Quantum Mechanics

author: Jeff Weigel
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2021/11/30
date added: 2021/11/30
shelves: graphic-novels, young-adult
review:
'Quantum Mechanics' with story and art by Jeff Weigel is a graphic novel set in space that is filled with adventure.

Rox and Zam live on an asteroid in the middle of nowhere fixing old machines in a space junkyard. When they get kidnapped by a group of pirates, they finally get to work on real engines, but they are being held for ransom. Slowly, they win the crew over by fixing everything, but can they get home, or do they even want to?

This was just a really fun story. The plot reminded me of a Robert Louis Stevenson story. The art is just great too. I love all of the different alien designs, humanoid without a human to be seen.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, 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 Treasury of British Comics Presents: The Tom Paterson Collection

author: Keith Richardson
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.60
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/11/30
date added: 2021/11/30
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Treasury of British Comics Presents: The Tom Paterson Collection' edited by Keith Richardson with reprints by Tom Paterson is a graphic novel tribute collecting comics from one of the most influential cartoonists in British comics.

Collecting comics from the 1970s in to the late 1980s from titles like Buster, Whoopee! and Oink! this is a nice collection of some of the wackiest art I've seen. With characters like Sweeney Toddler and Calamity James. There are superheroes in cat suits, monsters who get foiled and a malicious toddler.

As someone who grew up in the US, I remember hearing about some of these comics, but had no exposure to them. These sugar filled explosions of mayhem are so imaginative and sometimes gross that I couldn't tear my eyes away. I had a lot of fun reading this along with the tributes from some of the writers that worked with Tom Paterson along the way.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Rebellion, 2000 AD, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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

author: J.T. Krul
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2020/03/25
date added: 2021/11/29
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Artifact One Volume 1' by J.T. Krul with art by Romina Moranelli is a story about a strange world and a clash between religion and science.

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

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

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


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Smahtguy: The Life and Times of Barney Frank

author: Eric Orner
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.46
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/11/29
date added: 2021/11/29
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'Smahtguy: The Life and Times of Barney Frank' with story and art by Eric Omer is a biographical graphic novel about a democratic politician.

Barney Frank started his political career working in Boston for a mayor. Throughout his career, he fought for those without a voice, including the gay community. As a closeted gay man, he couldn't dare be outed in his political career. Eventually, he came out of the closet. Along the way, he helped Bill Clinton and championed housing bills.

This is a pretty engaging story told by one of Barney Frank's former congressional interns. There is a lot of story crammed in to a lot of panels over the 224 pages of this book, which doesn't leave a lot of room for art, but I did enjoy this story told in this way.

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


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Bear Wants to Sing

author: Cary Fagan
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.95
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/11/28
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: childrens
review:
'Bear Wants to Sing' by Cary Fagan with illustrations by Dena Seiferling is an ebook about a group of animals that find some instruments in the woods.

Bear finds a ukulele and it makes a sound which inspires him to write a song which his friend mouse wants to hear. Before he can perform it, he is interrupted by a series of animals that are more insistent. Mouse wants to hear Bear's song, but will Bear ever get to sing it?

I loved this gentle picture book about a bear who wants his song to be heard in a noisy world. I love the illustrations and the thoughtful nature of this book. We could all use a friend like Mouse.

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


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Weeaboo

author: Alissa M. Sallah
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.10
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2021/11/26
date added: 2021/11/26
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Weeaboo' by with story and art by Alissa M. Sallah is a graphic novel about three friends in their senior year of high school trying to find their way.

Maya, James and Dan are friends and they all have difficulties in their lives. For Maya, it's being called a weeaboo, or a kind of poser to Japanese culture. When Maya proposes they all go to an anime convention in cosplay, it seems like a simple thing but sets off things in each characters life.

The story grew on me as it went, but I had a hard time getting in to it, and I think that was because of the art choices. I did like the mix of styles and mediums, but the main style was weirdly harsh in nature.

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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Virtual Hero

author: Ruben "Rubius" Doblas
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.00
book published: 2015
rating: 2
read at: 2021/11/26
date added: 2021/11/26
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Virtual Hero' with story and art by Ruben 'Rubius' Doblas is a graphic novel about a gamer trying out a new virtual headset with unexpected consequences.

Rubius is one of 100 video game players invited to try a new virtual headset called the ORV. He's a pretty popular gamer and soon finds himself in the virtual worlds of his favorite games, but he finds that once he is in there, he can't get out unless someone in real life helps boot him off the system. He finds an even bigger threat inside the game worlds and some new friends to help fight back.

The humor is pretty juvenile and probably not great for younger kids. The gamer stuff was fun, but the depictions and treatment of the female characters was bad at times. It does improve over the story, perhaps due to character growth. The art was a fun manga style and I had a good time picking out all the various video games featured.

