Specter Inspectors

author: Bowen McCurdy
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2022/01/30
date added: 2022/01/30
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Specter Inspectors' by Kaitlyn Musto with illustrations by Bowen McCurdy is a graphic novel about a team of supernatural vloggers who might be in over their heads.

Noa, her little brother Gus and Ko and Astrid are trying to get their social media ghost hunting presence going, even if they have previously had a little help. This time around they head to a haunted town, but before they can get too far into the investigation, one of them gets possessed. Now they have many mysteries to solve.

This story had a great vibe about it. The character interactions and development were good and the mystery was interesting. The art ties it all together into a fun creepy read.

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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The Antidotes to Modern Living: The Sweet Dose of Poetic Justice to Restore Your 'Self'

author: Dr. X
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2022/01/30
date added: 2022/01/30
shelves:
review:
'The Antidotes to Modern Living: The Sweet Dose of Poetic Justice to Restore Your 'Self'' by Dr. X is a book of humor and poetry to battle back against life as it is.

This book is filled with silly poems, funny definitions, serious stats and gentle (and not so gentle) prodding to the reader about things like work without play and harm we do to the environment.

This was a fun, if not very deep, book. It made me smile a few times and I enjoyed reading it.

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


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The Lines That Define Me, Vol. 1

author: Hiromasa Togami
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.41
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/01/25
date added: 2022/01/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Lines that Define Me, Volume 1' by Hiromasa Togami and Atsunori Horiuchi is a manga about a chance encounter between a younger and older man.

Sosuke Aoyama is a young man on his own until he meets up Kozan Shinoda. Unbeknownst to Aoyama, Kozan Shinoda is a famous ink painter and he invites the young man to learn to paint. This sets up a rivalry with Shinoda's granddaughter, who is also a student.

I really enjoyed this story of an encounter with a stranger that could save a life. The art is quite lovely. I liked this quieter story and I really want to know what happens.

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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It’s That Reincarnated-as-a-Virus Story, Volume 1

author: Kalaku Yuki
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.67
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/01/23
date added: 2022/01/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'It's That Reincarnated-as-a-Virus Story, Volume 1' by Kalaku Yuki and Pirota is a manga about life as a virus.

A virus researcher dies and gets reincarnated as a virus. When he infects a mouse, he discovers he gains the ability to control the mouse, plus other skills the mouse has like fear and evasion. As the virus moves to bigger and bigger creatures and learns more skills, he finds out he isn't on his planet anymore and can inhabit beings like goblins and trolls.

The timing of this manga is either really bad or not bad at all depending on how you feel about current events. The story was actually written in 2018, and is actually really clever.

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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Sour Apple

author: Jerzy Szyłak
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/25
date added: 2022/01/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Sour Apple' by Jerzy Szylak with illustrations by Joanna Karpowicz tells the story of a marriage slowly unwinding.

The story is told through the prayers of a young woman. She has what, at first, seems to be a perfect marriage. Over the course of the story, she becomes more and more abused. She thinks it is her fault, at least that's what her prayers seem to say. As the abuse becomes more pervasive, finally she decides she must do something.

The story is fictional as far as I know, but the story elements have the feeling of truth. The illustrations are acrylic painted on canvas-textured paper, so they have a richness that is real and surreal. It's not a comfortable story to read, nor should it be, but I'm glad I got to read it.

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


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Petrograd

author: Philip Gelatt
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2011
rating: 5
read at: 2022/01/22
date added: 2022/01/22
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Petrograd' by Philip Gelatt with art by Tyler Crook is a reprint of the 2011 graphic novel based on the true story of the assassination of Rasputin.

Told with a mixture of real and fictional characters, we follow Cleary, a fictionalized British intelligence agent. He is tasked with finding a way to assassinate Rasputin. The thought is that if the country is imbalanced, then it will end WWI early. Cleary finds himself surrounded by some interesting characters (mostly based on real people), and an impossible task.

