tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27380252706094214782024-03-13T12:03:18.051-07:00It's All Comic To MeThis blog is an offshoot from my other book blog that I've maintained since 2007. I read so many graphic novels it was time to give them their own blog here which I've maintained since Dec, 2012. Graphic & manga reviews prior to that date are still located on my <a href="http://back-to-books.blogspot.ca/">*other*</a> blog.Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.comBlogger1301125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-46641335571771481942018-07-12T00:55:00.001-07:002018-07-12T00:55:28.603-07:0066. Ice Cream Man Vol. 1: Rainbow Sprinkles by W. Maxwell Prince<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JeOI6Hmm5wo/W0cJYz3RKeI/AAAAAAAAXHw/TSzqbqtmFAoTksMC1QnyoMn4CaZYhWwEgCLcBGAs/s1600/icecream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="330" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JeOI6Hmm5wo/W0cJYz3RKeI/AAAAAAAAXHw/TSzqbqtmFAoTksMC1QnyoMn4CaZYhWwEgCLcBGAs/s400/icecream.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
Ice Cream Man Vol. 1: Rainbow Sprinkles by W. Maxwell Prince<br />
My rating: 2 of 5 stars<br />
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This is an anthology series where each issue is a self-contained story with different characters. What pulls them together as a collection is that they all feature the Ice Cream Man. While one of the stories was decidedly horror as a whole I'd rather call them weird tales. The first was the best of the four contained here. After that, they decreased in interest for me and I found the entire gimmick got old fast. I'll say that each story does have a bit of a thrill to make it a decent enough way to spend a quick half hour. The illustration art is unimpressive.
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-29929163128653361622018-07-12T00:45:00.001-07:002018-07-12T00:45:43.331-07:0065. Lady Mechanika, Vol. 4: Clockwork Assassin by Joe Benítez<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pONKKTKQuCE/W0cHGcsKvGI/AAAAAAAAXHk/KVndKvFyI1QlTHGGbL9nZ-mJaM-UDnwjQCLcBGAs/s1600/mechanika.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pONKKTKQuCE/W0cHGcsKvGI/AAAAAAAAXHk/KVndKvFyI1QlTHGGbL9nZ-mJaM-UDnwjQCLcBGAs/s400/mechanika.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
Lady Mechanika, Vol. 4: Clockwork Assassin by Joe Benítez<br />
My rating: 3 of 5 stars<br />
<br />
I've really enjoyed all the Lady Mechanika books. This one isn't quite up to par with the others as the plot is rather dull and it's very short leaving us without much character development. There isn't really any action until the ending. The illustration, however, is as one would expect. The steampunk outfits are gorgeous. The ending is non-finite leaving us with the distinct impression there will be a sequel. Not the best in the series but a fun diversion.
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-57179483910033905772018-07-12T00:37:00.000-07:002018-07-12T00:37:07.304-07:0064. Hit-Girl, Volume 1: Colombia by Mark Millar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kyBK3yIFEYo/W0cFFH5k0PI/AAAAAAAAXHY/8-azLJ934qYZlZxcyvgzkWnhnfnWrgWbwCLcBGAs/s1600/hitgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="325" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kyBK3yIFEYo/W0cFFH5k0PI/AAAAAAAAXHY/8-azLJ934qYZlZxcyvgzkWnhnfnWrgWbwCLcBGAs/s400/hitgirl.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
Hit-Girl, Volume 1: Colombia by Mark Millar<br />
My rating: 4 of 5 stars<br />
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It's great to have Hit-Girl back! Kick-Ass has retired and now she's looking for a new partner. However, she gets a case in Colombia and off she goes to get a whole wack of drug lords and gangs. Tons of violence with eyes popping out of exploded heads but the humour doesn't hit the mark of the original series. It has a flippant tone and some good oneliners but not the top-quality humour of the first. I can't wait for the second volume as she's off to Canada next time and who else could be writing it but Jeff Lemire!
