Seeking: Dad 2.0 (A la recherche du nouveau père)

author: Gwendoline Raisson
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.73
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/09/30
date added: 2018/09/30
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Seeking: Dad 2.0' by Gwendoline Raisson with illustrations by Magali Le Huche is about a Mothers Anonymous group and the humorous and tender stories about parenting.

When Philippe arrives to the Mothers Anonymous group, things are a bit awkward because he's the only man, but it is soon realized that parenting struggles cross gender boundaries. The story mainly follows Caroline, a single mother, who is trying to figure out how to have a life and be a good mother.

I liked this story. It was funny and warm and touching. I really liked the different perspectives that were shown throughout the book. The illustrations are more on the cartoony side, but they work well for the story.

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


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Flora and the Shooting Stars (Romans graphiques et one-shots Le Lombard)

author: Chantal Van den Heuvel
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.20
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2018/09/30
date added: 2018/09/30
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Flora and the Shooting Stars' by Chantal Van den Heuvel is about a 40 year old woman and her search for love.

Flora is recently divorced and thinking about dating again. She has a lot of conversations about it with her friends, and herself. She does date a couple men and the results are varied. The other women in her life are kind of negative about her chances, but Flora seems to be determined.

And that's about all that happens. The art is nice enough, but there isn't much of a story arc at all. I kept reading thinking "And?", but that never got resolved for me. I think if I'd expected more of a monologue about modern dating in mid-life, I might have had different expectations.

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


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Little Moments of Love

author: Catana Chetwynd
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2018/09/30
date added: 2018/09/30
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Little Moments of Love' by Catana Chetwynd is about a couple in love. It is so sweet that it may give the reader a few cavities just by looking through it.

It all started as some doodles and ended up making it's way to the internet where people seem to love it. Catana and John have one of those lovey-dovey relationships where they snuggle a lot and she wears his shirts, and they watch Netflix on the couch together. He is tall and bearded. She is not. There are jokes about those things also.

The illustrations are kind of basic, but still endearing. There are lots of hearts. Lots. It's a really sweet collection of cartoons, and I had a good time reading it.

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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Damage Vol. 1: Out of Control (New Age of Heroes)

author: Robert Venditti
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.17
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/29
date added: 2018/09/29
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Damage Vol. 1: Out of Control' by Robert Venditti with art by Tony Daniel is part of the DC New Age of Heroes line. Once you start reading this, that will seem like a confusing title for this character.

Ethan Avery volunteered for a project with the military called 'The Damage Project.' That should have been his first warning to run away. Instead, he got turned in to a monster that wreaks havoc blindly on everything around. The good news is that this only lasts for an hour, then he becomes poor old Ethan again and can't Hulk, er, Damage out again for 24 hours. After he wreaks some Havoc on Atlanta, Suicide Squad XL, then Wonder Woman tries to take him out. Damage makes pretty quick work of them and flees. This isn't what Ethan signed up for. Can he figure out how to control Damage and become a kind of hero?

There isn't much plot in this volume. It's kind of one big running slug-fest, and, yes, it is reminiscent of the Hulk. Honestly comics do this kind of thing all the time, so that didn't bug me. I kind of like the idea of a massive heavy hitter working alongside Superman and Batman. The Ethan persona needs to be given more to do. His character is flat and lifeless and we don't really feel a lot of sympathy for this hapless guy who signed up for the wrong experiment.

I did really like the art in this. The Damage character looks a bit like Doomsday without the spines, and that joke is even made along the way.

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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Genius Jokes: Laughs for the Learned

author: Frank Flannery
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.47
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/09/29
date added: 2018/09/29
shelves:
review:
'Genius Jokes' by Frank Flannery is a collection of nerd-friendly jokes, but don't worry if you don't get the punchlines. There are explanations included to clue the reader in.

The book is divided up among six sections including Math & Science, Philosophy & Psychology, and Grammar & Language. The jokes include some short story jokes, some knock knock jokes and some simple ones. Jokes like the following are what you can expect: "Why didn't the physicist trust atoms?" "Because they make up everything!"

There are some good jokes in this book, and there are some really bad ones. Bad as in not very funny. I like the explanations and the various quotes used in the book. I found a number I'd heard before, and I got a few smiles out of the book.

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


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Hellicious Tp Vol 1

author: Mina Elwell
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.11
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2018/09/29
date added: 2018/09/29
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Hellicious Vol. 1' by Mina Elwell, Alan C. Medina, Kit Wallis, and Jio Butler is a comic about the devil's prankster granddaughter.

Cherry lives in hell and she's bored. She tries torturing people, but that doesn't seem to make her happy. She finds out her favorite rock star, Briggy Bundy, is about to die, so she decides to give him a guided tour of his new home. The problem is that he isn't meant to be there, and now it's up to Cherry to keep him from being found out.

It was a weird kind of gross out story. The subject of a cute child living in hell was odd. It didn't really work for me, but the art was ok.

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


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Arthus Trivium - Volume 1 - The Angels of Nostradamus

author: Raule
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.67
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/09/29
date added: 2018/09/29
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Arthus Trivium Vol. 1: The Angels of Nostradamus' by Raule with art by Juan Luis Landa is a supernatural story set in the 16th century.

