Stiletto Vol. 1

author: Palle Schmidt
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.20
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/31
date added: 2019/07/31
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Stiletto Vol. 1' with script and art by Palle Schmidt is a graphic novel about an out of control cop and his partner.

When two cops are brutally slain protecting a witness, Alphonse and Maynard are sent out on the case to find out who murdered their colleagues. From the beginning things seem to be going sideways. They get worse when they find out the police have a mole inside only known as "Stiletto." Who is this mysterious person and what motivates them?

I liked the moody art. I liked how the colors changed based on mood or flashback. I also like this story of a cop who is cornered and seems to go off the deep end. It's a story that spirals down the drain and has some good twists along the way.

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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White Claw - Volume 1: The Egg of the Dragon Queen

author: Serge Le Tendre
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.70
book published: 2013
rating: 3
read at: 2019/07/28
date added: 2019/07/28
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'White Claw 1. The Egg of the Dragon Queen' by Serge Le Tendre with art by Olivier TaDuc is an adventure comic set in a fantasy version of China with dragons.

The story quickly introduces us to Taho-the-Quick, a poacher. He finds himself in possession of a dragon's egg. Then he finds himself in the midst of a clan war. He meets up with White Claw, who is a very good warrior. The chapter ends with an encounter involving the egg, and what may become Taho's fate.

I really liked the art. The story is about average. I think as it builds, it might be more interesting. I actually liked the White Claw character more than Taho and wished that had been the focal character. Still, it was not a bad adventure 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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Natty (Natty#1)

author: Melvil
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.45
book published:
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2019/07/28
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Natty Vol. 1' by Eric Corbeyran with art by Melvil is a fresh take on a princess fantasy story, yet feels familiar.

Natty is a princess who tends a palace garden. She is bored with her life and wants others around. The only people her age live outside the palace and are 'untouchables' who are able to steal Natty's beauty with a touch or glance. When Natty's parents decide to have an arranged marriage and invite two very different candidates, Natty must choose between two equally offensive choices. Natty makes a different choice.

I liked the artwork in this graphic novel. The characters seem to be based on animals. The fantasy setting seems to be based on maybe the Hindu religion.

One warning. The title seems to be aimed at younger readers, but a character introduced later in the story sells drugs to get by. This might be something you want to speak with your younger readers about first.

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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A Childhood in Syria (Haytham)

author: Nicolas Hénin
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.52
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/28
date added: 2019/07/28
shelves: non-fiction, graphic-novels
review:
'Haytham: A Childhood in Syria' by Nicolas Henin with art by Park Kyungeun is a biographical graphic novel about a young boy growing up in Syria in the 2000s.

Haytham al-Aswad is a child in Syria. His father is a teacher. His father protests against the government and loses his job. The father comes under more and more scrutiny and leaves the country for Paris. Haytham wants to be like his father, but when things get a little too real, his mother gets the rest of the family out of Syria. Haytham has to adjust to life in his new country of France.

I like true life stories told in graphic novel form, and this is a good story. There are real pictures of Haytham at the beginning and end of the book. The art is all in black and white, and that's fine, but the art style made some figures look more two-dimensional than usual, so the drawings had a flat distorted look. I did enjoy the graphic novel and recommend it to others looking to learn more about life in Syria.

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 Mutts Spring Diaries

author: Patrick McDonnell
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/28
date added: 2019/07/28
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'The Mutts Spring Diaries' by Patrick McDonnell is the 4th book in this fun series.

Earl and Mooch are happy that it's Spring. The cartoons in this collection are all about Spring (for the most part). There are gags about the birds returning, Earl's obsession with fetching when Mooch finds a ball, and the chained up dog in the yard in the neighborhood. Birds singing in the trees gets a series, until Mooch shows up to try his hand at it.

The cartoons are well drawn, and the characters are pretty likeable. This is a good collection for anyone who likes dogs and cats, and would be nice read for younger cartoon fans.

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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Disney Pixar - Monsters, Inc.

author: Walt Disney Company
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.54
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2019/07/27
date added: 2019/07/27
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Disney Manga: Monsters Inc.' with art by Hiromi Yamafuji is another in the line of manga adaptations of Disney company films. This time, they missed the mark, though.