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-52813799491525561352018-06-28T14:10:00.000-07:002018-06-28T14:10:49.220-07:0063. Hack/Slash vs. Vampirella by Shawn Aldridge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cfXiqswarwo/WzVOyr2SDJI/AAAAAAAAXGg/GYOXiI5sAokZ05naUr5BIT62sqaEPH8nACLcBGAs/s1600/vampirella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="325" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cfXiqswarwo/WzVOyr2SDJI/AAAAAAAAXGg/GYOXiI5sAokZ05naUr5BIT62sqaEPH8nACLcBGAs/s400/vampirella.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
Hack/Slash vs. Vampirella by Shawn Aldridge<br />
My rating: 4 of 5 stars<br />
<br />
This was a lot of fun! Both characters are relatively new to me. I've read exactly one book for each, loving the Hack/Slash and not very impressed by the Vampirella. (I've since read another Hack/Slash). Here, though, Vampirella was an enjoyable character. The plot is a bit of fluff with the two teaming up to kill a demon who wants Vamp's heart to bring about the apocalypse. Fun banter between the girls but my favourite is the big Vlad. The art is typical cheesecake and blood and I loved the playing card theme.
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-26517334543217173482018-06-27T12:22:00.001-07:002018-06-27T12:22:16.246-07:0062. Dark Nights: Metal by Scott Snyder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7mPMHsTQ-8/WzPjzs22SDI/AAAAAAAAXGI/3AwwwcJVtz0JFpQktd0vi1eG0AbZEurrgCLcBGAs/s1600/darknightmetal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="325" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7mPMHsTQ-8/WzPjzs22SDI/AAAAAAAAXGI/3AwwwcJVtz0JFpQktd0vi1eG0AbZEurrgCLcBGAs/s400/darknightmetal.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
Dark Nights: Metal by Scott Snyder<br />
My rating: 3 of 5 stars<br />
<br />
Well, I'm not going to lie. This story is just not my thing. I like stories that take place on Earth 1 or in space but Dark Nights: Metal introduces us to the Dark Multiverse and it is whacko crazy. Batman's nightmares are real here and there are several weird dark Batmans at the helm of this craziness. Set in several realms of this multiverse the Justice League members are trying to combat the forces of evil. There are many familiar villains represented with one popping up all the time throughout. Look closely at the crowd scenes. It's a ride, I'll say that much, and may certainly be right up some reader's alley but not mine.
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-60629860964554256432018-06-26T03:50:00.000-07:002018-06-26T03:53:12.786-07:0061. No. 1 with a Bullet by Jacob Semahn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4D3qJgBKnw/WzIbDeGaRYI/AAAAAAAAXF8/X-kAt_-GuKYyakAtev59pina6OZmJpsDQCLcBGAs/s1600/1bullet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="325" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4D3qJgBKnw/WzIbDeGaRYI/AAAAAAAAXF8/X-kAt_-GuKYyakAtev59pina6OZmJpsDQCLcBGAs/s400/1bullet.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
No. 1 with a Bullet by Jacob Semahn<br />
My rating: 2 of 5 stars<br />
<br />
I could analyze this as it presents itself as something to be analyzed but it wasn't good enough to waste my time looking any deeper. The book is out to deal with an "issue", proof found in the ending of interviews, essays and "what to do if" articles. "Issue" books annoy me. If a book is poignant and has meaning then that's a good thing but don't start out with an issue and write around it to the detriment of the story. Anyway, the book deals with internet stalking and lack of personal privacy.<br />
<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-91854794218145197212018-06-25T04:34:00.001-07:002018-06-25T04:34:52.938-07:0060. Redneck, Vol. 2: The Eyes Upon You by Donny Cates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HP2iPa20huo/WzDTUA7yIeI/AAAAAAAAXFk/_Scrl0mEwKc8elAW6gzJMlHneqnc6opKQCLcBGAs/s1600/redneck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="325" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HP2iPa20huo/WzDTUA7yIeI/AAAAAAAAXFk/_Scrl0mEwKc8elAW6gzJMlHneqnc6opKQCLcBGAs/s400/redneck.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
Redneck, Vol. 2: The Eyes Upon You by Donny Cates<br />
My rating: 5 of 5 stars<br />
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Just as excellent as the first volume. This one continues on the Landry vs Bowman feud from a different angle and some secrets never known before about the origin of that feud are revealed. Lots of violence and blood as expected from a vampire story but most of all this is a story of family loyalty, fealty and love. Excellent characters and a quick fast-paced read. Great developments leave me excited for the next volume.
