Tag Archives: Graphic Novels

Sisters of Sorrow Volume 1. by Kurt Sutter, Courtney Alameda & Heonjin Kim

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Sisters of Sorrow Volume 1
Author: Kurt Sutter, Courtney Alameda & Heonjin Kim
Series: Sisters of Sorrow #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Feminism, Graphic novels
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Graphic novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

Sisters of Sorrow Volume 1 is a seriously dark and twisty graphic novel. I mean, it starts with a domestic violence homicide and then just… spirals from there. And honestly, this is exactly how I seem to like my graphic novels. Dark, twisty and filled with a surprising amount of violence. It also left me thinking. A lot. After I turned the final page. And I think that that too is the mark of a good graphic novel for my shelves.

At its core, Sisters of Sorrow Volume 1 is all about women who are filled with feminist rage. Honestly, there’s a reason why I liked it so much – these are women who are 1000% done with the system and the lack of protection that it offers. It is about a group of women who have been so brutalised that they have zero fucks left to give. And, honestly, I was right there beside them. The feminist rage that screamed and yelled in the pages, I felt that down to my very soul.

Even though I loved how this feminist rage was displayed, it did make me kind of sad to read this. Because I feel like it is such an accurate reflection of the world as we know it at the moment. I wish that this felt like a fantasy. But honestly, the older I get, the more society seems to be moving into a direction that protects the aggressors. And, as much as I enjoyed this, it made me sad to read this story. People senselessly losing their lives because of a system and social injustices that are rife in the world.

To match the incredible darkness of this story, the images and artwork in this graphic novel is gloriously dark. There is a little gore, and everything is done in dark tones. I can’t wait to read more in this story to see how this gorgeous artwork continues to tell this dark tale.

<- More Courtney AlamedaSisters of Sorrow Volume 2 ->

Image source: Head Hunters Holo Suite

Warchild by Marjorie M. Liu & Sana Takeda

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Warchild
Author: Marjorie M. Liu & Sana Takeda
Series: Monstress #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Graphic novels, Steampunk
Pace: Fast
Format: Graphic novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

As always, this graphic novel is dark with many twisty threads. The further into this series that I get, the more I realise that there is a lot of thought that has gone into the backstory of this. It’s definitely one that I need to sit down and reread, just so I can see how all of these threads connect in hindsight. It’s brilliant though, and unlike books that are just prose, takes a whole different kind of thought process. Which, of course, I thoroughly enjoy.

I love that at this point in the series, both the past and present are woven together. It shows that there are misconceptions about Half-Wolf’s past and there are some pretty big treacheries in her future. These facts just add to the darkness of the story. Not just aesthetically speaking, but also emotionally. Liu and Takeda are brilliant at just giving you hints of the motives of all of the players on the board…

There are just so many story lines in this, and then, whilst I’ve been trying to concentrate on this fact, I would get sucked in by the graphics. The pictures throughout this are absolutely gorgeous. And, again, every time I look at it, I discover something new. I was reading this while waiting for blood tests, and it was so damn easy to get mesmerised by the beauty of the pages.

Honestly, I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series. And to discover just how much trouble Half-Wolf is about to find herself in…

<- The ChosenThe Vow ->

Image source: Goodreads

Witchy Vol. 2 by Ariel Slamet Ries

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Witchy Volume 2
Author: Ariel Slamet Ries
Series: Witchy #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Graphic novels, LGBTQI, Magic, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Graphic novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I freaking loved this graphic novel. I mean, I loved the first volume, so it makes total sense that I loved the second one. But I actually think that I loved this a little more. Maybe because now that most of the world building and backstory has been solidified, Ries was able to dig a bit deeper into the particulars of Nyeve.

Everything about this tale is beautiful and complex. It is a great journey all on its own, but there’s also this great sense of social commentary as well. Every moment of this made me reflect on the world that I live in, the biases and restrictions that we place on the “other”. It’s amazing how provocative and emotive the imagery throughout this is.

