It feels like I’ve been waiting years for the next volume to come out, instead of just the few months it actually was; but it’s finally here! Saga vo It feels like I’ve been waiting years for the next volume to come out, instead of just the few months it actually was; but it’s finally here! Saga vol. 8 is out and in my hands, and I couldn’t be happier. I was a little worried that this series wouldn’t survive the wait/hype for me (this was the first volume I had to wait for, the rest I was lucky enough to have binge read), but that concern proved to be a silly one. It’s just as intense as the last one though (I’m sure we all remember how the last one ended), so take a deep breath and maybe grab a box of tissues before you settle down to read it.
Warnings first: Okay, so if you’ve made it to volume eight of Saga, you’re probably more than aware of the fact that Brian Vaughn doesn’t pull punches. Combine that with some very real tragedies that affect our main characters, and things can get a little rough for us readers. Several character deaths are confirmed here, including Alana and Marko’s unborn baby boy. This leads not only to the discussion of what to do about it (to put it gently: the now deceased baby is still inside Alana, which is obviously very much not safe for her), as well as all of the emotional and moral questions that come along with the loss of a child. One of the character deaths confirmed is one of those “subtle unless you realize what they’re showing you” sort of things, as the character’s body has been made into a decoration shown. I found it a bit upsetting, so I figured I’d mention it. I can’t get over what a whirlwind this volume was. Like the last several volumes, we can easily identify the passing of time based on how old little Hazel looks, though she’s not so little anymore. Every time I see an age jump for her it’s still alarming, and even though I know there’s still more to the story, it makes me worry that we’re that much closer to then end (and boy am I not prepared for that). While putting a lot of time aside for the Alana/Marko plot (kind of hard to put that one down – Alana is in mortal danger, as well as having a pretty good reason to be upset) there’s some time set aside for character development with the rest of the crew, well most of them anyway. The cast is just large enough where we can’t really see them all in one volume, unless they were to somehow be in the same plot. The ordeal Alana and Marko (and little Hazel, who both does and doesn’t understand what’s going on) is pretty heartbreaking. You can tell that they would do anything to undo what has already been done, but it’s too late. Marko’s blaming himself pretty heavily for things, but also taking up the protector job in this case (making sure that Alana gets medical care asap). Unfortunately the crossbreed nature of their departed child makes getting help for Alana rather difficult, which is why we find ourselves reading about an isolated (and “country themed”) planet. I’m curious to see if there will be any long term effects for Alana and what has happened to her (meaning the positive side of the effects, and yes I’m trying to be vague on purpose). I guess I’ll have to hope they drop some hints in the next volume. Prince Robot IV and Petrichor also had a bit of time for character development, and it’s an interesting tale to say the least. Petrichor is hurting from all of her losses, as well as the lack of acceptance she feels within her own people. I’m sure we can all understand how hard that would be on her. Likewise Prince Robot IV is hurting – his wife is dead, he’s been split from his child (though at least he knows he’s safe), Alana pretty much loathes him, and he’s not really allowed back home (I’m assuming anyway). So together they make a pair of unloved outcasts looking for some comfort in this universe. I’m sure you know where I’m going with this. I’m still in awe of the writing and art styles used in this series. The artwork is absolutely stunning – the details and colors alone are enough to be sure it’s memorable, but it’s more than that. Combine that with the writing of Vaughn and we have an unforgettable and heavy hitting series that won’t let you go. I sincerely hope we’re not even halfway through this story, but there’s really no way to tell. One can only hope! (hide spoiler)]
It feels like I’ve been waiting years for the next volume to come out, instead of just the few months it actually was; but it’s finally here! Saga vol. 8 is out and in my hands, and I couldn’t be happier. I was a little worried that this series wouldn’t survive the wait/hype for me (this was the first volume I had to wait for, the rest I was lucky enough to have binge read), but that concern proved to be a silly one. It’s just as intense as the last one though (I’m sure we all remember how the last one ended), so take a deep breath and maybe grab a box of tissues before you settle down to read it.
Warnings first: Okay, so if you’ve made it to volume eight of Saga, you’re probably more than aware of the fact that Brian Vaughn doesn’t pull punches. Combine that with some very real tragedies that affect our main characters, and things can get a little rough for us readers. Several character deaths are confirmed here, including Alana and Marko’s unborn baby boy. This leads not only to the discussion of what to do about it (to put it gently: the now deceased baby is still inside Alana, which is obviously very much not safe for her), as well as all of the emotional and moral questions that come along with the loss of a child. One of the character deaths confirmed is one of those “subtle unless you realize what they’re showing you” sort of things, as the character’s body has been made into a decoration shown. I found it a bit upsetting, so I figured I’d mention it. I can’t get over what a whirlwind this volume was. Like the last several volumes, we can easily identify the passing of time based on how old little Hazel looks, though she’s not so little anymore. Every time I see an age jump for her it’s still alarming, and even though I know there’s still more to the story, it makes me worry that we’re that much closer to then end (and boy am I not prepared for that). While putting a lot of time aside for the Alana/Marko plot (kind of hard to put that one down – Alana is in mortal danger, as well as having a pretty good reason to be upset) there’s some time set aside for character development with the rest of the crew, well most of them anyway. The cast is just large enough where we can’t really see them all in one volume, unless they were to somehow be in the same plot. The ordeal Alana and Marko (and little Hazel, who both does and doesn’t understand what’s going on) is pretty heartbreaking. You can tell that they would do anything to undo what has already been done, but it’s too late. Marko’s blaming himself pretty heavily for things, but also taking up the protector job in this case (making sure that Alana gets medical care asap). Unfortunately the crossbreed nature of their departed child makes getting help for Alana rather difficult, which is why we find ourselves reading about an isolated (and “country themed”) planet. I’m curious to see if there will be any long term effects for Alana and what has happened to her (meaning the positive side of the effects, and yes I’m trying to be vague on purpose). I guess I’ll have to hope they drop some hints in the next volume. Prince Robot IV and Petrichor also had a bit of time for character development, and it’s an interesting tale to say the least. Petrichor is hurting from all of her losses, as well as the lack of acceptance she feels within her own people. I’m sure we can all understand how hard that would be on her. Likewise Prince Robot IV is hurting – his wife is dead, he’s been split from his child (though at least he knows he’s safe), Alana pretty much loathes him, and he’s not really allowed back home (I’m assuming anyway). So together they make a pair of unloved outcasts looking for some comfort in this universe. I’m sure you know where I’m going with this. I’m still in awe of the writing and art styles used in this series. The artwork is absolutely stunning – the details and colors alone are enough to be sure it’s memorable, but it’s more than that. Combine that with the writing of Vaughn and we have an unforgettable and heavy hitting series that won’t let you go. I sincerely hope we’re not even halfway through this story, but there’s really no way to tell. One can only hope! (hide spoiler)]
Beauty and the Beast – The Beast's Tale is the second novel in a two-part set. As you might have guessed from the title, it's a graphic novel/manga r Beauty and the Beast – The Beast's Tale is the second novel in a two-part set. As you might have guessed from the title, it's a graphic novel/manga retelling of the beloved Beauty and the Beast story, with one major twist. Both stories show the main character's thoughts and perspectives on the matter. This time we get to see what the Beast thinks of everything.
Once again, I'm not going to bother summing up Beauty and the Beast – I feel like it's a story that most readers already know all too well. Any summation I try to do will simply pale in comparison.
I'll admit that while I was really looking forward to both Belle's Tale and The Beast's Tale, I was more interested in seeing what the Beast had to say about things. After all, Belle's perspective is pretty much the dominant focus for most retellings.
Beast's story is naturally a bit darker than its counterpart, but not to the point where it'll alarm children. Though admittedly, it didn't have the level of insight I had been hoping for (though, if I'm being honest, I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting).
The issues I mentioned in Belle's Tale still exist here, though some things make more sense now. Having read both, I do wish that this was one collected story and not two separate editions. I think that would have made more sense in the long run.
Where Belle's half is brighter and happier, the Beast's artwork style tends to be darker – literally. There's less color and an overall more somber impression of the style. It's quite appropriate, all things considered, and I think I like this artwork better.
Thanks to Disney Manga and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Monstress Vol. 4: The Chosen is a graphic novel that I practically counted down the days for, as the story and artwork are beyond compare. Written by Monstress Vol. 4: The Chosen is a graphic novel that I practically counted down the days for, as the story and artwork are beyond compare. Written by Marjorie M. Liu and illustrated by Sana Takeda, this is one of the most memorable series out there, at least in my mind.
