I really wanted to like this more, but the narrative voice just felt too heavy-handed. If you can't take strong second-hand embarrassment or impendingI really wanted to like this more, but the narrative voice just felt too heavy-handed. If you can't take strong second-hand embarrassment or impending doom, you may have to sit this one out.
The chemistry between Nora and Bear was entirely physical. Everyone can just tell they're in heat, for some reason LOL??? Like, if Nora stepped outside 'Ehmmh girl, that's why that coochie throbbing.' Or, if Bear breathed "Whoa, you really want to crack her back, huh?" How do y'all know this? Are they giving off pheromones or something? Let me feel the sexual chemistry, don't just tell me.
Pet peeve: why this man can't ever take her to an actual bedroom? out in the woods? dingy supply closets? in the backroom of a charity function? what is going on lol? also, why was Bear's skin always turning purple? (view spoiler)[Bear didn't seem to care that Nora was viewed as a jumpoff in front of his community. every time your people see her, it's because you're bringing her into a closet. (hide spoiler)]
I thought Nora mothered Bear way too much, and the majority of Bear's thoughts were just about how horny he was for Nora, which may be realistic for most men, but it left their connection feeling flat. I'm sorry, but throughout most of this I was like Bear doesn't have his life together. Clean your house before you bring another woman into this.
Yanne (at times, Nora) in particular is cringeworthy, and I understand this is probably a vehicle to introduce Abenaki/Native American cultural elements. But no one talks like this in real life. The dialogue was bloated. You're just left feeling like this is a very "special" episode. I feel this could have been weaved in more naturally.
I get Lu's plight, but she started irking me something awful. She's the type of chick you want to physically fight, but she made valid points. Lu was ruthless and about her ends. While she did make me want to itch, I liked her too in a way. Also...
Ending spoiler(view spoiler)[ the last hookup scene. Nora, self-respect now. How are you letting him fondle you this easily while you still think he's GETTING MARRIED to someone else? She should've been dried up, and he should've been begging on the floor.
also, they kept saying Bear was this sex god, and it didn't really seem like it. i promise I'm not trying to be overly critical, but stuff wasn't computing (hide spoiler)]
On the positive, I found Yanne funny at times. Her whimsical nature and love-hard personality were fun. Nora was obviously the more straight-laced one. I felt deeply for her being on the brunt of "slut-shaming" and raggedy boyfriend. When women's sex tapes are exposed without/with their consent, society judges them ruthlessly while their male partners go unscathed. I also felt the amount of responsibility and family conflict on Bear's shoulders and liked that he was so understanding. And the hair braiding scene was nice.
Also, I liked Yanne and Brandon way more than Nora/Bear. Come on, stuffy-but accountant with the carefree wildchild? Too fun.
Overall, this story left me stressed, so I didn't enjoy it or the love scenes. But the conflict was masterful. Like, it all starts brimming up in a volcanic mess of interpersonal relationships and anxiety toward the end. I preferred the drama over the romance....more
“To drive a helpless person mad, give them knowledge. Then, to make a monster: Give them power. To make a monster yours:rating from personal enjoyment
“To drive a helpless person mad, give them knowledge. Then, to make a monster: Give them power. To make a monster yours: …”
I was intrigued from page one. Plays with themes of Persephone and Hades in a fun way with Death unable to let go of one terse, cranky woman, so he keeps her around as a helper.
I still don't understand all the worldbuilding and the character motivations. Death didn't finish the job and inadvertently let Emilia alter him. Emilia's got some type of power when she touches someone. There's a mentorship when you become Death apparently.
You can tell two different artists are working on this book at the same time and not in a way I particularly liked. The art style isn’t cohesive.
I didn’t like the article excerpts at all (not that they weren’t interesting). But it took me out of the flow of the story.
But I enjoyed the narrative voices for Emilia and Death. I’d read volume two for sure.