In the reign of Charles IX, an aging Nostradamus is advisor to the king. The Black Plague is running amok in the land and there is unrest that is pointing fingers at the rulers. Nostradamus has three young disciples name Arthus Trivium, Angelica Obscura, and Angulus Dante, who find out about a plot to end the king's life and their master. They will find themselves fighting off strange forces to save Nostradamus.

I liked this historical and spooky story. The idea works well, although I don't know why only one of the trio gets his name on the comic. Perhaps future volumes will illuminate that. The art is solid as well. I'm interested enough to read more if it becomes available to me.

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


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Justice League: No Justice

author: Scott Snyder
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.26
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/29
date added: 2018/09/29
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Justice League: No Justice' by Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson with most of the art by Francis Manapul is a follow up story from the recent Dark Nights: Metal event in the DC universe. I liked it better than most of that event.

Because of Batman's actions, the walls between the multiverses are thinning. The person who has a plan to repair this is Brainiac. There are four main titans and four main trees. He forms four teams of heroes, and even villains, who are best to combat each threat. For example, Team Mystery has Martian Manhunter, Superman, Starfire, Starro, and Sinestro. How each of these teams will get along is part of the story. When something happens to Brainiac, the plan goes with him, and the teams are left to figure things out for themselves before things go really wrong.

The four trees and four titans thing was weird, and I'm not sure I really understood what was happening, but it was more coherent that the Metal event. The Lanterns and Supergirl show up, but then seem to just go away without doing anything. Maybe they were doing things in their own books.

The story wasn't bad, but the art is where this graphic novel shines. Francis Manapul is one of my favorites. His art has a clean look that just shines. The characters look great and it's not hard to follow what's happening.

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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Gina From Siberia

author: Jane Bernstein
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.07
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/28
date added: 2018/09/28
shelves: childrens
review:
'Gina From Siberia' by Jane Bernstein and Charlotte Glynn with illustrations by Anya Desnitskaya is a picture book based on a true story.

Gina is a wire-haired terrier living with her human family in Siberia. She is happy with the family and where they live, but one day the family decides to move to the United States. This makes Gina unhappy and she lets everyone around her know it. There are also problems with travelling with a small dog, and the family must think of a clever way to deal with it. Gina like her new home?

It's a very cute story, made moreso by the fact that it is true. The illustrations are colorful and lovely. I loved the cheeriness of the story and pictures.

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


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Goodnight, Anne

author: Kallie George
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.44
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2018/09/28
date added: 2018/09/28
shelves: childrens
review:
'Goodnight, Anne' written by Kallie George with illustrations by Genevieve Godbout is a bedtime storybook based on the book Anne of Green Gables. Younger readers may not be familiar with that book, but it still works as a gentle goodnight.

It's bedtime at Green Gables and Marilla is trying to get Anne Shirley to bed, but first Anne must say goodnight to the people and places she knows. So there are goodnights to Matthew and Diana. The snow queen and the Lake of Shining Waters are the fanciful things Anne Shirley likes. Marilla finally gets her to settle down, but not without a final goodnight from Anne.

The text is based on the first book, and readers familiar with the book will find a smile as they remember Matthew's kindness or Rachel Lynde's nosiness. The reason I chose to review this were the illustrations by Genevieve Godbout, who has become a favorite illustrator of mine over a short period of time. The illustrations are gentle and beautiful. I love the theme of butterflies that runs through the book, and I think Anne's spirit animal is a butterfly that flies erratically around.

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


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The Pull of It

author: Wendy J. Fox
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.71
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2018/09/27
date added: 2018/09/27
shelves:
review:
'The Pull of It' by Wendy J. Fox is a first full length novel by someone who writes short stories I enjoy. This story is very good, but it may not be for everyone.

Laura Clarey is married and has a child. She seems neither happy nor unhappy with the life she has, but she seems to need a break. When her husband offers her a vacation away from caring for their daughter, she chooses the country of Istanbul. She plans on going for a couple weeks. She ends up staying for longer by choice, and she ends up in a small village in Turkey. She gets a job in a kind of bed and breakfast working with a woman named Yasemin. She hangs out with a married American named Paul. She seems to exist in a state of being that is not unlike her marriage: neither seeming happy or unhappy. Events unfold that force Laura to make some choices.

This is not a book for readers who want a simplistic protagonist that they can root for. In my view, Laura makes some bad choices, like leaving a child behind. I'm not sure I ever really liked her or sympathized for her, but her motives don't seem overly selfish. They don't seem like much at all, which is how we all often make decisions about things in our lives if we are honest about it.

This is also not a book for readers who want a whipsmart plot that moves them along at a fast pace. This book is very deliberate in its pacing. I loved that about it. It doesn't feel rushed or routine. It feels fully realized and lived in. That is a quality I don't often find in books, but I completely admire here.

I received a review copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to read this ebook.


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Lone Ranger/Green Hornet: Champions of Justice

author: Michael E. Uslan
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.19
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2018/09/27
date added: 2018/09/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Lone Ranger/Green Hornet: Champions of Justice' written by Michael Uslan with art by Giovanni Timpano is a team up between two heroes from different eras. I found it kind of plodding.

It turns out that Lone Ranger, John Reid, and Green Hornet, Britt Reid, are related. This seems obvious when you realize they have the same last name, but it's not a conclusion I'd come to before now.

