Book Review for A-Z Title Challenge: Zatanna issue #15

Book: Zatanna issue #15: Witch Hunt by Derek Fridolfs with illustration by Jamal Igle, ink by John Dell and color by John Kalisz with cover art by Adam Hughes

Edition: Single print issue

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I have officially completed the A-Z Title Challenge! Now, on to the review. This is my second time reading this, although it's been quite a while ago, but it's still a good read.

This was fun but not so much fun for Zatanna who had to deal with modern day monster hunters. The story begins with Zatanna enjoying a few minutes of rest in her dressing room following the end of her magic show but her peaceful moment didn't last long. Someone shot an arrow at her which left a wound across her neck. The wound may not be lethal but it's going to make it very difficult for Zatanna to speak which she needs to do to conjure her spells. And that's not the only problem, the arrow was laced with some kind of tranquilizer making it easier for the hunters to catch her.

Zatanna only had mere seconds to escape her dressing room before her captures arrive. She also needed try to treat her wound and stop the bleeding. It's a non-stop chase as she tries to evade the hunters who are never far behind. However, the joke in on the them when Zatanna who is ever so resourceful got the last laugh as she turns the tables on them.

This was a fast-paced, well written story that had great art. The story even gives the reader a nice little scene with Zee's father trying to teach her not to only rely on her magic but to use her mind and sometimes strength to solve a problem.

I miss this series, it was great.

Currently Reading for A-Z Title Challenge: Zatanna issue #15

I wanted to end this challenge with one of my favorite characters, The Mistress of Magic, Zatanna. Even though I've read this several years ago this challenge gives me the perfect excuse to read it again.


Book: Zatanna issue #15: Witch Hunt by Derek Fridolfs with illustration by Jamal Igle, ink by John Dell and color by John Kalisz with cover art by Adam Hughes

Edition: Single print issue

Description:

Can Zatanna escape modern day witch hunters who ambush her backstage following the end of one her magic shows?

Book Review for A-Z Title Challenge: Young Justice vol #4

Book: Young Justice volume #4 (issues #20-25) by Greg Weisman with illustrations by Christopher Jones and color by Zac Atkinson

Edition: Trade - digital

Rating: 3 stars

Review:

Well, this wasn't an unpleasant read but it was a very busy story with a lot of characters in it. I did think there were some good and bad parts but what makes it sort of lean heavily towards the bad was that the story was trying to do too much. It not only focused on Dick Grayson's birthday but also two simultaneous yet separate alien attacks. Brainiac was attacking Metropolis while Kylstar abducted several heroes. Plus, YJ was trying to protect Noor Harjavti from a possible attack from Queen Bee. Ms. Harjavti was in Metropolis to speak out against the dire situation in Qurac. There was also a new member being recruited to YJ and lastly, the story constantly kept flipping back and forth between two backstories and the present. One of the backstories centered around an earlier birthday party for Dick Grayson and the other focused on an assassination by Queen Bee on Ms. Harjavti's father.

I think if the story had just focused on maybe 2-3 plots maybe this would have been a much better read. The story read as if they author was trying to fit in as many things as possible since this was the last group of issues before the TV and comic book series were cancelled.

I debated on whether to rate this 2 1/2 or 3 stars but in the end I decided to go with the 3 stars since it wasn't bad and I did enjoy reading it.

Currently Reading for the A-Z Title Challenge: Young Justice vol #4

Only two books left and I will have completed the A-Z Title Challenge. I liked the Young Justice animated series although it wasn't necessarily one of my favorite shows. It was still okay to watch. 

Anyway, I bought this some time ago and if it wasn't for this challenge no telling how long it would have been before I finally got around to reading it.


Book: Young Justice volume #4 (issues #20-25) by Greg Weisman with illustrations by Christopher Jones and color by Zac Atkinson

Edition: E-Book

Description:

In this action packed collection, the Young Justice team adds to its ranks in an effort to battle the impending invasion by The Collector of Worlds, and one of the DC Universe's favorite villains, Braniac.

Book Review for the A-Z Title Challenge: X-Men vol #2

Book: X-Men volume #2: Muertas (issues #7-12) by Brian Wood 

Issue #7: illustration by Terry Dodson (lines) and Rachel Dodson (ink) and color by Jason Keith
Issues #8-9: illustration by Terry Dodson and Berry Kitson and color by Jason Keith
Issue #10: illustration by Kris Anka and Clay Mann and color by Jason Keith and Paul Mounts
Issues #11-12: illustration by Kris Anka and color by Jason Keith


Edition: Single print issues


Rating: 3 stars

Review:

This was good but not as good as the first volume. There was a lot of action in these issues but the story felt scattered and a little thin. It just seemed like an excuse to have the female X-Men go up against a group of female villains.

