Pretty Deadly, Volume 2 Review

Pretty Deadly, Volume 2: The Bear. Kelly Sue DeConnick, Emma Rios, Jordie Bellaire, and Clayton Cowles. 2016. Image Comics. 152 pages.

Rating: 4/5

I didn't like volume 2 quite as much as volume 1. The art is still amazing, and the book is worth picking up on that alone. It can be kind of trippy at times. However, the pages are done beautifully and really push at expectations of what a comic does.

The story itself is good, but I felt like it was a notch below the first volume. This book expands on some of what came before. It loses a little of the mystique along the way though. The book really takes a shift away from that western style to one focused on war, with a big part of the tale taking place in the trenches during World War I.

I like the characters. They are well written and pulled me into their stories. It's interesting to see what Sissy does now that she wears the mantle of Death. This allows the setting to open up in ways that the reader wouldn't quite expect from the first volume. It can be a bit jumbled at times, but that is part of what I like about the book. I'd like to see more from this group.

Lady Mechanika, Volume 3 Review

Lady Mechanika, Volume 3: The Lost Boys of West Abbey. Marcia Chen, Joe Benitez, Peter Steigerwald, Martin Montiel, and Beth Sotelo. 2017. Benitez Productions. 64 pages.

Rating: 4/5

Disclaimer: I received a free ecopy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Volume 3 of Lady Mechanika combines a lot of the elements that I enjoyed from the first two books. The characters are back in London and Lady Mechanika herself seems more enmeshed in the city. There is a familiarity with some of the other characters and locations that makes it feel like a natural place for her to be. It picks up where the second volume left off and transitions nicely into the new story.

One again, the art is great. It really helps set the tone for these stories. This volume takes on the classic golem story and puts that steampunk spin on it. I love how the creators decided to implement it. This book is much shorter than the first two though. It's good because it makes the story more concise, but I'd like to see more of this world.

Army of Darkness/Xena, Warrior Princess: Forever and a Day Review

Army of Darkness / Xena, Warrior Princess: Forever and a Day. Scott Lobdell and Elliot Fernandez. 2017. Dynamite Entertainment. 144 pages.

Rating: 3/5

Disclaimer: I received a free ecopy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun read. I like that the creators really use the comics format to full effect in telling this story. There is some repetition, but it works to enhance the book. Ash is being taken back in time to help Xena defeat an army of Deadites to prevent the end times. Something keeps going wrong though and he doesn't show up quite when he needs to.

The time travel element is executed well and fits with the Evil Dead/Army of Darkness motif. This isn't the first team up between these two characters. It can seem an odd choice to bring them together. The way they are written here shows that it can be successful. It maintains the humor and sort of silly horror that the Evil Dead franchise offers and mixes it with the over-the-top action from Xena. The artist does a nice job of capturing the look of the characters and their respective settings.

My biggest complaint about the book has to be the plot. There isn't much of an explanation as to the cause of the events that spark the repeated time travel attempts until the end of the volume. Sure, they don't want to give too much away early, but it made me question what the point of the story was aside from attempting to play off the two franchises. I'd like to see more of these characters together.

Wonder Woman: The True Amazon Review

Wonder Woman: The True Amazon. Jill Thompson. 2016. DC Comics. 128 pages.

Rating: 3/5

As someone who is new to Wonder Woman comics, I thought this book was alright. It explores her background as a member of the Amazons, and even gives an overview of their origins. Diana is doted upon by the other Amazons because she is the daughter of their leader. She acts like a spoiled brat because of it.

One of the things that kept me from enjoying the book more, and a lot of other readers from what I've seen, is her immaturity in this story. The book is targeted toward a younger age group that might get more out of this version of the character and be able to identify with her more. However, fans might be put off. I feel like I was lucky to come in with a clean slate because I didn't have any expectations for the story. The plot could have been stronger though. It focuses so much on Diana's immaturity that the person she becomes feels so different from what is shown in this volume.

I like the style of the book though. The illustrations are great for a story involving the ancient Greeks and their gods. It's laid out differently from a traditional comic too, which might be intended to draw in some new readers. It works nicely for the story though because the layout complements the drawings perfectly. Despite some issues with this book, I am interested in checking out more Wonder Woman stories. New readers might just enjoy this as a starting point.

Siberia 56 Review

Siberia 56. Christopher Bec and Alexis Sentenac. 2017. Insight Comics. 156 pages.

Rating: 2/5

Disclaimer: I received a free ecopy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Siberia 56 is a sci-fi/horror story that takes place at a time where humanity is exploring the galaxy and finding places that could serve as potential colonies. The planet of the same name is an arctic world with some nasty creatures inhabiting it, but there is more going on than even the team studying the planet are aware of.

