Turntable (African Trilogy, #2)

author: Zidrou
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.84
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/05/29
date added: 2019/05/29
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Turntable' by Zidrou with art by Raphael Beuchot is a graphic novel about a Belgian violinist visiting the Congo. I found it a charming story.

When Belgian violinist Eugène Ysaÿe is invited to the Congo to give a concert, he also sees it as a chance to visit his nephew. An ailment postpones the concert and leaves him wearing a neckbrace. At his nephew's house, he meets a man named Turntable who is in charge of winding the turntable and playing music. Eugene finds there is more to Turntable than meets the eye. Eugene finds depth and friendship in a man that many simply overlook.

I really enjoyed this moving story of a man out of his element who learns to see others with new eyes. The art is really nice. This story will stay with me for a while.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2MrwcxA

Spencer & Locke

author: David Pepose
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/05/29
date added: 2019/05/29
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Spencer & Locke' by David Pepose with art by Jorge Santiago Jr. is a mini-series about a man and his imaginary childhood friend, fighting crime.

Imagine a certain boy and his imaginary tiger grew up. Imagine it's a panther instead of a tiger, and that the boy didn't have that great of a childhood. That man is Spencer. He fights crime on some pretty mean streets. When his high school sweetheart is found dead, he investigates the crime and finds out she had a daughter named Hero. Spencer helps the little girl, who understands all about imaginary friends. The clues that Spencer finds lead him to his father's criminal empire. Things are just not as they seem.

I wasn't sure about this story at first, but the homage bits really got to me. I liked the idea and the execution. The art was ok.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2QwyFpb

Grand Passion

author: James Robinson
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.43
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2019/05/27
date added: 2019/05/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Grand Passion' by James Robinson with art by Tom Feister is a graphic novel about how love can happen at the weirdest time.

James McNamara is a cop in a small town. He'll never move up in the department because the rest of the cops are related. Mabel is a bank robber about to rob a bank in James' town. When they face each other across the street, It's immediate instant love. Except, he kills her partner so he has to die. And he finds out a secret about his small town police department, so he has to die.

This was a really stupid idea, but I gave it a shot. It's got adult content, and really just deals with love on a very surface, physical level. The art is fine, but the story is just dumb.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2YUtYIF

Great Divide

author: Ben Fisher
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2019/05/27
date added: 2019/05/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Great Divide' by Ben Fisher with art by Adam Markiewicz is a story of a weird apocalyptic disease that is affecting humans.

In the not too distant future, a weird thing happens. When people make skin contact with another person, one of them dies violently and the other lives with their memories inside. Kill too many people off and this makes a person a bit crazy.

A couple years after this happens, people are very distant and clothe themselves in gloves and masks. Porn has become a hot commodity since no one can touch. A young thief finds himself gathering a group of people, one of whom may be able to solve what happened.

This was a quirky enough idea that I ended up liking it. I wasn't sure at first, but it won me over. The art isn't bad. The characters are interesting. It pays to observe the things happening in the book with dialogue boxes and weird transcripts at the end of each issue. I liked this one.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2VTq2px

Flash Gordon: Kings Cross

author: Jeff Parker
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.35
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2019/05/27
date added: 2019/05/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Flash Gordon: King's Cross' by Jeff Parker with art and story by Jesse Hamm is a fun crossover title with lots of pulp characters.

When Ming the Merciless decides to claim Earth, he creates an entire continent and plans to turn humans in to animals unless he gets his way. Standing in his way are Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Zarkov. Along to help out are Mandrake the Magician, a couple versions of The Phantom and a few surprises. There are some nice twists and turns along the way.

I enjoyed the story and the art in this one. I had read a similar title a while back and it just didn't work, but these characters in this title work pretty well. The story feels like a pulp adventure and the art has a kind of nice retro feel as well.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/30W5Ebg

Army of Darkness/Xena, Warrior Princess: Forever and a Day

author: Scott Lobdell
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.16
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2019/05/26
date added: 2019/05/26
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Army of Darkness/Xena Warrior Princess: Forever....And A Day' by Scott Lobdell with illustrations by Elliot Fernandez is a fun crossover featuring Ash and Xena.

It's the end of the world for Xena and Gabrielle. Their only hope is to call on....Ash Williams?

