Book Review: Kim & Kim vol #1

Book: Kim & Kim volume #1 (issues #1-4) by Magdalene Visaggio with illustrations by Eva Cabrera, color by Claudia Aguirre and letters by Zakk Saam

Edition: Single Print Issue

Description:

Kim & Kim are twenty-something besties out to make a name for themselves in the wild world of inter-dimensional cowboy law enforcement. In a massive "screw you" to their parents and the authorities, they decide to hijack some high stakes bounty -- and end up in way over their heads. Kim & Kim is a day-glo action adventure that's bursting with energy and enthusiasm. Blending the punk exuberance of TANK GIRL with the buddy adventure wackiness of SUPERBAD (if Michael Cera was a trans woman and Jonah Hill a queer girl partner in crime), Kim & Kim is a bright, happy, punk rock sci-fi adventure that is queer as shit.



Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Kim & Kim volume #1 is one crazy, zany wonderfully funny mess. No wonder it was recently nominated for a 2017 Eisner Awards for Best Limited Series. It follows bounty hunters Kimiko "Kim" Quatro and Kimber "Kim" Dantzler as they track down criminals. I wouldn't necessarily say they were successful with their careers since they are in huge financial trouble but they have so much enthusiasm for the job.

With their latest bounty not resulting in payment, Kim & Kim were in a financial bind. A lead for their next bounty came unexpectedly from Kim Q.'s old friend Saar Harring. Saar and his bounty hunting partner Columbus Cross were willing to cut the ladies in on a bounty if they worked with them. Saar and Columbus were members of the Catalans, an elite group of bounty hunters in which Kim Q. used to be a member of. However, problems with her father, Furious Quatro (who runs the organization) sort of ended her friendship with Saar. Despite in need of money, Kim Q. turned down the offer, she didn't want anything do with the Catalans.

Back in their day-glo space van, Kim Q. decided they should go after the bounty themselves. The bounty is to bring in Tom Quilt, a mob courier who has gone rogue and started murdering some of mob boss El Scorcho's minions.

Taking the information they gained from Saar and Columbus they were off to find Quilt. Which turned out to be easier than they expected but unfortunately the Catalans duo wasn't far behind. It also turned out that Quilt wasn't some wayward mob courier but instead a shape-shifting alien who had been enslaved (along with several others) and was forced by El Scorcho to smuggle drugs. He asked the Kims for help to try to get back home which turned out to be a strange and messed up adventure in and of itself.

But first they need to find the elusive Lady Babylon which has Kim D. resorting to using magic she's not very good at. They had no idea that someone was after them which also resulted in more trouble and things didn't go as planned with helping Quilt which of course was nothing but trouble. They were still in debt and needed to find a bounty to at least earn some money but nothing seems to go right for the Kims. Everything is just a big mess. And crossing paths with Saar and Columbus had the four going up against the person who had been after the Kims.

This book is so funny and ridiculous I was laughing so much while I was reading it. Kim & Kim attract nothing but trouble from their jobs to their personal lives. I'm not sure this will be for everyone, the characters do curse a bit but I found the story to be hilarious. I notice the Kims have a distant relationship with their parents. I don't believe Kim Q.'s issues with her father have anything to do with her being transgender I think it's more to do with her dad being so overbearing and over protective. She wants to live her life her way and not her dad's way. As for Kim D., I believe her parental issues stem from her moving away from magic to become a bounty hunter. Honestly, she's truly terrible at magic and should steer clear of it but that doesn't stop her parents from continuing to mention it. Thankfully, her parents came to the rescue financially speaking because they needed the help.

Kim & Kim volume #1 was a joy to read. It works on all levels because it's a fast-paced, action packed, zany story that has great writing and fun artwork. I wanted to read more from this which is why I'm super happy that there will be a second volume with issues starting this summer.

Book Review: Pink Panther vol #1

Book: Pink Panther volume #1 (issues #1-3, Trick or Pink Halloween Special and the Pink Panther Free Comic Book Day issue) by various writers and illustrators

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

The cool cat is back! Generations of kids grew up loving the Pink Panther’s unique style and wit on Saturday morning cartoons. And now today’s best writers and artists are delivering original comic book stories that bring the trademark Pink Panther flair for confounding The Inspector and The Little Man to legions of new fans!