Older relative John is interested in the legend of the Lone Ranger living on, but Britt wants to fight crime his own way. They are investigating a series of brutal murders that may be linked to famous scientists being targeted by Nazis. This leads to these two initially getting in each other's way, then accepting each other's methods, then even swapping those with Britt on horse and John driving a car.

When I was younger, both these characters were around in reruns. I always felt they were worth watching until what I really wanted to watch was on. I guess I still feel that way. I liked all the bits of history worked in to the story, and if you miss them, they are called out in an afterword. The art works well enough. I just felt my mind drifting as I read this, and that's never a good sign.

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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Costume Quest

author: Zac Gorman
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2018/09/27
date added: 2018/09/27
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Costume Quest' by Zac Gorman is a graphic novel based on the new animated series, which is based on the video game. It's fun and it works.

The video game follows a group of children as they enjoy Halloween. The premise here is a mirror world with monsters that come to our world to get candy. Monsters Klem, Sellie, and Brolo aren't the most well liked in their group. Klem wants to hang out with the cool kids, and promises to bring candy to a Halloween party. The problem is that there is no candy in monster world, and all the candy is in the human world. Klem and his friends set off to find candy, pursued by bullies. Things, predictably, don't go as planned, but lessons are learned along the way.

This was a fun read. I'm not the biggest fan of Zac Gorman's art, but I know other folks are. The story is cute enough for younger readers, and I really like how the video game characters get to have a part in the story.

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


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The Photographer of Mauthausen

author: Salva Rubio
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/23
date added: 2018/09/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Photographer of Mauthausen' by Salva Rubio with illustrations by Pedro Columbo is a retelling of the life of Francisco Boix, a Spanish press photographer who found himself in a concentration camp and was witness to horrific events.

Francisco, or Francois, fled to France at the beginning of World War II. The French handed him over to the Nazis and he was sent to Mauthausen, a camp with an entrance, but not much of an exit. He found himself using his photographic skills in a bid to survive. He photographed Nazi officers, but also the dead. He realized that he had access to evidence to potentially convict the Nazis, but first he had to figure out how to get the photos out.

It's not an easy story to read, but it's a good one. The things that Francisco saw were pretty terrible, and that's alluded to with the amazing cover to this volume. The art is top notch throughout, as is the story.

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


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Park Bench

author: Christophe Chabouté
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at: 2018/09/23
date added: 2018/09/23
shelves: graphic-novels, favorites
review:
'Park Bench' by Christophe Chabouté explores the world around a common object: the park bench. Through a completely wordless graphic novel, we meet many different characters.

The book starts with a young boy carving his ardor for a girl in the bench. Then we see the bench, day to day, season to season, year to year. The commuter who passes it every day. The dog that relieves itself on the same leg. The homeless man who sleeps on it at night. And we witness the transformation and journey of these characters in relation to this bench. From an old couple who share a pastry to the city worker who paints over the graffiti.

This was an amazing graphic novel. Things play out panel after panel, and there are a variety of characters, and they all have their plot. The art was amazing and I loved how the artist played with the angle of the bench to keep things from being too static. I found a few of the stories very moving. This is a great graphic novel.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Gallery 13, Pocket Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Little Pierrot Vol. 3: Starry Eyes

author: Alberto Varanda
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/23
date added: 2018/09/23
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Little Pierrot Vol. 3: Starry Eyes' by Alberto Varanda begins with a splash page of children dressed like famous superheroes. This kind of whimsy is why I come back to this series.

Little Pierrot has a snail for a friend, and a crush on a girl named Emily. He has his mischievous side, like accidentally kicking a soccer ball in to a cake, or competing with the other boys for biggest booger. He's confused by things like bombs and prejudice. He likes fall because Miss Moon can't hide behind the trees as well.

This book, like the previous volumes, consists of whimsical little snapshots of Little Pierrot in his world. The art is always fabulous in this series. I think the coloring seems to be better than I remember, but I could be remembering wrong.

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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That's Not Hockey!

author: Andrée Poulin
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.62
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2018/09/21
date added: 2018/09/21
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'That's Not Hockey!' by Andree Poulin with illustrations by Felix Girard tells the story of young Jacques Plante and how he changed the game of hockey.

Young Jacques wants to play hockey so badly, but he doesn't have the right equipment. We see him play with a tennis ball instead of a puck, shin pads made out of potato sacks, and throughout it all, we realize "That's not hockey!"

When Jacques is drafted as a goalie by the Montreal Canadiens, he plays different. He also takes a lot of hits to his face, so he decides to wear a protective mask. He is ridiculed for doing so, but this doesn't stop him from taking care of himself, and today goalies all wear a protective helmet thanks to Jacques.

I loved the illustrations in this picture book. I also really liked the lesson of determination and standing up to folks who think you are different. It's a good lesson for all kids, not just ones who are hockey fans.

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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Who Did That? A Whodunit for Children

author: Job
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.55
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2018/09/21
date added: 2018/09/21
shelves: childrens
review:
'Who Did That? A Whodunit for Children' by Job, Joris and Marieke is a crime story for kids.

All through the town, things are being cut in half. A seesaw, a fishing rod, a hockey stick and a traffic light are just a few of the vandalized items. Who could be doing it? There are a few suspects before the real culprit is found.

There is a lesson about kindness and consideration. I liked the illustrations. It's a cute enough story, but it didn't really stand out for me.

