Minus

author: Lisa Naffziger
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.51
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2019/06/30
date added: 2019/06/30
shelves: graphic-novels, young-adult
review:
'Minus' by with story and art by Lisa Naffziger is a young adult graphic novel about a young girl who has to come to terms with what family is.

Beck is on her way to visit a college with her dad and her stuffed cat, Minus. When they stop at a convenience store for Beck to take a potty break, things go off the rails. She comes out of the restroom to find a store in chaos and a seemingly dead clerk behind the counter. Her dad, the car, and all her stuff is gone.

Through the rest of the book, we get the whole story of what is going on. There is a lot of action and some decent surprises (and some not so decent ones, too). Beck makes a choice towards the end that I can understand, but I don't know if any capable adult would let her make. The art is pretty average and the graphic novel took my no time to read. Beck's choice really makes me question this one.

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.


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Lucifer Vol. 1: The Infernal Comedy (the Sandman Universe)

author: Dan Watters
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2019/06/30
date added: 2019/06/30
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Lucifer Vol. 1: The Infernal Comedy' by Dan Watters with art by Max Fiumara and Sebastian Fiumara is part of a new expansion of the famed Sandman series. This is the second one of four that I've read and it's a vast improvement over the first one.

This volume starts with the same Sandman Universe 48 page comic. In that is the whole setup for what follows. The Sandman is missing and a raven has been sent to find out what's going on.

This time, we deal with a broken down and blinded Lucifer. It gets much worse for him as the series goes. There is also an L.A. detective losing his wife to cancer, and a weird halfway house that may be more than halfway in to hell.

The story here was much more coherent than The Dreaming was. The art is really great too. I like the side characters like William Blake (nice touch!) and Robert Johnson. It's a nice layered story about loss and hope and suffering. Well written and well drawn.

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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Rolled & Told Vol. 1

author: Eric Thomas
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.18
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2019/06/29
date added: 2019/06/29
shelves: non-fiction
review:



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Camouflage: The Hidden Lives of Autistic Women

author: Sarah Bargiela
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2019/06/25
date added: 2019/06/25
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Camouflage: The Hidden Lives of Autistic Women' by Dr. Sarah Bargiela with art by Sophie Standing is a book about how autistic women cope.

The book features some interviews with 3 autistic women. The hardest part, it seems, is just coming to a diagnosis. The tools for diagnosing seem to be skewed to men and not women, and women are not believed by their own families. Relationships and dating are difficult because autistic women sometimes feel they have to mimic the behavior of others or act overly permissive.

I like the presentation of this book. The illustrations make it a quick read and help to give the book a nice visual sense. I don't think I ever thought about this study this way, so the information was really interesting.

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


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The Way to Treasure Island

author: Lizzy Stewart
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2019/06/25
date added: 2019/06/25
shelves: childrens
review:
'The Way To Treasure Island' with words and pictures by Lizzy Stewart is a picture book about an adventure and how two different people approach it very differently.

Matilda and her dad are very different. They approach things in opposite ways. When Matilda gets a treasure map, she wants to head right for it. Her father believes the journey has lots of interesting distractions along the way. Eventually, Matilda ditches her dad in her quest, and the book follows them both until they discover the treasure, and a pretty good life lesson.

I liked this fun book about how different people can learn to get along. I also like that it felt like the roles were a bit reversed. The illustrations are fun, and the lesson is gentle but not hard to miss.

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.


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Court of the Dead: The Chronicle of the Underworld

author: Tom Gilliland
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2019/06/25
date added: 2019/06/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Court of the Dead: The Chronicle of the Underworld' by Tom Gilliland, Landry Q. Walker, Corrina Sara Bechko and Sideshow Collectibles is an imaginary tour through the Underworld with an official and unofficial tour guide.

