Jazz Club

author: Alexandre Clérisse
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.83
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/30
date added: 2020/12/30
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Jazz Club' with story and art by Alexandre Clerisse is a werid graphic novel about a former saxophone player and the end of the world.

Norman was a good saxophone player until he is singled out and kidnapped to join a madman's jazz band to play out the new millennium in 30 years. In the following 30 years, Norman loses his ability to play, but that doesn't seem to stop people from appreciating his music.

This is a trippy story. I liked the sparseness of it and the odd characters. The art really fits the craziness of the whole thing.

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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Adventureman, Vol. 1: The End and Everything After

author: Matt Fraction
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/27
date added: 2020/12/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Adventureman, Vol. 1: The End and Everything After' by Matt Fraction with art by Terry Dodson is a graphic novel about a fictional team of heroes that may or may not be all that fictional.

Claire and her son are fans of Adventureman. They read and collect the adventures. Claire starts to find weird things happening to her and around her. Her lifelong hearing loss is suddenly healed, and now there is a building in the city that was never there before but looks very familiar.

When it was all said and done, I liked it, but it took over half for me to warm to it. Once I did, I enjoyed the ride. The art was a lot of fun and I really liked the perspectives and angles to it.

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


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Elton John

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/27
date added: 2020/12/27
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Elton John' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Sophie Beer is the 50th volume in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series.

As a child, Elton John was a prodigy on the piano. This got him a scholarship study classical music, and while Elton was there, he liked writing rock and roll music. He learned he wasn't as good at the lyrics, but found a partner who was.

I liked this bright, colorful biography of Elton John. This is such a fun series, and the artist really did a great job with the illustrations. There are lots of fun details in the art.

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


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Queen of the Sea

author: Dylan Meconis
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/26
date added: 2020/12/26
shelves: graphic-novels, young-adult
review:
'Queen of the Sea' with story and art by Dylan Meconis is a historical fiction graphic novel inspired somewhat by true events.

Margaret lives on an island in a convent. She has lived there since she was little and since she is a child, she is free to roam and discover the secrets of the island and its inhabitants. She learns that many of the women on the island are banished there by politics. The Queen Eleanor of Albion is banished the island, Margaret becomes friends with her, but then Margaret learns a secret about her ownself that may threaten Eleanor.

I liked this story of island life and political intrigue. The story is sprawling at 400 pages, some of them more packed with words, but the whole thing kept my interest. From the charming art, to the lettering. I liked how the art changed for Margaret's flashback and explanation sections.

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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The Silent Invasion, Red Shadows

author: Larry Hancock
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.28
book published: 1999
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/26
date added: 2020/12/26
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Silent Invasion: Red Shadows' by Larry Hancock with art by Michael Cherkas is a cult-classic graphic novel from a few decades past full of mystery and paranoia.

Matt Sinkage is a reporter in a town in the 1950s. He is intrigued by a woman in trouble, which leads him to a group of conspiring communists. His involvement with her leads to interest by the FBI, and he ends up being suspected of being a sympathizer. To add to the weirdness, there are UFOs and people that Matt knows who are just not acting normal.

Originally published in the late 1980s, I liked the vibe of the book. It was a good nostalgic look at the kind of comics I was sometimes reading. Does it hold up 30+ years later? Not so much. The story pace feels a bit sluggish, but the art has a cool 1980s look to it.

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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B-Squad Volume 1: Conspiracy in Cambodia

author: Eben Burgoon
name: Wayne
average rating: 1.00
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2020/12/24
date added: 2020/12/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'B-Squad Volume 1: Conspiracy in Cambodia' by Eben Burgoon with art by Sean Sutter is a graphic novel with a group of mercenaries where no character is safe from getting killed.

The premise of this series is a rotating group of mercenaries that are expendable, so the reader better not get too familiar with. The premise is ridiculous as are the missions and cast of characters. It all seems like a possible winning idea.

Except it's not. It's hard to care about the characters or even what they are doing. I read it without really caring about anything that happened or even thinking it was all that clever.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Starburns Industries Press, 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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Adventures in the Respiratory System

author: Alexander Lowe
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/24
date added: 2020/12/24
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'Adventures in the Respiratory System' by Alexander Lowe with illustrations by Sebastian Kadlecik is another graphic novel adventure of the Bod Squad.