Mike and his friend Sully are top scarers. When Sully stays late at work and finds a human child, it means trouble. It turns out the trouble might run deeper than he thought.

I've liked other manga in this series, like the more recent Toy Story manga. This time around the art was just not very good. The characters looked strange. Also, the adaptation feels like it's lacking something. If a reader wasn't familiar with the movie, I think they'd be lost with this title.

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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Absolute DC: The New Frontier

author: Darwyn Cooke
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at: 2019/07/27
date added: 2019/07/27
shelves: graphic-novels, favorites
review:
Darwyn Cooke died much too soon. I became a fan of his a few years prior to his death and instantly fell in love with his style.

'Absolute DC: The New Frontier' is his take on the birth of the Justice League told in a way that couldn't be done at the time. Issues like racism, segregation, and equality in the late 1950s are intermingled with a story that is grand in scope.

The art style has almost a classic animation style from the era. His take on these characters is bright and positive, even as the story has darker moments. Gathering in as many characters of the era and keeping it all interesting is an amazing feat.

I missed out on reading this when it was initially out, but I'm so very glad I read this classic work by someone whose work I so greatly admire. I miss you, Darwyn.


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Pearls Hogs the Road: A Pearls Before Swine Treasury

author: Stephan Pastis
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.41
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/27
date added: 2019/07/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Pearls Hogs the Road: A Pearls Before Swine Treasury' by Stephan Pastis is a large collection featuring lots of comics and funny comments by the creator.

The centerpiece of this collection is the strips that Bill Watterson did as a collaboration with Stephan Pastis. In these strips a little girl shows how she is a better artist than Pastis. The work of the little girl was contributed by Watterson. This is talked about in the intro.

The rest of the collection is the usual zany silliness and bad puns. This time around a lot of the strips have commentary from Pastis. Either talking about how he sneaks things past the censors, or the mail he gets on certain strips. The comments are pretty funny and show that his humor is in fine form.

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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Virgil Wander

author: Leif Enger
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/27
date added: 2019/07/27
shelves:
review:
'Virgil Wander' by Leif Enger is his first novel in ten years. His first novel 'Peace Like a River' is one of my favorites.

Virgil Wander has survived a car crash into an icy lake when we meet him. He has some cognitive and physical limits. This makes it hard to run the small movie theater he owns. He takes in a roommate in Rune, a man who builds kites and ponders the mystery of his missing son. The small town is full of other unusual, but real, characters, all suffering their own version of tragedies.

Leif Enger has way of creating affably memorable characters. In previous books, characters have gone on journeys. In this book, the journey is more internal and the quirky hard luck town becomes a character of its own. Loving a place and the oddball characters that inhabit it are what happens to Virgil Wander. We don't get many hints about his life before the accident, but this book feels like the character is born anew with a chance to rebuild his world.

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


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Animosity, Vol. 4

author: Marguerite Bennett
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.04
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/07/27
date added: 2019/07/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Animosity, Vol. 4' by Marguerite Bennet with art by Rafael de Latorre is a later volume of a series I read early on. It seems that it has improved a bit since I read it.

Animals have taken over, and now they can speak. The main characters in the series are a young girl named Jesse and her faithful hound Sandor. Sandor is dying, but wants to see that Jesse is safe.

Unfortunately, Jesse has been taken to the Walled City by Kyle, where humans live in a world where they rule. Jesse finds that the Walled City wants to use her in a frightening way. Sandor is trying to find her and this leads to a showdown between animals and humans.

After reading the first volume, I didn't feel that strongly about the concept or characters. This title has matured, in my eyes. Maybe because Jesse is a little older, or the characters are a bit more sympathetic. I liked this story arc. I also appreciated the synopis at the beginning to help catch me up.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Aftershock 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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Beyonders Vol 1

author: Paul Jenkins
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.83
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2019/07/26
date added: 2019/07/26
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Beyonders Vol. 1: The Mapmakers' by Paul Jenkins with art by Wesley St. Claire is a graphic novel about a young boy obsessed with codes and the secret organization that wants to recruit him.