Professor David R. Stone Ph.D provides an introduction to the book and there are also afterword notes and a bibliography for further reading.

The story is compelling and strange and Cleary is a sympathetic character stuck in strange circumstances. The art is pretty good too.

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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Charmed: Magic School

author: Katy Rex
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.98
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2022/01/22
date added: 2022/01/22
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Charmed: Magic School' by Katy Rex with art by Jonathan Lau is a manga based on a popular tv show.

The Halliwell Sisters find a young girl named Delia with some pretty strong powers and decide to help her out by enrolling her in a magic school where she can learn to use her powers safely. The only problem is that someone or something wants that power and Delia and her new friends may not be safe.

I am a little familiar with the tv show this is based on, so I can't speak as to how accurate they got things. I was a bit lost getting in to it, but got up to speed pretty quickly. I liked the story and the surprises and the art was decent enough.

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


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Assassin's Creed Dynasty, Volume 1

author: Xu Xian Zhe
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.89
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2022/01/22
date added: 2022/01/22
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Assassin's Creed: Dynasty' by Xu Xianzhe and Zhang Xiao is a manga adventure featuring a famous video game character.

The story takes place during a flower festival during one of the Chinese dynasties. The flowers are getting destroyed and the growers are being oppressed. A lone hooded figure hiding in the shadows starts avenging the farmers. He makes friends with a nobleman and evades capture.

The story starts a bit abruptly and we are given no motive for why our assassin, Li E, is at this place at this time. There are some pretty good historical notes after the story about the people and settings. The art is 2 tone, but rather nice. I just wish the story were a bit better introduced.

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


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Kate's Really Good at Hockey

author: Christina Frey
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.86
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2022/01/12
date added: 2022/01/12
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Kate's Really Good at Hockey' by Christina M. Frey and Howard Shapiro is a graphic novel for young readers full of heart and determination.

Kate loves hockey and she's got a plan. First up is attending an elite girls' hockey camp in Denver. She gets the invite to camp, and is excited to go, but her mom wants her to stay with her grandmother who she barely knows. Hockey camp is hard, but so is working on her relationship with her grandmother.

I loved this story of grit and determination. I loved the heart that the story had. I love the hockey graphic novels I've read from this company. I recommend this for young readers who like sports or have a dream.

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


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Ashes, Ashes

author: Jean-David Morvan
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.50
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2022/01/12
date added: 2022/01/12
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Ashes, Ashes' with story by Jean-David Morvan is a graphic novel about a world in turmoil and the group that survives it.

The story starts in the future with an old, but still powerful, man known as the Patriarch leading a group of people in the wilderness. We flash back to how he got there and see a vibrant Paris in the near future with flying cars and technology everywhere. There is a subplot about The Patriarch's girlfriend that seems more important than it turns out to be.

I have so many questions after reading this, and I really don't care if they are answered. The Patriarch is obviously anti-technology, but it's never completely clear where this comes from, and then he is not when it comes to advance medical tech. The art is actually decent, but the story is a muddle of things.

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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The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina

author: Zoraida Córdova
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2022/01/09
date added: 2022/01/09
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina' by Zoraida Córdova was the December book for my Goodreads book club.

Orquidea Divina has always lived a strange and unusual life, but her family really has no idea how unusual until they are called back to her home in Four Rivers at her request for her funeral. What happens next unveils a family curse and events they could never imagine.

I liked this story of family and magic. I wanted to like it more but the way the story was told was not as smooth as I would have liked. I wanted to know more about some characters and less about others. I ended up enjoying the journey by the end.


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With You and the Rain, Vol. 1 (Ame to Kimi to, #1)

author: Kou Nikaidou
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.76
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2022/01/09
date added: 2022/01/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'With You and the Rain, Vol. 1' with story and art by Ko Nikaido is a manga about a woman who adapts an unusual pet.