Ash is minding his own business when he gets sucked in to a time warp and finds himself helping Xena, only she doesn't know who he is, and Ash knows they've met before. Thus begins a romp through time with the clues in plain sight and lots of deadites to get killed by Xena and Ash.

This was a fun story, although it mainly feels like it's about Ash. Xena plays a key plot point, but she feels like more a supporting character. I was okay with this. The art is really decent as well. Fun for fans of the two franchises.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2JGq02U

Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters

author: Karl Kesel
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.24
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2019/05/26
date added: 2019/05/26
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters' by Karl Kesel with contribution by Alec Morgan is a story of the reimagined Battlestar Galactica series.

Gaius Baltar, with 6 talking in his ear, believes that he can construct a living Cylon Centurion. There is complete skepticism from everyone else because the Centurions are complete killing machines. When the Centurion comes to life and seems to prefer and only speak to other Cylons, it seems that the fears may be right. When a mining operation has a great need, then trust needs to be given to this strange creature.

I liked the story, but the art was not that great. I liked the decision to not try to make the characters look like the actors on the show, but the result was a loose cartoony style that made it hard at times to tell the characters apart.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2Wum6jm

Princess Ninjas

author: Dave Franchini
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.18
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/05/26
date added: 2019/05/26
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Princess Ninjas' with story and illustrations by Dave Franchini is about three princesses who also have martial arts powers. And a turtlebear.

A dark power came over the kingdom many years ago when three princesses from neighboring kingdoms were born. They were gathered and kept safe, but now the evil has returned. Using their magical tiaras and their training, they are ninjas who will save their kingdom. In a second story, the princesses are tricked by a village of elves and turned in to unicorns to be sold. In the final story, the princesses make a new friend, but she may not be all that she seems.

It seems to borrow from other ninja-type titles. The characters wear different colors and one is a bear with a turtle shell. The art is decent, and the story may appeal to younger readers.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/30UJCWm

Of Gods and Men: 1. The End of the Beginning

author: Jean-Pierre Dionnet
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2013
rating: 2
read at: 2019/05/23
date added: 2019/05/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Of Gods and Men: 1. The End of the Beginning' by Jean-Pierre Dionnet with illustrations by Laurent Theureau is a graphic novel about the doom of mankind and gods fighting in the sky.

In 1929, coinciding with the Great Depression, new "gods" started showing up along Route 66. It's now 2047 and the book starts with a god called the Lord of the Flies fighting another one called Number 1. After the fight, Lord of the Flies heads home to face the music from his wife (?), but she is consumed by media and visiting the dying human population.

This book looked very cool. The art is definitely in the style of Moebius. Unfortunately, the story starts out confusing and doesn't advance enough to make me want to read more, unless it's for the graphics. We learn nothing about these fighting "gods" or what happened to the humans. There is an afterword that talks about the three godlike characters, but it feels like it fills in the story as an afterthought.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2WhMH3h

Goodnight '70s

author: Peter Stein
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.69
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2019/05/20
date added: 2019/05/20
shelves:
review:
'Goodnight '70s' by Peter Stein with illustrations by Alyssa Bermudez is a satire for adults of a popular childrens books.

It's bedtime for a bunch of people dressed in 1970s clothing, so we have to say good night to the various objects and people in the room. There is a disco ball and a lava lamp. There is a lunchbox featuring a teen idol of the time. There are rainbow colors and outlandish clothing and hair.

The jokes are all based on stereotypes of the decade (even though none of the hippies I knew would have anything to do with disco balls). The illustrations are soft and colorful, but I didn't like the use of photos. The good news is that it rhymes. It's just not all that good.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2WU8N97

Anne's Kindred Spirits: Inspired by Anne of Green Gables

author: Kallie George
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.23
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/05/20
date added: 2019/05/20
shelves: childrens
review:
'Anne's Kindred Spirits: Inspired by Anne of Green Gables' by Kallie George with illustrations by Abigail Halpin is the second chapter book in a series adapting Anne of Green Gables.

This time around, Anne learns that she is going to meet her neighbor Diana. She is convinced they will be best of friends. She is even more excited when she learns that she and her new friend can go to a picnic. Things take a bad turn when Marilla accuses Anne of taking a favorite piece of jewelry. Anne says she is innocent, but her punishment may make her miss the picnic.

