Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Paperback – January 1, 2007

I was simply stunned by how engaging, thought provoking, and fun this graphic novel was.I have always been a huge fan of the "Blade Runner" movie(in all its incarnations). I knew it was somewhat based on a novel called, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Phillip K. Dick. I never read that novel though. When I recently discovered that it had been turned into a 6 volume graphic novel series, being a huge fan of graphic novels, I was extremely excited and wondered how it would be adapted from the original novel. Never having read that novel, I wouldn't know what changes were made, but figured I would at least get an idea of what the PKD's book was like. Then I found out that the people at BOOM! Studios were doing something that I'd never seen done before; instead of an abridged or adapted version of the novel, they were using the novel WORD FOR WORD! Every single word from the novel was going to be in the graphic novel. Not only did this pique my curiosity, but it also had me a little concerned as to how they would pull it off. A graphic novel is, by nature, a visual medium where stories are told as much through artwork as through the written word. In many instances, the artwork carries the story MORE than the writing. So how well would this new method work? In short, brilliantly.One of my worries was that much of the panels would be obscured by all the words that would have to fit on the page. This, I'm happy to say, was not the case. I don't know how they did it, but they managed to allow for the images(which are fantastic by the way) to be viewed with no problem. I thought, before reading it, that maybe they would use tiny lettering. Nope. The lettering is just fine in terms of size; I also liked the font used by Richard Starkings(one of the greats). The way this book is designed and crafted is nothing short of genius. The placement of the panels, word balloons, etc. is done as well as any graphic novel I have ever read.PKD's writing is top-notch. I was really missing out by not reading his novel. And I am now a big fan of his. His style is right up my alley. He both tells a great story in terms of wonderfully realized and interesting characters and enthralling plots and subplots, as well as giving the reader several themes that forces one to examine such age-old questions as, "What makes us human?" and, "How does one determine what reality truly is?". Prejudice and conformity are also themes at play here. The way that the writing captivates you and pulls you in to this bleak futuristic world is second to none. PKD really knows how to entertain and encourage philosophical thinking. He's now one of my favorite new writers. He's a true visionary.The artwork of Tony Parker is phenomenal. His style is kind of similar to that of Frank Quitely(whom I have a love/hate relationship with, as described in my review of "All-Star Superman") and Pete Woods. It really works fantastically here. It brings the world to life in a superbly detailed and visually dynamic and fresh way that slightly echoes that of Ridley Scott's "Blade Runner", but without copying it. So although there is a familiarity to some degree for those who have seen "Blade Runner", it really is its own unique universe. And having a little "Blade Runner"-esque feel to it isn't such a bad thing in my opinion. I'd also like to point out how tough a job it must have been for Parker to express the scenes visually when the writing is already doing much of the work itself. Yet he pulls it off by chosing the perfect moments to articulate artistically through his gorgeous linework and stunning angles. And the coloring of Blond is beautifully done as well. The nuances of color scheme and lighting is pure eye-candy. Overall, the artwork compliments the writing perfectly.This graphic novel is a real treasure and immediate classic. BOOM! Studios chose the perfect team to bring this revolutionary way of graphic novel stroytelling to life. I'd also like to say how insightful and entertaining the essays at the back of the book are. And I want to express how excellently this hardcover is made and put together. Love the binding and the thick glossy pages, as well as the ribbon bookmark. I anxiously await getting the next 5 volumes. If you are a fan of "Blade Runner" or PKD's original novel, you really need to check this out. This could start a new trend in the way graphic novel adaptations of novels are done. I still love the standard way of graphic novel storytelling, but this new way(at least in this instance) is also amazing. Very cool!

This book is even better then I remember. It's interesting to see the difference between the book and the movie Blade Runner. For instance, in the novel Pris and Rachael are identical in appearance.It is awesome to have to complete set of the graphic novel.

I thaught I orderd the original novel, but it is a graphic novel. If that's what your looking for, it arrived on time and in good condition. I just wish they had made it more clear in the description.

I liked the story. I loved the film. I think this is better than both. This format is excellent. There is nothing missed from the book and we get to see the colorful frames that are similar to the film. These books are going to be so much fun to read that I can't wait to get the next volume. The artwork is a perfect representation of this future earth that is overcrowded and under stimulated. It is a great portrait of Decker and his mundane mornings. The action that is to come is sure to be great. I would almost say that this is the perfect vehicle for this story. The quality of the book was good, the paper was good stock and the hardcover should last years on my shelf, allowing me to be able to read it again and again. I can't wait to own them all!

My initial curiosity about the book's rather title paid off. This is no mindless plunge into vengeance, with accompanying demigods and violent, momentarily young heroes. Rather it deals with timeless questions about humanity, presenting them in a setting so minimalist that one cannot but comprehend it and the conflicts involved. The question of how far humans dare go in transacting with machines remains vital, even if it seems not to receive the same attention these days.

I love Blade Runner. It is, without a doubt, my favorite sci-fi movie ever. Unfortunately, I have never read the book by Phillip K. Dick. One day I heard about a graphic novel adaptation on the book, my initial reaction was to pass on it. My reasoning behind this was that I should read the source material before I read any adaptation. Then I heard that this was more of an experiment and less of an adaptation. The studio who was in charge of this graphic novel wanted to include ALL of the original text from the book. I was hooked from that moment on. When I received this first volume in the mail, I read it and I was amazed with the quality of the art and the intricate prose that Dick had written. I love this book. This is how a graphic novel should be done. If I have one complaint is that sometimes the amount of text in each panel is a little overwhelming. But I would much rather have the entire text of the book, than an abridged version of it. I am very pleased with this product, and anybody who is a fan of Dick or a fan of Blade Runner should buy this entire series. I know I will.

For fans of Philip K. Dick's book, this is an enjoyable way to return to the book, or to read it for the first time. The overall structure of the graphic novel is identical to the book, and the dialogue is straight from the original text. What I enjoyed most about the entire series is that this adds another exciting visual vision to the popular story. The graphics enhance the story, and are worth a second and third look. I really enjoyed being able to approach the novel in this way. Thanks to the team that made this a reality. I highly recommend it to lovers of graphic novels, and fans of Philip K. Dick.

A thought provoking and visually stimulating presentation of a classic in SciFi literature. Reading this book has started, and maintained, conversations of intent and meaning in conversation and words used to convey meaning. A definite bonus in my library.