Jake lives in Alaska with his corgi and his aunt and uncle. He is in to conspiracies and codes like the Voynich Manuscript. What he doesn't know is that his life is about to change. Before he knows it, the things in his world aren't what they seem to be and he is off on worldwide adventures to use his codebreaking skills.

I liked parts of this. It started well, then kind of dived in to a ludicrous attempt to tie every weird thing on the planet together. I also didn't care for the art which had a really rushed feel about it. In some panels, the figures aren't completed and don't even have faces, like thumbnail sketches.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Aftershock 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 Magicians: Alice's Story

author: Lilah Sturges
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/26
date added: 2019/07/26
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Magicians: Alice's Story' by Lilah Sturges and Lev Grossman with art by Pius Bak is a graphic novel based on a popular trilogy with an interesting twist. The events of the first book in 'The Magicians' series is retold here through the eyes of one of the characters: Alice Quinn.

Alice lost her older brother when he went to Brakebills College. She tries to get in, but doesn't, so she finds her way in by taking a taxi to the middle of nowhere and walking in. She gets in to the school and meets friends Quentin and Penny. She falls for Quentin, but Penny has always liked Alice too. When they find a way into a magical land only thought to be in a series of children's books, Alice must use her magic to help her friends.

I'm familiar with the series, but I've not read it. I really like the idea of a popular series being retold like this. Alice has a unique perspective on events, and not knowing the character arc of her story, I found some surprises along the way. The art is pretty good as well.

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


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The Silent Corner (Jane Hawk, #1)

author: Dean Koontz
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/24
date added: 2019/07/24
shelves:
review:
'The Silent Corner' by Dean Koontz is the first in the Jane Hawk series about a weird conspiracy and the one person who knows and wants to stop it.

Jane Hawk is an FBI agent on the run. Her military husband committed suicide in an uncharacteristic manner, and when Jane looked in to it, her son was threatened. Now she is on the run to uncover a vast network of people who have created a way to control people. Jane encounters mindless sex slaves and mindless killers on her way to stop the people behind this.

I've been a fan for a while of Dean Koontz, but I'm kind of an on again/off again fan. I always love his take on kooky theories, and he has created memorable characters along the way. Jane is one of those characters with her unstoppable determination.

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


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Faith and Moonlight (Faith and Moonlight #1)

author: Mark Gelineau
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/24
date added: 2019/07/24
shelves:
review:
'Faith and Moonlight' by Mark Gelineau and Joe King is the first in a serial novel set in a pretty decent fantasy world. I know because I've read other books set here.

Roan and Kay really only have each other. When a fire takes everything else, they decide to enter the School of Faith. They are assigned difficult tasks, but given help along the way. Things come really easy for Roan, but not for Kay. She struggles and soon a deadline is looming. This test their relationship as one may be staying at the school and one may be moving on.

I've read 6 prior novellas by these authors. The stories are a bit short, but the world and characters are pretty solid. I liked this as much as the others I've read.

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


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The Poppy War (The Poppy War, #1)

author: R.F. Kuang
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at: 2019/07/23
date added: 2019/07/23
shelves:
review:



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Starlings

author: Jo Walton
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.48
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2019/07/22
date added: 2019/07/22
shelves:
review:
'Starlings' by Jo Walton is a collection of short stories, poems, and a play.

The collection starts with the poem that the book is named for, followed by a somewhat self-effacing and endearingly personal introduction by the author. What follows is a collection of short fiction based on fairy tales, short anecdotes about starfish, fictional letters, and original ideas. The play, for some reason, played in my mind as a puppet play (perhaps because it seemed so outlandishly funny), but I by no means mean that as a slant against it.

Collections like this offer hidden gems along with sometimes less "gem-full" entries. The hidden gems are worth seeking out. I enjoyed the collection overall.

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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While the Serpent Sleeps (Hammerfall, #1)

author: Sylvain Runberg
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 2019/07/21
date added: 2019/07/21
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Hammerfall 1. While the Serpent Sleeps' by Sylvain Runberg with art by Boris Talijancic is a graphic novel about Vikings and Normans and captivity.

