Lunch Witch #2: Knee-deep in Niceness

author: Deb Lucke
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.62
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/31
date added: 2017/08/31
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Lunch Witch #2: Knee-Deep in Niceness' by Deb Lucke continues a story that I really liked even though I didn't read the first volume.

Grunhilda the Witch works at Salem Elementary school in the lunchroom. She starts getting letters from an ex-student, and it starts to change her into a nicer person. Her dog, Mr. Williams, decides to take drastic measures and use her forbidden spellbook. It has the opposite effect and not only makes Grunhilda nice, but the entire town of Salem. With the help of a boy scout desperate for merit badges, can Mr. Williams set things back to their gloomy normal?

I really liked this odd little graphic novel. The whole thing is presented on brown, stained paper and the color stays mainly in the dull browns and greens. I loved the boy scout and his inept attempts to help. I liked Grunhilda's odd assortment of pets, and her angry ancestors banging on her floor from down below. Grunhilda is a fun, grouchy character and I'm sure I had her as a lunch lady at my school.

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


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Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps, Volume 3: Quest for Hope

author: Robert Venditti
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/28
date added: 2017/08/28
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps, Volume 3: Quest for Hope' by Robert Venditti with art by Ethan Van Scriver and Rafa Sandoval is fast becoming my favorite of the DC Rebirth titles. With complex stories and excellent art, I really like what is happening.

The Green Lanterns and the Yellow Lanterns have to figure out how to work together and rebuild. With their past history, this won't be easy. The remaining Yellows are hunted out and given the option of prison, or working with their new Green teammates. Guy Gardner tries a hands on approach with one Yellow that is such a typical Guy approach to problem solving. Meanwhile the Guardians have a search of their own to find hope in the galaxy with the use of a Blue Lantern. Once things finally seem settled, a new threat arrives...from the future.

The story is good. There are a lot of story threads going on, and Venditti does a good job of keeping things interesting and moving along. Ethan Van Scriver and Rafa Sandoval's art in this series is just amazing. I love the art choices and colors. The book seems epic and heroic in this team's hands.

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


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The Allure of Battle: A History of How Wars have been Won and Lost

author: Cathal J. Nolan
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2017/08/28
date added: 2017/08/28
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'The Allure of Battle: A History of How Wars have been Won and Lost' by Cathal J. Nolan is a book that has captivated me for the last couple months as I read, then put it down to think about it.

The premise is that warfare, as viewed by history and scholars, has glorified specific leaders, like Marlborough, Frederick the Great, and Napoleon Bonaparte, is flawed thinking. Many of these leaders may have had good ideas, or breakthrough technologies, but often times their victories are not viewed with the true cost. It's one thing to make an academic study, but to make the mistake of short victories is costly. So it trying to mimic other's failures in the hopes of having success.

The book is not anti-war, but it is against the idea of glorification of war. The book covers some ancient war all the way up until the end of World War II. It's primarily European focused, but it's excellently presented, incredibly readable and very thought-provoking. It's the best history book I've read in quite a while.

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


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Justice League vs. Suicide Squad

author: Joshua Williamson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/27
date added: 2017/08/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Justice League vs. Suicide Squad' is a big 312 story with 3 different writers, more artists and spanning a few series. If you can suspend your belief that the Suicide Squad would even have a chance against the Justice League, then it's not so bad.

Task Force X (aka Suicide Squad) has been discovered. Not only that, but Amanda Waller's past mistakes are about to be exposed. At first, the Suicide Squad faces off against the Justice League, but before long, they are teaming up against a threat, and the roles even end up getting reversed.

It's a big cast of characters, and individuals get a bit lost in everything. Sure, Harley Quinn gets to pipe in every now and then, and Batman is ominous, but the rest are just kind of placeholders. Killer Frost has a standout role, and I'd like to see more of this character. The story itself has promise. I like the additional characters that get introduced along the way, some famiiar, some less so to me. Since it spans 11 issues or so, the art style varies along the way. The promise of an all out fight between these two teams is realized a couple different ways, so if that intrigues, then this might be a book for you.

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


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Alexander Hamilton: The Graphic History of an American Founding Father

author: Jonathan Hennessey
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.76
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/26
date added: 2017/08/26
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'Alexander Hamilton: The Graphic History of an American Founding Father' by Jonathan Hennessey with art by Justin Greenwood, takes an historical figure that is currently fashionable and tells his story in a decent way.

Thanks to the musical "Hamilton," Alexander Hamilton's life has become a trendy property. You can read pretty extensive biography that the musical uses as source material, or you can try this graphic novel, which provides more detail than the musical does.

Starting with his humble beginnings and moving on through the Revolutionary War and his role in shaping the government, this graphic novel covers a lot of ground in less than 200 pages. The writing is pretty dense and includes quotes from the players. The art gives the story color and movement and feeling. Perhaps if the graphic novel suffers anything, it's that events are sometimes overwrought. Perhaps they were at the times, but the book has the feel of one emotional battle after another. Perhaps that is just a result of the medium used to tell the story.

