Category: Graphic Novel

Review: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow

Title: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow
Author: Mariko Tamaki, Natacha Bustos, Eleonora Bruni
Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Fantasy
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Source: Library
Format: Ebook
Release Date: May 11, 2021
Rating: ★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Now, truly alone for the first time in her life, Willow must rely only on her instincts – and her magic – to save herself from a different kind of threat than Buffy ever prepared her to face in her first ever comic book series!

NO MORE SUNNYDALE. NO MORE SCOOBY GANG. NO MORE…WILLOW?

After everything – and everyone – she lost to the Hellmouth, Willow is leaving Sunnydale behind for a new school that promises “to help you prioritize your true self.” But Willow soon learns that all is not as it seems, and if your true self isn’t what the school thinks it should be…well, don’t worry, they’ll help you get there. By any means necessary. Now, truly alone for the first time in her life, Willow must rely only on her instincts – and her magic – to save herself from a different kind of threat than Buffy ever prepared her to face!

Award-winning writer Mariko Tamaki (She-Hulk) and superstar artist Natacha Bustos (Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur) bring Willow face to face with the truth of her past… and plant the seeds for a future no one could’ve predicted. Collects Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow #1-5.

Review:

Willow left everything behind in Sunnydale and moved to a new school in England. When the school wasn’t what she expected it to be, she got a one way bus ticket out of town. She ended up in Abhainn a mysterious witchy town. Willow has found her people, but she has to figure out the mystery of the town.

I watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer occasionally when I was a kid, but I haven’t seen the show in years. When I saw that this was a witchy graphic novel, I had to read it. Since this book was about Willow leaving Sunnydale, it could be read as a stand-alone without knowing the background of Buffy.

I loved the beautiful art in this graphic novel. The alternate covers were particularly beautiful. Some of them had realistic images of the characters, which I always love to see. This graphic novel had lots of beautiful illustrations.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow is a fun graphic novel!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel: Hellmouth by Jordie Bellaire, Jeremy Lambert

Slayer by Kiersten White

Have you read Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow? What did you think of it?

Blog Tour Review: The Secret Garden on 81st Street: A Modern Graphic Retelling of the Secret Garden

Title: The Secret Garden on 81st Street: A Modern Graphic Retelling of The Secret Garden
Author: Ivy Noelle Weir, Amber Padilla (illustrator)
Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Contemporary
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: Ebook
Release Date: October 19, 2021
Rating: ★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

The Secret Garden with a twist: in this follow-up to Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, this full-color graphic novel moves Mary Lennox to a New York City brownstone, where she and her very first group of friends restore an abandoned rooftop garden…and her uncle’s heart.

Mary Lennox is a loner living in Silicon Valley. With her parents always working, video game and tech become her main source of entertainment and “friends.” When her parents pass away in a tragic accident, she moves to New York City to live with her uncle who she barely knows, and to her surprise, keeps a gadget free home. Looking for comfort in this strange, new reality, Mary discovers an abandoned rooftop garden and an even bigger secret…her cousin who suffers from anxiety. With the help of her new friends, Colin and Dickon, Mary works to restore the garden to its former glory while also learning to grieve, build real friendships, and grow.

Review:

After her parents died suddenly in a car accident, Mary Lennox moved to New York to live at her uncle’s home. Her uncle has traveled constantly for work since his husband died, so Mary is left with his housekeeper and neighbour. While she’s exploring the house, Mary discovers a hidden garden that used to be tended to by her uncle’s husband. She also finds her uncle’s son, Colin, who is kept away in his room because he suffers from anxiety and panic disorder. Along with her other new friend Dickon, Mary helps rebuild the garden and learn how to grieve.

I haven’t read The Secret Garden since I was a kid, so I don’t remember the story very well. I’m sure a lot was changed in this adaptation to make it modern. Mary came from a high tech home in Silicon Valley, and she had to get used to life in New York. One thing I didn’t understand was why she didn’t start school right away since she moved there in the winter. Her uncle mentioned her starting school in the fall, and once Mary said something about online school, but it was strange that she would have been out of school for so long.

I appreciated the representation of anxiety and panic disorder in this book. Colin was kept away from the rest of the house because he was so anxious. The anxiety started after his father died. It was difficult for others to understand his feelings at first, because the doctors said there wasn’t anything physically wrong with him, though he felt pain in his chest when he experienced anxiety. Luckily, Mary figured out a way to help Colin manage his anxiety and live a fuller life.