I received a review copy of this ebook from CrackBoom! Books, Chouette Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Power to the Princess

author: Vita Weinstein Murrow
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.81
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2018/09/21
date added: 2018/09/21
shelves: childrens
review:
'Power to the Princess' by Vita Weinstein Murrow with illustrations by Julia Bereclartu is a series of 15 famous fairytales that have been retold to be more "socially conscious." My review copy only included about half of the stories, but it was enough for an informed review.

In the stories I read, Cinderella (Ellia) gets mistreated on the job, so she forms her own company to protect workers and eventually becomes prime minister. Sleeping Beauty starts a sleep clinic and therapy office. The Princess of Pea fame is not frail at all and willing to return the favor of a bad night's sleep. The Little Mermaid becomes an ambassador of peace between people of the land and sea.

Do we need to rewrite fairytales for modern children? I thought it was an interesting idea when I requested the book. Fairytales are not history and they aren't necessarily sacred. What they are is timeless, but the stories in this collection do not seem to be timeless. They may be fine for a generation or two, but they won't endure like other stories have. If that's the case will they actually replace the original narratives?

They also include humor that is just too self-aware. Kids won't get the humor, and I cringed at the attempts. I'm not even sure these stories would hold much attention for young readers. I appreciate the attempt, but I feel like it missed here.

I received this ebook from Quarto Publishing Grou-Frances Lincoln Childrens and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Upgrade Soul

author: Ezra Claytan Daniels
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2018/09/21
date added: 2018/09/21
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Upgrade Soul' by Ezra Claytan Daniels is a wild ride of a graphic novel. It also manages to address some interesting issues along the way like identity, aging, and what makes us human.

Hank and Molly Nonnar are celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary. Hank buys them an unusual present. A chance to be on the ground floor for a medical procedure that could rejuvenate them and extend their lives. What happens instead is that they wake up in hideous parodies of human bodies. Then they find out there is more. They've been cloned, but the original Hank and Molly need to stay close. As the days go by, the clones get stronger and smarter and Hank and Molly grow more feeble. There are other surprises along the way, but I dare not spoil them.

What a weird read. When it was over, I couldn't stop thinking about it. The art is unusual, but fits the story very well. The story and the topics bring up are interesting for a graphic novel. At the heart is a story of technology and pride, but also this aging couple who just want to live a little longer.

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 unusual graphic novel.


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Rare Earth (Bob Morane Resurrection, #1)

author: Aurélien Ducoudray
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.33
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2018/09/21
date added: 2018/09/21
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Rare Earth (Bob Morane #1)' by Aurelian Ducoudray and Luc Brunschwig with illustrations by Dimitri Armand is a reboot of a series of adventure books in French. More than 200 novels have been written since his debut.

This time around, adventurer Bob Morane, is in the modern world. When we meet him, he is on a peace-keeping mission in Nigeria trying to keep the peace between Muslims and Christians. When he decides to intervene in a scene of horror, he winds up in trouble, but the people he helped are indebted to him. These new friends have some interesting tech to introduce to the world, but is everything as good as it seems?

The art isn't bad, but the story just kind of plods along. I had a hard time keeping my interest in this over the 60 pages of this story.

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


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If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?: My Adventures in the Art and Science of Relating and Communicating

author: Alan Alda
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/20
date added: 2018/09/20
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?: My Adventures in the Art and Science of Relating and Communicating' by Alan Alda is a refreshing take on non-fiction books, and the topic seems more timely than ever.

With plenty of stories and examples from his own life, Alan Alda talks about the importance of communication. We all think it's important, but we are increasingly bad about it. The author includes ways to become better at communicating and empathy with others. Through a series of acting exercises and games, the reader can learn to understand, then be understood.

I've been a fan of Alan Alda in his acting roles and as an author. He writes with humor and candor. He is self-deprecating when he needs to be, but not needlessly. The book is very readable and the subject is important.

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


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Batman/Catwoman: The Wedding Album - The Deluxe Edition

author: Tom King
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/20
date added: 2018/09/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Batman/Catwoman: The Wedding Album - The Deluxe Edition' by Tom King and a whole host of past and present contributors is basically a big collector's item for fans who want to revel in the day no one thought would ever come.

This volume collects Batman issues 24, 44 and 50. There are also things collected from across a lot of the history of these two characters. Issue 24 recalls the proposal, along with interposing a conversation between Batman and Gotham Girl. It includes my favorite recent quotable Batman saying: "I'm not Batman because I like being Batman. I'm Batman because I'm Batman."

Issue 44 is Catwoman picking out her wedding dress in a very Catwoman fashion. The dress was designed by artist Joelle Jones who is fast becoming a favorite. I love how this issue plays with past Bat and Cat encounters with retro looks and costumes during flashbacks.

Issue 50 leads up to the wedding, and is filled with one page panels by various Batman teams. It's more tribute than story, but the story leads up to that last panel.

Included are all of the variant covers for issue 50 and there are a bunch. There is also a look inside the script for issue #44 and it includes reprints of bits of the original stories it references. There are also parts of Joelle Jones original and sketch ideas for "the dress."

Overall a nice celebration package full of some nice tributes. I enjoyed 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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Ozy and Millie

author: Dana Simpson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.63
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/20
date added: 2018/09/20
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Ozy and Millie' by Dana Simpson is a collection of strips pulled from the comics 10 year history and presented here in color.