I liked the approach this graphic novel took by giving weight to the story and providing enough context of events surrounding things. I'm glad I got a chance to read this.

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


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The American Association of Patriots Presents: How to Talk to Your Cat About Gun Safety

author: Zachary Auburn
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.53
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2017/08/26
date added: 2017/08/26
shelves:
review:
'How to Talk to Your Cat About Gun Safety' by Zachary Auburn is a parody title. It skewers certain right wing ways of thinking about a variety of subjects.

The book is a series of pamphlets from the fictional American Association of Patriots. There are talks about gun safety, evolutions, abstinence, online safety, drugs, puberty, postapocalyptic survival, and, of course, satanism. Each issues dire warnings, and a seemingly endless use of cat puns for your amewsment (sorry, I couldn't resist). There are also photoshopped pictures of cats holding guns or participating in satanic rituals.

Of course, cats don't use guns, but that makes them perfect substitutes for children, I suppose. The main problem with the book is that the material runs a little thin after a while, and the parodies just aren't all that funny. It might have been best as just the first pamphlet alone, but that would have made for a very short book.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Crown Publishing, Three Rivers Press, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Gulliver's Travels

author: Jonathan Swift
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.55
book published: 1726
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2017/08/25
shelves:
review:



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Red Sonja: The Falcon Throne

author: Marguerite Bennett
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.40
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/24
date added: 2017/08/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Red Sonja: The Falcon Throne' by Marguerite Bennett with art by Aneke and Marguerite Sauvage tells a pretty good tale of the red-headed warrior who isn't afraid of a fight.

When the king of Hyrkania falls ill, he offers his throne to Sonja. She has a thought about what kind of ruler she would be and runs the other way. She decides to support whatever new king is put on the throne and to protect the kingdom, but the new king brings peace and prosperity and Red Sonja becomes bored. Then things change. Drama and songs seem to be saying things and the new king may not be as good as everyone thinks.

I really liked this story. There was a good mix of drama and humor. I really liked the art as well. I was a little less crazy about the new king's motives and methods, but it introduced some interesting plot elements. I'd like to read more of these stories by this team.

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


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100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings: How to Get By Without Even Trying

author: Sarah Cooper
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/23
date added: 2017/08/23
shelves:
review:
'100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings: How to Get By Without Even Trying' by Sarah Cooper is a humorous how to guide that will probably not make you look that smart.

Corporate meetings are often the bane of corporate life. Some meetings are productive, most feel like a waste of time. Fear not, because this book will attempt to help you climb the corporate ladder through meetings with co-workers. With chapter titles like Whiteboard Tactics: 21 Meaningless Diagrams You Can Draw, and How To Make Your Meeting Seem Less Like A Meeting Even Though It's Totally A Meeting, you will likely recognize many of these odd behaviors in meetings you have attended.

It's a pretty funny book because it seems to have been written by someone who has attended a lot of meeting and observed the odd one-upmanship that takes place in them. It seems that human behavior can provide many opportunities for humor.

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


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Twilight Zone: Shadow & Substance

author: Mark Rahner
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.21
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2017/08/23
date added: 2017/08/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Twilight Zone: Shadow & Substance' by Mark Rahner, Tom Peyer and John Layman is a collection of 7 different comics, including the Shadow & Substance miniseries and some one shot issues. I liked it, but felt that something was lacking.

A famous author returns to his home town for a book signing and steps back in time, and meets his younger self. A man living among group of people live in a strange type of prison where the rooms have no houses have no roofs and food comes in from the sky in feeder tubes decides to fight back. A filibustering senator opposed to aid for the poor finds himself among them. These and more are the stories that take the reader to The Twilight Zone.

I'm a fan of The Twilight Zone. I remember the television show, and read some of the novelizations by Rod Serling. These stories felt like the mediocre stories from that series, not the better ones ('To Serve Man' anyone?). The art quality varies thoughout, and while the covers are pretty nice, the interior art is just mediocre. I was excited to read this, and while I liked it, I just didn't love it.

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


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Heart and Brain: Gut Instincts: An Awkward Yeti Collection

author: The Awkward Yeti
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.36
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2017/08/23
date added: 2017/08/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Heart and Brain: Gut Instincts' by Nick Seluk is an Awkward Yeti collection. I love this comic strip for its humor and wise insight into how we humans work.

The comic strip is primarily Heart and Brain, but this time around they are joined by other members of the human body. We have tongue wanting to eat anything, while stomach complains about being full. Throughout, irritable bowels shows up to voice its complaint. Mainly, Heart wants what it wants now, and Brain wants to be productive and pragmatic.

This is a really funny and insightful collection. How many times have I wanted that bowl of ice cream only to have my stomach complain about it later, and the war between my own heart and brain is as real as it is portrayed here (although perhaps with less butterflies). This is a funny collection of over 60 comic strips.