The Secret Garden on 81st Street is a great, modern adaptation.

Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What to read next:

Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Rey Terciero, Bre Indigo (illustrations)

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

About the author:

LIvy Noelle Weir is a writer of comics and prose. She is the co-creator of the Dwayne McDuffie Award-winning graphic novel Archival Quality (Oni Press), the upcoming The Secret Garden on 81st Street (Little, Brown for Young Readers), and her writing has appeared in anthologies such as Princeless: Girls Rock (Action Lab Entertainment) and Dead Beats (A Wave Blue World). She lives in the greater Boston area with her husband and their two tiny, weird dogs.

Purchase links:

Tour schedule:

Have you read The Secret Garden on 81st Street? What did you think of it?

Review: Spell on Wheels, Vol. 1

Title: Spell on Wheels, Vol. 1
Author: Kate Leth, Megan Levens, Marissa Louise
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Contemporary
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Source: Library
Format: Ebook
Release Date: June 30, 2017
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

A road trip story. A magical revenge fantasy. A sisters-over-misters tale of three witches out to get back what was taken fom them.

Andy, Jolene, and Claire aren’t your average twenty-somethings. They’re legacy witches making their way through a modern world. When a jealous nonmagical ex breaks into their home and steals a spell that could awaken potentials with magical powers, the witches plan their revenge. Traveling down the East Coast, they must retrieve their powerful stolen artifacts and strengthen their friendship… the big bad is even worse than they imagined. 

Collects Spell on Wheels #1–#5

Review:

Andy, Jolene, and Claire are witches in their twenties. One evening, Claire’s non-magical ex-boyfriend breaks into their house and steals a bunch of their artifacts, including a spell that will awaken powers in someone without them. The three witches have to track down everything that he stole and sold on a witch app, while also figuring out who broke into their home and why he did it.

I love witchy stories right now. This one is perfect for the spooky season. Though the characters are in their twenties, the tone of the story was like a young adult story. There wasn’t swearing or anything too mature, so it would be appropriate for a young adult reader.

This story has a witchy theme, but the illustrations had bright colours. Often magical graphic novels with a dark tone also have dark illustrations, but this one has a brighter tone with vibrant colours. The illustration style reminded me of the Archie Comics I read as a kid, so I liked this style.

Spell on Wheels is a fun, witchy graphic novel!

What to read next:

Spell on Wheels, Vol. 2: Just to Get to You by Kate Leth, Megan Levens, Marissa Louise

Heavy Vinyl, Vol. 1: Riot on the Radio by Carly Usdin, Nina Vakueva

Other books in the series:

  • Spell on Wheels, Vol. 2: Just to Get to You

Have you read Spell on Wheels, Vol. 1? What did you think of it?

Review: Witches of Brooklyn (Witches of Brooklyn #1)

Title: Witches of Brooklyn (Witches of Brooklyn #1)
Author: Sophie Escabasse
Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Contemporary
Publisher: Random House Graphic
Source: Library
Format: Ebook
Release Date: September 1, 2020
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

There’s a new witch in town! Life in Brooklyn takes a strange turn when Effie discovers MAGIC runs in the family. 

A middle-grade graphic novel adventure filled with magical hjinks for fans of Phoebe and Her Unicorn and Making Friends. 

Effie lost her mom.

Lost her home.

And now she has to live with two strange aunts who she’s never met before.

Life in Brooklyn takes a strange twist for Effie as she learns more about her family and herself. With new friends who will do whatever they can to be there for her, a cursed pop-star, and her new magically-inclined family — Effie’s life is about to get interesting.

Review:

When Effie’s mother dies, she’s sent to live with her mom’s half sisters. None of them are happy with the situation, but they will have to learn to live with it. However, when Effie’s favourite pop star shows up at the house in desperate need of a cure for a curse, Effie learns that her aunts are witches. Then, Effie’s own magic begins to shine through. Her life takes an exciting and unexpected turn.

This story reminded me of Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Effie was sent to live with her two aunts, just like Sabrina. Effie also didn’t know about her aunts’ magic or the powers she would develop, like Sabrina. Sabrina the Teenage Witch is one of my favourite characters so I loved this similarity.

Witches of Brooklyn was a fun middle grade graphic novel! I’m excited to read the next one.

