Outpost Zero, Vol. 1 (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Image Comics via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Outpost Zero, Vol. 1
Writer: Sean Kelly McKeever
Illustrators: Alexandre Tefenkgi and Jean-Francois Beaulieu
Recent Release Date: November 13, 2018

Synopsis: Welcome to Outpost Zero: the smallest town in the universe. The people there work the land, go to the fights every Friday night, and tuck their children into bed... but the Outpost is no place for dreams. To survive is ambitious enough. As Alea and her friends graduate to adulthood under the artificial sky of a faulty biome, on a frozen world never meant to support human life... something stirs. Something sees.

Explore the mysteries and wonder of the Frost in this collection by Eisner-winning writer SEAN KELLEY McKEEVER, artist ALEXANDRE TENGFENKI, and colorist JEAN-FRANCOIS BEAULIEU.

Collects OUTPOST ZERO #1-4

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Review: This comic takes place on a generation ship turned colony. Alea is the 14 year old protagonist. A friend of hers appears to have committed suicide. The colony has many difficulties. It has a small town feel with a loose government that is pretty much organized like a company with different groups controlling different aspects. The inter-team conflicts lend to some fun politics. 

This comic doesn't really push the envelope. There's some questionable dialogue about adoptive parents. I wish this comic had more diversity and representation. 

This is a small town teen drama, but on a colony in space. Unfortunately there isn't much resolution by the end of the first volume, so I will be looking out for volume two. I give this book a 3.5/5. 


--PAUL

Wasted Space, Vol.1 (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Vault Comics via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Wasted Space, Vol. 1
Writer: Michael Moreci
Illustrator: Hayden Sherman 
Recent Release Date: October 9, 2018

Synopsis: Billy Bane is a prophet who got it all wrong, and the galaxy has been burning ever since. All he wants is to waste away in the darkest corner of space with his best pal Dust, a supercharged Fuq bot. But when a new prophet comes calling, Billy is summoned to save the galaxy he's at least partially responsible for destroying. 

Too bad he couldn't care less. 

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Review: This graphic novel has a really cool concept. The protagonist is the voice of the creator. It's an interesting take on the prophet figure because he is very self aware. He isn't sure if he actually hears words from a god or has mental health issues. In his group he also has a Fuq Bot (it's exactly what it sounds like) who can also function as a Qil Bot (self explained). 

This comic has a far future sci-fi feel like The Fifth Element or Valerian. The art style has a sketch, gritty feel to it. It matches this, sometimes confusing, world well. 

This comic is fun, but confusing at times. I give this book a 3/5.  


--PAUL

Unnatural Vol. 1: Awakening (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Image Comics via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Unnatural Vol. 1: Awakening
Writer & Illustrator: Mirka Andolfo
Recent Release Date: November 21, 2018

Synopsis: Leslie J. Blair is a simple pig girl. She loves sushi, and she hates her job. Her world is dominated by a totalitarian government that interferes in the personal lives of its citizens, punishing transgressors for so-called "unnatural" relationships. Leslie dreams of something different for herself, but these dreams are becoming dangerous. And, when she wakes up, she thinks she's being watched... The hit Italian comic, an erotic fantasy/romantic suspense series by MIRKA ANDOLFO (Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, DC Comics Bombshells), will take you to a colorful but terrible world full of anthropomorphic creatures—but light on personal freedoms. Collects UNNATURAL #1-4

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Review: This is an adult comic. This graphic novel starts with nudity and a sex scene. The art style used is so beautiful and sexy. This world is inhabited by anthropomorphic people of all different animal species, but it is illegal love to be with a person of a different species. At age 25, there's a dating app requirement for those not already married. The allegory in this book is great. 

Leslie has a gay bets friend and he is wonderful. All of the characters are so much fun. The character design is excellent. 

This book is fun, thrilling, and overly sexual. But, there's a strong anti-hate message. I give this book a 4.5/5. There isn't resolution at the end of this first volume so I will be looking for volume two!   


