Tuesday, June 30, 2020

God Is Disappointed in You

God Is Disappointed in You
author: Mark Russell
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2020/06/30
date added: 2020/06/30
shelves:
review:
'God is Disappointed in You' by Mark Russell with cartoons by Shannon Wheeler is a paraphrase of the Bible condensed into a few paragraphs per book.

Each of the 66 books of the Bible is paraphrased with some humor and swear words occasionally injected. Almost all of the chapters also include a pretty clever cartoon by Shannon Wheeler that kind of reminded me of New Yorker style cartoons.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. As someone who has read the Bible a number of times, I expected to not like this. It was irreverent at times, but surprisingly reverent as well. I found myself laughing and applauding an author who took the time to read and understand a book I love. It's certainly not for everyone. The hyper-religious will find it offensive, as will the anti-religious, but I liked it.

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


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Tim Burton's the Nightmare Before Christmas (Zero's Journey #4)

Tim Burton's the Nightmare Before Christmas (Zero's Journey #4)
author: D.J. Milky
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.32
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/06/30
date added: 2020/06/30
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Zero's Journey #4' by D.J. Milky with art by Kei Ishiyama, David Hutchinson, and Dan Conner continues the adventures of Zero in Christmas Town.

In the last volume, Zero was lighting Santa's tree when a jealous reindeer caused and accidental fire. In the panic to get the fire out, Lock, Shock, and Barrel take the distraction to steal presents. Meanwhile, Jack and other residents of Halloween Town come to find Zero.

This is a fun series with familiar characters. It's a quick read, but would be fun for young readers. The art is great and I love that it's in full color.

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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Saturday, June 20, 2020

Being Creative: Be inspired. Unlock your originality (BUILD+BECOME)

Being Creative: Be inspired. Unlock your originality (BUILD+BECOME)
author: Michael Atavar
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.40
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/06/20
date added: 2020/06/20
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Being Creative: Be inspired. Unlock your originality' by Michael Atavar is part of the Build+Become series and may be the most unconventional book on creativity I've yet read.

This book is broken in to 20 ideas and exercises. Using a series of drawings to aid in memory, the book takes the journey from getting the spark of an idea through finalizing the project. The ideas include things like random writing in a journal or rearranging printouts from a printer among others. There are lots of ways to get uncomfortable and jar creativity loose.

I liked this book's approach to a subject I've studied. The ideas here seem like they'd help me tap in to some creative ideas, and I liked a creativity book that felt a bit different.

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


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The Dream of The Butterfly Vol 2: Dreaming a Revolution

The Dream of The Butterfly Vol 2: Dreaming a Revolution
author: Richard Marazano
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.53
book published: 2011
rating: 3
read at: 2020/06/20
date added: 2020/06/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Dream of The Butterfly Vol. 2: Dreaming a Revolution' by Richard Marazano with art by Luo Yin is the second part of a story about a lost little girl in a strange city.

Tutu's dreams continue to be strange. She dreams of the butterfly that will end Winter in this strange place. She goes to look for books in the Emperor's forbidden library, but when she finally catches the butterfly, the Emperor has other plans. The only way to change things is to start a revolution, but who will help Tutu.

I liked the first half of this story more, perhaps because everything was newer. This time around the ending feels a bit too easy. The art is still gorgeous and certainly why someone should read this second volume.

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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Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 1 (Kimetsu no Yaiba, #1)

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 1 (Kimetsu no Yaiba, #1)
author: Koyoharu Gotouge
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2020/06/20
date added: 2020/06/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 1' by Koyoharu Gotouge is a manga about a young boy learning to fight demons.

Tanjiro's fmaily lives in the mountains. One day he visits home and his entire family has been attacked by monsters. The only survivor is his little sister Nezuko. Wisdom says he should kill her, but there is still a bond between them. Now if Tanjiro can become a demon fighter, maybe he can find a way to help her.

I liked this story and characters. It had a nice retro feel in story and art. The story seems really grim, but doesn't become oppressively so. I wouldn't mind reading more in this series.