Last we saw, Maika and Corvin had lost sight of Kippa, through a series of tragic and fairly dark events. Now the group is fracturing, as each one learns more about themselves and the war that is heading their way. All thanks to the truths revealed.
The war is coming ever closer, with it on the verge of breaking out in some locations. Yet Maika still has yet to choose a side – to decide where her loyalties (and her powers) lie. Soon, time will run out for her to make that decision.
Monstress Vol. 4: The Chosen is a dark and complex read. Honestly, that doesn't even begin to cover it, if you ask me. It's harrowing and twisted on more than one occasion, and is dense enough where a second read through would certainly not hurt anyone.
Myself included. In fact, I think I'll be reading it for a third time before I dive into the five volume of this series. Just to make sure that I picked up on (and remember) every little, yet vital, detail snuck into the background.
The fantasy world of this series is still blowing me away – even after all of these years. It's a fantastic blend of magic, lore, and just a hint of steampunk. All of which weave together in brilliant fashion.
Let us not forget the artwork. I sincerely mean it when I say that Monstress is without a doubt the most stunning series I have ever read. Literally. Sana Takeda's work is breathtaking, and I don't think the series would be the same without it.
Just take a look at those covers! Where sometimes a series will have covers that deviate from the style within the pages, Monstress is not one of them. That level of complexity and detail is a constant on every single panel. It's so incredibly impressive. I actually bought a Monstress comic book box, because it's so darn pretty.
I cannot recommend Monstress enough to any potential fans out there. Though I will confess my bias here, as I adore Marjorie M. Liu's writing, and have for quite some time.
I received a copy of Ruinworld through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Ruinland is an adventure story, through and through. It h I received a copy of Ruinworld through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Ruinland is an adventure story, through and through. It had a healthy dose of humor, there’s plenty of action, treasure, oh and did I mention that all of the characters are animals? So in short, it’s a perfect fun read. The series follows the adventures of Rex and Pogo. These two are desperate to prove something of themselves, and they’d love to get some treasure while they’re at it. Of course nothing else goes perfectly for travelers like this, so our pair comes up against plenty of danger, and they even make a few (adorable) friends along the way.
Ruinland: Eye for an Eye was everything I had expected and hoped from this new series. It’s fun and light, but also had an interesting plot. I love relaxing adventure stories like this, especially when the main characters are so drastically different as these two are. The characters are hilarious and adorable, which admittedly is a pretty major bonus in my book. I loved how all the different characters interacted, but more importantly I approve of the decision to add on to the main crew as time went on. It helped to balance the group, plus it added more interesting points (and plots). There was more than one point during this read that I found myself laughing out loud. It seemed like there were so many funny lines thrown around, and maybe it’s just me, but many of the characters seemed pretty deadpan when delivering their lines, which just made it funnier for me. Despite how casual this series is, there actually was some character development going on. I can tell you what each of the four characters is hoping to get out of their adventures, and why they joined the group. I can even tell you how and why they’re misunderstanding each other. It’s all very well done. I really hope that Ruinworld continues coming out with new issues. This is exactly the sort of escape I needed, and I’m not ready to see it stop anytime soon. (hide spoiler)]
I received a copy of Bone Parish Vol. 1 through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Bone Parish is one of those series that I went i I received a copy of Bone Parish Vol. 1 through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Bone Parish is one of those series that I went in not really too sure what to expect, only to be completely blown away with the results. I can’t say for certain if this series is my favorite read of the year, but it surely is high up on the list (a purely theoretical list, since I am too lazy to write one out). The series follows one family as they try to become the new drug lords of the land. Only thing is, unlike many other drug families out there…they can’t expand the same way. There’s a limit on the drug they’re selling…but at least they’re keeping it in the family. Meanwhile the city can’t seem to get enough of the stuff – literally. Bone Parish is from the minds of Cullen Bunn (The Empty Man, Harrow County) and Jonas Scarf (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, House of Waxwork). The two work shockingly well together. Jonas Scarf’s darker art style perfectly portrays the disturbing elements of Cullen Bunn’s story.