Harald has a good life. He is the village leader's son and he is about to get married to Lina. While the festivities are going on, the village is attacked and everyone is either killed or taken captive by Bjorn the Beautiful. Harald watches helplessly as Lina is taken by Bjorn. All he can do now is bide his time and wait for a chance to free them both.

I liked the idea of this graphic novel. The art was good, but confusing. I had a hard time telling the male characters apart. I also wished there had been a little more exposition about the scene at the very beginning. I liked the story, but felt like it could have been a bit stronger.

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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Relay Vol. 1: Reality Denied

author: Zac Thompson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.73
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/20
date added: 2019/07/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Relay Vol. 1: by Zac Thompson and Donny Cates with art by Andy clarke and Ryan Bodenheim is a graphic novel with kind of a hard science fiction premise.

The graphic novel starts with a monolith known as the Galactic Relay arriving on a planet and a man named Hank Donaldson who is sent to colonize and homogenize worlds. A man named Jad Carter is an employee of Relay and his job is to quell dissension. He becomes curious about his job, his world, and who Hank Donaldson is. This sends him on a journey that turns out to be weirder than expected.

Is monoculture a good idea at the expense of others or do we benefit from diverse paths of growth? What really makes a legend and is it something we should never question?

These are some of the questions raised by the book, and while it doesn't necessarily answer them, I think it's more interesting that they get raised for the reader to think about.

The art works well. The characters and story are interesting. 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.


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Soulfire: Return of the Light (Volume #1)

author: Michael Layne Turner
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2019/07/20
date added: 2019/07/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Soulfire Vol. 1: Return of the Light' by Michael Turner, Jeph Loeb, J. T. Krul, Joe Benitez, Peter Steigerwald is about a young man with a legacy that he doesn't even know about.

In the year 2211, San Francisco is destroyed by a dragon attack. A young boy named Malikai and his friends Sonia and P.J. find themselves in the middle of an attack. Malikai is saved by a winged woman named Grace and he finds he is more than he thinks he is. Now he is on the run and trying to find the 5 masters who will train him. He better learn fast because the bad guys are right on his trail.

Aspen comics are known for a certain aesthetic and it's on display here. The art is very much like other Aspen titles. If you like that, then you'll like this art. I've never been a big fan myself.

The story is fine, but there are times when it feels like it jumps around or things end abruptly. The group moves from Hawaii to Tokyo and are immediately in a fight with no continuity or explanation.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Aspen 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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It Came from under the High Chair: A Mystery

author: Karl Beckstrand
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.67
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/17
date added: 2019/07/17
shelves: childrens
review:
'It Came From Under the High Chair' by Karl Beckstrand and Jeremy Higginbotham is a bilingual children's book about the gross things under the high chair.

Young Ivan is a sloppy eater. Things seems to fall from his tray and his mouth and his spoon. It's so disgusting even the dog won't eat it. When the mess is left uncleaned, it starts moving on its own, but only the kids seem to see it. How will they get rid of it?

It's a cute gross-out picture book for little kids. I like the monster story aspect as well. The pictures are really fun. I also like that the book is in English and Spanish.

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


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Ida's Witness: The True Story of an Immigrant Girl (Young American Immigrants Book 1)

author: Karl Beckstrand
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.80
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/17
date added: 2019/07/17
shelves: childrens
review:
'Ida's Witness' with story and art by Karl Beckstrand is a story from the author's family.

In the 1880s, Ida lives in Sweden with her family. Scarlet fever causes her to almost lose her sight. Through her close calls, she comes in touch with faith and a larger meaning. Her faith leads her to America, even though she doesn't speak the language.

I liked this personal family story from another era. The illustrations are also nice.

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


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Sherman: The Promise New York

author: Stephen Desberg
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.33
book published: 2011
rating: 3
read at: 2019/07/17
date added: 2019/07/17
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Sherman 1: The Promise of New York' by Stephen Desberg with art by Griffo is a story about a prominent American family and how they got there.