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


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Adventure Time Comics Vol. 1

author: Katie Cook
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.81
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/03/29
date added: 2017/08/20
shelves: children-s, graphic-novels
review:
'Adventure Time Comics Vol. 1' is a series of short adventures by lots of different writers and artists. It's a really creative graphic novel.

With stories by Art Baltazar, Katie Cook, Tony Millionaire and others, there are new stories and art styles every few pages. There is a story about the toothpaste fairy who lives in the castle Jake makes out of Finn's toothpaste. Finn thinks he can build bookshelves and furniture, but he uses squirrel wood, so the furniture turns into piles of squirrels. Marceline has to finish a song to help out a ghost in her guitar. BMO becomes a superstar, but at what cost?

Every story in this collection is good. Some are stronger with story, and some with art, but the pace was good, the variety was excellent, and I had a great time reading these.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from kaBOOM!, BOOM! Studios, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Poe: Stories and Poems: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Gareth Hinds

author: Gareth Hinds
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.20
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2017/08/20
date added: 2017/08/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Poe: Stories and Poems' adapted and illustrated by Gareth Hinds is a pretty impressive work. I really liked the illustration as well as the adaptations.

There are 7 stories and poems in this collection. They vary from the lesser known, like 'The Masque of the Red Death' and 'The Bells' to the more popular, like 'The Tell-Tale Heart' and 'The Raven.' The adaptations are superb, using Poe's own words. There is a key at the beginning of the book, so the reader will know if the story features things like insanity, or murder, or creepy animals. I'm not really sure what this key serves to do, but I liked it.

There is an afterword by the author, which includes biographical information about Edgar Allan Poe. The final poem in the book is 'The Raven' and features a character that looks like Poe. The author also cleverly works in images from the preceding 6 stories and poems. I found this a brilliant touch and a true tribute this this master author and poet.

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


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Mother Panic, Volume 1: Work in Progress

author: Jody Houser
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.17
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2017/08/20
date added: 2017/08/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
What do you get when you cross the line with Batman? Probably something like 'Mother Panic, Volume 1: Work in Progress' by Jody Houser with art by Tommy Lee Edwards and Shawn Crystal.

By day, Violet Paige is a cranky 'celebutante,' showing up at parties and showing diffidence to everyone. By night, she is Gotham City's newest vigilante, Mother Panic. She seeks revenge for things that happened in her past. When she was a child, her father died in a questionable incident. Her older brother was unable to care for their mother or his little sister. Mother was sent to a strange institution, and sister was sent to a cruel boarding school called Gather House. Her methods are darker than Batman and that puts her into conflict with Batman and Batwoman.

I've read a lot of dark takes on Batman. This one takes the premise of a modern celebrity and how they would handle things. In this case, kind of badly. I get that Violet is messed up, but it's hard to feel anything for her, to be honest. Maybe that will change in later issues. I wasn't as crazy about Tommy Lee Edwards art. When Shawn Crystal took over, I liked his approach a bit better. This collects issues 1-6 or Mother Panic from the DC Young Animal imprint.

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


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The Castoffs Vol. 1: Mage Against the Machine

author: MK Reed
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/19
date added: 2017/08/19
shelves: graphic-novels, children-s
review:
'The Castoffs, Volume 1' by MK Reed and Brian Smith with art by Molly Ostertag was a bit confusing to me, but since my review copy had 25 missing pages, I'll assume maybe that's where some of the missing narrative went.

25 years have passed since the mages fought the giant robots and the mages have won. Now the remains of the giant hulking machines can still be found lying around. Into this world, we are introduced to a trio of young mages who are sent on a mission to a town named Clifton where people are forgetting things. The three are very different and they need to learn to get along.

It's a good enough young reader story. There is a cover blurb comparing it to Lumberjanes, and I guess I can see that comparison as far as audience goes. The art is good and the coloring works very well. It's a big world that seems barely tapped even though this is a complete story.

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


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Elves. Vol. 1 (Elfes, #1-2)

author: Jean-Luc Istin
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.41
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/19
date added: 2017/08/19
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Elves Vol. 1' by Jean-Luc Istin and Nicolas Jarry with art by Kyko Duarte and Gianluca Maconi features two stories featuring elves. I can't tell if they are in the same world, but they have a similar feel.

The first story "The Crystal of the Blue Elves" features a blue elf and her human friend as they seek to discover who slaughtered a city full of blue elves. This leads them into contact with a group of men who hate Elves and are looking for an excuse to start a war.

The second story, "The Honor of the Sylvan Elves" is about a young human woman who seeks help from the wood elves against an army of orcs and goblins. She is mistrusted by most of the wood elves, but finds an ally amongst them. It may be too late though.

Both stories are detailed an interesting. Both have decent art. In both stories, there are side stories are flashbacks and in the first, this was a bit confusing, but I still really enjoyed these fantasy stories about elves and the humans that they live uneasy lives with.