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-68339584395660265742018-06-23T04:22:00.002-07:002018-06-23T04:22:35.614-07:0059. The Shadow: Leviathan by Simon Spurrier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yb8pWBl-7ik/Wy4tZd8dp5I/AAAAAAAAXFA/ZAoKX6vd1eoSc532hXcgT-7oUj8CJJPDgCLcBGAs/s1600/shadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="413" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yb8pWBl-7ik/Wy4tZd8dp5I/AAAAAAAAXFA/ZAoKX6vd1eoSc532hXcgT-7oUj8CJJPDgCLcBGAs/s400/shadow.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
The Shadow: Leviathan by Simon Spurrier<br />
My rating: 4 of 5 stars<br />
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I'm a big fan of The Shadow and always enjoy his romps. This book is a bit different; it brings Shadow into the 21st century. He's been gone because the world didn't need vigilantism but now he's back but with memory loss after being burnt to a crisp in his latest showdown. Everything is not as it seems though. This book attempts fairly well to be an origin story for those who don't know the Shadow's history. It does a good job of this without going into too much detail, flipping from past to present. The bit about the Leviathan is on the weird side. I wasn't sure if it was real or just a symbol. Decent story; I enjoyed it and the ending leaves us with a bit of darkness around where (or whether) the Shadow will rise again.<br />
<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-46826110437106354462018-06-22T13:29:00.001-07:002018-06-22T13:29:45.019-07:0058. Bettie Page, Vol. 1: Bettie Goes to Hollywood by David Avallone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L1evIPX6oe8/Wy1cK2CnbQI/AAAAAAAAXEo/XUGqIzgEyQMiOsSho5xgdpLMQwvM0yufgCLcBGAs/s1600/bettie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="325" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L1evIPX6oe8/Wy1cK2CnbQI/AAAAAAAAXEo/XUGqIzgEyQMiOsSho5xgdpLMQwvM0yufgCLcBGAs/s400/bettie.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
Bettie Page, Vol. 1: Bettie Goes to Hollywood by David Avallone<br />
My rating: 4 of 5 stars<br />
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First things first, yes this is a lot of cheesecake fun! I've always been fascinated by Betty Paige but I had thought this was going to be fluff, humour and naughty bits. It turned out to be so much more. Betty goes to Hollywood and gets herself involved in espionage and intrigue. First, it's a space cult kidnapping her, then she infiltrates a communist plot and mad scientists. Exciting stories combined with light sexual innuendo made for fun reading!
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-13131988843843242232018-06-22T04:16:00.001-07:002018-06-22T04:16:35.946-07:0057. Dark Days: The Road to Metal by Scott Snyder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdiWeX0jTtQ/WyzahfWSkLI/AAAAAAAAXEc/eXDOrJgcDW0pjp7RrGGNHj8LpWMUy87CQCLcBGAs/s1600/metaldarkdays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="334" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdiWeX0jTtQ/WyzahfWSkLI/AAAAAAAAXEc/eXDOrJgcDW0pjp7RrGGNHj8LpWMUy87CQCLcBGAs/s400/metaldarkdays.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
Dark Days: The Road to Metal by Scott Snyder<br />
My rating: 3 of 5 stars<br />
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I've got to say this volume had me lost. I've read a lot of the Rebirth issues, obviously not all of them, but plenty enough to always know what is going on. This book starts with two issues which are prequels to a new miniseries about to start called "Dark Nights: METAL". All throughout I felt as if I was missing something that would have helped me to understand what was going on. The rest of the book is filled with previously published (from 2009 to 2017) stories which are supposed to be precursors to this new METAL series arc. I hadn't read any of them before and just found myself confused and couldn't find any continuity to bring the stories together It simply felt like a hodge-podge of strange stories to me. Not sure what to make of it but hope starting the METAL series will make sense to me.