Rating: 4 stars

Review:

This first volume of the Pink Panther features stories that has the titular character in a host of adventures. Such as accidently going to a Halloween party attended by real monsters, trying to be brave while watching a scary movie in the theatre and trying to become a hero after finding Thor's hammer. He also takes up martial arts to protect himself after being robbed in the park but his new training may have worked a little too well.

There are many more stories in the book including The Ant and The Aardvark are featured in quite a few short stories throughout. While there is one that follows Inspector Clouseau as he tries to solve a mystery surrounding missing money. Although there were different artists on the stories you can barely see any difference in the illustration and color which were wonderfully done. I like that there is a consistent look to the artwork.

The Pink Panther doesn't usually speak but there are a few stories where he has speech bubbles. It was interesting to see even though I prefer when he's not speaking but that's just my little pet peeve.

This is a group of well-written stories that should be a fun read for all ages. If you're a fan of the Pink Panther, this is something you might want to consider picking up.

Book Review: Rocket Robinson and the Secret of the Saint

Book: Rocket Robinson and the Secret of the Saint (Rocket Robinson book #2) written and illustrated by Sean O'Neill

Source: Received from Author for an honest review

Publication: Available now


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Rocket Robinson and the Secret of the Saint is a wildly inventive historical fiction story that follows the trio Rocket, Nuri and Rocket's pet monkey Screech as they uncover a fantastic mystery surrounding a stolen painting.

This sequel which is still set in the 1930s finds Mr. Robinson, Rocket, Nuri and Screech in Paris, France. The mystery begins when the Louvre was broken into and the only thing stolen was a very old painting. Unfortunately Nuri's Uncle Turk was arrested for the crime but the kids didn't believe he did it. And with Mr. Robinson away for work, it's up to Rocket, Nuri and Screech to find the thief and the missing painting.

Following a lead the police dismissed, the trio went to investigate the man they believe framed Turk. Doing that set off a chain of events leaving the trio uncovering an intricate mystery that centers around the painting possibly leading to an ancient Templar treasure. And trying to get their hands on that treasure are Nazis who plan to use it to help fund the Third Reich.

I think the author has a knack for blending fact with fiction in this fast moving, very well written, action packed story. It held my attention all the way through and I love that the story has a lot going on. However, not so much that it would confuse young readers, this is an easy to follow story. I couldn't help rooting for the trio as they try to stop the villains, this was definitely a page turner.

The Rocket Robinson comic books are the type of comics I love to recommend for kids (although they can be enjoyed by all ages) because each book features an exciting and funny story with a mystery coupled with high flying action and adventure. Nuri, Rocket and Screech are smart, courageous, and very resourceful, I'm sure kids will love them. And as for the artwork, I love the illustrations, they're bright and clear with perfect coloring. There are so many amazing details on every page.

I do believe this second installment may have out done the first, Rocket Robinson and the Pharaoh's Fortune which is exactly what a good sequel is supposed to do. If there's a kid in your life who is interested in reading comics I truly recommend picking up these first two books for them.

Currently Reading: Rocket Robinson and the Secret of the Saint

It's been some time since I've read the first book Rocket Robinson and the Pharaoh's Fortune, it was a good read. These are historical fiction comics that follows Rocket Robinson, his new friend Nuri and his pet monkey Screech as the trio wind up in an amazing adventure.

I really liked the first book and I'm looking forward to reading this one.

Book: Rocket Robinson and the Secret of the Saint (Rocket Robinson book #2) written and illustrated by Sean O'Neill

Source: Received from Author for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Rocket, Nuri, and Screech are in 1930’s Paris where they are hot on the trail of a stolen painting. But naturally there’s more to this story than just a missing artwork. The painting holds the key to discovering the greatest treasure in history, and a rogue’s gallery of bumbling art thieves and German spies is desperate to find it and will stop at nothing to discover its secret location.