A woman walking in a park finds an usual animal that may be a cat or a dog, but is probably a tanuki. The animal is intelligent and likes to write notes. It seems to have fooled everyone around it into thinking it's a dog.

These are cute vignettes, but there is barely any character development here. The stories are cute and the art is good. It just depends what you are looking for. I wanted to know more about the girl and the unusual 'dog.'

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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Kino Vol 2: The End of All Lies

author: Joe Casey
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.50
book published: 2018
rating: 2
read at: 2022/01/09
date added: 2022/01/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'KINO Vol. 2: The End of All Lies' by Joe Casey with art by Chris Cross is a graphic novel in the Catalyst Prime Universe series.

Alistair Meath is presumed dead, but he has awareness and a strange inner life as a superhero, but he is becoming aware that is conscious may be part of a construct. Meanwhile, outside agents discover the truth as well. The corporation tries to keep Alistair and his secret contained but that may not be possible much longer.

This story has been prolonged too long. It finally breaks free in the last issue in this collection but should have after the first one. I like the premise and the odd internal comic book that KINO finds himself in, but the spy intrigue stuff just drags. The art is much better this time around and the story my finally be off to a good start in the next volume.

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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Cat Ninja Book 8: Time Heist

author: Matthew Cody
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2022/01/09
date added: 2022/01/09
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Cat Ninja: Time Heist' by Matthew Cody with art by Chad Thomas and Warren Wucinich is a graphic novel for younger readers about the secret life of animals.

Cat Ninja fights various criminals that are other animals with his hamster sidekick. When they find a baby owl, then that baby exhibits some superpowers, they set out to find out where the baby owl is from and that may lead them in to the future and some deceptive enemies.

This was my first introduction to Ninja Cat, er Cat Ninja, and it's a fun series. The characters are well rounded, the action is good and there is some heart to the story. The art works really well and is also fun.

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


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James Bond: The Body

author: Aleš Kot
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.55
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2022/01/06
date added: 2022/01/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'James Bond: The Body' by Ales Kot is a graphic novel about James Bond and various parts of his body. At least, I think that was the idea.

Each volume focuses on a different body part. In the first, Bond goes after an unknown assassin and winds up with some broken ribs and time off, but he's not convinced the assassination attempt was a lone incident. In other stories, he infiltrates a group of white supremacists and interrogates a scientist about a viral agent she helped create.

I liked the stories here. They are all a bit different in approach and the stories they tell and I like that they were linked. The art for each issue is by a different artists and is kind of inconsistent because some is better than others.

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


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The Odds #1

author: Matt Stanton
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.33
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/01/06
date added: 2022/01/06
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'The Odds #1' with story and art by Matt Stanton is a graphic novel for young readers about a young girl and her father who suddenly find themselves sharing their home with a bunch of strange characters.

Kip is a quiet girl who lives with her cartoonist father. One morning, she wakes to find herself surrounded by characters from different things in her life. One is her dad's creation, one is from a cartoon, and there are others. Kip is slowly brought out of her comfort zone and learns some things about herself.

I wasn't sure where this story was headed, but there is a point in the book that changed the whole thing for me. From then on, I really liked the story and the lesson it brings. The art is goofy, but kid-friendly and it's a good read for grade school aged readers.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Harper Collins 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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Lupina Book One: Wax

author: James Wright
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.10
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2022/01/06
date added: 2022/01/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Lupina Book One: Wax' by James Wright with art by Li Buszka is a graphic novel about a young girl who finds herself being raised by a strange parent.

When a young girl named Lupa finds herself suddenly orphaned, she finds someone to help raise her in the form a she-wolf named Coras. It may also be that Lupa is the child of the moon goddess Lupina.

It's an interesting start to the story, and all the pieces don't completely make sense yet. The art starts in black and white and subtly gains a ew color with each volume. I'm not completely certain this works either as I think story lacks needed color.

