Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #2

author: Robert Venditti
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.43
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2016/08/14
date added: 2017/11/30
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #2' by Robert Venditti with art by Rafa Sandoval feels like a huge story, and I really liked it.

Something has happened to the Green Lantern Corps and their numbers are rapidly dwindling. Sinestro is trying to gain control. Guy Gardner gets sent out on a mission to face potential pain and suffering, but he's crazy enough to do it (I've always kind of liked Guy Gardner). Hal Jordan is still alive and word of this gets to Sinestro and his daughter Soranik.

I love the feel of this book. An overrun Green Lantern Corps putting up what looks like a final stand against incredible odds. A big story that almost feels like the page can't hold it. I loved the story and the art. Hal Jordan especially looks completely up to the task of fighting this alone if he has to.

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


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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: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/08
date added: 2017/11/29
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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The Flash (2016-) #4

author: Joshua Williamson
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.17
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2016/08/11
date added: 2017/11/28
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Flash 4' by Joshua Williamson with art by Neil Googe is part of the recent DC Universe Rebirth. Some characters get fresh starts or don't even seem to be the same. Some seem to be just carrying on as usual. That seems to be the case here.

Barry Allen is the Flash, but he's also a forensic scientist. This issue finds him training other people who have the same ability he has at S.T.A.R. Labs. There are a lot of people that seem to be tapped in to the speed force, but there may be something at work to weed that number down. He's also helping to investigate a case involving Godspeed who has somehow tapped into the speed force.

There are some good surprises in the book, but it almost felt a little overly busy. Like there are a lot of plot threads happening and they don't all get wrapped up or even moved along in some cases. But the story is interesting and the art is pretty cool.

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


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Manga Classics: Jane Eyre

author: Stacy King
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/27
date added: 2017/11/27
shelves: classics, graphic-novels
review:
'Manga Classics: Jane Eyre' by Stacy King and Crystal S. Chan with art by SunNeko Lee is a really good adaptation of one of my favorite classic novels.

Young Jane is raised by distant family who mistreat her and ship her off to school to be forgotten. Jane leads a rough existence, and loses her best friend to a sickness brought on by lack of food and heat in the school. When she comes of age, she takes a job as a governess and meets a mysterious stranger. Her life will never be the same.

And that's about the lamest synopsis I've ever done. The Manga Classics series is wonderful and I'm pleased to report that they didn't ruin this classic for me. I loved how subtly the artist worked cats into the story since she loves them so much. Also, the height of Jane and Rochester was based on the height difference between Crystal Chan and her husband. These little details along with some essays about the original story are included.

I received a review copy of this manga from Manga Classics, Udon Entertainment & Morpheus Studios, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.


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Manosaurs Vol. 1: "Walk Like a Manosaur"

author: Stefan Petrucha
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2017/11/26
date added: 2017/11/26
shelves: graphic-novels, children-s
review:
'Manosaurs Vol. 1: "Walk Like a Manosaur"' by Stefan Petrucha with art by Yellowhale Studios is about a group of young adolescent, wise-cracking reptiles.

Leo "the Doc" Jeffries is trying to revive his business. He's behind on his rent and things aren't looking so well, until he makes an amazing discovery. He finds some dinosaur eggs, but these eggs hatch and produce 4 different types of dinosaurs. The dinos grow and learn about modern times from television. This makes them want to be Godzilla, but when their new friends are threatened, they have to band together and fight off the threat.

It seems like a fun enough read for the under 10 crowd. The art is a bit throwaway, but I could say that about a lot of comics I read when I was a kid. The dinos have fun personalities and Leo is a completely irresponisble adult. This isn't a lesson or morality comic. This is just about a bunch of dinosaurs who now live in our world.

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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Titans Vol. 2: Made In Manhattan

author: Dan Abnett
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/26
date added: 2017/11/26
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Titans Vol. 2: Made in Manhattan' by Dan Abnett with art by Brett Booth continues the story of this team of no longer teenagers.

The Titans want to set up headquarters in New York and they run into some interference with city planners. Meanwhile, a new company called Meta Solutions has come town and they offer to do things like help people with new superpowers figure out what they are and even offer to cure them, but who are they?

The second story finds a group of Justice League members stuck with their proteges stuck together in a strange trap. There is mistrust to go around, but Nightwing wants everyone to work together. Whoever has trapped them wants a different outcome.

The stories are pretty good. I like this more mature team, but it still seems pretty Wally West centered. I'd like more from Arsenal and Lilith, but maybe that's down the road. I really liked Brett Booth's art in this.

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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Killer Fashion: Poisonous Petticoats, Strangulating Scarves, and Other Deadly Garments Throughout History

author: Jennifer Wright
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.93
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/26
date added: 2017/11/26
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Killer Fashion' by Jennifer Wright is a darkly humorous A to Z look at dangerous fashion trends through the ages.

From artificial silk, which was flammable to wigs, which were also flammable and house lice, this book talks about fashion faux pas that actually created fatalities. Each entry is accompanied by an illustration and a poem that are reminiscent of Edward Gorey. The book finishes with a bibliography section for those who want to read more about killer ties or flammable crinolines.

I had fun reading this book, mainly because of the great illustrations and poems. This is definitely one you should get the morbid fashionista on your list.

