Graphic Novel – Page 30 – Jill's Book Blog

Review: Battle Angel Alita Vol. 1

Title: Battle Angel Alita Vol. 1
Author: Yukito Kishiro
Genre: Manga, Graphic Novel
Publisher: Kondasha
Source: NetGalley
Release Date: January 23, 2018
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

In a dump in the lawless settlement of Scrapyard, far beneath the mysterious space city of Zalem, disgraced cyber-doctor Daisuke Ido makes a strange find: the detached head of a cyborg woman who has lost all her memories. He names her Alita and equips her with a powerful new body, the Berserker. While Alita remembers no details of her former life, a moment of desperation reawakens in her nerves the legendary school of martial arts known as Panzer Kunst. In a place where there is no justice but what people make for themselves, Alita decides to become a hunter-killer, tracking down and taking out those who prey on the weak. But can she hold onto her humanity as she begins to revel in her own bloodlust?

Review:

I chose this graphic novel on NetGalley because I saw a preview of the upcoming movie adaptation. I was curious about the story, because it looked unique.

The story was good. I liked that Alita was a strong fighter. Depending on the body she is given, she has different abilities. But she was always strong. The villain, Makuka, was so creepy and gross. He was often just a head that rolled around, but the face was disturbing.

Some of the pages in my copy were in colour. I loved the art on these pages. The other pages were just black and white, so it was sometimes hard to tell what was happening. There were a lot of elaborate fight scenes, which were enhanced by the colours, but difficult to decipher when in black and white.

I liked this story, so I’ll have to check out the movie when it comes out.

Review: Black Panther, Volume 1: A Nation Under Our Feet

Title: Black Panther, Volume 1: A Nation Under Our Feet
Author: Ta-Nehisi Coates
Genre: Graphic Novel
Publisher: Marvel
Source: Purchased
Release Date: September 13, 2016
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

A new era begins for the Black Panther! MacArthur Genius and National Book Award winner Ta-Nehisi Coates (Between the World and Me)takes the helm, confronting T’Challa with a dramatic upheaval in Wakanda that will make leading the African nation tougher than ever before. When a superhuman terrorist group that calls itself The People sparks a violent uprising, the land famed for its incredible technology and proud warrior traditions will be thrown into turmoil. If Wakanda is to survive, it must adapt–but can its monarch, one in a long line of Black Panthers, survive the necessary change? Heavy lies the head that wears the cowl!

Review:

I absolutely loved this graphic novel!

There is great diverse representation in this story. The entire cast is made up of people of colour. In the first issue, a lesbian couple was introduced. I love seeing minority groups represented in a superhero story!

At the beginning, the story was a little confusing because there were so many characters in a original world. But the “letters” pages in between issues, where readers submitted their letters to the writers, helped me with that. I was reassured after each issue that other readers had the same feelings as me. I quickly caught onto the story and ended up loving it!

I also loved the bonus comic at the end, which shows the Black Panther’s first appearance in Marvel comics. It’s a great piece of comic book history. It was a great addition to the first volume of this new series.

I haven’t seen the new movie adaptation Black Panther yet, but I hope to see it soon! After reading this graphic novel, I can’t wait!

Review: Captain Canuck Volume 2: The Gauntlet

Title: Captain Canuck, Volume 2: The Gauntlet
Author: Kalman Andrasofsky
Genre: Graphic Novel
Publisher: Chapterhouse Publishing
Source: NetGalley
Release Date: February 13, 2018
Rating: ★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Site Aleph is secured and Equilibrium is ready to explode onto the world stage. So everything’s great, right? Wrong. Mr. Gold is still at large, Marla Ritchie is still missing, and Captain Canuck will move heaven and Earth to find them both. The Gauntlet collects Captain Canuck #7-11 and features the comics debut of Blue Fox and the first appearance of the all-new, rebooted Northguard, now starring in his own solo series!

Review:

I didn’t like this volume as much as the first.

In this book, Captain Canuck faced the same villain, Mr. Gold. I was hoping his story was over and we would get a new villain in this book. It was tedious and boring to read about the same problems again.

I liked the introduction of Blue Fox. She was a great contrast to the Captain. However, his allies got lost in the mix. I kept getting them confused. I think it would have been better if there were less people on his team or if they were given more space in the story.

I hoped that this volume would be as entertaining as the first one, but unfortunately it was not.

Review: Captain Canuck, Vol. 1

Title: Captain Canuck, Volume 1: Aleph
Author: Kalman Andrasofsky
Genre: Graphic Novel
Publisher: Chapterhouse Publishing
Source: NetGalley
Release Date: February 13, 2018
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Born of the true north and tested in war, Captain Canuck is thrust into battle at the head of the global crisis intervention agency called Equilibrium. He must find his way as warrior, leader, and ultimately, hero to save humanity from the machinations of Mr. Gold, Blue Fox, and the even more menacing forces that watch from the shadows. Collects issues #1-6.