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


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Knights of the Golden Sun Vol. 2: Father's Armor

author: Mark London
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.00
book published: 2022
rating: 2
read at: 2022/01/06
date added: 2022/01/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Knights of the Golden Sun Vol. 2: Father's Armor' by Mark London with art by Mauricio Villarreal is a graphic novel about a war in heaven that happens between the Old and New Testament.

The war continues as does the search for the armor of God which has been hidden in some strange places. As mortals team with archangels on one side, humans and demons square up on the other. Alexander the Great is corrupted and goes by the name Metatron, and there is even a trip to the pits of hell.

It's an interesting idea and a pretty epic concept, but I had trouble telling some of the characters apart. The art was good, but there are just too many characters for me to keep track of here.

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


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Little Witch Hazel: A Year in the Forest

author: Phoebe Wahl
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.59
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2022/01/02
date added: 2022/01/02
shelves: childrens
review:
'Little Witch Hazel: A Year in the Forest' with story and art by Phoebe Wahl is a picture book that follows a tiny witch and her adventures throughout the year.

In the Spring, Hazel finds and egg in the forest and takes it home to tend. In Summer, Hazel learns the value of a lazy day. The Autumn brings a strange ghostly noise to the woods and Hazel has to find out what is causing it. Winter brings a blizzard and the return of an old friend.

The four stories here are sweet and remind me of Arnold Lobel. The art is charming. The only thing I didn't like is that some of the art makes it hard to read some of the text.

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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Leaders: My First Leaders

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2022/01/02
date added: 2022/01/02
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Leaders: My First Leaders' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Lisbeth Kaiser is a board book for toddlers to introduce them to famous leaders. Other leaders featured include Martin Luther King, Jr. and Harriet Tubman.

It's a good concept, but not one I'm sure would hold the attention of a busy toddler. Still, instilling good qualities in children is an admirable goal. The illustrations are colorful and friendly.

Using adjectives like brave and kind, these words are linked to leaders like Rosa Parks and Greta Thunberg.

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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A Difficult Thing: The Importance of Admitting Mistakes

author: Silvia Vecchini
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.56
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/01/02
date added: 2022/01/02
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'A Difficult Thing: The Importance of Admitting Mistakes' with story and art by Silvia Vecchini is an almost wordless graphic novel for young readers.

In a story told in 2 colors and one word, we learn the importance of admitting mistakes. The story starts as a kind of mystery as we meet a young dog in search of something. It all becomes clear as the story progresses.

The important thing here is not what led to this story. That is left to the imagination. The important thing is what is done to make things right. The illustrations are nice and the story is easy to follow.

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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The Queen's Favorite Witch, Book 1: The Wheel of Fortune

author: Benjamin Dickson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.94
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2022/01/02
date added: 2022/01/02
shelves: graphic-novels, young-adult
review:
'The Queen's Favorite Witch: The Wheel of Fortune' by Benjamin Dickson with art by Rachael Smith is a graphic novel for younger readers about a young girl who wants an important job.

Daisy is a young witch from a modest house who wants to try out to be the Queen's new witch, a very important position, especially now as there are people who want the Queen dead. The problem is that Daisy doesn't have a noble or wealthy background, so she has to do things the hard way. She makes an unusual group of friends along the way that could help, but will it matter to the Queen?

I liked the story well enough. The lessons are great. The art took a while to like, but I ended up feeling that it worked well for the story. I would definitely read the sequel if it was available.

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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Bloody Hel

author: Clayton McCormack
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.58
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/01/02
date added: 2022/01/02
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Bloody Hel' by Clay McCormack with art by Russ Badgett is a graphic novel about a world conflict that may have even bigger implications.

A young infantryman named Andersen during WWI is ordered across no man's land with a team of other men to plant explosives in the German tunnels. What happens instead is that he loses his fellow soldiers and unleashes a group of Ancient Viking gods waiting for Ragnarok. As the body count piles up, will Fenrir start the end of the world?

I liked this bloody look at how awful war can be. I found Andersen to be an interesting character. What I really liked was the art and how colors were used.

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


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