Reviews of Project H and media interviews with the author Brandon Carstens.
- REVIEWS
- Aint It Cool News - reviewed by Mark L. Miller aka Ambush Bug:
When I first received a letter from the makers of this book stating that they had a comic to send me from South Africa, I thought it was one of those internet email scams. But after further inspection, I found out that this was one of those opportunities that a reviewer doesn't often get: a chance to review an authentic comic that most people don't know about and a chance to let people know how special it really is.
I couldn't help but feel the authenticity of this original graphic novel as I read it. From the use of common South African slang to the culture that oozes from every page, aside from the story, it is an amazing slideshow of African society and how the culture is both so much like my own American one, yet altogether different. Not only did I feel entertained by the story (which I'll get to in a second), but once I put the book down, I felt educated by the glimpse into another culture and inspired by the uplifting message within.
(Read more at the AICN website) - Cape Times - reviewed by Joanne Hichens:
... in general it’s authentic, creatively told and entertaining ... If Carstens sticks to producing great stories, Sam Hart, known for never following any man’s dogma, could be a household hero, appealing to comic lovers of all ages.
(Read a transcript of the review) - SL Magazine - reviewed by Craig Wilson:
... Project H is not only a fantastic example of the creative possibilities the graphic novel presents, but a local one too ... Lovingly illustrated, well written and poignant, Project H is simply excellent.
(Read a transcript of the review) - Jay Heale - bookchat.co.za:
...a strong, highly effective story which could have profound impact on the teenagers of today who so often lack a sense of direction... (book reviews 2008)
- Mike Nicol - journalist, author of the crime novel Payback and the biography Mandela – The Authorised Portrait:
I do have a huge amount of enthusiasm for a graphic novel called Project H ... this graphic novel is a much more complex work than you’d find in your average cape and tights comic. In fact it’s packed with action, intriguing ideas, and enough poignancy and anger to make it a gripping read.
(from the Crime Beat blog) - Chantel Erfort, Editor, Cape Community Newspapers (selected as Editor's choice):
Project H provides entertaining reading ... just the right balance between reality and imagination ... has a lot of drama, some twists and turns, a couple of surprises ...
(Read a full transcript of the review) - Eye On Comics - reviewed by Don MacPherson, Canadian comics reviewer:
... To my pleasure, I found that South African culture factored heavily into this murder mystery/conspiracy story ... There’s no denying that Carstens’s ideas are challenging and engaging...
- INTERVIEWS
- Crime Beat Interview: by Cape Town author and journalist Mike Nicol on his Crime Beat blog hosted by Book SA.
- Newspaper Interview: by Chantel Erfort, editor of Cape Community Newspapers.
- Radio interview: SAfm Literature show hosted by Karabo Kgoleng. Download MP3 of the interview here OR click the play button on the player below. (courtesy of SAfm)
- Radio interview: Heart 104.9fm Book Lovers Club show hosted by Saskia Falken. Download MP3 of the interview here OR click the play button on the player below. (courtesy of Heart 104.9fm)
