I Dream of a Journey

author: Akiko Miyakoshi
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.06
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2020/03/31
date added: 2020/03/31
shelves: childrens
review:
'I Dream of a Journey' with story and art by Akiko Miyakoshi is a picture book about a hotel owner who travels vicariously.

The Innkeeper has guests from all over the world. They tell him stories and send him postcards, and someday he wants to go too. So badly that he dreams about it.

I'm a big fan of Akiko Miyakoshi's thoughtful picture books. They express feelings that children have, but may not be expressed in other books, and they have quiet, introspective pictures and moments. The pictures are melancholy and beautiful.

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


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Canto, Vol 1: If I Only Had a Heart

author: David M. Booher
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/31
date added: 2020/03/31
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Canto, Vol 1: If I Only Had a Heart' by David M. Booher with art by Drew Zucker is the story of a small mechanical knight on a quest to find a heart.

Canto is a windup knight in the land of Arcana. His people have been enslaved for years, but when a tin girl's clock heart is damaged, Canto builds up the courage to venture out in to the world. There he meets strange allies, travels along a yellow brick road to an emerald tower to face off against an enemy that holds the world in power.

I really liked this story of a little hero with huge determination. I liked the unusual allies he made along the way. I also liked the sly references to the Wizard of Oz. The art is fun with unusual creatures and a worn down world.

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


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Bloodshot (2019) Book 2 (Bloodshot (2019-))

author: Tim Seeley
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.00
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2020/03/31
date added: 2020/03/31
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Bloodshot Book 2' by Tim Seeley with art by Brett Booth collects issues 4-6 of the current series along with a one shot of different era Bloodshots having a day out.

Bloodshot is a one man wrecking crew, but now is teamed up with a group of secretive folk called the Burned. Bloodshot goes to save someone from his past and finds himself in New York at a horror convention.

It's all a bit uneven and it's hard to feel like there is any danger from heroes who are completely indestructible. The art isn't bad. I just want a more interesting story from this character. Maybe there isn't one.

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


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Lola: A Ghost Story

author: J. Torres
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.55
book published: 2009
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/28
date added: 2020/03/28
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Lola: A Ghost Story' by J. Torres with illustrations by Elbert Or is a graphic novel about a young boy with a gift that his grandmother have, but it probably doesn't feel like a gift.

Jesse travels with his family back to the Philippines for the funeral of his grandmother, or Lola. She was an unusual woman who could see the dead. Her grandson Jesse discovers he has the same gift, when he begins seeing his dead cousin. The cousin has a task for him to do, but is it a trap?

I liked this story of family and ghosts. The story builds nicely, and I liked the included glossary of the different types of ghosts and monsters in the culture. The art is nice too, but I wish that it had been full color.

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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Modern Speed

author: Blutch
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2002
rating: 2
read at: 2020/03/28
date added: 2020/03/28
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Modern Speed' with art and story by Blutch is a strange fever-dream of a story that takes place with a dancer and her would be biographer.

When we meet Lola, she is a dancer rehearsing for a demanding role. She meets a woman named Renee who introduces herself as a writer and wants to follow her around a write about her. What follows is a strange evening, where every door that opens brings another bizarre surprise in Lola's life, like her philandering father and his odd art projects, or the masked hoodlums who keep following them around.

I admit to not really getting this one. I tried to just go with the flow, but it eventually felt pointless, which is too bad. I usually like weird stories. It reminded me a bit of the Griffin Dunne movie 'After Hours.' Just not enough to recommend. I did like the art style with it's elongated lines and weirdly deformed male characters.

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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Snoopy: First Beagle in Space (PEANUTS AMP Series Book 14): A PEANUTS Collection

author: Charles M. Schulz
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.42
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/28
date added: 2020/03/28
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Snoopy: First Beagle in Space' by Charles M. Schulz is the 14th collection by Andrews McMeel Publishing.

These collections are repackaged and colorized version of the daily strips with the Sundays included. There are a series of moon related comics, including ones about moon landers running in to Snoopy's relative Spike. Also, Charlie Brown sells peanuts at Peppermint Patty's baseball game, but he really wants to pitch. Snoopy and his scout troop get lost, then Charlie Brown gets lost when he goes to find them.

These are fun collections, but sometimes the strips can feel dated. This time around they don't. In a fun afterword, some really old strips are included with more moon related gags.

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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The Awkward Yeti Presents: How I Broke Up with My Colon: Fascinating, Bizarre, and True Health Stories

author: Nick Seluk
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/27
date added: 2020/03/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Awkward Yeti Presents: How I Broke Up with My Colon' by Nick Seluk is an illustrated collection of stories from people illustrated including the famous internal illustrations from The Awkward Yeti.