Bone Parish is as enthralling as it is bone chilling. I know that sounds blasé, but I honestly do mean it. Every new twist and revelation had me on the edge of my seat. I honestly was surprised by many of the scenes I was shown, while still being eager for more. The Winters family is not what you’d expect for a family of drug dealers (and makers, for that matter). I liked that they were different. I loved how different each character ended up being. Everyone in the family had their own motivations and their own skeletons to deal with. It made for a disturbing family telling…but it worked so well. The mother and the daughter are by far the most interesting characters, in my opinion. Their experiences and actions being put in direct comparisons of one another, showing the different ways of handling loss and inspiration. As for the drug itself…wow. I know it’s probably something that has been seen before, but the way it was handled here was pretty brilliant. I love the different forms it can take, depending on the…ingredients. I also love the concept of its production being constantly capped. It raises all sorts of questions about supply, demand, cost, and value. This made for a refreshing change of pace, in my opinion. I honestly can’t wait for the next volume to come out. I’m actually tempted to switch over to reading this issue by issue, just so I can get back to it sooner. (hide spoiler)]
I received a copy of Waves through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Waves is a beautifully written exploration on the concepts of I received a copy of Waves through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Waves is a beautifully written exploration on the concepts of pain, loss, and recovery. It’s based on true events and emotions…which makes it all that much more heartbreaking to see. This is one of those stories that will always hit readers hard, but especially so when they’re dealing with their own loss. It’s something we can all sympathize with, and something we’ve all had to learn to cope with in our own way. In that sense it really doesn’t take much effort to connect with the narrator of this sad story. This is the tale of love and loss. Of one couple who desperately wanted a child, only to face hardship and heartbreak. It’s not an uncommon experience in this world, but it is one that isn’t talked about enough. I give the author so, so much credit for being able to be open about her experiences, and I wish her all the best in life. I am grateful for the opportunity to read this, and even more importantly; I hope this gave Ingrid Chabbert and her family some sense of closure.
I received a copy of Hibakusha through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Hibakusha is a tale set in real events. It’s sometimes he I received a copy of Hibakusha through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Hibakusha is a tale set in real events. It’s sometimes heavy handed, sometimes a romance, and at a few points heartbreaking and concerning. It tells us a love story between a German man and a Japanese woman during WWII. This is one of those stories where you sort of know how it’s going to end right from the beginning. Even if you don’t know the specifics…you get a feel for things. As details are revealed through the course of the storytelling…then you start to really know how it will all end. Hibakusha has several iconic scenes and moments – many of them based from real life events and locations. The building we see so much of, for example, is none other than the Atomic Dome (one of the few buildings left standing after the bomb was dropped). The silhouettes of victims of the bombing are real as well – it’s just the story behind one of them that may not be quite the truth. This was an interesting read, on the whole. It was depressing, but it did have its uplifting moments as well. I do think it romanticized the time a bit…but it did tell a wonderful narrative along the way, and it carried an important message. So all things considered I’m okay with it.
I received a copy of Memories of a Crappy Pooch through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I’m just going to go ahead an3 1/2 stars
I received a copy of Memories of a Crappy Pooch through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I’m just going to go ahead and say this right now: Memories of a Crappy Pooch is not for the faint of heart. I am not afraid to confess that I cried at multiple points while reading this, so I am very well aware that it may not be for everyone. Memories of a Crappy Pooch follows the life of Maria Fuencisla and her crappy little pooch, though I’m not sure I’d have chosen to describe him as such myself. It’s about friendship, and loss, and learning how to cope with life steadily moving onward. I should warn you (and this is a potential spoiler, so stop reading here if you don’t want to see it) that there is animal death in this graphic novel. There are actually a lot of heavy moments in here, but my telling you how much I cried probably gave you a good idea of that already. Through the course of this one graphic novel we see one poor woman lose so much in her life. It’s impressive how much she was actually able to cope with, and just how supportive her friends were. I think we can all hope to have friends like hers. I will say that I found the ending to be a bit…surreal? It’s the main reason why I’m not giving this one a solid four star rating. I feel like the ending took away from some of the points made throughout the novel. Then again, sometimes life can be random, absurd, and brutal…so perhaps there was a point to it after all.
