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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Book Review: Love vol #1: The Tiger

Book: Love volume #1: The Tiger by Frederic Brremaud with illustrations by Federico Bertolucci

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

A day in the life of the king of the jungle, this lavishly illustrated story follows a single majestic tiger through a wordless adventure of survival as it hunts prey and defends itself from other would-be killers defending their territory.

This exciting tale is told without narration or dialogue, conveyed entirely through the beautiful illustrations of Federico Bertolucci.

A beautiful, all-ages title that explores genuine natural behavior through the dramatic lens of Disney-esque storytelling.

Like a nature documentary in illustration.


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

This was amazing. Love vol #1 is a beautifully drawn story about a tiger and surprisingly there are absolutely no words, dialogue or text included in it.

As a kid, I loved watching those animal documentaries on TV, visiting the zoo and reading books about animals. What can I say, I was a kid who was fascinated by animals. Which is why I love this book because it makes you feel as if you're watching a documentary or right there experiencing a day in the life of this tiger and numerous other animals.

The story is exciting, dramatic and a little heartbreaking but then again that's nature. This was wonderfully done.

Book Review: Daomu

Book: Daomu by Xu "Kennedy" Lei, adapted by Colin Johnson with illustrations by Ken Chou

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: February 17, 2015

Description:

Sean Wu had no idea of the secrets kept by his estranged father — until his death kicked open the gates to a mysterious world of international tomb robbers and ageless myths!

Now the sole heir to this critical legacy, he must survive the darkest terrors haunting the most sought after treasures buried within a globe-spanning labyrinth of ancient catacombs in order to solve his father’s murder and perhaps even save the world…

Based on the best-selling Chinese novel series Daomu Journal, written by Xu “Kennedy” Lei, this original graphic novel collects the sold-out series created by the celebrated art directors at Concept Art House, with over 20 million fans declaring Xu ‘China’s Stephen King’.

This 244-page hardcover features a soft-touch textured cover with embossed elements, highlighting the strikingly rendered painted artwork on both front and back cover.

The epic storyline is supplemented by concept artwork and additional design material further exploring the world of Daomu.



Rating: 2 stars

Review:

I would say Daomu is like Indiana Jones but with monsters and mythology. This was okay but I think the story suffered from stiff writing and trying to add in too much back story. This is another comic where the thought boxes and dialogue bubbles cause distraction by taking up a lot of space on the page.

Daomu started out good with the story opening with Sean Wu reconnecting with his absentee father at a diner but then a masked and nearly indestructible man shows up and murder his father. Sean was rescued by these two people and one was a lady name Lyn. This tragic event leads Sean into the world his father had tried so hard to keep him away from.

Sean traveled back to China for his father's funeral and afterwards he found out the family secret, it turns out the family comes from a long line of tomb raiders. Although Sean was still mad at his father, especially after seeing the huge mansion his dad had been living in while Sean and his mother had been living in poverty while in America he was still curious enough to enter the family trade.

He was soon on his first expedition with his Uncle Tsai and their two very unique guards, Pan and Kilan. The story dragged for a while with the group in the underground cave fighting off various monsters including murderous vines.

After Sean survived the ordeal he ended up teaming up with some shadowy organization that Lyn is a part of. Of course his uncle found out which resulted in this big reveal.

Sean is a complete idiot in this story but for some reason he's considered some kind of chosen one with something being special about him. Even the twist about who Sean really is didn't improve this story nor him becoming insta-competent near the end.

I have a real complaint about this story besides it being a fast paced bore, my problem is that the only or main female character Lyn was only there for her body to be on display. She added nothing to the story she was a damsel in distress with Sean always coming to her rescue. As for the artwork for her, there were several scenes where the artist drew her in typical cheesecake form with all her boobs showing pretty much all the time. Seriously, why do female characters continue to be she shown in this way? It's ridiculous that her scuba suit could not be zipped up.

Overall, the artwork (aside from Lyn) was the best part of this story although the art was wasted by being surrounded by a thick border around each panel and the page. The only character I liked was Kilan because he was interesting and the only character who I thought could actually handle any of the weird situations that was happening in this story.

This story ended with a cliff hanger and it didn't leave me real interested in wanting to read more of this story. Perhaps if Kilan was the main character but other than that I'm not in a hurry to read the second volume.

Book Review: Henni

Book: Henni written and illustrated by Miss Lasko-Gross

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: January 20, 2015

Description:

In a fantastical world where old traditions and religion dominate every aspect of life, lives a girl named Henni.

Unlike most in her village, Henni questions and wonders what the world is like as she comes of age.

Striking out on her own, Henni goes out in search of truth, adventure, and more! 



Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Henni is about a young woman named Henni who lives in a town full of religious zealots where reason and truth go out the window. They instead rely on superstition and fear to guide them.