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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What Does Consent Really Mean?

author: Pete Wallis
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.95
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/26
date added: 2017/11/26
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'What Does Consent Really Mean?' by Pete Wallis, Joseph Wilkins, and Thalia Wallis is a graphic novel about a serious subject.

When a classmate is sexually assaulted a group of teenage girls have a conversation about what consent is. The subjects of peer pressure, healthy relationships and what to say when you don't feel comfortable are covered. The boys show up to talk about the pressure they face as well.

The characters in this graphic novel are sexually active, but this subject should still be one you have regardless of how you feel about this. It's uncomfortable, but it's handled frankly here and in a very accessible way.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Singing Dragon, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Trinity (2016-) #1

author: Francis Manapul
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2016/10/08
date added: 2017/11/26
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Trinity #1' with script and art by Francis Manapul is a thing of quiet beauty. It's also a risk that I think pays off very well.

While most times, a first issue would launch with a big battle, this one starts with a dinner party. Lois has invited Wonder Woman and Batman over to their house, unbeknownst to Superman, for a chance for a friendship to build. Jon is so surprised over the visitors (Diana shows up with a dead boar on her shoulders as a gift) that he acts before thinking. This sets up some fun banter between Batman and Superman about training the young. There is also some tension between Lois and Wonder Woman. The issue ends on a weird note, but it's not enough to ruin the issue for me.

The cover to this issue is great, with our three prominent heroes in front and Diana's sword reflecting their greatest villains. I'm also blown away by someone who writes and illustrates their own work so deftly. The art fits the story very well. This was a good story.

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


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Rough Riders Vol. 2

author: Adam Glass
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2017/11/26
date added: 2017/11/26
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Rough Riders Vol. 2' by Adam Glass with art by Patrick Olliffe takes historical figures and turns them into a kind of super team. I had a great time reading this.

What do you get when you team up Teddy Roosevelt, Jack Johnson, Annie Oakley, Thomas Edison and Harry Houdini? Something that in less deft hands might have been merely mediocre. Here they are out to solve the murder of President McKinley, and being chased by figures in Venetian plague doctor masks.

I am new to the series with this volume, but I had no trouble jumping right in. There are some steampunk type elements to the story, but they aren't overwhelming and actually enhance the story instead of trying to over-style the world. I like the different characters and the strengths they bring to the team. The issue of racism is touched on as two of the characters have felt it in their lives.

The art by Patrick Olliffe is pretty good. These historical figures are given physiques like superheroes, but it's in keeping with the story. The covers for these issues are included and they are all very striking.

I really enjoyed reading this and I think it struck all the right balances of story and art. Something happens to one of the main characters and it isn't really explained, but I assume that is for a future story.

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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Superwoman #1

author: Phil Jimenez
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2016/08/14
date added: 2017/11/26
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Superwoman #1' by Phil Jimenez is a number 1 in the DC Rebirth series, but it kind of has a feeling that there is a lot that has gone on before. It's not the best place to start if this is your introduction to Superwoman.

Superwoman is Lois Lane. That's not a spoiler as it's established on the first page as she is talking to Lana Lang and lifting a tractor over her head. She has received the powers of Superman after something has happened to him. But she's not the only one. Lana is her confidante and helper as she tries to figure this all out.

Meanwhile, Lex Luthor is claiming the title of Superman with a fancy robotic suit, but that isn't going as well as he'd hoped. When an aircraft carrier is mysteriously pushed, Lex is helpless and Lois has to try to figure out how to stop it. She's still new to the powers, but she has an unexpected ally in the fight.

It's a confusing place to begin a series. There is some explanation and some flashbacks along the way, but I felt like there were things that I was really missing, like the events leading up to Lois getting these powers, and why are there suddenly so many Supermen and Superwomen?

I suppose it will become clear, and I also know it's a case of a lot of these books being linked together rather than linear in and of themselves. You end up getting a part of the story by only reading one title, instead of 4 or 5.

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


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POS: Piece of Sh*t

author: Pierre Paquet
name: Wayne
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2017/11/25
date added: 2017/11/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'POS: Piece of Sh*t' by Pierre Paquet with art by Jesus Alonso Iglesias is an autobiographical story and the follow up the the author's 'A Glance Backward.' It was also a bit tough to figure out exactly what this was supposed to be about.

A young man struggles to establish a publishing company. With cash outlays and promises kept and broken. Along the way he pursues love in all kinds of ways. There is also the only faithful companion in his life, his dog.

The story swoops back and forth through time, and it's easy enough to follow that. The problem is with the exact narrative flow. What are we supposed to care about? The love life, the dog, or the problems with publishing company? The title of the book, refers to how the main character feels about himself, I think. It's hard to feel sympathy towards a character who gains and loses friends and treats strangers in such a strange way. It's possible that this is a better story in its original language.

However, the art by Jesus Alonso Iglesias is worth checking out. It's a bit of a loose sketch style, but it kept me turning pages and admiring the art. It's too bad I didn't feel the same way about the story.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Lion Forge, 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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My Secret Dog

author: Tom Alexander
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.83
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2017/11/25
date added: 2017/11/25
shelves: children-s
review:
'My Secret Dog' by Tom Alexander is about a little girl with a big secret. The illustrations are kind of simple, as is the story.