In an introduction by the creator, we learn her thoughts on reprinting older work. It's fun for fans, but can make an artist cringe. These comics are indeed lots of fun, and the creator really has no reason to cringe.

Ozy and Millie are foxes. Ozy is adopted, so his father is a dragon. It's a world full of anthropomorphic animals and these two characters are in school. They both have their bullies and they both have each other to help cope with things.

The same humor (sight gags, word puns, and general silliness) that is in Phoebe and her Unicorn is in here, so if you love that series, you should check this one out as well.

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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For Cluck's Sake!: An "Egg"cellent Collection of Chicken Lore, Chicken Facts, Chicken Trivia Chicken Love

author: Stacia Tolman
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.93
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/19
date added: 2018/09/19
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'For Cluck's Sake!: An "Egg"cellent Collection of Chicken Lore, Chicken Facts, Chicken Trivia, Chicken Love' by Stacia Tolman is a fun collection of facts about chickens.

The book has some featured breeds of chickens with full color photos. There are stories about where chicken recipes came from. There are facts about egg grading and size. There are tons of facts about chickens. My favorite might have been all the quotes about chickens. Some of these mention chickens. Others replace words like friends for the word chickens.

I had a fun time reading this book and learning about chickens. It's not a serious book at all, but had lots of interesting things to learn.

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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Fear of the Dark (Shadowman Volume 1)

author: Andy Diggle
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.76
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/19
date added: 2018/09/19
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Shadowman Vol. 1: Fear the Dark' written by Andy Diggle with art by Stephen Segovia brings the return of a strange hero, but this time with a new person wearing the mantle.

The story starts with Alyssa Myles looking for a guide in to swamp country. Her cartomancy leads her to a huge monster, but also to a man lost and buried out there. He is Jack Boniface and he has been missing and struggling in another world. He is back now and with Alyssa by his side, he will face the dangers of our world and beyond.

I was vaguely familiar with this character. I really enjoyed this story. The art was also quite good. My review copy had a rough version of issue #3, but I was able to follow along, and I enjoyed the ride.

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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Alex and the Monsters #1: Here Comes Mr. Flat!

author: Jaume Copons
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.53
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2018/06/17
date added: 2018/09/19
shelves: childrens
review:
'Alex and the Monsters #1: Here Comes Mr. Flat!' by Jaume Copons with illustrations by Liliana Fortuny is about a good kid with a messy room who finds a strange new friend.

Alex Pianola is a kid who forgets to turn in assignments, and has a really messy room. His current assignment is due and he needs help. He finds a little stuffed animal that looks like a monster. It comes to life, and Alex finds a friend who likes to read all the classic books like Treasure Island and Peter Pan. His new friend, Mr. Flat, helps Alex, but needs help in return. Mr. Flat, and his friends, are from a book called The Book of Monsters. This book is the start of the adventure.

I liked this book with comic book style illustrations. The main character and Mr. Flat are pretty likeable. I liked all the references to classic books that Alex discovers along the way. This chapter book for grades 3-4 was a fun read.

I received a review copy of this ebook from CrackBoom! Books, Chouette Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Dodin-Bouffant : Gourmet Extraordinaire

author: Mathieu Burniat
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/16
date added: 2018/09/16
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'La Passion de Dodin-Bouffant' is an adaptation of the French novel from 1924 by Marcel Rouff. The adaptation and art is by Mathieu Burniat.

Dodin-Bouffant likes to eat good food. When his cook Eugenie suddenly dies, he is left without someone to cook for him. Throughout a series of funny auditions,he finally meets a woman named Adele. She is a bit rough around the edges, but with Dodin-Boufffant's guidance, she hones her skills. When Dodin-Bouffant invites royalty to dinner though, he is in danger of having Adele hired away from him.

I've not read the original novel, but I really enjoyed this adaptation. There are notes about the original novel included, and I really liked this comedic story that revolved around food and love. The art is charming and fits well. I really liked the album of full page drawings at the end that have the feel of 19th century cartoons.

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


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Batman: Preludes to the Wedding

author: Tim Seeley
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.44
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2018/09/16
date added: 2018/09/16
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Batman: Preludes to the Wedding' by DC Comics collects a lot of one shots leading up to the big event.

The prelude story, written by Tom King, is about an anxious Joker waiting for his wedding invite, and it sets a tone that isn't quite met for the rest of the book. The remainder of the book is a series of vs. confrontations between the Bat-Family and some of the various Batman villains. Tim Seeley does the writing with various artists doing good work.

Damian gets paired off against his grandfather. Nightwing gets to mix it up with Hush. All the stories lead up to the wedding with events happening like an abnormal bachelor party being thrown by Superman, and a fairly normal Bride's party with a stop in Catwoman's past.

The Tom King prelude is very good. A couple of the stories aren't bad. I liked the Batgirl/Riddler story and the Nightwing/Hush story. The others were adequate. I liked this collection, and it's a fun tie-in to the wedding event of the year.

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


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Alien Bounty Hunter: Volume 1

author: Adrian F. Wassel
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.25
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2018/09/16
date added: 2018/09/16
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Alien Bounty Hunter: Volume 1' from Vault Comics just didn't work for me. From it's weird premise, to it's typical acion heroes and aliens. Which is too bad. This is usually the kind of thing I really like.