Jay Sherman started with nothing and now his son Robert Sherman is a candidate for president. When Robert is shot and Jay is threatened, he has to figure out who in his past might have it in for him. One suspect is the Irish mobster he worked for, but there are probably more than a few in Sherman's past.

I liked this story of a family's rise and possible fall. The art is decent. I wouldn't mind reading more 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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Kid Beowulf: The Rise of El Cid

author: Alexis E. Fajardo
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2004
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/19
date added: 2019/07/15
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
I only received a 45 page preview for 'Kid Beowulf #3: The Rise of El Cid' by Alexis E. Fajardo, but based on that preview and what I know from reading the previous volumes, I can confidently state that this will be another fun adventure where young readers learn more about legendary heroes.

This time around Kid Beowulf and Grendel find themselves fighting in Spain. They meet a knight named Rodgrigo. There is also a good preface telling the story that we know of El Cid. I was really only familiar with El Cid from the Charlton Heston film that came out ages ago, so I liked this version.

The story and art are similar to the first two volumes. There are lessons to be learned and humor along the way. If you liked the first two volumes, like I did, then I can recommend this one.

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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Kid Beowulf: The Song of Roland

author: Alexis E. Fajardo
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.30
book published: 2004
rating: 3
read at: 2018/03/02
date added: 2019/07/15
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Kid Beowulf: The Song of Roland' by Alexis E. Fajardo continues the adventures of Beowulf and adds a whole bunch more epic characters from the age of heroes.

First we learn the real story of Charlemagne and his company of peers, larger than life heroes who couldn't possibly live up to everything they did in the myths. Then it gets taken into the world of this series. Beowulf and Grendel are on the run, and since the story alternates between them and the story of Roland, you know they will meet up.

Meanwhile Roland has made some enemies, including one that is making a themepark outside Paris that is named after him ("Ro-Land" anyone?). With an ailing Charlemagne and an advancing horde, it's time to figure out how to save Paris. And there are bad theatrics, to boot.

The book concludes with reading lists and references. I think I liked the first book a little more, but I still think this is a good way to interest young readers in early myths.

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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Tramp - Volume 1 - The Trap

author: Kraehn (Jean-Charles)
name: Wayne
average rating: 1.00
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2019/07/13
date added: 2019/07/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Tramp: 1. The Trap' by Jean-Charles Kraehn with art by Patrick Jusseaume is a graphic novel about treachery.

A man dying of cancer with a seemingly unhealthy relationship towards his own daughter buys an old liberty ship. His plan is to file a big insurance claim and pay some former nazis to help him sink it. He hires an inexperienced captain, but the captain may be a bit smarter than he lets on.

This is only the first part of the story and by the end, the ship hasn't sailed yet. I didn't like how the dying ship owner's relationship with his daughter was described. The only other woman in the book suffers a bad death. The art is fine, but I didn't like this title.

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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Black Paradise

author: Veerle Hildebrandt
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.58
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2019/07/13
date added: 2019/07/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Black Paradise' with script and art by Veerle Hildebrandt is about a German family that moves to Nigeria and what happens.

When Hans gets a new business opportunity, he moves his wife and daughter to Nigeria. Their house is a walled compound with barbed-wire. They find out it's available because the previous occupants had to vacate when a tank was driven in to the house. They have a friendly relationship with their housekeeper, Wanda, but the other whites treat the blacks as lesser. The men frequent a nightclub for fun and to bribe others for work. Things go from bad to worse for them until they leave the country and head back to Germany.

The story is mainly told from the daughter's perspective, but she approaches the environment from privilege and that attitude doesn't seem to differ. Perhaps a better perspective would have been from the housekeeper's viewpoint. The art is loose in style and not my favorite.

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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Bone Parish Vol. 1

author: Cullen Bunn
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/13
date added: 2019/07/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Bone Parish Vol. 1' by Cullen Bunn with art by Jonas Scharf is a horror graphic novel about a new street drug that is, frankly, pretty gross.

New Orleans is known for a lot of things, but now there is a new street drug called Ash. It's made from a combination of bones depending on the particular high you want. One family knows how to make it. Now a bigger crime syndicate from New York wants to buy them out, but it isn't that simple because a dangerous gang from Mexico wants in on the deal.