(view spoiler)[ not sure why emilia decided to become Death. Did she just want to try it out? learn more about herself? why would she contemplate killing Death? did she know him that long??? (hide spoiler)]
Couldn’t hold my interest. Joey got very stereotypical YA “strong female-ish” in the sense of ‘look, she’s punching everybody and mouthing off all theCouldn’t hold my interest. Joey got very stereotypical YA “strong female-ish” in the sense of ‘look, she’s punching everybody and mouthing off all the time’. The Federation guy went 0 to 100 for no reason. The end got too scientific and boring before a reset button appeared....more
I don’t know what’s happening. The narrative unfolds very slowly with a infodump here and there. Mass enslavement, maiming of bodies and kids, and vioI don’t know what’s happening. The narrative unfolds very slowly with a infodump here and there. Mass enslavement, maiming of bodies and kids, and violence/death is everywhere and constant. Okay, but it feels like shock value at some points.
Pretty artwork and women are the forefront of the story. Women are the baddies, the antiheroes, and everything in between. The monster spirits look mighty cool and their eyes will haunt you. I felt physically creeped out looking at them.
Basically, witch-nuns are fighting against Arcanics (humans with animal characteristic, like anime-girl cat ears, fox tails, etc). Arcanics are being killed and forced in to enslavement for a great deal of evils. MC chick, Maika, is oh-so-special and becoming monstrous. She also has a parasitic demon god in her arm. (view spoiler)[ when she gets super hungry, she feeds on other people. Usually, kids. (hide spoiler)]
Unfortunately, this series isn’t for me. It’s too drenched in darkness.
Merged review:
I don’t know what’s happening. The narrative unfolds very slowly with a infodump here and there. Mass enslavement, maiming of bodies and kids, and violence/death is everywhere and constant. Okay, but it feels like shock value at some points.
Pretty artwork and women are the forefront of the story. Women are the baddies, the antiheroes, and everything in between. The monster spirits look mighty cool and their eyes will haunt you. I felt physically creeped out looking at them.
Basically, witch-nuns are fighting against Arcanics (humans with animal characteristic, like anime-girl cat ears, fox tails, etc). Arcanics are being killed and forced in to enslavement for a great deal of evils. MC chick, Maika, is oh-so-special and becoming monstrous. She also has a parasitic demon god in her arm. (view spoiler)[ when she gets super hungry, she feeds on other people. Usually, kids. (hide spoiler)]
Unfortunately, this series isn’t for me. It’s too drenched in darkness....more
I enjoyed how colorful this whole book was, but you’ll need suspension of belief for some elements.
Lois is ambitious and can’t wait to become a journI enjoyed how colorful this whole book was, but you’ll need suspension of belief for some elements.
Lois is ambitious and can’t wait to become a journalist. The villain at Lane’s job was cartoonishly evil though I can’t say that’s not unrealistic for real life executives, sometimes; but only the worst of the worst would say or do these things so blatantly. It’s usually more subtle. The producer or whoever Dante was way accurate tho. Hollywood in a nutshell.
Also, I really like this line: “My mother and I never say ‘I love you.’ Because for what’s between us… that never feels like an enough.” ...more
I’ve never been super into mecha manga or anime, but I wanted to read the first volume. First, the character design’s funky in a good way. It’s refresI’ve never been super into mecha manga or anime, but I wanted to read the first volume. First, the character design’s funky in a good way. It’s refreshing to get a manga with characters in college or actually post-grads/graduate students.
On the positive, the robot scenes are dynamic and look good.
Didn't care for the portrayal of female characters at all. The snarky guy’s sister seems flat, vapid, and manipulative. The manga goes out of its way for Hiroshi’s nonverbal little sister’s legs to be spread. Like, for no reason and it’s very intentional, however, you want to take that. The sister is wide-leggedly open all the time; bust open like a can of biscuits with a full-on panty shot. No sir, no ma’am. This type of thing is off-putting.