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


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Waluk: The Great Journey 2

author: Ana Mirallès
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.10
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2021/03/21
date added: 2021/11/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Waluk: The Great Journey' by Ana Maralles and Emilio Ruiz continues the journey of polar bears Waluk and his mentor Eskimo.

Young Waluk and old Eskimo are on the hunt for food, but the icebergs are melting and the seals seem to be getting scarce. They find a beached whale and a mother bear and her two cubs and they convince her to let them eat. They also find a pack of sled dogs that need their help and different kinds of humans, both dangerous and curious.

I didn't read the first volume, but didn't feel like I was lost. The animals have different and unique personalities, which I liked. The message is not lost, but I also didn't feel beat over the head with it. The art is nice 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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Tidesong

author: Wendy Xu
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/11/20
date added: 2021/11/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Tidesong' with story and art by Wendy Xu is a graphic novel that is great for younger readers.

Sophie gets an invitation to audition for a famous magic school, so she is sent off to her great aunt's house for training to pass the test. It doesn't go well and Sophie releases a water dragon who now has to find his way back home.

It's a really nice story about finding yourself and your family and making mistakes along the way. The art is very charming and this would be a fine read for a younger reader.

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


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Destination: Space

author: Dave Williams
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.67
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/01/12
date added: 2021/11/17
shelves: non-fiction, childrens
review:
'Destination: Space' by Dr. Dave Williams and Loredana Cunti with illustrations by Theo Krynauw is a book for young readers about space and exploring other planets.

In this picture-filled book, the main question that gets posed is "Will humans ever be able to live on other planets?" Then the book explores why we might need to and what viable options look like. Terraforming Mars is discussed as well as more Earth-like options further in space. Many uninhabitable options are discussed along the way.

The book is filled with illustrations and pictures. It's a fun exploration of space, if not very deep. I think it might cause further interest in young readers.

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


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Dead Legends II

author: James Maddox
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/11/14
date added: 2021/11/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Dead Legends II' by James Maddox with art by Gavin Smith is a graphic novel sequel to a martial arts story I liked.

Yan won the Dead Legends tournament, but she is still on the run with her child, Yoshi and her friends Stalk and Red Death. The problem is that her husbands killers and others are on her tail. What follows is a desperate flight, the capture of some of Yan's friends and a return to the tournament.

I had a lot of fun reading the first volume and I did this this one as well. The art and situations are well done including the details to the story around the edges. The art is just as good this time too.

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


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Small World

author: Jean David Morvan
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.40
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2021/11/14
date added: 2021/11/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Small World' with story and art by Jean David Morvan is a graphic novel of the future based on a classic novel.

It's a future world full of haves and have nots. The haves live in secure enclaves and the have nots live in a place called Small World and the two worlds never really meet until a local urchin named Piedra makes it in to a sim that the rich kids play then shows up in real life.

This story leans a bit on Peter Pan, which I liked (Piedra, get it?), but it is really no kids story. In fact, I found the weird way the kids are drawn kind of creepy and pretty violent things happen to some of the children. I have a hard time recommending this.

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


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Journal Sparks: Fire Up Your Creativity with Spontaneous Art, Wild Writing, and Inventive Thinking

author: Emily K. Neuburger
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.18
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/11/14
date added: 2021/11/14
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Journal Sparks: Fire Up your Creativity with Spontaneous Art, Wild Writing and Inventive Thinking' by Emily K. Neuburger is an ebook about upping your creative game using a journal.

In the 7 chapters of this book you will find lots of projects meant to stimulate creative thinking. From Getting Started where the concept of a journal is deconstructed (or was for me, at least), to the chapters on Invention, Collection, etc. this is an approach at throwing things at the wall to see what sticks, or gets you unstuck. There are lots of examples, guest journal bloggers and some nice paper at the end to help out.

I'm a pretty orderly journal keeper, so this messy unkempt approach had me thinking outside of my box. I like the ideas, even though I don't see incorporating them in to my journaling. Your mileage may vary. I did appreciate the approach and how accessible it was.

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


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Stars, Hide Your Fire

author: Kel McDonald
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.47
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/11/13
date added: 2021/11/13
shelves: graphic-novels, young-adult
review:
'Stars, Hide Your Fire' by Kel McDonald with art by Jose Pimienta is a graphic novel about a small town, a couple of friends and a spooky secret.

Andrea and Darra are exploring an abandoned factory, when they discover a fairy trapped there, because, well, iron. They help to get her free, but find out that a boy named Liam thinks she is dangerous. Liam knows because he made a deal with the fairy and it's hurting people. Hopefully Andrea and Darra can avoid being hurt next.

I liked the mood of this setting, in a town that has seen better days and now feels like time has moved on without it. I like the nature of the friendships and relationships, and I liked this urban fantasy story. The art is pretty great too.