I do love how Nyeve marches to the beat of her own drum. Throughout all of this people are trying to twist and shape her to their own idea of rebellion and future. Trying to show her how to go against the grain, but to do so by fitting THEIR preconceived idea of how that looks. And it’s when she decides to truly be herself and ignore all the ideas of other people that she truly comes into her own.

There are lots of bits of Bananas past that are slowly coming to light throughout this graphic novel. I want to believe that he is good and going to be a great guide for Nyeve. But there’s that lingering feeling that he might be the source of some serious betrayal in the future. I just can’t wait to find out if I’m right or wrong!!!

<- Witchy Vol. 1More Ariel Slamet Ries ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

Witchy by Ariel Slamet Ries

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Witchy
Author: Ariel Slamet Ries
Series: Witchy #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Graphic novels, LGBTQI, Magic, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Graphic novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

Graphic novels are still a fairly new genre for me. Admittedly, I was a bit of a snob about reading graphic novels, I didn’t necessarily consider them “books”. Luckily, I grew out of that when I started to find some authors that I absolutely adore. And, yet again, I’ve found one that completely fits this bill. I loved the story line, the graphics and just the general experience of reading this graphic novel.

I really enjoyed the idea that hair dictates the power of a being. For me, it was a great commentary on how we judge people by their looks. And if they don’t fit into our expectations, based on how they look, then we tend to discount them. In the case of this tale, the lead is constantly trying to hide her power. That, and there’s the horrors of her own experiences with bureaucracy – powerful is good, too powerful is bad.

I can’t wait to try and sink my teeth into the next Witchy collection – I’m sure I could read it online through Ries’ website, but I love the feel of having a book in my hands. Reading by lamplight, late at night. The mood making is just beautiful. Plus, there is something far more magical about having the printed version of the images – I have a tendency to run my fingers across the beauty of the graphics that Ries has created.

I absolutely loved this graphic novel. Witchy was an entirely unexpected world that left me smiling and wanting more. But, as with all the graphic novels that I’ve been enjoying lately – there is an extra message about the state of our world. The idea that we need to stop judging others by our preconceived notions. And the reminder that sometimes power threatens others, and we need to be wary of this too.

<- More Ariel Slamet RiesWitchy Vol. 2 ->

Image source: Mel To The Any

Tea Dragon Tapestry by Kay O’Neill

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Tea Dragon Tapestry
Author: Kay O’Neill
Series: Tea Dragon #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Graphic novels, LGBTQI, Tea
Pace: Fast
Format: Graphic novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

As with all of my other O’Neill graphic novels, this is sickeningly and overwhelmingly adorable. It is so damn cute that it will make your teeth ache. And I mean that in an entirely positive light. Love these books.

One of the aspects of graphic novels I love the most is that they are even more open to interpretation than prose. It doesn’t matter how many times I read one, I find a new meaning and symbol within the storyline.

Reading this was a wonderful journey into the world of tea dragons. It made me seriously joyful to be reading this with a nice cup of tea at my side…

<- The Tea Dragon FestivalMore Kay O’Neill ->

Image source: Goodreads

Hopcross Jilly by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson: Hopcross Jilly : Briggs, Patricia, Hoskin, Rik, Garcia, Tom: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Hopcross Jilly
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercedes Thompson #7.5, Mercy-Verse #23
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Graphic novels, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Dates read: 30th September 2021
Pace: Fast
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Dynamite
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: No cops ever come out this way!

Synopsis

Mercy Thompson is a shapeshifting coyote and honorary member of the Tri-Cities werewolf pack. When the pack stumbles upon the buried bones of numerous dead children, she shapeshifts into a mystery of the legendary fae – a mystery that draws Mercy’s stepdaughter Jesse into the fray! The supernatural romance series Mercy Thompson continues in this all-new, original story by New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs, exclusively created for the comic book medium!

Thoughts

I’ve been hanging to get to this graphic novel since I bought it. But, since I was trying to do a full Mercyverse reread in order, I kept refraining. Well, I finally got up to it in my reread list. And wow. It was worth the wait. Not only is the storyline amazing, the graphics beautiful, and the pace fast. But this also features Jesse in a much stronger manner.