I received a copy of White Claw Vol. 1 through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I was immediately drawn to White Claw Vol. 1 than I received a copy of White Claw Vol. 1 through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I was immediately drawn to White Claw Vol. 1 thanks to the striking cover it had. I loved the white on white elements shown, as well as the art style in general. From there the description really captured my attention. A dragon queen, a poacher, and an attempt to save all their people? It sounds perfect.
I was so excited for this graphic novel when I saw it. Between the art style and the description it left me anticipating something like Dragon Heart. Not in plot, of course, but in the tone and feeling. I didn’t quite get what I was hoping for, but that’s probably my fault. I feel like this graphic novel had so much potential. Maybe that’s why I was ultimately left feeling a little let down by it? There was an interesting plot to be had here – it just got a little muddy during points. The characters had potential – they just needed better introductions and maybe a little strengthening. Any one of those issues would probably have been fine on their own, but when combined it left the series feeling somewhat lackluster. That’s not to say that there wasn’t interesting points in this graphic novel. There were points where I really did find myself invested in what I was reading. It just wasn’t a consistent feeling. I think the best way I could put it is to say that it felt like I was reading two or three graphic novels at the same time, rather than one cohesive thought. I’ll be curious to see if there will be a second volume or not, and if so if they’ll resolve some of these issues. The artwork really was quite beautiful, and for that alone I’d be tempted to give any sequel another chance. (hide spoiler)]
I received a copy of Belle: Best Hunter Vol. 1 through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This has got to be the most un3 1/2 stars
I received a copy of Belle: Best Hunter Vol. 1 through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This has got to be the most unique interpretation of Beauty and the Beast I’ve seen yet, and I feel like that’s saying something. Every trope and expectation formed from previous incarnations is torn down and stomped upon for this retelling. In some ways that felt liberating, in others horrifying. In Belle: Beast Hunter, Belle isn’t some helpless damsel in distress. Nor is she someone I’d consider to be bookish, for the record. Instead this Belle hunts beasts. Specifically beasts of the sort that go bump in the night. It’s her family’s specialty, apparently. Think a weird mash-up of Beauty and Van Helsing, and you’ve sort of got an idea of what is going on here. Hrm. Maybe Helsing isn’t the best comparison. Think Trevor Belmont. That’s a more accurate comparison.
This was an interesting read, to put it mildly. In some ways I loved the complete change in interpretation of Belle and her life. In other ways it felt heavy handed and forced. I think that mostly depended on what was happening moment to moment, as I read. For example, the rose theme, while beautiful…is probably not terribly practical for gearing up and fighting monsters. But hey, I could be wrong. It’s not like I’m the one with the family business of hunting monsters. Speaking of, I did like the twist with Beast. It was unexpected, and not a complete reversal of the original character. It showed that the authors really were trying to make the plot work, while also making thematic matches. I’m not sure how I feel about the series being set in what looked like modern, or almost modern, times. I almost feel like the series would have done quite well if they had kept it in the time period it was originally set in. I know it would have been abnormal to have a female fighting in that time and place…but based on the family history it sounds like that was happening anyway, so why not? Plus it would have allowed them to have more fun with period appropriate clothing. All in all I’m actually pretty happy I gave this series a try. I think I would pick up the next volume, given a chance. I say that without being sure if there’s going to be a next volume. They wrapped things up in such a way where they could choose to go forward, or leave it as is. I’m not sure what their decision will ultimately be there. It may depend on the sales of the series. (hide spoiler)]
I received a copy of The 100 Greatest Moments From the Justice League through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The 100 Greatest M I received a copy of The 100 Greatest Moments From the Justice League through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The 100 Greatest Moments from the Justice League is the perfect collection for a Justice League fan. It’s also perfect for those that haven’t read as much of the series as they’d like, and want a quick rundown of the best moments out there (that’s what I did). Like any best of compilation, there is an expected level of subjectiveness to them. What you would pick for the best moments and what I would pick would likely be very different. Still, I always appreciate seeing what people find to be the most standout moments/series, and thus really enjoy these particular collections. This one is no exception. This particular collection did their very best to have as full of an array as possible. They started pulling the greatest moments from the very first issue, back in the 1930s, and got all the way up to 2017 (because of publishing it isn’t surprising that nothing from 2018 was included). I had a lot of fun reading all the moments, seeing the styles and plots change as time moved forward.
