Manga Classics: The Scarlet Letter

author: Nathaniel Hawthorne
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.70
book published: 1850
rating: 4
read at: 2015/04/18
date added: 2015/10/31
shelves: graphic-novels, classics
review:
'Manga Classics: The Scarlet Letter' continues to prove my theory that English teachers should tremble in fear that students will find these books.

It's the classic story told manga style. Unlike the previous two I've reviewed, I'm less familiar with this book. Hester Prynne lives in a Puritan community and is forced to wear an A for the adulterous sin which resulted in a daughter named Pearl. No matter how much Hester is harangued and harassed by her community, she refuses to give up the name of the man she sinned with. She also refuses to move away, and shows the kind of compassion to the people around her that they refuse to show. Her husband, feared lost at sea, makes an appearance and is determined to out the man who is as guilty as Hester. We learn who that is, and perhaps it's a bit too obvious in the manga version.

At a little over 300 pages, there is a lot of ground and years covered. Most stunning is the gorgeous art by SunNeko Lee. Even though the book is black and white, the illustrations are pretty stunning. The embroidery that Hester does and some of the outdoor scenes of woods and seashore and particular favorites. It seems to be a well told version of the story, and I enjoyed the chance to read it.

I was given a review copy of this manga by Diamond Book Distributors, Udon Entertainment, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this very fine manga.


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The Astronaut Instruction Manual

author: Mike Mongo
name: Wayne
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2015/10/30
date added: 2015/10/30
shelves: children-s, non-fiction
review:
'The Astronaut Instruction Manual' by Mike Mongo won't prepare you to go into space next year, but for the younger audience it's intended for, it might prepare them to go into space in the years to come.

The book is divided into sections and has fill in the blanks. The first thing you'll learn is the book's term for a space explorer is 'Humannaire' and if you are up to the task, you will need to find some people who will support you in your dream of becoming a 'humannaire' in space. Then you'll learn to breathe and pay attention. Along the way, you'll get introduced to big ideas to think about and find lots of things to Google.

The book is mainly about big ideas. It won't tell your kids to focus on math or science or any kind of STEM things, but it kind of subtly does. The big concept thinking is just what the next generation of explorers need to fire their imaginations and get them thinking about solving the problems we might encounter on long space voyages. How will we go the distance? What will we encounter? How will we survive? All are covered briefly, but with additional research if the 'humannaire' is interested. I think it's a great little workbook to explore an interest for a young reader interested in space exploration.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Inkshares and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Impossible Voyage of Kon-Tiki

author: Deborah Kogan Ray
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/10/30
date added: 2015/10/30
shelves: children-s, non-fiction
review:
'The Impossible Voyage of Kon-Tiki' by Deborah Kogan Ray takes the story about the famous expedition and boils it down to a middle grade reader in brilliant fashion. If the other reviews I've read are to be believed, this hasn't been done before and it's about time.

Thor Heyerdahl took a 5,000 mile journey on a raft from South America to prove a theory about migration. It was certainly dangerous and just the kind of thing I would have loved to learn about in 5th grade. The story is told here in text and pictures with each new page of text headed up by a quote from Thor Heyerdahl. There are also some nice end notes for further study. The kind of things Thor did after the journey and a short bio about him.

It's a concise version of the story, but well condensed and not overwhelming for younger readers. The pictures are colorful enough. I like the current map at the beginning of the book showing the journey. Even though I know the story, I found it to be a well done version of it for younger readers.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Charlesbridge and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Martian

author: Andy Weir
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2011
rating: 5
read at: 2015/10/28
date added: 2015/10/28
shelves: favorites
review:
I'm a fan of books, and I'm a fan of movies, but I'm rarely a fan of movies made out of books. I realize the two mediums are different and there are limitations. I can make allowances for that, but when the film bears little or no resemblance to the original work, it leaves me, as a reader, frustrated.

I've been wanting to read 'The Martian' by Andy Weir for a while. Friends who've read it talked it up and it was on my enormous to be read pile. When I heard that it was being made into a movie, I decided to put off reading the book to avoid the aforementioned reader's disappointment with adaptations to film.

A few days before the film was released, I decided to read a few chapters to get a feel for things. I saw the movie and I was pleasantly surprised by how right they got things in the chapters I'd read. It's a great movie, and it's based on a really great book.