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


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Orcs in Space

author: Michael Tanner
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.59
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2021/11/13
date added: 2021/11/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Orcs in Space' by Mike Tanner, Justin Roiland, Rashad Gheith, and Abed Dheith with art by Francois Vigneault is a funny fish out of water graphic novel.

When a starship lands on their planet, orcs Gor, Kravis, and Mongtar find themselves in charge of technology they don't understand. The ship intelligence tries to understand its new passengers, so it takes them to, of all places, a nightclub. The wackiness continues to ensue as a bounty hunter and sentient rats try to take the ship over.

It's a goofy story and I liked it. The art is fairly cartoony, especially the more violent parts 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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Oddball (Sarah's Scribbles, #4)

author: Sarah Andersen
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/11/09
date added: 2021/11/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Oddball' by Sarah Anderson is the fourth Sarah's Scribbles Collection book.

As per usual, there are lots of comics about being an introvert and cats, good and evil. There are lots of book posts this time and witches.

You always know what you are getting with Sarah's Scribbles, but that's not a bad thing in the slightest. I enjoy laughing and commiserating right along with these comics.

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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A-Okay

author: Jarad Greene
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2021/11/09
date added: 2021/11/09
shelves: graphic-novels, young-adult
review:
'A-Okay' with story and art by Jarad Greene is a semi-autobiographical graphic novel about coming to terms with who you are and who your friends will be.

Jay is starting eighth grade with some acne and all of his friends in different classes. When the friends seem to wander and the acne gets worse, Jay is left to find his own way. He likes art, but not necessarily the new girl in art who seems to like him. Can Jay find his own way in life?

I liked this story of going through a seemingly tough time in life and forging a path through it. I think the story could be encouraging for pre-teens who struggle with their identity.

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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Abbott: 1973

author: Saladin Ahmed
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.85
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/11/08
date added: 2021/11/08
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Abbott: 1973' by Saladin Ahmed with art by Sami Kivela is an urban fantasy graphic novel set in 1970s Detroit.

Elena Abbott is a reporter, but also can fight the supernatural. When the Detroit mayoral race looks like it's being rigged, she realizes there is more at stake. She enlists her ex-military brother and one of his friends, but will that be enough?

I really liked the setting, the story and the vibe of this story. The art is pretty great too. This was a great idea for an urban fantasy story.

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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NOS4A2

author: Joe Hill
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2021/11/08
date added: 2021/11/08
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'NOS4A2' by Joe Hill was the October selection of my online book club.

Charlie Manx like taking children off to Christmasland, but he is not a good man. Victoria McQueen may be crazy, but she has a way of finding lost things. When Charlie Manx takes Victoria's son Wayne, things are not going to end well for someone.

I had a great time reading this. There are a lot of messed up characters and a lot of death, but it was a perfect read for October, and may have creeped me right out of Christmas.


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Nightmare in Savannah

author: Lela Gwenn
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.12
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2021/11/08
date added: 2021/11/08
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Nightmare in Savannah' by Lela Gwenn with art by Rowan McColl is a graphic novel about why it's important to choose your friends wisely.

Alexa moves to Savannah to escape the criminal past of her parents. When she tries to make new friends, she finds out she can't escape her past that easy. That leaves her making friends with the outcasts, but the outcasts have their own nasty secret: they are fairies with an evil streak.

I didn't mind the story, but it feels like a retread. The story is better than the weak art and color.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Maverick, 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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Love After World Domination Vol. 1

author: Hiroshi Noda
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.30
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/11/02
date added: 2021/11/02
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Love After World Domination 1' by Hiroshi Noda with art by Takahiro Wakamatsu is a manga about love in a war zone.

Red Gelato leads the heroic Gelato Five against the evil group Gekko led by the evil Reaper Princess. They clash until one day, they don't and may even decide they are in love. Now they have to fifgure out things like dating, jealousy, and keeping things hidden from their own organizations.

This was a ludicrous story at most levels and that's what made it so fun. The set ups are funny and the art works really well.

I received a review copy of this manga from Kodansha Comics and Netgalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.


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Barbarella, Vol. 1: Red Hot Gospel

author: Mike Carey
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.16
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2021/11/01
date added: 2021/11/01
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Barbarella Vol. 1' by Mike Carey with art by Kenan Yarar and Jorge Fornes is a graphic novel collecting the first 4 issues of the comic book.

Barbarella is minding her own business when she is captured by the Parosians, a theocratic race. She is genetically modified and imprisoned. She meets a fellow prisoner who clues her in to what the rulers are doing and enlists her in the fight.

I have never seen the original comics or the movie, but I know a little of the character. Just not enough to know if this is a faithful version of the character, but I did like these stories, the first more than the second. And I liked the art as well. The first artist more than the second. Not too bad for Sci-fi comics.

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


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