In this volume, the X-Men were going up against Arkea yet again (see volume #1) as the alien technological virus has found another host body with help from the new Lady Deathstrike (a.k.a. Ana Cortes). On the villains side are Amora the Enchantress, Typhoid Mary, Selene Gallio (The Black Queen) and Madalyne Pryor.

As the X-Men try to stop Arkea they are assisted by Monet St. Croix (she's another character that tends to get whitewashed, thankfully not too much in this) and Karima Shapandar who was still dealing with the ordeal of no longer being controlled by Arkea.

I wish there had been more thought into this group of issues because there was no explanation why Ana would turn herself into Lady Deathstrike, it just seem as if in the end the author didn't know what to do with the character.

However one of the things I did like about this volume was Monet got to shine, she's like the Wonder Woman of Marvel Comics and I also enjoyed Psylocke's scenes, she's totally amazing. I thought the scenes with Jubilee and her team as they took down the Arkea powered sentinels were some of the best ones wish there had been more of them.

Volume #2 was an okay read but it definitely could have been better.

Currently Reading for the A-Z Title Challenge: X-Men vol #2

I like this X-Men series, it has an interesting take with the series focusing on mostly the female members of the team. My goal is to finally get caught up with this series. I have all the current issues I just need to read them.


Book: X-Men volume #2: Muertas (issues #7-12) by Brian Wood 

Issue #7: illustration by Terry Dodson (lines) and Rachel Dodson (ink) and color by Jason Keith
Issues #8-9: illustration by Terry Dodson and Berry Kitson and color by Jason Keith
Issue #10: illustration by Kris Anka and Clay Mann and color by Jason Keith and Paul Mounts
Issues #11-12: illustration by Kris Anka and color by Jason Keith

Edition: Single print issues

Description:

The X-Men have taken down super-villains, aliens and their own future selves...but never all at the same time! As Karima struggles to remember herself, Rachel comes to terms with her relationship with Sublime, and a new member joins the team, longtime X-foe Lady Deathstrike returns! And she has put together an all new Sisterhood, her own illuminati to take down the X-Men and enslave the world. And Psylocke is first in the Sisterhood's crosshairs! Recruiting the likes of Typhoid Mary and Enchantress, Deathstrike's cabal go on a global hunt for the most powerful ally of all...an enemy who holds the X-Men responsible for her near-destruction! But when this foe awakens, neither team might be able to handle her!

Book Review for the A-Z Title Challenge: Wonder Woman #230

Book: Wonder Woman #230: The Claws of the Cheetah by Martin Pasko with illustration by Jose Delbo and Vince Colletta and color by Jerry Serpe

Edition: Digital

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

In this issue, Wonder Woman had to match strength and intelligence against the Cheetah who had a plan to get rid of Wonder Woman for good.

The story begins with Yeoman Diana Prince and Major Steve Trevor attending the White House Gala Dinner. A short moment later, President Roosevelt was being attacked by a guest at the party. Diana quickly transformed into Wonder Woman but in doing so started a chain of events that would soon have her facing the Cheetah. Because when socialite Priscilla Rich sees Wonder Woman her split personality takes over and the Cheetah emerges.

Some time later, Cheetah set a trap for Wonder Woman so she could figure out her secret identity. She would then use that information to destroy Wonder Woman.

I love how sassy Wonder Woman was in this because as Wonder Woman, she gave some great one-liners to the criminals. And as Diana Prince, she not so subtly told off Steve Trevor for treating her as if she was a third rate consolation prize when they attended the White House Gala Dinner. She was his date to the event however she could tell that he really would have preferred to have Wonder Woman as his date instead. He's such a Wonder Woman fanboy in this.

I love reading these old comics they're so much fun to read. In this issue, Cheetah proved why she was a worthy villain of Wonder Woman and she also had some great snarky comments as well.

Currently Reading for the A-Z Title Challenge: Wonder Woman #230 and Velvet vol #2

These are an interesting couple of books a Wonder Woman comic book from the 70's and the second volume of Velvet which is quickly becoming a new favorite.

I'm nearly finished with this A-Z Title Challenge, including this one, leaving me with only four books left to read.

Book: Wonder Woman #230: The Claws of the Cheetah by Martin Pasko with illustration by Jose Delbo and Vince Colletta and color by Jerry Serpe

Edition: Digital

Publisher: DC Comics

Description:

Wonder Woman battles the Nazis in World War II in "The Claws of the Cheetah!"