Welcome to the world of the dead. Fortunately for you, you've got someone to fill you in on how things work. Death is in charge, but he has a whole court of beings under him. Splitting things up more are the official factions of bone, flesh and spirit. There are also unofficial factions, so caution is needed. The type of soldiers who fight for death and their most famous members are described. Along for the ride is skeptical Malavestros, who is willing to try to clue you in to the real truth.

This feels a bit like a worldbuilding book for a D&D campaign. The art is pretty good, but it is lacking in a narrative structure if that is what you are looking for. There is some good writing along the way, though.

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


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Count on Me

author: Miguel Tanco
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.59
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/06/24
date added: 2019/06/24
shelves: childrens
review:
'Count on Me' with words and illustrations by Miguel Tanco is a picture book about how it's ok to like different things. In the case of this ebook, that is math.

The young girl in the book observes all the passions of the people in her family, like painting or studying insects. At school, we see her trying all kinds of things like dance and cooking and acting, but her true passion is math. She sees it in everything, even the stones she skips in the lake.

There are many things in the world to be passionate about. Why not math? I love the approach of this ebook in not trying to demonize math. The illustrations are a bit muted, but really nice. I like the addition of the math concepts at the end of the ebook.

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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Humperdink Our Elephant Friend

author: Sean Taylor
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.42
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/06/24
date added: 2019/06/24
shelves: childrens
review:
'Humperdink Our Elephant Friend' by Sean Taylor with illustrations by Claire Alexander is a picture book about a preschool class with a new and very large student.

When baby elephant Humperdink comes to playgroup and wants to play, the kids are happy to have him join in. Unfortunately, Humperdink is not very good at hide and seek, and he manages to break the kids favorite slide. The kids adapt and find new ways for Humperdink to play with them.

The story is a kind of teaching about finding ways to include those who are different, even if they don't look like an adorable baby elephant. The illustrations have a soft vintage look that I really liked.

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


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Can't Catch Me: And Other Twice-Told Tales

author: Michael Cadnum
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.24
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at: 2019/06/23
date added: 2019/06/23
shelves:
review:
'Can't Catch Me: And Other Twice-Told Tales' by Michael Cadnum is a collection of reimagined myths and legends.

Starting with a version of the Three Bears where Goldilocks is tired of the nearby bears and schemes to trap them, you know you are in for some skewed tales. Jack and the Beanstalk is told from the perspective of the giant's wife. The Graeae, who had their eye stolen by Perseus in Greek mythology tell their tale. And there are many more both familiar and less familiar.

I liked these stories that all seemed to feature an interesting twist on the familiar (and unfamiliar). Nothing stood out as either really good or really bad, but I enjoyed reading the collection.

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


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Hotel Dare

author: Terry Blas
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2019/06/17
date added: 2019/06/17
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Hotel Dare' by Terry Blas with art by Claudia Aquirre is a graphic novel about the importance of family, even if that family is from other worlds.

Darwin, Charlotte and Olive find themselves spending a vacation at Grandma Lupe's hotel. Vacation here means cleaning the rooms. Along the way, they learn some strange secrets about the hotel. The rooms are portals to other dimensions with wizards and spaceships and carnivorous puffballs. They also find out that Grandma Lupe knows about this. They set out to help solve the biggest mystery.

The story is just ok. It's a mystery door type story. I had a hard time feeling much for these characters. I didn't think the art was that great. I don't know why kid's books always get the short end on art. Also, one of the characters states she is queer, although I don't know why since that really goes nowhere in the story, and is basically stated in passing. I state it in case that is something you don't want in your kid's books.

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


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Doctor Grundy's Undies

author: Dawn McMillan
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.25
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/06/16
date added: 2019/06/16
shelves: childrens
review:
'Doctor Grundy's Undies' by Dawn McMillan with illustrations by Ross Kinnaird is a rhyming picture book about a pair of wandering underwear.

Doctor Grundy has lost his undies. The ones with the tiger stripes and tiger eyes. Wind has blown them off his laundry line and out on a journey. The flying undies are seen by a pirate, a young boy flying in an airplane, and a Scotsman. Will Doctor Grundy ever get his favorite undies back?