This adventure combines lively, vibrant color artwork with thrilling adventure and fascinating historical details, all set on the backdrop of one of the world’s most intriguing and mysterious cities. Designed for beginning to intermediate readers, the story is free of inappropriate language, gender or ethnic stereotypes, and violent images, so the book is truly for comic fans of all ages. But don’t worry—it’s still packed with action, danger, and plenty of fun!

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #261 (for Monday): The Pride issue #1

I found this book when I was searching for something else. The cover immediately caught my eye, I wanted to know more about these superheroes. Despite all the progress in adding more diversity and inclusion in comics there still are very few LGBTQ characters.

The first issue does seem interesting and I wouldn't mind giving it a read. As far as I can tell, it's only available in digital.

Book: The Pride issue #1 (of 6) by Joe Glass with illustrations by Gavin Mitchell

Description:

FabMan, sick of being treated as a joke and seeing no representation for the LGBTQ in a world full of heroes, assembles the greatest super powered LGBTQ heroes from around the world to form The Pride!

Who joins? And what nefarious shadow is building just out of sight? Will The Pride be up for the task?

Get in on the ground floor today!

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #187: Persepolis

A few years ago, I watched the animated movie for Persepolis, I thought it was very good. I didn't think of reading the book until now. I wonder if the book has more than what was included in the movie.

Book: Persepolis (The Complete Edition) by Marjane Satrapi

Description:

Persepolis is the story of Satrapi's unforgettable childhood and coming of age within a large and loving family in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution; of the contradictions between private life and public life in a country plagued by political upheaval; of her high school years in Vienna facing the trials of adolescence far from her family; of her homecoming -- both sweet and terrible; and, finally, of her self-imposed exile from her beloved homeland. It is the chronicle of a girlhood and adolescence at once outrageous and familiar, a young life entwined with the history of her country yet filled with the universal trials and joys of growing up.

Edgy, searingly observant, and candid, often heartbreaking but threaded throughout with raw humor and hard-earned wisdom -- Persepolis is a stunning work from one of the most highly regarded, singularly talented graphic artists at work today.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #134: Adulthood is a Myth

Being an adult is hard work, you must be responsible, take care of yourself and most importantly pay all your bills. But it can also be a lot of fun.

When is why I want to read this, from some of the samples I've read I found them to be very funny.

Book: Adulthood is a Myth: A "Sarah's Scribbles" Collection by Sarah Andersen

Description:

Do you love networking to advance your career? Is adulthood an exciting new challenge for which you feel fully prepared? Ugh. Please go away.

These casually drawn, perfectly on-point comics by the hugely popular young Brooklyn-based artist Sarah Andersen are for the rest of us. They document the wasting of entire beautiful weekends on the internet, the unbearable agony of holding hands on the street with a gorgeous guy, and dreaming all day of getting home and back into pajamas. In other words, the horrors and awkwardnesses of young modern life. Oh and they are totally not autobiographical. At all.

Adulthood Is a Myth presents many fan favorites plus dozens of all-new comics exclusive to this book. Like the work of fellow Millennial authors Allie Brosh, Grace Helbig, and Gemma Correll, Sarah's frankness on personal issues like body image, self-consciousness, introversion, relationships, and the frequency of bra-washing makes her comics highly relatable and deeply hilarious.

Book of Interest: Stumptown vol #1

I had a wonderful time at Free Comic Book Day!, I will post about all of that tomorrow. So before I sit back and relax, I wanted to post today's book of interest.

Stumptown volume #1 is a mystery book I've been wanting to read for quite a while. I've been hearing a lot of good things about this book, many say Greg Rucka's writing is at it best in this series.

Book: Stumptown volume #1 by Greg Rucka with illustrations by Matthew Southworth

Description:

Dex is the proprietor of Stumptown Investigations, and a fairly talented P.I. Unfortunately, she's less adept at throwing dice than solving cases. Her recent streak has left her beyond broke — she's into the Confederated Tribes of the Wind Coast for 18 large. But maybe Dex's luck is about to change. Sue-Lynne, head of the Wind Coast's casino operation, will clear Dex' debt if she can locate Sue-Lynne's missing granddaughter. But is this job Dex's way out of the hole or a shove down one much much deeper?