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


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Jack Wolfgang - Volume 1: Enter the Wolf

Jack Wolfgang - Volume 1: Enter the Wolf
author: Stephen Desberg
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.09
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2020/06/20
date added: 2020/06/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Jack Wolfgang Volume 1: Enter the Wolf' by Stephen Desberg with art by Henri Recule is a graphic novel about a world where animals have become anthropomorphic and live among humans.

Jack Wolfgang is restaurant critic by day and a CIA special agent the rest of the time. When a friend of his is killed by a polar bear with mob ties, Jack is drawn in to a mystery that may lead to uncovering a conspiracy. But before he does that, there are thrilling chases, cooking competitions, and romance.

I found this a pretty decent story. The world seems pretty well developed and the story reminded me of other spy type stories I've read. I like Henri Recule's art here. The character and building designs are sleek.

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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Wilma Rudolph

Wilma Rudolph
author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.21
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/06/20
date added: 2020/06/20
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Wilma Rudolph' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Amelia Flower is an picture book about an athlete who overcame diversity.

Wilma Rudolph was born into a home with 19 siblings in the segregated South. As a child, she contracted polio, and overcame it with the help of her family. From there, she played basketball and ran fast. So fast she won three gold medals in the Olympics in Rome.

Overcoming adversity is a theme in a lot of these stories, and this is no different, but it might be clearer for young readers than some. The art in this one shines as well.

I received a review copy of this ebook from The Quarto 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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Jean-Michel Basquiat

Jean-Michel Basquiat
author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.24
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2020/06/20
date added: 2020/06/20
shelves:
review:
'Jean-Michel Basquiat' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Luciano Lozano is an picture book about the famous artist.

Young Jean-Michel loved to draw art from a young age, and loved to visit museums with his mother. An unfortunate car accident when he was young brought him a useful present: an anatomy book. When he got older, he became famous for street art, became friends with Andy Warhol, and found his way into galleries and museums.

This series is great and finds interesting ways to tell true stories to young readers. The art in this volume ranks as some of my favorite in the series. As always, there is a timeline at the end of the book with photos of the subject.

I received a review copy of this ebook from The Quarto 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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Thursday, June 18, 2020

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton
author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.11
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/06/18
date added: 2020/06/18
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Dolly Parton' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Daria Solak is an picture book about the famous country singer.

Dolly Parton grew up poor, but loved music. Through her talent, she made it to the big time. She gave back by starting a reading program, and also became a successful businesswoman.

This is a fun series for young readers. I liked this one, but the art wasn't my favorite this time around. It's still good, and fits the subject well.

I received a review copy of this ebook from The Quarto 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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Mara the Space Traveler

Mara the Space Traveler
author: An Leysen
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.20
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/06/18
date added: 2020/06/18
shelves: childrens
review:
'Mara the Space Traveler' with story and art by An Leysen is a picture book about a young girl who becomes an astronaut.

Mara wants to fly in to space, so that's what she does. She finds an odd planet and makes new friends. Her friends are having a conflict with the sun because the sun is too close to the planet. Mara has a conversation with the sun, but will it save the planet?

An Leysen has a very distinct art style that I like, and that's why I am drawn to her books. In this one, Mara is a strong, brave person who takes a stand. The book ends with pages of Mara's notes from her journal about building a space ship and the creatures she meets.

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


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Everything Is Beautiful, and I'm Not Afraid: A Baopu Collection

Everything Is Beautiful, and I'm Not Afraid: A Baopu Collection
author: Yao Xiao
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2020
rating: 2
read at: 2020/06/18
date added: 2020/06/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Everything is Beautiful, and I'm not Afraid: A Baopu Collection' by Yao Xiao is a graphic novel collection of art and poetry about being an immigrant.

Inspired by the creator's own experience as a young, queer immigrant, this book explores the search for belonging in a new country. Also, the pain of the broken relationships with her mother, after she comes out to her.

This is a collection of self-reflection that also encourages the reader to reflect. The art is fairly simple, but the page layouts are really very interesting. It took me a bit to get in to the rhythm of this collection, but I'm glad I stuck with it.

