Heart and Brain: Body Language: An Awkward Yeti Collection

author: Nick Seluk
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/31
date added: 2019/08/31
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Heart and Brain: Body Language: An Awkward Yeti Collection' by Nick Seluk is a collection of more of the popular, and right on target, comics.

Heart and Brain are joined by other organs like Bowels, Muscle and Tongue. Tongue has a lisp and is usually in conflict with the stomach. Brain likes to think late into the night. Bowels is mostly stinky and irritable. Heart is just plain lovable with his carefree whims and passions.

This series works because the humor is so dead on. I know my brain turns on at night when I need to sleep and my tongue craves things my stomach shouldn't have. This is a great series.

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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Dracula Marries Frankenstein (Anne of Green Bagels)

author: Susan Schade
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.75
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2019/08/27
date added: 2019/08/27
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Dracula Marries Frankenstein' by Susan Schade with illustrations by Jon Buller is a part graphic novel, part prose book. It's also the second book in the Anne of Green Bagels series, which I liked better.

This time out Anne and Otto and company want to make a monster movie. When they suddenly (?) spy a creepy looking castle, they realize it's perfect. Now they just have to get permission from the homeowner and write a script. The problems occur when the homeowner stumbles upon the movie set and has a raging fit over the idea of a same sex movie being filmed on her property. A viral video goes live and things get worse before they get better.

This book alternates between text and comics like the first one, but I liked the first one more because the comics were Anne's weird dreams. This time around the story feels more rushed and there are lots, maybe too many, things going on. The art is still good, and overall it was ok.

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


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Comics for a Strange World: A Book of Poorly Drawn Lines

author: Reza Farazmand
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/27
date added: 2019/08/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Comics for a Strange World: A Book of Poorly Drawn Lines' by Reza Farazmand is the second collection in the Poorly Drawn Lines series I've read. Either the series has gotten funnier, or my sense of humor has changed.

I reviewed the first volume of comics by this author/artist and didn't find much to laugh at. This time around, I was pleasantly surprised. The punch lines seem to hit better and are funnier. Maybe my favorite is about the guy whose beard grows longer as he imbibes stronger caffeine, until finally: tea!

The comic art is the same. Mostly droll faced humans and animals staring at the fourth wall. They are simply drawn figures, but that makes for clarity to the reader, and doesn't make them poorly drawn.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Penguin Group Blue Rider Press and Plume, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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John Carter: The End

author: Brian Wood
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.87
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2019/08/27
date added: 2019/08/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'John Carter: The End' by Brian Wood and Alex Cox with art by Hayden Sherman is about an aged John Carter, but the story and art are equally a bit of a mess.

Centuries have passed (apparently John Carter has surpassed human aging), and John is living with Dejah Thoris on a moon. They mourn the loss of their son, but John has a secret: he's still alive. This exiled son has started an uprising on Mars and John and Dejah are called to quell it. Can these two aged warriors possibly save Mars?

The story is kind of hard to follow and relies more on narrative than action. The art is frenetic and chaotic, but that seems in keeping with the story. The rough nature makes it a bit hard at time to distinguish characters. I like the idea of this graphic novel better than the execution.

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


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Albert Einstein: The Poetry of Real

author: Marwan Kahil
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.44
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2019/08/26
date added: 2019/08/26
shelves:
review:
'Albert Einstein: The Poetry of Real' by Marwan Kahil with art by Manuel Garcia Iglesias is a biography of Albert Einstein that is heavy on dialogue as it tries to do possibly too much.

Taking a framing story of Albert Einstein at the end of his life talking to a friend, the narrative goes back and forth in time. His father gave him a compass as a young boy and that supposedly set his direction. We see his greatest achievements, his loves and friends, and his regrets. At the end of the graphic novel is a list of resources for further reading.

I seem to think this is written for younger readers because of the footnotes explaining events and ethnic items and the names dropped along the way. And there are a lot of names. I feel like this would have been better served not trying to cover the entire life. It falls short and feels like a continuous monologue. It doesn't make for very interesting reading or very deep. Which is unfortunate. The art is black and white and contains drawings of famous photographs along the way.

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


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No Ivy League

author: Hazel Newlevant
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.21
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2019/08/26
date added: 2019/08/26
shelves:
review:
'No Ivy League' with story and art by Hazel Newlevant is a graphic novel based on the author's own experiences with a summer job in Portland.

Hazel is a homeschooler trying to save up money for a concert. When a job shows up to clear ivy from a large park in Portland, she takes it. She finds herself surrounded by other kids from different backgrounds. She wants to fit in, but feels like an outsider. She learns through an incident that this is a group of at-risk youth, and it causes her to check her privilege and see things differently.