A young girl finds a dog, and knows that her mother will never allow her to have one, so she hides it. She knows she can't leave the dog alone when she goes to school, so it goes with her. The more she tries to hide the dog, the more trouble she will eventually get in. When your secret is a dog, can you really keep it secret that long?

It's a funny little story, but there isn't much of a moral here, except maybe that deceiving your mother and teacher is a bad idea. The illustrations are close to being stick figures, and they work for the story. Kids might get a laugh about this ambitious girl and her plan to get a dog.

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


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New Super-Man #2

author: Gene Luen Yang
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.71
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/10
date added: 2017/11/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'New Super-Man #2' by Gene Luen Yang with art by Viktor Bogdanovic was an odd story, but it grew on me.

This is "Made in China" part two. The story is set in China and Kenan Kong finds himself with the powers of Superman. He also meets the Chinese Batman and Wonder Woman. This Superman is a bit crude and makes jokes about his fellow heroes. To his credit, Batman is a bit on the thicker side. Kenan's powers are a bit unstable and unreliable, which is a bad thing, because there is a new threat on the horizon.

I really liked this alternate version of familiar heroes. The characters don't necessarily act or dress like their counterparts. There is a little more humor here than in a traditional Superman comic. I also like the youth of this team. It gave the team more energy.

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


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New Super-Man #3

author: Gene Luen Yang
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.33
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/09/17
date added: 2017/11/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'New Super-Man' #3 by Gene Luen Yang with art by Viktor Bogdanovic continues the Made in China storyline, and this version of Superman is still learning who he is.

Super-Man, aka Kenan Kong, has decided to divulge his secret identity to a female reporter that he has a crush on. The problem is that there are repercussions for this. His family, his new teammates, and his new uncertain powers. It leads to bonding with the new team, but it also paints a target and brings in even greater threats.

I do like this series. I like the young and bumbling Super-Man. I like the large Bat-Man. I haven't seen enough of the Wonder-Woman to know, but this has been a fun series so far.

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


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Wonder Woman (2016-) #4

author: Greg Rucka
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2016/08/10
date added: 2017/11/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Wonder Woman #4' written by Greg Rucka with art by Nicola Scott doesn't necessarily bring us anything new for this particular Rebirth, but the art is simply spectacular.

Just like in other WW origin stories, a man has been found in this land of all women and he brings them possible danger from the outside. It is decided that he must go back, but how and will he be sent alone?

It's a familiar beginning, but it's still told with drama. I can't say enough about the art and colors. The drawing is detailed and the colors bring it all to life. Based on this issue, I'd love to see where this series goes.

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


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Action Comics (2016-) #961

author: Dan Jurgens
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.85
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/10
date added: 2017/11/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Action Comics #961' by Dan Jurgens with art by Stephen Segovia shows me it's been a while since I read Superman. A lot has happened to him but some things are still the same.

The action picks up right from the first page. Doomsday is wrecking the city and a Lex Luthor wearing power armor is fighting him off. Superman draws him away from the city, but that puts his wife, Lois, and son, Jonathan, at risk. He gets some unexpected help from a friend as well as some people he doesn't know.

Superman has learned some things since the first time he fought Doomsday and it's good to see that intelligence working here. At 21 pages, it's a really quick read with lots of action. I enjoyed the chance to read and review this comic.

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


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Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #2

author: Julie Benson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2016/09/18
date added: 2017/11/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #2' by Julie Benson with art by Claire Roe kicks off "Who is Oracle" with a bang.

Santo is the link to Oracle and he's in a car with Batgirl and Jim Gordon heading to a safe house, but it's not going to be an easy drive. Black Canary and Huntress are riding point to protect the cargo, but Jim Gordon is not convinced these ladies can handle things and wants to call in someone else. Huntress is still a bit of a loose cannon at this point, and who is Oracle anyway?

I like this title. The action has been pretty good, and I think the team dynamic works pretty well. There are some really great one-liners thrown in and I liked the cameo appearance in the issue because it wasn't used to upstage things.

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


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Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #1

author: Julie Benson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/23
date added: 2017/11/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #1' by Shawna Benson and Julie Benson with art by Claire Roe is a really fun start to a series.

Batgirl and Black Canary are trying to track down someone who has stolen the name of Oracle, which was used in Barbara Gordon's past. They run into Huntress who is also looking for Oracle, but while Batgirl and Black Canary want to find and question the suspect, Huntress would rather just end Oracle's life. It's the uneasy beginning of a team up, but will it last?

I've been a Birds of Prey fan since the TV series, which I alone probably liked. This issue worked on a lot of levels. I love the new Batgirl and her humor works here in spite of the more serious things going on.

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


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All-Star Batman (2016-) #2

author: Scott Snyder
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.77
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2016/09/18
date added: 2017/11/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'All Star Batman #2' by Scott Snyder with art by John Romita Jr. keeps the rocketing pace going fast. It was hard for me to keep up with a story that keeps moving around so much.

So Batman and Two-Face are on a train. There are also a lot of bad guys on the train trying to kill him. Not only that, but there are bad guys putting a contract hit out on him that will supposedly be "messy." Along with that, we get a little more about Duke, and we learn of a possible antidote to Two-Face. Whether he wants that or not remains to be seen.

I still don't know what all is going on, even though this is book 2, but I like what I'm reading. The art style is what is keeping me interested. The writing is really good, even though it's leaving me confused a bit. The story jumps back and forth in a short time span and it's hard at times to know what is now and what was then.