Henni is the type of person who ask a lot of questions and seeks to find the truth. She just wants to be herself but it's not possible when every aspect of your life is planned out for you. It also doesn't help that she really doesn't fit in with the people of her town and after discrediting one of the town's artifacts, she had to immediately leave (since she was now considered dead) or fear being stoned.

She eventually found her way to another town but despite the townspeople's fancy clothes and sophisticated way of life the town was worse than the one she left. The people use their religion and a caste system to keep people in their place. It's a very controlling and stifling society. There is no reasoning with anyone there.

After witnessing art that is considered illegal, Henni was jailed and awaited trial. But the trial was not fair, however Henni came up with a rather ingenious plan that helped her escape the town.

Once she left, she ended up meeting someone who set her on the path to finding a place that might be right for her and where she could find a faith that is more true to everything she believes in. She also thinks it's possible that taking this new path may help her find her father who is believed to be dead (like she is).

This is a very thought-provoking story that although less than 200 pages covers a lot of different areas. Henni was a very engaging story with beautifully drawn artwork. This was also very witty and humorous at times as Henni tries to find her way.

Book Review: Meka

Book: Meka (parts #1 and #2) by Jean-David Morvan with illustrations by Bengal

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

In a future where civilization is defended by giant, humanoid vehicles known as “Meka”, two pilots learn to deal with the consequences of their actions and the price of their unquestioning dedication to military duty as their vehicle is incapacitated in the center of a once-thriving city now turned interplanetary war zone!

Written by international creative powerhouse JD Morvan (Sillage, Zaya) and illustrated by French sensation Bengal (Meka, Luminae), this volume collects both books in the celebrated French BD series – “Inside” and “Outside” – into a single collected album, translated in English for the first time.


Rating: 1 star

Review:

This wasn't even remotely interesting. With most of the first part of the story relying heavily on the artwork to tell the story it produced a very confusing and boring story. It wasn't until the second part that I found out why these giant robots were shown fighting within the city.

In this futuristic story, the Meka robots are used as another tool of war with both sides using the robots to fight. When one of the Meka robots crash down in the city, two soldiers risked their lives to leave the immobile machine. But being out in the city wasn't any safer with the people who they were trying to protect angry at them for the reason so many of the citizens were dead.

But with another type of danger imminent the citizens are willing to asked the soldiers for help despite their huge and devastating loss.

This is not a book I see myself wanting to read again because it was really boring. I also didn't like the main characters, the two soldiers. They were both extremely unlikeable.

I guess it turns out that this just wasn't for me.

Book Review: Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles (Comic Book)

Book: Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles (Dover Graphic Novel Classics) by Arthur Conan Doyle, adapted and illustrated by John Green

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: November 19, 2014

Description:

The intrepid detective and his faithful assistant take on a supernatural challenge in one of Arthur Conan Doyle's most popular mysteries. This graphic novel's original illustrations accompany an easy-to-read account of Holmes and Watson's investigation of a family curse. Readers will be irresistibly drawn into the search for a giant spectral hound that haunts the fog-shrouded moors.

This Dover Graphic Novel Classic offers readers ages 8 and up an exciting introduction to a time-honored tale. Expertly abridged and packed with dramatic illustrations, this version offers a streamlined narrative that retains all of the storytelling essentials.


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Short story or not, this is one of the best adaptations I've read in a while. Unlike my experience with reading that awful comic book adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. This was actually a good read.

The story follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson as they try to figure out the sinister mystery of the Hound of the Baskervilles. They are tasked to keep Sir Henry Baskerville safe as they investigate.

This might be good for those who have never read a Sherlock Holmes story but are interested. With this story you get a good understanding of the classic tale, of course since this was an adaptation some things were cut. However the cuts didn't ruin the story.

I thought the illustrations were good and provided a good amount of details to keep the story entertaining.

Something else I found interesting is not only is this a comic book but it's also a coloring book (well this is supposed to be for children). I think it would be interesting to see how they would color the world of Sherlock Holmes.

Book Review: Naja

Book: Naja (issues #1-5) by Jean-David Morvan with illustrations by Bengal

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Naja is the perfect killer — because she feels nothing.

Literally.

Her body registers no pain, nor does her heart, coldly executing jobs given to her by her mysterious boss, known only as "Zero."

When another killer in Zero's organization targets Naja for elimination, she has no choice but to fall off the grid and seek answers, as bloody as they might be



Rating: 1 star (Did Not Finish)

Review:

Let's see what can I say about this besides the fact that I did not like it and it's boring. Well, Naja feels nothing and hates everyone. She is nothing more than an emotionless hit woman who doesn't question anything and just follows whatever plan her handler Zero set up for her.

But when a mysterious stranger showed up at her home in the middle of the night and tells her that Zero's number #1 hitman is trying to killer her. She believes him as well as falling in love with him.