I liked this story of learning to get along with others. It has a frankness and honesty that is refreshing. The black and white art works for the story. It's not a story I'd recommend to younger readers due to some of the story content, but it's fine for older teen readers. I feel like there is a lot here, and it doesn't get resolved, but maybe that leaves things open for reflection and discussion. Perhaps the author is still grappling with things that happened.

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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Lady Stuff: Secrets to Being a Woman

author: Loryn Brantz
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.54
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2019/08/26
date added: 2019/08/26
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Lady Stuff: Secrets to Being a Woman' by Loryn Brantz is a collection of her Jellybean Comics based on, I assume, personal experience.

Being a human being has its awkward moments. This is about the female version of that awkwardness. About how you look at the beginning and end of the day or how you tan. There are dating foibles and finding a job that suits who you are (professional napper!).

Disclaimer: I'm not lady. Yet, I found these comics pretty funny. As someone who sees his own foibles and failures, I can relate. Just not so much on the personal grooming side of things. This was a witty collection.

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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Cash & Carrie Book 2: Summer Sleuths!

author: Shawn Pryor
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/08/24
date added: 2019/08/24
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Cash & Carrie Book 2' by Shawn Pryor, Giulie Speziani, Marcus Kwame Anderson, Chris & Gin is my first look at this series for young readers.

The main story is about a bunch of middle school students away at camp. The camp is having a competition, and the kids are divided in to teams, but someone is sabotaging the teams. There are mysterious emails and bee attacks. All signs point to one kid who is super competitive and eager to win, but could it be him or someone else?

It fits a need for readers in the 3rd and 4th grade. The story is fine. The art is fine too. If you've got a kid in your life who likes comics, you can't go wrong with this.

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.


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Hope

author: Corrinne Averiss
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.24
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/08/24
date added: 2019/08/24
shelves: childrens
review:
'Hope' by Corrinne Averiss and Sebastien Pelon is a picture book about a young boy and his dog and the power of hope.

Finn loves Comet and vice versa, but when Comet become ill, Finn is worried. His father explains that even in the dark, there is a light of hope. Finn sees this in a flashlight beam and the light of the moon. Will his hope bring Comet back to him?

There is nothing wrong with instilling hope, and for Finn, everything works out. I worry for other children where the outcome is not as good. This book tells a very nice story. Sometimes hope is not enough, but the idea of hope is good to teach children.

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


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Hubert Reeves Explains Biodiversity

author: Hubert Reeves
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.27
book published: 2019
rating: 2
read at: 2019/08/24
date added: 2019/08/24
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Hubert Reeves Explains Biodiversity' by Hubert Reeves and Boutinot Nelly with art by Daniel Casanave is a lecture on biodiversity for younger readers told in a graphic novel format.

Hubert Reeves takes a family on a field trip and teaches the kids the important of biodiversity. Along the way things like the importance of earthworms and how invasive species are introduced are discussed. The importance of maintaining food chains is illustrated with imbalances seen recently.

The illustrations make it more fun, but it still reads kind of like a one sided lecture. Other characters speak, but they are just saying what the main character is saying. I suppose it would be a way to learn about the subject, but there was at least one glaring science error I ran across (iron oxide does not actually contain water).

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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Sparrowhawk (Sparrowhawk, #1-5)

author: Delilah S. Dawson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/24
date added: 2019/08/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Sparrowhawk' by Delilah Dawson with art by Matias Basla is a story about a woman trapped in the world of faeries and forced to fight her way back.

Artemisia has never quite fit in to her world. As the illegitimate daughter of a naval captain, her skin color marks her as different. When we meet her, she is mourning the death of a sister and on the verge of a forced marriage. Next, she finds herself swapped with the Faerie Queen and trapped in that kingdom. She must fight her way back home, but that will change her. She also finds allies, but how trustworthy can they be?

I liked this story and this interesting and slightly flawed character. The internal art was ok, but a bit loose and unformed at times. I have to give kudos to cover artist Miguel Mercado who did amazing cover paintings for this series.

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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Mis(h)adra

author: Iasmin Omar Ata
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/24
date added: 2019/08/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Mis(h)adra' with words and art by Iasmin Omar Ata is a story about trying to live with an illness that no one around you understands.

Isaac is a student, but he has seizures, so he misses a lot of classes. His father doesn't understand, and Isaac is irritable with everyone around him. As he becomes more isolated with the people around him, he finds a new friend that wants to help. When doctors won't seem to understand, his friend Jo is there to help out. When Isaac reaches the bottom, Jo shares her own experiences.

This book at first was kind of a chaotic mess and it kind of drove me crazy, until a light went on that it was supposed to be that way. At over 200 pages, the story could have been a bit shorter, but by the end, I really liked it. Especially when I found out the story was based on the author's experiences. This seems like a scary thing to go through, and surviving it took courage.

