Over the years, Lori has learned not to trust those around her. After all, eventually, they’ll all break her trust. Yet she’ll have to relearSummary:
Over the years, Lori has learned not to trust those around her. After all, eventually, they’ll all break her trust. Yet she’ll have to relearn a few lessons once her world changes forever. One day, she woke up, and everyone was just gone.
Well, almost everyone. There are a few survivors, for lack of a better word. One she’ll team up with against the world. But how much will she trust her, and how far will she go to keep them safe?
Review:
Oph. I knew that whatever Kieron Gillen wrote next would be a total gut punch, and I was right. We Called Them Giants is short yet highly emotional, with our characters left to face the unknown and worse.
I love how the story starts one way (a jaded girl explaining her view of the world) and quickly turns into something entirely different. You don’t even recognize the world by the end. I could say a lot more here, but I don’t want to say anything too spoilery.
The overall writing style is strong and compelling as Lori’s world rapidly falls to pieces. Yet there’s hope even in the darkest of times, as this tale is quick to show us (again and again).
Then there’s the artwork, my favorite part of the story. Stephanie Hans is an artistic genius, and the art in We Called Them Giants is perfect for the story. It’s bright and sometimes portrays emotions in shocking details.
Highlights: Post-Apocalyptic Surviving the Odds Isolation vs. Trust
Mable, Dipper, and the rest of the cast have had a memorable summer – to say the least! While their adventures filled up two seasons (plus seSummary:
Mable, Dipper, and the rest of the cast have had a memorable summer – to say the least! While their adventures filled up two seasons (plus several shorts), that's not all there is to learn about this one summer.
As it turns out, there are at least four adventures that never made it to the screen, and it's time to dive in and learn all about them.
Review:
Full disclosure: I only recently sat down to watch Gravity Falls. I fell instantly in love and ended up watching both seasons (plus the shorts) in a span of only two weeks. Since I'm going through that series-withdrawal phase, I figured now was the perfect time to read the books!
Gravity Falls: Lost Legends collects four "lost" adventures. These adventures are canon, as they're written by Alex Hirsch. Other than Journal 3 and the incoming Bill book, I'm not certain that the rest are considered canon (though I'm sure they're fun).
The best part about these stories? I feel like they actually did a good job covering several bases, including talking about secondary characters and plot points. We have a Pacifica-centric plot, a comic/manga-style one (thanks to Stan's grumpiness), a dimensional tale full of Mable puns, and a story set in Stan and Ford's past. Like I said, it's a pretty great balance of stories.
If you're a Gravity Falls fan ,and you haven't read Gravity Falls: Lost Legends, please consider rectifying that. It's worth it, I promise!
Highlights: Middle Grade Graphic Novel Fantasy Adventure Mysteries Monsters Vibes Connected to TV Series
Life is full of little oddities. The creatures/characters within Poorly Drawn Comics know that better than most people. Characters such as TuSummary:
Life is full of little oddities. The creatures/characters within Poorly Drawn Comics know that better than most people. Characters such as Turtle, Snail, Bird, Mouse, and more grace the pages of this collection, doing their best to get through the day. Usually, with a healthy amount of sarcasm on the side.
Review:
I've been reading Poorly Drawn Lines here and there for what feels like ages (I know, I need to be better at staying up with the comics), so I was excited to get my hands on Hope It All Works Out!
This collection is everything I had hoped it would be, witty, charismatic, silly, and heavily sarcastic. It's a nice break from reality, while still being oddly grounded (the adventures are never so entirely out there).
If you're a fan of wit, dry humor, or sarcasm, check out Hope It All Works Out! More importantly, if you're already reading Poorly Drawn Comics, these are totally new, so take advantage of them!
Highlights: Slice-of-life Comedy/Sarcasm Webcomic
Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
@purr.in.ink is giving the internet what we've always wanted – a full collection of cat-related comics. Comic and cat lovers rejoice because this slic@purr.in.ink is giving the internet what we've always wanted – a full collection of cat-related comics. Comic and cat lovers rejoice because this slice-of-life comedy is everything you could have ever wanted.
The Book of Purrs is SO funny and sweet. It's hard not to fall instantly in love. I know, I'm biased. But I do adore cats. I also love Luis Coelho's artistic style. Seriously, if I could buy a few of these pages in print form, I would (note to self: see if that's possible).