Mark Watney is an astronaut who finds himself stranded on Mars. He needs to find a way to survive on limited supplies until the next mission arrives. He does this with an endless supply of humor, even as Mars continues to present him with new challenges. As someone in a field of troubleshooting, I'm very familiar with Murphy's Law. It is prevalent in this book. The willingness to suck it up, laugh about it, and work to find a solution is something I've seen in people around me. It's great to see it represented in this character. I loved the movie, but I loved the book even more.


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G.I. Joe: Snake Eyes, Agent of Cobra

author: Mike Costa
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.71
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/10/28
date added: 2015/10/28
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
I'll confess to not being the biggest fan of the G.I. Joe cartoon, but I find the comics to be enjoyable reading. 'G.I. Joe: Snake Eyes, Agent of Cobra' is no exception.

The book kind of dumps the reader into the middle of a story, but that's okay. Destro is being transferred between prisons and there is a daring breakout by Snake Eyes, who is apparently under COBRA's control. This isn't explained in the confines of this graphic novel, so it does leave the reader in a state of shock. Destro then asks Snake Eyes to find his son, Billy. Billy is on the run and being protected by Ronin, but there are some dangerous people after him, and Snake Eyes will have to fight his way to Billy.

It's a good action book. While some of it feels confusing, the story in these pages is written well by Mike Costa. There are pages of fight scenes and good clean art by Paolo Villanelli. I like the direction IDW has taken this series, but I recognize that it may not be for long time fans. Certainly the idea of Snake Eyes working for COBRA is a wild idea, but I enjoyed this fast paced read.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, IDW Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Moments of Impact: How to Design Strategic Conversations That Accelerate Change

author: Chris Ertel
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2015/10/25
date added: 2015/10/25
shelves: non-fiction-business
review:
'Moments of Impact: How to Design Strategic Conversations That Accelerate Change" by Chris Ertel and Lisa Kay Solomon is a handbook for designing meetings with a purpose.

If we keep having meetings the same way in a new, more uncertain world, we will come up with the same old answers that fail to address changing times. The term used for the unforeseen turbulent kind of change we see is referred to as VUCA World, which stands for vulnerabilty, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. While traditional meetings will work in many instances, we also need to design strategic conversations. Ways to conduct this kind of strategic meeting make up the bulk of the book, from the kinds of people who need to attend, how to make the meeting space the most creative and how to frame the issues being solved. The book concludes with a Starter Kit which recaps the information in the book as well as providing a workbook for having your own strategic meeting. Each section in the workbook includes a series of further reading for each topic.

I like a business book to be readable, which this is. I like it to also be practical and have actionable ideas, which this does as well. There are charts and graphs that easily communicate the ideas. I like the ideas presented here and will use this information at some point in the future.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Simon & Schuster and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Satellite Sam: Volume Three: Satellite Sam and the Limestone Caves of Fire

author: Matt Fraction
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.59
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2015/10/22
date added: 2015/10/22
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Satellite Sam Volume Three: Satellite Sam and the Limestone Caves of Fire' finishes up the series by collecting issues 11 to 15. Script is by Matt Fraction with art by Howard Chaykin.

It's a rough story from the early days of television. There is blackmail, corruption, racism, violence and broken dreams. It's also an R-Rated series for the previously mentioned violence and the nudity. It's the story of a son who wants to learn about his father no matter how sordid.

It's rough like a James Ellroy movie or L.A. Confidential. If the cover isn't warning enough, this one is not for the kids. I thought the story meandered a bit, but came in for a nice finish. The art by Chaykin isn't my favorite, but it fits the characters and the period they are in. The book includes an interview with the creators, alternate covers, and character bios that were included. The character bios (or at least one of them) might have been nice to have at the beginning of the book.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Image Comics, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Night of the Long Knives

author: Fritz Leiber
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.55
book published: 1960
rating: 4
read at: 2015/10/21
date added: 2015/10/21
shelves:
review:
'The Night of the Long Knives' is a novella by Fritz Leiber. It's a crazy post-apocalyptic tale that holds it's own against today's tales.

Ray is a survivor and scavenger in the Deathlands, a post-apocalyptic wasteland where there are no rules beyond survival. When Ray sees a lone woman wandering around, he has two thoughts and one of them is to kill her. It seems he shares the second thought with her as well. They are taken by surprise by a crazy old man named Pop, then doubly surprised by a strange craft landing on the road they are on. Before long, the three of them are off on a strange journey that may see them dead or changed forever.