From the tone of the story, this feels like it is in the same vein as the Alien franchise. The structure and the pacing seemed forced though. It's like the creators came up with this idea they loved and rushed to get to it. I think a slower buildup would have worked better for me. It nails the feeling that this planet is inhospitable. Yet I was left wanting more than what this book was able to deliver. The characters felt one dimensional too. There is so much about the planet and the creatures that the human characters are more of an afterthought.

The art is wonderful though, particularly the landscape shots. There are numerous points where the point of view is pulled back to show off terrain with nice effect. That alone wasn't enough to carry the book though. It has some inklings of an interesting story near the end. I just didn't get enough payoff to justify getting to that point.

Runaways, Volume 1 Review

Runaways, Volume 1: Pride and Joy. Brian K Vaughan and Adrian Alphona. 2006. Marvel. 144 pages.

Rating: 3/5

I do sort of like the concept behind this book. A bunch of kids learn that their parents lead a group of supervillains and decide they need to stop them. They go through a series of steps before they decide to take direct action against their parents, which I think is a nice approach.

The story feels a bit forced early on. The children are introduced in rapid succession and don't seem to have any reason to like each other. This left me feeling detached from the characters until well into the book where their separate personalities develop. The shallowness in the beginning made the book drag for a while. There is a lot of potential in these characters and the story though.

I wasn't a huge fan of the art because it's quite cartoony. This works for the characters, but doesn't quite match up to the overall tone of the book. There are some nice scenes when powers start getting used that showcase the different abilities. It's a decent book but I don't expect to continue it at this point.

Go Set a Watchman Review

Go Set a Watchman. Harper Lee. 2015. Harper. 288 pages.

Rating: 4/5

You can't go home again. In this sequel to To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout Finch returns to Maycomb after living in New York for a number of years. The town is both familiar and foreign to her as a result of her time abroad. Some of what she finds causes her to be disillusioned with her father and her entire upbringing as well. That disillusionment is at the crux of the story and the way that Harper Lee leverages it actually makes it strike a major chord with the reader as well.

I like the writing in this book. The tone of it and the perspective really make it come across as Scout's voice. She is the one leading the reader into the trap of disappointment that has outraged so many people. Coming from another character it wouldn't have the same impact. And I think the progression of the story happens in a very natural way. There are tangents into the past that come out of remembrance as Scout travels around her former home.

The social issues are as important as in the previous book, but they come from a very different place. There is fear and greed motivating the men of Maycomb and that is tempered by Scout's furious reaction. It doesn't go off the deep end or destroy a beloved character. This book is smart and well crafted, even though it is tonally different. Is it a must read? Maybe not, but I highly recommend checking it out to decide for yourself.

No Mercy, Volume 1 Review

No Mercy, Volume 1. Alex De Campi, Carla Speed McNeil, and Jenn Manley Lee. 2015. Image Comics. 120 pages.

Rating: 4/5

As the title suggests, this book can be brutal. It starts off innocuously with a group of teens going on a volunteer trip to Latin America. The early portion of the book plays up the fact that these kids are preparing to move onto college and might just be going on this trip to make themselves look good. Their guide once they arrive is a nun, but even with her help they end up stranded.

The creators do a nice job easing into the crux of  the story. I think it would have felt like a very different book if they opened right into the bad stuff. As it is, the tension created after the first major turning point works. From there it becomes a matter of survival for everyone. They will have to face some basic issues like what to do about food/water and protect themselves from predators. Groups are formed and there are a few stand out characters, but there is a large cast and not all of them get enough attention. That's okay for this collection as it is creating a tone for the larger story. I would expect there to be a greater character focus in the next volume.

I dig the illustrations in this book. Things start out sort of chaotic to match the business of the airport, which is a nice touch. The backgrounds are shown nicely and I like the character drawings. There are a few times when a character looks odd because of proportions, but it didn't ruin the story.

Welcome Back, Volume 1 Review

Welcome Back, Volume 1: Help, I'm Alive. Christopher Sebela, Jonathan Sawyer, Claire Roe, and Carlos Zamudio. 2016. BOOM! Studios. 112 pages.

Rating: 4/5

I wasn't  sure what to expect from this book. It starts out more like a typical slice-of-life book with the exception that Mali's father is rumored to be a serial killer. Then it brings in an assassin and things quickly spiral into some weird territory. Mali and Tessa are soldiers on opposing sides of a millennia long war and are destined to fight each other forever, being reborn each time one of them dies.

I like the story and the set up for the book. The slow progression from Mali's seemingly normal life to this life that is beyond belief is awesome. It lets the reader adjust to this strange world along with Mali. The ending to the book feels right even though the characters are seemingly going in a different direction up to that point. It sets things up nicely for the next arc of the series. I also liked the art a lot. There are some cool scenes that incorporate the idea that these characters have experienced multiple lives.

