The Adventures of Fede and Tomato - Volume 1 - Tomato Must Be Saved!

author: Luciano Saracino
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2010
rating: 3
read at: 2020/01/04
date added: 2021/06/29
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'The Adventures of Fede and Tomato Vol. 1 - Tomato Must Be Saved!' by Luciano Saracino with art by Gerardo Baro is a graphic novel about a boy, a cat, and a travelling circus.

The circus comes to Fede's town and he wants to get a job. First, he must avoid Florencia (she is the love of Fede's life, but she doesn't know it yet). At the circus, Fede runs into the lion and the owner of the circus. He gets a job with the help of his cat Tomato, but now Tomato Must Be Saved!

This was a fun and funny story. I liked Fede and his willingness to do crazy things. The art was also a lot of fun and I liked the colors used.

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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Ring Shout

author: P. Djèlí Clark
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2021/06/21
date added: 2021/06/21
shelves:
review:
'Ring Shout' by P. Djeli Clark is an ebook about a group of women standing up against the racist and supernatural powers of the Ku Klux Klan in this alternate history story.

Maryse Boudreaux has seen a few things. So have her friends, a sharpshooter and a Harlem Hellfighter. They take on the evil creatures she calls Ku Kluxes with her magic sword and defies them. With the support of a community, this is a battle that culminates with an attempt to bring more evil forces in to the world with a showing of The Birth of a Nation.

I loved this story of monster hunters and the take on racism as a vehemently monstrous thing (like it unfortunately is in reality). I liked this take on urban fantasy and would love to see more of these characters. This was a fun read.

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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Ya Boy Kongming!, Vol. 1

author: Yuto Yotsuba
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2021/06/21
date added: 2021/06/21
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Ya Boy Kongming!, vol. 1' by Yuto Yotsuba with art by Ryo Ogawa is a fish out of water manga about a long deceased legend who finds himself in modern Tokyo.

Kongming begins the story as a general one of the armies in the Three Romances. The next thing he knows, he is in modern Tokyo and seemingly out of his depth. But Kongming makes friends easily and learns things like smartphones pretty quickly. One of his new friends is an aspiring pop star and Kongming uses his formidable military mind to assist her in her career in very unconventional ways.

This was a funny premise and I liked it, but I wanted to like it more. The art is pretty good. I would definitely read more in this series.

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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Two-Week Wait: an IVF story

author: Luke C Jackson
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/06/20
date added: 2021/06/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Two-Week Wait: an IVF story' by Luke C. Jackson and Kelly Jackson with illustration by Mara Wild is a graphic novel about a serious topic that affects 1 in 50 couples.

Conrad and Joanne meet at university and think they have plenty of time to get pregnant and have a child, until they try and realize there are difficulties. Then begins a difficult and costly journey. As they see others around them getting pregnant with ease, the self-doubt and negative feelings set in.

This is a fictionalized story, but has the ring of truth. The struggle this couple feels is real, and perhaps knowing that others feel the same would be helpful for friends and family struggling with the same thing. I like the art. It's got a subtle and subdued color palette that goes with the serious nature of the story.

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


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The Down River People

author: Adam Smith
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.18
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2021/06/18
date added: 2021/06/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Down River People' with story by Adam Smitha and art by Matthew Fox is a graphic novel about how weird some families can be.

When Myers dad died and left him with his bar, The Flatbed, Myers thinks he can run it since he kind of has already anyway. A run in with the local police on a booze pick up leaves him desperate and about to lose the business. Then his estranged mother and her strange husband step in, and Myers finds himself with all kinds of new trouble.

I liked this story. It definitely took some odd twists along the way. I did like the main character and his barfly/musician friend. It just takes too long for this story to get interesting. The art also wasn't my favorite.

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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Ira Dei 1: The Gold of the Qaids (Ira Dei, #1)

author: Vincent Brugeas
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.83
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2021/06/18
date added: 2021/06/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Ira Dei 1: The Gold of the Qaids' by Vincent Brugeas with art by tonan Toulhoat is a graphic novel of adventure during the Byzantine era.

The story starts with a Norman named Tancred landing on a beach in Sicily. Tensions build with the locals and are exacerbated by a monk who calls him by another name. Tancred's motives are not known to those he meets.

It's a period of history I'm less familiar with, and this story just kind of launches right in. I'd have appreciated a bit more backstory, but that could be just me. The artwork is pretty standard action style, just like the plot.