What to read next:

Witches of Brooklyn: What the Hex?! by Sophie Escabasse

The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner

Other books in the series:

  • Witches of Brooklyn: What the Hex?!

Have you read Witches of Brooklyn? What did you think of it?

Review: Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess

Title: Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess
Author: Nancy Springer, Serena Blasco
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Mystery, Historical Fiction
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Source: Library
Format: Ebook
Release Date: November 27, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Enola Holmes is on the case! A graphic novel adaptation of Nancy Springer’s bestselling mystery series about Sherlock Holmes’ resourceful younger sister!

Raised by her mother on the family’s country manor, Enola wakes on her 14th birthday to discover that her mother has disappeared, leaving only a collection of flowers and a coded message book. With Sherlock and Mycroft determined to ship her off to a boarding school, Enola escapes, displaying a cleverness that even impresses the elder Holmes. But nothing prepares her for what lies ahead. Her journey quickly leads her into the dark and sordid neighborhoods of London where she finds herself involved in the kidnapping of a young marquess. Will Enola evade her two brothers and succeed in her new independent life, even as she continues to follow her mother’s trail?

This delightfully drawn graphic novel adaptation also includes a portfolio of pages from Enola’s secret notebook.

Review:

Enola Holmes, younger sister of Sherlock Holmes, wakes up on her 14th birthday to find that her mother is missing. Her mother left without leaving a note, so Enola asks her brothers Sherlock and Mycroft to help search for her mother. However, her brothers want to send Enola off to boarding school because they think their mother has run away for good. Enola must escape the life her brothers have planned for her so that she can continue searching for her mother, and maybe solve a mystery or two along the way.

I love reading adaptations and retellings of Sherlock Holmes stories. This one was original because it was about Sherlock’s younger sister. However, it did not portray Sherlock in a positive light. Him and his brother Mycroft wanted to send Enola off to become a proper lady, when all she wanted was to find her mother.

Enola was a fun character. She was determined to find her mother, and was willing to do anything to complete her goal. She was also creative and great at problem solving. At the end of this graphic novel, there were some pages from Enola’s notebook, with her notes on the case and details about how she solved problems. This was some fun insight into her character.

The Case of the Missing Marquess was a fun mystery graphic novel!

What to read next:

The Case of the Left-Handed Lady by Nancy Springer, Serena Blasco

A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro

Other books in the series:

  • The Case of the Left-Handed Lady
  • The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets

Have you read The Case of the Missing Marquess? What did you think of it?

Review: The Backups: A Summer of Stardom

Title: The Backups: A Summer of Stardom
Author: Alex de Campi, Lara Kane, Dee Cunniffe, Ted Brandt
Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Contemporary
Publisher: Imprint
Source: Library
Format: Ebook
Release Date: April 13, 2021
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Step into the spotlight with The Backups, a graphic novel from writer Alex de Campi and artist Lara Kane about crushes, confidence, and catchy choruses!

Spending an entire summer on tour as a backup singer for pop star Nika Nitro? What?! That’s the DREAM, right? Especially for Jenni, Lauren, and Maggie, three misfit performing arts students with hopes of making it in the music world.

But being twenty feet from fame isn’t easy. Between crushes, constant rehearsals, Nika’s sky-high expectations, and their own insecurities, this dream is starting to feel more like a nightmare. And that’s before they accidentally start a beef with a rival band threatening to reveal a secret that could end Nika’s career.

Can this trio of new friends come together to save the tour, or will the Backups be kept out of the spotlight forever?

Review:

Jenni, Lauren, and Maggie are three music school students who are chosen to be backup singers for the pop star Nika Nitro. They’re going on a tour across the country for the summer. The three girls are constantly being criticized, from their appearance to their taste in music. Then, they have a fight with another band, who threaten to ruin the tour. To top it all off, Nika has a huge secret that she must keep from her fans. Her backup singers are the only ones who can save this tour.

This graphic novel touched on some important issues with performers, such as body image and peer pressure. Jenni was instructed to go on a diet to lose weight. Another singer said he was told to have plastic surgery as a teenager. Nika was pressured into performing, even though it was dangerous for her health. These are real issues that performers may face, which can destroy their own bodies if they make dangerous decisions.

Though it had some serious moments, this was a fun story. Jenni, Lauren, and Maggie got to live the dream of being back up singers to a pop star for the summer. I’d love to see a sequel to this story. It would be really fun to see where the story goes next!

