Tag Archives: graphic novels
Pierce Brown’s Red Rising: Sons of Ares
Pierce Brown's Red Rising: Sons of Ares
Red Rising
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 Flintstones Vol. 2: Bedrock Bedlam
October 10, 2017
144
Fred and Barney reunite for Mark Russell's modern take on Hanna-Barbera's most famous stone-age family! This second volume 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 characters, 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' reimagination of cartoons like SCOOBY-DOO, JONNY QUEST, SPACE GHOST and WACKY RACERS, these new series are infused with modern and contemporary concepts while keeping the heart and soul of the classic animation. Collects THE FLINSTONES #7-12.
Review:
I have trouble finding the words to express how much I LOVE The Flintstones reboot comics. “Bedrock Bedlam” is an even stronger follow-up to the first volume. The art is beautiful and the satire is biting. They definitely are not the Flintstones of your childhood (or the childhood of your parents).
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
The Comic Book Story of Video Games
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
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.
Park Bench
Comics & Graphic Novels
Gallery 13
September 19, 2017
336
With his masterful illustration style, bestselling French creator-storyteller Chabouté (Alone, Moby-Dick) explores community through a common, often ignored object: the park bench. From its creation, to its witness to the fresh ardor of lovers, the drudgery of businessmen, the various hopes of the many who enter its orbit, the park bench weathers all seasons. Strangers meet at it for the first time. Paramours carve their initials into it. Old friends sit and chat upon it for hours. Others ignore the bench, or (attempt to) sleep on it at night, or simply anchor themselves on it and absorb the ebb and flow of the area and its people. Christophe Chabouté’s mastery of the visual medium turns this simple object into a thought-provoking and gorgeously wrought meditation on time, desire, and the life of communities all across the planet. This could be a bench in my hometown or yours—the people in this little drama are very much those we already recognize.
Review:
With the only words in “Park Bench” being book titles and scribbles on the bench, it is the purest form of a graphic novel. I can’t even begin to describe how beautiful this book is. No words could do it justice. I laughed and I cried and I felt despair for the human race and hope for the human race and etc. I can’t recommend this enough. It is truly something you will never forget. If only there were 100 star ratings.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Poe: Stories and Poems
Poe: Stories and Poems
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.
Bob’s Burgers: Well Done
Comics & Graphic Novels
Dynamite Entertainment
March 15, 2016
112
Satisfy your hunger for the red hot Bob's Burgers with this sizzling new collection, served well done! Written and illustrated by the fine folks at the Emmy Award-winning studio Bento Box Entertainment, these Belcher Family shenanigans are guaranteed to delight fans of all ages. Thrill to Louise's investigation into a pest control problem, Tina's fanciful pursuit of Jimmy Pesto's heart, and Gene's imaginative reimagining of a maritime classic! The Belcher parents Bob and Linda also join in on the fun, alongside dozens of your favorite cast members. Bon appetit!
Review:
What can I say about this collection? Well, it’s “Bob’s Burgers: Well Done,” and the very name “Bob’s Burgers” is synonymous with good comedy. If you’re a fan of the show, I encourage you to get this asap.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Follow my book reviews and ramblings:
