Sunday, January 28, 2018

A Dream for Three (Emma and Violette, #1)

A Dream for Three (Emma and Violette, #1)
author: Jérôme Hamon
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.66
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/01/28
date added: 2018/01/28
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'A Dream for Three (Emma and Violette, #1)' by Jerome Hamon with art by Lena Sayaphoum is a graphic novel about ballet, and I think it might be the first time I've run across the subject.

Emma and Violette are sisters who are both trying to attend a prestigious dance school in Paris. They are driven by their mother who had her own dreams that didn't come true. When Emma gets some bad news, she has to make some choices about her future. With the help of a supportive father, and the love of her mother, she finds a way to forge ahead.

It's a good story for anyone with a dream that they've pursued for a long time. It's also a good read for parent's who want to live their dreams through their kids. I really liked this story and these characters. It's hard to find these kind of parents in a lot of literature, but this is a family that all care about each other. The art is really good. It felt a bit like animation, and a bit like anime. I really liked the style.

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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Anxiety is Really Strange

Anxiety is Really Strange
author: Steve Haines
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.96
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/01/28
date added: 2018/01/28
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'Anxiety is Really Strange' by Steve Haines is the second book I've read in this series. I find these an interesting ways of conveying information of the topics.

The book starts with setting out the types of questions it will answer like a definition of anxiety and the differences between cake and bread. Cake and bread differences become important as anxiety is defined and dissected. Along with the illustrations, most pages have footnotes that go into a bit more detail. Coping mechanisms, like grounding, are discussed. At the end of the book there is a list of references used in the book that can be used for further reading.

The first book I read was about trauma and I liked that one a bit more, but this one still offers help for those who suffer from anxiety as well as the folks caring for them. The illustration style fits the book very well. This would be a very good resource.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Singing Dragon, Jessica Kingsely Publishers, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac

The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac
author: Christopher Corr
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.44
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/01/28
date added: 2018/01/28
shelves: children-s
review:
'The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac' by Christopher Corr is a picture book showing how the Chinese zodiac years were determined.

In a time before years or days, the Jade Emperor realize he doesn't know how old he is. He decides a contest is in order and calls for a race among the animals. The first 12 animals across the finish line will have a year named after them. Some of the animals start the race as friends and that changes. Others in kindness help their fellow animals.

The pictures are colorful. The story is fine, except, I sometimes had a hard time reading black text over the illustrations. I wish that text boxes or alternating contrasting text would have been used.

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


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Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses

Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses
author: Scott Snyder
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.52
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2018/01/28
date added: 2018/01/28
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses' by Scott Snyder and Steve Orlando is a crossover title with two vengeance filled heroes, and in a rare turn, Batman comes across as the less violent one.

Batman investigates a murder in Gotham City and it turns out to be Lamont Cranston. Following the trail leads him to the Shadow. Batman has never heard of the Shadow, but he learns that this mysterious person may have been a part of his life for a long time. The Shadow is hunting a mysterious being known as the Stag. Soon the Stag is teaming up with Batman's enemies, forcing Batman and the Shadow into an uneasy alliance.

I liked the story quite a bit. They managed to figure out a way for the Shadow to exist in modern day Gotham City and in the Batman universe in a very clever way. Alfred's past also has a bearing on this story, which I found interesting. I wasn't as crazy about the art, but the story was well written and kept me turning pages.

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


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The Flash, Vol. 4: Running Scared

The Flash, Vol. 4: Running Scared
author: Joshua Williamson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2018/01/28
date added: 2018/01/28
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Flash, Vol. 4: Running Scared' by Joshua Williamson has Flash in a bind. It's also a bit of a follow up to Batman/The Flash: The Button, so it's better to start there.

Eobard Thawne is a fan of the Flash from the future. He's such a fan that he's made a museum, and even wanted to be the Flash. In the Flashpoint storyline, his weird fandom led him to kill Barry Allen's mother. Now, he is back. Along with that, Barry is confronted with lying to the woman he loves about his life as the Flash. Everything starts to come apart as Eobard seeks to destroy Barry's life and everyone around him.