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


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Ask Baba Yaga: Otherworldly Advice for Everyday Troubles

author: Taisia Kitaiskaia
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/23
date added: 2019/08/23
shelves:
review:
'Ask Baba Yaga: Otherworldly Advice for Everyday Troubles' by Taisia Kitaiskaia is a quirky advice book, but I found it's oddness quite charming.

Taking something present in her life as a young girl, the author kind of channels Baba Yaga to give advice to wayward folks. Questions are about love, jobs and family. Answers are typed oddly and seem really askew. That is until you think about them. One writer asks about staying with a kind, but boring boyfriend, and Baba Yaga speaks of stumps filled with goodness that are yet stumps.

I really liked this volume of strange advice that seems to give the reader pause. I found myself laughing quite a bit, and I loved the odd typography in Baba Yaga's answers, as if the author were typing not of her own volition.

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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Lady Mechanika: La Dama de la Muerte

author: Joe Benítez
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/23
date added: 2019/08/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Lady Mechanika: La Dama de la Muerte' by Joe Benitez and M. M. Chen finds herself in Mexico after suffering a loss, and finds a way to grieve and remember.

Lady Mechanika finds herself in a small village in Mexico on the verge of celebrating Dia de los Muertos. She learns the tradition from a family that has lost loved ones. She even dons some skeletal makeup even though her heart is breaking.

The celebration is cut short by Jinetes del Infierno, or Hell Riders, who hold the villages ransom and demand young children from villages that can't pay up. Lady Mechanika decides to do something about this injustice.

I've read a few volumes of this series and liked them, but it felt like things really clicked with this story. I loved the art and the story wasn't bad either. This was worth waiting for.

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


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Blue Note (Blue Note, #1)

author: Mathieu Mariolle
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.10
book published: 2013
rating: 3
read at: 2019/08/22
date added: 2019/08/22
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Blue Note: The Final Days of Prohibition Volume 1' by Mathieu Mariolle with art by Mikael Bourgouin is a tale about a down and out ex-boxer making a comeback in the final days of bootleg booze.

Irish boxer Jack Doyle thought his boxing days were through, but he takes one last fight for the memories. It turns out the result of the fight gets him in trouble and he has to fight his way back out again. He finds himself with a shady manager he can't trust, a troublesome mobster on his case, and a lady reporter he can't seem to forget.

I liked the story, but it feels pretty basic. I was hoping for a bit more jazz in the story based on the title. It's there, but just as a cameo more than anything else. The art is actually really nice. I love the cover and it's very indicative of what you'll find inside.

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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Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu Volume 4

author: Natsuya Semikawa
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/22
date added: 2019/08/22
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu Vol. 4' by Natsuya Semikawa with art by Virginia Nitouhei is the first book in this series I've read, but I really liked it.

Izakaya Nobu is a bar in a rather unusual place. It has its regulars and a great chef running it. The house beer is simply called whatsontap and if you order the usual, you will discover that the place knows what you like. There are villagers wanting to provide octopus for the menu, a witch who lives in the area, and a visit from an unusual mercenary.

I discovered the world of food maga a while ago, and it's fast becoming a fun, favorite genre. With 3 volumes I haven't read, I'm not entirely sure what's happening, but I can figure things out from hints. The stories and art are fun. I like the mix of Japanese, German and French foods that get served up.

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


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Poppy and Sam and the Mole Mystery

author: Cathon
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.20
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/18
date added: 2019/08/18
shelves: childrens
review:
'Poppy and Sam and the Mole Mystery' with words and pictures by Cathon brings back our tiny sleuths for a new fun mystery.

Poppy and Sam visit their friend Snuggles the Mole. Snuggles has been baking, but has a problem. Snuggles has lost her pink glasses. Poppy and Sam are on the case. Along the way, they don't find the glasses, but they do find a lot of other lost items like umbrellas and earrings. They also talk to a number of animal friends along the way. Where could Snuggles' glasses be?

I liked the first book in this series I read, and I like this one just as much. The story is told in a cross between graphic novel and picture book. The story and characters are pretty cute. Little readers should have a good time with this one.

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


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Elma, a bear's life - Volume 1 - The Great Journey (Elma - A Bear's Life)

author: Ingrid Chabbert
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.62
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/18
date added: 2019/08/18
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Elma, a bear's life Vol 1: The Great Journey' by Ingrid Chabbert with art by Maze Lea is a story about a young child being raised by a bear. It has a resemblance to another familiar story.

Elma is a sort of wild child being raised by a giant blue bear. One day fox comes to bear and says that it is time. Papa Bear and Elma begin a long journey, but Elma doesn't know where they are going. Elma thinks it is all great fun, but Papa Bear is somber. We don't discover where they are heading. That is for a later volume.