Ben Madsen is a bounty hunter with an ailing aunt. He gets sent to Alaska on a job and discovers an entire alien city under the ice. His search for his warrant leads him to interact with the aliens there. Some are friends, some just want to fight. Ben is really good at fighting. He's also good at jumping from really high places and surviving. He'll need his skills to survive.

First off: an alien city underground that no one (outside of a few government officials) seems to know about? With advanced technology and a pretty vast area? I couldn't buy in to this premise. Ben is a pretty standard loner, action hero, but I never really got to care for him. He goes around beating things up, and there are a few flashbacks, but the empathy was totally lacking for me.

The art is decent enough. The story is just a jumble of half-formed ideas. I finished it, but it was a struggle for me.

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 Adventures of Theodore Poussin: Captain Steene

author: Frank Le Gall
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published: 1987
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2018/09/15
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Adventures of Theodore Poussin #1: Captain Steene' by Frank Le Gall is an adventure story from another era. The series was first published in 1984, but it feels older.

Theodore Poussin is an office worker who gets a chance to use his talents in shipping when his company sends him on a journey. The trip will take him to French Indochina and the year is 1928. He hopes along the way he can learn more about his late uncle Captain Steene. Things take twists and turns with a shadowy figure following Poussin, and problems with his modes of transportation, but that's all part of travel, isn't it?

I liked this adventure story. The art was fun, and along with the story reminded me of TinTin or the Scrooge McDuck type of adventures.

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


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The Jazz Age: American Style in the 1920s

author: Stephen Harrison
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/15
date added: 2018/09/15
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'The Jazz Age: American Style in the 1920s' by Stephen Harrison, Emily M. Orr and Sarah D. Coffin is an exploration of arts, architecture and design following World War I.

This book explores the American fascination with things coming out of Europe. There is an emphasis on Paris, but there is a lot of influence from the Wiener Werkstatte. Items were brought to the United States, but department stores, like Macy's, and design shops were making items influenced by designs being brought over.

Throughout the book are lots of pictures of jewelry and fashion and buildings. The period is called the Jazz Age, and some designs are influenced by music, but most are influenced by an increasing ability to travel the globe. I love this period of design and I liked the examples and essays given.

I received a review copy of this ebook from The Cleveland Museum of Art, Yale University Press, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Zojaqan: The Complete Series

author: Jackson Lanzing
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/15
date added: 2018/09/15
shelves:
review:
'Zojaqan: The Complete Series' by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly with art by Nathan C. Gooden and Vittorio Astone was a title that I liked more at a visceral level than I did on the surface, but I did like it.

Shannon Kind wakes up in a weird, beautiful world and has to fight for her life. Along the way, and as much time passes, she forms the world to her liking. Tribes of beings rise up and build statues to her. There is more to Shannon's story though. She is also a grieving mother, and her story on Earth keeps winding up on thisnew planet she finds herself on. Can she deal with the grief and not mess up her new home?

The story has weird narrative that works but doesn't. The story doesn't really feel all that complete. There are odd flashbacks that feel out of order.

And yet, I liked this interesting, gutsy story with an interesting hero at it's heart. I also liked the art, which feels like a perfect fit for this odd, emotional ride.

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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Hearts at Sea

author: Cyril Pedrosa
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.25
book published: 2006
rating: 2
read at: 2018/09/15
date added: 2018/09/15
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Hearts at Sea' by Cyril Pedrosa is a French graphic novel about a lonely man who seems to have everything, but love.

Jean-Paul seems to work hard. He has a really overbearing mother and a lot of demands to do things that he doesn't really enjoy. To that end, he just disappears one day and ends up on a Lonely Hearts cruise. His experiences with the various characters he meets on the ship vary from charming to downright creepy.

The art is cool. The humor may just be too European for me. The story reminded me of 70s tv like Love, American Style and The Love Boat. It felt like a story from another time.

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


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Undead Messiah Manga Volume 1 (English)

author: Gin Zarbo
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.75
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/13
date added: 2018/09/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Undead Messiah Volume 1' by Gin Zarbo is about a young man, the zombie apocalypse and a stranger who seems to have weird powers.

Tim Muley likes horror films and games. He seems to especially like the zombie apocalypse. Unbeknownst to Tim, there is a weird outbreak happening that may give rise to his greatest fears. When Tim makes a horrific discovery near his home, he realizes that he is prepared to deal with the threat. He heads to a local hospital and finds a mysterious baby. He also finds a bandaged stranger that he's seen in viral videos. What could the stranger want with the baby?

And this volume ends about there. There are some nice surprises along the way, and a story that kept me turning the pages. I liked the art, and I'm curious about where this will go next.

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


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The Valiant

author: Matt Kindt
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/11
date added: 2018/09/11
shelves: graphic-novels
review:



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The Tea Dragon Society

author: Katie O'Neill
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2018/09/09
date added: 2018/09/09
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'The Tea Dragon Society' written and illustrated by Katie O'Neill is a pretty graphic novel with a light story to go along with it. It would likely appeal to grade school readers.

Greta lives in a family of blacksmiths. She is being trained to be one, which she sometimes finds boring. One day, she rescues an unusual creature and returns it and discovers the world of dragons that bloom and make different kinds of tea. She also finds a new friend in a shy girl named Minette.