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


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Of Menus and Mythology: Late Nineteenth-Century Print Graphics

author: Franz von Stuck
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.67
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/19
date added: 2017/08/19
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Of Menus and Mythology: Late Nineteenth Century Print Graphics' by Symbolist master Franz Von Stuck is a collection of 50 plates of art that could be reproduced for menus and wine cards.

In a publisher's note, we learn that Franz Von Stuck was an important figure in the Symbolist movement which featured artistic ideas and works from Baudelaire, Verlaine and others. Two of his students when he taught in Munich were Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky).

The plates that follow include coats of arms, cupids, musical instruments, urns and other items. Almost all of the figures pictured seem like they are in motion, either off balance or with backs arched or in the midst of strumming an instrument. The illustrations are ornate and detailed. I really enjoyed looking through this collection.

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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Nightwing, Volume 2: Back to Blüdhaven

author: Tim Seeley
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2017/08/19
date added: 2017/08/19
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Nightwing, Volume 2: Back to Blüdhaven' by Tim Seeley collects Nightwing (Rebirth) issues 9-15. It features a decent story arc where Dick Grayson is trying to find his own way.

In the first issue, Nightwing meets the new to his Earth Superman. Nightwing is suffering nightmares based on recent events and Superman wants to help because of the past friendship that Superman remembers.

Once this is done, Dick Grayson decides he needs some time alone (Gotham City has it's fair share of Batman folks running around), so he heads off to Blüdhaven. He wants to make it on his own, and not rely on Nightwing, but before long he is pulled into a mystery involving some former villains and a series of murders they are being framed for. Apparently, Blüdhaven is where everyone wants to go to get a fresh start.

It's a decent story arc. I liked it, but I've liked other story arcs better. The art is serviceable enough for the story being told. The big reveal didn't seem like that much of a shock to me, but it's nice to see Dick Grayson remember the past and find his way in the present.

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


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Super Sikh #1

author: Eileen Kaur Alden
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2017/05/05
date added: 2017/08/19
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Super Sikh #1' by Eileen Kaur Alden, Supreet Sing Manchanda, and Amit Tayal is a different kind of superhero than I'm used to reading about in Western culture, but in lots of ways, he's not that different.

Deep Singh has secrets. He loves Elvis and hates the Taliban. His parents think he works for a tech company, but he is really a secret agent. He's pretty good at what he does, but he needs a vacation. His dream vacation is to go to Graceland, but traveling to America produces challenges for a man in a turban and beard.

It starts out like a James Bond film, then feels like a satire towards the end of the issue. I wanted it to be one or the other, but that might be my cultural expectations playing a part. There isn't a whole lot about the character at this point, but I'd be interested in reading more issues.

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


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The Man Who Loved Libraries: The Story of Andrew Carnegie

author: Andrew Larsen
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.80
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/18
date added: 2017/08/18
shelves: children-s, non-fiction
review:
'The Man Who Loved Libraries: The Story of Andrew Carnegie' by Andrew Larsen with illustrations by Katty Maurey is a picture book about one of America's greatest philanthropists.

The story begins when Andrew Carnegie was a boy in Scotland. Andrew's love of learning started early and followed him as his family immigrated to America. He was helped by a man named Colonel Anderson who had a private library that Andrew could use. That love of libraries continued, even after Andrew Carnegie became very rich. He founded a number of libraries with his wealth, along with Carnegie Hall in New York.

The book ends with an essay titled Andrew Carnegie's Legacy. It goes in more depth into Mr. Carnegie's life, and talks about the many things that Andrew Carnegie helped build. His troubled relationship with his employees is also mentioned. The book also includes a list of sources for further reading.

The illustrations look a bit like watercolor and the colors used run toward the pastel shade. They work well for this book. I like non-fiction for children, and this was an interesting book.

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


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When Will Fall Arrive?

author: Sanne Miltenburg
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/18
date added: 2017/08/18
shelves: children-s
review:
'When Will Fall Arrive?' by Sanne Miltenburg is a cute story about the lengths some friends will go to just to be together.

Rabbit and Hedgehog are best pals. Rabbit can't wait to share the Winter with Hedgehog, but then Hedgehog tells Rabbit that during the winter he hibernates. Rabbit tries to delay this by gathering the falling leaves and painting all the ones on the trees, just so they can have the Winter together. As Hedgehog starts to get more and more tired, Rabbit's efforts are making him more and more tired. Can Rabbit keep it up?

I really liked this seasonal book about the changing seasons and these two friends. I loved Rabbit's work at trying to fool Hedgehog into thinking fall hadn't arrived. I really loved the illustrations and the colors used for this book.

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


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Most People

author: Michael Leannah
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.37
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2017/08/18
date added: 2017/08/18
shelves: children-s
review:
'Most People' by Michael Leannah with illustrations by Jennifer E. Morris is a book that feels like a breath of calm in troubled times.