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


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All Star Batman (2016-) #1

author: Scott Snyder
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.79
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2016/08/14
date added: 2017/11/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'All-Star Batman #1' by Scott Snyder with art by John Romita Jr. is the beginning of a series where the villains of Batman are reimagined. In this issue, it's Two-Face.

The issue starts with Batman on the run, and two hired killers, Firefly and Killer Moth out to catch him. We then flashback to recent time, 22 minutes earlier to a scene that will be referenced later in the issue. Then we get a flashback two hours before that. There has been an acid rain attack on Gotham and Batman is about to enact a crazy plan with Two-Face. Most of the rest of the issue cuts between Batman and Two-Face on the run and people trying to catch Batman.

The flashback within a flashback within a flashback was an interesting device. I loved an unusual choice of weapon that Batman makes at one point. The art is just brilliant. I like the look of this Batman. He's got substance to the way he looks. This is a man who has trained and is not going to go down easy. Two-Face is a great character and how he is portrayed here is good.

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


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Nightwing (2016-) #5

author: Steve Orlando
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.67
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/10/03
date added: 2017/11/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Nightwing #5' by Steve Orlando and Tim Seeley brings us part two of "Night of the Monsters."

It's still raining and the monsters are still rampaging all over Gotham. Poor Clayface is running crowd control by breaking himself up in to a crowd of cops. Nightwing gets to play detective, even though he hasn't been that comfortable with it. Even Gotham Girl looks like she's going to be part of this for better or worse. The origin of the monsters comes to light, but Hugo Strange has still not shown himself.

I liked this chapter better than the first one. There are a lot of people in the Batman family these days, and it's good to see them work mostly as a team. I liked the art by Roge Antonio. I look forward to reading part three.

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


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Batgirl (2016-) #3

author: Hope Larson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.29
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2016/10/10
date added: 2017/11/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Batgirl #3' by Hope Larson with art by Rafael Albuquerque is part three of the 'Beyond Burnside' storyline.

Batgirl is still in Asia. She is still with Kai. She starts the issue at the end of a fight after getting beat up pretty good. During the fight, she finds out more information that leads her to Korea.

The whole thing feels like we are getting strung along. I don't care about Kai at this point, and he should just go away. Batgirl seems to be handling herself in Asia ok, but even after 3 issues, I'm tired of this storyline. I still like the character, and the covers are pretty cool. I just want something that feels like something at this point.

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


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Batgirl (2016-) #2

author: Hope Larson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.20
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2016/08/27
date added: 2017/11/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Batgirl #2' by Hope Larson with art by Rafael Albuquerque continues the Beyond Burnside story. I haven't read a lot with this newer version of the character, but it's a really fun book.

Batgirl finds herself in Singapore, tracking down a lead that will lead her into a ring of MMA style fighting. She's also staying in a posh hotel with her friend Kai. As she investigates the fighting ring, things between her and Kai seem to take a natural course, but Babs isn't sure that's what she wants. She also gets a invite to train and fight, which will lead her closer to the trail she's on.

I'd like to call out the absolutely wonderful cover by Francis Manapul. It's a stunner! The writing and art in the issue are good too. Like I said above, it's a fun book, and I really like this character.

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


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Detective Comics #941

author: Steve Orlando
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.45
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/10/04
date added: 2017/11/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Detective Comics #941' by James Tynion IV and Steve Orlando continues the "Night of the Monster Men" story with part 3. Things are even more out of control for Gotham and the Batman family.

The refugees have reached the cave, but they've brought something with them. A strange substance is on them which is making them act violent and Orphan and Spoiler have their hands full. It doesn't help that they have no radio contact with Batman and Batwoman. Meanwhile, Nightwing is trying to keep Gotham Girl under control.

I don't know how long this storyline is going, but it's getting more and more chaotic. I'm having a fun time reading it. It's a pretty big story with a good cast of characters. Now on to Batman #8 for part four of the story!

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


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Detective Comics #938

author: James Tynion IV
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/10
date added: 2017/11/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Detective Comics #938 is part five of "Rise of the Batmen." I'm coming in late, but I like what I see.

It starts with a flashback of Colonel Jacob Kane, then cuts to the action. Batman has been training the next generation of vigilantes along with Batwoman and they find themselves taking on the Colony on their own turf. The team includes Red Robin, Spoiler, Orphan and Clayface. Last time they met the Colony, they lost, so can this team become cohesive and effective in this chaotic environment?

I like the characters and the action. James Tynion IV has a good storyline going with some wonderful art. I loved the art, especially the cover. This book was fun to read.

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


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Suicide Squad (2016-) #1

author: Rob Williams
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.90
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2016/08/21
date added: 2017/11/23
shelves:
review:
'Suicide Squad #1' by Rob Williams and Jim Lee seems to be a reboot with characters that look a bit like they do in the current movie. It's an interesting setup, but the whole first issue feels a bit like a set up.

With the discovery of a strange item falling from space, the Suicide Squad is activated. These are bad guys who are completely expendable and have decent fighting skills. They are all equipped with a device to be used in the event they decide to act bad or try to escape. On the current team are Deadshot, Killer Croc, Boomerang, Enchantress and Harley Quinn. Managing them in the field are Rick Flagg and Katana. Things start to go sideways from the beginning when their insertion into a foreign country goes haywire. Can the mission succeed?