The classic book these books are based on works really well as a series of chapter books. The illustrations by Abigail Halpin just enhance the story really well.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2LXa12o

Suit Your Selfie: A Pearls Before Swine Collection

author: Stephan Pastis
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.61
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2019/05/20
date added: 2019/05/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Suit Your Selfie: A Pearls Before Swine Collection' written and drawn by Stephan Pastis is a collection of hilarious comic strips with some pretty bad puns included.

Poor pig is the innocent butt of rat's jokes. The crocodiles are still trying to have their zebra neighbor over for dinner. The cartoonist himself shows up to provide really bad puns. There are some pop culture jokes and quite a few about technology.

I really like this comic strip and the humor seems to stay pretty consistent. The art is good for a strip and the topics feel pretty current. I have read a few of these and I always enjoy them.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2JwI5jA

The Windy Day

author: Tony Sandoval
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.35
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/05/20
date added: 2019/05/20
shelves: childrens
review:
'The Windy Day' with story and art by Tony Sandoval is about a girl who just wants to fly her kite and the fears she has to overcome to do that.

A young girl sets out to fly her new kite, but a ship full of goblins is out to stop her. She finds a friend in something bigger and kind of scarier. She learns to be more fearless going forward.

I like Tony Sandoval's work. His illustration style is interesting and work well for a story like this, but some of the illustrations are a bit scary looking, so I'm not sure who the market is for this book. Some little kids aren't prone to nightmares, but I can see some kids being afraid. Which is interesting because the books message would seem to be about just such a thing.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2JAZHLx

The Scribble Squad in the Weird Wild West

author: Donald Ross
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.60
book published: 2016
rating: 2
read at: 2017/11/18
date added: 2019/05/20
shelves: childrens
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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2WhhWvb

What Does It Mean to Be American?

author: Rana DiOrio
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.03
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2019/05/19
date added: 2019/05/19
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'What Does It Mean to Be American?' by Rana DiOrio and Elad Yoran with illustrations by Nina Mata is a picture book for the young about what citizenship means to those living in the US.

Being American has plenty of stereotypes, but it's not about liking apple pie or fast food. believing others are equal and free to pursue their dreams. Freedom of choice, honoring those who serve us and helping others.

Going in to this book, I had preconceived notions of what it would be about, but I couldn't have been more pleased to be wrong. This is not about stereotypes or espousing a certain political viewpoint.

The book ends with things from American history that back up each page for further discussion. There is the preamble to the Constitution, a list of hard-working Americans like Abraham Lincoln, Jackie Robinson and Walt Disney (among others).

It's a simple enough book to read, but has some very good intent and content. I can see this being an intentional gift for young citizens and would-be citizens. The illustrations are bright and underscore the book.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Little Pickle Press, SOURCEBOOKS Jabberwocky, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2YDSZI2

Night's Dominion, Vol. 1 (Night's Dominion, #1-6)

author: Ted Naifeh
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.13
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2019/05/19
date added: 2019/05/19
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Night's Dominion, Vol. 1' with story and art by Ted Naifeh is a book about a group of fantasy adventurers thrown together to look for treasure.

Five total strangers meet in a taver in the city of Umber. They've been summoned by a troubadour for a job. They don't know each other, or trust each other, but they each have an interesting backstory. One is a self-taught fighter, one is an assassin with a failed assassination attempt.

The job is to infiltrate a temple to steal a treasure, but they find something sinister inside that may threaten the city. Joined by a costumed hero named Furie and a prisoner who has forgotten who he is, this band of heroes will help defend a city that has called them outcasts.

I like fantasy adventure stories, but many of them don't seem to satisfy. This one did in a big way. I really liked the story and characters. I loved the art. It's an interesting world that I will be returning to.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2w62MdH

The Kingdom of the Blind - Volume 1 - The Invisibles

author: Olivier Jouvray
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/05/18
date added: 2019/05/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Kingdom of the Blind: 1. The Invisibles' by Olivier Jouvray with art by Frederik Salsedo is a graphic novel about a group of people fighting against the persistent rise of the surveillance state.