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-82883726847262224272018-06-21T01:22:00.000-07:002018-06-21T01:22:02.857-07:0056. Hack/Slash: Resurrection Volume 1 by Tini Howard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7lhzZMrzooQ/WytgHVQeypI/AAAAAAAAXEQ/vYh19_wys28Dp1rYs7dkHEn5HjeaMqMfgCLcBGAs/s1600/hackslsh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="325" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7lhzZMrzooQ/WytgHVQeypI/AAAAAAAAXEQ/vYh19_wys28Dp1rYs7dkHEn5HjeaMqMfgCLcBGAs/s400/hackslsh.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
Hack/Slash: Resurrection Volume 1 by Tini Howard<br />
My rating: 3 of 5 stars<br />
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This is your typical slasher/zombie horror with fun one-liner humour, a simple plot: kill or be killed, and unnecessary sex. I think this is the 3rd Hack/Slash I've read. It's not the best but it wasn't the worst either. The plot was bland and the colour is atrocious but I couldn't help being entertained. I love Cassie's snarky humour and one can't help but love the big simpleton, Vlad. Not really suitable as a first introduction to the characters but fans will enjoy.
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-19318362844263250472018-06-13T03:47:00.000-07:002018-06-13T03:47:45.221-07:0055. Coyotes, Vol. 1 by Sean Lewis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUx5vSxDNns/WyD2ESrQZMI/AAAAAAAAXC8/beI_M1n3nVg7L5Sn4CBluFddJ06hFmUTQCLcBGAs/s1600/coyotes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="325" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUx5vSxDNns/WyD2ESrQZMI/AAAAAAAAXC8/beI_M1n3nVg7L5Sn4CBluFddJ06hFmUTQCLcBGAs/s400/coyotes.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
Coyotes, Vol. 1 by Sean Lewis<br />
My rating: 3 of 5 stars<br />
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I read this a couple of days ago and don't really remember that much. Guess that in itself says more about the book than anything else could. A combination of horror and mythology. Basically, there is a group of women and girls who are orphans and have a society where they learn ninja fighting skills to wage their war against men who don the skin of a wolf, changing into werewolves. Then there's the side where the evil scientists take prisoners and force them to don the skins so they can study the origin of the ancient (were) wolves. A lot of fighting but nothing memorable. An easy quick read.<br />
<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-76345870360607317222018-06-13T03:39:00.001-07:002018-06-13T03:48:42.022-07:0054. Head Lopper, Vol. 2: Head Lopper and the Crimson Tower by Andrew MacLean<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4y9AkrjPA4/WyD2c3OlNxI/AAAAAAAAXDE/EL04svRoTJYj3A21YpE0YkJAkmCYKf1_ACLcBGAs/s1600/headlopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="329" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4y9AkrjPA4/WyD2c3OlNxI/AAAAAAAAXDE/EL04svRoTJYj3A21YpE0YkJAkmCYKf1_ACLcBGAs/s320/headlopper.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
Head Lopper, Vol. 2: Head Lopper and the Crimson Tower by Andrew MacLean<br />
My rating: 3 of 5 stars<br />
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This did not live up to the first volume for me at all. The humour was gone! So was the banter between Head Lopper and the Head of Agatha Blue Witch. It's slightly funny but certainly not witty like volume one. Anyway, the art is still wonderful and I like the characters. This plot is your standard RPG theme: They go to the crimson tower where their mission is to find the four crystals, each held by a "boss", then fight the master and become the master of crimson tower themselves. While disappointing after the first book, I'd still give another volume a go.