I really liked this story. It seems a bit too weird for the early 1960s, but perhaps Leiber was that ahead of his time. I've read other works by him, but never anything like this. He's a good writer and a lot happens in the 112 pages of this book, and I enjoyed the journey.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Dover Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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JIRA Essentials - Third Edition

author: Patrick Li
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/10/18
date added: 2015/10/18
shelves: non-fiction-computer
review:



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Transformers: Combiner Wars

author: Mairghread Scott
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2015
rating: 2
read at: 2015/10/18
date added: 2015/10/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
If you always thought the answer to the question "What is better than fighting robots?" is "Giant fighting robots" then 'Transformers: Combiner Wars' might change your mind.

It's a big crossover series (kind of) that takes place in issues 39-41 of Transformers and issues 1-3 of Transformers: Windblade. The Autobots and Decepticons are at peace but that is threatened by Cybertron and their new leader, Starscream. The only solution to this is to build giant robots made out of other robots, called Combiners. The problem with this, and many of the Transformer books I've read, is that there is so much exasperating bloviating going on that I feel like watching C-SPAN would more exciting. Maybe I'm juvenile to actually want the robots to fight each other, especially those giant ones, but it seems few and far between.

The other problem with a crossover like this is that you have art styles that differ quite a bit. While reading monthly issues this might not be a big deal, in a 6 issue story like this I did actually like both art styles and I understand that the issues were from two different books, but it kind of kept pulling me out of the story a bit. All in all, it wasn't my style. I wanted giant fighting robots, not giant boring robots.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, IDW Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Southern Bastards Deluxe Hardcover Volume 1

author: Jason Aaron
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/10/18
date added: 2015/10/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Southern Bastards Deluxe Hardcover Volume 1'collects the first 8 issues of the series, which is also the first two volumes of graphic novels that have been out already. If you haven't read the series, this is a great place to start.

The series takes place in Craw County where high school football rules the day and covers up a multitude of sins. The story takes place over generations and includes characters like a man who returns to a town he never wanted to go back to, a corrupt high school football coach, and other interesting types. The story would seem to be predictable, but even in these early issues holds a few surprises.

I've enjoyed this series, but it is definitely a journey into the dark hearts of men. There is definitely a strongly hinted showdown coming to this little town, and I can't wait to read more in the series. This deluxe hardcover costs a bit more than the softcover versions, and it's got a few nice extras like a cover gallery, a sketch gallery with thumbnail sketches that were put up on Instagram by Jason Latour and character designs and sketches. Included are recipes submitted by readers of the comic including ones from the mothers of the artist and writer of the comic.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Image Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Alex + Ada, Vol. 3

author: Jonathan Luna
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2015/10/18
date added: 2015/10/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Alex + Ada, Vol. 3' by Jonathan Luna with art by Sarah Vaughn collects issues 11 through 15 and finishes the series off. While I liked the series, the ending felt a bit rushed and strange.

Alex loves Ada, but it's getting tougher. She is a sentient android and she has to hide. As much as they keep it a secret, there are people who know. There is a growing movement to eliminate the sentients, and Alex and Ada find themselves separated in a way that they haven't been before. Can their love survive even as Ada is threatened?

I did enjoy the series, but I did feel that the ending was a bit rushed. The ending felt a bit too neatly tied up too. I do like these characters and their world. It's a bit sterile feeling, but that kind of goes along with this story about robots learning how to feel.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Image Comics, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Nichiren

author: Masahiko Murakami
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2015/10/15
date added: 2015/10/15
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Nichiren' by Masahiko Murakami and Ken Tanaka is a well done manga, but at times, it's history feels a bit like propaganda.

In 13th century Japan, there are lots of religious factions. Nichiren comes along and tries to get all the Buddhists to practice the lotus sutra. Unfortunately, this doesn't meet with widespread approval. In fact, there are people who would like for Nichiren to go away. They banish him, and he thrives. They send an assassin, and he wins the assassin over. They can't seem to stop him. Can they best him in a contest to bring much needed rain?

It was an interesting look at someone I wasn't familiar with, and I have since read about Nichiren's influence. It was just interesting that the characters that opposed Nichiren had features that seemed overexaggerated and made them seem cartoonish or menacing. I liked the story that was told, but at times it felt a bit proselytizing, which might be the point.

I received a review copy of this manga from Middleway Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.