There is also a second short story with an origin type story of Deadshot. This felt a little more coherent than the main story, which, as I mentioned, feels a lot like a set up for future things to come. The Jim Lee art was good. The story was just kind of there, but I enjoyed reading it.

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


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Batman Beyond: Rebirth #1

author: Dan Jurgens
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.84
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/10/08
date added: 2017/11/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Batman Beyond Rebirth #1' by Dan Jurgens with art by Ryan Sook feels a bit like a new beginning, and kind of feels like a continuation at the same time. I think I'm ok with that.

This book takes place 6 months after Batman Beyond #16. There is a bit of an origin story that gets retold for those not familiar with the characters. Gotham is being threatened by the Jokerz. Terry reconnects with Commissioner Gordon, Barbara, but the question still remains, where is Bruce Wayne? The other question is who is behind this sudden resurgence of the Jokerz? And why do all the Rebirth books end on such cliffhangers?

I liked the story well enough. It's a title I would probably regularly read. I did really like Ryan Sook's art. I was only familiar with this character from the long ago cartoon series, so it's nice to see him in print and doing fine.

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


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Deathstroke: Rebirth #1

author: Christopher J. Priest
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.16
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2016/08/20
date added: 2017/11/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Deathstroke: Rebirth #1' by Priest with art by Carlo Pagulayan seems to be an attempt to humanize the character. I haven't read a ton of things with Deathstroke, but every time I've run across him in a book, he seems to be a bit of a one note character.

The time shifts between Slade Wilson on a job and flashbacks to a time with him and his two sons. Being the son of Deathstroke isn't easy, and he is harsh with them. It is clear one son just doesn't measure up. On the job, he has just finished and is immediately on to another one. He finds something out that changes his trajectory. Whether it has to do with the past or something else, we don't find out this time around.

It's a #1 issue, but it's a bit confusing. That may clear up over time, but this may not be the best place to become a new reader like I am. These issues are supposed to be resets or retcons, but they seem to still be heavily dependent on previous events. I would like to read more and I thought the art was pretty great. I would read the next issue to find out what happens.

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


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Maria and Me: A father, a daughter (and Autism)

author: Miguel Gallardo
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/22
date added: 2017/11/22
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'Maria and Me: A father, a daughter' by Miguel Gallardo is a graphic novel about a father and his daughter with autism.

Miguel and his daughter Maria go on a vacation. She is 12 and lives with her mother, so Miguel loves the time he can spend with her. She has autism, and this can cause those around them to stare and not understand. Maria relates to the world around her through the people she meets. She remembers all their names even if they only have briefly met. Miguel keeps a sketchbook of these people.

I liked this look into what a vacation looks like with someone like Maria. Miguel shows love and patience with his daughter, and he is never upset over what she does, but accepts it all as part of who she is. I love that the book included a photo of father and daughter.

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


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Artemis

author: Andy Weir
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/21
date added: 2017/11/21
shelves:
review:
'Artemis' by Andy Weir is his follow up to 'The Martian.' I loved that book, and this one wasn't too bad either.

Jazz Bashara lives on the moon in a city named Artemis. The city is made up of a series of domes named after famous astronauts. There is a booming tourism business to visit the moon landing site nearby. But Jazz is struggling to make money. On the legal side, she is a courier. On the criminal side, she smuggles things in from Earth for citizens of Artemis, including a crazily wealthy client who likes his cigars. He proposes a job for Jazz that will make her a lot of money. If you think everything will go perfectly, you didn't read 'The Martian.'

Comparisons are inevitable. Mark Watney and Jazz Bashara are both wise-cracking protagonists who are also very good at solving problems. Mark does so with more discipline and rigor, Jazz, less so, but in both cases this is in keeping with her character. Mark is more of a loner by circumstance and choice, but Jazz has a whole group of friends, enemies, and former ex-lovers.

I loved 'The Martian' as well as the movie that was made from it. This book took me a bit longer to get in to. I really didn't care for Jazz's particular brand of coarse humor, and, I felt, it took away from the character. Still the book gets to a point where the narrative whips along and I found myself turning pages wondering what was going to happen. I wasn't disappointed.

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


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The Man Who Knew Everything: The Strange Life of Athanasius Kircher

author: Marilee Peters
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.67
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/19
date added: 2017/11/19
shelves: children-s, non-fiction
review:
'The Man Who Knew Everything: The Strange Life of Athanasius Kircher' by Marilee Peters with illustrations by Roxanna Bikadoroff is a weird ride through the life of a curious character.

Kircher had a museum filled with oddities and inventions. His life was full of curiosity and adventure. He wanted to know more about volcanos, so he was lowered in to one. He made many scientific theories about the world around him (most of them wrong). He lived in the 17th century and was a Jesuit at a time when many of the things he wrote about could have gotten him in trouble with the church.

I'd never heard of this man, but apparently there are fans of his in the modern age, and even a museum with some recreations of his adventures. On the one hand, he comes across as a blow hard and a fraud, but on the other hand, he seems to be very curious about the world he lives in. I found it a really fun read, and I loved the illustrations by Roxanna Bikadoroff.