Elma and Mowgli seem to have some similarities. I could be wrong about where Elma is going, and I'm curious to know if I am. The story is sweet and bittersweet, but the real reason to pick this up and read it is for the absolutely breathtaking art by Maze Lea. There are gorgeous drawings to behold here.

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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Last of the Atlases (Chapter 1)

author: Fabien Vehlmann
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/08/18
date added: 2019/08/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Last of the Atlases' by Fabien Vehlmann & Gwen de Bonneval with art by Hervé Tanquerelle & Frédéric Blanchard is a really short graphic novel, so it's a bit hard to review, but I liked what I read and saw.

The story is about gangs running a street and shaking down vendors for protection money. The time frame is a bit rough to pin down, but there are arcade games that double as slot machines and the hint of a giant construction robot.

It's hard to tell what this is about in just a few pages, but I did like what I saw. The art has a cool quality to it. The story is just a hint of what it's probably about. I'd be interested in reading more.

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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Trini's Big Leap

author: Beth Kephart
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.23
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/18
date added: 2019/08/18
shelves: childrens
review:
'Trini's Big Leap' by Beth Kephart and Alexander de Wit with illustrations by William Sulit is a picture book about a very capable young lady.

Trini is really good at a lot of things. Especially anything to do with gymnastics. She is shown it once, and can master it. When she plays with blocks and tries to build a castle, though, things are different. Building things doesn't come as easily to Trini. Will she learn how to cope with learning new things and asking for help?

The book ends with a nice piece aimed at parents about introducing the kind of challenges that Trini faces so that young children can learn coping with new things. I really appreciated that. The story is good and the illustrations are really cute. I liked this story about learning to do things that you aren't immediately good at.

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


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Just Like Beverly: A Biography of Beverly Cleary

author: Vicki Conrad
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2019/08/18
date added: 2019/08/18
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Just Like Beverly: A Biography of Beverly Cleary' by Vicki Conrad with illustrations by David Hohn is the true story of a beloved author.

Beverly Cleary grew up in a small town without many books. She had a group of friends and they liked playing outside. When she went to school, the books she read didn't interest her because they didn't seem to be about her and her friends. This is the story of how she came to write those kinds of stories.

I loved this inspiring story, and I especially loved the illustrations. They look like classic childrens book illustrations. I really liked this inspiring story about not finding what you are looking for, then setting out to make it.

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


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The Comic Book Story of Video Games: The Incredible History of the Electronic Gaming Revolution

author: Jonathan Hennessey
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.59
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2019/08/18
date added: 2019/08/18
shelves: non-fiction, graphic-novels
review:
'The Comic Book Story of Video Games: The Incredible History of the Electronic Gaming Revolution' by Jonathan Hennessey with art by Jack McGowan is a graphic novel history.

The story starts with pre-electronic forms of entertainment and the development of computer technology. Along the way are the big names that created the games and companies. People, milestone games, and consoles are featured. Games like Space War, Pong, Halo and Angry Birds are among the many featured.

I enjoyed the story of video games. I didn't really enjoy the art. It's got an overly rough style that I didn't really like. I did like that familiar video game characters make cameos on the pages, but the art was just not my favorite.

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


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Streak of Chalk

author: Miguelanxo Prado
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.24
book published: 1994
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/18
date added: 2019/08/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Streak of Chalk' with story and art by Miguelanxo Prado is a surreal graphic novel that is over 40 years old.

A lone sailor named Raul in a sailboat docks at a lone island. The only other occupants are a woman and her strange son who run a business, and an elusive woman named Ana. Raul takes to Ana, but she will have nothing to do with him. As he explores the lone island, he makes friends with a seagull, finds graffiti on a seawall, and discovers that someone on the island is murdering seagulls. The addition of two travelers brings violence to the island in one night. Supposedly a murder happened, but there is no evidence because the bodies are missing.

The story is a slow burn unfolding, and things are not clear, but that only adds to the intrigue. The story seems straightforward at first glance, but things are just not has they seem. The art has the characters all a bit skewed as well. The young boy on the island always has a shadowy menace about him. I liked this unusual classic.

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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Overcoming Fake Talk: How to Hold Real Conversations That Create Respect, Build Relationships, and Get Results

author: John Stoker
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2013
rating: 3
read at: 2019/08/18
date added: 2019/08/18
shelves: non-fiction-business
review:
'Overcoming Fake Talk: How to Hold Real Conversations That Create Respect, Build Relationships, and Get Results' by John Stoker offers some good advice for having conversations that get to the heart of the matter.