In a future not too far away, a young woman named Laurette is fed up with all the surveillance going on. She plans an attack on a data center with some friends, but things go wrong. Laurette is taken by what at first seems to be police, but turns out not to be. They torture her and try to get her to talk. When she won't, they make her a deal. Meanwhile, Laurette's brother, Adil, goes looking for her.

The plot is interesting and has some nice twists and turns. The topic seems relevant and shows both sides of the debate. The art was intriguing and I liked the somewhat futuristic look of everything.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2LPVG7x

Kivu

author: Jean Van Hamme
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2019/05/17
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Kivu' by Jean Van Hamme with art by Christophe Simon is a story filled with corruption and violence, and is based on true events happening in our world today in the places where the rare earth we need for our devices comes from.

In Kivu, corrupt officials bribe each other and look the other way to get the things needed to build phones and computers. The people in this country are killed and mutilated along the way. A doctor working there does work to heal the damage.

In this story, a young naive man, named Stephane, is sent to Kivu with a pile of money and some strict instructions. When he lands in the country, he meets a young girl that soldiers want to question. She and her brother murdered a man in self-defense, but that's not how the government sees it. Stephane steps in and risks his own life to save this young girl and what remains of her family.

There are some brutal and sick people in the world. People who will torture and rape and mutilate. Much of that is talked about in this book, but, thankfully, not illustrated. The story feels a bit like a history lesson disguised as a graphic novel. The story moves along, but there is a lot of infodumping along the way. I'm not sure there is a better way to tell this story, and I did like it. I like that there are a couple characters from real life in 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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2EgPL5c

Livewire Vol. 1: Fugitive Vol. 1

author: Vita Ayala
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2019/05/17
date added: 2019/05/17
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Livewire Vol. 1: Fugitive Vol. 1' by Vita Ayala with art by Raul Allen and Patricia Martin follows the events in Harbinger Wars 2 and that's really where you should start, or this book may not make a ton of sense.

Amanda McKee, aka Livewire, has created a global EMP. Now she is the most wanted person alive. She did what she did to protect the psiots, but some think the cost was too high. When she is captured by a group and beat up, they implant her with a device to take away her powers, but can that really stop Livewire? Now she's on the run and forced to live with what she's done.

It's an interesting beginning, but there a new reader will have a hard time just jumping in at this point. I wasn't that crazy about this character before, but that could make her more interesting going forward. I do wish there had been some callbacks to things from before.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2WSocqq

Mahatma Gandhi (Little People, BIG DREAMS)

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2019/05/13
date added: 2019/05/13
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Mahatma Gandhi (Little People, Big Dreams)' by Ma Isabel Vegara with illustrations by Albert Arrayas is a picture book in a series about famous people.

Mahatma, born Mahandas, was a little boy with a big heart. His mother taught him to be honest. When he was older, he went to school in London. He took his law degree to South Africa to work as a lawyer, but found prejudice there. His first protest was there in the middle of the street. It became the first peaceful resistance movement. From there he went back to India and more peaceful, gentle protest.

This is such a beautifully told story. I love the sweet drawings of a gentle child who became a world leader. The book includes a timeline. I have appreciated almost every book in this series I've read.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2LH9IbT

Mary Shelley (Percy Shelley, #2)

author: David Vandermeulen
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.00
book published: 2013
rating: 2
read at: 2019/05/13
date added: 2019/05/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Mary Shelley' with words and art by David Vandermeulen is part 2 of a historical fiction graphic novel. I enjoyed the first part about poet Percy Bysse Shelley, and I was looking forward to seeing how Mary Shelley's story was going to be told.

Percy and Mary are in love, but Mary's father disapproves. He's probably right. Percy is a womanizer and really bad at managing money and travel. When travel mishaps with the couple and Mary's sister Claire lead them to Switzerland and Lord Byron, we read the events leading up to the haunted Summer where the novel Frankenstein was born. Then the story takes a weird abrupt turn.

I liked the first graphic novel and the first half of this one. Historical fiction can take some liberties with events and this one does, but then it heads off into apocalyptic territory and I didn't hate it, but it just left me scratching my head. I like the art well enough. I just wish the author had stayed true with the work previously done in the first book.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2HltrIG

David Bowie (Little People, BIG DREAMS)

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2019/05/13
date added: 2019/05/13
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'David Bowie (Little People, Big Dreams)' by Ma Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Ana Albero is a read aloud book about a famous pop star.

