Who's the Boss? (The World According to Kev, #1)

author: Chico
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.67
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2021/05/31
date added: 2021/05/31
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The World According to Kev 1: Who's the Boss?' by Chico with art by Minte is a series of comic strips about a boy with an attitude and his relationship with his family.

Kev is a misbehaving boy who taunts his sibling, thinks his teacher owes him a favor and has a serious competitive nature when it comes to playing games with his mother. The girl he thinks likes him ends up liking his weird friend Stan, who has a snail collection.

The problem is that this kid is a brat and these comics are just not very funny. It could be that things were lost in translation but I didn't really enjoy reading this one.

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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Dreaming Eagles

author: Garth Ennis
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2021/05/31
date added: 2021/05/31
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Dreaming Eagles' by Garth Ennis and a host of talented artists is a graphic novel telling a fictionalized account of the Tuskegee Airmen.

When his son Lee comes home from a Martin Luther King Jr. rally with a black eye, his father Reggie decides it's time to tell him about his own fight. Reggie was a fighter with the famous Red Tails in WWII. It was a struggle because of his color to be taken seriously or get support, but through determination, Reggie and the Tuskegee Airmen fought so valiantly that bomber crews requested them as escorts. From the accolades on the battlefield to the harsh realities of prejudice back home, Reggie relates his story.

Garth Ennis tells this kind of story better than any modern writer. Although it is fictionalized, the story rings true with facts. The story is moving and stirring. The art is amazing. The colors are fantastic and I loved the series covers by Francesco Francavilla.

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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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: 2021/05/31
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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The Flutist of Arnhem

author: Antonio Gil
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.88
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2021/05/29
date added: 2021/05/29
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Flutist of Arnhem' with story and art by Antonio Gil is a graphic novel that tells the story of Operation Market Garden, a failed Allied offensive in WWII.

John Hewson, a.k.a. 'Boekman' is a British SOE agent in Holland with important information. The S.S. knows he is still alive, but not where. Nearby, a troop of British soldiers is trying to stop Germany from blowing up all the bridges around Arnhem. A group is sent to try to rescue John, but he doesn't know that one of the soldiers is the son he left behind to join the SOE.

There is probably a better story here, but it feels overly ponderous. There is a lot of narrative to get through and the framing story seems implausible based on the events that it involves. The art is a bit heavy-handed as well.

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


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The Art of Basic Drawing: Discover Simple Step-By-Step Techniques for Drawing a Wide Variety of Subjects in Pencil

author: William F. Powell
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/29
date added: 2021/05/29
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'The Art of Basic Drawing: Simple step-by-step techniques for drawing a variety of subjects in graphite pencil' by William F. Powell, Michael Butkus, Walter Foster and Mia Tavonatti is an art instruction book with a variety of projects to draw.

This book has 5 sections. The first section goes in to tools and materials, how to hold a pencil for art and learning to see (or unsee) for art. Then there are sections on drawing still lifes, animals, landscapes and people. There are lots of step by step instructions and lots of encouragement to take a sketchbook everywhere and draw.

This book makes drawing beautiful things attainable and has a great encouraging approach to teaching. The examples are not simple but are broken down to show the steps to get there. I found this to be a really good art instruction book

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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The Ultimate Guide to Surviving in the Wild

author: Clive Gifford
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.81
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/29
date added: 2021/05/29
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'The Ultimate Guide to Surviving in the Wild' by Clive Gifford is an ebook with information to survive in various circumstances.

The book envisions various dire survival situations like Lost in the Sahara Desert or Alone in the Amazon. It talks about why this might have happened, and what your main priorities are (hint: it's usually water and shelter). There are sections on deadly animals, where to find food and water and how to flag down help.

This is the kind of non-fiction book I would have read when I was younger. It's got interesting information for a variety of scenarios, lots of great pictures, and survival stories by others who have made it out of similar circumstances.

