Categotry Archives: comics

Pierce Brown’s Red Rising: Sons of Ares

Pierce Brown's Red Rising: Sons of Ares Book Cover Pierce Brown's Red Rising: Sons of Ares
Red Rising
Pierce Brown, Rik Hoskin
Dynamite Entertainment
March 13, 2018
Hardcover
152

From the world of the best-selling YA series Red Rising comes a story of love and loss and rage!

In the future, when mankind has spread across the stars, the hierarchy of man is dictated by the color of one’s caste. The Golds rule all, but what will happen when one falls for a lowly Red? See how a forbidden love will set the course of events for the future and lead to the formation of the formidable Sons of Ares!

Written by author Pierce Brown (The Red Rising Trilogy) and Rik Hoskin (Heroes of Skyrealm, Brandon Sanderson’s White Sand), with art by Eli Powell (Yakuza Demon Killers, The 13th Artifact), comes the in-continuity story of revolution and Red Rising!

 

Review:

“Red Rising: Sons of Ares” is a must for any diehard Red Rising fan.  The backstory of how it all began is interesting, and I hope it continues.  One of my favorite touches was that the text bubbles matched the color of whoever was speaking.  Anyone who hasn’t read the books first probably won’t find it enjoyable, so please read the wonderful series first!

This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

The Comic Book Story of Video Games

The Comic Book Story of Video Games Book Cover The Comic Book Story of Video Games
Jonathan Hennessey
Comics & Graphic Novels
Ten Speed Press
2017
192

A complete, illustrated history of video games--highlighting the machines, games, and people who have made gaming a worldwide, billion dollar industry/artform--told in a graphic novel format. Author Jonathan Hennessey and illustrator Jack McGowan present the first full-color, chronological origin story for this hugely successful, omnipresent artform and business. Hennessey provides readers with everything they need to know about video games--from their early beginnings during World War II to the emergence of arcade games in the 1970s to the rise of Nintendo to today's app-based games like Angry Birds and Pokemon Go. Hennessey and McGowan also analyze the evolution of gaming as an artform and its impact on society. Each chapter features spotlights on major players in the development of games and gaming that contains everything that gamers and non-gamers alike need to understand and appreciate this incredible phenomenon.

 

Review:

“The Comic Book Story of Video Games” is definitely not light reading, but it is entertaining and full of information.  I believe I learned something new on almost every page.  This is perfect for kids interested in engineering and technology, as well as adults.  It could also fit easily into a STEM curriculum.  Highly recommended for all of us video game nerds out there!

This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

 

The Creeps

The Creeps Book Cover The Creeps
Fran Krause
Comics & Graphic Novels
Ten Speed Press
2017-09
144

A follow-up to the New York Times best-selling Deep Dark Fears: a second volume of comics based on people's quirky, spooky, hilarious, and terrifying fears. Illustrator, animator, teacher, and comic artist Fran Krause has touched a collective nerve with his wildly popular web comic series--and subsequent New York Times best-selling book--Deep Dark Fears. Here he brings readers more of the creepy, funny, and idiosyncratic fears they love illustrated in comic form--such as the fear that your pets will tell other animals all your embarrassing secrets, or that someone uses your house while you're not home--as well as two longer comic short-stories about ghosts.

 

Review:

“The Creeps” is filled with cartoons depicting various fears ranging from the rational to far beyond the irrational.  I don’t think anyone can go through it without finding something they relate to.  Some of it is funny, some of it is horrifying, and I finished it having some creepy crawly fears I had never even considered before.  It’s an especially fun read for the Halloween season.

This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

Poe: Stories and Poems

Poe: Stories and Poems Book Cover Poe: Stories and Poems
Gareth Hinds
Candlewick Press
August 1, 2017
Paperback
120

In a thrilling adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s best-known works, acclaimed artist-adapter Gareth Hinds translates Poe's dark genius into graphic-novel format.

It is true that I am nervous. But why will you say that I am mad?

In "The Cask of Amontillado," a man exacts revenge on a disloyal friend at carnival, luring him into catacombs below the city. In "The Masque of the Red Death," a prince shielding himself from plague hosts a doomed party inside his abbey stronghold. A prisoner of the Spanish Inquisition, faced with a swinging blade and swarming rats, can’t see his tormentors in "The Pit and the Pendulum," and in "The Tell-Tale Heart," a milky eye and a deafening heartbeat reveal the effects of conscience and creeping madness. Alongside these tales are visual interpretations of three poems — "The Raven," "The Bells," and Poe’s poignant elegy to lost love, "Annabel Lee." The seven concise graphic narratives, keyed to thematic icons, amplify and honor the timeless legacy of a master of gothic horror.

 

Review:

I can’t rave enough about this graphic novel.  The artwork is beautiful and the style changes for each work to perfectly fit the mood.  It’s an excellent introduction to Poe’s works for the younger set and even includes a theme guide at the beginning of each work.  In the back is a piece on each story or poem that gives vital information into both its creation and Poe’s life in general.  I can’t recommend this enough!

Five enthusiastic stars.

This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

Fire Starters

Fire Starters Book Cover Fire Starters
Jen Storm
December 31, 2016
Paperback

 

Review:

“Fire Starters” is an excellent book for middle graders about the prejudice facing indigenous peoples.  It’s also a morality tale about taking responsibility for your actions.  Tough subject matter to read, as it should be.  The artwork is great.