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-91930010216793237502018-06-08T01:11:00.002-07:002018-06-08T01:11:21.861-07:0053. The Big Empty Life of Alphonse Tabouret by Sibylline Desmazières<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5S4Y-gYJXsw/Wxo5nmEj4cI/AAAAAAAAXCY/lYGgbZgd6x8NRObCAwNNUpJtpbeMR8zVgCLcBGAs/s1600/alphonse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="356" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5S4Y-gYJXsw/Wxo5nmEj4cI/AAAAAAAAXCY/lYGgbZgd6x8NRObCAwNNUpJtpbeMR8zVgCLcBGAs/s400/alphonse.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
<b>The Big Empty Life of Alphonse</b> <b>Tabouret </b>by Sibylline Desmazières<br />
My rating: 4 of 5 stars<br />
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This is a wonderful little story which tackles the tremendous task of finding the meaning of life. It explores happiness and contentment and how people try to fill the holes in their life with meaningless or selfish things. All sorts of ideas are explored in a simple format. On the surface, it's a cute little story which could be read to/by a child but it takes a mind that has experienced the feeling of a hole in the middle of themselves to understand the complicated nuances that the story explores. The presentation looks more like a picture book than what one expects from a graphic novel. However, it is the mixture of text and pictures which tell the story. A wonderful book which is cute and simple on one hand while deep and ponderous on the other.<br />
<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-51559660278314476572018-06-01T18:01:00.001-07:002018-06-01T18:01:10.563-07:0052. Head Lopper, Vol. 1: The Island or A Plague of Beasts by Andrew MacLean<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYHUE12p45M/WxHsJ9MprPI/AAAAAAAAXCA/v54RNm9LRi4r6FKEX8oFYTK783qzDGUBQCLcBGAs/s1600/headlopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYHUE12p45M/WxHsJ9MprPI/AAAAAAAAXCA/v54RNm9LRi4r6FKEX8oFYTK783qzDGUBQCLcBGAs/s400/headlopper.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2JpJIiA">Head Lopper, Vol. 1: The Island or A Plague of Beasts</a> by Andrew MacLean<br />
My rating: 4 of 5 stars<br />
<br />
What a riot! This was way more than I had expected. A fantasy quest starring the warrior Head Lopper, so called as he chops off the heads of his enemies without so much as a hello, and his companion, the head of Agatha Blue Witch whom Head Lopper is cursed to carry as his purgatory, while she constantly annoys, yaks and nags at him. The plot of the story is simple with Head Lopper on a quest to kill a sorcerer while court intrigue involves a looming takeover from the widowed Queen. The books' best asset is the characters and the humour; plus the art is fantastic. Head Lopper meets a slew of hideous, unique and odd people/monsters on his quest. I found the humour hilarious and while heads were flying and blood was flowing I couldn't help giggling even out loud a couple of times. Looking forward to reading volume 2 and the further adventures.<br />
<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-90076667658325221492018-05-26T10:07:00.002-07:002018-05-26T10:07:20.747-07:0051 Paradiso Volume 1: Essential Singularity by Ram V<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfVcXeg9210/WwmUMo3HP9I/AAAAAAAAW_o/yWbtv3DLyYkY2T9Ty3MxO0AbqEMhUHL6gCLcBGAs/s1600/paradiso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="342" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfVcXeg9210/WwmUMo3HP9I/AAAAAAAAW_o/yWbtv3DLyYkY2T9Ty3MxO0AbqEMhUHL6gCLcBGAs/s400/paradiso.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2INMU3X">Paradiso Volume 1: Essential Singularity</a> by Ram V<br />
My rating: 4 of 5 stars<br />
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The story leaves me with a feeling that I've not grasped all there is it. We are not given the whole story of what is going on, leaving the reader with many questions by the end. I did enjoy the read though and would continue on. It's not post-apocalyptic but rather apocalyptic as this world is so many thousands of years after the event called "The Midnight". This primitive lifestyle is the now and the upcoming events will be its apocalypse. There appear to be giant humanoid machines guarding the city but they and our main character know about "her", the force behind it all.<br />