This silly story was fun to read and the illustrations are silly to go along with this. I think this would be a fun read aloud book for young children, sure to raise a few giggles at the ludicrous adventures of a pair of really loud underwear.

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


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Milo's World Book One: The Land Under the Lake

author: Richard Marazano
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2019/06/16
date added: 2019/06/16
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Milo's World Book One: The Land Under the Lake' written by Richard Marazano with art by Christophe Ferreira is a magical graphic novel about a young boy and a goldfish. And maybe a few things more.

Milo lives on his own. His mother is gone, and his dad works a lot away from home. Milo is looked after by his three eccentric aunts who bring him more food than he can possibly eat, but he is mostly left on his own. One day, in the local river, Milo finds a strange goldfish. He feeds it and it starts getting bigger. He also starts getting strange visitors asking about the weirdly large fish.

The art style looks just like the cover. It's kind of a painted animation style and I really liked it. I liked the story and the odd characters. This would be a fun read for younger readers.

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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Untitled

author: Timothy Young
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.91
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2019/06/15
date added: 2019/06/15
shelves: childrens
review:
'Untitled' with story and pictures by Timothy Young is a story with two characters who break the fourth wall.

Two animal characters want something to happen. The author needs to give them something to do, and they are very vocal about it. They point out his laziness when he changes one fo the characters from a porcupine to a capybara so he won't have to draw the quills. They lament not being in other children's books.

I've read a few of these kind of titles and some are better than others. This is not one of the better ones. There are things I liked, like the library full of other children's books featuring the former porcupine. There are things I didn't like, such as the demeaning way the characters treat the author. I don't think this makes it a very good children's book.

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


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Your First Day of Circus School

author: Tara Lazar
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.29
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/06/15
date added: 2019/06/15
shelves: childrens
review:
'Your First Day of Circus School' by Tara Lazar with illustrations by Melissa Crowton is a fun take on a child's first day of school.

A young child is awakened by a loud older brother welcoming him to his first day of school. Throughout the journey there are comparisons to the circus. From clothes that look like circus costumes to animals. The bus is a clown car, and the tall kid sitting in front of you in class is an elephant. Through it all, your older brother looks out for you, like he should.

I liked the imagination behind this one. It kind of makes the school experience seem to be full of imagination, even if the reality turns out to be different. The illustrations are fun and I liked the details on the pages.

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/2WMjpKZ

Scarlet Rose #1: "I Knew I'd Meet You"

author: Patricia Lyfoung
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.29
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/06/15
date added: 2019/06/15
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Scarlet Rose #1' by Patricia Lyfoung is an adventure graphic novel about a young lady who doesn't want to fit the roles that others want for her.

Maud lives in a time of beautiful dresses and swords and carriages. She idolizes a young bandit named the Fox. One day, her father is attacked and Maud loses the life she had. Her grandfather is rich, but wants Maud to be a lady and marry. Maud wants to ride horses and fight with swords. She also wants to meet the fox, so she dresses as a bandit named the Scarlet Rose in order to meet him. This leads her in to trouble.

It's a pretty good adventure story. The twists and turns are pretty easy to see coming, but I think it's a fine graphic novel for young readers. The art could be better, but it doesn't detract from a fun story.

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


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

The Dreaming Vol. 1: Pathways and Emanations (the Sandman Universe)

author: Simon Spurrier
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.61
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2019/06/15
date added: 2019/06/15
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Dreaming Vol. 1: Pathways and Emanations (the Sandman Universe)'
by Simon Spurrier with art by Bilquis Evely is a kind of spinoff of the acclaimed Sandman series by Neil Gaiman. This is not a good place to start in this world. You need to have some familiarity with what has happened before.