Jesse is slowly showing up more and more in the Mercedes Thompson books – I mean, it makes sense, since they’ve become a family unit. But there isn’t much that strongly features her by herself. Although this story isn’t just about Jesse, she is smack bang in the middle of the drama. And it just reminds me why I love her and want to see her more in the Mercedes Thompson books.

I love that this storyline shows Jesse in her difficulties at school. I mean, school is tough and kids are cruel. But more than that it shows how tough and honest she is in her ability to rise above all of the crap that is thrown at her.

This is a story that features the next fae that goes bump in the night. The next step in the escalating paranormal war that is sure to be filling the next few Mercyverse books. It highlights the difficulties that the pack face, but more than that it shows how being good can assist in overcoming the evil in the world. Or at least, that’s how I felt about Jesse and those around her.

<- RedemptionNight Broken ->

Image source: Amazon

The Veiled Prophet by David B.

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for xo orpheus book cover

Title: The Veiled Prophet
Author: David B.
In: Xo Orpheus (Kate Bernheimer)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Graphic novels, Mythology
Dates read: 30th June 2021
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: It was said that Simorgh the bird strode at the head of this veiled man’s perennially victorious army.

Synopsis

A nice, short comic retelling of the Prophet of the Veil. This was dark, complex and fun.

Thoughts

This would have been a creepy and disturbing story in prose. The fact that it was illustrated just helped to drive that home. It was just… unsettling. Particularly by the end of the story.

This story made me think about all of the things and “falsities” that we trap ourselves with. It makes me seriously question the different things in life that tie and trap us.

This was dark and fun. A story that I would read again. It was surprising, and I found it a great little journey down the well hole… pun intended.

<- Friend RobinHenry and Booboo ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Tea Dragon Festival by Kay O’Neill

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
The Tea Dragon Festival | Book by Katie O'Neill | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster

Title: The Tea Dragon Festival
Author: Kay O’Neill
Series: Tea Dragon #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Graphic novels, LGBTQI, Tea
Dates read: 20th September 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Oni Press
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: In my true form, of course.

Synopsis

Rinn has grown up wit the Tea Dragons that inhabit their village, but stumbling across a real dragon turns out to be a different matter entirely! Aedhan is a young dragon who was appointed to protect the village, but fell asleep in the forest eighty years ago. With the aid of Rinn’s adventuring uncle Erik and his partner Hesekiel, they investigate the mystery of his enchanted sleep… but Rinn’s real challenge is to help Aedhan come to terms with feeling that he cannot get back the time he has lost.

Critically acclaimed graphic novelist Katie O’Neill delivers another charming, gentle fantasy story about finding your purpose, and the community that helps you along the way.

Thoughts

Like The Tea Dragon Society, this was just a beautiful, sweet and incredibly cute graphic novel. It made you feel completely at peace and happy from the very first page. Whilst also helping to expand your heart with more and more love. Just, completely and utterly adorable.

I love that not only does O’Neill feature minorities in the form of sexual and gender orientation in her graphic novels. But in this one, there is also sign language. Yet another minority group that just doesn’t get enough attention. It reminded me that I would love to learn sign language…

No matter how many times I look at this graphic novel, I’m going to want a Tea Dragon. I’m just not sure which one. Although, I love that in this one, not only are Eric and his partner (I can’t remember how to spell the name) younger, but instead of each having an individual Tea Dragon, they just roam free through the village.

One of my favourite messages in this graphic novel is the idea that no matter what your contribution… it’s still important. Whether that’s cooking, or gathering the ingredients, or being a bounty hunter. Every contribution in our world is important. And as long as you are happy, then it is a worthwhile contribution.

<- The Tea Dragon SocietyThe Tea Dragon Tapestry ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

The Outside Circle by Patti LaBoucane-Benson

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Outside Circle: A Graphic Novel by Patti Laboucane-Benson

Title: The Outside Circle
Author: Patti Laboucane-Benson
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Graphic novels
Dates read: 31st July 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Anansi
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Open Up!