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


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Pin-Up Vol. 1: Remember Pearl Harbor

author: Yann
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.60
book published: 1994
rating: 3
read at: 2020/08/10
date added: 2021/05/28
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Pin-Up Vol. 1: Remember Pearl Harbor with story by Yann and art by Philipe Berthet is a graphic novel set during World War II.

A GI is headed off to fight in the Pacific. His best girl is left behind. This story follows both their stories. He finds himself surviving on an island with an eccentric outcast helping to spot Japanese. She finds herself modeling for a series of comics to help inspire the troops.

I liked this story of two common people caught up in events that take them out of their comfort zones. The art is good. I liked the retro comic strips that are toward the end of the 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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The Princess Who Saved Herself

author: Greg Pak
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.48
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2021/05/27
date added: 2021/05/27
shelves: childrens
review:
'The Princess Who Saved Herself' by Greg Pak with illustrations by Takeshi Miyazawa is a picture book inspired by a song by Jonathan Coulton.

In this story, the princess is an awesome kid who plays guitar and has a pet snake. The evil queen is annoyed by the noise and sends a dragon to stop the princess, but not much can stop this princess. The ending takes a nice turn.

I loved this rhyming heartfelt book. If my children were younger, we'd have a great time reading and laughing out loud. The illustrations are just fantastic!

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


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Green Almonds: Letters from Palestine

author: Anaële Hermans
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.55
book published: 2011
rating: 3
read at: 2021/05/27
date added: 2021/05/27
shelves: non-fiction, graphic-novels
review:
'Green Almonds' by Anaele Hermans with art by Delphine Hermans is a graphic novel about a correspondence between two sisters.

Two sisters, Anaele and Delphine, in Belgium start writing each other when Anaele leaves for Palestine. Anaele is going to volunteer in an aid program and learns firsthand the delicate situation between Israelis and Palestinians. Through holidays and travel Anaele writes her sister about how she is feeling. Delphine, in turn, writes short postcards and her anxiety for her sister is pretty evident.

I liked this story about an outsider who sees firsthand a situation that is going on. The art is interesting as is the story.

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

author: Bradley Trevor Greive
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.05
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/05
date added: 2021/05/26
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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Edgar Allan Poe's Snifter of Terror: Volume One

author: Tom Peyer
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.28
book published: 2019
rating: 2
read at: 2021/05/23
date added: 2021/05/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Edgar Allan Poe's Snifter of Terror: Volume One' from Ahoy Comics is a graphic novel anthology of horror satire and cynicism.

Hosted by a drunk (and disgusting) Edgar Allan Poe, this collection is a series of short comics inspired, or not inspired, by the works of Mr. Poe. There are also poems, prose pieces and a puzzle. The stories all fall in to the semi-serious to over the top ludicrous.

I reminded me a bit of a horror version of MAD magazine. I liked the collection and found some material stronger than other material. Nothing made me laugh completely out loud, but it was entertaining enough.

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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Dark One

author: Brandon Sanderson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/23
date added: 2021/05/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Dark One Volume 1' by Brandon Sanderson, Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Nathan C. Gooden and Kurt Michael Russell is an graphic novel based on original material by Brandon Sanderson.

When we meet Paul Tanasin, he is in therapy for the visions of a dark world he has and the invisible woman talking to him who claims to be his sister. One day, he finds himself in that world, and learns that he has a part to play in the mysterious 'narrative,' but it's not a part he wants to necessarily play.

I didn't like this story until I realized that it was just the first part. The ending of this one is so bleak that it felt defeating, but that's a good spot for a sequel. The art is pretty good and there are some nice double page spreads with lots of detail.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Vault 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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Medalist, Vol. 1

author: TSURUMAIKADA
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.67
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2021/05/23
date added: 2021/05/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Medalist, Vol. 1' by Tsurumaikada is a sports manga about competitive figure skating.

