Bone Volume 5: Rock Jaw: Master of the Eastern Border

At first when I started reading this I was worried because it felt like it was Jeff Smith venturing into the dreaded "middle ground" territory that I was mentioning in the most recent posting about Bone (the previous volume of the series that I reviewed). I was scared that Jeff Smith was simply utilizing a device to create more issues of the Bone series, but once I got to the end of this slightly shorter volume I recognized that what Smith was creating here was some more tension. Also introducing some other characters while showcasing the heart of a few important characters that we had seen in previous volumes. This volume made me actually like the two rat creatures that have been roaming around since the beginning of the series. Smith show more has a way of creating the world through his artwork due to its beauty and then sucker-punching us with the dialogue that takes place within that world. This is something that I wish I could see as an animated series because I believe it would work with a great company backing it with the right finances. This volume proved that even filler material can have a place within the context of a series if it makes you feel something that you have not felt for characters in the series. This definitely did and due to that it is still making this series one of my all-time favorite graphic novel reads ever. I highly suggest this series to anyone that wants a great read because you will enjoy it. There is something here for everyone. From the beautiful artwork to the mystery surrounding characters. There is even a bit of romance for those that enjoy that. Truly this series has something for every single person that would ever want to read it, so pick up a copy at your bookstore, library, or anywhere else you can get this because it will be worth your time! show less

The first time I read this volume, I was disappointed (especially since it was such a long wait between volumes due to Smith's hand injury). It seemed disconnected from the previous volumes due to the change of setting and primarily new cast of characters. But by series completion I realized how necessary this was as it was stealthily serving as a secondary expository volume for the worlds about to intersect. Brilliant.

It almost feels like a side story given the title and the lack of half of the main characters. But with that limited viewpoint, the story is more focused. It also discusses the idea of sides and good and bad in a relative way, which is often interesting and was interesting here.

Bone is great fantasy. The illustrations are clear, crisp and entertaining, and the writing is full of wit and wonder. In this installment, I especially like how it begins with Fone Bone lulling the rat creatures into a coma with his oral rendition of Moby Dick! It starts the reader off laughing and doesn't let up.

This is the 5th book in the nine book Bone series by Jeff Smith. This is a good installment in the series and introduces some new characters to the series.

This book deals with Fone Bone and Smiley Bone and the rat monster baby that they saved. They encounter a new (large and in charge) character, a giant cougar, named Roque Ja. Of course the Bones take to calling him Rock Jaw which pisses him off. There is much running from bad guys and trying to determine who is one who's side and just how you define good and evil.

To be honest this wasn't my favorite installment in this series. You don't get to see Thorn or Gma at all in this book and I missed them. Also I am unsure what the point of all of the orphaned animals joining the group was show more since they all left at the end of the story. I am assuming this will all tie together somehow...eventually. But the story didn't seem to make much progress.

There also were a lot of things I really did like though. Rock Jaw is an awesome new character and his discussion of good and evil is a..uh..good one. This is a discussion we had with my son not too long ago when we were trying to explain (to a four year old) how good and evil kind of depends on perspective. I liked that we also learn more about the history behind the valley.

There was a lot of stuff that happened in this installment that was a bit piecemeal. Having not read the rest of the series yet I can only assume it will be significant in future installments. Like in previous installments there are some very funny parts in here and the illustration is spot on like always.

Overall I really enjoyed this Bone installment, but I liked it a little bit less than the previous few. I missed Thorn and didn't understand how some of the small things that happened will relate to the rest of the story. I did really enjoy Rock Jaw though and hope we see him in future installments. I am excitedto read the next book, Old Man's Cave, to see how the story progresses. show less

This volume of Bone is concerned with Phone and Smiley's effort to return a stray rat creature cub to its kind. Many complications ensue, with opportunities to reveal more about the larger plot around events in the valley. There are no humans in this segment, but there is a lot of action, with multiple chases and a big fight or two. And Smith really lays on the cute, with the possum kids encountering various peers in the eastern mountains. On the whole, this collection is a fine installment in the continuing series.

While Rogue Ja is an interesting character, this volume does not advance the plot very much. We get a little history and a little legend, but other than that we are treated to a round trip where the heroes end up exactly where they started. The confessions of the rat creatures gives us nothing we didn't already know. Still, it is an entertaining ride.

Smith's art remains top-notch, but his story lags quite a bit in this middle section. Hopefully it will rise out of this mire as the conclusion draws nearer.