This collection is chill, cute, and funny all in one. The comic plots are simple, sweet, and effective. They deal with silly cat moments, mental health, self-care, reminders of value, you name it. In short, it's perfect when you're needing a pick-me-up.
Highlights: Cats! More Cats! Stunning artwork Mental Health
Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Attaboy is a simple story that will resonate with many readers. Who hasn’t fallen down the rabbit hole, falling in love with a game, book, orSummary:
Attaboy is a simple story that will resonate with many readers. Who hasn’t fallen down the rabbit hole, falling in love with a game, book, or movie that few people know of? It happens to the next of us.
This is the story of a video game the author remembers from his childhood. It’s vivid and surreal because there are so many details, and yet, so few people know what he’s talking about.
Review:
Attaboy is both wholly nostalgic and unique, all in one go. While the storytelling style (and art) is very original, the overall story is designed to resonate with fans. It succeeded! At least with this fan.
I really enjoyed the whole “video game that may or may not have existed” concept. I can list off a few books that I swear I read when I was a child, but now I probably couldn’t find any evidence of them. That’s one of the reasons this read was so charming and fun.
Then there’s the art style! Oh! I loved the colors and the bold shapes, especially how they combined with the more ragged edges. It all felt so vibrant and intentional. It was a spectacle for the eyes.
How far will one girl go to find her missing brother? As it turns out, to the end of the world – and straight into the next. It all starts wiSummary:
How far will one girl go to find her missing brother? As it turns out, to the end of the world – and straight into the next. It all starts with a simple lie. She wants to film a movie on the beach with her friends. But quickly, everything changes.
Review:
Wow. I wish I could leave my review at "wow" because that accurately sums up how I felt upon finishing The Cull Vol. 1. This book is A LOT, but in the best ways possible. It's dark, emotional, tense, and fascinating, all in one.
There are five characters in total, and right away, we get a glimpse into their lives. In a few short panels, we learn the broad strokes of each teen. Then, the adventure begins. I'll admit that I wish we had a bit more time to learn their history, but that did develop along the way.
As for the adventure, well, that was something else. Picture Paper Girls but with a Saga-esque surreal vibe. That'sThat's how this story goes. And yes, that should tell you something about the level of danger and action that occurs.
I am so relieved that The Cull Vol. 1 is only the first volume in this adventure. Could it have ended here? Well...technically? But I would much (MUCH) rather see how the rest of this story will play out.
Highlights: Written by Kelly Thompson Sci-Fi Horror Body Horror Strange Lands
Vince Okonma's whole life has changed over the course of a few weeks. He went from being an ordinary kid (teen) to bei3 1/2 stars rounded up.
Summary:
Vince Okonma's whole life has changed over the course of a few weeks. He went from being an ordinary kid (teen) to being a kid living with a punch of paranormal beings. Thanks to a tragedy in his life, Vince is moving in with his cousin (and roommates).
Here's the thing: nobody in this house is normal. The cousin is a secret hitman, and the roommates include a ghost and a vampire. It's a lot, but it's also the perfect place for Vince to be right now, oddly enough.
Review:
Okay, wow. There's a lot to take in while reading Nights Vol. 1. It reads like an ordinary paranormal story (is there such a thing?)...at first. But the more you look at it, the more you realize that everything is different.
To start with, the world isn't the one we know. There are paranormal creatures, a different number of states, and so much more. It's basically an alternative history fantasy story, with many foundational elements changed.
I both loved and hated that. It made for a fascinating read, especially when learning about the oddities in the woods (I want more answers on that). Likewise, I'm fascinated by the cousin's story (which has strong Something is Killing the Children vibes). I have so many questions.
All things considered, Nights Vol. 1 is an interesting read—and yet not at all what I expected. I'll probably keep up with the series, though I have no idea where it will lead in the long run.
Highlights: Paranormal Creatures Hidden backstories Vampires & More
Thanks to Image Comics and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Once upon a time, a man named Tatsu was a fierce member of the Yakuza. He was known as the Immortal Dragon and infamous for everything he didSummary:
Once upon a time, a man named Tatsu was a fierce member of the Yakuza. He was known as the Immortal Dragon and infamous for everything he did – and survived. But that was years ago. Now he's a househusband and quite dedicated to the job.
Enter the househusband! He walked away from a life of danger and violence. Now, he fights a new type of battle against dust and messes. All while mastering the art of cooking and shopping.