David Bowie was born to a normal family, but even in childhood, he was anything but normal. He loved music and dance, but had his own ideas about what that looked like. He grew up liking rock and jazz and that would influence his later music. He had his own fashion style. A fight with a friend left him with a permanently dilated pupil that gave him a strange look. His career took off when he wrote Space Oddity and decided to keep reinventing himself.

I loved the last line of this book: "And by never being afraid to be himself, little David became the most unique star who ever fell to Earth."

These books really get the essence of who they are about. The illustrations in this one are great and have hints about who David Bowie would become sprinkled in the drawings. Included is a timeline with pictures of David Bowie.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2W7wH3S

A Kiss for Giraffe

author: Judith Koppens
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2019/05/13
date added: 2019/05/13
shelves: childrens
review:
'A Kiss for Giraffe' by Judith Koppens with illustrations by Suzanne Diederen is a picture book about a friendship where one friend tends to overthink the solutions to problems.

Piggy and Giraffe are best of friends. Piggy wants Giraffe to know this by giving Giraffe a kiss. The problem is that Giraffe is very tall and Piggy is not. Piggy tries a few solutions including trying to dig a hole so that Giraffe is closer to the ground. The ultimate solution becomes obvious when Piggy is in trouble.

I really liked this story about friendship. The illustrations are really cute too. This would be a fun story to read to toddlers.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2YqZxJI

Under The Moon: A Catwoman Tale

author: Lauren Myracle
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.51
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2019/05/11
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Under The Moon: A Catwoman Tale' by Lauren Myracle with art by Isaac Goodhart is a YA version of a possible Catwoman origin story. It's a pretty good read.

At 14, Selina Kyle has seen some things. She lives with her mom and her mom's series of deadbeat and often abusive boyfriends. She is a bit of a loner at school and has a crush on Bruce Wayne. They used to be friends in preschool, but drifted apart for various reasons.

When things go really south in her homelife, Selina runs away and finds herself living on the streets. She makes a series of friends who teach her skills and look out for her. When a heist involving a rare book goes wrong, Selina wants to make it right.

I really liked this version of the character. It feels authentic enough to feel like it's the same character I'm familiar with. I really liked the art with it's subdued color. This was a read I can recommend.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2WCb1d5

Super Sons: The Polarshield Project

author: Ridley Pearson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.10
book published: 2019
rating: 1
read at: 2019/05/11
date added: 2019/05/11
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Super Sons: The Polarshield Project' by Ridley Pearson with art by Ile Gonzalez is a graphic novel for young people with familiar characters. Unfortunately, it's just not that great if you know these characters.

Jon (not Jonathan) Kent and Ian (not Damian) Wayne are an unlikely duo. When a rise in the earth's water table forces them to move to the same city, they both end up investigating a global conspiracy together. They meet a young girl named Candace who has strange powers and who may help or hinder them.

I have no problem with best selling authors writing comics, but if you are going to use well known characters, they should be familiar. This feels like the early days of comic book movies where Hollywood would do the same thing. It also feels like the author took no time to even read a few current issues of the comic book. What you end up with is a character with the same name who feels familiar, but just doesn't resonate. Maybe for a younger audience with less familiarity this would work, but the way the Super Sons is written now is far more interesting for young and old readers.

The art is digital and feels lifeless here. There isn't a lot to recommend here unless you've got a young one who will only read graphic novels.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2E1RHhS

The Good Earth

author: Nick Bertozzi
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2019/05/09
date added: 2019/05/09
shelves: classics, graphic-novels
review:
'The Good Earth' by Pearl S. Buck with adaptation and art by Nick Bertozzi is a graphic novel adaptatin of the classic novel.

The story takes place in China in the 1920s and the main character is Wang Lung and his wife O-Lan. As the fortunes of the country change, so do Wang Lung's. He goes from poverty to wealth by using great care, but his wealth brings new problems. Along the way there is drought and floods and famine. His wife O-Lan works hard, brings him children, and ends up only earning his scorn. In his later years, Wang Lung is concerned with leaving a legacy for his children.

