I have to disagree with Ms. Hallett. I read an excerpt of the novel and I can't wait to buy one at Powells. Not only is her story riveting and at times hilarious, Sandell's illustrations are original and refreshing. Bravo.

I agree with Hallett. Her illustration style looks like she's ripping off Marjane Satrapi without the depth or subtle display of emotional complexity. In other words: when you use an "Idiot's Guide" as a basis for writing a graphic novel, the end result is idiotic. I just hope folks don't encounter this travesty and consider it the basis for what can be done by a quality graphic novelist.