My only real complaint is that there isn't enough explanation about this battle that the girls are involved in. It sets up the structure of the world and the war, but leaves a gap as to why these factions are at war and what it means for the girls. I enjoyed it a lot and would like to see these issues addressed in the next portion of the story.

The Valiant Review

The Valiant. Jeff Lemire, Matt Kindt, Paolo Rivera, and Joe Rivera. 2015. Valiant Entertainment. 112 pages.

Rating: 4/5

Hoo boy. The creative team on this book is fantastic. Now, this isn't a great place to jump into Valiant comics. It helps to know the characters going into it, particularly Bloodshot, Gilad the Eternal Warrior, and the Geomancer. These characters make up the heart of the story. Throughout time an entity known as the Immortal Enemy comes around to kill the Geomancer, who is a protector of the Earth. With a new Geomancer on the scene, the Immortal Enemy decides to strike in an attempt to send the world into another dark age.

I like the guises that the Immortal Enemy takes on throughout the book. We see some of its appearances in the past, which include some classic creatures. The most recent visage is something important to the Geomancer. I felt like this was a nice touch because it adds some tension for the character. The scenes between Bloodshot and the Geomancer are superb. This book also provides background on Gilad, including the origin of the three scars on his face.

The art is good. Clearly, the creators had a lot of fun putting things together. There are some big battle scenes featuring the various Valiant universe characters, and more intimate moments that dial things back. The events in this book have a major impact on the ones that follow, so its definitely worth picking up.

Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 2 Review

Ultimate Spider-Man, Volume 2: Learning Curve. Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Bagley, and Art Thibert. 2002. Marvel. 144 pages.

Rating: 5/5

I put off rereading volume 2 after being less impressed with the first volume the second time around. But this book opens with a bang and reminds me why I love this series. To start, the book kicks off with some very disorienting art as we are introduced to Elektro. Although most of the story revolves around Peter tracking down the man who killed Uncle Ben and his connections to the Kingpin, Elektro is the villain present throughout the book that Peter has to contend with.

As the title suggests, Peter is still learning how to be Spider-Man. The creators do a great job showing this in all aspects of his life. As Spider-Man, he struggles to defeat his enemies both physically and intellectually. He's still at an early stage in his crime fighting career so the mistakes he makes are almost expected. As Peter, he has to juggle school, family, and the job he picks up at the Daily Bugle. The creators go beyond just showing the impact that Spider-Man has on Peter by including his classmates and others dealing with his presence. Spider-Man fans will be familiar with these themes, but Bendis does a wonderful job distilling them into this story arc.

Peter is still a kid. The illustrations go a long way in showing that by using the characters around him for scale. When he goes up against Kingpin, it almost seems like there is no way Peter could possibly win because of the sheer size difference. There is some childishness to this book that is endearing because it is part of Peter's story. He's young and still trying to find his way in the world. It might take him a while to get there, but this story shows that he might just have a chance.

The Spire Review

The Spire. Simon Spurrier, Jeff Stokely, and Andre May. 2016. BOOM! Studios. 208 pages.

Rating: 4/5

This book is amazingly creative. A lot of it comes through in the art, which is fantastic. The story is set within a kingdom that consists of a giant spire with each level associated with a different class and/or culture. It is both a melting pot and a hierarchy and the story takes elements from each. There is animosity between the humans and non-humans living within the city. When the king dies, the succession and oath of fealty from the outlying kingdoms threaten to topple the tower.

Spurrier and Stokely created a lovely world. We follow a non-human detective through a series of grisly murders within the city. Sha is an antihero, which works great within this setting. She acts as a bit of a guide for the reader because she is able to travel freely through the city. Some of her key characteristics, such as a forgotten past, can seem overused. The creators do a deft job of making her seem fresh and interesting though.

The non-humans look awesome. They are unique and interesting. Each one seems like more than just a stand-in for a human character, with their specific abilities tied to who they are and what they contribute to the story. I enjoyed this book from start to finish, though it does take some time to get rolling.

X-O Manowar (2017), Volume 1 Review

X-O Manowar, Volume 1: Soldier. Matt Kindt, Tomas Giorello, and Diego Rodriguez. 2017. Valiant Entertainment. 112 pages.

Rating: 5/5

Disclaimer: I received a free partial galley via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Damn you, Matt Kindt! I swear it feels like I've enjoyed every book I've read from him so far. This takes Aric of Dacia away from Earth and out of the X-O armor (at least for a little while). The world that they've settled on is war torn and Aric ends up being conscripted. This book is great because it captures the feel for the character both in and out of battle. While he has tried to put aside the armor and take up farming, he isn't quite able to avoid it entirely. Aric is also a great strategist. He sees the looming battle and prepares accordingly. Once he is involved in the war, that same tactical mind is put to use to keep himself and his comrades alive.