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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Hotel Transylvania Graphic Novel Vol. 1: “Kakieland Katastrophe"

author: Stefan Petrucha
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2017/11/19
date added: 2017/11/19
shelves: graphic-novels, children-s
review:
'Hotel Transylvania Graphic Novel Vol. 1: Kakieland Katastrophe' by Stefan Petrucha with art by James Silvani is the first graphic novel based on the film series of the same name. The reader is strongly advised to see the films before reading or things may not be very clear.

Business at the Hotel Transylvania is booming now that a new theme park has opened up next door. When horror novelist Stephen Cling visits and takes a series of selfies with the monsters, he uses the internet to make people afraid. When humans wielding pitchforks and torches show up, the gang knows they need to prove they aren't all that scary.

The gags are pretty funny and the characters feel pretty true to the movies. The story feels like standard kids comic book fare, which is fine if your kids are fans of the movies. I felt like the art was pretty mediocre, but it serves the story well enough.

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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Britannia, Vol. 2: We Who Are About to Die (Britannia, #2)

author: Peter Milligan
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.04
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2017/11/19
date added: 2017/11/19
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Britannia, Vol. 2: We Who Are About to Die' by Peter Milligan with art by Juan Jose Ryp continues the journey of detectioner Antonius Axia in the weird and supernatural world of ancient Rome.

Antonius is back, and all he wants is to raise his son in peace, but there is no peace in Rome as some strange phenomenon is creating ta‌lking statues and men are being violently killed. In addition, there are a bunch of suppressed women and a new gladiator hero named Achillia that they cheer and follow. Antonius has enough on his plate, and then he finds that his son might be a target of whatever is plaguing Rome.

It's a visceral series, with gruesome and amazing art by Jean Jose Ryp. The story this time around feels a bit more procedural in nature and not as interesting as the first volume. That volume also featured some interesting historical essays that were missing this time around. I felt those helped make it a richer reading experience.

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


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Green Lanterns, Volume 3: Polarity

author: Sam Humphries
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/19
date added: 2017/11/19
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Green Lanterns Vol. 3' by Sam Humphries has been a really fun series to read. I love the journey of Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz as they deal with being heroes.

Green Lanterns wield a lot of power, but Baz and Cruz are still new enough to the hero game to get excited about helping out the Justice League or getting invited to Gotham City to help Batman on a case. Jessica struggles with anxiety, and Simon feels inadequate. These are problems for a power that works on sheer willpower.

This volume is a series of shorter stories. There is a story arc in Gotham involving citizens acting violently based on fear. There is a story about the first lantern, Volthoom, that doesn't seem to have anything to do with our heroes (but it's a storyline that I suspect is still building). The final story involved Doctor Polaris and Amanda Waller. This last story is interesting in it's complexity.

The story writing is very good. I love how flawed and excited these characters are. They are new to the game, and we get some internal looks at what they seem to be going through. The art is consistently good throughout, even over a bunch of different artists.

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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Her Majesty: An Illustrated Guide to the Women who Ruled the World (Women in History)

author: Lisa Graves
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/18
date added: 2017/11/18
shelves: non-fiction, children-s
review:
'Her Majesty: An Illustrated Guide to the Women who Ruled the World' by Lisa Graves is a look at famous and infamous rulers. It shows the kinds of influence and power they had.

The women featured in the book are from many countries and times starting with Hapshepsut of Egypt and going all the way to Tsarina Alexandra of Russia. Each woman gets a full page painting and a short bio including their greatest achievement. For Queen Victoria, this was surviving six assassination attempts. For Lakshmibai, the Rani of Jhansi, it was leading her people in fighting against their oppressors.

This is book full of facts and great pictures. It doesn't include every woman ruler, but it includes a very interesting selection.

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


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I Give You My Heart

author: Pimm Hest
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.17
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2017/11/18
date added: 2017/11/18
shelves: children-s
review:
'I Give You My Heart' by Pimm Hest with art by Sassafras Bruyn is a relective picture book with a beautiful story and pictures.

Young Yuto receives a special gift, and he is told that everything he needs is in the box. When Yuto is finally able to open this gift, he finds a seed. He plants the seed, with some advice about finding the right spot. With love anything can grow, he is told.

And time passes. Yuto grows up and so does the tree. When it is time, he knows what to do.

It's a beautiful story about making a life. Told in a way that is simple enough for the young to understand. I've been a fan of Sassafras Bruyn's illustration work, which is the main reason the tile caught my eye, and I was not disappointed. The pictures have a complexity to them that is not often seen in picture books. There is a lot to see and read in them.

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


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The Scribble Squad in the Weird Wild West

author: Donald "Scribe" Ross
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.60
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2017/11/18
date added: 2017/11/18
shelves: children-s
review:
'The Scribble Squad in the Weird Wild West' by Donald "Scribe" Ross is a young reader book with lots of pictures. It takes place in the old west, and that is where some of the problems come in to play.

Rumpus, Tai, Phil, and Phlox are a group of animal friends invited to create a mural. They choose a theme, but they end up disagreeing on what should be painted, so the painting ends up with all kinds of crazy things.

And then they end up on the other side of the mural in a land full of spray paint can rattlesnakes and large rideable hamsters. They find lots of secrets and a town that is being run by an evil group. Can they help?