Book: Velvet volume #2: The Secret Lives of Dead Men (issues #6-10) by Ed Brubaker with illustrations by Steve Epting and color by Elizabeth Breitweiser

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Publisher: Image Comics

Description:

Everything Velvet Templeton ever believed about the worst night of her life has turned out to be a lie, and now she's coming back to London, taking the hunt back to the hunters, to find the truth or die trying. Don't miss the second volume in the adventures of comics' favorite new super-spy from the creative team behind Captain America: The Winter Soldier!

Book Review for the A-Z Title Challenge: Velvet vol #1

Book: Velvet volume #1: Before the Living End (issues #1-5) by Ed Brubaker with illustrations by Steve Epting and color by Elizabeth Breitweiser

Edition: Trade

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I love when I find something really amazing. Velvet Templeton is more than your average secretary for a secret organization, she's a former spy. When Jefferson Keller, a spy for the organization was found murdered, the investigation led to a former spy, Frank Lancaster. However, Velvet didn't believe Frank did it and started investigating because things just weren't adding up. She soon found herself being accused of the crime and on the run.

Someone was setting her up and the only way she was going to find out who was behind it was to trace Keller's last few days because something he found got him killed. Velvet is going to need all of those former skills if she is going to survive. This is a fast moving, action packed sexy thriller that had me wondering what was going to happen next.

The story takes place in the 1970s but with additional flashbacks shown throughout. I love this first volume, it was well written and the artwork was great. I will be reading the second volume really soon.

Also, I can't help wondering if fashion expert Stacy London was the inspiration for Velvet, well appearance wise that is. Just a thought.

Currently Reading for A-Z Title Challenge: Velvet vol #1

I can't believe I've waited this long to read this, yet another book that's been sitting on my shelf for too long.


Book: Velvet volume #1: Before the Living End (issues #1-5) by Ed Brubaker with illustrations by Steve Epting and color by Elizabeth Breitweiser

Edition: Trade

Description:

From the bestselling creators of Captain America: The Winter Soldier comes this smash-hit spy thriller with a unique new twist! When the world's greatest secret agent is killed, all evidence points to Velvet Templeton, the personal secretary to the Director of the Agency. But Velvet's got a dark secret buried in her past... because she's also the most dangerous woman alive!

Book Review for A-Z Title Challenge: Ultra Maniac vol #4

Book: Ultra Maniac volume #4 (chapters #16-20) by Wataru Yoshizumi

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

I really like this series because it's full of humor, magic and mishaps with Nina's magic never going right. And in this volume not only does she and Ayu and the rest of their friends finally find out who was behind the threatening letters that had been sent to Nina, they were soon under attack.

They were shocked to find out who was behind everything especially since Sayaka had shown no signs of being a witch. Her big secret wasn't the only thing that Sayaka revealed, she told them why she didn't like Nina and why she despised all of them. Also in this volume, she had been trying to stir up trouble between Ayu and her boyfriend Tetsushi.

They were all able to sort everything out with her but things were still awkward the next day at school. Was Sayaka really sorry about everything she did or does she still have another plan she's working on?

Meanwhile, romance and friendship drama between Nina and Hiroki has them trying to figure out how they feel about each other. And just as Nina starts to wonder about her feelings, it seems that Sayaka is still up something this time in regards to Hiroki.

I can't wait to read the last volume because someone is watching Nina and they might be there to take her back to the Magical Kingdome. So it will be interesting to see who that person really is and why he's there.

Currently Reading for the A-Z Title Challenge: Ultra Maniac vol #4 and Nonfiction Read-a-Thon book #7: Escape from Tibet

I've been so busy I nearly forgot to post what I'm currently reading. I also need to post my update on Arrow, I'm nearly finished watching the first season. So, I should have that post up soon.

Book: Ultra Maniac volume #4 (chapters #16-20) by Wataru Yoshizumi

Description:

Unfortunately, Nina is finding out that going to school on Earth is a lot more complicated than she first thought. Not everybody is glad to have a spunky (and cute) witch flitting about campus. A girl named Sayaka, for example, has recently become obsessed with Nina. A half-witch herself, Sayaka is jealous that her new classmate is stealing all the attention away from her. Like they say in the Magic Kingdom, "There's no fury like that of a teenage witch ignored!"

Book: Escape from Tibet: A True Story by Nick Gray with Laura Scandiffio and a foreword by The Dalai Lama

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Two brothers face cruelty, hardship, and hope, on the ultimate journey in search of freedom.