It does a decent job of adaptation, and the art is good, but it's so wordy and laid out so plainly that I found myself drifting away as I read it. It could be that it isn't a good story to adapt. I admire the effort, but I was happy to have it done.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2YjS13g

Kid Athletes: True Tales of Childhood from Sports Legends

author: David Stabler
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2019/05/09
date added: 2019/05/09
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Kid Athletes' with stories by David Stabler and illustrations by Doogie Horner tells children true stories from the lives of famous athletes.

The book is divided in to 3 sections telling stories of kids with rough beginnings, how family plays a role and the importance of practicing. There are representations from all kinds of sports starting with baseball and Babe Ruth who liked to cause trouble as a kid. Michael Jordan had to deal with having two taller brothers until he had a growth spurt. Jockey Julie Krone was good at taming a certain horse that nobody else seemed to be able to tame.

These stories and others are short, fun and inspiring. I learned some things I didn't know about these athletes. The illustrations are kind of like cartoons and are a lot of fun.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/307GhTj

Theft of Swords (The Riyria Revelations, #1-2)

author: Michael J. Sullivan
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2019/05/05
date added: 2019/05/05
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'Theft of Swords' by Michael J. Sullivan was the current pick for my online book club. When I initially was presented this pick, I kind of prejudged the book based on the size and my perception of the story. I was pleasantly surprised.

Royce and Hadrian are a couple of professional thieves. Their jobs include stealing letters to protect reputations, but they will do any job if the price is right. When a job to steal a sword pays a lot of money, it seems to be too good to be true. It is. This puts them on the run and assembling a motley crew of characters including a cloistered monk and a handless wizard.

In the second adventure, a young, poor girl convinces them to kill a monster terrorizing her village. To kill the monster, they will need to steal a sword from a seemingly impossible to get to tower.

These stories are pretty by the book. They even reminded me a bit of Fritz Lieber's Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser stories, even though the author swears he hasn't read them. The humor is good. The traps are diabolical. The pages seemed to fly by. I liked it.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2DPv3t3

Nancy Drew: The Palace of Wisdom

author: Kelly Thompson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2019/05/05
date added: 2019/05/05
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Nancy Drew: The Palace of Wisdom' by Kelly Thompson with art by Jenn St-Onge is an updated version of a popular character. It's a character that was probably about due for an update, and it's happened a few times during the character's history.

Nancy Drew no longer lives in Bayview, but a mysterious message draws her back to town. She also catches up with old friends. Nancy's inability to let her friends know where she is leaves her in danger and her friends frustrated with her. She meets a mysterious young man along the way and realizes that she was invited back to solve an unsolved mystery.

I liked it ok. I wasn't a fan of the art. It felt a bit too cartoonish for my tastes, which is interesting because most of the covers are drawn a bit more realistically. I'd also have a hard time recommending this to a pre-teen audience due to some of the content. Still, i't nice to see these characters around and solving mysteries again.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2WmtpGM

Empress Charlotte: The Princess and the Archduke

author: Fabien Nury
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.65
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/10/20
date added: 2019/05/05
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Empress Charlotte: The Princess and the Archduke' by Fabien Nury with art by Matthieu Bonhomme is a historical fiction graphic novel set in the time of the Habsburgs.

Princess Charlotte loses her mother when she is young. When she is 16, she is sent out courting for a favorable marriage. She falls in love with archduke Maximillian of the Habsburg house. Charlotte doesn't realize that her new husband is on the outs with his family. They end up in Italy, and the marriage has its problems, including trying to provide an heir. When Maximillian is put on house arrest by his family, and things take a dire turn, Charlotte finds help with her family and the strength to take hold of her destiny.

I liked this story of royals from another era. My favorite part is when Charlotte's family fears for her life and comes in to take charge. I liked the art in this book. I occasionally struggled with reading some of the lettering in letters between Charlotte and her father.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2Y7mLEA

Snow on Martinmas

author: Heather Sleightholm
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2017/04/30
date added: 2019/05/04
shelves: childrens
review:
'Snow on Martinmans by Heather Sleighholm is a book about the November 11th religious holiday. I did not grow up in a religious tradition that taught me about Saint Martin, but I liked this picture book about a snowy day and a feast.

It's snowing at grandma's house and she is telling the children about Martinmas. It celebrates Saint Martin who was a Roman soldier who cut and shared his coat with a poor beggar. He became a monk and was made bishop, but he didn't want to be one at first. They found him hiding among the geese, so the holiday is celebrated with feasting on geese.