Lord Daniel, aka Sleep, has gone missing. He's actually been missing for a while and librarian Lucien has done a fair job of covering it up, but the cracks are starting to show. Literally. The dreamworld is falling apart and needs a new leader. Mervyn Pumpkinhead thinks he knows better (he doesn't), so he finds the forbodingly named Judge Gallows and sets him loose. Now the only thing that might set things right (or even stranger) is newcomer Dora with her monstrous temper.

The art is really good, but, unfortunately, the story had a hard time keeping my attention. Some of the narrative just kind of drones on and on. I'm still in for more of this series though, and there were things to like in it. Especially Dora.

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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Big Nate: A Good Old-Fashioned Wedgie

author: Lincoln Peirce
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2019/06/12
date added: 2019/06/12
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Big Nate: A Good Old-Fashioned Wedgie' by Lincoln Peirce is another laugh out loud connection of comic strips starring perpetual middle-schooler Big Nate.

This time around, Nate's baseball team gets a new pitcher and Nate has a crush. There is the return of a character that hasn't been seen for a while. Grandpa visits without grandma. Nate gets detention. For some reason, the girls don't ask Nate to sign their yearbooks, but Chad is unusually popular.

Lincoln Peirce is consistently funny with this series, and even though the situations are similar in the collections, I still find funny stuff in these.

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


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The Transfigured Hart

author: Jane Yolen
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.74
book published: 1975
rating: 4
read at: 2019/06/12
date added: 2019/06/12
shelves: young-adult
review:
'The Transfigured Hart' by Jane Yolen is a reprint of a novella that first was published in 1975. It's definitely the kind of YA book I remember reading.

Richard and Heather are neighbors. Heather is good with animals and Richard likes walking in the woods for solace. When they each find what seems to be a unicorn, their first reaction is that it is their own discovery. That feeling goes by the wayside as the creature is threatened by hunting season. These two young people form a friendship over their protection of the animal.

Jane Yolen has long been a favorite authro and this gentle book of friendship and the love of nature reminded me why I like her so much. There is nothing bombastic that happens here, and that makes the story feel even more likely. That two lone pre-teens in the woods would stumble across something so extraordinary feels like it's something that could happen.

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


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Apollo Expeditions to the Moon: The NASA History 50th Anniversary Edition

author: Edgar M. Cortright
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2019/06/12
date added: 2019/06/12
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Apollo Expeditions' by Edgar M. Cortright with contributions by many involved in the program is a reprint of a book originally published in the 1970s, but with the upcoming 50th anniversary of landing on the moon, the timing is perfect.

The 15 chapters of this amazing book are written by different people with different aspects of the Apollo program. So, one chapter is about the Saturn rocket and it's written by WernHer von Braun. One is about the huge hangar built for rockets. One is about the scouting missions made before man went to the moon. Chris Kraft talks about mission control. Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin talk about landing on the moon.

Along with the text, there are tons of photos and drawings. I loved reading this book from the perspective of those that lived it. There is a small amount of repetition, but I attribute that to different perspectives of teh same event. Timely and breathtaking.

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


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The Regiment - The True Story of the SAS - Volume 1

author: Vincent Brugeas
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/06/09
date added: 2019/06/09
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'The Regiment-The True Story of the SAS Volume 1' by Vincent Brugeas with art by Thomas Legrain is an action graphic novel based on a true story.

The SAS was formed during the early years of World War II. The book focuses on three key individuals: David Stirling, Blair "Paddy" Mayne and "Jock" Lewes. This special forces group is tasked with sneaking on to enemy airbases in Africa and blowing up planes. The work is hard. The training is hard. There are setbacks. Despite this, the group becomes pretty legendary.

Included after the graphic novel is some great supplemental material about the war and the men featured in the book. The art is really great and the story moves along at a good clip.

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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Quincredible Vol. 1: Quest to Be the Best!

author: Rodney Barnes
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/06/09
date added: 2019/06/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Quincredible Vol. 1: The Quest to Be the Best!' by Rodney Barnes with art by Selina Espiritu is an origin story from the world of "The Event" which has created a number of superheroes.