Sam breathes in some dust, which is going to make him sneeze, and the rest of the Bod Squad shrinks down to see how his respiratory sytem works. They learn how the bronchi work as well as the way the body filters out germs.

I like this fun series about kids learning how systems of the body work. There is a lot to learn and this is a good introductory method. The illustrations are fun and the books have extra information like further reading lists and glossaries of terms.

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


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Ayrton Senna

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/24
date added: 2020/12/24
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Ayrton Senna' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Alex G. Griffiths is a biography of a person who liked to drive fast, and who is, tragically, no longer with us.

When he was only four, Ayrton Senna's father gave him a go-kart. There was no looking back. Ayrton liked to go fast and he liked to win. That led him to a career as a Formula One driver. He was also concerned with safety for himself and other drivers.

I'm not a fan of Formula One, so I was not familiar with Ayrton Senna or his accomplishments. As with other books in this series, there is a unique artist for each, and Alex G. Griffiths does a great job illustrating a young boy who liked to go fast.

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


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High Heaven: The Austerity Gospel

author: Tom Peyer
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.09
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/20
date added: 2020/12/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'High Heaven: The Austerity Gospel' by Tom Peyer with art by Greg Scott is a graphic novel about a chronic complainer who dies and ends up having even more to complain about.

David Weathers is killed by a safe and ends up in heaven. His complaining gets him to the head of the line and he's assigned his dwelling. It turns out, for David Weathers, that heaven is pretty mediocre. He has to share a room and the food is subpar vending machine food. He is helped by some angels, including Michael, in a scheme to escape, but sometimes in the end, we get what we deserve.

While it doesn't match my view of heaven, it's and interesting take on how even heaven doesn't like chronic complainers. The art is pretty good, too.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Ahoy 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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American Terrorist

author: Tyler Chin-Tanner
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.21
book published: 2011
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/19
date added: 2020/12/19
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'American Terrorist' by Tyler Chin-Tanner and Wendy Chin-Tanner with art by Andy MacDonald is a graphic novel written about 10 years ago that still feels pretty current.

The story follows four Americans from different walks of life who end up together. One is a reporter, one is a teacher, one is a civil rights lawyer and one is an EPA scientist. Through an accident, they find themselves on the run with the US government chasing them. Along the way, they meet other disaffected folks that help them with shelter and escapes.

I get where this graphic novel is going, but it does feel a bit overly one-sided and blunt. It does still pretty current though, so maybe it was on to something. The art was just ok. Nothing really stood out.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from A Wave Blue World, 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 Hookah Girl: And Other True Stories

author: Marguerite Dabaie
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.95
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/19
date added: 2020/12/19
shelves: non-fiction, graphic-novels
review:
'The Hookah Girl and Other True Stories' with words and art by Marguerite Dabaie is a graphic novel about being Palestinian in a culture that misunderstands your culture.

Taking on culture and stereotypes head on, this is a look at what it's like when you do and don't fit the stereotypes. It's also about the weird things your friends eat and how they judge you for eating grape leaves. Since the author is perceived to be white, she hears the racist jokes that others make.

I really appreciate a look at other cultures. This is done here in a friendly and informative style. We all have differences, but we also have similarities among our many cultures. I'm glad I got to read this graphic novel.

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


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Edison: The Mystery of the Missing Mouse Treasure

author: Torben Kuhlmann
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/19
date added: 2020/12/19
shelves: childrens
review:
'Edison: The Mystery of the Missing Mouse Treasure' with story and art by Torben Kuhlmann continues the series of lavishly illustrated books about mice who seem connected to great figures in history.

A young mouse goes to his professor when he learns of a sunken treasure his grandfather left him. The mice work to invent something that will take them to a shipwreck and the treasure promised. What they find at the bottom of the sea is not your ordinary treasure.

These are interesting stories, but don't have a ton of tie in with the famous figures, so while the book is titled Edison, he is kind of a background character. The illustrations are amazing and they are detailed. I really like the illustration style and these would be fun books for younger readers.

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


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Artist Toolbox: Drawing Tools & Materials: A practical guide to graphite, charcoal, colored pencil, and more

author: Walter Foster Creative Team
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.40
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/19
date added: 2020/12/19
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Artist Toolbox: Drawing Tools & Materials' by Elizabeth T. Gilbert is a short, but informative, introduction to different tools for different mediums of art.