The stories range from freakish injuries, like getting a kernel of popcorn lodged under a tongue, or getting and injury that causes someone to lose their sense of smell, to the bizarre, like a person born with internal organs in the wrong place. There are also stories of doctors and shark bites and other things.

The stories are sometimes a bit gruesome, but they are all light and most are pretty funny. The illustrations are pretty amusing, although some are a bit gross. I had a lot of fun reading this 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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Aion

author: Ludovic Rio
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.37
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/25
date added: 2020/03/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Aion' with story and art by Ludovic Rio is an atmospheric story set on a strange planet with characters with interesting agendas.

Captain Lexi Neel is woken from hypersleep by a distress call from a moon named Aion. On landing, she finds the long dead body of a scientist and an expressionless android who seems to have other plans for her. She learns of the scientists research left in cryptic notes, and his ultimate plan.

I really liked this story. It's a bit on the simple side, but I loved the mood. I really liked the art as well.

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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Artifact One Volume 1 (Artifact One, #0-3)

author: J.T. Krul
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2020/03/25
date added: 2020/03/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Artifact One Volume 1' by J.T. Krul with art by Romina Moranelli is a story about a strange world and a clash between religion and science.

Remi is a relic hunter on a strange world. One day she finds a very unusual artifact and takes it back to her father. The village leaders find Remi and her father to be heretical, and Remi finds herself on the run. She finds a place to hide and a new life, and discovers something really strange about the world she lives on.

The story about religion versus science is familiar and a bit heavy handed. The story does have some twists and turns, and by the end, I was interested to find out where this story will go. The art is beautiful in style and color.

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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The Children

author: Jean-Philippe Stassen
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.33
book published: 2004
rating: 2
read at: 2020/03/24
date added: 2020/03/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Children' with art and story by Jean-Philippe Stassen is a story about children in a warzone.

Boys in a wartorn unnamed country spend their days weaving baskets and fantasizing about the blonde aide worker there to help them. At night, the smoke and drink and steal to cope with the horrors around them. Their tongues are sharp to others and each other. They talk a big game, but have nothing going for them.

I understand where this story should have gone, but there is nothing much happening except dialogue amongst these mostly unlikeable boys. It was hard to feel anything positive about these kids or to even feel much empathy. The art is really dark, like the cover of the book, maybe to match the heart 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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Welcome! (Mr. Ash Tuesday #1)

author: Éric Liberge
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.62
book published: 1998
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/24
date added: 2020/03/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Mr. Ash Tuesday 1. Welcome' with art and story by Eric Liberge is an odd story of the afterlife and the chaos of Purgatory.

When Victor Tourtelle trips on a toy car and dies, he finds himself in the afterlife. He is now a skeleton, as are everyone around him. He is processed and given a new name based on the day he died, Ash Tuesday. Now Victor/Ash is just trying to figure out his new place in this weird world.

I really liked this odd, dark story. The humor is sharp and weird. The illustrations were amazing, and I loved lots of the background details.

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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Knights Temporal, Vol. 1

author: Cullen Bunn
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.57
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/22
date added: 2020/03/22
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Knights Temporal, Vol. 1' by Cullen Bunn with art by Fran Galan is the story of a Templar knight caught in a time warp.

Disgraced knight Auguste de Riviere has returned from the Crusdades. He pursues a sorceror into the woods and gets lost in time. Forced to live through many eras and always in pursuit of the sorceror. He is accompanied by a woman named Jane Foole, but her purpose in this is murky, as are the rules of this odd world Auguste finds himself in.

I liked the idea behind this story, and I think it works pretty well. The resolution is about what I expected, but the ride was fun. Fran Galan's art is good. I like how he made Auguste's looks just a bit different in different era.

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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Cayrels Ring

author: Shannon W Lentz
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/03/21
date added: 2020/03/21
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Cayrels Ring' from A Wave Blue World Publishing is a series of 17 stories by Shannon W. Lentz with art and color by a variety of artists.

Humanity has colonized the Cayrels Ring galaxy many years ago, but there is still a lot to explore. The stories that weave throughout include one of a grandfather looking for his lost granddaughter. One is about explorers on one of the planets who find something that shouldn't be there. There are hapless aliens forced to work and die for their wages.