Book Review: Norah issue #1

Book: Norah issue #1 by Kasey Pierce with illustrations and letters by Sean Seal and cover art by Jason Westlake

Edition: Single print issue

Rating: 3 1/2 stars

Review:

In this first issue, the reader is introduced to Norah Siezhelm in an interesting way. She was in the process of trying to bring a little girl name Anna out of a coma. With Anna slipping away it was going to require a bit of trust on Anna's part for Norah to be able to help her.

Norah has this unique ability but it wasn't until near the end of this issue that you get a sense of how she acquired it. You could say it was an experiment gone terribly wrong that now allows her to make a rather lucrative living being hired to help comatose patients.

This was an interesting first issue and the ending left me wanting to know more about both Norah and that experiment which had a disastrous result for someone very close to her.

I like the artwork, it had a dreamlike quality to it. However, there was only one page I didn't think the art was the best. On page 17, Norah's image seemed stretched as if she was being seen through a funhouse mirror.

Aside from that, I really enjoyed reading this, I'm going to have to add this to my comic book pull list because I'm would like to read the next issue.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #79: Relish: My Life in the Kitchen

A non-fiction comic book about food and cooking, how have I not found this sooner. This will be added to my wishlist.

Book: Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley

Description:

Lucy Knisley loves food. The daughter of a chef and a gourmet, this talented young cartoonist comes by her obsession honestly. In her forthright, thoughtful, and funny memoir, Lucy traces key episodes in her life thus far, framed by what she was eating at the time and lessons learned about food, cooking, and life. Each chapter is bookended with an illustrated recipe―many of them treasured family dishes, and a few of them Lucy's original inventions.

A welcome read for anyone who ever felt more passion for a sandwich than is strictly speaking proper, Relish is a graphic novel for our time: it invites the reader to celebrate food as a connection to our bodies and a connection to the earth, rather than an enemy, a compulsion, or a consumer product.

New Book Purchase: Norah issue #1, Tales of Mr. Rhee vol #1 and Write or Wrong

Yesterday was an interesting day, because when I stopped by my local comic bookstore I had no idea I would have the chance of meeting authors Dirk Manning and Kasey Pierce. I will admit I was a little star struck and became a little shy. I know it's weird I'm rather talkative and outgoing but I totally clammed up and spaced out a bit. I bring this up because while I was gathering my thoughts to actually have a conversation, I totally forgot to take a picture.

Speaking with them gave me a chance to find out more information about the comics that I bought. I had initially went over to the tables at the back of the store because I was interested in buying Write or Wrong: A Writer's Guide to Creating Comics by Dirk Manning. I was able to get all three of my books autographed (which are found on the cover of Norah and on the inside cover of the other two books).

I thought they were both really nice and I am looking forward to reading and reviewing all the books that I bought.

Book Review: Shaman

Book: Shaman (issues #1-5) by Ben Khan with illustrations by Bruno Hildago

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

In the never-ending battle between good and evil, not even death is permanent. The Shaman, a mysterious mage with a trick permanently up his sleeve and the ability to restore life, has tasked himself with raising those on both sides of the battle from the grave.

Working alongside a foul-mouthed teenage sorceress and a retired superhero bored with the life in tights, the Shaman and his adoptive family fight monsters, demons, and even the odd astronaut or two if that’s what gets the job done.


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I love finding something fun to read. These five issues centers around a necromancer called Shaman, his daughter LL, who is a sorceress and Zachary Wu, a former superhero called the Vanisher.

In the first issue, Shaman and LL were trying to figure out a way to fix a resurrection he botched. When he tried to bring back Ran Wu, the original superhero the Vanisher, something went wrong. Now he had a vindictive skeleton going after him. They needed the current Vanisher, Zachary Wu (who is also the grandson of the original Vanisher) for help in fixing the problem.

A fantastic magical showdown finally gave them a chance to fully restore Ran. Now that his grandfather was back, Zachary in an interesting twist decided to join up with Shaman and his daughter.