Eleven-year-old Tenzin hasn't seen his older brother, Pasang, in five years, so he is thrilled when Pasang unexpectedly returns to their Tibetan village late one night. Now eighteen, Pasang is an educated monk whose return from India provokes the suspicious and ever-watchful eyes of the Chinese authorities. Unbeknownst to Tenzin, Pasang has conspired with their mother to leave again -- taking his younger brother with him, this time, in search of a better life. At first Tenzin is thrilled to embark on such an adventure with Pasang. But crushing homesickness soon sets in as the brothers eke out a meager existence begging in the unfamiliar streets of Lhasa, often narrowly dodging the police. They finally scrape together enough money to begin the most harrowing part of their journey: the physically excruciating, dangerous, and illegal trek to a new country on the other side of the Himalayan mountains, where they can be granted refugee status and begin to rebuild their lives. Along the way they suffer abuse at the hands of border police, meet fellow Tibetans from whom they draw strength, and have a chance encounter with a film crew that will change their lives.

Based on the true story of the brothers' journey in the mid-1990s first made into an acclaimed documentary by Nick Gray, "Escape from Tibet" is a riveting tale of courage, adventure, and triumph. The outpouring of support for the boys that resulted after the documentary aired in the U.K. led to the brothers moving to Britain, where they live today. Only now do they feel that the full story of their daring escape can be told.

A foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and an introduction provide historical context. Black and white photographs of Nick Gray's travels through Tibet vividly evoke the boys' homeland, and a timeline, glossary, and maps further contextualize the Tibetans' controversial and ongoing struggle with China.

Book Review for the A-Z Title Challenge: Teen Titans Go! issue #36

Book: Teen Titans Go! issue #36 by J. Torres with illustrations by Todd Nauck

Edition: digital issue

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

This was a fun issue. Starfire's sister Blackfire had teamed up with the Gordanians to capture only the female members of the Teen Titans. In need of additional help, Robin called in some assistance from Wonder Girl.

The duo met up with Speedy and Kid Flash to wait for Cyborg, Beast Boy and Aqualad disable the alien space craft's force field so they can take the fight to the villains. Unfortunately, they were unable to complete the task and not to mention Cyborg was captured. Aqualad and Beast Boy were able to get away to meet up with the others who now needed a new plan to save their friends.

This was a fast moving interesting story that was a great way of introducing Wonder Girl to the Teen Titans Go! universe. The writer did a good job with keeping these characters in character, they each had the personalities they were given on the show. The writer also did a good job with presenting a Wonder Girl who is not only courageous and energetic but also upholds all the good things about the Amazons. However, she is also willing to take risks by leaving Paradise Island even though she's not supposed to.

Too bad this issue wasn't an episode of Teen Titans Go! because it that would have been awesome.

Side note: Why wasn't Beast Boy included on the cover, he helped too?

Currently Reading for the A-Z Title Challenge: Teen Titans Go! issue #36

I'm nearly finished with this challenge just a few more books to go. I used to love watching the original Teen Titans Go! animated series and a little disappointed that Wonder Girl (Donna Troy) was only shown as a cameo on the show. Which is why I was happy when I found this comic, it features Wonder Girl.


Book: Teen Titans Go! issue #36 by J. Torres with illustrations by Todd Nauck

Edition: digital issue

Description:

When there’s trouble, you know who to call…but who does Robin call when the other Titans are in danger? This time he recruits Aqualad, Kid Flash, Speedy and Wonder Girl!

Book Review for A-Z Title Challenge: Superman: Man of Steel issue #1

Book: Superman: The Man of Steel issue #1 by Louise Simonson with illustrations by various artists

Edition: digital issue

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Superman is having a rough time with trying to help with every emergency he can but also trying to track down who is behind several bomb attacks in Metropolis. The city is also experiencing financial troubles which have left a huge impact including at The Daily Planet.

Clark is also plagued with headaches and weird visions of Krypton, he's not sure what they mean but they are making it hard to concentrate. Even with Lois helping Clark track down the lead, they're getting no where with the bombing story. With all of this going on, Clark's parents arrive for a visit just when there is a new Kryptonian threat approaching.

Can Superman handle all these emergencies? Will he be able to save the day?

This story might be a little old but it's still a good read. Despite all the pressure building up Clark never stops trying to help. This first issue is not only well written but it's filled with nonstop action, drama, suspense and humor.

Currently Reading for A-Z Title Challenge: Superman: The Man of Steel issue #1

I getting closer to the end of the A-Z Title Challenge and you can't have a challenge without Superman, right?