Quinton West has been affected by the meteor known as "The Event." In his case, he is given the power of invulnerability. The problem is that he doesn't know how that is helpful. He sees needs in his community and his journey is to figure out how to help. With the assistance of other superheroes in the area, he begins his journey.

I've read a few of the books in this series, and this is the best of the ones I've read. I like Quin's self-doubts, but also his super smarts. I liked the character journey. The art is good, but not outstanding. I look forward to reading more about this hero.

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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Pride of the Decent Man

author: T.J. Kirsch
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.68
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/06/09
date added: 2019/06/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Pride of the Decent Man' with story and art by T.J. Kirsch is about a man trying to make his way through a life that was marred from the start.

Andrew Peters grew up in an abusive home. His grandmother teaches him to write things out, and the story is mostly told through these writings. In the course of his life, he makes some bad choices that land him in prison. Now that he's out, he finds out that he might have a daughter, but will the sins of the past revisit him?

I liked this story, but it felt a little on the sparse side. The art is interesting as well as the text, but when the end comes, I'm not sure I felt any emotional connection with the main character.

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


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Kamakura Monogatari #1

author: RYOHEI SAIGAN
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.20
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/06/09
date added: 2019/06/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Kamakura Monogatari #1' with art and story by Ryohei Saigan is the first issue of a series that became an animated movie in 2017.

Akiko is now married to mystery writer Kamakura Monogatari. This tells the story of the town Akiko now lives in and how she came to be married to Kamakura Monogatari.

The description talks about mysterious events, but this issue is just the setup to introduce characters and setting. It's pleasant enough, but in 25 pages, it didn't compel me yet. The art is an odd angular style that wasn't my favorite, but is unusual and distinct.

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


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Clever Cogz: The Book of Space Rockets

author: Neil Clark
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.44
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/06/09
date added: 2019/06/09
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Clever Cogz: The Book of Space Rockets' by Neil Clark is a picture book for young readers to teach them about rockets and space exploration.

Join Cogz the Robot Dod and his friends to learn about space travel. Starting with rocket designs in the 1960s, the reader will learn about rockets like the Saturn V, how rockets are made, and how rockets have been used. From the lunar landing to robots on Mars and the space station, the book is full of fun, colorful drawings to get readers excited about space.

This book is told from primarily an American viewpoint, but there are a couple nods to other designs. The illustrations are fun. With the upcoming 50th anniversary of the moon landing, this is a well timed book.

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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I Really Love You

author: Tatsuya Miyanishi
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.62
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/06/09
date added: 2019/06/09
shelves: childrens
review:
'I Really Love You' with words and illustration by Tatsuya Miyanishi is the 6th book in this series about the loves and appetites of dinosaurs written for children.

Tyrannosaurus is running out of things to eat. He meets a Tapejara who promises to lead him out of the cold and snow, but it turns out to be a trick. Tyrannosaurus also meets three little Homalocephale and they end up saving his life. In turn, he tries to help them. They don't speak the same language, but maybe that doesn't matter until the three little dinosaurs who meet a dinosaur that looks and talks like Tyrannosaurus.

The lesson is about heartfelt communication. And dinosaurs eating each other. I love this really odd series about dinosaurs. The stories have a sort of playful innocence about them that makes me feel like they were written by children. The illustrations are detailed and very unique.

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


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The Eagle With No Claws

author: Christian Lax
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at: 2019/06/08
date added: 2019/06/08
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Eagle With No Claws' with art and script by Christian Lax is about the early days of the Tour de France and one man's ambition to win.

The story begins in 1907 with a group of soldiers carrying supplies up a hill to build an observatory. One man, Amedee, becomes fascinated with the brave cyclists he learns about and wants to become one. First, he must buy a bike, and this leads to hard work and sacrifice. When tragedy falls on him, he doesn't let it stop him. His goal is to win the Tour de France.