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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100% Unofficial Fortnite Pro Guide

author: Becker&Mayer!
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.92
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/06/17
date added: 2021/06/17
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'100% Unofficial Fortnite Guide' by Becker&Mayer! is a guide for young gamers to help excel at one of the most popular games around.

The book starts with a look at Fortnite on mobile platforms, then dives right in with building tips and the best loadouts for characters and teams. Things like emotes and skins come next along with pets. Discussions about roles and teams and how the game has changed finish up the book.

I don't play Fortnite, but I know a good game guide. This one keeps the text lively and has lots of great insider tips. I liked the history of the game and the list of ten epic moments. Younger gamers should find this a fun read.

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


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Scaredy Squirrel in a Nutshell

author: Mélanie Watt
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/06/17
date added: 2021/06/17
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Scaredy Squirrel In A Nutshell' with story and art by Melanie Watt is a graphic novel for young readers about a squirrel with a lot of fear.

The book starts with a clever quiz to prove you are allowed to read the book. That set the tone for the humor to follow.

Scarey Squirrel lives in a tree and imagines the danger that could visit him, including wooly mammoths and lumberjacks, but just because he is anxious does not mean that he doesn't take preventative measures. The problem is that his fear might make him miss out on things like making a new friend.

I loved this really fun book. I loved all the weird lists that the squirrel makes and how he deals with the things that scare him. The illustrations are funny as well.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Random House Children's and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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X-O Manowar Book 1

author: Dennis "Hopeless" Hallum
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.62
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/06/17
date added: 2021/06/17
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'X-O Manowar Book 1' by Dennis "Hopeless" Hallum with art by Emilio Laiso is a graphic novel reboot of a Valiant character that has been rebooted quite a few times. I've lost count how many times this character has been rebooted. Since I've been reviewing, it's been at least three.

This time around Aric of Dacia is played as a bit of a fish out of water. His ancient ways are paired against a modern world. Shanhara, his intelligent super-suit, is a bit humorous. Aric has new friends on Earth that will likely be further threatened.

This reboot takes Aric back and away from some of the complex storylines and entities he's been involved with. I like the approach this took and the way the characters are handled. The art is pretty good too!

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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Miss October 1. Playmates, 1961

author: Stephen Desberg
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.12
book published: 2012
rating: 3
read at: 2021/06/17
date added: 2021/06/17
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Miss October 1: Playmates 1961' by Stephen Desberg with art by Alain Queireix is a graphic novel about a serial killer with an agenda.

Viktor Scott survives an attack and attempted rape, but loses her hearing. Her father buys off the police to avoid scandal. Viktor turns to a life as a cat burglar. Meanwhile, a serial killer has started leaving beautiful, but bloody bodies lying around with references to monthly Playboy centerfolds.

It's a first volume and only 50 pages so there is a lot of story development that starts but doesn't finish. What is here is interesting, but left me wanting more. Perhaps that was the point. The art is stylish and befits the era the story takes place in.

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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We Live, Volume One

author: Inaki Miranda
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.67
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2021/06/13
date added: 2021/06/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'We Live' by Inaki Miranda and Roy Miranda is a graphic novel about a dying earth and one last chance to save humanity.

It is about 60 years from now and the earth has become a hostile planet. Weird diseases turn humans in to zombie-like creatures. Plant and animal life have become predatory. In the midst of this humanity is dying, but there is one chance. Strange alien bracelets appear on specific children, and they, and one guardian, are invited aboard a rocket to another planet.

This was a bleak story. Characters appear and disappear in sometimes horrific ways. In spite of that, it's not a bad story. Also the art is pretty good. As a bonus, there are QR codes in the story that lead to music to be listened to while reading the story.

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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Network Effect (The Murderbot Diaries, #5)

author: Martha Wells
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2021/06/10
date added: 2021/06/10
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'Network Effect' by Martha Wells is the fifth book in the Murderbot Diaries series and the first full length novel. It was also the May pick for my book club.

Murderbot has found a family to protect. This is complicated when the family's ship is hijacked in a wormhole. Murderbot is left with only the adolescent member of the family and a bunch of seemingly alien attackers, or as Murderbot calls them, Targets. The story involves viruses, backup copies, other SecBots and planetary landings.

I have read a few of the novellas before and I loved them. I liked this one a lot, but felt it dragged a bit. Possibly due to the length compared to other stories. There is a lot to like about this character and this story as well.


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The Cardboard Kingdom #2: Roar of the Beast

author: Chad Sell
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.15
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2021/06/10
date added: 2021/06/10
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'The Cardboard Kingdom #2: Roar of the Beast' by Chad Sell and company is a graphic novel for young readers about a group of friends with big imaginations.