Sniffing the ashes of the dead doesn't appeal to me, but much of drug use leaves me that way. Still I liked this story of a supernatural drug war and a family caught in the past and fighting to keep what they have. The art is good too. The story is pretty creepy at times.

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


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Hot Lunch Special Vol 1

author: Eliot Rahal
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.65
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/13
date added: 2019/07/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Hot Lunch Special Vol. 1' by Eliot Rahal with art by Jorge Fornes is a graphic novel about a midwest sandwich chain. And crime. Lots of crime.

The Khoury family has a story of immigrant success. They built a thriving family business. The only problem is the deal they made with the Irish mob's trucking fleet. In exchange for shipping, the mob gets to run drugs in the trucks. The Khoury's want out, and the mob isn't happy. How far will these two families go to protect or end this business deal?

The answer is pretty far.

I really liked this over the top story of things going wrong in a cascade. The art is solid, and the story is really good. I liked this one.

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


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The Tsunami (Okhéania #1)

author: Éric Corbeyran
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at: 2019/07/11
date added: 2019/07/11
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Tsunami: Okheania #1)' by Eric Corbeyran with art by Alice Picard is a graphic novel about an unusual planet and a couple adventurous boys.

The planet Oceania is covered with vegetation that rolls in waves like an ocean. Jon and Jasper spend their days surfing it until one day they are caught by a Tsunami. Jasper wakes up on board and airship, but Jon is nowhere to be found. Jasper snoops around and overhears things that cause him to be hunted. Meanwhile, Jon has found himself in a previously thought to be impossible place.

I like the worldbuilding here. It's an interesting premise that just starts to get interesting, then ends. I liked the art, especially the beginning scenes of Jon and Jasper surfing.

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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Lollipop Kids Vol. 1: Things That Go Bump In the Night

author: Adam Glass
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/07/11
date added: 2019/07/11
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
Lollipop Kids Vol. 1: Things That Go Bump In the Night' by Adam and Aidan Glass with art by Diego Yapur is a story of monster hunters in Central Park.

When immigrants came to America, they also brought the monsters from their home countries. A group of children fighters formed to fight them. That legacy was passed from generation to generation. When the children turn 18, they forget about their fight. Now Nick finds out he is part of this legacy, but first he has to be convinced that this whole thing is real.

I like the premise. I like the art a lot. The first issue has a lot of monologue about the main character and I wish the story had launched a bit faster with it's pacing.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Aftershock 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 Last Unicorn (The Last Unicorn, #1)

author: Peter S. Beagle
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.18
book published: 1968
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/08
date added: 2019/07/08
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'The Last Unicorn' by Peter S. Beagle was a recent pick by my book club. It has been on my TBR list for years, so it was finally time for me to read it.

A unicorn living alone in a forest fears she may be the last. She hears a rumor of the other unicorns and sets out to find them. She is joined by an inept magician named Schmendrick, a gruff woman named Molly Grue, and a lovestruck Prince Lir.

It sounds pretty straightforward, but the book winds and meanders. There were times I wanted to give up and move on to the next book. I stayed the course and found myself enchanted. It's a quieter book that rewards the patient reader. It also holds up rather well for something written half a century ago.

My version had the newer novella Two Hearts in it, and I can't recommend it enough. It was a nice afterword.


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Disney Manga: Pixar's Toy Story - Special 2-In-1 Edition

author: Tetsuhiro Koshita
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/08
date added: 2019/07/08
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Disney Manga: Pixar's Toy Story - Special 2-in-1 Edition' by Tetsuhiro Koshita is a collected edition of the first two Toy Story movies in manga format.

The manga is exactly as advertised. The adaptation is pretty good and includes enough of the dialogue to make fans happy. The manga art is also very good and the likenesses to characters are well done. What gets cut are the few songs, but dialogue and story substitute for the scene when Jesse gets left behind, for example.

These movies are classics, and this is a good treatment of the material.
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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Teen Titans: Raven

author: Kami Garcia
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2019/07/06
date added: 2019/07/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Teen Titans: Raven' with story by Kami Garcia and art by Gabriel Picolo is part of a series of reinterpretations of characters by authors. Some have been better than others. This is one of the better ones.