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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Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Amla Mater

Amla Mater
author: Devi Menon
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.91
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/06/17
date added: 2020/06/17
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Amla Mater' with words and art by Devi Menon is a graphic novel about a woman who is pregnant, and all the memories that brings with it.

Mili is waiting for her baby in London. She sees little reminders of her home in India. Amla, or gooseberry, is something that her grandmother pickled, and Mili tries to recreate it. As she waits for the pickles to be ready, and the baby grows inside her, other memories of friends and places come to her.

It's a sweet and nostalgic story. The art is a bit basic, but since the author drew it, I can appreciate it. The story speaks of longing for home and even things that can never be again, and that resonated with me as a reader.

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


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Attack of the Stuff

Attack of the Stuff
author: Jim Benton
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.47
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2020/06/17
date added: 2020/06/17
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Attack of the Stuff' with story and art by Jim Benton is an odd graphic novel about a duck with a weird problem.

Bill Waddler has a problem. All the stuff in his house talks to him, including his toilet. His other problem is his nightmares about being strangled by farting snakes. He doesn't have many friends, and his job working at the Hay Store gets weird comments. Then one day someting happens and Bill may be the only one who can help.

Somehow, this is the book I needed to read at this moment. It feels like it was written by a child, and I mean that in the best possible way. The characters and the story are just so weird. The art is pretty great for a wacky story like this. Bravo!

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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How I Survived: Four Nights on the Ice

How I Survived: Four Nights on the Ice
author: Serapio Ittusardjuat
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.15
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2020/06/17
date added: 2020/06/17
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'How I Survived: Four Nights on the Ice' by Serapio Ittusardjuat with illustrations by Matthew K. Hoddy is a graphic novel about a man lost on the ice.

When Serapio's snowmobile breaks down on his way back from a fishing camp, he is lost on the ice. For a lot of people, this would be a death sentence. For Serapio, keeping calm and doing what he's been trained to is what this story is about.

It's an interesting story, but feels a bit brief. The art is less than interesting, but that could be because it's mostly out on the ice.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Zen Pencils: Creative Struggle

Zen Pencils: Creative Struggle
author: Gavin Aung Than
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.28
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/06/16
date added: 2020/06/16
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'Zen Pencils: Creative Struggle' by Gavin Aung Than is a new volume in the inspiring cartoon series.

This time around creative blocks are discussed in the words of famous people who have had them. From Vincent Van Gogh and his blank canvas to Ludwig Van Beethoven and his dwindling hearing, these are pretty inspiring stories about where to create and how to overcome the adversity that keeps the artist from creating.

I really like this series. The art is good and the quotes here are inspiring. Included is more information about most of those included in the book.

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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Sunday, June 14, 2020

My Hero Academia, Vol. 24

My Hero Academia, Vol. 24
author: Kohei Horikoshi
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2020/06/14
date added: 2020/06/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'My Hero Academia, Vol. 24' with story and art by Kohei Horikoshi is a manga about a world where 80 percent of the population have superpowers.

This time around, the story revolves around the villains. The villains have some odd quirks. One young girl gets her power from drinking blood. One can duplicate objects. They seem to spend a lot of their time fighting each other, but there is time for childhood flashbacks as well.

I liked this take on supervillains. They have pretty varied strengths and stranger powers than I've run across before. I liked the art.

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


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The Promised Neverland, Vol. 15

The Promised Neverland, Vol. 15
author: Kaiu Shirai
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2020/06/14
date added: 2020/06/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Promised Neverland, Vol. 15' By Kaiu Shairai with illustrations by Posuka Demizu continues the weird saga of the children of Grace Field House.

At this point, the children have different factions. Norman wants to continue his plan to wipe out all the demons, but the demons have convinced some of the kids that they aren't all bad. Emma and her group have their own plans.

It's been a few volumes since I've read the series. The kids are stil kids, but have obviously had to grow up. The art is good and the demon designs are pretty creepy.

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


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Saturday, June 13, 2020

Bandit

Bandit
author: Francois Troukens
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.75
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/06/13
date added: 2020/06/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Bandit' by Francois Troukens with art by Alain Bardet is a graphic novel based on the life and crimes of the author.