Review:
Okay, The Way of the Househusband Vol. 7 may have one of the funniest (if shortest) bits thus far. I was crying and laughing, which was only the beginning of this volume! This is proof that the series is holding onto that charm.
It felt like The Way of the Househusband Vol. 7 had way more shorter stories in it than in previous volumes. That said, I enjoyed the pacing. Some stories I enjoyed more than others (such as the one I mentioned earlier).
This volume teases Tatsu's backstory again but in a light and oddly funny way. Once again, it's a nice reminder of why he and Miku work. There are also two cat-centric stories. The first is a cat cafe-themed one, and the other follows the one and only Gin. In other words, it's all perfectly balanced.
Highlights: Ex-Yakuza turned Househusband Comical Slice-of-life Adorable Cat side stories
Local legends have a way of lingering. Yet sometimes, those legends, which feel blown out of proportion, have a nugget3 1/2 stars rounded up.
Summary:
Local legends have a way of lingering. Yet sometimes, those legends, which feel blown out of proportion, have a nugget of truth in them. Sometimes, when the elders tell you to stay away from the haunted forest – you should listen.
Adam's friend has gone missing. So, in a desperate move, Adam follows the trail all the way to a supernatural forest in Romania. Maybe he should have listened to the locals, but then we wouldn't have this story, now would we?
Review:
If you're a fan of folklore, retellings, and graphic novel formatting for horror stories, you'll love Whisper of the Woods. It's chilling and compelling in equal measure, which is a unique art style. By the end, you'll wish there was more.
I feel a bit conflicted about Whisper of the Woods. On the one hand, I loved so much of it. On the other, I do wish there was a bit more. A little more length would have helped to flesh out the story and the world.
Likewise, I feel like I should note something – there are Romanian lines that haven't been translated. Now, this might be due to the fact that I read a review copy, so take that comment with a grain of sand.
The dark and atmospheric art style makes it the perfect match for the story. Speaking of – be prepared to get scared. No, really, this book is chilling in all the right ways.
Jill and the Killers #1 is a fascinating yet dark introduction to the series. Jill's story is full of mysteries; they only get deeper the more we learJill and the Killers #1 is a fascinating yet dark introduction to the series. Jill's story is full of mysteries; they only get deeper the more we learn.
This series looks to be perfect for fans of layered mysteries, as it has real amateur sleuth vibes. Best of all, it plays with the trending topic of those mystery boxes. In short, it's a blast (if a bit morbid).
The artwork brings this first volume up a notch, giving it an almost paranormal feeling at times. Long story short, this is not a series to skip out on.
It's Jeff! (No, really!). Jeff the Landshark is easily one of my favorite Marvel characters, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. Maybe that will make thiIt's Jeff! (No, really!). Jeff the Landshark is easily one of my favorite Marvel characters, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. Maybe that will make this review a bit biased, but I'm okay with that.
This comic reads as more of a slice-of-life style story, all focused on the one and only Jeff. He brings lots of superheroes into his antics, making it all the more entertaining.
If you've ever wondered how a landshark could mess with a bunch of superheroes, It's Jeff #1 is the perfect comic to read. It'll answer that and much more.
Time to dive back into the antics of Jeff the Landshark! It's Jeff: The Jeff-Verse continues the wild hilarity that is Jeff's daily life (when he's noTime to dive back into the antics of Jeff the Landshark! It's Jeff: The Jeff-Verse continues the wild hilarity that is Jeff's daily life (when he's not gracing the pages of another comic series, that is).
As usual, Jeff finds new and unusual ways to keep our favorite superheroes busy. He also makes new friends and calls upon his superhero animal friends to help save the day. In short, it's perfect.
We all know about the bullies in Stranger Things. They made Will's life a nightmare. Well, that is, they did. Then Eleven stepped in and did Summary:
We all know about the bullies in Stranger Things. They made Will's life a nightmare. Well, that is, they did. Then Eleven stepped in and did a few things to make them more hesitant about their actions. Sort of.
As it turns out, Troy has been struggling a lot with what happened to him, and he's not the type of guy to just let things go. He was raised to finish what he started. He just doesn't quite know how to deal with this situation.
Review:
Most of the time, I really enjoy tie-in graphic novels and the like. That said, I feel like I could have skipped Stranger Things: The Bully and not felt like I was missing out. It is a bit of a "take it or leave it" sort of story; forgive me for saying.