This is a picture book for young children. The premise is that the bad people in the world are outnumbered by the good ones. Most people like to smile and hug and watch things grow. Some people do bad things and yell bad words, but usually you will then see someone who is trying to help.

It's such a gently told story. It reminds me in the best ways of how Fred Rogers used to talk. The pictures go along perfectly with the text. In a world of yelling, angry grownups, this is the book a child needs to read.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Tilbury House, Myrick Marketing & Media LLC, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Heathen Vol. 1

author: Natasha Alterici
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2017/08/17
date added: 2017/08/17
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Heathen Vol. 1' by Natasha Alterici collects the first four issue of the series. I really liked this unusual story of Norse legends.

Aydis has been banished from her home by her father when she refused to marry and conform to life in her village. The village would have her love a man, and Aydis likes women instead. She leaves accompanied by her horse, Saga.

She decides to take revenge against Odin himself. Along the way, she frees Valkyrie Brynhild who will hopefully aid in her cause.

I really enjoyed this story a lot more than I though I would. It's helped by the art, which I loved. The style is rough and sparse and the colors are muted, but it's a style I really took to. Aydis is a pretty unique character and I'd like to read more of her story.

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


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The Book You're Not Supposed to Have (Timmy Failure, #5)

author: Stephan Pastis
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/17
date added: 2017/08/17
shelves: children-s
review:
'The Book You're Not Supposed to Have (Timmy Failure #5)' by Stephan Pastis is my first read in this series. It is very odd and very funny.

Timmy Failure has been banished from being a detective until the end of the school year. He is also upset because his mother is marrying the doorman, and they expect Timmy to be in the wedding. Add in his strange cousins Merry and Larry, a missing best friend, and a school strike that threatens to extend school to all year.

Timmy is a weird little kid, and really funny in all of that weirdness. He has a polar bear for an assistant, and his perception and detective skills are a bit lacking. Still it was funny to see him setting up his detective office in a garden shed at a big box hardware store and ripping up a Mickey Molar stuffed animal from his orthodontist.

Stephan Pastis is the man behind the Pearls Before Swine comic strip that I love, and his illustrations are throughout the book. It's a fun read for younger readers. I had a lot of fun gettng to know Timmy Failure.

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


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Teen Titans, Volume 1: Damian Knows Best

author: Benjamin Percy
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.60
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/15
date added: 2017/08/15
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Teen Titans, Volume 1: Damian Knows Best' by Benjamin Percy with art by Jonboy Meyers is the start of a new Teen Titans team led by a pretty unlikely Robin.

After losing the Robin known as Tim, the Titans are coping with it in their own way. Each one is captured and taken to a secret location. By Damian Wayne, who knows this team is in danger. The team feels a bit out of sorts with this little upstart, but it soon becomes apparent that Damian might be right. It also becomes apparent that he could probably use a few friends.

I like this Damian. He's got a messed up family tree, and he is a pretty dark character, but there is something I like there. Rounding out the team is Beast Boy, Raven, Starfire and Kid Flash. I hope Damian's awesome pet shows up every now and then. The art is great, and I really liked this story to kick off a new era.

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


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Pathfinder, Vol. 5: Hollow Mountain

author: James L. Sutter
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.08
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/15
date added: 2017/08/15
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Pathfinder, Vol. 5: Hollow Mountain' finds the Pathfinder team facing deadly traps as well as a competing team.

This time around, the target is the Hollow Mountain, a giant fortress in the shape of the Runelord of Wrath, Alaznist. The last team didn't make it very far until all but one of them was killed. The survivor was driven mad. When the team gets stuck and injured in one of the rooms, they learn they are not alone. There is a competing team that wants the treasure the mountain holds. The mountain has plenty of dangerous traps. Will these two teams find common ground?

The released copy will include maps and 30 pages of rpg supplements for those who play the game. The art is pretty good. The story is really a lot of fun. There are some good character interactions and back and forth between the two teams. I enjoyed reading this.

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


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Generation Zero Volume 2: Heroscape

author: Fred Van Lente
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.32
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2017/08/15
date added: 2017/08/15
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Generation Zero Volume 2: Heroscape' by Fred Van Lente with art by Diego Bernard and Javier Pulido takes the story in a strange direction as Generation Zero enters the Heroscape.

The story picks up right after the first volume, but there is a short introduction to catch new readers up. I appreciate that they did this. One of the team members is hurt pretty badly at the beginning of this, and in order to find answers, they decide to enter a weird zone called the Heroscape. First they prep the room to make sure they are safe from the strange villains that can enter rooms from the corners.

There is a lot that happens in this volume, but I think I like the first one a bit better. I really liked the art again. I especially liked how different one of the heroscapes looked, but I wanted more of that kind of thing with the other journeys.