I received a copy of Guinea Pigs through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Guinea Pigs is a graphic novel focused on the world of I received a copy of Guinea Pigs through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Guinea Pigs is a graphic novel focused on the world of pharmaceutical drugs. I’ll be honest with you; it never once occurred to me to expect to see a graphic novel come from this particular branch of science. Maybe that was silly of me, I don’t know.
The main characters are…well they’re guinea pigs, if you want to put it bluntly. They’re the people that pharmaceutical companies test their new drugs on, to prove they’re safe for human consumption (and to correct the dosage as needed). It’s not the most comfortable thing to think about; especially when you considered all the unknown side effects that could arise. Ever notice those warning labels on your medications? Those are there because somebody testing the medication had that reaction. A little depressing, isn’t it? Knowing this, I went into this book not exactly expecting a happy tale or a happy ending. I expected the series to be bleak, but maybe have a quirk or two. I got some of what I was expecting, but on the whole Guinea Pigs successfully managed to surprise me. The twists and turns that this story took were completely unexpected. The way everything got flipped on its head…I never could have seen it coming. And yet they still managed to tell some of the story I was expecting, talk about the harsh reality behind testing. Admittedly it wasn’t as much as I expected, but this way was certainly more unique, and it felt less preachy too. So I’d consider that a success. I’m glad I took the time to read Guinea Pigs, and honestly I sort of hope to see more from this creative team in the future. I think they have a lot of potential for surprising tales. (hide spoiler)]
I received a copy of Camouflage through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The full title of this graphic novel should give you a p I received a copy of Camouflage through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The full title of this graphic novel should give you a pretty strong idea of what it covers. It’s all about autistic women, their differences from the typical expectations of autism, and how that results in them blending in better (and thus being less likely to be identified and/or diagnosed). There were a lot of things I didn’t know about autism in women that I learned while reading this. It was incredibly informative, while still being very approachable. I like that they chose to talk about the subject in a visual way, as it made everything feel more casual and comfortable to talk about. It felt less like I was reading a textbook and more like I was reading about real people (which was actually the case). I found this to be a very informative, and enlightening graphic novel. It was nice to take a break from reading fiction and instead learn something true and important.
I received a copy of History’s Greatest Villains: Dracula through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Okay, so I didn’t actually fin I received a copy of History’s Greatest Villains: Dracula through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Okay, so I didn’t actually finish this graphic novel. I just couldn’t. So my review may not be completely fair, in that I don’t know how they cover the latter two thirds of the subject. However, the tone for such a serious subject was just too light, and the artwork too comical. I am not exaggerating when I say that they were joking about slaughter and child rape in this book. I know that they were likely trying to make history approachable here, but they missed the mark. I was originally really excited when I saw this graphic novel listed on NetGalley. I’ve always been fascinated with the origin of the legend Dracula, so I was happy to see it condensed into graphic novel form. Unfortunately my hopes for this series were utterly let down. I honestly don’t think I’d be willing to try any other ‘history’s greatest villains’ after this one. It’s a great concept, but a wasted one.
I received a copy of The Heart of Shadows through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Heart of Shadows is a graphic novel brough I received a copy of The Heart of Shadows through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Heart of Shadows is a graphic novel brought to life by Marco Cosimo d’AMico (Red Harlequin Series, Moksha), Laura Iorio (new artist), and Robert Ricci (Red Harlequin Series). It’s one part horror and one a coming of age story, though in its own way. The series addresses childhood fears, from the most basic and primal ones to the ones taught to us by our elders. It never actually says that fear is harmful, but it does address the concerns of an excessive amount of fear, and how that easily a person can be trained to resort to fear before any other emotion. The journey that the Heart of Shadows makes is a beautiful, if slightly twisted one. I love the message that it was trying to convey, and how well supported it was by the artwork. Using all sorts of fears personified was an interesting choice. Yes, that concept has been done before, but the way this was handled didn’t read like any of the others I’ve seen. I think it’s safe to say that Luc would have been a fearful child regardless of how he was raised. The real question is would he have exceeded the normal levels of fear, had that behavior not been encouraged by his parents? It’s hard not to look at how the mother worried at Luc and feel a connection – no parent wants to see their child harmed, but sometimes pointing out each and every potential danger for even the slightest thing…it can cause more harm than good. In a way I would have liked to see the story continue. I think it left off at the right point…I’m just very curious to see how Luc and the rest of his family do from here on out. But in the end I’m glad they made the choice they did, in leaving things a bit more open ended. For me that was just further proof of some of the metaphors I believe they were using.