As the title indicates, this story is all about the bullies in the Stranger Things series. Or rather, it really focuses on one of the two (the lead bully), Troy. It was nice to learn a bit about Troy's backstory and see his thought processes here and there.
That said, Troy's story didn't actually add anything to the world. Most of us could have guessed about Troy's backstory (at least a bit), and the ending didn't feel satisfying in any real way. Though we are left hoping that Troy will learn how to change, so that's something?
Highlights: Netflix Series Tie-In Different Perspective
Scott Pilgrim does a pretty good job of making his life perfect. He's in a band, lives with a friend, and even has a high school girlfriend. Summary:
Scott Pilgrim does a pretty good job of making his life perfect. He's in a band, lives with a friend, and even has a high school girlfriend. But as we all know, things aren't always as they appear. Scott is still reeling from a big breakup and hasn't had a serious relationship since then.
But when he crosses paths with a girl named Ramona Flowers, he suddenly wants more. He wants her in his life, even if that means battling her seven evil ex-boyfriends. That's not too unusual, right?
Review:
It's always a bit surprising when a series does a time jump, no matter how short. That said, it often also leaves room for more character development and growth. So I was happy to see that happen in Scott Pilgrim Vol. 4.
Scott has been dealing with a lot of changes in his life. First, there's the Knives thing. Then Ramona. Now, the evil exes plot, a few moving subplots, etc. It's a lot, so you can see how little things slip through the cracks.
I'm still really enjoying this series, though I think the previous volume had better highs and lows. There are a few surprises in this volume, though, that help make it more compelling. However, a few of those moments raise more questions than they answer.
Highlights: Humor Romantic Plot (and Evil Exes) Musical Battles and More
Scott Pilgrim does a pretty good job of making his life perfect. He's in a band, lives with a friend, and even has a high school girlfriend. Summary:
Scott Pilgrim does a pretty good job of making his life perfect. He's in a band, lives with a friend, and even has a high school girlfriend. But as we all know, things aren't always as they appear. Scott is still reeling from a big breakup and hasn't had a serious relationship since then.
But when he crosses paths with a girl named Ramona Flowers, he suddenly wants more. He wants her in his life, even if that means battling her seven evil ex-boyfriends. That's not too unusual, right?
Volume 3
It's time to dive back into this series! I had planned on reading it all before the new Netflix series dropped. Since that happened almost a month ago (at the time of writing this), I failed miserably with that goal.
It's hard to believe that Envy broke Scott's heart only a year and a half ago. It feels like it would have been longer, but I guess that just shows how much can change in a year, especially when you're that age.
The fight with Todd did not go as expected (my expectations were set by the movie, obviously). I think, in a way, I liked this version better? The movie version was more compact, so I understand why they did things that way. But this one was more layered and complex.
Long story short – fans should absolutely be reading this series, as there's so much more to find within the pages.
Volume 4
It's always a bit surprising when a series does a time jump, no matter how short. That said, it often also leaves room for more character development and growth. So I was happy to see that happen in Scott Pilgrim Vol. 4.
Scott has been dealing with a lot of changes in his life. First, there's the Knives thing. Then Ramona. Now, the evil exes plot, a few moving subplots, etc. It's a lot, so you can see how little things slip through the cracks.
I'm still really enjoying this series, though I think the previous volume had better highs and lows. There are a few surprises in this volume, though, that help make it more compelling. However, a few of those moments raise more questions than they answer.
Highlights: Humor Romantic Plot (and Evil Exes) Musical Battles and More
Scott Pilgrim does a pretty good job of making his life perfect. He's in a band, lives with a friend, and even has a high school girlfriend. Summary:
Scott Pilgrim does a pretty good job of making his life perfect. He's in a band, lives with a friend, and even has a high school girlfriend. But as we all know, things aren't always as they appear. Scott is still reeling from a big breakup and hasn't had a serious relationship since then.
But when he crosses paths with a girl named Ramona Flowers, he suddenly wants more. He wants her in his life, even if that means battling her seven evil ex-boyfriends. That's not too unusual, right?
Review:
It's time to dive back into this series! I had planned on reading it all before the new Netflix series dropped. Since that happened almost a month ago (at the time of writing this), I failed miserably with that goal.
It's hard to believe that Envy broke Scott's heart only a year and a half ago. It feels like it would have been longer, but I guess that just shows how much can change in a year, especially when you're that age.