Review:

Before getting this book, I had never heard of Captain Canuck. I was glad to find such a patriotic, Canadian super hero.

In general, the story was interesting. The villain created a kind of gold that invaded and controlled people. It was very hard to remove from a person, and creepy to read about. I also liked the Toronto references. One of the final issues in the volume was even set right in the heart of the city, in Nathan Phillips Square beside the famous TORONTO sign.

There were a few problems with the story. I wish there was more of an introduction to the story. I wasn’t familiar with the characters so I would have liked to get to know them before being thrown into the story. One of the characters was French, which was an awesome inclusion of another aspect of Canada. However, there was a part where she was speaking French and there was no translation. I know some French, but these French passages really slowed me down. It would be difficult for people who don’t speak French to read that part.

Overall, this was a pretty good graphic novel. It’s great for Canadian superhero fans.

Review: DC Super Hero Girls: Date with Disaster!

Title: DC Super Hero Girls: Date with Disaster!
Author: Shea Fontana
Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel
Publisher: DC Entertainment
Source: NetGalley
Release Date: February 6, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

From the highly successful multimedia pop culture property comes DC SUPER HERO GIRLS: DATE WITH DISASTER!, starring one of its most popular characters, Batgirl.

Catwoman is out alone on the prowl one night when KABOOM–an explosion at S.T.A.R. Labs rouses the other girls from their slumber. Star students Batgirl and Lois Lane both know the lab incident is fishy, and they meet later to share clues. But nothing could’ve prepared Batgirl for what they see next–Batgirl’s dad on a date!

Batgirl is grossed out until her friends convince her Dads get lonely, too. And with the school dance coming up and everyone pairing off–heck, even Principal Waller has a date with a guy named Deadshot–maybe it’ll be okay just this once. The girls place a personal ad for Commissioner Gordon while they delve deeper into the mystery surrounding the explosion, but they’re about to discover more than who is behind the attack on S.T.A.R. Labs. Could it be that posting an ad looking for dates for the commissioner is like advertising catnip for criminals?

DC SUPER HERO GIRLS: DATE WITH DISASTER! continues to develop the relationships forged in DC SUPER HERO GIRLS: FINALS CRISIS, HITS AND MYTHS, SUMMER OLYMPUS, PAST TIMES AT SUPER HERO HIGH and OUT OF THE BOTTLE. Written by Shea Fontana, this Batgirl-centric story is perfect for girls ages 6-12.

Review:

This is another great story about the DC Super Hero Girls!

One of the great things about this book is that it featured some non-superhero characters along with the Super Hero Girls. Lois Lane and Commissioner Gordon played an important part in this story. They don’t have super powers so they had to use their intelligence to help the Super Hero Girls.

I love how the Super Hero Girls are a younger version of their adult counterparts. My favourite is Harley Quinn, and she’s so funny in this story. When everyone gets the alert on their alarm to wake up and get to work, most of the girls get up, but Harley whacks her alarm with her mallet and goes back to sleep. She brings a lot of humour to this story.

I loved this book! It’s great DC Super Hero Girls fans of all ages.

Review: Les Miserables (Manga Classics)

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Title: Les Miserables
Author: Victor Hugo, Stacy King, SunNeko Lee, Crystal S. Chan
Genre: Graphic Novel, Manga
Publisher: UDON Entertainment
Source: NetGalley
Release Date: September 17, 2014
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Adapted for stage and screen, loved by millions, Victor Hugo’s classic novel of love and tragedy set in 19th century France is reborn in this fantastic new manga edition!

Gorgeous and expressive art brigns to life the unforgettable stories of Jean Valjean, Inspector Javert, and the tragic Fantine in this epic adaptation of Les Misérables!

Review:

I have never read the original Les Miserables or watched the movie, so this was the first time I heard the story. I really liked it.

There was lots of tension in the story that I wasn’t expecting. There were also some mature themes, such as child abuse and prostitution. I always thought it was just a sad story, but the tense twists were very good.

I liked the art in this graphic novel too. It follows the same design of the other Manga Classics. Each of the characters were distinctly drawn. I loved the way Cosette looked. She was so adorable!

I really enjoyed this graphic novel. Now I want to read the original book!

Review: Nimona

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Title: Nimona
Author: Noelle Stevenson
Genre: Graphic Novel
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Purchased
Release Date: May 12, 2015
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

The graphic novel debut from rising star Noelle Stevenson, based on her beloved and critically acclaimed web comic, which Slate awarded its Cartoonist Studio Prize, calling it “a deadpan epic.”

Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism! All these and more await in this brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from Noelle Stevenson. Featuring an exclusive epilogue not seen in the web comic, along with bonus conceptual sketches and revised pages throughout, this gorgeous full-color graphic novel is perfect for the legions of fans of the web comic and is sure to win Noelle many new ones.

Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren’t the heroes everyone thinks they are.

But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona’s powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.

Review:

I loved this graphic novel!

It’s hard to explain this story, but that’s what makes it so awesome. There are dragons and cats, kings and villains, science and magic. What more do you need in an amazing graphic novel?

Nimona was hilarious. She was sarcastic and goofy. She wants to be the sidekick to Blackhart, though he isn’t really in the market for one. She ends up being the most unusal character he has ever met.

I also loved the world setting of this story. It seems like it’s in the past because there are stone buildings and everything looks medieval. But at the same time, they are using futuristic technology and laboratories. It’s a conflicting world that really works for this story.

I already liked Noelle Stevenson, but I love her even more now! I’ve read some of her Lumberjanes graphic novels, which are equally awesome. I’ll have to keep her on my radar, so I can read her next books right away.

Review: Claudia and Mean Janine (Baby Sitters Club Graphic Novel #4)

Title: Claudia and Mean Janine
Author: Raina Telgemeier
Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel
Publisher: Graphix
Source: Borrowed from a friend
Release Date: January 26, 2016
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

This graphic novel adapted by Raina Telgemeier, the #1 New York Times bestselling, multiple Eisner Award-winning author of Smile, is now available in full color!

Claudia and her sister, Janine, may as well be from two different planets. Claudia, who pays more attention to her artwork and The Baby-sitters Club than her homework, feels like she can’t compete with her perfect sister. Janine studies nonstop, gets straight As, and even takes college-level courses! But when something unexpected happens to the most beloved person in their family, will the sisters be able to put aside their differences?

Raina Telgemeier, using the signature style featured in her acclaimed graphic novels Smile and Sisters, perfectly captures all the drama and charm of the original novel!

Review:

I am loving the new Baby Sitters Club series! This is the fourth book, and like the others, it stays true to the original novels.

In this story, the girls have to deal with family issues. Claudia has to learn to get along with her sister, because she’s the only sister she has. They come together over their grandmother’s health problems.

I love how each of the Baby Sitters Club books demonstrate something that young girls have to face in their lives, while also working on their baby sitting jobs. The girls all feel for Claudia’s problems with her sister because they all love her grandmother and feel close to Claudia’s family.

I’m so sad that Raina is no longer going to illustrate these graphic novels. I hope the next artist can live up to Raina’s work!

Review: Archie, Volume 2

Title: Archie, Volume 2
Author: Mark Waid, Veronica Fish
Genre: Graphic Novel
Publisher: Archie Comics
Source: Gift
Release Date: December 20, 2016
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

The all-new ARCHIE adventure continues! Superstar writer Mark Waid teams up with the best and brightest artists in comics to bring a modern take to the legendary Riverdale cast of characters. The book will captures the bite and hilarious edge of Archie’s original tales in a modern, forward-looking manner, while still retaining the character’s all-ages appeal. If classic Archie is a Saturday morning cartoon, this new series is prime time!

Review:

I love this new Archie series. I was hooked on Archie comics when I was little, so I love being able to read this updated version.

This story continues from the first volume. Mr. Lodge still hates Archie. He tries to get Veronica to date Reggie instead, but she loves Archie. At the same time, Betty and Archie’s friendship is rocky. They’re both dating new people, so they have to adjust to not dating each other. It even leads to a fight that ends at the talent show.

I love the art in these graphic novels. Sometimes the art slows down the pace of the story, by having frames without any words. Some frames drift slowly from Archie’s house to Betty’s house, to show that they aren’t speaking. There is still a lot to be read into these frames, even though there isn’t actually any dialogue.

I love this series. This volume ended on a cliffhanger, so I’m going to have to read the next one soon!

Review: Wires and Nerve, Volume 1

Title: Wires and Nerve, Volume 1
Author: Marissa Meyer
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Source: Purchased
Release Date: January 31, 2017
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

When rogue packs of wolf-hybrid soldiers threaten the tenuous peace alliance between Earth and Luna, Iko takes it upon herself to hunt down the soldiers’ leader. She is soon working with a handsome royal guard who forces her to question everything she knows about love, loyalty, and her own humanity. With appearances by Cinder and the rest of the Rampion crew, this is a must-have for fans of the series.

Review:

I’m so excited that I finally read this book! I kept putting it off, because I didn’t want to be finished with the Lunar Chronicles books.

This story was not what I expected. For some reason, I thought this story happened simultaneously with the story of the Lunar Chronicles. However, this story happens after, so I still got to see my favourite characters!

I didn’t really like the blue colour scheme of the graphics. I would have loved if it was in full colour! The blue was unique and a little strange.

I also would have liked more action. There was a lot of explaining plans, like there was in The Lunar Chronicles. This may have been because of the extensive cast.

One thing that I loved was that Iko was the main character! She’s hilarious and sarcastic. I’m so glad that she has her own series now! I can’t wait to read the next volume in a couple of weeks.