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Uncle Scrooge: Pure Viewing Satisfaction

author: Jonathan Gray
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/10/15
date added: 2015/10/15
shelves: graphic-novels, children-s
review:
'Uncle Scrooge: Pure Viewing Satisfaction' is a really fun collection of Uncle Scrooge stories, and this collection is perfect for all readers.

As usual, Uncle Scrooge is trying to hang on to his money and keep it from the likes of the nasty Beagle Boys. When the Beagle Boys come up with a giant Beagle Boy robot, not even Scrooge's vaults are safe. Scrooge wants to foil this plot, but he'll need the help of his nephew Donald and Huey, Dewey and Louie. In another story, Scrooge's favorite (only?) outfit is in need of repair and something interesting is found inside that leads to the kind of classic Uncle Scrooge I remember reading about as a kid.
There are other stories and short gags, and I had a great time reading this book. I've always loved the classic Uncle Scrooge stories, and this feels like it fits right in with those, and it'd be a perfect way to introduce characters to these characters. Very well done.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, IDW Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Doctor Who: The Forgotten (The Forgotten, #6)

author: Tony Lee
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.27
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2013/03/08
date added: 2015/10/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
Doctor Who: The Forgotten is a fun romp through a good chunk of the history of Doctor Who. Seeing as it's the 50th anniversary of the show, this is timely and very welcome.

The 10th Doctor finds himself with no memories and only his companion Martha to help him out. To solve the mystery of his identity, he relives memories of his past regenerations. Each version of himself provides clues to the puzzle. The fun part is that Doctors who had shows in black and white appear as black and white memories. I wouldn't dare spoil any surprises here, but for the long time fan, there are lots. Lots of great cameos along the way.

My only gripe is that Matt Smith, who plays the 11th Doctor is not represented, but the individual issues in the collection were published before his run on the show. The art by Nick Roche and Ben Templesmith is great, and the story by Tony Lee and Pia Guerra does a fine job of keeping in the spirit of the show.


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Donald Duck: Shellfish Motives

author: Romano Scarpa
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.36
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/10/08
date added: 2015/10/08
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Donald Duck: Shellfish Motives' is a collection of Donald Duck comics from Italy written by Romano Scarpa then translated into English. It's good to read some new Donald Duck stories, but something is a little off about them.

When Donald's Uncle Gideon, publisher of the County Conscience newspaper, calls up Donald to give him a job, how can Donald refuse. Gideon sends Donald on a strange assignment to follow a strange man from the country of Gourmandia. The man is supposed to be a master chef, but Uncle Gideon thinks otherwise. When the man is kidnapped in front of Donald, things get mysterious, and Donald's nephews get involved in helping to solve the crime. The mystery deepens as the case also involves Scrooge McDuck, who owns the rival paper to Gideon's.

The Shellfish Motive takes up half the graphic novel. The other half is filled with short gags and shorter stories about Donald trying to win a trip by filming himself for a funny home video show. Another story shows how tough it would be to live next door to Donald. Other stories feature Donald and his nitwit cousin Fethry.

The translations use some archaic and more adult situations and thoughts, so it may not be suitable for children. Donald, on his way to work at the paper, thinks he might get to "yak with sexy starlets" which seems strangely adult from the Donald I remember. These are translations of Italian comics that I've heard of and never read, so I was happy to have the chance to read them. Perhaps they are not intended for children, but that seems to be where they are aiming them.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, IDW Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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D4VE

author: Ryan Ferrier
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.59
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/10/08
date added: 2015/10/08
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'D4VE' by Ryan Ferrier with art by Valentin Ramon is a slow building story that ultimately won me over with it's quirky humor and nihilistic violence.

The robot revolution is over, the humans have been eradicated and D4VE has emerged a hero. That was then, this is now. D4VE has a dead end job with a boss he hates. He thinks his wife might be seeing someone else, and they just adopted a juvenile delinquent robot for a son. He daydreams about the glory days, but exists far from them hoping for a chance to once again shine.

I wasn't sure what to think at first, but it eventually won me over. I liked the quirky robot world that seemed like middle class America. I liked the art and the story. It's a poke at the workaday world, and midlife crises, and I liked the ennui that comes across. D4VE has a crappy life, but that's at least partially his fault. I loved the references to Bill Gate, Steve Jobs, etc. It's definitely in the rated R category for the humor and level of violence.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, IDW Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Dreadful Fate of Jonathan York: A Yarn for the Strange at Heart

author: Kory Merritt
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/10/07
date added: 2015/10/07
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Dreadful Fate of Jonathan York: A Yarn for the Strange at Heart' by Kory Merritt is indeed a strange story with an interesting cautionary tale at it's heart.