Tsukasa is a good skater, but at the end of his competitive years. That leads to coaching. One day while hanging out at the ice rink, he sees young Inori, who bribes her way in to skate by paying the rink owner with worms for his bird collection. Inori has started late in her drive to compete, but Tsukasa sees some incredible raw talent. He has to convince Inori she is good because her self-esteem is the target of everyone around her, but with her coach's help, Inori takes her first strides to competition.

I'm a particular fan of sports manga and this one, in particular, was especially good. I liked learning more about the sport and what the badge system is comprised of. The characters are appealing on different levels and the art shines.

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


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The Underfoot Vol. 2: Into the Sun

author: Ben Fisher
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.84
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2021/05/22
date added: 2021/05/22
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'The Underfoot Vol. 2: Into the Sun' by Ben Fisher and Emily S. Whitten with art by Michelle L. Nguyen is a graphic novel that continues the adventures of post-apocalyptic hamsters doing daring deeds in the absence of humans.

The last volume had a successful mission to save the badgers from flooding. This time the forces of H.A.M. and H.A.P. are joined by H.A.T. to find missing supplies and missing team members. The threat of the "scales" and their reptilian leader Hashak is revealed and all the hamsters have to band together.

It's a decent enough read and younger readers would probably enjoy it more than I did. The art works but I'm not really a fan of it.

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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Incredible Doom

author: Matthew Bogart
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2021/05/22
date added: 2021/05/22
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Incredible Doom' by Matthew Bogart and Jesse Holden is a graphic novel from a particular era, and one that I miss.

This story takes place in the era of the BBS or computer bulletin board. The two stories, which link, involve an a girl named Allison who is abused by her stage magician father, and a young man named Richard, who is new in town and gets invited to connect to a BBS called Evol BBS. The connection between these two and their different stories involves computers and the link that strangers can make online.

I loved the lonely vibe of this story. The sparse locations, the loneliness of hiding a terrible secret or being the new kid. The art reflects this quite well, and I loved all the throwback references to the BBS days of the internet. Well done!

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from HarperCollins Children's Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Art of Comic Book Drawing: More than 100 drawing and illustration techniques for rendering comic book characters and storyboards

author: Maury Aaseng
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.19
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/19
date added: 2021/05/19
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'The Art of Comic Book Drawing' by Maury Aasent, Bob Berry, Jim Campbell, Dana Muise, & Joe Oesterle is and art instruction book with a superhero theme and lots of character ideas.

The book starts with looks at tools and materials, digital illustration, and drawing basics. Then building out body parts like heads, bodies, feet and hands, along with how bodies look in motion. There are are 10 hero and villain breakdowns to get practice in for creating your own characters and the book finishes up with things like story segment and speech bubbles.

There are quite a few art books out there and some better ones on creating a finished comic project, but for the casual artist who wants to dabble, this isn't a bad step at all. The basics are here and lay a decent foundation.

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


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Stargazer

author: Anthony Cleveland
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.52
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2021/05/19
date added: 2021/05/19
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Stargazer' by Anthony Cleveland, Antonio Fuso and Stefano Simeone is a graphic novel about a bad event, UFOs and the odd way that truth can be.

When Shae and her friends were kids, they were accidentally exposed to drugs and Shae's brother Kenny had a fall and a strange encounter brought on by a bad trip. Except there weren't really drugs and Kenny really did have a strange encounter. Now it's years later and Kenny has disappeared and these childhood friends have a secret buried in them that needs to be discovered.

This was a quick enough read and the story is pretty good. The art and colors are pretty great.

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


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Mae Vol. 1

author: Gene Ha
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.15
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2021/05/18
date added: 2021/05/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Mae Vol. 1' with story and art by Gene Ha is a graphic novel about a missing sister and what happens when she shows up again.

Mae's older sisten has been missing for a long time. One day, Mae's sister Abbie shows up with a story about hunting monsters that seem outlandish. Then the monsters show up and Mae and Abbie are on the run and Abbie's stories don't seem so crazy as they end up in the weird world that Abbie was in.