Using a model based on the acronym of REAL, the author talks about having conversations without putting judgment, creating resistance, asking questions, and listening to others. Various principles are added to the toolbox including those for knowledge, reflection, and discovery. The different types of communicators are discussed: Initiators, Builders, Connectors, and Discoverers.

The information is presented well, and the concepts and summaries are easy to digest. I just felt like I got it pretty early on, so it felt like the book could have been a bit briefer in length. This is still a good resource if you struggle with conversations at work.

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


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Anywhere, Anytime Art: Illustration: An artist's guide to illustration on the go!

author: Betsy Beier
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.43
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/16
date added: 2019/08/16
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Anywhere, Anytime Art: Illustration: An artist's guide to illustration on the go!' by Betsy Beier is an approachable art guide with some fun art projects to remind you of the places you've been.

Focusing on doing your art on the go, this book focuses on keeping a small kit on you, different techniques, and using found objects in your art. The projects include collage type pictures of favorite objects around the house, and pictures of your pet that bring out their unique personality. There are travel collage ideas using newspapers and tickets collected on travel.

I like an art instruction book that seems approachable, and the author has made pretty much everything in this book seem attainable. The projects seem to be easy enough to try.

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


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Aquaman, Vol. 1: Unspoken Water

author: Kelly Sue DeConnick
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.59
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/14
date added: 2019/08/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Aquaman, Vol. 1: Unspoken Water' by Kelly Sue DeConnick with art by Robson Rocha takes an amnesiac Arthur Curry and does interesting things with the character.

In the wake (no pun intended) of the Drowned Earth storyline, Aquaman has lost his memory of who he is. He washes up on the shore of a small fishing village and is rescued by a young woman named Callie. Now he's wearing familiar colors, but goes by the name of Andy. Callie and the rest of the people in the town are not who they seem to be at first, and as Andy/Arthur regains his memory, he finds himself in a cosmic fight.

I like this story arc. I like the idea of Aquaman more than some of the execution of that idea. Here, we get an interesting retooling. The art is also interesting in this, with some epic splash pages and just all around nice art.

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 Creeps

author: Fran Krause
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/14
date added: 2019/08/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Creeps' by Fran Krause is the second volume of the Deep Dark Fears collection and brings more creepy/funny comics about the irrational fears that plague us.

From fears of actually being an animal hooked up to a human simulator to not wanting to dangle a hand over the bed, this collection is funny in a way that I can relate to. Fears are only irrational if they aren't the ones you have. When you can look at them in a collection like this, you can see that they can appear silly, and you can be comforted that you may not be alone.

The art is funny, and at times gruesome. The contributors are all thanked at the end. I liked this second collection of Deep Dark Fears.

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


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The Old Geezers -Alive and Still Kicking (Les vieux fourneaux)

author: Wilfrid Lupano
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/14
date added: 2019/08/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Old Geezers' by Wilfrid Lupano with art by Paul Cauuet is a graphic novel about some aging friends who gather for a funeral. Times like this always make you reminisce.

Antoine's wife has died and his two oldest friends come to the funeral. They've been friends since they played pirates as boys. In their earlier life, they were activists in the 1960s. When Antoine finds out the owner of the factory once slept with his wife, he sets out in a car with a gun to get his revenge. His two friends and Antoine's pregnant granddaughter give chase.

It took a bit for me to warm to this story, but the lesson that people are more than they appear, and the art won me over. I liked this loopy cast of characters, and this story of aging defiantly.

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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Dear Justice League

author: Michael Northrop
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2019/08/14
date added: 2019/08/14
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Dear Justice League' by Michael Northrop with art by Gustavo Duarte is a fun collection of short stories about superheroes who get letters from children.

Each chapter features a different member of the Justice League, and there is a larger story going on loosely. Superman gets asked if he ever makes mistakes. Wonder Woman's letter reminds her of her 11th birthday. Cyborg is challenged to online video games.

I really loved this collection of fun stories that show a lighter side to the Justice League members. I loved the caricature style art that kept everything kind of light and silly. I think kids would get a kick out of this, and it might even pull in a reluctant reader or two. Great job!

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.


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Irena Book One: Wartime Ghetto

author: Jean-David Morvan
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2019/08/13
date added: 2019/08/13
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'Irena Book One: Wartime Ghetto' by Jean-David Morvan and Severine Trefouel with art by David Evrard is story based on truth about Irena Sedlerowa, a social worker in the Warsaw Ghetto in the early 1940s.

Irena Sendlerowa was a social worker in one of the worst possible places. She tried to battle disease and hunger. When a dying mother gives Irena her son, Irena is not sure what to do. When the child dies, she knows she must do something. She joins a network of people dedicated to smuggling children out of the Warsaw Ghetto. They use ingenious methods, like giving the children doses of alcohol to keep them quiet and smuggling them out in trucks full of bricks. Irena gives them new names, but keeps track of their old ones to give back to them some day. Because of her actions, she was imprisoned and tortured, but managed to save around 2500 Jewish children.