So in between her trying to go after number #1 she breaks a friend of hers out of prison. I don't know why since she hates everyone. Every country she goes to she has reasons for why she hates the people in those countries.

All this hate it makes me wonder if it's the author's view point masking as the characters.

I get it, Naja's a hateful character but where's the story. This boring story focused on so many different things besides why Naja was being targeted by the number #1 assassin or if it just a ruse that the mysterious stranger wanted her to think.

Honestly, I don't care about this story or the characters and so I gave up trying to finish reading it. This was a long convoluted story that has more thought boxes than dialogue.

Book Review for Read-a-thon book #15: African-American Classics (comic book)

Book: African-American Classics (Graphic Classics volume #22) edited by Tom Pomplun and Lance Tooks

Source: Library

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

I found this book while I was looking around the comic book section of the library. And after reading that horrible adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, I wasn't too sure how these older stories and poems would translate. But they turned out quite well.

Before I read this I wasn't familiar with some of the authors and this gave me the opportunity to get to know their stories. And coupled with beautiful illustrations this should be a good introduction to readers.

I thought there was some really good stories in this volume, this book includes 23 stories that range from humorous to thought provoking. Here are just a few of some of my favorite stories: Two Americans by Florence Lewis Bentley which told the story of two soldiers during World War 1 and another story I really like was On Being Crazy by W. E. B. Du Bois who was tired of segregation and just wanted to do all the things he wanted to do like sit down at a restaurant to eat or stay at hotel but again and again met with opposition. I also really like Danse Africaine by Langston Hughes, it was a very beautiful poem with equally beautiful artwork.

There were many more stories that I enjoyed reading including the poem The Bronze Legacy by Effie Lee Newsome and the amazing artwork by Keith Mallett. There were a couple of stories I thought were a little wacky but overall these are good stories including the folktale Shalmanezer by Frances E. W. Harper at the end of the book.

Although I enjoyed reading this, I'm not sure I would recommend it for children but more for middle school/high school students and older because many of the stories deal with subject matters that younger readers might not fully understand.

Book Review: Super Ego: Family Matters

Book: Super Ego: Family Matters (issues #1-4) written and illustrated by Caio Oliveira with color by Lucas Marangon

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Who do superheroes go to when they need to unload?

Dr. Ego, psychotherapist for the superhero community!

Welcome to the world of the deeply disturbed, where with great power comes great anxiety, angst, and expectations!



Rating: 4 stars

Review:

I did find this to be amusing as well as interesting. This story follows Eugene Goodman who is a psychiatrist who specializes in treating superheroes. He goes by the name Dr. Ego.

The story also focus on superhero Lester who is the son of two of the world’s best superheroes. But he doesn’t have the best relationship with either of them. Lester is seeing the doctor because despite being one of the most powerful beings he has a problem with self-esteem. And it doesn’t help that he has a scrawny physique and he’s also 29 years old but due to his slow aging he’s basically a 16 year old boy (in mind and body).

As the story continues, the reader sees even more of Dr. Ego’s patients but you also get to know about the doctor and why he’s chosen to help superheroes.

Despite the humor there are some dark moments in this but it's a very good story even if it take a few laughs at some of today's most popular superheroes.

Book Review: The Extinction Parade vol #1

Book: Max Brooks' The Extinction Parade volume #1 by Max Brooks with illustrations by Raulo Caceres

(This is a Partial Advance Review Copy instead of featuring all five issues it only includes issues #1-3)

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: July 8, 2014

Description:

Max Brooks, the best selling Zombie writer in history, unleashes an all-new horror epic!

As humans wage their losing fight versus the hoards of the subdead, a frightening realization sets in with the secretive vampire race: our food is dying off.

This is the story of the vampire's decent into all-out war with the mindless, hungry hordes of the zombie outbreak as humanity tries to survive them all!

This collected edition contains the entire first chapter of Extinction Parade (issues #1-5) and a massive undead cover gallery!

Max Brooks' best-selling novel, World War Z, has been adapted into one of 2013's biggest blockbuster movie releases, bringing increased media attention to this acclaimed author. Legendary Pictures announced they have optioned Extinction Parade for a TV series.


Rating: 2 stars

Review:

To quote Vampire Willow from Buffy the Vampire Slayer "Bored Now". This story is what happens when one pop culture monster meets another. A completely boring yet gory story. Vampires and Zombie, two monsters that are starting to wear thin with too much exposure.

Although I was only able to read and review the first three issues, I found the story to be really boring. The story seemed to focus more on the gory artwork instead of having an engaging story. This story is about how vampires are dealing (or ignoring) the zombie plague that is ravaging throughout the world. And in between laughing at how stupid zombies and humans are, they enjoy bouts of feasting on various humans. But what is going to happen when the zombies diminish or destroy all the humans? What will the vampires do for food?