<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-77413111791023131272018-05-26T09:57:00.004-07:002018-05-26T09:57:59.653-07:0050. Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 1 by Hiromu Arakawa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CriVIqkFt5g/WwmSAJu0QwI/AAAAAAAAW_c/VFs2lPNkGGI8n8V1MABgsj_rptpqoNlwACLcBGAs/s1600/fullmetal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="346" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CriVIqkFt5g/WwmSAJu0QwI/AAAAAAAAW_c/VFs2lPNkGGI8n8V1MABgsj_rptpqoNlwACLcBGAs/s400/fullmetal.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2KYXk1l">Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 1 </a>by Hiromu Arakawa<br />
My rating: 5 of 5 stars<br />
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My goal was to not start any new-to-me series that have many, many volumes but I couldn't pass this one up. This is a new edition of the classic manga with a new translation and added colour pages. I read the ebook version so don't get the complete benefit of the updates but I'm sure longtime fans will be pleased with this new hardback edition. For me, I loved the story. It is a very well-done first volume which covers a lot of material giving both plot and character plus also including background. An accomplishment not many volume 1s even try to do. Totally hooked from the first volume.<br />
<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-60347607632094158672018-05-26T09:48:00.000-07:002018-05-26T09:48:47.632-07:0049. Kamo Volume 1 by Ban Zarbo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cBG4DH1D2rk/WwmPqHrwZ5I/AAAAAAAAW_Q/cuGc3SDI4jUaMzCYgDeH_iN5FMcJwFtAgCLcBGAs/s1600/kamo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="337" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cBG4DH1D2rk/WwmPqHrwZ5I/AAAAAAAAW_Q/cuGc3SDI4jUaMzCYgDeH_iN5FMcJwFtAgCLcBGAs/s400/kamo.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2GSEK8W">Kamo Volume 1 </a>by Ban Zarbo<br />
My rating: 4 of 5 stars<br />
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This is a great opening volume! It introduces the characters, the plot and even accomplishes the first of twelve tasks. So, starting off with such a well-grounded first volume I got involved with the plot right away. It reminds me a bit of "Death Note" in that a human boy is accompanied by a grotesque looking spirit. Kamo is on his deathbed when the spirit, Crimson, makes a deal with him. Kamo will help Crimson defeat twelve other spirits in exchange for his health to be mended. This had just the right amount of everything making it a fun and interesting beginning to a series. I enjoyed it.<br />
<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-14981344820955466012018-05-22T19:26:00.002-07:002018-05-22T19:26:34.028-07:0046.-48. Kick-Ass: The Dave Lizewski Years Book 1-3 by Mark Millar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46YUiBsXH90/WwTOQYZ87RI/AAAAAAAAW7k/jooi2n5AfSkhZYxmcgt0crb9KjLI5KE1ACLcBGAs/s1600/kickass1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="325" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46YUiBsXH90/WwTOQYZ87RI/AAAAAAAAW7k/jooi2n5AfSkhZYxmcgt0crb9KjLI5KE1ACLcBGAs/s400/kickass1.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2LmHaQs">Kick-Ass: The Dave Lizewski Years Book One</a> by Mark Millar<br />
My rating: 5 of 5 stars<br />
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Wow! This is some kind of wonderful! I was totally hooked and the whole world passed me by as I sat riveted to these pages! One of the best superhero books I've read in ages. It all starts with a kid who decides to be a superhero and gets the crap beat out of him taking several operations, steel plates and six months to recover. What makes this so fun is that "Kick-Ass" is just a normal kid who becomes a superhero because he gets bored with just reading the comics and wants to *do* something, and he sucks at it. At first. Then he meets Hit-Girl and Big Daddy and he suddenly has a reason. Lots of action, tons of bloody violence and great characters.