Francois and his friends are armed robbers by trade. The lure of more money keeps pulling at them. An early stint in prison ends in a jailbreak, and leaves Francois wanting more crime. When Francois falls in love, the stakes get even higher. He intermittently talks about his childhood as we realize he is narrating this story to a prison psychologist.

I liked this story. Even though it is true, it seems to be a bit predictable. The art is black and white and feels a bit unfinished, but I liked it's rough nature.

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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Wormworld Saga Vol 1: The Journey Begins

Wormworld Saga Vol 1: The Journey Begins
author: Daniel Lieske
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2020/06/13
date added: 2020/06/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Wormworld Saga Vol 1: The Journey Begins' with story and art by Daniel Leske is a fantasy graphic novel for younger readers with lush, beautiful art.

School is out for Jonas, and that means going to visit his grandmother for the Summer with his father. He has adventures in the woods in his favorite sweater and wielding his wooden sword. This year, things take a strange turn when he finds a portal to another world. He plans on leaving a way back home, but the portal closes on him.

The story is interesting and easy to follow. The world building, so far, seems pretty good. The digital art is colorful and detailed. I enjoyed this first volume.

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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Dragonfly and Dragonflyman: Volume One

Dragonfly and Dragonflyman: Volume One
author: Tom Peyer
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.70
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/06/13
date added: 2020/06/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Dragonfly and Dragonflyman: Volume One' by Tom Peyer with art by Peter Krause, Russ Braun, and Jamal Igle continues the adventures of similar heroes in Earth-Alpha and Earth-Omega.

Earth-Omega has gritty, dark Dragonfly, while lighter, nostalgic Earth-Alpha has Dragonflyman. In a series of similar stories, we see how each interacts with their world, as well as their young sidekicks. In Earth-Alpha, Dragonfly man is hypnotized and becomes a pacifist. In Earth-Omega, Dragonflyman has a trust issue when his sidekick, Stinger, finds out that he's being tracked.

I really like this series. There are some nice tongue-in-cheek pokes at comics and it's interesting to see these parallel world heroes dealing with things in their own ways. The art shifts nicely between light and dark, and I like the throwback style art for Earth-Alpha.

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


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Kaijumax Season Three: King of the Monstas

Kaijumax Season Three: King of the Monstas
author: Zander Cannon
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2020/06/13
date added: 2020/06/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Kaijumax Season Three: King of the Monstas' with story and art by Zander Cannon brings us back to the inmates of the worlds most dangerous (and weirdest) prison.

This time, it's all about factions. The little guys in the cryptid group need to learn to be less timid or their going to get eaten. The tensions between the kaijus, the cryptids, and the robot mosters is never easy, and the wardens watch and hope the monstas don't all decide to work together. And there is a Hamilton parody. I loved 'Are you Raymond Burr, sir?"

I have felt less enamored with this series over time. I still like it because it is just so freaking weird, but I think, for me, the joke has run a bit stale. The art is odd, like the weird inmates, and it's definitely one of the more unique series I've read.

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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Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Lost Beast, Found Friend

Lost Beast, Found Friend
author: Josh Trujillo
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/06/10
date added: 2020/06/10
shelves: childrens
review:
'Lost Beast, Found Friend' by Josh Trujillo with illustrations by Nick Kennedy and Melani Lapovich is a story about making friends with those who are different than we are.

A young girl in a village is sent out to pick fruit every day. One day, she finds something unusual, a large, lost creature who likes to eat. She finds out he is lost, and decides to help him find his way home.

This is a really cute book with very colorful, fun pictures. The story is a quick read, so it should hold the attention of busy toddlers. The pictures should too. There are some nice lessons to be learned in this book.

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


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Sunday, June 7, 2020

Spectacle Vol. 1

Spectacle Vol. 1
author: Megan Rose Gedris
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2020/06/07
date added: 2020/06/07
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Spectacle vol. 1' with story and art by Megan Rose Gedris is a graphic novel about sisters, circus and murder.

Anna works as a psychic in a circus with her sister, Kat. Kat has a knife throwing act, but when she is found dead on the floor of their trailer, Anna is left to figure out who did it. Anna also discovers she can see the dead, starting with her sister. There are a lot of suspects in the crew around her.