I'm not a fan of the sport, but I found this story touching. I really loved the art with the lean riders wearing tire tubes around their necks. I couldn't find if Amedee was based on a real person, but there are other famous cyclists of the time in the book. I liked this one quite a lot.

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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Sharky Malarkey: A Sketchshark Collection

author: Megan Dong
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.83
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2019/06/08
date added: 2019/06/08
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Sharkey Malarkey: A Sketchshark Collection' by Megan Dong is a collection of the artist's webcomic.

The comics do include a shark. They also include lots of weird garish faces and tons of butt jokes. So many butt jokes. There is commentary on owning cats. There are comics about relationships. There are even comics about animals. Along with those are a lot of butt jokes.

If you like butt jokes, perhaps this will strike you as a lot more fun than I did. I did finish the collection and I did like some of the humor. The art is a bit underdeveloped, but there is potential. For me, though, there were way too many butt jokes.

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/2IxEsan

Manga Classics: Macbeth

author: Stacy King
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2019/06/08
date added: 2019/06/08
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Manga Classics: Macbeth' by Stacy King, Crystal Chan and William Shakespeare with art by Julien Choy takes the ambitious task of taking the whole text of Macbeth and illustrating it over 321 pages.

Macbeth is loyal to King Duncan of Scotland, but things have changed. Urged on by supernatural forces and his own wife, Macbeth sets out to win the throne. In the process, he loses his sanity, his friends, and his treacherous wife. It all culminates in a big battle, and since this is a tragedy, the outcome seems pretty certain.

I really liked this take on the play. The imagery really helps to flesh out Shakespeare's language. It does feel a bit stilted when speeches are covered over multiple panels, but I suppose that is the trade off. The art is really amazing, and I loved reading the art and translation notes at the end. This was one of my favorite Manga Classics.

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


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

Fraternity

author: Juan Díaz Canales
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.81
book published: 2011
rating: 3
read at: 2019/06/03
date added: 2019/06/03
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Fraternity Vol. 1' by Juan Diaz Canales with art by Jose-Luis Munuera is a story about a boy and his relationship with a strange creature. At least that's what the cover would have you think.

It is 1863 in Fraternity, Indiana, and the community is trying to be a utopia. They want nothing to do with the war, and they really don't want their lives disrupted. When a young feral boy is found in the wild, the town takes him in, but food is scarce and the town seems to be on the brink of failure. The young boy seems to be connected to a large creature, but when the town stumble across him, they react with fear. That and the prejudice the townspeople have make this a less than idyllic utopia.

Let's start with the positive. I really liked the illustrations. They do a great job of setting the mood. The color is muted and some of the drawings are muted and mysterious.

The story may just be setting things up, so I'm going to cut it a bit of a break. All the elements are here for an interesting story, but I'm left with questions. Is the large creature an alien or some odd native creature? How did this group of people ever agree to live together? Why is this boy alone? None of these are answered, and the story feels a bit lacking in momentum because of this.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/315IL50

Perico (Perico, Volume 1)

author: Régis Hautière
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.47
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2019/06/03
date added: 2019/06/03
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Perico' by Regis Hautiere with art by Philippe Berthet is a story set in the Cuba of yesteryear.

Joaquin is a young casino worker in a Havana, Cuba right before Fidel Castro takes over. His boss is a gangster, but Joaquin likes the money. When Joaquin falls for the bosses girlfriend, he ends up in trouble. It's compounded by taking a briefcase full of cash that his brother stole from a mafia courier. Now Joaquin is fleeing the country with trouble close behind.

It's set in Cuba, but I've read this same story set in many locations with crime families. It's also part 1 of 2, so this is not a complete story. The art works well and I liked the look of the 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/2WmtcHn

Made to Kill (Ray Electromatic Mysteries, #1)

author: Adam Christopher
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.33
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2019/06/01
date added: 2019/06/01
shelves:
review:
'Made to Kill' by Adam Christopher seems to have all the things I like in a book: a noir detective story, a robot, and intriguing mystery.

