This dream-team matchup of Yang and Kim brings together three strikingly different graphic short stories. ... Visually, each story is a world unto itself...defined by a well-polished sensibility that works wonders in concert with the multiple-layered themes being explored. Absolutely not to be missed by anyone who welcomes the leaps available solely to graphic storytelling.” —Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
“A rousing and thought-provoking exploration of fantasy versus reality from the much-lauded comics veterans Yang and Kim. ... Begging for multiple readings, this exceptionally clever examination of fantasy and perception is one to be pored over and ruminated upon.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
“Winning characters and unorthodox, compelling plot twists make this trio of tales highly recommended for teen and adult collections. Excellent also for educators as case studies to teach comics and short story writing.” —Library Journal
“Yang and Kim explore the power of dreams and, more to the point, the power of waking up. ... It's an optimistic volume, with big questions growing out of superbly inventive storytelling.” —The Horn Book, STARRED REVIEW
“In each story, the punchline tips the fantasy back to a surprising reality that is ultimately affirmative for the characters in different ways. ... Taken together, the stories offer opportunities for discussion about the multiple ways fantasy can enrich our lives, as well as some of its attendant dangers.” —Bulletin of the Center for the Children's Book
“Two pros in action... Longtime friends Yang, who wrote the comics, and Derek Kirk Kim, who illustrated...acknowledge the human need for escape (in a clever twist within 'Duncan's Kingdom,' comics themselves are the escape) but also ultimately to own and make decisions about one's reality. [The Eternal Smile] widens the scope of the way comics work and their infinite potential for creativity and for teaching us about ourselves.” —Shelf Awareness
“Printz Award winning author Yang and Eisner Award winning author Kim...never go exactly where the reader expects and the results are compelling. ... The art is distinct to each story, whether old-fashioned comic book, manga, kiddie-comic, or a limited palette indy comic. The title is fitting - these dark stories end with a smile and some hope. All is not totally well, but you get the feeling things will be okay.” —Geri Diorio, VOYA
“The Eternal Smile entwines fantasy and reality with remarkable ease into a delightful story. Surprise twists will keep readers engrossed to the very last page. Yang and Kim cater to fans of all genres, as they gracefully touch on nearly every subject imaginable. ... Every element of this graphic novel is woven together into a flawless masterpiece.” —Lucy Freeman, teen reviewer
Printz medalist Gene Luen Yang and Eisner winner Derek Kirk Kim rise masterfully to the challenge…What they're doing here, with wit and grace, is heady stuff for smart teens: exploring the way fantasy sustains (and sabotages) three very different characters.
—The Washington Post
A rousing and thought-provoking exploration of fantasy versus reality from the much-lauded comics veterans Yang and Kim. Three tales evince very different realities and viewpoints, though all are tied together by this common thread. Duncan, the hero of the first, is desperately seeking the approval of the Princess, though something in his kingdom doesn't seem quite right. In the next, an anthropomorphized, avaricious amphibian named Gran'pa Greenbax seeks to be the richest frog in the land, only to discover that his domain isn't quite what he thought it was. In the last, a painfully shy office worker distorts her own perception-and judgment-to create a reality more pleasing. Readers looking for another American Born Chinese (by Yang, 2006) may be pleasantly surprised: While a very different format both visually and thematically, this book offers similarly plotted ingenious twists. Begging for multiple readings, this exceptionally clever examination of fantasy and perception is one to be pored over and ruminated upon. (Graphic fiction. YA)