Jonathan York is just moving through life with no incident until he wanders into a strange swamp. He meets some people along the way who give him some advice and try to help him get some shelter for the night. The owner of the house wants each person to tell a story in exchange for a room key. Jonathan's travelling companions have no problem telling an odd tale from their life, but Jonathan has nothing. When he is kicked out for having no tale to tell, his story begins. What that is I will leave for the reader to discover.

The art is great with strange creatures looming out of all the nooks and crannies. The prose fills the spaces around the art. The story is scary and funny. I was reminded of the kind of work that Dr. Seuss and Tim Burton do. Silly like Seuss and ghoulish like Beetlejuice. It's the perfect tale for an October night.

I received a review copy of this four color novel from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.


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Ten Nights Dreaming: and The Cat's Grave

author: Natsume Sōseki
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/10/06
date added: 2015/10/06
shelves:
review:
'Ten Nights Dreaming & The Cat's Grave' is a reprint of classics by Natsume Soseki. I was not familiar with these short works but I enjoyed reading them.

'Ten Nights Dreaming' is a series of short vignettes describing dreams that the author has had. There are themes of alienation, like a Japanese man on a ship with Westerners, or claustrophobia or entrapment. There is a dying man and his hat, and another that takes place in a barbershop. In all, things are ethereal or distorted, much as they are in our dreams.

The second section of this book is a short story called 'The Cat's Grave' and it's about the slow decline and eventual death of a beloved pet. Although this cat story is sad it seems that it was the model for a later satirical story called 'I Am A Cat.'

I liked the translation by Matt Treyvaud, and the various notes and introductions. The explanations helped my understanding and appreciation of the setting and times of the works. I was not familiar with this writer, but his ability to describe a dream was an interesting experience to read.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Dover Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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EVE: Source

author: Ccp Games
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.59
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2015/10/06
date added: 2015/10/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'EVE: Source' by CCP Games and Dave Marshall (and many, many others) is a huge compendium of background information about the universe in the games EVE Online and DUST 514! I don't play either of these games but I can appreciate the kind of detail here.

Covered in the book are the different races, religions, weapons. The origins of the area of space the game takes place in are included. There are personal accounts as well as excerpts of articles. The different corporations all have developed logos. There are above board trade as well as black market and piracy factions. It seems like the players have a choice of alignment when they play this game. Each group has a detailed map of the star system in their area. The whole thing is beautifully illustrated with some gorgeous space paintings.

I'm impressed by the level of detail that this book includes for a video game system. It definitely feels like things I've seen for rpgs, but the book has such a substantial feel to it. I love the art included. I may just have to check this game out if the game is as richly detailed as this book was.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Diamond Book Distributors, Dark Horse, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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A Canticle for Leibowitz

author: Walter M. Miller Jr.
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.97
book published: 1959
rating: 4
read at: 2015/10/04
date added: 2015/10/04
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
I read 'A Canticle For Leibowitz' by Walter M. Miller for a book club pick. For a book that is 50+ years old, it holds up rather nicely.

The book is divided into 3 sections set thousands of years apart. In the first section, society has been set back by a nuclear war and most remnants of the previous society are gone or revered as religious objects. As the stories progress, we see how history reshapes the people we've met in the previous sections, which I found rather humorous. Also humorous in a dark way is how the people in each section meet their ends.

There are passages that are a bit drifting and confusing, but I enjoyed the book and the things it has to say. I also had fun translating the Latin on the pages with my Google Translate app. This is a classic for a reason.


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Vampirella Feary Tales

author: Nancy A. Collins
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.71
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2015/10/04
date added: 2015/10/04
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Vampirella Feary Tales' is helmed by Nancy A. Collins, but she pulls in all kinds of talent for the 45th Anniversary tribute. It's a fun story that has Vampi travelling through some twisted versions of fairy tales.

When Vampirella inherits a castle in Transylvania, she discovers a book of old tales called 'Feary Tales,' but before she can close the cover, she becomes part of the many stories in the book. There are twisted versions of many familiar stories like Snow White, Cinderella, Red Riding Hood and others. The stories flip by fast, sometimes without a resolution. Vampirella seems to be chasing a mysterious blonde woman. Along the way, she battles with an obnoxious, pun-filled "Storyteller" who narrates the book.