Raymond Electromatic is a private eye, and a pretty good one. He's also the last robot, as all the rest were put out of commission. His office mate Ada is a supercomputer and has an inside voice in Ray's head. When a familiar looking woman arrives, Ray finds himself on the case in Hollywood. The plot becomes about something bigger than Ray anticipated, and now Ray may find himself in trouble.

I like the idea of this more than the execution. I'm not sure what exactly didn't work for me, but Ray feels like a cool gadget that never gets fully used. He spends a lot of time thinking about the emotions he should be having, but I just never felt any sympathy for him. Perhaps this changes in later books. I did enjoy the read and the flavor. I just wanted to like it more than I did.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Macmillan Tor/Forge 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/2Kp7trr

The Martian Chronicles

author: Ray Bradbury
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.13
book published: 1950
rating: 5
read at: 2019/06/01
date added: 2019/06/01
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'The Martian Chronicles' by Ray Bradbury was the May pick for my online book club. I'd read the whole book ages ago and I wondered how it might hold up.

I first read The Martian Chronicles in 4th grade for a book report. I've read it a couple times since then, but there has been a big gap. Even in 4th grade there was a quaintness to the language that didn't seem very futuristic. Instead, it felt nostalgic, and I think that tone holds for the book. From the first settlers, and the dying/fading of the Martians, to a man who wants to open the first hot dog stand, to a man who lives with his robotic family, to the lonely house making breakfast for a family that has died in a nuclear war there is a call to the past.

The story setups can feel a bit dated but the real magic here is Bradbury's prose. There is real beauty in a summer evening sitting with long dead relatives sipping lemonade. Or a man obsessed with Edgar Allan Poe.

So read this for Bradbury's gift of storytelling. Then move on and keep reading Bradbury. That's what I've done, and I've never been sorry.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2Kq1kLg

Black Badge Vol. 1

author: Matt Kindt
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.81
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/06/01
date added: 2019/06/01
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Black Badge Vol. 1' by Matt Kindt with art by Tyler Jenkins is a graphic novel about an elusive scout troop, but it's Matt Kindt, so you know there is more here than meets the eye.

A young scout has finally earned all the badges he can. Then he hears about the mythical black badge. He joins a troop in search of this badge only to find that it refers to the troop he's in. They are tasked with counterintelligence jobs like marking a building in North Korea and starting a prison riot in Siberia. They are kids, so no one suspects they are nothing more. Along the way, the new kid finds out about a former black badge named Jimmy, who has a whole other perspective on what it means to be a black badge.

Matt Kindt never fails to impress. His writing is all about subterfuge and misdirection. I loved the small nod to another Kindt series, Mind MGMT. The art is on par for other Matt Kindt type books. Tyler Jenkins art runs to the loose sketch type style, but it works fine for the story here.

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


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

RuinWorld: Eye for An Eye

author: Derek Laufman
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2019/05/31
date added: 2019/05/31
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Ruinworld: Eye for An Eye' written and illustrated by Derek Laufman is a graphic novel about animals questing for treasure, and I loved it.

Adventurers Rex and Pogo are travelling across the Ruinlands seeking fortune. Only Pogo is only a farmboy and not as skilled as Rex. When they find a map, then get it stolen, they find themselves in lots of trouble. With the help of some new friends, like thieving squirrel, Kale, and a frog princess named Lula, they might just find the treasure and maybe even save the world.

I really loved this. The art is perfect and very action-oriented. The characters are fun and funny. The world-building is solid. As someone who likes fantasy adventure, this hit all the right notes for me.

It works great as a kids comic too. There is a lot to laugh at, and it doesn't feel like anything is shorted by aiming it at a younger audience. I look forward to reading more adventures with this group.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2QCjB9o