The story takes place in 4 chapters as the seasons go. Greta's journey is not a hard one, and there isn't a whole lot of conflict. She does grow somewhat through the journey, but the plot is a bit on the slow side. The illustrations are pretty cute, and will probably only appeal to young girls. It has a sort of manga feel to the drawings with really nice coloring.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Oni Press, 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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1066: William the Conqueror (Hors Collection Le Lombard)

author: Patrick Weber
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.91
book published: 2011
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2018/09/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'1066: William the Conqueror' by Patrick Weber takes a big historical milestone and puts it in to a 75 page graphic novel.

The inspiration for this graphic novel is the Norman Conquest as well as the Bayeux Tapestry. The story would probably be a bit easier to get through if the reader is familiar with the events. I have some passing familiarity with the events, and found it to be a pretty good retelling. I like the bits of tapestry that are recreated to match parts of the story. I also like the occasional shots of Halley's comet which was also overhead at this time.

The art is fine, but felt a bit on the crude side. As such, I sometimes had a hard time telling characters with similar facial features and haircuts apart. I did also like the brief afterword about the tapestry and how those events are sometimes interpreted.

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


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Louca - Volume 1 - Kickoff

author: Bruno Dequier
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/09
date added: 2018/09/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Louca Volume 1: Kickoff' by Bruno Dequier is a funny novel about a young man who needs a kick in his ambition and gets it from an unlikely source.

Louca is a clumsy mediocre student. He's bad a soccer and not much better at life. His life changes when he meets Nathan. Nathan wants to help him get better at life, and espeically soccer. Nathan pushes Louca in to being in better shape. When a big game arrives, Louca will need Nathan's help. The only problem is that Nathan is a ghost.

I liked this story of a young man who is unmotivated and the new friend he makes that may (or may not) change things around. I see there are other volumes in the series, so I hope the best for this character.

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


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Inferno (The Campbells #1)

author: José Luis Munuera
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2018/09/09
date added: 2018/09/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Inferno (The Campbells #1)' by Jose Luis Munuera is an adventure comic about an ex-pirate and his family. I couldn't help but feel that this was somehow in the middle of the story.

Campbell was once a fierce pirate. He had a wife and two daughters. Then his wife was killed and he was left to raise his two daughters. So he disappeared and everyone thought he was gone, until he showed up again. Now a pirate named Inferno is out to find him and do away with him and his daughters.

The story starts and I felt like we were supposed to know all about Campbell, but flashbacks helped to fill in the story. The story ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, so just be prepared for that. The art is pretty good for an adventure comic like this.

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


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Teen Titans Go!: Their Greatest Hijinks

author: Various
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.82
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/08
date added: 2018/09/08
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Teen Titans Go!: T‏heir Greatest Hijinks' by various writers and artists is a collection of comics based on the Cartoon Network series, which I haven't seen. I am familiar with the Teen Titans, and I found this graphic novel hilarious.

The stories inside include Cyborg trying to catch whoever is stealing and eating his sandwich, a day where everything is opposite, and a softball challenge by another Teen Titans group. My favorite stories were one where Cyborg and Beast Boy are making prank calls on members of the Justice League, and one where the different team members imagine a television show based on their life.

The art seems to be consistent with what I know of the cartoon. The humor felt like the writers know these characters pretty well. I laughed quite a few times at these stories.

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


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Tentacles at My Throat Tentacles at My Throat

author: Zerocalcare
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.25
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/09/08
date added: 2018/09/08
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Tentacles at My Throat' by Zerocalcare is a graphic novel that may be biographical. It's hard to tell, but it feels legit.

At a story told in 3 parts of the lives of the characters, we see how childhood events affect and haunt the characters. A skull found in the woods, a creepy haunted house, and a strict school are all part of the story. So is a fair amount of humor. One characters guilt is worn around his throat like an octopus choking his neck (hence the title). Pop culture characters serve as a conscience throughout the story.

I liked this zany second graphic novel by the same author as Forget My Name. That book was more poignant. This was more goofy.

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


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Sloppy Takes the Plunge

author: Sean Julian
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/07
date added: 2018/09/07
shelves: childrens
review:
Sloppy and Dewdrop are back in 'Sloppy Takes the Plunge' by Sean Julian. I didn't love this one quite as much as the first one, but it's still a really fun book for little readers.

Sloppy the tree dragon likes rolling in the mud. The problem is that his friend Dewdrop won't hug him when he's all "mucky." She insists that he take a bath in a local pond, but Sloppy has his misgivings. When he finds a group of younger creatures who are also afraid, Sloppy realizes he needs to lead by example.

I'm glad there is another book in this series. I love the illustration style and the stories are just so darn cute. Sloppy and Dewdrop are the kind of friends I wish I'd had as a kid.

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


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Big Words Small Stories: The Missing Donut

author: Judith Henderson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.88
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/09/07
date added: 2018/09/07
shelves: childrens
review:
'Big Words Small Stories: The Missing Donut' by Judith Henderson with illustrations by T.L. McBeth is a series of short stories that all feature a big word. And a cat that likes to cause trouble.

The stories in this book are for younger readers. They feature a boy named Cris and his Cat, Crat. There is also a Sprinkle Fairy who likes to wave her wand and add a big word to each story. For the story of the missing donut, the word is Purloined. It includes a pronunciation guide and plenty of definitions. Each of the first 5 stories includes a new big word. The last story features all 5 of the previous big words.