Issues #2 and #3 found Zachary still getting used to being a part of the team. But when Shaman is about to resurrect the villain Kahle Behan a.k.a. The Invader it caused a bit of tension within the team. Zachary being a former hero doesn't think Shaman should bring her back to life but as Shaman explained it's not up to him who is resurrected. Zachary still upset contacted the Cosmic Guardians and informed them about what Shaman was about to do.

As soon as the Guardians showed up a huge fight ensued, it was also revealed that one of the Cosmic Guardians was responsible for the death of The Invader. Shaman's plan to resurrect The Invader was rather clever but the only thing that I didn't like was how they sort of tricked Zach into reacting to bring about the resurrection.


In the fourth issue, Boston was being terrorized by the Green Monster and the only way to save the city was to resurrect Babe Ruth. He was the one who cursed the monster the first time and trapped it in Fenway Park. Once the Red Sox won the World Series it broke the curse. To stop the monster, Babe Ruth will have to curse the monster again, the only problem is it will cause the Red Sox to never win the World Series again.


The last issue has the group celebrating the 4th of July. Every year Shaman host a party and invites all the neighbors but this year a few issues pop up. First, for LL an old friend who is completely obnoxious tries too hard to flirt with Zach and second Gigaman, a superhero who is an old friend of Shaman's brings a woman to the party who was seeking Shaman's help. The woman had recently lost her son and wanted Shaman to bring him back but he can't because it's not his call who is resurrected. But some words of comfort from Zach's grandfather just might be what the woman needed the most. I like this issue because you get to see another side to not only Shaman but LL and Zach. Out of the five issues, this was more of a quiet one yet it was still an interesting story.


I really like this book, it's filled with tons of humor, good action and great group of stories and characters. I hope this is or will be an on-going series because I would love to read more from this.

Book Review: Tortured Life

Book: Tortured Life (issues #1-6) by Neil Gibson (issues #1) and Dan Watters (issues #2-6) with illustrations and cover art by Casper Wijngaard and color by Jan Wijngaard

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Richard is having a bad year. He’s lost his job, lost his girlfriend, put on weight… and developed the ability to see the deaths of everyone around him. Plagued by horrific premonitions, he decides to end it all, but there are old and powerful forces at work that have their own plans for his power. Pitched into a world of eldritch horror that lurks just beneath the surface of London’s civilized veneer, the only chance Richard has of finding peace is to unravel the mysteries of his own past. He’s having a really, really bad year.


Rating: 3 1/2 stars

Review:

Tortured Life had an interesting story but it took the goriest approach to tell it. Richard Carter is an average guy until his life is turned upside down once he started seeing the deaths of every person and animal he sees. He couldn't cope and it was too much to deal with. It didn't take long before he had become withdrawn and only staying in so as not to see death where ever he goes.

After several years of living this way, he decided to end his life by jumping off a bridge but just as he is about to do that, a young woman named Alice appears. The strange thing is, he couldn't see her death, turns out she's already dead and needs his help. But the problem started when something else appeared and was looking to get rid of Richard.

The grotesque being called the Bloodyman was soon going after Richard, who was getting help from Alice to escape from the creature. Finally able to get away from the creature, Alice asked Richard if he could check and see if her father was okay. This started a chain of events that led Richard to finding out about who he really is and why the Bloodyman was after him.

This wasn't a bad story, there were a few things that seemed predictable but the writing was good and at least the story was interesting. However, it got drowned out by the nearly nonstop gore. There were a lot of unexpected things about this story from Richard's abilities in seeing the deaths to reasons why he was having them. The backstory on the Bloodyman also turned out to be interesting.

Book Review: Side-Kicked

Book: Side-Kicked by Russell Brettholtz with illustrations by Miguel Mendonca and Bong Dazo and color by Sara Machjewski

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

It should come as no surprise to learn that within the superhero "community," egos run rampant. But how does all that free-flowing narcissism impact those just outside the spotlight? Chicago finds out when five of the city's most loyal Sidekicks finally grow tired of being disrespected by both the prima donnas they work with and the citizenry they strive to protect. And it's not like the Windy City needs yet another labor upheaval...