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2KP6m1d">Kick-Ass: The Dave Lizewski Years Book Two</a> by Mark Millar<br />
My rating: 5 of 5 stars<br />
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Man, this is fantastic! Even better than volume one! Hit-Girl is the main focus in this one and she is so bad-ass the series should be named after her, not Kick-Ass. Dave breaks his hand and Mindy has to take on the Mafia single-handedly to save her family who is being threatened. Violence galore in the most amazingly creative way. Fantastic characterization of Mindy and Dave leave you caring for these guys as real people. The art is amazing and even though it's a gorefest, it is beautiful. Can't wait to read the next volume!
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2KMnOU1">Kick-Ass: The Dave Lizewski Years Book Three</a> by Mark Millar<br />
My rating: 5 of 5 stars<br />
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Hit-Girl sits this one out as she keeps the promise she made to her stepfather for the sake of her mother's sanity. Red Mist, the villain, is back with a new name but the same mission: kill Kick-Ass and his friends in revenge for their killing of his mob boss father. Things get really violent and really personal. Kick-Ass ends up having nothing left to protect and it's an all-out war of the super-heroes vs -villains. They need help, though, and Hit-Girl voluntarily comes back to see it through to the end. I love this, just wish Hit-Girl was in it more but the plot went places I didn't expect it would. Fantastic series!
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-49844289895200021602018-05-19T09:34:00.000-07:002018-05-19T09:34:12.478-07:0044. & 45. Underwinter Vol. 1: Symphony & Underwinter, Vol 2: A Field of Feathers by Ray Fawkes<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gRprD0-27Nk/WwBQGtWqo8I/AAAAAAAAW2o/9tz9fkIWCFYvZMUtbfAhw-rqJp6uadmPACLcBGAs/s1600/underwinter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gRprD0-27Nk/WwBQGtWqo8I/AAAAAAAAW2o/9tz9fkIWCFYvZMUtbfAhw-rqJp6uadmPACLcBGAs/s400/underwinter1.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<span style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"></span><a href="https://amzn.to/2LdpwOY">Underwinter Vol. 1: Symphony</a> by Ray Fawkes<br />
My rating: 4 of 5 stars<br />
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Wow. This is very unnerving but hardly makes any sense until the last two issues which show us what is happening (to a degree) and how horrible it really is. But then there is a sense of the ethereal and maybe it's not as bad as it seems. An ambiguous ending leaves room for a second volume to come into play and I'll be reading that next. Gorgeous art, done with several media including watercolour and acrylic.<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2IwtAs4">Underwinter, Vol 2: A Field of Feathers</a> by Ray Fawkes<br />
My rating: 1 of 5 stars<br />
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What did I read?!!! This makes no sense at all and is not a sequel to Vol. 1 but rather set in the same universe (or at least the synopses says it is). I like the watercolour art immensely but have no idea what the story was about.<br />
<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-8891972847499907372018-05-16T17:03:00.003-07:002018-05-16T17:03:55.755-07:0043. Descender, Vol. 5: Rise of the Robots by Jeff Lemire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8kzeMGmZvVY/WvzGonQh58I/AAAAAAAAW2Q/MbRte7sEN38n5sWlLH61PW2Ad5Tfy_BgQCEwYBhgL/s1600/descender5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="316" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8kzeMGmZvVY/WvzGonQh58I/AAAAAAAAW2Q/MbRte7sEN38n5sWlLH61PW2Ad5Tfy_BgQCEwYBhgL/s400/descender5.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2IqJ1BZ">Descender, Vol. 5: Rise of the Robots </a>by Jeff Lemire<br />
My rating: 5 of 5 stars<br />
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Excellent! All our main characters are dealing with the perilous situations in which they were left in the last volume. The robots have finally started their uprising and everyone is converging upon the same spot. Meanwhile, Tim-21 has arrived at the mysterious underwater cave and met with the very important people there. This series is fantastic! I just sped through this volume.<br />
