comics

Comic Review: Book Learnin’

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Book Learnin' by John McNamee
Book Learnin’: A Pie Comics Collection 
by John McNamee

1 out of 5 stars


I think I would have enjoyed this collection of comics about how weird the world is, if only there hadn’t been so much profanity and excessive use of the word “pimp.” Some of the punchlines are crass, and I prefer clean humor. Some of the comics are wholesome and good, but a significant amount are not.

I liked the simple art style, and the clarity of each panel.

I’m not sure why this collection is entitled “Book Learnin'”. I thought it was comics about books, with reading as the main subject material for the jokes, but it’s not. There isn’t a single joke about reading or books.

Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.

Comic Review: Book Love

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Book Love by Debbie Tung
Book Love 
by Debbie Tung

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


A witty comic about what it means to be a reader and book lover. With whimsical scenarios and a relatable main character, this comic explores the every day lives of those unique people obsessed with reading.

The artwork is clean and simple, but appealing and very expressive. I love that some of the pages are funny comics about being a reader, and some of them are a little more serious about how magical it is to get lost in a book.

From those frustrating things like stickers on a book cover that drive readers crazy, all the way to the delight of connecting with other readers over a shared love of books, this comic encompasses all the aspects of a reading life and what makes readers so special.

I loved every page! I would love to see more comics from this author/artist!

Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

Comic Review: Ozy and Millie

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Ozy and Millie by Dana Simpson
Ozy and Millie 
by Dana Simpson

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


These funny comic strips follow two fox friends, Ozy and Millie, as they struggle through school, bicker with their parents over chores, and contemplate the meaning of the universe. Each comic has it’s own punch line, but the comics also follow a storyline, building on one another and giving the book some cohesion.

Ozy is the “straight man” for Millie’s wild comedy. Millie has crazy ideas, and bounces around being strange and wonderful, saying the most bonkers things you ever heard. And Ozy calmly points out her folly with delicious sarcasm. They are so hilarious together!
Continue reading →

Graphic Novel Review: Illegal

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Illegal by Eoin Colfer
Illegal 
by Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin, Giovanni Rigano (Illustrator)

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


A heartbreaking story about a young boy who follows his brother across the Sahara. They then travel in a leaking boat across the Mediterranean, in an effort to make a new life and reunite with their sister in Italy.

There are many sad stories of lives lost along the way, dodging violent gangs, forced to trust conmen who steal their money, and hiding from the police since they don’t have ID or travel papers.
A lot of their refugee companions die on the road, and the story is mostly serious and sad, but there are some light moments with humor and a blazing hope that spurs the characters onward.  Continue reading →

Graphic Novel Review: Artemis Fowl

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Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel (Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novels, #1) 
by Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin, Giovanni Rigano (Artist), Paolo Lamanna (Artist)

2 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

Artemis Fowl is a 12-year-old genius, who discovers a way to infiltrate the hidden world of the faeries, and how to steal their gold. Holly Short is the only female police officer with the LEP (Lower Elements Police, the fairy law enforcement). Desperate to prove herself in the field, Holly will need all her tactical training to take on the young genius, but Artemis has his own secrets and outsmarts the faeries every step of the way.

I have always loved the Artemis Fowl stories, but this graphic novel does not do them justice. I did NOT like the art style. The colors are dark and brown and boring.
Continue reading →

Graphic Novel Review: Thornhill

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Thornhill by Pam Smy
Thornhill 
by Pam Smy

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


This graphic novel follows two girls, Mary, an orphan in 1982, and Ella, a lonely girl who lives next door to the orphanage 20 years later. Mary writes in her journal about her life at the orphanage, and the terrible bullying she suffers from another of the orphan girls. 20 years later, Ella explores around the broken-down dilapidated orphanage, and sees a mysterious ghostly figure in a window.

This book was heart-breaking and disturbing and unutterably sad. The bullying at the orphanage is terrible, and poor Mary is so depressed and frightened. The black and white illustrations are beautiful and haunting.  Continue reading →

Comic Review: Batman and the Justice League

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Batman and the Justice League Vol. 1 by Shiori Teshirogi
Batman and the Justice League Vol. 1 
by Shiori Teshirogi

3 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Justice League done in a manga style? Yes, please!
A young boy from Japan comes to Gotham City looking for his missing parents, and becomes the unwitting victim of a devious plot involving the Joker. Only Batman and the Justice League can solve the mysteries of the boy’s missing parents, and the enigmatic power leaking from magical ley lines around the globe.

I enjoyed reading this manga of the Justice League!
However, I didn’t like some of the characters. Batman has never been my favorite, and I HATE the Joker. I can’t even look at his ugly face. But I liked the story and the other characters. I would enjoy reading it more if it focused more on Superman, who is a favorite superhero of mine. Continue reading →

Graphic Novel Review: Cici’s Journal

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Cici's Journal by Joris Chamblain
Cici’s Journal: The Adventures of a Writer-In-Training 
by  Joris Chamblain, Aurélie Neyret (Illustrations)

5 out of 5 stars on GoodREads


Cici loves a good mystery! When she and her friends see an old man lugging paint cans through the forest, Cici will do anything to unravel the enigma of the painter. But when she ignores her friends, lies to her mother, and takes advantage of her writing mentor, Cici could lose everyone she loves if she doesn’t learn to curb her wild curiosity.
This edition includes volumes 1-2 of Cici’s story. Continue reading →

Manga Review: The Lion and the Bride

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The Lion and the Bride Vol. 1 by Mika Sakurano
The Lion and the Bride Vol. 1 
by Mika Sakurano

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Yua is dating her high school teacher, and when her grandmother dies, she has nowhere to go, so she marries her teacher, but he has a secret past that will threaten their married bliss.

This manga is just so ridiculously silly that I ended up loving it! I mean, the whole situation of marrying a teacher is already fraught with impossible scenarios, and this manga takes it to a whole new level of hilarious drama.  Continue reading →

Graphic Novel Review: Rapunzel’s Revenge & Calamity Jack

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by Shannon Hale, Nathan Hale , Dean Hale

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Rapunzel escapes from her tower, and must travel through the Wild West countryside to rescue her true mother from the coal mines of the evil witch. She teams up with Jack, and they travel from town to town, saving people and doing good.

I loved this graphic novel! It’s full of adventure and magic, and the dialogue is hilarious! I loved Rapunzel’s rebellious spirit, and her kindness and compassion for all the suffering people of the Western towns. I loved her silly camaraderie with Jack, and how their friendship grew through their adventurous exploits.

Great characters, an interesting story with lots of action, and gorgeous colorful illustrations that pulled me into this tall tale.

Calamity Jack by Shannon Hale
Calamity Jack (Rapunzel’s Revenge, #2) 
by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale,   Nathan Hale (Illustrator)
5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Jack brings Rapunzel to the city, where he hopes to impress her with this city sophistication and help restore his mother’s bakery. But nothing goes according to plan when mysterious ant people attack the city, and the giants take over the police force!

Another rollickly adventure full of magic and hilarious dialogue! I love the continuing romance and friendship between Jack and Rapunzel, as well as the addition of various supporting characters.
The colorful illustrations, the fast paced adventure, and the imaginative and magical world, all made me love every page of this story!