My mom is obsessed with OUTLANDER, so when I had the chance to read the graphic novel, I snatched it and savored it like the last whiskey of the day. Gabaldon's dialogue was great and fun and great fun. I enjoyed dipping into other characters' heads and not just seeing things from Claire's POV. The pacing felt rather rushed, so I was very glad I'd watched the TV show and heard my mom talk about the book before I picked this up. The pages in the back about the making of the book made me giggle, and it seems like everyone had a good time making the book, which is always good to hear.

Unfortunately, the art style, while being way, way, waaaaaay better than anything I can draw, didn't quite jive with me. I've been spoiled by the muted paint style of BLACK WIDOW and impressionistic dashings of SANDMAN: every other paint style is ruined for me. In addition, there were a lot of needless boob shots. Like, yes, Outlander is a romance, but there was a definite male gaze tinge to this art.

And thus, 3 stars. THE EXILE is great fodder for the insatiable Outlander appetite, but I'm unsure it stands strong enough on its own as a comic.