I received a copy of Conscious Creativity through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Conscious Creativity was such an interesting r I received a copy of Conscious Creativity through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Conscious Creativity was such an interesting read. I feel like that statement doesn’t say enough though, so let me clarify further. I feel like I’ve been in a creative rut lately. Between stuff going on in my life, and being so hyper focused on getting Christmas gifts made in time…I feel like I haven’t been giving myself enough time to other creative outlets. This book helped spark that little fire I had let go out, and that means the world to me. I love that this book was more focused on making you think than trying to make you sit down and do something at that moment. I think the identity of the artist is very important, but sometimes we get so wrapped up in everything else that we forget that. Forcing us to stop, think, and decide what sort of art and style we want to create? It’s priceless. That’s not to say that there aren’t suggest art projects in this book – there are. I just felt less pressure about it. It’s clear that the projects themselves were designed to help us formulate our style and way of thinking when being creative, as opposed to being focused on the end result. There are twelve chapters in total here, going from trying to analyze the type of creative in the reader, and eventually making its way to giving advice on continuing projects. In between those it covers all sorts of art basics, from how to look at art to how to understand the elements behind it all. It was extremely comprehensive.
I received a copy of Pilu of the Woods through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
If I was giving out awards, there is no doubt in mI received a copy of Pilu of the Woods through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
If I was giving out awards, there is no doubt in my mind that Pilu of the Woods would be getting the ‘cutest graphic novel of the year’ award. It’s charming, sweet, and has the perfect balance of fantasy and wonder, while also exploring the expansive set of emotions that come with loss. Pilu of the Woods is a fantasy about loss and friendship. The main character is named Willow, and early on in the story she meets and befriends and odd sort of girl named Pilu. Together they find their way through the forest. I believe their journey through the forest is symbolic, as they’re both working through complex emotions during the course of the story. Willow is grieving, and has clearly hit the anger stage, while Pilu feels like she’s too easily lost in a crowd, and thus unloved. While their pain is very different, they can still find common ground to understand. This story brought tears to my eyes at point, while at others I could do nothing but hope that they would find their way through this mess. It was sad, it was heartbreaking, but it was also beautiful and heartwarming. I can’t praise it enough.
I won a copy of Batman: White Knight through a Bookish Contest.
Batman: White Knight is a standalone Batman plot. Unlike some of the other famous sta I won a copy of Batman: White Knight through a Bookish Contest.
Batman: White Knight is a standalone Batman plot. Unlike some of the other famous standalone series (most notably Batman: Hush) this one really can’t fit in with the main continuity. Some major events were altered to fit this plot. The alterations were interesting, and done with a clear intent. And to be honest, I enjoyed some of the changes made more than the original. But more on that later. I’ve read a lot of Batman comics in recent years. So when I tell you that this was in all likelihood my favorite plot in quite some time, I want you to grasp my full meaning of that. I read this volume and immediately found myself wishing I had more to read. I don’t think there’s any intention to continue the series from here (it felt complete) but man would I love it if they did.