The stories are cute. The Sprinkle Fairy's friends, the sprinklers are cute and enthusiastic. The introduction of the big word in the story seems to distract from the story being told, but I guess that's part of the fun.

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


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Sir Simon: Super Scarer

author: Cale Atkinson
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2018/09/07
date added: 2018/09/07
shelves: childrens
review:
'Sir Simon: Super Scarer' by Cale Atkinson is another surefire hit from Tundra Books. They are my favorite kids publisher and it's because of books like this.

Sir Simon is a ghost. He thinks he's struck gold when he finally gets a house to haunt, but that brings it's own problems: ghost chores! Yes, ghosts have chores and someone has to do them. Th‌ings are going well in the house, until a kid named Chester shows up and he can see Simon. What happens next is a fun story about seeing things from another perspective and finding friendship in unusual places.

I really loved this book. It's funny and the illustrations are just great. I liked grouchy Simon and innocent Chester. I really liked how the story changed and the gentle lessons involved.

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


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Florence & Leon

author: Simon Boulerice
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.97
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/07
date added: 2018/09/07
shelves: childrens
review:
'Florence & Leon' by Simon Boulerice with translation by Sophie B. Watson with illustrations by Sophie B. Watson is about a pair of strangers who meet over drinks with straws and learn about each other.

When Florence was little, she liked to swim and drink out of curly straws. When Leon was little, he liked to play soccer and drink out of really long straws. That was a long time ago. Now they are grown and Florence has a lung problem and Leon has a vision problem. They meet (over drinks with straws) and learn about the things that are different about them and the things they have in common.

This was a really sweet story. I don't know how interesting the story might be to children, but I found it charming. I liked the illustrations. And yes, all the straws mean something for the story.

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


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The Comic Book Film Adaptation: Exploring Modern Hollywood's Leading Genre

author: Liam Burke
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/06
date added: 2018/09/06
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'The Comic Book Film Adaptation: Exploring Modern Hollywood's Leading Genre' by Liam Burke is a serious exploration of the rise of superhero films starting in 2000.

Comic book films had been around before 2000, but they really became what the author calls the Golden Age of Comic Book Films. They went from being on the fringes of Hollywood to being major driving forces. The reasons discussed in the book revolve around increasingly better special effects and a public looking for different heroes. The arc and inevitable decline of these films is discussed with comparisons to other genres, like Westerns and horror films. The success is also linked with fidelity to the source material, and a group of creators in Hollywood that grew up as fans of the medium. The aesthetics are discussed along with the way art styles like that at Marvel have influenced the movies.

I liked this book about a genre I enjoy. In early chapters, research is referenced, and based on the introductory notes, it seemed like a pretty small pool of people being asked, but the answers seem legitimate. There are plenty of examples of comics to movie examples, which helped show how influential comics have been on movies. I enjoyed this read.

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


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Batman & the Signal

author: Scott Snyder
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2018/09/06
date added: 2018/09/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Batman & The Signal' by Scott Snyder and Tony Patrick with art by Cully Hamner and Declan Shalvey takes the Duke Thomas character and makes him a hero. At least he's not another Robin.

He was never meant to be a Robin. Batman has been training Duke for something. Only Batman seemed to know what. He's been a decent enough support team member for the Batman team. Suddenly he seems to have meta powers and a new resolve to be the protector of Gotham during the day. He soon finds other metas that are strangely attracted to him, and he means to get to the bottom of things.

It's a book made up of the back up stories in All Star Batman. The stories are short chapters, and they are ok, but nothing really compelling. I did really like the art. It had a clean style that really appealed to me. I'm curious to see where they take this character, but I wish his debut as a hero had been a bit better.

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


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Code Your Own Adventure

author: Max Wainewright
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.93
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/09/03
date added: 2018/09/03
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Code Your Own Adventure' by Max Wainewright with illustrations by Henry Smith is a workbook with 4 projects for kids to learn coding.

Using the program language Scratch, readers are guided to build out 4 different games and scenarios. They draw some of the characters they will use, and some are included (like bananas is, apparently). The reader builds on previous concept in the individual stories, and is told to save often. The adventures include explorers and pirates.

It seems aimed at fairly young kids, but, to me, it seems like it ramps up pretty quickly and explanations seems a bit brief. The steps are all laid out, so the reader is really just copying the steps. Some of the concepts are explained out, but I wish there had been a bit more explanation or a better glossary in the back.

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


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Mary, Who Wrote Frankenstein

author: Linda Bailey
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.46
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/03
date added: 2018/09/03
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Mary, Who Wrote Frankenstein' by Linda Bailey with illustrations by Julia Sarda is a wonderful picture book about the life of Mary Shelley.

The story tells about Mary's early life and the types of things that may have contributed to her imagining, then writing the famous story Frankenstein. She wandered and dreamed. She mourned the early death of her mother and was troublesome to her father and his new wife. When she runs away with Percy Bysse Shelley, at age 17, she travels around Europe. One night she has a dream and brings to life a really famous story.

The book ends with an afterword with more about Mary Shelley's life and why the author was inspired.

The story is a bit dark, as are the illustrations. What that means to me, is that I really liked this book. It may not be for the overly sensitive child, but I know when I was young, I loved stories with a darker tone.

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


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