The Backups is a great graphic novel!

What to read next:

Heavy Vinyl by Carly Usdin

Idol Gossip by Alexandra Leigh Young

Have you read The Backups: A Summer of Stardom? What did you think of it?

Review: Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer (Shirley and Jamila #1)

Title: Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer (Shirley and Jamila #1)
Author: Gillian Goerz
Genre: Middle Grade, Contemporary, Mystery, Graphic Novel
Publisher: Dial Books
Source: Library
Format: Ebook
Release Date: July 14, 2020
Rating: ★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

This middle-grade graphic novel for fans of Roller Girl and Smile introduces Jamila and Shirley, two unlikely friends who save each other’s summers while solving their neighborhood’s biggest mysteries.

Jamila Waheed is staring down a lonely summer in a new neighborhood–until she meets Shirley Bones. Sure, Shirley’s a little strange, but both girls need a new plan for the summer, and they might as well become friends.

Then this kid Oliver shows up begging for Shirley’s help. His pet gecko has disappeared, and he’s sure it was stolen! That’s when Jamila discovers Shirley’s secret: She’s the neighborhood’s best kid detective, and she’s on the case. When Jamila discovers she’s got some detective skills of her own, a crime-solving partnership is born.

The mystery of the missing gecko turns Shirley and Jamila’s summer upside down. And when their partnership hits a rough patch, they have to work together to solve the greatest mystery of all: What it means to be a friend.

Review:

Jamila was going to be sent to science camp for the summer, until she met Shirley. Shirley’s mom wanted her to go to dance camp, but the girls realized they could enjoy their summer more if they convinced their moms to let them spend time together. While Jamila plays basketball, Shirley meets with various kids in the neighbourhood at the basketball court. One day, a boy tells Shirley that someone stole his backpack while he was at the pool. Shirley is a secret detective, solving local crimes. Jamila joins in on solving the mystery, forming a classic detective duo with Shirley.

Shirley and Jamila were like a modern Sherlock and Watson. Shirley was able to figure out where a person worked just by looking at them walk down the street, in a similar way to Sherlock Holmes. Jamila was the main narrator, like Watson, and was able to assist Shirley in her investigation. I liked this subtle nod to the classic detective.

This story was set in Toronto, though it wasn’t mentioned very much. There was the Toronto skyline on the cover and Jamila came from the Thorncliffe neighbourhood. There were a few small details on the pages, such as the Raptors posters on Jamila’s bedroom walls and the CBC sign on a lawn. These were cute little details that showed the Toronto setting.

Shirley and Jamila Save the Summer is a fun graphic novel mystery!

What to read next:

Cub by Cynthia L. Copeland

Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

Have you read Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer? What did you think of it?

Review: The Orphan King (The Orphan King #1)

Title: The Orphan King (The Orphan King #1)
Author: Tyler Chin-Tanner, James Boyle
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy
Publisher: A Wave Blue World
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: Ebook
Release Date: September 7, 2021
Rating: ★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Prince Kaidan, born to rule as a hero of the realm, is on the move, taking first steps into the life of soaring regal adventure promised by his birthright. After completing secret training with his aunt, the magical Lady Taleissa, Kaidan returns home hoping to pick up where he left off and start an exciting new chapter. Instead, his parents are missing and the kingdom is destroyed, along with everything he’d ever hoped and dreamed. 

With the monarchy overthrown by a rapacious warlord, Kaidan is set adrift in a lawless land where his royal lineage now means nothing but danger; there’s a steep price on his head and everyone is eager to cash in. But when there are no laws, outlaws can become allies, and Kaidan’s got a fighting chance with some new friends on the fringes of society. A new path is set: find whatever pieces of his old life he can and use them to build something new – if he can live that long!

A fresh retelling of the King Arthur myth, THE ORPHAN KING upends the concept of birthright in a magical coming-of-age adventure for the ages.

Review:

As a boy, Prince Kaidan was sent away with his aunt to do some secret training. When he returns three years later, he discovers that his kingdom has been destroyed. His father is dead, his mother is missing, and the knights responsible for it are chasing him. Kaidan meets up with some outlaws who will help him find his family.

This was an exciting, fast paced story. Though Kaidan was returning home, it was bittersweet because he didn’t get along with his father before he left. He was looking forward to seeing his mother, until he saw the devastation of his home. Kaidan had lost his family and his future as King.