It's a pretty goofy romp with a cast of oddball characters. Abbie is a fun character, but I'm not sure why the book is called Mae. The art is also fun with all the various creatures.

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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Race Cars

author: Jenny Devenny
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/17
date added: 2021/05/17
shelves: childrens
review:
'Race Cars: A children's book about white privilege' by Jenny Devenny takes a difficult topic and presents it for young readers.

Black car and white car like to race. They don't care who wins, but the cars that run the big race do. When black car wins, they add rules to make the race harder for black car to win. White car and black car are confused but both want to keep racing. But the rules get tougher for black car. Is this fair?

It's a simplistic approach to a very complex issue, but does it in a way that children can understand. I applaud the approach. There are discussion questions at the end to continue conversations.

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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1970s Childhood

author: Liza Hollinghurst
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.67
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2021/05/17
date added: 2021/05/17
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'1970s Childhood' by Liza Hollighurst is a non-fiction look at growing up in the 1970s in Britain.

With chapters like Family Life, School, Books and Magazines and others, this book is a look back, sometimes with nostalgia, sometimes not, at growing up in the UK in the 1970s. Tight money meant families had to make do with hand me down toys and clothing. Treats were less available, and maybe appreciated more because of it. The book has quite a few pictures of children and entertainers of the era.

I also grew up in the 1970s. While the brands and pop icons might have been different, it was interesting to see how other children experienced some of the events of the 1970s. This is a pretty quick read, and I enjoyed it.

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


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The Curie Society

author: Janet Harvey
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/17
date added: 2021/05/17
shelves: graphic-novels, young-adult
review:
'The Curie Society' by Janet Harvey with art by Sonia Liao is a great graphic novel promoting adventures in science and S.T.E.M.

A group of young women start attending a prestigious university. They are very different in their interests and talents, but they learn to work together when they get recruited to the mysterious Curie Society. They are sent on missions and get to use cool gadgets.

I loved this approach to S.T.E.M.: an adventure story filled with real and nearly real science. The characters are fun and smart and feel pretty real. The science is left sprinkled around like breadcrumbs for the curious mind to follow. I really liked the art too. I look forward to more entries in this series.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Mad Cave Studios, 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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Villainous

author: Stonie Williams
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.20
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2021/05/17
date added: 2021/05/17
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Villainous' by Stonie Williams with art by Jef Sadzinski is a graphic novel about a young woman who wants to join a group of superheroes.

Tilly, a lizard-girl, wants to use her powers to fight evil, so she joins the Coalition of Heroes. She gets assigned to be the sidekick of the big super, but finds out a big secret: maybe the good guys aren't so good after all. Now she has to decide to cover up what she knows or to become the thing she hates.

The idea seems hardly original in the era of hero deconstruction. I would have liked something different than the type. The art is pretty good, and Tilly is a pretty interesting character. I'd like to see more of her.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Mad Cave Studios, 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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Truly Tyler

author: Terri Libenson
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2021/05/15
date added: 2021/05/15
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Truly Tyler' by Terri Libenson is a graphic novel in the Emmie and Friends series. This is the fifth novel in the series, but the first one I've read, but I was able to pick up on the characters quite easily.

Tyler is a popular basketball player. Emmie is less popular, but one thing they have in common is they both like art. When they get teamed up for a school project, they decide to collaborate on a graphic novel. As they work together, Tyler is pulled from basketball practice and his friends tease him about his new friend. His father also has his own expectations about what Tyler should be doing.

This is a really great story about finding your own way and liking what you like without the pressure of friends or family. There are three different art styles in this book as the chapters alternate between Tyler, Emmie and the comic book they are creating. I really liked this story and thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from HarperCollins Children's Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Seven Secrets Vol. 1

author: Tom Taylor
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2021/05/13
date added: 2021/05/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Seven Secrets Vol. 1' by Tom Taylor with art by Daniele Di Ncuolo is a graphic novel about a secret society and the a young recruit.

