If you're a dedicated fan of The Expanse universe, this graphic novel is a fun way to delve a little deeper into your favorite characters' origins - think of it as an appetizer before the main course. The artwork is colorful and expressive, adding a fresh layer to the world you already know. It's especially appealing for those who enjoy quick reads, visual storytelling, and want that extra glimpse into the backstories of the Roci crew and Miller. If you're craving anything Expanse-related to tide you over between seasons or novels, you'll probably get a kick out of this one.

Who May Not Like This Book:

This book might not hit the mark if you're looking for a detailed, meaty exploration of character backgrounds - the stories are definitely on the brief side. Some readers were surprised to find this is a short graphic novella rather than a traditional novel, and if you prefer text-heavy stories to comics, it may leave you wanting more. Technical limitations can be frustrating, too, as it isn’t easily readable on all devices, especially if you have a monochrome e-ink reader or are not comfortable using dedicated comic-reading apps.

Quick, visually engaging character glimpses for die-hard Expanse fans, but too short and shallow for those looking for in-depth storytelling - best enjoyed as a light companion piece rather than a must-read addition.

About:

'The Expanse Origins: James Holden' is a graphic novel that delves into the background and previous lives of the beloved characters from 'The Expanse' series before they became the crew of the Roci. The book offers a glimpse into the personal histories of characters like James Holden, Naomi Nagata, Amos, Alex, and Detective Miller, providing additional context and insight into their paths that led them to become an incredible team. The stories are presented in a comic book style with dialog clouds, making it an entertaining and quick read for fans of the show and the books.

The book is considered a great companion for fans of 'The Expanse' TV show and books, offering a closer look at the characters' backstories and adding more colors and nuances to the Expanse universe. Despite some opinions mentioning that the backstories may not be particularly in-depth or entirely new for those familiar with the series, 'The Expanse Origins' is still seen as a fun read that fleshes out the characters and provides a deeper understanding of their personal histories.

Characters:

Characters are explored through their backstories, showing depth and development, particularly in their motivations and relationships.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines illustrated comic elements with accessible prose, using visual storytelling to enhance character depth.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on brief backstories of main characters, offering glimpses into key moments that shaped their lives.

Setting:

The setting is a futuristic universe consistent with the Expanse series, providing a rich background for character stories.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast, with stories that can be quickly read, though many readers desire more depth and length.

Notes:

You need a special reader or app to view The Expanse Origins graphic novels.

The graphic novel is only 28 pages long, leading some to feel it was too short.

The artwork is well-received and adds color to the backstory of the Expanse characters.

The stories offer glimpses into characters' lives but lack depth according to some readers.

There are five short stories in the graphic novel, one for each character in the series.

The stories provide some background that fans may already know from the TV series and books.

Many readers were surprised to find out it was a comic book and not a traditional novella.

Some readers faced issues with readability on their devices, particularly on Kindle's monochrome display.

The backstories aren't fully new and some were previously hinted at in the main series.

Despite being short, some found the stories emotionally impactful.

From The Publisher:

Based on the bestselling books and tying into the hit television series, THE EXPANSE ORIGINS reveals the untold origins of the crew members of The Rocinante. As interplanetary tensions reach an all-time high, the crew of The Rocinante finds themselves at the center of a conflict that threatens to destroy all of human civilization. But before they were heroes, each member of the crew faced moments that would come to define them and brought them one step closer to the ship they now call home. Featuring a story by author James S.A. Corey that explores the past of each character and what set them off on the winding roads that led to The Rocinante, this series is a must read for fans of the books and show alike. Before James Holden was a member of the crew of The Rocinante, he was a lieutenant in Earth's navy on board the UNN Zheng Fei. When their ship met an unidentified belter cargo vessel suspected of OPA ties, Holden faced a choice that would come to define his time in the navy.

February 2017

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144 pages

Ratings (2)

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The Expanse Origins: James Holden?

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The Expanse Origins: James Holden

James S.A. Corey, Huang Danlan, Triona Farrell, Georgia Lee, Hallie Lambert (2 more)

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