There are more questions than answers here. Most of the stories don't seem to complete, and even have open and abrupt endings. Some characters show up in other stories. It can be a bit frustrating for a reader who likes a defined story arc, but I found it interesting enough to keep reading. The art is consistently good throughout and channels the work of Moebius at times. I'm curious to know if this will make better sense going forward.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from A Wave Blue World in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Evonne Goolagong

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.47
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/21
date added: 2020/03/21
shelves: childrens
review:
'Evonne Goolagong' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Lisa Koesterke is about the famous Australian tennnis player.

Evonne, a descendant of the Wirundjuri people, grew up in a large family on a dusty farm. When she found a tennis ball, her dreams of tennis began, but as an Indigenous person, getting to play in a tennis club was not allowed. She caught some breaks along the way, and eventually became a world star of tennis.

I liked this story of dreams and determination. The illustrations were fun, and I liked the biography section that is at the end of this entire 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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Astrid Lindgren

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.27
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/21
date added: 2020/03/21
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Astrid Lindgren' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Linzie Hunter is a book for young readers about the famous author.

Astrid Lindgren grew up on a farm and had such a happy childhood that she didn't want to grow up. She discovered books, had children and one night told her daughter a story about a character that her daughter named: Pippi Longstocking.

This is such a great series, and I gladly review every one I can get my hands on. This one has bright, happy illustrations.

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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The Sunken Tower

author: Tait Howard
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.86
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/21
date added: 2020/03/21
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Sunken Tower' with story and art by Tait Howard is about a group of adventurers trying to make an escape.

Dig is on his way to the the market when his bag breaks. To make things worse, he is captured by Blood Cultists and taken into a cave. His cellmates Iana and Crina have a plan and with Dig's magic power, they decided to make their escape.

This was a fun quick read. I liked the odd characters and the bright colorful art. I'm sure there could be more adventures with these characters, and I'd gladly read them.

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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X-O Manowar by Matt Kindt Deluxe Edition Book 2

author: Matt Kindt
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/03/20
date added: 2020/03/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'X-O Manowar Deluxe Edition Book 2' by Matt Kindt and art by Trevor Hairsine, Juan Jose Ryp, and Tomas Giorello is an omnibus collection that collects issues 15-26 in three smaller collections: Barbarians, Agent, and Hero.

In the 304 pages here, the story goes from the distant past to a weird sort of present (with robots!). X-O has flashbacks of his past, helps recover a kidnapped alien princess, and fights off alien marauders who would try to steal his armor. In the end, can a man like this ever find peace?

I had previously read the middle section of issues and reviewed them. There is a lot of story here, and since most of it has been published, then collected and republished, I guess the only thing that makes it deluxe is a bit of additional content and a hardcover binding. The art varies over the course of the collection, and some I definitely liked more than others.

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


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Mezek (Mezek, #1)

author: Yann
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2011
rating: 3
read at: 2020/03/20
date added: 2020/03/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Mezek #1' by Yann with art by Andre Juillard is about mercenary pilots flying for Israel in 1948.

As Israel fights to become a country, it becomes necessary to hire skilled pilots from the recent war in Europe to fly the various planes they can find. The main plane is the Mezek a Czech version of the German Messerschmitt. The planes are finicky, have blind spots on landing, but the pilots are aces with them, until a series of accidents starts killing other pilots. The story follows a pilot name Bjorn from Sweden who has his own secrets from the recent war.

The story is ok, but feels a bit flat and stiff. So does the art. I'm glad I read it because I didn't know about this story from history and I found it interesting.

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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Melvile: The Story of Samuel Beauclair

author: Romain Renard
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/03/20
date added: 2020/03/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Melvile: The Story of Samuel Beauclair' with art and story by Romain Renard is a story of a writer returning to a small town to find inspiration.

Sam Beauclair is a successful author who is on the hook for his second book. His wife is pregnant and the financial pressures on his life make him take an odd job painting a house. He knows nothing about house painting, but he forms a relationship with the guy who has hired him as well as the guy's younger sister. Sam's past is about to be discovered, and his new friends will find their loyalties tested.

I liked this story and the painted art style. There are pages that have a bit more text, and I found those kind of pulled me out of the story, but this was a decent read, and I'm glad I got a chance to read it.

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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Wonder Woman: Spirit of Truth

author: Paul Dini
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2001
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/20
date added: 2020/03/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
This is part of a series by painter Alex Ross. I have the Superman volume and I've read the Batman one, but missed this one along the way. When it showed up in Hoopla with my library, I thought it was time to correct that.

Unlike the rest of the series, Wonder Woman doesn't really have an alter ego. So this story is more about her developing a way to observe and help without standing out. As stories go, it's not bad because we see Wonder Woman as a kind of outsider, and see her learning how to gain trust.