The volume begins with a pretty good story with Hal Jordan and the Flash battling a villain called Multiplex.

I enjoyed the story, but I wish the art had been a bit better. This character is going through the wringer, and this story is maybe the culmination of it, with Barry standing in the tatters of his life. I've enjoyed reading this version of the Flash.

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


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Saturday, January 27, 2018

The Pitiful Human-Lizard Vol 1: Far From Legendary

The Pitiful Human-Lizard Vol 1: Far From Legendary
author: Jason Loo
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2018/01/27
date added: 2018/01/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Pitiful Human-Lizard Vol. 1: Far From Legendary' by Jason Loo won me over big time. This superhero from Toronto may not have the big time skills, but he makes up for it with sheer determination.

Lucas Barrett has a dad who was once famous in Toronto for using his amazing glue and a costume to climb walls as the Human-Lizard. Lucas follows in his footsteps. He adds crimefighting to his version, but with a day job and bills to pay, it's tough. With his sidekick/friend Majestic Rat (who has an army of rats to serve him), and Mother Wonder, the really good superhero, Toronto has never been safer. Or has it.

The concept reminded me a bit of the original Mystery Men comics with it's dry humor and pathetic powers, but it's elevated by the sheer imagination of the creator. His unusual takes on the strange sort of monsters that show up, was fun and kept me wondering what was going to show up next. Lucas is an everyman hero like we've seen before, but his pathetic life is so resonant, that he feels like someone you know or work with. The art had a really clean style that had a sort of retro look to it, but I liked it. Especially the bold covers included in the collection.

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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Frankenstein: with Illustrations by Nino Carbe

Frankenstein: with Illustrations by Nino Carbe
author: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.71
book published: 1818
rating: 5
read at: 2018/01/27
date added: 2018/01/27
shelves:
review:
'Frankenstein: with illustrations by Nino Carbe' by Mary Wollstonecraft includes an introduction by the artist's daughter for those unfamiliar, and a series of black and white and color illustrations. The black and white drawings are for a 1932 illustrated edition. The color paintings were completed by the artist in the 1980s.

Victor Frankenstein would seem to have it all: good looks, intelligence and a family and friends that love him. That is not enough for this insatiably curious man, so he creates a creature, then abandons it irresponsibly. The consequences that follow are devastating to Victor.

The black and white illustrations are pen and ink drawings that almost feel like woodcuts. There are also illuminated letters at the beginning of the chapters. The paintings divide the sections of the book with my favorite one on the page before the cover page. In this painting, the creature has bedraggled hair covering one eye. The eye we can see has a very visible tear. This is a creature to be pitied (at least at first). Carbe's drawings show us a deformed person with a misaligned jaw and a bit of a hunch. The unwashed hair hangs down. The illustrations are dramatic and striking. Most are on the grotesque side, and they complement this famous book very well.

I was unfamiliar with Nino Carbe, so I was surprised to learn that in his long career, he worked for Disney off and on. He had an influence on the movie Fantasia. I'd certainly like to learn more about this artist and his various work.

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


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Sunday, January 21, 2018

Noble Vol. 1: God Shots

Noble Vol. 1: God Shots
author: Brandon Thomas
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.96
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2018/01/21
date added: 2018/01/21
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Noble Vol. 1: God Shots' written by Brandon Thomas with art by Roger Robinson, Jamal Igle and Robin Riggs seemed like a promising start to a new series, so I decided to give it a shot.

Astronaut David Powell was on a space mission when everything went wrong. His wife thinks he died, which is what she is led to believe. Instead, David has become something more than human. He is also under the control of forces he can't fight. He lives in Mexico under an assumed name, and tries to stay unknown. With global media and his powers that may be harder than he thinks.

The story jumps around a bit and it's not always clear where in the timeline things are happening. The art has moments where I really liked it, and moments where I was really underwhelmed. I like the concept, and I also like this person as a hero. I hope in future issues, the writing can be clearer and the art direction moves in a positive direction.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Lion Forge, 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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Wonder Woman Vol. 4: Godwatch

Wonder Woman Vol. 4: Godwatch
author: Greg Rucka
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2018/01/21
date added: 2018/01/21
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Wonder Woman Vol. 4: Godwatch' ends the run by Greg Rucka with this volume collecting the even numbered issues from 16-24. That's part of the problem.