The art is lovely. The world imagined here is beautiful and almost starkly barren. This contrast works nicely. The battle scenes get a bit confusing, but that seems to mirror the uncertainty and chaotic nature of the war. Even though I didn't get to read the whole story, I am hooked on the new chapter of this hero's story.

This volume does depart from previous Valiant books in that it only contains three issues. While I am disappointed with that, the change fits with the strength of this story. I will definitely pick up a copy of this one.

The Circle Review

The Circle. Damon Clark and Alyzia Zherno. 2017. Action Lab Entertainment. 160 pages.

Rating: 4/5

Disclaimer: I received a free ecopy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

So the initial premise for this book is lacking: the main character's mother dies, so Christian and his father move to a new town where he is an outcast. He is taken in by the other outsiders at his school and things start to get more interesting. They seem to dabble in magic as a lark, but it turns out to be real. Christian finds himself in over his head.

This book gets very dark between the magic rituals and the fallout that Christian faces. That darkness sets this book apart from similar books that I've read. And I like that Christian's progression through the book feels natural.

My favorite part of the book is probably the art. When the magic begins to show up, the art brings it out subtly. It adds to the tension and darkness of the book too. Aside from a few stumbling points related to the plot, this is a solid book worth picking up.

Rai, Volume 2 Review

Rai, Volume 2: Battle for New Japan. Matt Kindt and Clayton Crain. 2015. Valiant Entertainment. 112 pages.

Rating: 4/5

Once again, the art is fantastic. It's really got a different feel from the other Valiant books and it's great. I love the colors used throughout the series. There are some awesome action scenes that show off the characters and Crain's artistic chops.

This book picks up where the first one left off. Rai is developed a lot more in this book. It shows off more of what he is capable of and gives him more of a personality. The supporting cast of characters is good too. The plot takes the struggle against Father's regime to the next level. I'm excited to pick up the next book in this series.

Jupiter's Circle, Volume 1 Review

Jupiter's Circle, Volume 1. Mark Millar, Wilfredo Torres, and Davide Gianfelice. 2015. Image Comics. 144 pages.

Rating: 4/5

Jupiter's Circle is a prequel series to Jupiter's Legacy. It reminds me of George R.R. Martin's Wild Cards series or a less dark version of The Watchmen. It blends the idea of superheroes with a realistic setting, pitting them against issues that readers can identify with. Although this is related to the Legacy series, it isn't necessary to read that one to enjoy this.

The character interactions are the biggest driving force in this book. There isn't a villain or big event that the heroes need to tackle. Instead, they are just living their lives. They have families and struggle with government regulation. These aren't new topics to comic books, but Millar's writing is fantastic and brings a fresh look at these type of characters.

The art contributes a lot to the book. It goes a long way to create a feeling for the time period (1950s? America). I like the way the characters are portrayed through both the writing and the art.

Daredevil: The Devil Inside and Out, Volume 1 Review

Daredevil: The Devil, Inside and Out, Volume 1. Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark. 2013. Marvel. 160 pages.

Rating: 4/5

Yet another wonderful book from Ed Brubaker! He does a great job with the Marvel characters. This time Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil, is in jail. He is being held under suspicion of being Daredevil. His friends are working to get him released from prison while he has to struggle to survive while keeping his superhero persona hidden. Meanwhile, someone is running around Hell's Kitchen dressed up as DD.

The biggest thing that left me unsure of this book is that it never really gives a recap of what happened to bring Matt Murdock to this point. Someone that isn't familiar with the events of the previous book would probably want to wait on reading this one as a result. But it is so well done otherwise that I would recommend picking it up anyway. It does a great job showing Matt struggling with the prison environment and it is presented in a way that is different from other prison dramas.

For the most part, I enjoyed the art. It took me a while to get into the style though. It is more realistic and less flashy than I'm used to seeing in Daredevil (and other Marvel) books. It fits the darker tone of this story. I will be checking out the second volume of this story.

Wisdom Journal

I recently had an opportunity to read the Spring 2016 issue of Wisdom Journal from Wisdom Publications via NetGalley. The excerpts included in this journal are nice. They provided a variety of authors and schools of thought. It is beautifully put together. I'm interested in seeing what future publications will bring. You can check previous issues here or sign up to receive future issues!

The New Deal Review

The New Deal. Jonathan Case. 2015. Dark Horse Originals. 112 pages.

Rating: 4/5

The New Deal is great heist story set in the 1930s. The majority of the story takes place in the Waldorf Astoria hotel and follows members of the staff. They interact with some of the richest visitors to the hotel.

I like that the heist portion of the story unfolds slowly as we learn about the characters and their lives. The story moves at a nice pace though. Case does a good job of keeping things interesting and bringing the various characters together.

The best part about it is the art. It captures the time period perfectly. I really enjoyed this book.