The real reason to read these is the fabulous painted art by Alex Ross. His work is stunning here, as is typical. To see these 4-color heroes in a full palette of paint is fun for a long time comics fan. I enjoyed this one.


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If...

author: Sarah Perry
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.29
book published: 1995
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/14
date added: 2020/03/14
shelves: childrens
review:
'If...' by Sarah Perry is a picture book that makes the reader pause and think, and has done so for 25 years!

The whimsical cover of a tree with leaves made of fish drew me in. From there, I was introduced to flying cats and magnetic turtles and other wonders. Each page offered strange wonders and and an open ended sentence, like 'If dogs were mountains....' Imagination and creativity abounds here and encourages the reader to think differently.

The book ends with a readers' guide into The Secrets of If.... The pictures are ones you might just pass over, then you notice the odd details. I really enjoyed pausing to read this.

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


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The World Book of Records (Guide mondial des records (Le))

author: Tonino Benacquista
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.20
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/03/14
date added: 2020/03/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The World Book of Records' by Tonino Bencquista with art by Nicholas Barral is a graphic novel about a man with a job measuring unusual records.

Paul Baron works at a publication which tracks world records. He spends his days watching people eat hot dogs and twirl batons. He fields countless requests by folks with feats they think will make them famous. But there are those he denies, and they see Paul in a different way. One man sees a diabolical way to make his name famous.

I liked story of a guy who seems really tired at his job and the unusually hopeful people who approach him. The art was nice and worked. This was a good read.

I received a review copy of 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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How Comics Work

author: Dave Gibbons
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.26
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2020/03/14
date added: 2020/03/14
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'How Comics Work' by Dave Gibbons and Tim Pilcher is a practical look at all the aspects it takes to create a comic book.

Chapter headings include scriptwriting, sequential storytelling, lettering, and design. Within these are subjects like page markup, character and costume design, and pacing and movement. Dave Gibbon's years of experience in the industry shines through with lots of examples from his own work on titles like The Watchmen. Each chapter includes an article about an influence on Dave in that area, so there is Wally Wood for art and Frank Miller for storytelling.

I've read a few books on comics art, but not one that lays out everything from the script to the front cover. The writing is good and the included illustrations really show what's involved. I really enjoyed reading this one.

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


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Kamo: Pact with the Spirit World Manga Volume 3 (English)

author: Ban Zarbo
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/03/14
date added: 2020/03/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Kamo: Pact with the Spirit World Manga Volume 3' by Ban Zarbo continues the story of Kamo and Crimson, the spirit he's made a deal with.

This time around, we get some back story on Crimson's past, and Kamo is in a bad place and about to get worse as he goes from seeing spirits to being one himself.

I like this strange supernatural series. The art is good and the spirit characters are really strange looking.

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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Red Rising: Sons of Ares, Vol. 2: Wrath

author: Pierce Brown
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.82
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/03/09
date added: 2020/03/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Red Rising: Sons of Ares, Vol. 2: Wrath' by Pierce Brown and Rik Hoskin with art by Eli Powell is a graphic novel continues the story of Ares in this prequel series from the Red Rising novel series.

Ares is out for revenge on the society that wronged him and killed the love of his life. This time around he is blackmailed into working for Quicksilver, Arturius is out to get him, and his son Sevro is in danger.

The story expands on the first one, but I liked the nature of the first book a bit better because I felt like the story flowed a bit better. The art is still not my preferred style with it's looser graphic style.

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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Invincible - Volume 1: Justice and Fresh Vegetables

author: Pascal Jousselin
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.48
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2018/11/17
date added: 2020/03/07
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Invincible Vol. 1: Justice and Fresh Vegetables' by Pascal Jousselin was a fun approach to breaking the fourth wall and playing with perspective.

Invincible is an odd hero. In a series of panels, he can reach in to future panels and fight crime. This means things are moving vertically between panels like a stolen work of art. In one gag, a cat in a tree is brought down by Invincible reaching down in to the tree from a panel above. Along the way, he meets a young hero who has two dimensional powers named Toodee who can play with objects in the background of a frame.

I thought it was a lot of fun. The pages work best seeing them all together, and there is a lot of play with the art and panel layout. I liked Invincible's costume which consisted of a series of boxes like comic page panels.

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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Civil War Adventure: Book Two

author: Chuck Dixon
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2016/12/20
date added: 2020/03/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Civil War Adventure: Book Two' by Chuck Dixon and Gary Kwapisz continues the series of illustrated real life and fictional accounts of the civil war.