Book: Superman: The Man of Steel issue #1 by Louise Simonson with illustrations by various artists

Edition: digital issue

Description:

Over a year ago, Superman fought the urge to become the Krypton Man. Now the Krypton Man is born anew from the Earth’s fiery sun—the same place where the Man of Steel buried the mysterious Kryptonian Eradicator.

Book Review for A-Z Title Challenge: Robin issue #1

Book: Robin issue #1 by Chuck Dixon with illustrations by Tom Grummett, inks by Scott Hanna and color by Adrienne Roy

Edition: Single print issue

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Tim's first issue as Robin was a fun read. With Bruce still dealing with his sever injuries and the unstable Azrael in place as The Dark Knight, Tim thought it best to go out on his own.

While attending a school dance with Ariana, a girl he's dating, Tim inadvertently found himself in the middle of the latest car theft by a group of thieves when one of his classmates was being carjacked for his car. The car thieves had been targeting many of the wealthy neighborhoods in Gotham.

And just as Robin was about to start a night of investigating, his car was hit and it was then careening down the side of the road. This end on a cliffhanger with Tim being stopped by a gritty sheriff's deputy who believed he caught one of the car thieves.

This was a fast moving story that had Tim trying to adjust to being out there on his own as a crime fighter as well as dealing with the disappearance of his father, who had gone missing. This story also features The Cluemaster (Stephanie Brown's father) in a side plot that has him and a group of prisoner up to something.

The first issue was a good introduction to this series and the ending leaves you wanting to read the second issue to find out what will happen next.

Currently Reading for A-Z Title Challenge: Robin issue #1

I like all the Robins (except for Carrie Kelley, she's my least favorite) and for the A-Z Title Challenge I couldn't pass up reading an issue of Robin even if I have to dig through a box to get it out. This is Tim Drake's first issue as Robin.  

By the way the digital comic for this is currently free and available for Kindle, Nook and Comixology.


Book: Robin issue #1 by Chuck Dixon with illustrations by Tom Grummett, inks by Scott Hanna and color by Adrienne Roy

Edition: Single print issue

Description:

Out of the Batcave and off on his own, the Boy Wonder Tim Drake attempts to get on with a normal life, even so far as going on a date with a lovely lady. But when carjacking gang the Speedboyz show up, it looks like it's no rest for Robin just yet.

Book Review for A-Z Title Challenge: QQ Sweeper vol #1

Book: QQ Sweeper volume #1 (chapters #1-5) by Kyousuke Motomi

Rating: 3 1/2 stars

Review:

Who knew cleaning was more than just for keeping your home tidy?

The first volume focused on new transfer student Fumi Nishioka. When she was found sleeping in the old part of campus (which was said to be haunted) she ended up meeting Kyutarou Horikita, a fellow classmate. Kyutarou isn't just a regular student he's part of a secret cleaning organization that help keep away ghostly parasites.

But there is something mysterious about Fumi because she was able to see a hidden door that allowed her to help another classmate Sakaguchi who was in need of help. However, as she traveled through the door she found herself somewhere she never thought possible, a supernatural portal that allowed her to see inside the heart of Sakaguchi. He was being tormented by a parasite. She was surprised when Kyutarou showed up, he had went there to help her but surprisingly she had to help him out. 

With that task taken care of, Fumi in need of both a job and a place to stay was offered not only a job as a housekeeper for the Horkita family but also to be Kyutarou's assistant for the cleaning organization.

There was still more work the duo had to do for Sakaguchi, they removed the parasites that were infecting him but they also needed to clean his room. Sakaguchi's problems stemmed from him being cut from the baseball team, which made it easier for the parasites to attack.

The first volume ends with a cliffhanger with the Chairman of the school possibly looking into Fumi's background to find out more about her.

This was a fun and interesting story with Fumi finding more than she bargained for when she met Kyutarou. She's also a little kooky because her goal in life is to marry a rich man but I'm hoping as the story continues she finds another goal.

Currently Reading for A-Z Title Challenge: QQ Sweeper vol #1

It's been a while since I've read anything for the A-Z Title Challenge and here is the book for Q. I borrowed this from a friend.


Book: QQ Sweeper volume #1 (chapters #1-5) by Kyousuke Motomi

Description:

The manga's ad uses the tagline "brush away all the soot of the hear". The "cleaning story of love and bravery(!!)" follows Kyuutarou, who never leaves a speck of dust behind when he "cleans". One day, he meets a girl who wants to be his apprentice.