There are all kinds of animals, but the indigenous people are all birds. They also have access to all the gold, but don't seem to want to do anything with it except protect it. There are all sorts of weird stereotypes with this group of people. Noble, mystical, mysterious, but definitely not like the other characters. Also, some of the themes of the book seems to be that graffiti and vandalism are ok.

I'm all for promoting the arts, and I'm not even really opposed to lawful graffiti. I really had more problems with the weird take on history that this book seems to take.

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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Nick the Knight, Dragon Slayer

author: Aron Dijkstra
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.96
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/18
date added: 2017/11/18
shelves: children-s
review:
'Nick the Knight, Dragon Slayer' by Aron Dijkstra is about a tiny brave guy fighting an enormous dragon.

Nick the Knight is anxious to fight Breakhorn the dragon. The people in his town are afraid, but Nick will protect them. First he has to find the dragon. Once he does, the dragon refuses to fight such a tiny person, Nick will have to up his game. How will Nick defeat such a large dragon.

I really liked this story about courage and making new friends. The art is a lot of fun. I love Nick's curly, unruly hair, and Breakhorn's ornamentation.

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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Wraithborn, Volume 1

author: Joe Benítez
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at: 2017/11/18
date added: 2017/11/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Wraighbor, Volume 1' by Joe Benitez with art by M. M. Chen is an origin story about someone recruited to fight supernatural evil.

Melanie Moore is a timid picked on girl going to school. Valek is a young warrior in training, waiting for the day he becomes the new Wraithborn. When Melanie is at the wrong place at the right time, she unwittingly becomes the new Wraithborn. Now she is being hunted and Valek is left to help her discover who she has become.

It's a pretty standard by-the-numbers story. It's hard to feel much for most of the characters because there just isn't a lot of development. Why Melanie trusts Valek is odd. Why Valek just doesn't kill Melanie and recover the Wraithborn based on her incompetence seems out of character for his overly serious demeanor. The art is pretty, but the characters all have overly long necks. Maybe that's the case in the Lady Mechanika book, but it just stood out here.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Benitez Productions, 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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Manga Classics: The Stories of Edgar Allen Poe

author: Stacy King
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/18
date added: 2017/11/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Manga Classics: The Stories of Edgar Allan Poe' by Edgar Allan Poe and adapted by Stacy King is a series of manga adaptations of poplular stories and poems.

Included in the collection are The Tell Tale Heart, The Cask of Amontillado and The Raven among others. Every story features a different artist and I liked all the styles but my favorite was The Raven by pikomaro. The art is really pretty good for all of these chapters.

The adaptations are really good as well. I've seen graphic novel adaptations that aren't as complete. The Masque of the Red Death story is allowed time to simmer and build as are all of them.

It's another great adaptation in the Manga Classics line. I grew up with Classics Illustrated, and these adaptations are more complete.

I received a review copy of this manga from Udon Entertainment, Manga Classics, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.


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The Invisible War: A Tale on Two Scales

author: Ailsa Wild
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.32
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2017/11/14
date added: 2017/11/14
shelves: non-fiction, graphic-novels
review:
'The Invisible War: A Tale on Two Scales' by Alisa Wild with art by Briony Barr is a most unusual graphic novel. It tells two very different stories at the same time and both are very interesting.

The first story is about Sister Annie Barnaby treating soldiers in a field hospital during World War I. When a solder comes down with dysentery, she is curious about what is causing it.

The second story is the course of disease as a lethal bacteria enters Annie and threatens her life. This story is told on the microscopic level.

Throughout the story are links to short articles describing things like how patients were moved through field hospitals and what the shigella bacteria is. The story is also a bit on the graphic side with the side effects of disease and war.

The art is really good, as are the articles in the back of the book. This was one of the most unique graphic novels I've read in quite a while. I really enjoyed it.

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


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Hockey Karma

author: Howard Shapiro
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2017/11/14
date added: 2017/11/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Hockey Karma' by Howard Shapiro with art by Andres J. Mossa is the third book in the Forever Friends Trilogy. A dramatic series featuring hockey is a bit different, but I've enjoyed all three of these graphic novels.

Ten years have passed. Jeremiah "Jake' Jacobson has had a great career in hockey, but he's getting to the end of that career. When a hot, young player joins the team, Jake is reluctant to mentor him, and he's also got a medical problem that he is hiding from his team and friends.

His friend Tom is trying to put together a plan to help people in Bay City, but he needs Jake's input. Jake is so absorbed with his career and the prospect of losing it that he leaves Tom hanging.

Tom also finds an old flame in his home city, and meets up with some of the guys from their old high school band.

You will need to at least have read 'Hockey Saint' before this one, but there are references to both prior books.

The art isn't bad, but the real star here is the writing. Time has passed and these characters act older. Also, events happen off page and these transitions are done really well. I've really enjoyed this series. There is a lot of heart and a few life lessons to be found in these pages.

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


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The Thrill of Repulsion: Excursions Into Horror Culture

author: William Burns
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.44
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2017/11/12
date added: 2017/11/12
shelves:
review:
'The Thrill of Repulsion: Excursions Into Horror Culture' by William Burns is a series of top 13 lists and a few essays about horror in pop culture.

Divided into 4 sections to deal with movies, television, books and comics, and music, the book is primarily a list of lists. Sample lists include the most sickening art house horror films, the most glorious Godzilla films, the most important H.P. Lovecraft stories, etc. The lists include runner ups for each category. There are essays about the Saw films and Black Christmas and the death of the '60s on film.