Anyway, won’t be continuing but gave it a shot since it was on display at the library. Ultimately it couldn't keep my interest....more
This story felt like it was a video game speedrun from the plot, the dialogue, and the character interactions. It needed to breathe a little more thouThis story felt like it was a video game speedrun from the plot, the dialogue, and the character interactions. It needed to breathe a little more though I understand the choice of jumping right into the action.
We’ve a typical shonen big bad, evil rich dude and the main character has a dream to become a hokage- I mean Bash player. His mysterious father is also missing. Everything just felt too flat. These tropes have worked a million times and will continue to work if the characters are engaging enough to withstand it. But that didn’t happen here.
The artwork carried this big time! It’s heavily inspired by manga and gives an overall nice aesthetic. The story’s thin though, and I couldn’t get a grasp on the worldbuilding. Perhaps, this story doesn’t aim to be plot heavy or character-centered. If it just wanted to showcase fun, dynamic basketball shots, then it succeeded.
Still, kudos to this story for doing a whole anime tournament arc with basketball. Kids who like basketball (and anime) may enjoy this one. ...more
This art has buckets of personality. It’s cartoony and super-expressive. The roller derby chicks are really on 10. Like, it’s not that serious. They aThis art has buckets of personality. It’s cartoony and super-expressive. The roller derby chicks are really on 10. Like, it’s not that serious. They are disrespectful and vicious and basically bully the main cast or anyone they can get their hands on. Story can be hard to follow, but it’s fun. Mainly chaotic and messy.
SN:The big block font letters are also notoriously hard to read!
Okay, I had given the first volume some grace because it needed to introduce the premise. But this story is all visuals and a little plot. And why areOkay, I had given the first volume some grace because it needed to introduce the premise. But this story is all visuals and a little plot. And why are the doggone Illuminati and child sacrifices in here??? The plot just jumped the shark and did a backflip.
Even though it made sense by the story’s worldbuilding, I didn’t enjoy the conclusion of Alice’s childhood love.
One point for Natsume and Hachisu because they were seriously cute!...more
Another flat, lifeless male power fantasy. The appeal is ‘don’t you wish you could get back at everyone who did you wrong? Win at ldnf halfway through
Another flat, lifeless male power fantasy. The appeal is ‘don’t you wish you could get back at everyone who did you wrong? Win at life because you already know everything.”
The main character, I legit cannot remember his name, is so boring. The world's done him wrong, but I don't care. I felt no connection toward him.
Every time the artwork draws me in, but the story kills any interest....more
What was the point??? I thought the horror elements plus the lack of work-life balance for most jobs would be a unique take. Instead, it just felt gorWhat was the point??? I thought the horror elements plus the lack of work-life balance for most jobs would be a unique take. Instead, it just felt gory and flat....more
I’m not saying it’s the best, but it's entertaining. I’m also not saying there’s a lot of plot though there’s a lot of lust. And some fun character baI’m not saying it’s the best, but it's entertaining. I’m also not saying there’s a lot of plot though there’s a lot of lust. And some fun character banter!
I like Hazan, and he wouldn't take his foot off Kamran's neck. The Kamram plotline is pretty understated. He knows there's a lot of instability with the crown, and he gets an RPG party, basically. But he's really rude here, and I can't see why anyone wanted to help him.
Also, the writing language is oh-so flowery that it got annoying.
This is fast food. Just eat the greasy burger and get back to clean eating tomorrow. Shhhh
With all that said, I’m still up for book three!
The Alizeh & Cyrus plotline/Unauthorized recap (don’t sue! :p)
Cyrus:“Marry me!” Alizeh: “No!” “Marry me because sad back story!” “Okay, maybe in a little while, but not because you told me to!” “Really?” “No!” “Marry me pretty please?” “Okay, but no touching despite our obvious sexual tension.” “As if! You disgust me!” “Really?” “No, baby y’know I want you! My body even knows it.” “Me too!” “Marry me?” “Yes and no. And only a little bit of marriage, not all of it!” >:| “So sad :(“
“Perhaps, I’d be better off in jail than spending every night groaning in a sleepless agony, terrified of human beings.”