I really liked this story of someone who decides they can't just sit by, and how that ripples into the kind of numbers that were achieved. The art is really good too, but it's a bit cartoonish looking. It makes it a bit odd to see this character being tortured pretty brutally, but I like the art and the color scheme used.

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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Gaia Blues

author: Gud
name: Wayne
average rating: 0.0
book published: 2011
rating: 2
read at: 2019/08/10
date added: 2019/08/10
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Gaia Blues' with script and art by Gud is a wordless story about the troubles the Earth is going through.

Starting with a man on a boat, the frames pull out to reveal other parts of the story. A polar bear family sits on a melting ice berg. A ship sinks and leaves an oil spill. Smog pollutes and kills trees. A man throws away a plastic bottle and it joins thousands more in a floating island of trash. Is there any hope for Gaia or will she be blue?

I like the idea of this graphic novel. The wordless story makes the message easy to grasp. I didn't like the solution at the end. It seemed like a way of further creating pollution. I can see the author didn't want the book to be a total downer, but there was probably a different way to end things. I did like the colorful simple illustrations.

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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Rudolf Nureyev

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.21
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/10
date added: 2019/08/10
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Rudolf Nureyeve' by Ma Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Eleanora Arosio is part of the Little People, Big Dreams series of picture books for young readers.

Rudolf fell in love with dance as a young child. While other kids were playing hockey, he wanted to dance, but he couldn't enter ballet school until he was 17. He also wanted to change other things about dance, like the clothes he was supposed to wear. In his later life, he defected and brought his style of dance to the rest of the world.

Along with the text, there is a timeline and photos at the back of the book. The illustrations are nice and the figures are rounded, which complements the idea of dance and movement really well.

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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Classics Reimagined, The Time Machine

author: H.G. Wells
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/10
date added: 2019/08/10
shelves: classics
review:
'Classics Reimagined, The Time Machine' with original text by H.G. Wells and illustrations by Ale + Ale (Alessandro Lecis and Alessandra Panzeri) is part of a series of classics reissues with exciting graphic artists doing the art.

A character only known as the Traveler invents a machine to travel in time. The machine mainly goes into the future from where he lives, and what he finds is a future where mankind is greatly changed. The bulk of the story is his dealings with the light-dwelling Eloi and the dark-dwelling Morlocks. Is this the future we are headed towards?

Along with the classic text, there are quite a few illustrations. Ale + Ale has a collage plus digital style that has vivid color, yet feels pretty classic and fits well with the story. This is a nice version of this book.

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


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Out of the Blue Volume 1

author: Garth Ennis
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.92
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/10
date added: 2019/08/10
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Out of the Blue Vol. 1' by Garth Ennis and Keith Burns is a comic about pilots during World War II towards the end of the war.

Jamie McKenzie is a kind of an ace pilot, but you can't tell his new CO that. On his landing for his new post, he makes a hash of the landing and damages two planes and another pilot. Now he's got the wrath of the commanding officer who has assigned him the least popular navigator and a plane that may be cursed. Still, there is something about Jamie's skill as a pilot.

I liked this story, and I found out late that it's a sequel to another one. That makes sense, but it's not completely necessary to read it first to enjoy this one. Keith Burns has a nice style of aviation art, and I liked the planes in action.

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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Water Memory

author: Mathieu Reynès
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/10
date added: 2019/08/10
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Water Memory' by Mathieu Reynes with art by Valerie Vernay is about a young girl living in a strange new place and the secrets she finds.

Marion and her mother move in to an old family house that her mother has inherited. It seems like a new start of sorts, and there are lots of things to explore. Marion finds weird carvings on the cliffs and in the caves by the sea. There is a lighthouse, but the lighthouse keeper is kind of a loner. When Marion gets stuck at the lighthouse when the tide comes in, the keeper saves her, but is gruff. What is the secret he holds and why are the townspeople not talking to him?

I liked this kind of slow moving tale. The characters were interesting, and even though I kind of knew where the story was going, I still enjoyed the journey. The art is very nice and in an afterword the creators talk about how they modeled things on real places.

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


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Clankillers Vol. 1

author: Sean Lewis
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.11
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2019/08/09
date added: 2019/08/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Clankillers Vol. 1' by Sean Lewis with art by Antonio Fuso is a graphic novel that takes place in an ancient Ireland. Like a lot of fantasy stories these days, it falls in the grimdark category and is quite graphic.

Finola has a problem with her father, and she decides to plot against him with her friend Cillian. Their plan includes waking up all the weird fantasy creatures, going after the clans, then going after her father.