The book starts with a map of America in 1860. Then there is a timeline of the war with the stories put in the timeline when they take place. We meet a soldier so dedicated to his cannon that he has named it, but that may be his undoing. We get more of the continuing adventures of Ty and Seth, a couple of Union soldiers under Stonewall Jackson. Brigadier General Custer faces off against John Singleton Mosby, aka the Gray Ghost. There are more stories too.

The art is in black and white, but it fits really well. I also like the mix of true stories with ones written by the authors. The mix also gives it a nice anthology feel, with different types of stories and moods. I enjoyed the first volume and this one was just as good.

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


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A Hell of an Innocent

author: Zidrou
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.39
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2020/03/02
date added: 2020/03/02
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'A Hell of an Innocent' by Zidrou with art by Berthet Philippe is about an old crime, and the ghosts that come along with that.

27 years ago in a small Australian town, a woman was murdered. Now the owner of a local candy store dies and leaves behind his confession. This brings his brother Mark out of hiding. You see, Mark was the one accused. The only problem is the dead woman, his ex-wife, is plaguing him wherever he goes.

I liked this noir story of the past and how it haunts us. The art was a nice clean style and I really liked it.

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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Gideon the Ninth (The Locked Tomb, #1)

author: Tamsyn Muir
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2020/03/01
date added: 2020/03/01
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'Gideon the Ninth' by Tamsyn Muir was the February pick by my book club. My initial impression of the book made me want to pass, but I'm so glad I didn't.

It is the grim and moldering future. 9 houses are all rotting from within when they get a call from the undying emperor to attend a meeting/test. The ninth house is in need of a cavalier to accompany their necromancer and the task falls on the unlikely Gideon Nev who has received so much abuse at her captor's hands that she has developed a bad attitude and sheer tenacity. Now she is a fish out of water in a world beyond her experience, and now people around her are dying.

I loved this book. The wordsmithing is strong here, and character and world building are rich. Gideon is an unstable narrator, and the things we see and understand are tainted by her limited experience with others. Every word seems intentional. If I had one complaint, it might be that the epic fight at the end goes on a bit long, but I'm still glad I decided to read this, and I'm rooting for it this award season.


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Marvin: Based on the Way I Was by Marvin Hamlisch

author: Ian David Marsden
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/01
date added: 2020/03/01
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'Marvin: Based on The Way I Was by Marvin Hamlisch' is adapted by Ian David Marsden and has art by him as well.

This is the story of young Marvin Hamlisch. At age 6, he entered Juilliard. His Jewish parents had fled Vienna and wanted their young child to be successful. All the pressure caused Marvin to have stomach problems. Also, he preferred playing show tunes. This is how he got his first jobs composing and the famous people he met along the way.

It's a pretty great story. I was inspired by this talented man's story. The illustrations are fun. For a graphic novel, it's quite wordy, so if this if for younger readers, they may become bored with the word to graphic ratio. I still really enjoyed reading this one.

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


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A Love For The Ages

author: Daniel Pennac
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.18
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2020/03/01
date added: 2020/03/01
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'A Love for the Ages' by Daniel Pennac with art by Florence Cestac is a graphic novel about an epic love story, as told by the man who knew them.

The framing story has Daniel Pennac meeting his artist friend Florence Cestac in a cafe to pitch her a chance to draw a love story. It's about Jean and Germaine, a couple that Daniel knew. Jean was a duke who married a commoner. He gave up much to follow his heart. In Germaine he found someone who loved book and naps and laughter (as well as disasters in the kitchen).

It's a humorously told story (Cestac draws all her characters with huge noses), but it's got it's tender and touching moments as well. The art is kind of ridiculous, but fits the comical 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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Babyteeth, Vol. 1: Born

author: Donny Cates
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2020/03/01
date added: 2020/03/01
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Babyteeth, Vol. 1: Born' by Donny Cates with art by Garry Brown is a graphic novel about an unusual teenage pregnancy. Very unusual.

Sadie Ritter is pregnant with the antichrist. She narrates the story from sometime in the future, and refers to killers and a demonic raccoon, but those details aren't as weird as giving birth to the child who will end the world. The child develops weird feeding habits which could threaten Sadie's life. Fortunately, Sadie has the support of her oddly dysfunctional family to help her through things.

It's a strange subject for a story, and it's been done before, but maybe not as sensationally. The art is interesting, but a bit unfinished looking for my tastes. I will read the second volume to see where the story goes from here.

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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