The fight with Todd did not go as expected (my expectations were set by the movie, obviously). I think, in a way, I liked this version better? The movie version was more compact, so I understand why they did things that way. But this one was more layered and complex.
Long story short – fans should absolutely be reading this series, as there's so much more to find within the pages.
Highlights: Humor Romantic Plot (and Evil Exes) Musical Battles and More
Captain Marvel Vol. 9 contains a single-issue plot and the beginning of a new plot arc; Revenge of the Brood.
Judgment Day: This is a crossovSummary:
Captain Marvel Vol. 9 contains a single-issue plot and the beginning of a new plot arc; Revenge of the Brood.
Judgment Day: This is a crossover event happening throughout the Marvel universe. However, it takes a unique turn here, as Chewie, Captain Marvel, and her newly found sister all get involved.
Revenge of the Brood (Part I): The Brood are back, and this time they have a targeted plan. One that will pull Carol Danvers and many of her allies into the mix - including several beloved X-Men characters.
Review:
Captain Marvel Vol. 9 is another perfect volume for fans of this outstanding character. The writing is phenomenal, and the artwork (as always) is amazing. Kelly Thompson brings many critical elements of Carol's backstory full circle, and I am here.
Judgment Day: Captain Marvel #42 is set between arcs, meaning it's a little lighter and much less intense than other plots. And seriously, any issue titled "The Chewie Center" is at risk of becoming my favorite. After all, Chewie is pretty much the best character ever (can you tell I'm a crazy cat lady?). I should probably also mention that this issue is a bit of a crossover with an event happening, Judgment Day. But you don't need to know that context to have fun with this issue.
Revenge of the Brood (Part I): Okay, so I knew it would hit hard because Brood, duh. But I was NOT expecting certain characters to get so wrapped up in this plot. It's a pleasant surprise and does a great job of bringing certain elements full circle. That's always been a talent of Kelly Thompson's, so that isn't all that much of a surprise. But it is appreciated.
Kelly Thompson did a wonderful job of playing with past events and references throughout Captain Marvel Vol. 9. One thing I love about her writing Captain Marvel is she never dances around her history. It's always present, and when it is relevant, boy, does it come up. Much of this plot feels oddly full circle but in a horrifying way. Only time will tell how accurate that statement is.
That said, a few subtle elements are worth noting, much of which has to do with the past. It always comes back around to the past, doesn't it? Funny how that happens.
Highlights: Revenge of the Brood Hazmat & Spider-Woman Cameos X-Men Cameos Binary Chewie
Despite their best efforts, Binary is still very much trapped by The Brood. Carol Danvers, Jessica Drew, Jennifer Takeda, and several X-Men aSummary:
Despite their best efforts, Binary is still very much trapped by The Brood. Carol Danvers, Jessica Drew, Jennifer Takeda, and several X-Men are on a quest to save her – and Rogue. However, The Brood are putting up more resistance than expected, causing Jennifer Takeda, aka Hazmat, to take extreme measures.
My Review:
Before I begin this review, I want to take a moment to talk about the latest news I heard. Kelly Thompson's run on Captain Marvel will end in Captain Marvel #50. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm pretty destroyed by this news. I know, I know. Artists and authors can't stick to a series forever. But her run has been a favorite of mine, and it hurts to see her leave.
Captain Marvel #47 starts in the middle of the action – as it should. Last we saw, Hazmat was doing her thing, which left us wondering how all our other favorite heroes were faring. Honestly, it was pretty cool to see Jen step up and show us the true power of her ability. I also love that this issue gave her a moment to talk about the good and the bad.
In truth, this whole plot arc has done a wonderful job of commenting on the past. Rogue, Captain Marvel's, and now Hazmat's. It's so wonderfully done, especially as these moments give these characters more ownership over what happened.
The issue ends with some concerning hints as to what is to come. However, we can probably assume that the 50th issue will wrap up this whole arc. So it'll be interesting to see how that goes.
As always, I adored the artwork in Captain Marvel #47. The cover is brilliant – immediate references come to mind. Even without that, it's an eye-catching cover. Hazmat's scenes were arguably some of the most visually stunning. I wonder if we'll ever get a chance to see her run a solo series. I would love that.
Highlights: The Brood Cost of War Vibes Calling Back to the Past X-Men Cameos
Liz (Quirky Cat)
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