The main story arc is about Veronica Cale and her daughter Isadore who has been defaced by Phobos and Deimos. Phobos and Deimos want Isadore to find out where Themyscira is, in exchange for the return of her daughter. Now Veronica must depend on the person she dislikes, Wonder Woman, in order to help her daughter. Along the way, Circe shows up to offer her brand of help, and Barbara Ann Minerva becomes the Cheetah.

The story jumps around in time a bit, but I had no problem following the events. I liked the story and most of the art, but some of it felt a bit lacking for the title. The alternating issues idea will hopefully end soon because it's strange to keep hopping back and forth. I loved the story "And Then There Were Three" from the Wonder Woman annual which shows how Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman all came to be a force to be reckoned with. It's clever and shows all of these characters on equal footing.

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


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Abraham Lincoln: Friend of the People

Abraham Lincoln: Friend of the People
author: Clara Ingram Judson
name: Wayne
average rating: 5.00
book published: 1950
rating: 5
read at: 2018/01/21
date added: 2018/01/21
shelves: non-fiction, children-s
review:
'Abraham Lincoln: Friend of the People' by Clara Ingram Judson is a reissue of the Newbery Honor book from 1950. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I think a young audience wanting to learn about one of our greatest presidents would also.

From his humble beginnings, amidst hardship, Abraham Lincoln rose to the presidency. Before he got there, there was a lot of hard work doing whatever he could find to do for money. He earned a reputation as likeable, with his easy going demeanor and storytelling. He became a lawyer and ran a law office, and made his way into politics. His humility and eloquence were put on full display during one of the countries darkest times.

I love how Abe and his family speak in the early years. It helps illustrate how far he went to find education for himself. This is a well told story, and it's hard to believe it was written almost 70 years ago! The additionals pictures and material add to the narrative rather than detracting. I'm glad to see a book of this quality getting a reprint as a digital book.

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


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Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Second Generation - The Things I Didn't Tell My Father

Second Generation - The Things I Didn't Tell My Father
author: Michel Kichka
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at: 2018/01/16
date added: 2018/01/16
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'Second Generation - Things I Didn't Tell My Father' by Michel Kichka is an autobiographical graphic novel. The subject is fairly heavy with some lighter moments. I'm hoping it was quite cathartic for the author.

Michel's father survived the holocaust, but it looms over his life and the life of his family. They live in Belgium at the beginning of the novel. The kids just want to be kids, but they are constantly reminded of the horrors of their father's generation. Years later, Michel has moved to Israel. His father has written a book about his experiences and leads tours to Auschwitz. He invites Michel many times, but Michel is reluctant.

This book reminded me a bit of the famous graphic novel Maus, and the author even says it was an inspiration for him. How this differs is that the focus is much more on the second generation of survivors, those with parents that were traumatized by life in the camps. It's a poignant story with incredible art. I am thankful I got a chance to read this story.

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


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Monday, January 15, 2018

Striking The Balance (Pico Bogue, #4)

Striking The Balance (Pico Bogue, #4)
author: Dominique Roques
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.25
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2018/01/15
date added: 2018/01/15
shelves: children-s, graphic-novels
review:
'Striking the Balance (Pico Bogue #4) by Dominique Roques with illustrations by Alexis Dormal is a series of comic strips about a boy named Pico with outrageous red hair and his little sister Anna. I think this is a case of something getting lost in translation.

First off, the illustrations are simply great. There is lots of motion and color and I loved looking at the art.

The gags is where this often falls apart. Since this was originally published in Europe, I assume it was translated into English. Some of the gags work because they are simple and cute. A few, perhaps because of differences in culture, are a bit strange. It's obviously targeted at kids, but some of the humor will probably just go right over their heads. It's fun to see stories about familiar holidays, and the emotional trauma that Anna goes through over finding out if Santa Claus is real or not. I just had a hard time feeling this is something I would recommend.