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


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Homies

author: David Gonzales
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2017/08/13
date added: 2017/08/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Homies' by David Gonzales, Elliott Serrano and Andrew Huerta is a graphic novel with 4 separate issues and four separate stories featuring a lot of the same characters.

I remember the Homies toys in vending machines in grocery stores. I didn't realize that there were some original comics based on them, but the stories in this collection are all new. The stories take place in Barrio Quién Sabé. In the first story, Hollywood and Gata are getting married. It's probably my favorite of the four stories. The second involves a lucador wrestling against a local homie. The final two are about a ghost and a true illegal alien.

I liked the flavor and culture of the stories. They were fun and showed how much like family this community is. I wasn't as crazy about the art. It's busy and things have skewed lines all over them. The coloring is also on the dark side and feels heavy.

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


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Thirteen Ways of Looking

author: Colum McCann
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2017/08/12
date added: 2017/08/12
shelves:
review:
'Thirteen Ways of Looking' by Colum McCann is a brilliant collection comprised of a novella and three short stories. I found myself mesmerized by the language and rhythm of the writing.

The title novella is a day in the life of an aging judge who meets his son for dinner and the tragic events that unfold around that. The father relates events of the past and present in a stream-of-consciousness way that reflects how I know I think, and may be familiar to other readers. Each of the 13 chapters includes a stanza from Wallace Steven's poem Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird.

The three short stories are about a writer on a deadline, a mother who buys her son a gift he has been wanting, and a nun sees her rapist and tormentor on television at a peace conference and has to confront her feelings all over again.

In an afterword by the author, it is told that the stories were written before a senseless attack on the author after he tried to help a woman on the street. The attack left him unconscious and hospitalized. we are fortunate to still have this voice among us. It's a beautiful collection of stories.

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


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When a Wolf Is Hungry

author: Christine Naumann-Villemin
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/12
date added: 2017/08/12
shelves: children-s
review:
'When a Wolf is Hungry' by Christine Naumann-Villemin with illustrations by Kris Di Giacomo is about a hungry wolf and how his plans keep getting foiled.

Edmond Bigsnout is a wolf living alone in the woods. He is also hungry for rabbit, but a specific kind of rabbit that lives in the city. When he finds his quarry living in an apartment, he thinks he's in luck. Instead, he forgets his knife in the elevator. What follows next are a series of trips home to get another in a series of implements, all of which get borrowed by inhabitants of the building. How it ends, is up to you to find out.

It's a bit dark for a picture book, but I quite liked it. Edmond's constant attempts to murder the bunny with different implements seem to get lamer and lamer, but I think that adds to the humor. Apparently, no one told Edmond he could use his teeth and claws. The ending is cute and clever as are the illustrations.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Wm. B. Eerdman's Publishing Company and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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From Far Away

author: Munsch
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.89
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2017/08/12
date added: 2017/08/12
shelves: children-s
review:
'From Far Away' by Robert Munsch and Saoussan Askar with art by Rebecca Green is a picture book about a young immigrant girl in a new country.

The book is based on the experiences of the author Saoussan Askar. When her home country (which is not named) became less safe to live in, her parents made the choice to move to Canada. There were things she didn't like at first, like the long plane ride, or the fact that she couldn't understand the teacher in her new school. The other kids try to help her, but the language barrier makes it difficult. She wants to quit school. Will she ever fit in?

This is a good book to read younger children who may have immigrant classmates. It talks about how strange and sometimes scary a new place can be. The illustrations are very nice and fit well with the story.

Saoussan originally published the book in 1995 when she was still young. A note from the author today tells what she has done in the time since the book was published.

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


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Trinity (2016-) Vol. 1: Better Together (Rebirth)

author: Francis Manapul
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.34
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2017/08/12
date added: 2017/08/12
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Trinity Vol. 1: Better Together' by Francis Manapul was a story that I read a couple single issues of. Based on that, I really liked it, but seeing the story arc was kind of a let down.

In the DC Rebirth world, there is a new Superman who is married to Lois and has a son named Jon. Lois thinks it would be a good idea to have a dinner party with Batman and Wonder Woman to clear the air and start a relationship up. It starts off weird and gets weirder as the three are caught in something called the White Mercy and forced to relive earlier memories. This starts off a retelling of sorts of the origins of each of these three.

It is a reboot series, but if the origins haven't changed all that much, then I don't think we need to retread that ground. The story starts out really good, and I even liked Clark's flashback, but the way the story was wrapped up left me feeling mediocre about it. I really liked the art in this volume, and I hope the series can find some footing, because it's got potential.

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


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White Collar: A Novel in Linocuts

author: Giacomo Patri
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published: 1940
rating: 3
read at: 2017/08/09
date added: 2017/08/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'White Collar' by Giacomo Patri is a wordless story told in 128 linocuts. They tell the story of a worker who struggles and what happens to him. In a way, this book represents and early independent graphic novel.