Raven Roth is involved in a bad accident with her foster mom and loses her memory (as well as her foster mother). Now she is in a new foster home in New Orleans and trying to rebuild the fragments of her life. There is the good: like her new foster sister, Max, and Tommy Torres, the guy at school that likes her. There is the bad: the thoughts of others that plague her, and the dawning realization that her life before had some pure darkness.

Like any of these titles, you kind of have to suspend a little disbelief. This isn't quite the Raven I'm familiar with, but it's a plausible enough version of her, and that's all I look for in this series. I actually care more about this version of Raven than some others I've read. The art is sparse and light on color, but I like the approach a lot and the art is really solid.

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


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The Golden Acorn

author: Katy Hudson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.92
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/05
date added: 2019/07/05
shelves: childrens
review:
'The Golden Acorn' with words and pictures by Katy Hudson is about the importance of winning, and things that are even more important.

Squirrel is a winner. He has won the last 8 Golden Acorn competitions and already has a space cleared for this year's trophy. Squirrel finds out the rules have changed and it's now a team event. The event starts and Squirrel runs ahead, but his team lags behind. Will Squirrel win the trophy or will Squirrel win some wisdom about what's really important?

The story is a good solid one too. The illustrations in this book are really great and give the dynamic feel of an animated adventure. I love the little details in the drawings too.

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


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The Big Five

author: Bella Makatini
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2019/07/05
date added: 2019/07/05
shelves: childrens
review:
'The Big Five' with words by Bella Makatini and art by Judi Abbot is a colorful story about spending time with grandpa and learning about things.

Danny's grandfather has a painting with 5 animals from his homeland. For the 5 days that Danny is spending, he will learn about each animal and learn how they move. He learns that the elephant is good at stomping, the lion is good at jumping, and other things about the remaining animals.

The pictures are bright and fun. The book itself is full of fun things to do for little readers as they imitate what the animals can do.

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


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To Catch an Elephant

author: Vanessa Westgate
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.55
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/07/05
date added: 2019/07/05
shelves: childrens
review:
'To Catch an Elephant' with words and pictures by Vanessa Westgate is about a big dream.

If you want to catch an elephant, there are many steps involved starting with finding out where elephants live. Once you do that, you have to get there. The problems begin once you've actually caught one. You somehow have to get it home, and shelter and feed it. And maybe how this whole idea is not really what the elephant wants.

It's a cute story with a bigger message about leaving animals in their habitats. The pictures are bright and the story is easy to read.

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


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Ella May Does It Her Way

author: Mick Jackson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.86
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/05
date added: 2019/07/05
shelves: childrens
review:
'Ella May Does It Her Way' with words and pictures by Mick Jackson is about a little girl determined to do things her way in a world that would tell her otherwise.

Ella May is particular about what she likes (insects, but not beetles). One night, her mother tries to get her to eat something different and Ella May balks at the idea, until her mother tells her it's good to try new things. Inspired by this thought, Ella May starts doing things very differently. Will her mother be able to get her to stop Ella May and her ways?

I really liked this story and the pictures. Ella May's cone shaped hair fits her precocious nature. The moral of the story is pretty clear. I wonder if young readers will try to do things Ella May's way though. It's a fun read.

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


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The Keeper, Vol. 1: The Angel of Malta

author: Yves Sente
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.50
book published: 2004
rating: 2
read at: 2019/07/05
date added: 2019/07/05
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Keeper, Vol. 1: The Angel of Malta' by Yves Sente with illustrations by Francois Boucq is an appealing premise, but never really feels like it gets off the ground in this volume.

The story starts with a young man named Vince helping out with a clandestine purchase. Things go a little sideways and we see that he has the kind of calm and skills to get him noticed by the Vatican. They want him for a special job and offer him a promotion.

While the first half of the book up to the promotion is not bad, the latter half just gets muddled. The font is weird to read and there is a lot of text. I realize it's setting things up for a story arc, but it lost my interest. The art isn't bad, but that font was just not reader friendly.

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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