Sorry to dude who has to live
“Perhaps, I’d be better off in jail than spending every night groaning in a sleepless agony, terrified of human beings.”
Sorry to dude who has to live a façade to be likable, but nah. I saw this on display at the library, but it was a waste of time. Oba's supposed to be a mirror to society of how easily someone can fall into the outcast role despite money, good looks, and connections. But the way Oba is portrayed it's hard to feel sympathy for him. The grittiness and Oba could have been handled better.
This is one of those “I eat edge for breakfast, too dEeP for me, and there’s no hope in humanity” stories. They generally don’t appeal to me because they’re often flat emotionally, lack nuance, and rely on too much shock value. I don’t need to see no high schooler banging high school prostitutes/sex workers.
I understand that the only joy he experiences is a carnal release, but it’s uncomfortable. Also, not trying to infuse morality or whatever because I understand these grim stories have a place and can be cathartic and even relatable. But I just got no enjoyment from reading this.
Okay, actually concerning the story a manga artist is looking for inspiration for his next story and he comes across a diary that gives creepypasta energy. The author of the diary, Oba, feels like he has to play a role, be goofy and always polite, to interact with his peers. Eventually, he and his friend get caught up in a terrorist organization (0 to 100 real quick). After that goes left, he falls in love with one of the women at the hostess club, and then the story takes an even more depressing turn. At every point he’s a hobosexual, women are always financing him, and he can’t find the will to live or kill himself. Oba spirals in a circle. One step forward, two hundred back.
I couldn’t roll my eyes enough at how Oba gets punished: (view spoiler)[ his wife being raped in front of him. women do not pay for the crimes of men. It’s supposedly karma for him using women for their bodies and a place to stay. A temp worker does it as Oba had once slept with the terrorist/cult leader’s gf who he was condescending toward. it just really feels like a stereotypical man wrote this. (hide spoiler)]
Overall, bleak! Oba hates other people, especially his wife, but not more than he hates himself. The book feels like fleas and roaches are crawling over you while reading the pages. Dirty and grimy....more
I was really disappointed by this series. The characters outside of Sora didn't get much growth that felt sincere and not rushed. Tsugu finally drops I was really disappointed by this series. The characters outside of Sora didn't get much growth that felt sincere and not rushed. Tsugu finally drops the mask and reveals her true feelings about her loneliness, aversion to change, and her parents' divorce, but it just gets brushed aside. Yuushin gets shoehorned redemption as well (ain't no way I'm cheesing with someone who drove me to the point of suicide; we can be cordial, but that's it!).
Perhaps, a lot of the pacing and flat development issues are due to the length of the story. But as it is, The Golden Sheep is beautiful to look at and easy to consume but very shallow.
Also, no thank you to the “let men cheat. don’t break up a happy home” propaganda. The story really tried to slide in that Yuushin’s mom was strong for staying with a man who (view spoiler)[groomed a high schooler. (hide spoiler)] >.> Iyanla Vanzant voice "NOT ON MY WATCH!"
Really liked that Sora’s future changed. (view spoiler)[ yeah, he was good at manga, but he decided to pursue cooking instead. (hide spoiler)]
The oneshot included at the end was depressing and strange. I’ll say it’s refreshing to initially see grace given to a teen mother, but for this situation, it seemed really inappropriate. And a bit like Stockholm syndrome....more
Points for being wacky and quirky, but I do not mesh with the humor. The plot is both slow-moving and fast-paced at the same timeDnf. Stopped at pg 68
Points for being wacky and quirky, but I do not mesh with the humor. The plot is both slow-moving and fast-paced at the same time. It’s a terribly long stream of ridiculous consciousness that never goes anywhere which is its appeal but not for me. Of course, I acknowledge I’m an adult and that kids may think differently....more
"History is written by the victors [...] They changed our stories to protect themselves, so in time... we would never know that it had been any differ
"History is written by the victors [...] They changed our stories to protect themselves, so in time... we would never know that it had been any different."