The book starts with a couple introductions. The first is for this edition and is written by the artist's son and stepson. This one gives biographical and historical context to the work that follows. The second introduction is by painter Rockwell Kent and was written in 1940. The afterword is by illustrator Peter Kuper. The work is in between.

The illustrations are made by affixing linoleum to wood, then cutting the design you want printed out. Then you ink and print. The original linoleum blocks have long deteriorated, but these prints are reproductions and are quite good. The story is linear, but sometimes hard to follow. Without dialogue or descriptive plates, I was left to guess what was happening. The work is in support of the progressive labor movement. It's of interest for the art and the time it was printed in.

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


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How to Color Like an Artist: Step-by-Step Colored Pencil Instruction for Adult Coloring Books

author: Veronica Winters
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.30
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/09
date added: 2017/08/09
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'How to Color Like an Artist: Step-by-Step Colored Pencil Instruction for Adult Coloring Books' by Veronica Winters is for folks who want to take their coloring up a notch or two.

The first step is probably to have better pencils and art supplies. The rest is attainable with a little planning ahead of time. There are several step by step tutorials. Starting with the basics of shading and moving on to color theory and blending shades with solvents, this book will definitely make your coloring projects look better. And for all of the projects in the book, there is a corresponding blank coloring page in the back.

At less than 100 pages, this book offers some really solid art instruction. Each project shows what materials were used, so the student can try to match the color that was used, but there is also encouragement to try to use your own imagination for colors. I know I learned some things from this clever book.

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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A Different Pond

author: Bao Phi
name: Wayne
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2017/08/08
date added: 2017/08/08
shelves: children-s
review:
People ask me why I read children's books. It's because of books like 'A Different Pond' by Bao Phi with illustrations by Thi Bui. It is a children's picture book which uses a quiet power to tell a very deep story.

A young boy and his father go fishing. During the course of the trip, the father remembers another fishing trip in another time and country. In both stories, a caught fish means food on the table. Soon the father and son have to go home so that the father can get to work.

The author is an acclaimed poet, and the story feels like it is from his own experience. There is a depth and subtle sadness to this story that most children may not pick up on. A lost brother, a mouth of bad teeth, and an accent that is compared to a muddy river. There is also happiness to be found. A young boy makes a campfire, and a family eats a dinner together.

The art is by a graphic artist that I was not familiar with but I like her work here. The simple style fits the story beautifully. Anything more elaborate would have detracted from this quiet beautiful story of a father and son making and sharing memories.

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


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Joyride, Volume 1

author: Jackson Lanzing
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2017/08/08
date added: 2017/08/08
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Joyride, Volume 1' by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly is a whole lot of fun.

Uma Akkolyte misses the stars. She lives in a world that blocks them out to folks. She decides to steal a ship and head out to see them with her friend Dewydd, who is less adventurous. Along the way they find more companions, get in all kinds of trouble, and discover secrets about each other that threaten to tear their friendships apart.

The art is great. The color is amazing. The story moves fast, has incredible energy, and I love the characters. I kept thinking that the book needs a playlist and there is one you can play on Spotify while you read the book. I might have to reread it with the playlist.

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


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Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps (2016-) Vol. 2: Bottled Light (Hal Jordan & The Green Lantern Corps (2016-))

author: Robert Venditti
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.14
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/08
date added: 2017/08/08
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
Things start out pretty bleak at the beginning of 'Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corp Vol. 2: Bottled Light' by Robert Venditti. Sure, Sinestro is gone and the Corps has found each other, but the cost has been pretty great.

In the opening, a lone ring flies through space pronouncing that Hal Jordan is dead. Meanwhile the Corps is trying to get operations together and doesn't know that Hal is gone. They end up answering a distress call on Tomar Tu's world and end up trapped by....well, you'll just have to read it to find out. There are twists and turns aplenty in this volume. If you think Hal Jordan is gone for good, you don't read a lot of comics.

There are a couple main stories, and a nice backup story that takes place years later. I like John Stewart as the leader. I like the uneasy truce they have to strike to solve the problem. There are some good cameos that I won't discuss.

The art and story are pretty good. I look forward to seeing where this title heads next.

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


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Green Hornet: Reign of the Demon

author: David Liss
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.58
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/06
date added: 2017/08/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Green Hornet: Reign of the Demon' written by David Liss and with art by Kewber Baal finds the Green Hornet and Kato with some new competition for crimefighting in Central City.

There is a new masked criminal in Central City going by the name of Demone. Along with the new criminal, there is also a new chief of police and, coincidentally, a new crimefighter named Swashbuckler. At first, he is convinced that the Green Hornet and Kato are the bad guys that they lead everyone to believe. Can they keep Swashbuckler from getting in the way and stop Demone from his reign of terror?

The art is pretty good. So is the story. There are some twists and turns along the way. I've read a few Green Hornet graphic novels and I thought this was better than most.