The majority of the content is on films with the rest of the categories getting less coverage. The book design is interesting with each chapter getting a bony frame. The content itself is written a bit on the grandiloquent side which felt a bit overmuch at times. I did enjoy going through the lists and seeing what the author had to say.

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


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X-O Manowar (2017) Volume 2: General

author: Matt Kindt
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.96
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/12
date added: 2017/11/12
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'X-O Manowar Volume 2: General' by Matt Kindt with art by Doug Braithwaite continues the story of our reluctant hero Aric as he fights to stay alive on a strange planet.

Aric still resists the pull of his armor and wears it as a ring. He fights on a planet with 3 warring races and at some point finds himself on all sides. He just wants to survive, and everything around him seems to be determined to kill him. When things get really tough, can he resist using the armor?

This volume felt a bit less epic than the first one, but the art is still stunning, and I think this feels like a middle story. The first volume was a struggle to survive. This one has Aric thriving on the planet. There are political and moral issues, but it's hard to pick a side. I think this is a pretty great SF comic series though, and I look forward to whatever is next.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Valiant 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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Will Eisner's the Spirit: Who Killed the Spirit?

author: Matt Wagner
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.91
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/12
date added: 2017/11/12
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Will Eisner's The Spirit: Who Killed the Spirit?' by Matt Wagner with art by Dan Schkade and covers by Eric Powell is a loving tribute to mark the 75th anniversary of a famous creator's biggest work.

When our story begins, the main character is declared dead. His friends all start hunting for who killed him. Ebony White, Sammy Strunk, Commissioner Dolan and The Spirit's paramour Ellen all start following the likely suspects.

The Spirit has a lot of people who would like to see him dead, so this is a great way to revisit old friends and foes. Over 12 issues, that is quite a few. The story feels pretty much like a classic Spirit story (except perhaps grander in nature in keeping with an anniversary special). Dan Schkade does a great job with the art and I loved Eric Powell's covers which are all included here. Dave Lanphear's lettering is great in evoking those classic Spirit splash pages.

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


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Snow Bear

author: Sean Taylor
name: Wayne
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2017/11/11
date added: 2017/11/11
shelves: children-s
review:
'Snow Bear' by Sean Taylor with illustrations by Claire Alexander is about a magical adventure in the snow.

Iggy and Martina wake up to a world full of snow. They make a snowman, but it looks more like a snowbear. They take a long sled ride and find themselves in trouble. They get rescued by an unusual new friend.

When I was a kid, I remember snow days had a certain wonderful quality. This book captures that feeling beautifully with the text and great illustrations. I think this is a book that young readers will want read to them over and over again.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - words & pictures, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Snowman

author: Mark Andrew Poe
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2017/11/11
date added: 2017/11/11
shelves: children-s, graphic-novels
review:
'Snowman' by Joyce Magnin with art by Rebecca P. Minor is based on the Harry Moon characters created by Mark Andrew Poe. Harry is a young magician who lives in Sleepy Hollow with his friend Rabbit, a talking and sometimes invisible rabbit.

Mayor Maximus Kligore is not a nice guy. That is why he is hanging out in a graveyard in the dead of night trying to get a spell to work. He leaves in frustration, but he has unknowingly unleashed something from his past.

Meanwhile, Mayor Kligore has decided to recreate the town's headless horseman statue in a giant ice statue. That and his strange magic dabbling has Harry and his friends worried about what will happen next.

It seems like an interesting premise, but it's just not a very good story. It's brought down by the art which is pretty mediocre. I sometimes had a hard time telling some of the kids apart.

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


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Manga Classics: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

author: Crystal Chan
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.29
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/07
date added: 2017/11/07
shelves: classics, graphic-novels
review:
'Manga Classics: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' is an ambitious retelling of the famous book by Mark Twain. The adaptation is by Crystal Chan and the art is by Kuma Chan.

After 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,' Tom and Huck are flush with money. The attempts by the town folks to civilize Huck make him itch to be free. When his drunk father shows up and threatens to take all of Huck's money, he sets out to hide. Going with him is runaway slave Jim. Before long, they are heading down the Mississippi river and running into all sorts of people.

The book starts with an essay stating why they are using the word that usually gets this book banned. It makes a solid argument for why it belongs in this work and why it deserves discussion. I give the writers kudos for that. They lose some points with me by omitting Huck smoking. It should be included also to be discussed, but it's a smaller omission. All in all, it's another solid adaptation from Manga Classics.

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


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Elf Warfare

author: Chris Pramas
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.60
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/03
date added: 2017/11/03
shelves:
review:
'Elf Warfare' by Chris Pramas is another book in the Osprey line of fantasy warfare. Previously I read 'Orc Warfare' and liked it about as much as this on.

It's a short book, but has enough information to fuel a fantasy wargaming campaign. The 4 chapters talk about 5 of the types of elves (gold, green, high, moon, and sea), what units comprise an elf army, what tactics elf armies might use, and finally a major victory from each of the 5 types of elves.

I learned that elves don't like to make risky death-defying moves because they are so long-lived. I also learned not to tangle with the elves at sea when they have their sea turtle and sea dragon ships nearby.
The book also includes some nice illustrations of different elves and armor and such.

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


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