I liked the art in this graphic novel. The first few chapters alternated between when Kaidan was younger and when he returned home. It was easy to tell these scenes apart because the scenes from the past had lighter colours and the scenes in the present were darker. Each of the characters also had a distinct outfit, so it was easy to differentiate between them.

The Orphan King is a great new graphic novel!

Thank you Diamond Book Distributors for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What to read next:

Dark One by Brandon Sanderson

Have you read The Orphan King? What did you think of it?

Review: Black Widow: The Name of the Rose

Title: Black Widow: The Name of the Rose
Author: Marjorie Liu, Daniel Acuña (illustrator)
Genre: Graphic Novel
Publisher: Marvel
Source: Library
Format: Ebook
Release Date: December 22, 2010
Rating: ★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

The deadly super-spy from IRON MAN 2, INVINCIBLE IRON MAN and CAPTAIN AMERICA in her own action-packed tale! Natasha Romanoff is not a super hero. She’s not psychic. She doesn’t fly. And yet as the Black Widow, she manages to hold her own against a world of incredibly powerful enemies and allies. But now someone has tried to kill Natasha and almost succeeded.

Review:

Natasha Romanoff is a spy, with the alias Black Widow. She has many enemies who have targeted her over the years, but she’s always able to fight them off. Now, someone has been sending her messages and trying to kill her. This person knows secrets that she has never told anyone. Natasha has to revisit her past to find her attacker.

I haven’t read any Black Widow stories before this one. I loved the movie so I wanted to read more of the history of the character. This story was a good introduction, but it made me want to know more about Natasha’s history. There were just teasers of what she had done earlier in her life, so I’ll need to go find some more stories to learn more.

Black Widow: The Name of the Rose is a good introduction to Black Widow!

What to read next:

Black Widow: Kiss or Kill by Duane Swierczynski, Manuel García (illustrator)

Black Widow: Forever Red by Margaret Stohl

Have you read Black Widow: The Name of the Rose? What did you think of it?

Review: An Unkindness of Ravens

Title: An Unkindness of Ravens
Author: Dan Panosian, Marianna Ignazzi
Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Fantasy
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Source: Publisher
Format: Ebook
Release Date: June 8, 2021
Rating: ★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Acclaimed cartoonist Dan Panosian and rising star artist Marianna Ignazzi present a new supernatural mystery about a group of high schoolers steeped in witchcraft and the town they live in filled with long-hidden secrets and unchecked power.

WELCOME TO CRAB’S EYE. A SMALL TOWN WHERE MAGIC IS REAL AND GOSSIP CAN KILL.

Not all the witches burned during the Salem Witch Trials—and the ones that survived did so together, protecting the ancient secrets entrusted to them for generations. They call themselves the Ravens. Wilma is the new girl in school, and she plans to go completely unnoticed—except that she bears an eerie resemblance to the Raven member Waverly, who just went missing. The truth behind Waverly’s disappearance will put the entire coven in danger—and Wilma will have to rely on power she never knew she had if she wants to save her new friends!

Acclaimed cartoonist Dan Panosian (Slots) and rising star artist Marianna Ignazzi present a new supernatural mystery about a group of high schoolers steeped in witchcraft and the town they live in filled with long-hidden secrets and unchecked power. Collects An Unkindness of Ravens #1-5.

Review:

Wilma moves with her dad to his hometown of Crab’s Eye after he got a new job. Immediately, two different groups of students try to recruit Wilma to join them. One group is the popular kids who rule the school. The other group is known as the Ravens. Wilma looks exactly like Waverly, a member of the Ravens who just disappeared. Wilma has to choose which group she’s going to join, so she can learn more about her past and her new powers.

This was a creepy graphic novel. Right from the start, things seemed strange, since a missing girl looked exactly like Wilma. Then, the two groups of students tried to get Wilma to join them. The Ravens had some kind of supernatural powers, that I wish we saw more of in the story.

The ending of the story felt a little rushed. There was a lot that happened in a short amount of time. Since the title and cover show the Ravens, I would have loved to see more of them. The story mostly focused on what was happening to Wilma, which was interesting, but I think there is a lot more to know about the Ravens.

An Unkindness of Ravens is a great, creepy YA graphic novel.

Thank you BOOM! Studios for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What to read next:

Martian Ghost Centaur by Mat Heagerty

Specter Inspectors by Bowen McCurdy

Have you read An Unkindness of Ravens? What did you think of it?