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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Wolfie and Fly: Band on the Run

Wolfie and Fly: Band on the Run
author: Cary Fagan
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/01/15
date added: 2018/01/15
shelves: children-s
review:
'Wolfie and Fly: Band on the Run' by Cary Fagan with illustrations by Zoe Si is another chapter book adventure with two strange friends with wild imaginations.

Renata "Wolfie" Wolfman is ordered to join the school talent contest. She has no interest, but decides to try to take up dance. She doesn't have the patience, so when her friend Livingston "Fly" Flott shows up at her doorstep with a song he wrote and a plastic guitar, she decides that being in a band with him, while still not a thing she wants to do, is better than her other options. Before long, Wolfie is putting together a drum set of household objects and the two start practicing and imagining what it would be like to be really famous....

I think I liked the first book just a bit more, but these are still pretty likeable characters. Oddball Fly doesn't let anything faze him. Not even comments from Wolfie. She doesn't know it, but he's just the friend she needs. The imagination bits were on full display here and helped Wolfie get over a bit of stage fright. I think that kind of visualization is a good lesson for young performers.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Tundra Books, 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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Tilly and Tank

Tilly and Tank
author: Jay Fleck
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.76
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/01/15
date added: 2018/01/15
shelves: children-s
review:
'Tilly and Tank' by Jay Fleck is a picture book about a most unusual friendship between an elephant and a military tank. The book teaches lessons about pursuing friendship and peace.

One morning, Tilly is out taking her walk when she sees a shape in the distance that kind of looks like another elephant. She wants to meet it. Meanwhile, Tank sees a tank shaped object in the distance and feels threatened. Tank reacts with noise and explosions. Is this any way to start a friendship?

I'll be honest and say that I thought the anti-war message would beat the reader over the head, but that's not what happens here. Besides being a book about choosing peace over violence, it's also a book about reaching out to make unusual friends. War may be a subject that is hopefully unfamiliar to the young readers of this book, but the pursuit of friendship is always a good lesson. Jay Fleck's story and illustrations are really nice.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Tundra Books, 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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Thursday, January 11, 2018

Justice League Vol. 4: Endless

Justice League Vol. 4: Endless
author: Bryan Hitch
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.12
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2018/01/11
date added: 2018/01/11
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Justice League Vol. 4: Endless' from DC collects issues 20-25 of the series. Rather than a longer story arc, it's a bunch of shorter issues with different creative teams.

The title story Endless is a sort of Groundhog's Day type story with the Flash reliving an incident over and over again, while trying to stop the death of a team member. It's the best story in the collection. In the second story, the Watchtower gets quarantined when Lois Lane and Jon come for a visit with Superman. The third story has new Green Lantern learning a lesson on controlling fear from Wonder Woman. This was my second favorite story in the book. The final story involves Aquaman's wife and the return to Earth of a godly villain.

The story quality wasn't terrible, but the last story wasn't able to keep me very interested. The art, like the writing quality, varies quite a bit. Some stories were illustrated better than others.

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


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Sunday, January 7, 2018

California Bones (Daniel Blackland, #1)

California Bones (Daniel Blackland, #1)
author: Greg Van Eekhout
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2018/01/07
date added: 2018/01/07
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'California Bones' by Greg Van Eekhout is the first in an urban fantasy series about gaining strange powers by consuming bones of powerful creatures. It was the December book for my book club. I enjoyed it, even though it was a pretty light read.

I liked the caper related aspects and the alternate version of LA with it's canals, and famous powerful people still alive through the powers of wizardry (or as it's known in this book, osteomancy).

The world doesn't feel fully fleshed out though. The LA in this book feels like it was written from the perspective of someone who lives in the valley. I wanted more multicultural aspect, but maybe those folks were smart and fled when the wizards starting warring.

I liked it well enough that I would consider reading more in the series.


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Super Sons, Volume 1: When I Grow Up (Super Sons, #1)

Super Sons, Volume 1: When I Grow Up (Super Sons, #1)
author: Peter J. Tomasi
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2018/01/07
date added: 2018/01/07
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Super Sons Vol. 1: When I Grow Up' by Peter J. Tomasi and Jorge Jimenez is a team up book that features the sons of Batman and Superman together. I was less crazy about the villain in this book, but I love these two characters together.

