Confessions of a graphic novel reader

I've only read a few graphic novels, and have never been very interested in comics (aside from the ones in the back section of the newspaper), but Anita Blake took me by surprise. I fully intended to hate it, but who doesn't love viewing a hyper-sexualized woman kicking ass and taking names? As far as the vampire theme is concerned, well, I've already voiced my opinion on that subject. Dead, or rather undead, human-like creatures that have to suck others' blood for sustenance just doesn't really do anything for me. I understand the phenomena, desiring the undesirable/unattainable, but I can't say that I rank that as an important trait while searching for a partner. Why would I want to be with someone who, in comparison, would make me seem weak, unintelligent, and subject to the ebb and flow of human emotion? Anyway, enough of that tangent, and onto my reaction to the story.

I thought it interesting that the graphic novel was originally based on an actual novel. Honestly, it explains some of the inconsistencies that I noticed while reading. For example, in the text Anita Blake is characterized as this strong, independent, sarcastic woman who won't let anyone, dead or alive, tell her what to do. So while she is making bold comments toward her captors who fully intend on killing her, her body language is expressing something else entirely. Her eyes are looking downward, shoulders hunched, and she looks as if she is about to cry. How odd, that the person drawing felt that she should appear so fragile. Do they have a prejudice against women being powerful, or do they secretly yearn for the "bad guys" to win? Whatever the case, it makes the story less intriguing and more frustrating.

It was also completely unnecessary for Anita Blake to be half naked in nearly every scene, exposing her wide hips, large breasts, long healthy hair, full lips. Okay, I get it, she's fertile. Comics live in the realm of men, and are subject to their whims and fancies. Which explains the shower scene where Little Miss Prude is nude aside from her breasts which are conveniently covered by her hair. That's another thing that bothers me about the story line. Anita shows no interest in sex, is actually rather repulsed by the idea of it, yet goes around wearing tattered shirts that threaten to bust open. What a tease.

As a whole the story was quick paced, easy to read, and held my interest. I enjoyed being able to view the scene as it unfolded, and the graphics were extremely well done.