There are seven secrets that must never be revealed. They are each protected by a keeper and a protector. This story follows a young man who is the forbidden child of two members of this secret society on his journey to join the society, and the new treachery that these secret keepers are facing.

I really liked this story of secrets and those who protect them. The idea and execution feel original. The art is also pretty top notch as well.

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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Asterix Omnibus #2: Collects Asterix the Gladiator, Asterix and the Banquet, and Asterix and Cleopatra

author: René Goscinny
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.17
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/11/28
date added: 2021/05/12
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Asterix Omnibus #2: Asterix the Gladiator, Asterix and the Banquet, and Asterix and Cleopatra' by Rene Goscinny with art by Albert Uderzo is another volume collecting three classic Asterix stories.

My review copy only included the middle story, Asterix and the Banquet. The Roman army decides the only way to contain Asterix and his village is to create a wall. Asterix and Obelix take a bet that they can't escape and bring food back from all the different towns around them. What follows are typical hijinks as they evade the silly Romans.

These stories are a lot of fun, and even though I only read the middle story, I'm certain the other two are just as fun. I read Asterix and Cleopatra some time back, so I know this. This would be a fun way to introduce young readers to this great series.

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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The World Book of Records

author: Tonino Benacquista
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.29
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/03/14
date added: 2021/05/12
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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The Underfoot Vol. 1: The Mighty Deep

author: Ben Fisher
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.64
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2021/05/08
date added: 2021/05/08
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'The Underfoot Vol. 1: The Might Deep' by Ben Fisher with art by Emily S. Whitten is a graphic novel about intelligent animals surviving in a world vacated by humans.

A groups of hamsters and other small animals go on a mission to save the badgers from flooding. There are grizzled and scarred old hands and some fresh recruits. The different team members bring their own specialties and talents. There are dangers all around and lots of strange relics left behind by the Giants-That-Were.

I felt like the story started out weak but got better as it went along. I did end up liking what I read. The art is not the strongest, but I think it could develop as the series progresses. I think this would be a good series for a younger reader.

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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Sorry I Barfed on Your Bed (and Other Heartwarming Letters from Kitty)

author: Jeremy Greenberg
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2013
rating: 3
read at: 2021/05/08
date added: 2021/05/08
shelves:
review:
'Sorry I Barfed on Your Bed Again' by Jeremy Greenberg is a book of photos and pretty insincere letter from naughty cats.

Cats (just like any other housepet) can be really nice, but sometimes they just do bad things. They hog the covers, they leave messes, they even barf on your bed. What this book does is match up funny photos of cats with letters of contrition or scolding from cats.

This is a mildly funny book and might make a good gift book for the cat lover in your life. It's a fairly short read considering half the pages are full page photos.

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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Nancy: A Comic Collection

author: Olivia Jaimes
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2021/05/06
date added: 2021/05/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Nancy: A Comic Collection' by Olivia Jaimes is from the reboot of the classic series by Ernie Bushmiller.

As a fan of the original comics, I was hesitant to approach this. Reboots of classic comics don't always have the best track record, but this one works by updating the setting a bit and adding some appealing new characters. Now Nancy has screens and is building robots in a S.T.E.M. club at school. Sluggo is still pretty much the same. It's Nancy for a new age.

I felt like some of the gags worked better than others, but the art felt spot on accurate. I didn't mind the changes and felt they worked pretty well. I enjoyed the interview at the back with the anonymous creator.

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 Sprite and the Gardener

author: Joe Whitt
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2021/05/06
date added: 2021/05/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Sprite and the Gardener' by Rii Abrego with art by Joe Whitt is a really delightful new graphic novel by two people who are new to creating a graphic novel.

Wisteria is a sprite. Sprites were once caretakers of gardens, but humans have taken over that job, and sprites now just want to remain hidden. Wisteria is curious and visits the garden of a young girl named Elena. With Wisteria's help, the garden takes shape, but what will Elena do when she finds out she has help?