The book starts with setting up a drawing workspace, then discusses different mediums and the best types of papers to use for each. Drawing tools are discussed. Pencils and grades, sketching pencils, charcoal, and pastels are covered as well as variants. There are examples of what can be achieved with each, and the book ends with some step by step projects using many of the tools discussed.

I like these short but informative guides from Walter Foster. They give enough information to help guide decisions. The art included shows results and the instructions are clear.

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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Love: A Discovery in Comics

author: Margreet de Heer
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.39
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/17
date added: 2020/12/17
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Love: A Discovery in Comics' by Margreet de Heer is a series of comics exploring love in it's different types and phases.

Love is a big subject, but it gets taken on here. There are many types of love, and those are defined. The book mainly focuses on eros, or romantic, love. The story follows a couple as they meet and are happy forever, until they aren't.

I had fun reading this one. The topic is covered in a fun way and the illustrations are good. I don't know how memorable it all is a couple days after reading it.

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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Wrapped Up Vol 1

author: Dave Scheidt
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.62
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/14
date added: 2020/12/14
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Wrapped-Up Vol. 1' by Dave Scheidt with Scoot McMahon and various artists is a graphic novel with a series of stories about a young mummy who really likes pizza.

Milo, a young mummy, lives in an unusual family. He's got a best friend who is a wizard and an older sister who looks out for him. In the series of stories, Milo has to find an enchanted pepperoni, battle an army of cats, and fight off a kaiju while on a field trip with his class.

I had fun reading this graphic novel. The stories are short, but imaginative. There are lots of characters, but they are all managed pretty well. Various artists are used, but the book has continuity in the look is has.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Oni Press, 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 Ogre Gods Vol. 2: Half-Blood

author: Hubert
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/14
date added: 2020/12/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Half-Blood: The Ogre Gods Book Two' by Hubert Boulard with art by Bertrand Gatignol continues the grotesque world of brutish giants and the humans that serve them.

The half-blood of the title is Yori. Son of a noble and his mistress, Yori and his mom find themselves cast in the street and make their way the way most people with no job skills do. Yori has a plan though, and uses his body to find his way back in the castle to get his vengeance.

I like this world, but I wouldn't want to live in it. I like the story as well as the supporting text sections about various chancellors that served the giants and how they survived (or rather didn't). The art, like the first volume, paints the giants and their brutal ways in two-tone art.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Magnetic Press, 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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X-Venture Xplorers #1: The Kingdom of Animals--Lion vs Tiger

author: Meng
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.50
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2020/12/14
date added: 2020/12/14
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'X-Venture Xplorers #1: The Kingdom of Animals - Lion Vs Tiger' by Meng and Slaium with art by Black Ink Team is a kind of educational graphic novel for young readers.

Set up as educational, it sort of falls down when the premise is to find two animals and figure out which one is more fierce. So a team of young explorers is sent out to find a lion and a tiger. There are stats on the animals, and some misdirection as the tiger team is sent to where the smaller species of tigers live.

My review copy is only about half of the graphic novel, so I didn't find out how the lion team did. It's told in a pretty manga style, and the art feels a bit like that too. I had recently read a more interesting animal education series, so this one is hard to recommend.

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


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Billionaire Island

author: Mark Russell
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.98
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/13
date added: 2020/12/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Billionaire Island' by Mark Russell with art by Steve Pugh is a satirical graphic novel about the super rich creating a secret island where anything goes.

While the world falls apart, a group of the super rich create a floating island paradise where they can shelter. Money detectors determine who can gain access to the island. Some are content to live in giant hamster cages and be thrown food and money. But not everyone is content with the way things are happening and want to change things.

This graphic novel is aimed solidly at the super rich. Like the author's other works, it feels a bit purposefully grotesque. I would have preferred it to be a bit more subtle, but the point is well made. The art is good and some character design borders on caricature.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Ahoy, 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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Ghostly Tales: Spine-Chilling Stories of the Victorian Age (Books for Halloween, Ghost Stories, Spooky Book)

author: Chronicle Books
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/13
date added: 2020/12/13
shelves: classics
review:
'Ghostly Tales: Spine-Chilling Stories of the Victorian Age' by Chronicle books is a collection of stories to read on dark nights.