It's almost Halloween, and the kids are excited, but there is a monster on the loose in the neighborhood, er, kingdom. Vijay sees it and falls down the stairs, so it's up to his friends to track down the monster while Vijay heals. Some want vengeance, and some see the monster as a cool feature for a haunted house.

I did not read the first volume, but the first thing I noticed is that are a lot of characters in this series. The art has a blocky style that is kind of fun.

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


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Classics Reimagined, The Time Machine

author: H.G. Wells
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.83
book published: 1895
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/10
date added: 2021/06/08
shelves: classics
review:
'Classics Reimagined, The Time Machine' with original text by H.G. Wells and illustrations by Ale + Ale (Alessandro Lecis and Alessandra Panzeri) is part of a series of classics reissues with exciting graphic artists doing the art.

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

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

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


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The Golden Age - Volume 1, Part 1

author: Cyril Pedrosa
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.79
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/10/14
date added: 2021/06/08
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Golden Age' by Cyril Pedrosa and Roxanne Moreil with art by Cyril Pedrosa is a beautiful graphic novel with an interesting story at it's heart.

The death of a king seems to bring a princess the kingdom, but when her younger brother makes an armed play for the throne, she finds herself on the run. Joining her are a loyal knight and his young companion. They are pursued, and the princess is wounded. They find themselves in a hidden enclave full of warrior women who are trying to live at peace.

The art in this graphic novel is lush and beautiful. The story is interesting and I want to read more of it. Hopefully I'll get a chance to.

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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Skin & Earth, Vol. 1

author: Lights
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2021/06/07
date added: 2021/06/07
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Skin & Earth' with story and art by Lights is a graphic novel with a tie in to a concept album by the same creator.

A young woman named Enaia Jin, or En for short, lives in a divided city where no one really has hope. The only difference is that the rich might live slightly longer. She has a brief affair with a guy who makes her take a tattoo. She later finds out the tattoo has marked her as a sort of sacrifice, but En isn't one to just let fate happen.

I liked this clever project. The chapters begin with a QR code and a song on the companion album to listen to. The story is a bit overdramatic for my tastes, but fits better with the album I think. The art is not the best I've ever seen but not a bad effort for someone who admits to learning the whole process.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, 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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Hollywood Trash

author: Stephen Sonneveld
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.27
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2021/06/06
date added: 2021/06/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Hollywood Trash' by Stephen Sonneveld with art by Pablo Verdugo is a graphic novel about two garbage collectors fighting for their lives.

Hollywood can be a dangerous town, especially if you cross the wrong people. When an entertainment mogul sees the garbage collectors take a bracelet out of his garbage, he sends a variety of odd talent after them to kill them and retrieve the bracelet, including a stuntman, a stage magician, and a talk show host.

The parody is overkill on this one. It's overly loud and obnoxious. I think it's supposed to be funny, but it just comes across as cynical. The art is fine, the story could have been a lot better.

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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Little Carp (Marzi, #1)

author: Marzena Sowa
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.68
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2017/12/20
date added: 2021/06/03
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Little Carp (Marzi #1)' by Marzena Sowa with art by Sylvain Savola came to me through a new publisher on NetGalley called Europe Comics. I was immediately intrigued by the idea of reading comics from another continent, and Marzi has been a fun find.

This graphic novel is a series of short stories about Marzi growing up in Poland in the early 1980s. The character is drawn with large blue eyes. She tells stories about food rationing, and getting a live carp to eat for Christmas. There are stories about the group of kids in her apartment that cause mischief by running among the floors and pushing the elevator buttons. There are visits to relatives in the country.

It's certainly a different childhood than I had, but the mischievousness and wonder of a child are very familiar. The friendships and make believe are too. I really enjoyed this book and it's art.

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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Wynd Book One: Flight of the Prince

author: James Tynion IV
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2021/06/01
date added: 2021/06/01
shelves: graphic-novels, young-adult
review:
'Wynd Book One: Flight of the Prince' by James Tynion IV with art by Michael Dialynas is a fantasy graphic novel set in an unusual fantasy world.

Wynd works in a pub helping out, but Wynd has a secret. He has pointy ears and that could get him killed. Especially now that the menacing Bandaged Man is in town looking for him. Fortunately, he's got new and old friends that want to help him escape.

I really liked this world and these characters. I liked the twists and turns the story took and I'd be more than happy reading more in this series. The art is also a win, with great character design.

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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