I really, really enjoyed this gentle tale of working together to create something beautiful. The art is truly magical and the whole thing just took me off guard.

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 Book of Broadway: The Definitive Plays and Musicals

author: Eric Grode
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.69
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2018/05/19
date added: 2021/05/06
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'The Book of Broadway: The Definitive Plays and Musicals' by Eric Grode makes a bold statement with it's title, but with 150 profiles of musicals and plays, I think it's valid.

The book only deals with theater that has made it to Broadway. It presents the picks in A to Z format. Initially, I wished it had been done chronologically, but I ended up agreeing with this arrangement. So from Abie's Irish Rose to Ziegfeld Follies of 1919, they are presented. There is writing about the plays including why they might have been picked. Every show picked includes original run dates, notable revivals (including tv and movies) and some of the original stars.

As a theater goer, I really enjoyed poring over this book with it's 300+ pictures. I recognized shows I've been to and put some shows on my "to see" list, although I think I've missed my chance to see Irving Berlin in Yip Yip Yaphank. The alphabetical presentation showed side by side how theater has changed, and how it hasn't. I had a great time reading this book.

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


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Fireheart Tiger

author: Aliette de Bodard
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/03
date added: 2021/05/03
shelves:
review:
'Fireheart Tiger' by Aliette de Bodard is a fantasy novella set in an interesting world.

Thanh has returned home to the royal court after being held hostage in Ephteria. She brings those memories, along with her first love, Eldris. Her mother disapproves and may not be wrong in her feelings. Thanh fights to keep her inner and external fire in check.

I liked this pretty full story in 112 pages. I liked the interesting world and characters and it feels like there is a lot here in the edges and margins that we don't get but helps to flesh out this story.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Macmillan-Tor/Forge and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Living With Mochi

author: Gemma Gene
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.27
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/03
date added: 2021/05/03
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Living With Mochi' by Gemma Gene is a collection of comics about a pet pug named Mochi.

Mochi has plenty of personality, at least according to this book. The chapters talk about different aspects of Mochi's life, like how he joined the family, how much he likes food and sleep and what he thinks of other family members. Mochi doesn't like walks much or going to the doctor, either.

These comics are pretty cute. I really liked the art as well.

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 Night Is Deep and Wide

author: Gillian Sze
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/03
date added: 2021/05/03
shelves: childrens
review:
'The Night Is Deep and Wide' by Gillian Sze with illustrations by Sue Todd is a picture book about a quiet world going to sleep.

In a gentle read-aloud, the reader watches as the tulips close one by one. Creatures settle down for the night and the world begins to hush.

It's a lovely quiet book with beautiful illustrations. It's just the kind of thing to soothe a sleepy child right off to sleep.

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


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The House in the Cerulean Sea

author: T.J. Klune
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.52
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/02
date added: 2021/05/02
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by T.J. Klune is a fantasy novel about magical children and a bureaucrat sent to find out more about them. It was the book club pick for March for my online book club.

Linus Baker lives in the gray city and works as a case worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. It's a demeaning existence, until one day he gets called before the bosses and given an assignment that will change his life forever. He finds himself out of his comfort zone and questioning his drab life.

I liked this book quite a lot. It's got lots of quotable prose. The characters are pretty memorable. There are things that felt a bit over-stereotyped, like the faceless bosses or the extreme contrast between The life Linus has in the city and on the island.


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Shadow Service Vol. 1

author: Cavan Scott
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/02
date added: 2021/05/02
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Shadow Service Vol. 1: Dark Arts' by Cavan Scott with illustrations by Corin Howell is a graphic novel that tells an urban fantasy story.

Gina is a P.I. with an edge. She's a natural born witch and she has a rat familiar for helping out. When her case crosses paths with London's dark spy society, MI666, there is an initial mistrust, then they try to recruit her. Along the way, we get Gina's backstory.

This was engaging storytelling and it kept me interested from the beginning. The art is prett good too. I'd like to read more about this character and the creepy world she lives in.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Vault 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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