This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

 

Content Warning:

Violence, Hate Speech

The Flintstones Vol. 1

The Flintstones Vol. 1 Book Cover The Flintstones Vol. 1
The Flintstones
Mark Russell
DC Comics
March 28, 2017
Paperback
168

Fred and Barney reunite for Mark Russell's modern take on Hanna-Barbera's most famous stone-age family! This new series starring the first family of Bedrock (and civilization, really) tells the story of who we are and why we do what we do as if it all began with Fred, Wilma, Barney, Betty, and the rest of the citizens of Bedrock. Shining a light on humanity's ancient customs and institutions in a funny origin story of human civilization, Mark Russell (PREZ) blends modern interpretations with Hanna-Barbera's classic character's, bringing a breath of fresh stone-age air. Hanna-Barbera has created some of the most recognizable animated characters of all time. As part of DC Comics' re-imagination of cartoons like Scooby-Doo, The Flintsones, Johnny Quest, Space Ghost, and Wacky Racers, these new series will be infused with modern and contemporary concepts while keeping the heart and soul of the classic animation. Collects THE FLINTSONES #1-6.

 

Review:

I’m finding it difficult to come up with words to describe how much I loved “The Flintstones Vol. 1.”  These are not the Flintstones of your childhood.  There is biting satire about the world today that has you laughing one moment and thinking deeply the next.  My favorite was issue five.  I won’t spoil it, but it is a top-notch political commentary on the state of our elections.  The top it all off, the artwork is detailed and beautiful.  Highly recommend!  All of the Stars!

This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

Lucifer Vol. 2: Father Lucifer

Lucifer Vol. 2: Father Lucifer Book Cover Lucifer Vol. 2: Father Lucifer
Lucifer Comics
Holly Black
Vertigo
March 7, 2017
144

The antihero who made his debut in THE SANDMAN and starred in his own hit series continues his comeback in the second volume of this new series by best-selling writer Holly Black ("The Spiderwick Chronicles")! God is dead--and Gabriel has accused Lucifer of His murder. Lucifer had motive and opportunity, but claims he can prove his innocence. If Gabriel finds the killer and takes the culprit into custody, Lucifer's sins will be forgotten, and he'll be welcomed back to the Silver City. So, despite the fact that Lucifer just opened a new nightclub on Earth and is hiding a mysterious wound, the two brothers set off to solve their Father's murder. Their investigation will span Heaven, Hell, Earth, and beyond in this antagonistic buddy-cop noir with an angelic flare. This daring new graphic novel reintroduces the former King of Hell to a new generation of readers watching Fox's new 2016 series "Lucifer"! Collects issues #7-10.

 

Review:

“Lucifer Vol. 2: Father Lucifer” has beautiful artwork and a main story with potential, but it strays in way too many directions to be cohesive.  I’m hoping that the next volume stays with a single storyline.  Word of caution:  If you’re coming to this comic because of the television show, it is almost completely different.  In my opinion, the show is better.  Your mileage may vary.

This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

Adventure Time Comics Vol. 1

Adventure Time Comics Vol. 1 Book Cover Adventure Time Comics Vol. 1
Adventure Time Comics
KaBOOM!
February 28, 2017
Paperback
112

Oh My Glob! We’ve unleashed some of the industry’s best cartoonists into the Land of Ooo to share their most algebraic and original stories!

WHAT TIME IS IT?!

It’s ADVENTURE TIME COMICS time! These sweet shorts come in many shapes and sizes, featuring all of the beloved characters from the Land of Ooo, written and illustrated by acclaimed cartoonists and storytellers from all over the world.

Featuring work by: Katie Cook (My Little Pony), Art Baltazar (Tiny Titans), Tony Millionaire (Maakies and the Sock Monkey), Box Brown (Andre the Giant), Greg Smallwood (Moon Knight), Sophia Foster-Dimino, Marguerite Sauvage (DC Bombshells), Kelly Thompson (Jem And The Holograms), Savanna Ganucheau (Bloom), S. M. Vidaurri (Iron), Veronica Fish (Archie), Jim Zub (Wayward), Derek Charm (Jughead), James Lloyd (Above the Dreamless Dead), and many more!

 

Review:

“Adventure Time Comics Vol. 1” is the perfect comic collection for beginning readers.  All of the beloved characters from the show are there, and the stories are short but fun.  Each story features a different artistic style, so it is also a good introduction to the world of comics in general.  Of course, it isn’t just for kids!

This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

Big Mushy Happy Lump

Big Mushy Happy Lump Book Cover Big Mushy Happy Lump
Sarah Andersen
Comics & Graphic Novels
March 7, 2017
128

Swimsuit season is coming up! Better get beach-body ready! Work on those abs! Lift those butts! ...Um, or how about never mind to all that and just be a lump. Big Mushy Happy Lump! Sarah Andersen's hugely popular, world-famous Sarah's Scribbles comics are for those of us who boast bookstore-ready bodies and Netflix-ready hair, who are always down for all-night reading-in-bed parties and extremely exclusive after-hour one-person music festivals. In addition to the most recent Sarah's Scribbles fan favorites and dozens of all-new comics, this volume contains illustrated personal essays on Sarah's real-life experiences with anxiety, career, relationships and other adulthood challenges that will remind readers of Allie Brosh's Hyperbole and a Half and Jenny Lawson's Let's Pretend This Never Happened. The same uniquely frank, real, yet humorous and uplifting tone that makes Sarah's Scribbles so relatable blooms beautifully in this new longer form.

 

Review:

“Big Mushy Happy Lump” is the newest addition to the Sarah Anderson collection, and it’s just as good as all of her previous work.  Everyone will find something to relate to and laugh at.  It’s a real joy.

This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.