Bone Volume 2: The Great Cow Race

This second collection of Bone comics advances the overall plot with the same leisurely pace of the first volume. I think I'm very glad to be reading these as anthologies, rather than following them as a monthly comic. This volume has more and better slapstick than the first, and Fone Bone's romantic affection for Thorn is elevated into a proper dilemma. For sheer comedy, the best moment is probably the unravelling of Phoney Bone's scheme on page 73.

In "Lonesome Road" (the fifth chapter of this book, #11 of the original series?), a three-page dialoge between Rose and Lucius provides a very full synopsis of the state of the intrigue--from the human perspective. I can certainly see how such a review would have been important in the show more original serial, but it's helpful even in the current format. There are four intersecting worlds here: the Boneville Bones in exile (Fone, Phoney, and Smiley), the humans (Thorn, Gran'ma Ben, Lucius, villagers and fairgoers), the animals (possums, Ted the bug), and the monsters (red dragon, rat creatures).

In any event, this book solidifies the promise of the first volume and settles into what I'm now confident will be a series worth the continuing read. show less

The second volume in the graphic book collection of the Bone series, this continues the story immediately after the events in the first volume. The chapters have a heavy focus on the Cow Race, as the title indicates, and the heavier plot elements in the series become linked with this silly escapade. Phony Bone is still trying to rig the race by having Smiley Bone masquerade as the mystery cow, give Granma Ben a run for her money, and then let her win. One of the most hilarious sequences from this book was when Smiley revealed his rather ugly hand-made cow costume, and constantly mooed to show he was a real cow. Fone Bone realizes his cousin is up to something, but is unable to stop him; plus, he is trying to work through his love show more troubles, since Thorn would rather walk through the fair with a cute boy than him.

While Phoney manages to hook most of the Barrelhaven residents to bet on the mystery cow, Fone retreats to the woods to write a love letter to Thorn. And then things fall apart: Lucius, the owner of the tavern, bets everything he has on Rose (Granma Ben), completely disrupting Phoney's plans to skew the betting; Phoney tries to get in the costume with Smiley to help him win; and Fone is discovered by two rat creatures. As Fone dashes off to escape he accidentally falls in a pile of sleeping rat creatures, who wake up and chase him right into the cow race. Now there are cows, bones, rat creatures, and Granma Ben all running together. Granma still manages to win, and discover the true identity of the mystery cow, but she doesn't need to punish the underhanded bones - the town does it for her. Granma Ben, Thorn, and Lucius rescue Phoney from yet another raging mob that wants to destroy him, and they head back to Granma's demolished farm.

The story continues to entertain, and while we don't see the creepy hooded figure, several references are made to the ominous future that is awaiting our characters. I am really starting to care for these characters, who are funny and clever and so real. I didn't expect that the author would invest so much personality into simple white drawings. Even the rat creatures have endeared themselves to me, particularly the squabbling of the two most featured in the story. I love that one of them always wants quiche - hilarious. I have a strong feeling that the series is heading in an excellent direction, and I am excited to keep reading and find out. show less

In this volume, we get more of Fone Bone's crush on Thorn (priceless), more of Thorn's memories of Deren Gard (intriguing), and Phoney Bone's and Smiley Bone's fixing of the Great Cow Race (hilarious). I really try to slow down and enjoy Smith's illustrations, especially facial expressions on the Bones and the rat creatures. When the rat creatures are chasing Fone Bone ("Stupid stupid rat creatures!") each panel is a joke in and of itself. This is great stuff.

This is the second Bone graphic novel out of nine. This was a great addition to the story and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Fone Bone and his buddies are getting ready for the Great Cow Race. Grandma is hoping to win, but Phoney Bone is creating some money mischief in the betting pool that is bound to get the Bones in trouble again. In addition to this the broader more mysterious storyline is also added to: Thorne is having strange dreams that she confesses to Fone Bone and Fone Bone is again attacked by the Rat-like creatures whose purpose is yet unknown. Even our friendly cigar smoking red dragon makes a brief appearance.

This was a fun installment in the Bone comics series. Not quite as adventurous and mysterious as the first one, this one show more was funnier and dealt mainly with the cow races. Interwoven with that are some more serious story elements such as what the deal is with Thorne's strange dreams and why their house was attacked and destroyed by the rat creatures.

The drawing is well done, just like in the first book. There is a lot of humor here mixed up with the more serious stuff. This is a graphic novel appropriate for all ages.

Overall a great addition to this series. I have really been enjoying it a lot. Eventually I think I am going to have to buy keeper copies of these (I've been getting them from the library). I look forward to reading the third book, Eyes of the Storm, soon. show less

This one was more interesting for me since the setup is out of the way. The characters get more time to interact with one another while curious things develop at the story's edge. And the cow race itself makes for a fun plot/setting.

This second scholastic edition of this series was just as good as the first volume. This edition maintains the child-like and simplistic nature that draws the reader into the series. The mystery also starts peeling away slightly as we begin to understand who the real players are and what may be happening, but it is still only slightly. This collection is great because it is really about a cow race. I don't want to give away plot points, but it shows strongly the character of Grandma Ben in my opinion and helps build her up as an important character of the entire series. I also like several of the interactions and dialogue here because it adds humerous repetitive jokes, but also helps to create layers to the characters. I again must show more applaud Smith for his work because he has created something truly unique in this series and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Bone series. show less

Moving a little away from some of the darker themes in the first book, the Great Cow Race is about Phoney Bone's nefarious plot to bilk the locals by hyping a surprise entrant in the race versus Grandma, the perennial winner, who is portrayed as "over the hill." Light, but enjoyable read. I was disappointed that my library book was only black and white, and missing some of the excellent coloration from the first book I read.