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Pete, a young Aboriginal man wrapped up in gang violence, lives with his younger brother, Joey, and his mother who is a heroin addict. One night, Pete and his mother’s boyfriend, Dennis, get into a big fight, which sends Dennis to the morgue and Pete to jail. Initially, Pete keeps up ties to his crew, until a jail brawl forces him to realize the negative influence he has become on Joey, which encourages him to begin a process of rehabilitation that includes traditional Aboriginal healing circles and ceremonies.

Powerful, courageous, and deeply moving, The Outside Circle is drawn from the author’s twenty years of work and research on healing and reconciliation of gang-affiliated or incarcerated Aboriginal men.

Thoughts

This is a seriously powerful graphic novel. Normally a graphic novel of this size, I’ll rip through in one sitting. One happy, intense and fun sitting. But, nevertheless, I don’t normally dwell over graphic novels as much. And I certainly don’t normally have to put it down at regular intervals to gain a better headspace because of intensity. It’s not just the storyline. The images in this are also incredibly potent, powerful and brilliant.

The colours throughout this graphic novel are absolutely gorgeous. I loved all of the natural tones that fill the pages and the way in which the different tones change. Particularly from beginning (more reds and angry colours) to end (natural, calmer colours). The imagery, partnered with the storyline and the colouring turned this from a story that I would have enjoyed anyway, but ended up being completely drawn into in an unforgettable way.

At the conclusion of this novel, I found out that the whole journey throughout is based on a real program that is available in Canada to their Indigenous Peoples. It seems like such a great program and I just loved the fact that this gave a nice level of realism to the story line. It also made me feel hopeful for the many, many, many Indigenous peoples who are in similar positions.

Not only did this make me seriously think about the Indigenous people of Canada and America, it also made me think about our own First Nations People. And the ways in which we could maybe have a similar program for them one day. Or… maybe we already do, and I’m just ignorant…

<- More Patti LaBoucane-BensonMore Graphic Novels reviews ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Chosen by Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Monstress, Vol. 4: The Chosen by Marjorie M. Liu

Title: The Chosen
Author: Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda
Series: Monstress #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Graphic novels, Steampunk
Dates read: 27th March 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: image
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: It will just take time for lesser beings to grasp the truth.

Synopsis

A new war between humans and Arcanics is bubbling to the surface. A rift in the sky has revealed the devastating potential of the long-imprisoner Monstra. And Maika Halfwolf is at the center of it all.

In this fourth volume of MONSTRESS, collecting issues 19 – 24, Maika comes closer than ever before to the answers she’s long sought – but those answers carry a steep price. As her friends and allies reveal long-held secrets and shifting allegiances, Maika finds herself at the mercy of the Lord Doctor, a charismatic demagogue whose connections to Maika and Zinn run deeper than anyone could have imagined.

Thoughts

This is a glorious graphic novel. Just like the rest of the books in the Monstress series. They are dark, twisted and intense. Completely, beautifully graphic. And I honestly can’t tear my eyes away from the pages whenever I open that first page.

The plot is seriously thickening in this series. I am waiting impatiently for the next collection to come out because, as with every other volume in this series – it ends on a bit of a cliff hanger. There is something about this that makes you ridiculously excited to pick up the next story and immerse yourself again and again and again. But, now I have to wait…

Graphic novels are a medium that are seriously growing on me. However, I still do find that I can’t keep track of the characters as well as I do when it’s a novel written in prose. So there were probably a few important moments throughout this that I missed. A few key characters from the past that are reappearing, and it took me a little longer than it usually would to recognise them. Yet, this makes the adventure so much more fun. After all, I’m stretching some new mental muscles in doing so.

This is definitely a book that I’m going to pick up again and again and again. Whenever I want something a little bit dark, and kind of easy to enjoy. It’s just fantastic and completely impossible to forget.

 <- HavenWarchild ->

Image source: Goodreads