It's a warm story about a holiday with food on a cold day. It's also about the kindness we can show others. The illustrations are a bit one dimensional, but they are colorful and folksy. I found it charming and unassuming.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2Vfz7h1

Cult Midnight Movies: Discover the 37 Best Weird, Sleazy, Sexy, and Crazy Good Cinema Classics

author: Danny Peary
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2019/05/03
date added: 2019/05/03
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Cult Midnight Movies: Discover the 37 Best Weird, Sleazy, Sexy, and Crazy Good Cinema Classics' by Danny Peary is an interesting overview of some cult classics, but the book could use some updating.

Every film includes a list of the stars, a synopsis, some stills from the film and Danny Peary's assessment of the film. The book has the classics like Easy Rider and Rocky Horror Picture Show. Eraserhead and Harold and Maude are included. There are films included that I wasn't familiar with like Greetings and Ms. 45.

I had a couple issues with the book. There are quite a few films the author doesn't actually seem to like. The inclusion of films that have fallen off the radar tells me this is an older book, and the lack of films from the late 1980s on would confirm this. There is an appendix that includes newer films like The Room.

I have seen a number of these. Some at midnight, some in art houses. Some of them hold up a bit better than others. It's an interesting collection if you are looking for something offbeat to watch.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2IXvg1x

Alison and her Rock Awesome Robot Vol. 1

author: Fred Chao
name: Wayne
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2019/05/03
date added: 2019/05/03
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Alison and her Rock Awesome Robot Vol. 1' by Fred Chao is about Alison, her pet robot, her mother and father and the 5 penguins and a monkey they live with.

I don't know why Alison's house has penguins and a monkey. I'm not even sure why there is a robot. I suppose we don't need to know. I also don't know why the artist has a comic strip among these comic strips where he shares an office with celebrity chef Alton Brown. There is a lot of silly concept here.

Unfortunately, they don't often result in many laughs. It would be a cute kids comic, but there is so much cultural reference to 80s and 90s culture that much of that would go over a kids head.

But Alison is pretty funny with her love for pillow fights and cherry popsicles. There is poor Carl with his unrequited crush on Alison. There are Alison's parents who feel pretty normal.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2WvNQRm

THE ART OF JIM STARLIN: A Life in Words and Pictures

author: Jim Starlin
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.57
book published: 2010
rating: 5
read at: 2019/05/01
date added: 2019/05/01
shelves:
review:
'The Art of Jim Starlin: A Life in Words and Pictures' by Jim Starlin with Joe Pruett and Mike Marts is an overview of art interspersed with the story of a fantastic talent from 35+ years in comics.

Jim Starlin knew he wanted to be a cartoonist from an early age. He practiced his art while he was in the Navy. Eventually he was discovered by Marvel and his career took off. He had a way of revamping characters in titles that were failing like Captain Marvel and Adam Warlock. Along the way, he created the villain Thanos. He wrote the Infinity Gauntlet that the current series of Avengers movies is based on. He had his own comics and books. There were clashes with management and editors and corporations.

Mr. Starlin apologizes up front about being surly about his experiences, but I didn't feel he was at all. If anything, his stories and the easy way talks about his life feels like sitting down for a drink with an old friend. I've been a fan of his work for years and have read many of the stories he has written and illustrated. This was really a lot of fun to read.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2IZxldB

Tamamo the Fox Maiden and Other Asian Stories (Cautionary Fables and Fairy-Tales)

author: Kel McDonald
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2019/05/01
date added: 2019/05/01
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Tamamo the Fox Maiden and Other Asian Stories' edited by Kel McDonald is a treasury of stories told in graphic novel form.

In the 21 stories told from all regions of Asia, the stories have a series of magical animals, crafty gods, and enchanted objects. From a lucky teapot that is actually a disguised Tanuki to a story of the great flood. The real story (or one of them) of Mulan makes an appearance. One of my favorites was called 'Frog Skin' and it's a nice variant of 'The Frog Prince.'

I really had a lot of fun reading this collection of fables and stories. The art is pretty consistently good throughout. Sometimes with a collection like this there are stronger stories than others. Here they seem to be consistently good.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Iron Circus Comics, Letter Better Publishing Services, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2LgLd4O