Damian is Batman's son, and he is just like Batman would have been, had he been allowed to be Batman as a kid. Superboy is a gangly, awkward kid that is just as much of a boy scout as his dad. These two team up when Damian learns there has been a break in at Lex Luthor's headquarters and someone has stolen some technology. That technology leads Damian and Jon into trouble and fighting robot doubles of themselves.

Along the way, there is Damian bragging about being in the Teen Titans and telling Jon he can't be since he is not a teenager yet. Damian is a bit of a brat, but I like him a lot. I especially like when the boys end up grounded. In a one off story, that happens and Jon has to deal with the family moving away from their farm and to the big city of Metropolis.

This was just a lot of fun to read. The main villain was not all that interesting to me, but the story and art were just great and I can't wait to read more of these two.

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


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Friday, January 5, 2018

Cigarette Girl

Cigarette Girl
author: Masahiko Matsumoto
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.24
book published: 1974
rating: 4
read at: 2017/03/14
date added: 2018/01/05
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Cigarette Girl' by Masahiko Matsumoto is a collection of manga from the 1970s. These stories come from the alternative comics movement known as "gekiga."

There are 11 stories collected here and they are about normal people and lives that don't feel fulfilled. One story follows an older lady as she tries to make her way as a condom salesperson. She ends up not being very good at sales, but pretty good at getting entangled in people's lives. In another story, a man buys cigarettes, not because he smokes, but because he secretly likes the woman who sells them.

Alternative and mature should be described more as indie film. The stories tell quiet stories of people interacting in each others lives and the solitude and isolation that can be felt even in a crowd of people. This volume also includes some essays about the artist and the work. It's an interesting collection of stories and I'm glad I got a chance to read it.

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


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Thursday, January 4, 2018

The Pink Umbrella

The Pink Umbrella
author: Amélie Callot
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2018/01/04
date added: 2018/01/04
shelves: children-s, favorites
review:
'The Pink Umbrella' by Aemlie Callot with illustrations by Genevieve Godbout drew me in with a delightful cover, and the winsome story inside made me smile.

Adele owns a cafe in a small community. It is open to everyone and also serves as a part time market, run by her friend Lucas, and cinema. When it's sunny out, Adele likes to sneak out and takes walks by the seaside, but when it rains, she just wants to stay inside and the weather really affects her mood. One day, after the market is over in her cafe, she finds a pair of pink rainboots that are just her size. This is followed by other gifts. Will this help Adele to embrace a gray rainy day?

The story is absolutely adorable. Adele is a completely likeable cafe owner. There may be something romantic going on with her and Lucas, but that's for older readers to perhaps speculate on. Here in the world of a children's book, it's pretty platonic. The vintage style illustrations by Genevieve Godbout are fantastic. Godbout has worked as an illustrator for the Disney consumer product line, and her whimsical illustrations can be found online. This was the perfect spot of color for a gray January day.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Tundra Books, 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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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Valérian, vu par... - Shingouzlooz Inc

Valérian, vu par... - Shingouzlooz Inc
author: Wilfrid Lupano
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.44
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/01/03
date added: 2018/01/03
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Valerian and Laureline: Shingouzlooz Inc.' by Wilfrid Lupano with art by Mathieu Lauffray is my first exposure to this famous series that spawned a blockbuster movie. This isn't the original team that created the series, but I had a good time reading it.

When Valerian and Laureline take on a bounty missing to pick up a robot named Mr. Zi-Pone, it's going to be tricky. It's compounded by Zi-Pone's offer of bribery of a rare and highly sought after fish. When the Shingouzlooz crash land on the planet, things get even messier. With the fate of Earth on the line, can Valerian focus on what he needs to focus on?

At the beginning, there is a brief introduction by the artist. They mention that this was not going to be a mimic of the original series. Having never read the original series, I don't know how close they got to accomplishing that, but this one was a crazy caper of spinning plates that threatened to topple over. The art fits the story very well, and I'm glad I got to read this.

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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