie’s late parents he’d watch over their brash son, making good on that vow will be no easy task. There’s already a fat bounty on the young exile’s head, courtesy of Captain Black Jack Randall, the sadistic British officer who’s crossed paths—and swords—with Jamie in the past. And in the court of the mighty MacKenzie clan, Jamie is a pawn in the power struggle between his uncles: aging chieftain Colum, who demands his nephew’s loyalty—or his life—and Dougal, war chieftain of Clan MacKenzie, who’d sooner see Jamie put to the sword than anointed Colum’s heir.
And then there is Claire Randall—mysterious, beautiful, and strong-willed, who appears in Jamie’s life to stir his compassion . . . and arouse his desire.
But even as Jamie’s heart draws him to Claire, Murtagh is certain she’s been sent by the Old Ones, and Captain Randall accuses her of being a spy. Claire clearly has something to hide, though Jamie can’t believe she could pose him any danger. Still, he knows she is torn between two choices—a life with him, and whatever it is that draws her thoughts so often elsewhere.
Step into the captivating, passionate, and suspenseful world of The Exile, and experience the storytelling magic of Diana Gabaldon as never before.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The Exile is a fine addition to any Outlander fan's collection, but as a graphic novel, it's a disappointment. A rewrite of Gabaldon's bestselling time-travel romance from the point of view of her 18th-century Scottish hero, the graphic novel suffers under the weight of dialogue intended for a much longer book. Scenes that ought to be exciting, such as sword fights and escapes from the law are breezed over in a page or two. Approximately four out of five panels are simply talking heads, and despite Nguyen's most valiant efforts, it simply isn't visually interesting. While Nguyen draws charmingly expressive faces for the rest of the characters, the hero spends half the story in the same close-lipped grimace, even when he's talking. Even without the novel's rape scenes, both straight and gay, the story itself remains problematic. The time-traveling Claire, who is already married back in her own time, is forced to marry Jamie in order to save her life. The otherwise sympathetic hero beats his wife because "I will have to punish you," and her objections to this are treated like a joke. Still, Outlander fans should enjoy seeing the character rendered to Gabaldon's exacting standards.
Customer Reviews
The Exile
It is fun to see the writer's images fleshed out. It is certainly different from my own, but a great way to pass the time while I pass the time waiting for the next installment of the story.
Awesome Outlander Graphic Novel-NOT a comic book!!
Beautifully illustrated and of course, Jamie's story is compelling-it's Gabaldon doing some of her as usual fine work. It's a shame the folks who gave this such a low rating failed to realize that a Graphic Novel is by definition a story of substantial length which is illustrated. Since Gabaldon has a back-ground in comic books, her venture into Graphic Novels is a pleasant surprise and this offering is an example of one of the best collaborations I've seen; beautiful artwork and wonderful storytelling. I love these characters and having them come to life visually (based on Gabaldon's descriptions) has been an incredible treat.
Awful illustration
The illustrations are terrible -muddy, crude and difficult to tell the difference between characters. Surprising, as its a great story that could be enjoyable in this format. Also, it does not seem possible to increase the font size except by manually pinching out each and every page which is tedious. Think I will stick with the books.