It all feels like a lark, except there are a lot of corpses. Finola seems really detached from what she is actually doing, as long as it serves her ultimate goal. The problem is that I don't care enough for any of these characters to understand or sympathize. They feel like so many bowling pins being set up so they can die gruesomely for style sake.

The art feels as rushed as the story. At times it's hard to tell some characters apart. I can like the rushed aspect because it does put some urgency into a story, but when it was all said and done, I just wasn't a fan.

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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DC Comics Super-Villains: 100 Greatest Moments: Highlights from the History of the World's Greatest Super-Villains

author: Robert Greenberger
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.06
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/09
date added: 2019/08/09
shelves:
review:
'DC Comics Super-Villains: 100 Greatest Moments: Highlights from the History of the World's Greatest Super-Villains' by Robert Greenberger is an encyclopedia of famous DC villains and their greatest story lines.

From Adolph Hitler to Vandal Savage, this is a collection of villains and the story lines they are known for. Some entries only reference one story-line. Joker has six. Along the way, I learned that the term "fridging," where a female character is killed off to provide motivation, comes from the comics. There are cosmic battles and personal grudges galore. Each entry talks about the villain, then has pages from the stories mentioned.

These books are a lot of fun, both for remembering famous story lines, and finding new ones to discover. I like the selection of villains, even if there are a few oddballs along the way (Master Mind anyone?)

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


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Kingdom of Needle and Bone

author: Mira Grant
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/05
date added: 2019/08/05
shelves:
review:
'The Kingdom of Needle and Bone' by Mira Grant is a short novel about a horrifying subject right from our headlines.

A medical doctor vaccinates her niece before her niece heads out on vacation. Her parting words are cautionary words to the parents to avoid the theme park as they are full of disease. Her niece gets sick with a new strain of sickness and dies before the vaccine takes hold. The aunt is left with grief and a resolve to protect people, even if it's against their wills.

This is a story about a horrible disease. It's also a good cautionary tale. Mira Grant writes characters that feel pretty real. Her situations seem pretty plausible to me as well. This is a timely story.

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


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Bruce Lee

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.20
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/05
date added: 2019/08/05
shelves: non-fiction, childrens
review:
'Bruce Lee' by Ma Isabel Sanchez Vegara with art by Kim Hyeon Ju is a picture book in the Little People, Big Dreams series.

Bruce Lee was born in San Francisco, but grew up in Hong Kong. He was a kind of lazy student, but picked up skills along the way, like acting and dancing the cha-cha. He brought those skills back to the States and started a karate school. After the tv series he was in got cancelled, he went on to make iconic movies.

At the end of the book is a timeline of Bruce Lee's all too brief life. The story is a good one about finding your way in the world. I love the bright large pictures. This continues to be a really fun series.

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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Sartre

author: Mathilde Ramadier
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.12
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2019/08/05
date added: 2019/08/05
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Sartre' by Mathilde Ramadier with art by Anais Depmmier is a subpar biographical graphic novel. If you decide to read it, you'd best know something about the subject at hand.

The philosopher of existentialism is the subject of this graphic novel. There are some facts about his life, like how he met his life companion Simone de Beauvoir. His history of publications is mentioned, as well as some of the notable people in his life, like Albert Camus and Jean Genet.

What is missing is a basic understanding of why he is important. There is some talk about what he was fighting for, and his on and off relationship with the group of people in his life, but missing is an overarching sense of why he might be considered important. Which is a shame.

The art is quite good, and I enjoyed the range of facial expression of Sartre, Beauvoir and other characters. It's too bad you have to have a better understanding of this character to get much out of this graphic novel.

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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Emiline: Knight in Training

author: Kimberli Johnson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.22
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2019/08/04
date added: 2019/08/04
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Emiline: Knight in Training' with words and art by Kimberli Johnson is about a young girl training to be a knight and the problems she is having.

Emiline is a young child training to be a knight. We don't know why because we just get dropped in to the story. The young knights are trying to learn things, but Emiline is hindered because she has trouble reading. Emiline is good at other things. Can she be good at reading too?

I didn't realize that this was a #1 in the series, because it felt like there should have been a bit more lead-in to the story. The art is a bit too cutesy for me. So was the story. I like the idea of a story about learning to read, but this story felt lacking.

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


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The Natural World: See the World as Never Before

author: John Farndon
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.89
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/04
date added: 2019/08/04
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Bird's Eye View: The Natural World' by John Farndon with illustrations by Paul Boston is a non-fiction look at the world from a unique perspective.

Have you ever wondered what the world looks like to birds? In this book the different continents are explored from way up high. Starting in Florida and heading West, this book explores the terrain, habitats and animals that make up our world.

