graphic novels

Manga Review: Valentine

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Valentine Tome 1 by Vanyda
Valentine Tome 1 (Valentine, #1) 
by Vanyda, David Bolvin (Colorist)

3 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Valentine is the quiet one in a group of rowdy friends. Between school and parties, her friends try out smoking and drinking and meeting up with boys, but Valentine is only interested in getting her crush to notice her. She’s too shy to speak to him though, and she gets dragged along for the ride with her friends.

Despite the fact that Valentine doesn’t do or say very much in the story, her facial expressions and quiet moments of repose display an emotional depth to her character in stark contrast to her boisterous friends. I really enjoyed the subtlety of Val’s experiences and seeing her gentle reactions to the world around her. Continue reading →

Comic Review: Sci-Fu

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Sci-Fu by Yehudi Mercado
Sci-Fu 
by Yehudi Mercado

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Wax is determined to be the best DJ in the world, but when his mixes accidentally answer an interstellar challenge, he’ll have to be the best DJ in the universe to protect his family and friends from the robots of Discotopia, where he fights against the evil King using the ancient art of Sci-Fu, a martial art that uses sound waves as weapons.

I’m not much of a fan of rap music, but I am a musician, so I was more than intrigued about a comic that uses music to fight off alien robots! I loved all the rhyming and rhythm. I could almost hear the music in my head as I was reading the book!
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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 →

Comic Review: Herding Cats

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Herding Cats by Sarah Andersen
Herding Cats (Sarah’s Scribbles, #3) 
by Sarah Andersen (Goodreads Author)

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Another hilarious collection of comics about dealing with anxiety, being introverted, loving life, and staying creative! I just adore Sarah Andersen’s work. She has such a unique way of cutting to the heart of what brings delight or disaster into our everyday lives. She actually makes me laugh out loud, crazy giggle, and chuckle to myself when I read her work.

The only reason I took off one star is because I’m not a pet person, and several of the comic panels are about loving dogs and cats. I’m just ‘meh’ about pets, so those didn’t interest me. However, pet owners would probably love those.

Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher 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.

Manga Review: Dream of the Butterfly

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Dream of The Butterfly Vol 1 by Richard Marazano
Dream of The Butterfly Vol 1: Rabbits on the Moon 
by Richard Marazano, Luo Yin (Illustrator)

3 out of 5 stars

Little Tutu is lost in a snowstorm and travels to a magical land where animals talk and humans aren’t welcome. She is forced to work in a factory, and befriends several groups that need her help to rebel against the emperor. But Tutu is just trying to find her way back home, and the emperor asks her bring him a rare spring butterfly with mysterious powers.

I liked the imaginative characters and setting, but the plot is jumping all over the place and there’s not really enough time spent on any

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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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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 →