<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-15496515471302100512018-05-16T16:56:00.000-07:002018-05-16T16:56:01.667-07:0042. Descender, Vol. 4: Orbital Mechanics by Jeff Lemire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9WFf1SulDQ4/WvzExhcIeEI/AAAAAAAAW2E/Vt5AIjWEpj85ey8qKFw-Cfq7qeoQXgqwgCLcBGAs/s1600/descender4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9WFf1SulDQ4/WvzExhcIeEI/AAAAAAAAW2E/Vt5AIjWEpj85ey8qKFw-Cfq7qeoQXgqwgCLcBGAs/s400/descender4.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2GpYSPw">Descender, Vol. 4: Orbital Mechanics </a>by Jeff Lemire<br />
My rating: 5 of 5 stars<br />
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Another excellent volume in this epic space opera! The plot is moving along at a fast pace. The machines' secret hideout has been found and various elements are out to destroy the terrorists. At the same time, the machines are ready for a full out war. Our heroes have been split up, some together, others alone. A new mysterious quest is started and the ending leaves us with imminent death. Fantastic art and three-dimensional characters with personalities I've come to care about. Great sci-fi series!<br />
<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-973523144652840912018-05-16T16:47:00.000-07:002018-05-16T16:47:32.737-07:0041. Descender: The Deluxe Edition Volume 1 by Jeff Lemire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZeTNsgjF9Y/WvzCSAKUVvI/AAAAAAAAW18/_MXNiojfFbszSeqKhZeLfE29AcUMJwUsACEwYBhgL/s1600/descender1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="341" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZeTNsgjF9Y/WvzCSAKUVvI/AAAAAAAAW18/_MXNiojfFbszSeqKhZeLfE29AcUMJwUsACEwYBhgL/s400/descender1.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2rPb7k7">Descender: The Deluxe Edition Volume 1</a> by Jeff Lemire<br />
My rating: 5 of 5 stars<br />
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This is totally, totally awesome. Jeff Lemire is a favourite author of mine and he gives us his all with this splendid space opera. A very intricate plot with depth and many arcs going in different directions and yet they all lead back to the same plot. The humanoids are trying to cull every robot in existence while at the same time the robots have a resistance which is ready to make its move by killing all humanoids. At the centre of it all is a boy companion robot, one who has feelings and misses his boy. His mission is to find Andy if he's still alive. The book is stunningly illustrated with exquisite watercolours which really bring the characters and settings to life. Love it. This deluxe edition contains the first three trade volumes in one edition.<br />
<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-76380329531339041242018-05-04T13:59:00.003-07:002018-05-04T13:59:58.954-07:0040. Snails Are Just My Speed! by Kevin McCloskey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2FItStG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LUlwNnzC3t4/WuzJqRWsycI/AAAAAAAAWzk/tOKEVpapGcMqxUmuc6lxIdrrxmi5BwScwCLcBGAs/s400/snails.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2FItStG">Snails Are Just My Speed! </a>by Kevin McCloskey<br />
My rating: 3 of 5 stars<br />
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Pretty straightforward easy reader about snails. Uses the gross-out factor for humour. All right.
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738025270609421478.post-9058747372284207992018-05-04T13:45:00.002-07:002018-05-04T13:45:29.529-07:0039. Nightwing (Reborn) Vol. 5: Raptor's Revenge by Tim Seeley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2rmOimT" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="321" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EDq0hifFVAo/WuzGSkkrO5I/AAAAAAAAWzM/YbPB2_dwPhYfQ6oZUUYLrEBWk374rFWJQCLcBGAs/s400/nightwing5.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2rmOimT">Nightwing (Reborn) Vol. 5: Raptor's Revenge</a> by Tim Seeley<br />
My rating: 3 of 5 stars<br />
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This is a self-contained story which ends on a final note. I thought the story was okay. I'm usually a big fan of Nightwing (Dick Grayson) but not really into him here. The story is simple enough with Raptor out to destroy Bludhaven while Nightwing and various others help him to defeat Raptor. But the story was too political to be any fun for me. Half the people were calling the others capitalists all the time while the other half went on about the poor and "working class". I'm glad Nightwing and Huntress broke up though as I didn't like that relationship; he's back with someone else but I won't be happy until it's him and Batgirl again. lol. Not great but kept my interest.
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0