Warnings first: There are a couple of animal deaths in this volume. Most of them are pretty mild, all things considered; lab mice, not showing painful signs of testing or anything like that. There is one scene involving self-harm, and it’s pretty graphic. You don’t get a lot of warning before it either. There’s no way for me to describe the scene leading up to it without giving away some major spoilers, I’m sorry. I still can’t get over how much I enjoyed this plot. Sean Gordon Murphy did take some liberties with certain events and characters…but I feel like the ends justified the means, so to speak. The story was enthralling, and honestly…it fixed a lot of problems I’ve been having with the longer running series. Any series that runs too long is bound to have a couple of continuity problems. Like a character that changes too dramatically from her original design, or constantly killing and bringing back other characters. It’s something we’ve gotten used to seeing in the superhero world. Well, it would seem like Sean Gordon Murphy had some very strong opinions on that matter. He fiddled with the timeline just enough to add a renewed sense of permanence, revealed his solution to characters changing, and mixed it all up into this series. It was a unique experience to read. I’ll admit that there were a couple of tropes used that I don’t normally love – so the fact that I was willing to overlook them enough to thoroughly enjoy it should say something. (Spoiler warning) I don’t typically like it when they give a real name to the Joker. In my opinion there’s no way to ever really prove who he was before he became the Joker, so it’s pointless to identify him as anything else. The other bit I don’t always like seeing (this applies more to a general storytelling sense) is the concept of a mentally healthy character being distinct from their insane version. You can probably guess who I’m talking about, but I’m going to attempt to be vague anyway. Oh! Did I mention that Mr. Freeze makes an appearance as well? I absolutely loved his involvement in this series. It was the more accurate portrayal I’ve seen of him in a while. At least, it feels like it’s been some time. I absolutely adored what they did with him. On the whole I really enjoyed the treatment of all the characters. Batman got pushed around a bit, but truth be told sometimes he needs that. Mr. Freeze was spot on. Their version of Harley was amazing. The only character that didn’t get a fantastic treatment was Batgirl, and that was likely a basic misunderstanding of her character. It happens. And it wasn’t so blatant that I couldn’t ignore it. Having read this volume I really do find myself wishing for more series like this. I feel like it’s the Batman comic I’ve been craving, and I didn’t even know it. All the changes Sean Gordon Murphy made felt…right to me. I agreed with most of the choices made, even when I have to admit that I wouldn’t have made them myself, given the option. I’m really hoping we see more standalone series like this. It would be fantastic. (hide spoiler)]
I received a copy of The Flash Vol. 8 in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Wow is there a lot that happens in this volume! Okay, I know. I real I received a copy of The Flash Vol. 8 in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Wow is there a lot that happens in this volume! Okay, I know. I really shouldn’t be surprised by that, considering it’s the Flash and all. But still! I’m always impressed by how much they’re able to fit into just a few issues. This is one of those volumes you want to read if you’re looking to see multiple Flash characters as well as other DC characters all interacting with one another. Personally, these are my favorite plots. I love watching the different teams interact and problem solve.
The rest of my review to follow closer to release date...more
I received a copy of Audrey’s Magic Nine Pt. 1 in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Audrey’s Magic Nine is one of those rare graphic novels whe I received a copy of Audrey’s Magic Nine Pt. 1 in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Audrey’s Magic Nine is one of those rare graphic novels where it fits multiple age groups perfectly. While it’s clear that it is intended for a younger audience, there’s also plenty of interesting elements to keep more mature readers interested (myself included). I also think that this is the sort of graphic novel that’d be good to give anyone that’s struggling, either with school or their home life. Anything really. The main character, Audrey is the sort of character that you can easily connect to, and sometimes it really is helpful to see somebody like her going through so much and coming out the other side. Audrey is an orphan, and she has gone from one home to the next. Some of them worse than others. But In this story she finally finds her permanent home, you see, Audrey has been adopted. That doesn’t mean that everything is perfect though. She’s got an incredibly imagination; so much so where sometimes it’s hard to tell if what we’re being shown is real or something she’s dreaming up.
I read the first volume of Audrey’s Magic Nine in one sitting. I just couldn’t bring myself to put it down. I was enchanted by the Audrey, and curious to see how her life was going to unfold right from the beginning. The series starts off shockingly heavy. I’ll be honest and tell you that while I knew Audrey was an orphan before I started reading…I hadn’t expected to see her in a situation like that. It’s heartbreaking, but it was also a great move on the writer’s part. You see, it immediately forced us to care for those children. It also was the starting point of many events, all of which affected Audrey personally (and thus resulted in the tale we’re reading now). Audrey is a creative person, and while she doesn’t speak much, it’s hard not to connect with her. We get plenty of opportunities to know her through her artwork. Her facial expressions also speak volumes – not that many of the adults in her life seem to actually be aware of that fact. I found myself rooting for Audrey right from the beginning. It’s hard not to. Especially when one considers that it was her artwork that got herself and all of those children out of such a bad situation. I’m not sure if that would have worked in real life…but it’s nice to think that it would. I love the different stories that were told during the course of this volume. Each character is so unique and full of life. I think these are the parts that children in particular would enjoy – though I had quite a bit of fun reading them as well. I can’t wait to start reading the second volume. I know that it’ll surely introduce new characters – which means more fun stories to read! (hide spoiler)]
Liz (Quirky Cat)
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