Brody's Ghost Volume 5 Paperback – Illustrated, April 22, 2014

First, I'd like to say I understand where the disappointment of the reader Bl0b comes from, but I don't agree with it. This volume doesn't pack as many punches or bring new things to the table like the others did, and so, sure, if this was an episodic series, you might just not find it as good, and since there's a year gap between each book, feel particularly let down. Now the thing is, this series isn't episodic, it tells a whole story, each volume has to work as part of it, it feels unavoidable to have a more lower key, contemplative volume before the big climax in the last one.What I like about this volume:- Talia and Brody's conflict. It's interesting to realize Talia could actually be exclusively out for herself this whole time, she dismissed another person's life and the feelings of the man who's gone through hell and back to be able to do what she needs him too (albeit with his own interests in mind). Before this, I could easily dismiss Talia's behavior towards him as just her being headstrong in the way female leads in shonen often are, now it really looks she couldn't care less about anyone but herself, which makes sense, actually, given she's been wandering by alone and seeing her mother suffer for the last five years.- Talia's mother. What an interesting character! She immediately disarms Brody and forces him to be honest with her, then we realize she never lost the conviction her daughter's spirit couldn't find peace even as it landed her in a mental hospital. I was genuinely impressed, I expected her to be a one dimensional "sob character" (think Katara in lok).- The fact Nicole wasn't anywhere to be seen. I think she might be involved with this much deeper than Brody suspects, I mean, she is dating a clear villain, and she did turn Brody in knowing he'd end up tortured and dead (I doubt she actually has no idea she lives in a corrupt world with corrupt police forces).- Brody's careless giving in to his pride not paying off, one of the most annoying shonen cliches is having the hero be rewarded for an inconsequential action because they did it in a moment of anger.What I liked about the series:- The artwork. It's very well drawn, the anatomy is good, and the layout flows so well, in a mix of shojo, shonen and comics techniques, that it's really as if you were watching things unfold rather than reading them. At a scene in particular, where Talia starts talking about her past, I could feel her close-in dissolving into the scene.-The little easter eggs, the miki falls books Talia's arm goes through, Death Note on Brody's messed room (and some diaries series I don't know), Miyazaki references, and how the signs in different languages to showcase the diversity of the world are written correctly.I'd make a list of things I disliked but I really have no complaints about this series, and will eagerly await its conclusion.

Ever since the first book, I've been hooked on the Brody's Ghost graphic novel series. The stunning, black and white, manga-esque artwork; the complex characters, and the engaging plot is constantly filled with twists and turns, and each installment of ghost-seer Brody's quest to figure out who killed his ghost friend, Talia, and catch the serial killer before his girlfriend becomes the next victim, builds and builds. With each book, the stakes are heightened, and the cliffhangers are even more nail-biting than the last.In this installment, after Brody tries protecting his girlfriend from the man he suspects is the "Penny Murderer", his seemingly-crazy behavior puts him in the crosshairs over practically every cop in the city. At the end of his rope, he and Talia have an arguement over what their next move should be, to which Brody crosses a line and goes to visit Talia's mother (something Talia previously forbade against). The visit gives him a sudden revelation over who the serial killer might be (or at least where he'll strike), but too late, the police finally capture him. After failing to make an escape from the cops, Brody finds himself cornered and losing conciousness...and begging a still-scorned and non-responsive Talia for help.Our two main characters definately hit a crossroads in this, and a great bit of trust is both broken, as well as tested. The most pivital moment comes when we get to meet Talia's mother, and see her reaction to finding out her daughter's a ghost. And it all leads to the most suspenseful cliffhanger ever. All I can say is, I can't wait for the final book to see how this exciting storyline all ends.

Awesome I love it. I have all the books. It is simply a good story. I have read people talking about the art getting sloppy in some frames. Well just look for videos about Mark Crilley and you will see he is an some artist and the art simple match the media. If you don't believe look in to Naruto from the artistic point of view.

All the Brody's ghost books have been great. I like the way the story is told, and you get a real feeling for what is going on in the characters' minds without the author having to tell you. It's not all action, in this book, but it makes up for that with a great story. Action wise, you still feel the stress Brody is under, and he always seems to come up with an impressive use of his powers.Very detailed drawings help to convey the world and the expressions of the characters.

Book five of Mark Crilley's "Brody's Ghost" tells the next events that happen to Brody while he's searching for a girl's murderer by using his psychic abilities to find clues to discover the killer's identity. At this point, Brody is running out of time and options as he narrows down the suspects and must avoid his ex-girlfriend's mafia boyfriend. Great artwork, exciting storytelling and a twist that sets up book six nicely.

Book 5 in the series for Brody's Ghost by Mark Crilley, is definitely worth the read. I found this installment to be very compelling. I am really looking forward to the next book by Crilley.+Interesting story of main character and his development.+Supporting cast is fun and fresh.+Direction of story drives you to want more. (personal opinion)

While I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and think that Mark Crilley is an amazing artist, I can't help but feel that this installment feels just a bit rushed. While the story is compelling as ever, the art seems much looser than in previous issues--not sloppy, but definitely more "sketched" than fully rendered--especially compared to some of the beautiful detail in the earlier issues. Having said that, there are some touching moments as Brody delves deeper into Talia's past, and some really nail-biting action sequences--so not a bad issue overall. Suffice it to say, I haven't lost any enthusiasm for the story and can't wait to see where it goes from here.

I am really enjoying the Brody's Ghost series. In Volume 5 the story takes an unexpected turn and is slower paced than the previous volumes which some people have not liked. But I think this was very clever of Mark Crilley as he has paved the way for an exciting finale in Volume 6. As usual the art work is excellent. Well done Mark Crilley.

I really enjoyed this edition. As usual the artwork was outstanding and the story flows really well. The only worry I have is this is a 6 part series and I think 1 more issue is too short to wrap it all up. I hope the last one is as good and we aren't left feeling let down but this issue was great.

Fast delivery. My daughter loves Mark crilley as an artist so was very happy when the first book in this series came out. She now has all five, and although it only took her half an hour to read it, she really loves them and is waiting for the new one in April.

excellent book in this series, Mark Crilley does not disappoint, the art work is flawless and the story is brilliant...another good read from this Author.

This was bought as a present for my nephew and very much appreciated by him.