I liked this quirky story with it's quirky characters. Anna is a very likeable character. I also liked the stylish, colorful art.

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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Object Lesson

Object Lesson
author: Grégory Mardon
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.83
book published: 2006
rating: 2
read at: 2020/06/07
date added: 2020/06/07
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Object Lesson' with story and art by Gregory Mardon is a story about a young boy growing up in a small village in France.

Jean-Pierre is who we follow in this story of growing up in a small village. There are bullies and animals. Jean-Pierre's home life is not so great with a dad we never see clearly, and a mom who is very lonely. There are things to do for church and school, and a surprising amount of cruelty to animals.

Not a lot happens. I was looking for an arc to the story or character development, and neither of those things happen in any significant way. The art is good. I just wish the story had some weight to 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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Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma, Vol. 36

Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma, Vol. 36
author: Yuto Tsukuda
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.55
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2020/06/07
date added: 2020/06/07
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma, Vol. 36' by Yuto Tsudkuda with art by Shun Saeki is about a young chef named Soma Yukihira and his quest to become an award winning chef.

The finals of the BLUE competition are here, and Yukihira is battling against Erina Nakiri. The winner of this competition wins it all. The dishes that Yukihira serves up consist of a fairly common dish and a challenge dish that has never been seen before. In both cases, he is belittled and underrated (even here after countless successes). After the final outcome, the book ends with a kind of epilogue.

I only just read the first book, which I really liked. My review of this is biased by the fact that I've not read the bulk of this series, but I did still really enjoy it. I like the running gag for what happens to people with tasting good and very bad food. The art is fun.

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


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Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Manga Classics: Romeo and Juliet

Manga Classics: Romeo and Juliet
author: Stacy King
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2020/06/03
date added: 2020/06/03
shelves: classics, graphic-novels
review:
'Manga Classics: Romeo and Juliet' by William Shakespeard with adaptation by Crystal S. Chan and art by Julien Choy is another masterful manga classic.

This time around the famous play by Shakespeare is adapted. I'm pretty sure this is the entire text of the play interwoven with manga art. It's all here, the fighting between the families, the meeting of Romeo and Juliet, and the sad ending.

At 409 pages, it's pretty long, but it's also complete. This passes the book report test (could you read this and pass a book report?). The art is really good, too.

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


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This Place: 150 Years Retold

This Place: 150 Years Retold
author: Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2020/06/03
date added: 2020/06/03
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'This Place: 150 Years Retold' from HighWater Press is a graphic novel retelling of the history of indigenous people in Canada.

The 10 stories in this collection are chronological and trace the treatment of native peoples in Canada during the time it has been a country. Over the course of the book, I met Annie of Red River, the wife of a settler, and quick with the whip. There are the wendigo hunters who are out to stop people from going crazy. Perhaps my favorite was about World War I sniper Francis "Peggy" Pegamagabow.

The stories are almost all interesting. The art varies, as you might expect with so many different creators. I wasn't as crazy about the final story, which was a speculative fiction story.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3dzTQRY

Monday, June 1, 2020

Dream of The Butterfly Vol 1: Rabbits on the Moon

Dream of The Butterfly Vol 1: Rabbits on the Moon
author: Richard Marazano
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.54
book published: 2010
rating: 4
read at: 2020/06/01
date added: 2020/06/01
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Dream of the Butterfly Vol. 1: Rabbits on the Moon' by Richard Marazano with illustrations by Luo Yin is a graphic novel about a little girl lost in a strange city.

Tutu wanders away in the snow one day and finds herself in a strange city where animals talk. There are rabbits that are spies, but pretty bad ones. She is forced to take a job in a factory where her job is replacing tired hamsters that are heating the city in their wheels. She has strange dreams and a secret mission to find a butterfly and maybe end the endless Winter plaguing the city.

The story reminds me a bit of an allegory about dictatorships, but it doesn't quite gel. I did like the oddness of the story, though. The art is gorgeous and feels like animated cels from Studio Ghibli.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/2Mk2esP