Back with volume 2! It's been a while since I read the first one, but I still remembered enough though I had a rocky ride. Despite the smallest of recaps, I still felt confused with what was going on, Spencer's splitting his consciousness(es), and future sight.
The artwork is still excellent. Volume two tries to include more social commentary on the state of injustice and the powers that be trying to enforce the status quo for Black people. Some of the commentaries were very on the nose while some were subtle. I honestly hate to make comparisons, but a similar series like Quincredible weaves social and racial commentary seamlessly well. I think with more time Excellence can improve in this area.
There are great ideas, futuristic magic themes, and snazzy art, but it suffers majorly from a discombobulated, unstructured story. Not saying you can't go Everything Everywhere All at Once, but in a written format it takes careful planning to not lose readers in the midst of the twists and turns. Volume 1 was better, so this was an unfortunate letdown. I will still look forward to volume 3.
This gave us "By Odin's fade." Let that sit in. Swish it around and let it marinate. And Odin doesn't have a fade in this comic either.
Overall, major This gave us "By Odin's fade." Let that sit in. Swish it around and let it marinate. And Odin doesn't have a fade in this comic either.
Overall, major cheesefest and stereotypical. Also, no thanks to those trash raps. Shame because the artwork was wonderful and this iteration's Loki looked beyond sharp.
Too much going on, too quickly, but it’s fun. When you’ve large casts like this, it’s best to introduce everyone slowly otherwise you feel like you’reToo much going on, too quickly, but it’s fun. When you’ve large casts like this, it’s best to introduce everyone slowly otherwise you feel like you’re meeting someone new every page. The funky style and the color palette give this story personality.
If the storytelling improves, I’d read volume two.
And Rumbler dude’s Bang! Reminds me so much of Yusuke’s spirit bomb. I say this in a positive affectionate way. Every time he uses it, it’s interesting. ...more
Take this for what it is: a gory beat’em up. I should’ve known what time it was when I saw Aphrodite’s cow udder titties so massive two people have toTake this for what it is: a gory beat’em up. I should’ve known what time it was when I saw Aphrodite’s cow udder titties so massive two people have to hold them up.
None of the characters stood out to me, but I think it is cool gods from multiple mythologies are here, it’s not just Greek. And playing off the gods’ pride is clever.
But the characters, the story, and the humor were very boring and too dry for me. It’s a bit unfair to rate this so lowly, but I’ve enjoyed other beat’em up stories (hello shounen manga, how you doing? *Wendy Williams voice*), so this just failed to appeal to me....more
I don’t see the appeal for this series despite the nice artwork. Everything irritates me.
In these types of reincarnation-revenge or 2nd chance storieI don’t see the appeal for this series despite the nice artwork. Everything irritates me.
In these types of reincarnation-revenge or 2nd chance stories, the author always succeeds in you (read: readers) hating everyone.
Aristia’s situation is just depressing. The new empress is annoying. Emperor acts like someone spat in his cereal and just has this all-intense hatred for Aristia that makes no sense whatsoever. He’s feces on a hot summer day. I never enjoyed seeing this guy around. Aristia is understandably sad and pining for her lost position and the trashy Emperor, so she has this sad sack temperament.
Now, that Aristia has a do-over she has a chance to make more meaningful connections. I think we see a glimpse at why Emperor dude (no, I will not call him by his name) hates Astria, but it’s still stupid and childish. In this new timeline, Aristia has a papa who loves her and another young royal who has a crush (?) on her.
As of now, the cast is not exciting nor is the plot. But my library is buying book 2, so I’ll give that a chance before I consider dropping this series.
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