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Oh, I really like this. In Side-Kicked, the sidekicks are tired of always being underappreciated by both the superheroes and the public. They work hard doing all that they can to look out for the heroes and protect the city but they get absolutely no respect.

After a few incidents that resulted in a rift growing between a few of the sidekicks and heroes, the sidekicks decide to go on strike. Although, the strike wasn't publicized their disappearance was beginning to make an impact. The superheroes were experiencing heavy losses especially once the supervillains starting to take advantage of strike.

I love the premise of this because I've noticed that even some comic book fans look down on sidekicks. I sometimes hear or read fans saying that no one cares about sidekicks but I've always been a fan of them.

This takes an interesting look behind the scenes into the lives of the superheroes. As much as I liked this I do wish that a female sidekick had been given a prominent role. There is diversity among the guys but it would have been nice to have had a female sidekick shown. There was mention of the female sidekicks forming their own group near the end but it would have been great if they were at least shown.

Short Movie for the Legend of the Mantamaji comic book series (and a New Book Purchase)

A week or two ago, I watched this official short movie for the comic book series Legend of the Mantamaji by Eric Dean Seaton with illustrations by Brandon Palas. After watching it, I immediately ordered all three volumes of the series. I think this is a pretty good movie, it can certainly stand up with the current batch of superhero TV shows.

One minor issue I did notice about the character is that it does seem a little cumbersome to have to constantly hold the ankh while fighting crime. However, it does change into any weapon that he may need.

Since, I'm always looking for something new to read, finding this movie was a great promotional tool. I'm always surprised that more authors or publishers don't do something extra to promote their books.

It was nice to see that my books finally arrived yesterday, I look forward to reading the first volume.

Book Review: Young Terrorists issue #1

Book: Young Terrorists issue #1 by Matt Pizzolo with illustration by Amancay Nahuelpan and color by Jean-Paul Csuka

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

What if "The Smoking Man" from X-Files was a real person, and his daughter found out what he did for a living? The daughter of an assassinated globalist kingpin breaks out of an internment camp and leads her fellow escaped prisoners in a battle against an elitist conspiracy of shadow governments, megabanks, and military juntas in this edgy and subversive thriller that channels Fight Club by way of Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. A graphic novel that fearlessly assaults politics-as-usual, Young Terrorists continues the legacy of DMZ and The Invisibles as it manically rips the scab off life under the new world order and revels in the pus underneath. The 84-page first issue prestige-edition launches this new ongoing series, continuing forward with standard-length single issues.


Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Right off the bat this first issue was a total mind trip but it was interesting.

When Gregor Solomon a wealthy businessman was assassinated in a bombing in a coffee shop his daughter Sera was immediately arrested. Sera was arrested due to a police tip that she had weapons hidden in her locker.

This set off a whole chain of events for Sera, she was taken to some secret facility where she was tortured on a regular basis for information about the whereabouts of her brother. Being there caused an understandable change in Sera, she had transformed into a fighter especially after being tossed into unground fights at the facility.

At some point Sera escapes and went looking for some answers.

From there, the story shifts one year later to focus on another character Cesar. Despite, trying to stay off the grid, Cesar had been receiving mysterious messages from some unknown person. He had been traveling with a trucker when everything seemed to go from bad to worse. 

After escaping some angry truckers then wandering around in the cold and snow, he caused a fire at a closed fast food restaurant. Cesar was nearly beaten to death by the police before a mysterious person came to his aid.

This help set in motion for him to meet Sera and her team and get immersed in this underground world of fight clubs, sex and conspiracies.

A weird yet well-written story that left me interested in wanting to read more from this series.

Book of Interest: Iscariot

For some reason that cover makes me think of Damian Wayne but it's the description that has caught my interest.


Book: Iscariot written and illustrated by Shane Michael Vidaurri

Publication: October 27, 2015

Publisher: Archaia

Description:

A dying young girl inherits ancient magical powers.