Even without the other two issues I can already see that the vampires are going to try to stop the zombies if they are ever going to have any more humans to feast on. Maybe within those two issues the story actually picks up. But I'm not intrigued enough to run out to the comic book store to buy them.

I don't mind if the artwork is gory hence the theme of the story but I don't understand why the story was so laborious especially with such a unique plot. I don't think I have ever seen a Vampire vs. Zombie storyline before and that should have made it an awesome read.

Book Review: Horrendo's Curse

Book: Horrendo's Curse by Anna Fienberg (adapted by Alison Kooistra) with art by Remy Simard

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

A riotous adventure of pirates (and good manners) on the high seas--now available in graphic novel format.

There never lived a boy more polite than Horrendo. Cursed at birth, he can speak only kind words while everyone else spews insults. But as his twelfth birthday approaches, Horrendo's good manners get him into trouble.

Each year, pirates come to the village and abduct all the twelve-year-old boys as their slaves. Despite training in Herculean Headlocks, Rude Remarks, and Oar Throwing, Horrendo and his friends are captured and worked to the bone aboard the ship. Horrendo endures with typical good grace, winning over the pirates' stomachs with his delectable cooking--but enraging the heartless Captain.

Adapted from Anna Fienberg's acclaimed story, this deliciously entertaining graphic novel sparkles with wicked wordplay and colorful characters. Remy Simard's action-packed illustrations make Horrendo's Curse a delight for readers of all ages.


Rating: 4 stars

Review:

I thought this was funny story but there were times in the story were I thought the dialogue was bit much since it's a children's story. I don't think this is for little kids (3-5) but more for older children (10+) who can understand that pirates are not nice individuals especially since they are shown as being very harsh and mean in the story.

The story is about 12 year old Horrendo who is cursed by a  witch with a spell that cause him to be polite and kind which wouldn't be a problem if he wasn't the only person in town wasn't being mean. As Horrendo was trying to figure out a way to avoid being captured by pirates (who raid the town and not only take food and other items but also steal the boys and force them to work for the pirates).

As I said, I thought this was funny and had a good story and the story has a subtle way of teaching kids good manners without being overly preachy. The artwork was also pretty good especially with the bright colors.

This is probably more geared towards boys but I think girls might like it as well but since some of language and some of the art can be as some have described it as inappropriate it's probably best if parents check it out first to see if it's something they would like their younger children to read. But this is probably just what 12 year old boys would love to read because they will think it's funny.

Book Review: Rocket Robinson and the Pharoah's Fortune

Book: Rocket Robinson and the Pharaoh's Fortune written and illustrated by Sean O'Neill

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

A thrilling graphic novel adventure that unlocks the mysteries of ancient Egypt!

The Egyptian capital of Cairo is a buzzing hive of treasure hunters, thrill-seekers, and adventurers, but to 12-year-old Ronald “Rocket” Robinson, it’s just another sticker on his well worn suitcase. But when Rocket finds a strange note written in Egyptian hieroglyphs, he stumbles into an adventure more incredible than anything he’s ever dreamt of.

Rocket and his friends soon run afoul of master criminal Otto Von Stürm, who’s planning the theft of the greatest treasure in history—an ancient pharaoh’s fortune, secretly hidden for centuries. To stop him, they’ll have to de-code an ancient riddle, solve a cryptic puzzle, face off hungry crocodiles, and navigate a centuries-old labyrinth full of traps. All while staying one step ahead of Otto’s bloodthirsty goons.

The streets of Cairo come alive in Sean O’Neill’s lively, vibrant, full-color illustrated pages. Young fans of ancient Egypt will immediately be drawn in by the references to hieroglyphics, mummies, pyramids, and pharaoh’s tombs, all lavishly illustrated in O’Neill’s fun, accessible style.


Rating:  5 stars (It's an Amazing story)

Review:

It's like Indiana Jones meets Dan Brown but for kids. The story is pure adrenaline excitement with all the action and adventure and with a really clever mystery. I highly doubt a kid will put this book down because I couldn't. It was really good.

The story set in Egypt during the 1930s, centers around 12 year old Ronald Robinson or better known as Rocket, who while traveling with his dad to Cairo ended up finding a note on a train. The note turns out to be a secret message that might lead to hidden treasure. With help from his new friend Nuri, a gypsy girl and his pet monkey Screech, the trio set out to find the hidden treasure before the bad guys do.

What I like is the story takes the trio to fascinating places all over the city and it makes the reader feels as if they are a part of the adventure.

I thought the writing coupled with the artwork created a wonderful adventure story. It's fun and intelligent and it's sure to keep young readers attention. In fact it's a great story for all ages to read.

If you're a parent and have children that are interested in reading comic books, I would recommend this as a wonderful option for them.

I do hope there will be more Rocket Robinson stories this was such a fun book.