graphic novel

Manga Review: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

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Manga Classics by Crystal Chan
Manga Classics: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 
by Crystal Chan (Goodreads Author) (Adapted by), Kuma Chan (Art by), Jeannie Lee (Lettering), Mark Twain (Original novel)

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

A wonderful adaptation of Mark Twain’s Adventure of Huckleberry Finn into manga form! I think the authors and illustrators did an excellent job of condensing the story into a small volume without losing the integrity or flavor of the story. I love how the various accents of the characters are preserved, but the dialogue is still clear and easily understood.

The artwork brings a lot of emotion into the story, and firmly connects the reader to the characters. Seeing the expressions on character’s faces as they experience joy, grief, fear, sadness, or relief, made me feel those things too as I was reading!
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Graphic Novel Review: The Altered History of Willow Sparks

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The Altered History of Willow Sparks by Tara O'Connor
The Altered History of Willow Sparks 
by Tara O’Connor (Goodreads Author)

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

I really enjoyed this graphic novel about a girl who discovers a magic book that will change her life! Willow is a nerd being bullied by the popular girls at school, but she has friends and a great job working in a library. The book gives her the power to rewrite her life, but of course, magic comes with a price. Willow uses the book to become one of the popular girls, and her life at school seems to be better, but at a cost. If only, Willow can realize the truth before it’s too late, she might be able to salvage her friendships with the people who truly care about her.
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Comic Review: Archival Quality

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Archival Quality by Ivy Noelle Weir
Archival Quality 
by Ivy Noelle Weir (Goodreads Author), Steenz (Goodreads Author) (Illustrator)

2 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

When Celeste loses her job as a librarian, she’s willing to accept any new job, even one in a haunted museum. The more she dives into the archives, Celeste discovers the secrets of the museum’s past, and begins to have dreams of a ghost who died there. She’ll need the help of her new coworkers to uncover the truth about the ghost and the secretive museum board.
I was disappointed in this comic. The artwork isn’t that good, and looks as though it were just thrown together. The story fell flat for me.

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Graphic Novel Review: Photographic

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Photographic by Isabel Quintero
Photographic: The Life of Graciela Iturbide 
by Isabel Quintero (Goodreads Author) (Contributor), Zeke Peña (Illustrations)

3 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


A poetic and dream-like journey through the personal history and photographs of Graciela Iturbide, a famous photographer in Mexico.

There’s an emphasis on Graciela’s fascination with birds, and how her thoughts on flight and wings inspired and influenced much of her work. There’s an ethereal feeling to each page, with drawings showing both the photographer and reproductions of her photographs. Continue reading →

Graphic Novel Review: Anne of Green Gables

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Anne of Green Gables by Mariah Marsden
Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel 
by Mariah Marsden (Illustrations), Brenna Thummler (Illustrations), Kendra Phipps (Editor), Erika Kuster (Editor)

3 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


This graphic novel adaptation is really too short to give a full picture of Anne’s story, but I loved the artwork and the beautiful colors of the book. I think that it’s the perfect way to revisit the story if you’ve already read the original book, but I definitely would NOT recommend it to those who are unfamiliar with Anne. There’s too much of the plot left out or implied, although it’s easily understood if you already know the background of the story.

The illustrations are whimsical and colorful, and the pacing of the panels gives a satisfying dreamy feeling to the book. There is a lot of focus on the countryside and the beauties of Avonlea, the trees and lakes and flowers, and then we see Anne’s reaction of wonder and delight to the loveliness of nature. Continue reading →

Graphic Novel Review: The Castoffs Vol.2

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The Castoffs, V.2 by M.K. Reed
The Castoffs, V.2: Into The Wastelands (Castoffs, #2) 
by M.K. Reed, Brian Smith

3 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

 

In this second volume, the trio of apprentice mages are off on another adventure, but this time they are unsure which other mages they can trust in a world of secrets and lies. Ursa’s past becomes an issue between the friends as her true family history is revealed. Trinh receives some extra training in combat, and Charris picks a fight with a much more experienced mage.
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Graphic Novel Review: The Castoffs

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The Castoffs, V.1 by M.K. Reed
The Castoffs, V.1: Mage Against the Machine (Castoffs, #1) 
by M.K. Reed, Brian Smith (Writer and Colorist), Molly Ostertag (Illustrator), Wyeth Yates (Illustrator)

3 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Three apprentice mages are sent on a routine trip to deliver medicinal potions to a neighboring city, but the townspeople are in trouble and only these three uniquely talented magicians can save the people. Saving them without starting another war with the machines might be difficult though.

I liked all three of the girl mages in this book! They have secrets and hidden talents, and a whole lot of snark and conflict in their group, but eventually they learn to trust and respect each other through their perilous journey.

I enjoyed the colorful artwork and interesting plot! I want to keep reading this graphic novel series!

Recent Reads: Middle Grade, Comics + Manga

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What are your favorite fairytale retellings? Favorite manga or comic? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Disclaimer: Some of these books were received from the publisher/author 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.
*Review copies are marked with asterisk in the video. Continue reading →

Manga Review: Count of Monte Cristo

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Manga Classics by Crystal S. Chan
Manga Classics: The Count of Monte Cristo 
by Crystal S. Chan (Story Adaptation), Alexandre Dumas, Nokman Poon (Art by)

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Edmond Dantes is betrayed by a coworker who wants his job, a romantic rival who will steal his bride, and a crooked government prosecutor with a dark secret to hide. Thrown into prison for decades, Dantes eventually escapes, becomes fabulously wealthy, and vows revenge on those who ruined his life.

Count of Monte Cristo is one of my top five favorite novels of all time, so I was interested to see how one of my favorite stories would translate into manga form. Although they had to simplify the story considerably, and there are really too many characters for a stand-alone manga, I enjoyed this wonderful adaptation of a classic tale!
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Manga Review: The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up

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The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up by Marie Kondō
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up: A Magical Story 
by Marie Kondō (Goodreads Author)
4 out of 5 stars
I love this manga about Chiaki, who hires KonMari to give her tidying lessons, and discovers a new life for herself in the process.
It really inspired me to get tidying and clean out all my junk! I really love the ideas in this book about finding joy, being real about your life, and finding your true self, and then crafting your living space to reflect what really makes you happy.

One of the best things in this book is the advice that while you are sorting through your piles of junk, You are NOT choosing what to get rid of; You are choosing what to keep. That one piece of advice will change your whole perspective on tidying.
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