The seven stories here are from known and lesser known writers. They all have to do with people who find themselves having supernatural encounters. A man finds an old whistle that doesn't seem to be making any noise, but something can hear it. An ice-locked ship has a captain that sees the ghost of his wife. A skull found in a box insists on staying in a certain spot or it starts screaming.

I really had a good time reading these creepy stories. These are ghost stories that hold up well in prose and quality.

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


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My Dad is a Super Secret Agent

author: Christine Beigel
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.20
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/12
date added: 2020/12/12
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Lola's Super Club #1: My Dad is a Super Secret Agent' by Christine Beigel with illustrations by Pierre Foiullet is a graphic novel about a young girl and the crazy team she has to help her.

Lola and her toy dinosaur have to help rescue her secret agent dad from a bad guy with 2 dogs and an evil mom. Along the way, she assembles a diverse team, including a cat, two skeletons and a strange scribble monster. In the second episode, she takes her team through time to save her mom.

The first story was a fun and wildly imaginative story. I felt a little less so in the second one, but it was still fun. The art is fun and I like the concept.



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Adventures in the Nervous System

author: Alexander Lowe
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/08
date added: 2020/12/08
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'Adventures in the Nervous System' by Alexander Lowe with illustrations by Sebastian Kadlecik is another graphic novel featuring the Bod Squad.

When a mosquito lands on Kara's arm, the squad decide to shrink down and make sure Kara's nervous system lets her know the mosquito is there. They meet a neuron, travel a fast rollercoaster to the brain and watch as Kara's body tells her the mosquito is there.

This is a fun science series for young readers. Each volume focuses on a small part of a system in the human body. There is an end section with a way to learn more.

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


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John Lennon

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.04
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/08
date added: 2020/12/08
shelves: non-fiction, childrens
review:
'John Lennon' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Octavia Bromell is a book in the Little People, Big Ideas series.

Even as a boy, according to this book, John Lennon was interested in world peace. He ended up living with his aunt Mimi and learned how to play guitar. He formed a band in school called The Quarrymen and the rest is pretty well known history.

I love this series, and the different things that can be learned. I also like the different art style in every book.

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


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Business Cat: Hostile Takeovers

author: Tom Fonder
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.69
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/07
date added: 2020/12/07
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Business Cat: Hostile Takeovers' by Tom Fonder continues the series of the strange boss with the body of a man and the head of a cat.

Business Cat is the worst boss. He hires employees for the warmth of their laptops. His catlike pawing gets him harassment training. His company is even in danger of failing because his CFO is one of his favorite toy.

This is a funny series, and I like how the cat in a business situation reminds me of poor business behavior. The art is fun and their were some nice surprises along the way.

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 ebook.


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Howl's Moving Castle (Howl's Moving Castle, #1)

author: Diana Wynne Jones
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.25
book published: 1986
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/07
date added: 2020/12/07
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'Howl's Moving Castle' by Diana Wynne Jones was the November pick for my online book club.

Sophie is the oldest of three sisters and she gets stuck running her stepmothers hat shop. When she falls afoul of a witch, she is cursed to look like an old lady. She leaves town and ends up in the moving home of a magician named Howl, where she makes a deal with a fire demon and worms her way into the household by cleaning and helping out.

This is an utterly charming book. I've seen the movie, which is quite different in many ways. I'm glad I got to read this book.


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The Blue Day Book Illustrated Edition: A Lesson in Cheering Yourself Up

author: Bradley Trevor Greive
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.07
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/05
date added: 2020/12/05
shelves:
review:
'The Blue Day Book Illustrated Edition: A Lesson in Cheering Yourself Up' by Bradley Trevor Greive was originally published about 20 years ago and now has new illustrations by Claire Keane.

Everyone has bad days, and this book takes the reader on a journey through the different things we do when we are sad. It also offers comfort that better days are ahead. The new illustrations tell the story through the eyes of a large blue elephant.

This book offers pretty simple, but true advice. Certainly there are situations in life that can be pretty dire, but one's perspective can help a person get through them. I never read the older book, but the addition of illustrations can't help but improve the focus of the story.

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 ebook.


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Croquette & Empanada: The Book Romeo Would Have Given Juliet

author: Ana Oncina
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.36
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/05
date added: 2020/12/05
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Croquette & Empanada: The Book Romeo Would Have Given Juliet' by Ana Oncina is a series of love comics with doughy main characters.

This cute couple meet and even though they come from different backgrounds, they hit it off. There are bumps along the way, like finding the right pet and finding out about allergies. There is finding the right place to watch a concert from, and plenty on cleanliness.

These are similar to other cute couple comics I've read, but the art just completely won me over. I like this odd couple and their journey to find out how to get along.

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 ebook.


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The Witch and the Beast, Vol. 1

author: Kousuke Satake
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.52
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/05
date added: 2020/12/05
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Witch and the Beast, Vol. 1' by Kousuke Satake is a manga about witches and the supernatural beings hired to kill them.

Guidreau is a feral girl with fangs and a serious thirst for killing witches. Her partner Ashaf has a coffin strapped to his back and will take any job involving magic. The story starts with them convincing a village the the witch they see as a hero has actually enthralled them for her safety.

I like the idea of this series and the main characters seem really cool. I had a bit of a hard time getting in to the story as it just kind of dumps the reader right in the middle, but by the end, I was on board. The art is gothic and creepy.

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


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Animal

author: Colo
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/05
date added: 2020/12/05
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Animal book 1 (of 1)' with story and art by Colo is an unusual graphic novel about a man with an odd request.

Told in a series of interviews after the event, we meet people who knew the man. H frequented bull fights. He was an artist, but critical of his own work. He attended and drew in art galleries. But his final request is the oddest one of all. In sympathy with the animals he sees, he decides to renounce his humanity. Will the court agree to such a strange request?

It's an odd little mystery. At first, it feels like the main character is gone, and perhaps in a way he is. The art is ok. I just really didn't know what to make 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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Ritu Weds Chandni

author: Ameya Narvankar
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.67
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/05
date added: 2020/12/05
shelves: childrens
review:
'Ritu Weds Chandni' with story and art by Ameya Narvankar is a picture book about a young girl excited to celebrate her cousin's wedding.

Ayesha is attending her cousin Ritu's wedding, and she's looking forward to dancing at the baraat. Unfortunately, others in the village are not happy that Ritu is marrying her girlfriend. When they take action to stop the wedding, little Ayesha makes a brave stand for her cousin.

This is a gorgeously illustrated book about a wedding in a culture that is different from my own. There are a fair amount of foreign to me words used, but there is a helpful glossary in the back for people like me.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Yali Books, Independent Book Publishers Association, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Return to the Most Beautiful Village in the World

author: Yutaka Kobayashi
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/05
date added: 2020/12/05
shelves: childrens
review:
'Return to the Most Beautiful Village in the World' with story and art by Yutaka Kobayashi takes us back to Paghman Village, and follows the travels of one citizen.

Mirado received a flute from his father, who he hasn't seen for a while. He is now traveling with a circus to escape the war back home. He misses his friend Yamo and decides to head back home to see his friend. That journey takes him by different means of transport and has him relying on the kindness of strangers. When he gets back home, he sees that he finds an abandoned town, but still there is hope.

I liked this book as much ast he first one. The first one had a bit more of a shocking ending. The art is a nice quality, and I liked this more somber story of a war torn country.

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


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The Castoffs Vol. 3: Rise of the Machines

author: M.K. Reed
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/05
date added: 2020/12/05
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Castoffs Vol. 3: Rise of the Machines' by MK Reed and Brian Smitty Smith with art by Wyeth Yates continues the graphic novel series about young mages with different powers.

The story picks right up with the mages in the midst of a destroyed village. While they help rebuild, Ursa tries to build a relationship with the father she's never met before. Meanwhile the vast robot army is closing in on the city and the mages will need to try to stop them.

This is an unusual take on a fantasy series in a world with discarded tech. I like the characters. This volume felt like a middle volume and feels like it's getting things set up for the next act. I do also like the art in this series.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Oni Press, 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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Gudetama: Surviving the Holidays

author: Wook-Jin Clark
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/01
date added: 2020/12/01
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Gudetama: Surviving the Holidays' with story and art by Wook-Jin Clark brings more of the Sanrio grouchy egg and his questionable advice.

This time, it's the holidays and all the trauma they can bring. From having parents visit that want to take over your entire tiny apartment to creating the perfect resolution for the new year. There is a hunt for the perfect, if impossible to find, gift, and wishing for snow.

Gudetama doles out decent advice this time, or lets folks find the answers on their onw. This is a fun seasonal comic with a really strange couple of main characters. The art is fun too, and I had a good time reading this.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/36uQkXM