When Iscariot, a rebellious magician in an age-old order, secretly bestows powers upon Carson, a dying young girl, he throws generations of magical tradition into chaos. As Carson struggles with not only her new powers, but with returning to life after years of sickness—schoolmates who don’t remember her, a mother who has hidden her spiraling depression —she discovers that Iscariot’s intentions might not have been as altruistic as it first appeared. Burdened with magic she doesn’t understand and pursued by representatives of the order who seek to rebalance their broken system of power, Carson must find a way to shed the weight of the past and create a future that is hers and hers alone.

Book Watch: Six Comics/Graphic Novels from Star Wars to Wonder Woman

This is a great time to be a comic book reader because there is such a large variety of book to read from.

For this Book Watch I wanted to focus on some comics I've been keeping my eye on such as the highly anticipated Wonder Woman Earth One. I can't wait to read that book.

Here are the rest of my picks:

Book: Star Wars volume #1: Skywalker Strikes (issues #1-6) by Jason Aaron with illustrations by John Cassaday and Laura Martin

Publication: October 6, 2015

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Description:

The greatest space adventure of all returns to Marvel! Luke Skywalker and the ragtag rebel band opposing the Galactic Empire are fresh off their biggest victory yet - the destruction of the massive Death Star. But the Empire's not toppled yet!

Join Luke, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2 and the rest of the Rebel Alliance as they fight for freedom against the evil of Darth Vader and his master, the Emperor! But when a Rebel assault goes very wrong, Han and Leia will have to think fast to make their escape...while Luke finds himself face-to-face with Darth Vader! In the explosive aftermath, a humbled Luke returns to Tatooine to learn more about his mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi. Meanwhile, Leia and Han undertake a vital - and dangerous -secret mission...but can they succeed without Luke?

Books of Interest: Kids of the Round Table

This looks really interesting with these kids ending up in the world of King Arthur.


Book: Kids of the Round Table (issue #1-4) by Robert Tinnell and Aaron J. Shelton with illustrations by The Fraim Brothers (Brendon and Brian)

Publication: October 15, 2015

Description:

Twelve year-old Kevin and his friends are transported to a world of magic after finding King Arthur's legendary sword Excalibur. Can these new Knights of the Round Table stop the evil witch Morgan le Fay from conquering both worlds? 

Book Review: A Glance Backward

Book: A Glance Backward by Pierre Paquet with illustration and color by Tony Sandoval

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Publisher: Magnetic Press

Description:

Eleven-year-old Joey's world turns inside-out when he finds himself pulled inside the walls of his own home, seemingly trapped in a strange and surreal place. As he searches for a way out, he discovers a myriad of strange, intriguing, and frightening characters, who ultimately lead him to complete the greatest journey of them all: growing up.

A fantastical trip through a strange landscape that explores the changing perspective of a young boy facing adulthood. As surreal as Alice in Wonderland, with a powerful truth underneath it all. This beautifully illustrated, watercolored tale will make readers long for the simplicity of youth while embracing the wonderful complexities of adulthood: RESPONSIBILITY, LOVE, CONSEQUENCE, and ultimately the shocking, inevitable realities of LIFE and DEATH. Written by Pierre Paquet, this honest portrayal of a moment from his own life will take readers to a land of contemplation and adventure.


Rating: 3 stars

Review:

This starts out in a fun and cheerful way with Joey going to buy fireworks. Then it turned really strange and not in a fun and interesting way like Alice in Wonderland but in a dark and weird way. The description made this seem as if it was going to be a whimsical fun adventure instead the story follows 11 years old Joey who accidently found himself trapped in the walls in his house. He wandered around going to different places/worlds constantly trying to find his way home but never finding it. Nearly every place that Joey went to was scary and there appeared to be a monster chasing him.

It wasn't until you get to the end of the story that you realize what it was really about. It did make me go back and read it again. But I always feel that a story shouldn't have to make the reader wait until the end to find out what it's about yet, it did do a good job of making everything clear and understandable.

I found the way that most of the adults were drawn were either grotesque or creepy. There were a few moments where the art was clear and beautiful but in general the artwork mirrored this dark story.

This is not a book for children, it's very dark and there are some scary and violent scenes.