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


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The Left Hand of Darkness

author: Ursula K. Le Guin
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.06
book published: 1969
rating: 3
read at: 2017/08/06
date added: 2017/08/06
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin was the July pick for my book club. It's a classic sf book first published in 1969.

Genly Ai is an emissary to the planet Winter. There have been previous visitors that have collected information. Genly is here to invite this planet to join a larger collection of planets and civilizations known as the Ekumen. The people on this planet are ambisexual, changing their sexual orientation based on their internal rhythms. Male Genly is seen as a pervert since he is only male. He is befriended by Estraven, a prime minister, but before he knows it, Estraven is on the outs with the leaders and Genly decides to try a different section of the planet to try his emissary approach with.

I like that the planet has different countries with different cultures. So much of SF seems to propose a homogenous culture for an entire planet. I also like that Genly makes errors of his own making because of preconceived notion.

The plotting is slow, and the alternating viewpoints were confusing until I figured out who was speaking in each chapter. I had read this book years ago, and barely remembered it, so I was glad to get to revisit this book.


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Razzle Dazzle Unicorn (Heavenly Nostrils, #4)

author: Dana Simpson
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/06
date added: 2017/08/06
shelves: children-s, graphic-novels
review:
'Razzle Dazzle Unicorn' by Dana Simpson is the 4th collection of comic strips about Phoebe and her unicorn.

This time around Phoebe starts playing a role playing game with her friend Max. Heavenly Nostril comes down with a cold and sneezes sparkles. Phoebe keeps a journal about everything, and Phoebe and Heavenly Nostril go back to summer camp to meet up with old friends.

This is still a fun series to read. I love the vanity of Heavenly Nostrils, and yet she is a loyal friend. Phoebe is a great main character and seems like such a normal kid. I will continue to read and enjoy this series.

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


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Snow White: A Graphic Novel

author: Matt Phelan
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2017/08/02
date added: 2017/08/02
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Snow White: A Graphic Novel' by Matt Phelan is a unique remake told mostly in a wordless style. The illustrations carry this mostly silent story.

It's the familiar story of Snow White, but this time, it's set during the depression. Samantha (Snow) White's evil stepmother is a former vaudeville star, known as the Queen of the Follies. Samantha's father, known as the King of Wall Street, is a stockbroker who managed to dodge the calamity of the market collapse. There are other unique story elements that I won't give away here.

It is a quick read, but I lingered over the illustrations. Matt Phelan has an eye for the periods he chooses to illustrate. I was a big fan of his book Bluffton, and I really liked this. After reading this, the choice of art deco font for the front cover made much more sense to me.

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


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Big Nate: Revenge of the Cream Puffs

author: Lincoln Peirce
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/02
date added: 2017/08/02
shelves: graphic-novels, children-s
review:



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Amerikarate Vol. 1

author: Brockton McKinney
name: Wayne
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2017/08/02
date added: 2017/08/02
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Amerikarate Vol. 1' by Brockton McKinney, Christian Moran, Corey Kalman and Devin Roth is an over the top story that reminds me of prime time cartoons I don't watch. It's a mature in nature comic book, and the humor is over the top.

Sam is a war hero, travelling with his handicapped brother. He travels to a town that doesn't allow karate (kind of like that town in Footloose that didn't allow dancing). This goes against his very nature as a kung fu fighting fool, so he seeks to change things. In further stories, he teams up with CIA Agent Cynthia Weaver and the sparks fly between them. When he is captured, she has to fight in the kumite against an increasingly ridiculous assortment of bad guys.

It's a good 80s action flick parody with crazy big hair and nods to films like Commando. There are ridiculous town names, like Baconville, and one character uses a hybrid weapon called a gunchuk.

It's not my style of humor, but I did like the parody of the culture and films I'm familiar with. It's so overt that it feels like overkill at times, but that may exactly be what you are looking for in a graphic novel.

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


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The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley

author: Hannah Tinti
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/01
date added: 2017/08/01
shelves:
review:



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Devolution

author: Rick Remender
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.80
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2017/08/01
date added: 2017/08/01
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Devolution' by Rick Remender along with Jonathan Wayshak and Jae Lee is one of those graphic novels where you just have to go with the premise. If you stop to think too hard about the premise, it will all unravel.

It is the future and just about everything has been devolved by science. It was determined that violence was caused by belief in religion, so devolving people would get rid of this in them (refer to my first paragraph about "going with it"). Raja, a human, has survived by being alert and violent. She is on her way to the West Coast of the United States where she knows there is a way to reverse this weird virus. Getting there is hampered by neanderthal-like humans, violent plants and giant evolved insects.

If my description doesn't give you the sense that this whole thing is over the top, then I have erred. Jonathan Wayshak's art is hurried and intense. There is gore and violence and other R-rated content throughout. It feels like the kind of thing that got thought of during a late night brainstorming session with just a few too many energy drinks. It's definitely not for everyone, but I kind of liked it.

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


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