There are a lot of contributors and a lot of ground gets covered, and I think the book suffers at time because of the breakneck speed of the plot. The punny "Storyteller" definitely brings the campiness to the story. While it's not my favorite Vampirella story ever, it's a much better twisted take on fairy tales than I've seen in other series. Along with the 5 issues of the series, this graphic novel includes the script for the first issue along with a gallery of covers and alternate covers.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Dynamite, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Art from Simple Shapes: Make Amazing Art from 8 Simple Geometric Shapes! Includes a Shape Stencil

author: Rosa M. Curto
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2015/10/04
date added: 2015/10/04
shelves: children-s, non-fiction
review:
'Art from Simple Shapes' by Rosa M. Curto presents a simple way to learn art by using basic shapes as building blocks. Just to make it easier, the book comes with a shape stencil.

The book is sectioned out by shapes, starting with half circles. Within the sections, the drawings go from relatively simple to slightly harder. For example, to draw a slice of watermelon with a half circle is 4 steps, but a car with the same half circle is 8 steps. They are all within reach for young budding artists who can copy a few steps, and there is plenty of room for creativity.

I like the approach to teaching art this way. The student can use the stencil as a base and build on it. The next step would be looking for these shapes in the everyday world and using them to develop an artist's eye. It seems like a simple approach, but perfect for young kids who would like to learn to draw.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Dover Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.



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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutanimals

author: Paul Allor
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.28
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/10/02
date added: 2015/10/02
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutanimals' by Paul Allor and with art by Andy Kuhn, doesn't feature the Ninja Turtles at all, but it's in the same universe. It also has mutant animals, some good fighting and other great things.

When someone close to the Mutanimals group gets kidnapped, Old Hob and company try to rescue them. It seems that the Null Group is up to no good. Along the way they rescue a sad creation called Mutagen Man. They also have to deal with the PTSD they all have from being part of animal experiments. Some of them have understandable anger issues, and others use things like humor to cope. They add some new members to their group along the way, and try to figure out a way to stop the Null Group from the things they are trying to do.

It's got all the goofy humor and slambang action we know and love. I liked this wacky group of heroes. I also liked the way they handled the trauma. It was done subtly and gracefully, and it wasn't really something I expected to see in such a book. It's also handled in a way that is kid friendly. It's good to see Old Hob in action, and I wasn't familiar with some of the rest of the group. I was hoping at first to run into the Turtles, but by the end, I hadn't really missed them. Not a bad little read.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, IDW Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Powerpuff Girls: Super Smash-Up

author: Derek Charm
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/10/02
date added: 2015/10/02
shelves: graphic-novels, children-s
review:
'Powerpuff Girls: Super Smash-Up' is a Cartoon Network crossover graphic novel featuring the Powerpuff Girls front and center and characters from Dexter's Laboratory, Courage The Cowardly Dog, Cow and Chicken, and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends.

When the Powerpuff Girls get to visit Dexter's Laboratory and learn about his work in multiple universes, things go awry when his sister Dee Dee accidentally triggers the invention and disappears into a multiple world. This sends the Powerpuff Girls chasing her to try to bring her back. They cross paths, and worlds, with a variety of characters, some more helpful than others. Every issue has a short feature starring just one of the crossover properties.

A lot of the fun of multi-universe crossovers like this is seeing how the characters interact. It's great to see all these characters together. Since they are no longer on the air, it's a fun romp down memory lane. I think I liked the more recent Cartoon Network Super Secret Crisis War a bit better, but this one features a couple of my favorite cartoon series, so I enjoyed it.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, IDW Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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a bag of marbles: The Graphic Novel

author: Joseph Joffo
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.76
book published: 1973
rating: 4
read at: 2013/10/11
date added: 2015/10/02
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
This review is for a new graphic novel interpretation of the novel 'A Bag Of Marbles' by Joseph Joffo. It tells the story of how his Jewish family survived and escaped from occupied France during World War II.

When Nazis threaten Maurice and Jo, their father has a plan. He's already migrated from Russia to Paris to escape other problems, so he is used to running. And he's sent Jo's 2 older brothers on ahead. The boys have to make their way south through the border of occupied France without papers and only their ingenuity to get them by. There are narrow escapes, clever plans, heart-warming reunions and tragedy.

The art by Vincent Bailly is great, keeping the art light and then ominous then light as the story changes tones. It's a rough subject, but it's a good story and is accessible to middle grade children. The original novel has been translated into 18 languages, and after reading this, I can see why the story has endured.


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