--PAUL

Songs For The Dead Vol. 1 (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Vault Comics via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Songs For The Dead Vol. 1
Writer: Andrea Fort
Illustrator: Sam Beck 
Recent Release Date: September 26, 2018

Synopsis: Bethany is a minstrel with a heart full of adventure, a would-be hero determined to find a missing boy from the town of Llyne, and a friend to all woodland critters. But mostly the dead ones...because Bethany is also a necromancer. She's out to prove her magic isn't evil, and she'll need the help of a hot-headed, sword-swinging mercenary named Elissar—that is, she'll need the help of a friend.

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Review: A necromancer minstrel! Bethany is kindhearted and moral, but she can also bring people back to life and control them. This comic takes a lot of fantasy tropes and flips them. The meet cute in this book is so twisted, I love it. Two women form an adventuring group. The dynamic between each of the characters is so great. Bethany is so moral, but she's surrounded by quite the opposite.

It's nice to see a fantasy like this. There's beautiful artwork. There's great diversity and representation. It's a modern fantasy feel. I give this book a 5/5. I will be looking for the second volume. I want more!!! 


--PAUL

Flavor, Vol. 1 (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Image Comics via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Flavor, Vol. 1
Writers: Joseph Keatinge and Ali Bouzari 
Illustrators: Wook Jin and Tamra Bonvillain 
Upcoming Release Date: November 27, 2018

Synopsis: Image Comics' most delicious Young Adult Culinary Fantasy is served up in a collected edition! 

Within a strange walled city, an unlicensed chef discovers a mystery that threatens to end it all. Join JOSEPH KEATINGE (GLORY, SHUTTER) and WOOK JIN CLARK (Adventure Time: The Flip Side) on this culinary epic adventure--FLAVOR--where chefs are the ultimate celebrity and food is the most valued commodity. The high-stakes competition of Hunger Games collides with the lush, MIYAZAKI-esque worldbuilding in this delectable new ongoing series featuring culinary consulting and an introduction by ALI BOUZARI, renowned food scientist and author of the IACP Award-winning cookbook Ingredient: Unveiling the Essential Elements of Food. Perfect for readers of BONE and LUMBERJANES, but with way more crepes and the world's cutest dog! 

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Review: The world in this book is so different than any I've seen before. It's a fantasy setting where the culinary arts are the center of everything. Chefs must be registered. There's a fancy academy for cooks-in-training. The worldbuilding is so cool. 

I'd say this book is Masterchef meets a fantasy dystopia. There's even a crepe recipe at the end! I give this book a 4/5. It's so unique. I'm excited to see where this series goes.


--PAUL

Watersnakes (graphic novel) by Tony Sandoval - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Lion Forge via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Watersnakes
Author: Tony Sandoval
Upcoming Release Date: November 20, 2018

Synopsis: Mila is a solitary teenager ready to put another boring summer vacation behind her until she meets Agnes, an adventurous girl who turns out to be a ghost. And not just a regular ghost, but one carrying the essence of an ancient fallen king and a mouth full of teeth that used to be his guardian warriors.    Three-time Eisner Award–nominated writer/artist Tony Sandoval presents a wondrous world of secret places and dreamlike magic hidden in the everyday corners of our sleeping imagination.

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Review: This graphic novel has a very trippy, creepy beginning. The sketchy art style invokes a Tim Burton feel. The story itself is paranormal and I feel like the less you know, the better. I hadn't even read a synopsis and I enjoyed the wtf-idness as strange things kept happening. There are some pretty bloody scenes if you are sensitive to that. There's some body horror aspects as well. 

I give this graphic novel a 4/5. It has a unique aesthetic and was a great read for October. 

--PAUL

Norroway: The Black Bull of Norroway (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Image Comics via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Norroway: The Black Bull of Norroway
Author: Cat Seaton
Artist: Kit Seaton
Upcoming Release Date: November 13, 2018

Synopsis: Sibylla always wanted adventure, but she didn't know it would come in the form of a giant, magical bull. Is he a man or a monster? And who knew a prophecy could be so literal? 

Based on the classic Scottish fairy tale, this is the first title in a new series co-created by sibling writer/artist team CAT SEATON and KIT SEATON, begins the adventure of a lifetime.