The paintings in book are landscape and two-page, but occasionally there are 4-page layouts. There are lots of details on every page, and there are things to look for on the pages.
The text is nice as well. Helping young children to get a bigger grasp on the world we live in by changing perspective is a really nice approach. I enjoyed getting a chance to review this book.

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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Null Faeries, Volume 1: Dust Pilot Down

author: Chad Cicconi
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.00
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2019/08/04
date added: 2019/08/04
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Null Faeries, Volume 1: Dust Pilot Down' with story and art by Chad Cicconi is a graphic novel about faeries and what can happen when they lose their magic.

Ionantha Hesperis is a great soldier of the Faerie Queen until her powers are stripped away and she is almost killed. Now years later, she is still around and trying to solve a mystery. What she finds is an adult who can actually see faerie and may be a threat.

I think this graphic novel exists just to have scantily clad figures because the story was just not very good. At first, it was about faeries taking children's teeth, so I mistook as possibly being for children, but then I found the hinted scenes of faeries sharing magic by basically having sex. The art is not bad, but just not my thing. The story is just not all that interesting and it was easy to figure out some of the twists.

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.


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Vessel

author: Lisa A. Nichols
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.48
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2019/08/04
date added: 2019/08/04
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'Vessel' by Lisa A. Nichols is a debut novel and the July pick for my book club.

When Catherine Wells contacts NASA, no one can believe it's her. Her ship hasn't been heard from in 6 years on it's mission to Trapper-1f. Catherine is the sole survivor and has no memory of what happened or even how she got back in her ship headed for home.

When she arrives on Earth, things aren't easy. Her husband appears to have moved on and her daughter is much older. This is only the beginning of her problems as Catherine battles weird blackouts and a suspicious co-worker.

It's a quick read, and I liked it, but there are better stories about women astronauts out there. This year's Nebula winner, for example. The science is ok, but there are things that feel more like gimmicks to serve a plot than things that are plausible. To be honest, this kind of felt like a science fiction novel written for folks who don't read a lot of science fiction.


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Tosca (Tosca, #1)

author: Teresa Radice
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/04/28
date added: 2019/08/04
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Tosca #1' by Teresa Radice with illustrations by Stefano Turconi is a story where the title character is a supporting character, but it's still a good one.

Lucilla is a princess with a destiny. Her destiny would seem to be to get pushed around by servants and to marry someone she doesn't care for. When a young thief runs away from a royal banquet, Lucilla chases her and finds herself outside the castle for the first time. She meets orphans Tosca and Rinaldo. Rinaldo wants to be a poet and Tosca is an adventuring Robin Hood. Back in the castle, Lucilla overhears plans to overthrow her father's kingdom. Can her new friends help her?

I really liked this story, and the art was full of color and was really very nice. I found out afterwards that Tosca is the star of this series, and I liked her character a lot, so I'd love to read more of this series.

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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Scorpia: The Graphic Novel (Alex Rider: The Graphic Novels, #5)

author: Antony Johnston
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.27
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2019/08/03
date added: 2019/08/03
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Scorpia: The Graphic Novel' by Antony Johnston and Anthony Horowitz with art by Emma Vieceli is the 5th graphic novel based on the Alex Rider graphic novel series.

Alex is on a class trip to Italy, but he is also following up on the one word clue he's been given previously: Scorpia. What he finds is a shadow organization that may have had ties to his father. Alex wants to find out more. When he gets recruited in to Scorpia, they want to train him to be a killer, but he doesn't want to. They send him on a mission to MI6 to assassinate, but what will Alex do?

I'm familiar with this series, but I've not read any of them. The story is fine, but seems a bit morally ambiguous. Alex seems confused about who he is, but he's a teenager, so is suppose that is normal. I found the art to be lacking, and very unimpressive. The story is also dialogue heavy at times, and that made it feel ponderous to read.

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


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Dead Kings Volume 1

author: Steve Orlando
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.43
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/03
date added: 2019/08/03
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Dead Kings Vol. 1' by Steve Orlando with art by Matthew Dow Smith is a graphic novel set in a futuristic or alternate Russia, I couldn't tell which.

Sasha has a twin brother named Gena. Gena has been sent to prison for being a degenerate, and Sasha is determined to break his brother out. The problem is that Sacha isn't as tough as he seems, so he will need help. He finds it in former soldier Steel Mary. Steel Mary fought in the wars with a metal flying suit. The story is mainly of Steel Mary trying to find her heart again and Sasha finding his courage.

I'll admit, at first, I was not impressed, but by the end, I ended up liking this story. The art is a little clunky, but it had appeal. The characters felt fully fleshed and I liked the character journey of Steel Mary. I'd love to read more of her story.

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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