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Review: This is a really fun fantasy story with diversity and representation. The book opens with three girls discovering about their future. The youngest sister is told she will marry the Black Bull of Norroway. From there, it's a fairy tale that plays with tropes like curses and betrothed. I really enjoyed the representation in this book. There's a non-binary ship captain. There's also disabled rep. A warning, there is a cliffhanger ending. 

I give this book a 4/5. It's a fun graphic novel with some really cool characters.    


--PAUL

Mirenda Volume 1 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Image Comics via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Mirenda Volume 1
Author: Grim Wilkins
Upcoming Release Date: November 4, 2018


Synopsis: A jungle woman gets a mysterious demon trapped in her leg and must go on an extraordinary adventure. Artist/writer GRIM WILKINS (PROPHET EARTH WAR) plays with the possibilities of comic storytelling, letting the visuals carry the weight.

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Review: I had no idea what was going on for most of this book. There's no dialogue. The art style is cool, but kind of disturbing. The imagery is unique and interesting, but the story itself was hard to follow. 

This was not for me. I give the book a 2/5. The style wasn't my cup of tea, but you may enjoy it.


--PAUL

Drawn to Sex: The Basics (educational comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Oni Press & Limerence Press via NetGalley  in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Drawn to Sex: The Basics
Creators: Erika Moen & Matthew Nolan 
Upcoming Release Date: November 6, 2018

Synopsis: Erika and Matthew are ready to talk about sex!

Have you ever had a question about sex, but didn't know who to ask? Well, Erika and Matthew have spent years learning, talking, and creating informative comics about all aspects of sex. Using comics, jokes, and frank communication, they're here to demystify the world of sex and answer your questions—including ones you might not even know you had!

In this first book of the Drawn to Sex series, they explore the practical side of sex, from the basics of what defines sex, to barriers and testing, masturbation, and the ins-and-outs of having sex with other people.

Pick up this fun book if you’re looking to learn something new, understand sexuality better, or know someone (maybe you!) who might benefit from some judgment-free education. Erika and Matthew are here to help you out.

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Review: This book is a compilation of educational comics featuring various subjects surrounding sex. It's essentially a silly sex-positive comic. There's humor. There's heart. There's sex. There's information. 

There is a great amount of information in this book. There's a chapter on asking yourself if you're ready for sex. There's many chapters on contraception and STI prevention. I wasn't aware of the different types of IUDs. There are also chapters on different sexual activities including some tips and tricks.

This is the way sex education should be taught. It's casual, but informative. There are resources provided in case you want more information on a subject. This book is absolutely queer friendly. I love the amount of diversity shown in the illustrations. This would be a great read for any young adult, whether they're sexually active or not. I give this a 5/5.    


--PAUL

Petit: The Ogre Gods Book One (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Lion Forge via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Petit: The Ogre Gods Book One
Author: Hubert Boulard
Artist: Bertrand Gatignol
Upcoming Release Date: November 6, 2018

Synopsis: Petit is the son of the Ogre King and the littlest giant in the royal clan. Scarcely larger than a mere human, he is the latest sign of the family's rapid degeneration, which makes each generation smaller than the one before. His father wants him killed as an embarrassment, but his mother sees in him the possible regeneration of the family lineage, since he could mate with a human, just as the Founder of their lineage once did.

Confused, she confides in great Aunt Desdée, the oldest of their clan, who was once dishonored because of her love for the humans, whom the Ogres consider little more than labor and food. But contrary to her guidance, she decides to raise Petit in the family traditions, including the violent impulses that this entails.

So Petit grows into manhood, torn by the hunger he inherited from his upbringing and the sympathetic education he received from Aunt Desdée...

Will he find his place in this world divided between humans and giants, neither of which truly accept him? And will he survive the voracious appetite of his own monstrous family?

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Review: Petit is a royal family drama set in a fantastical world. The royal family consists of giants of various sizes. Petit is the smallest. Throughout the book, there are small prose stories about historical giants. The world is immersive with such a vast history, while still being digestible. 

The art style is black and white with some gore elements. The giants do eat humans. The giant court reminded me of the Skeksis from The Dark Crystal. 

I give this graphic novel a 5/5. The worldbuilding is wonderful and each of the characters are so interesting. It's like a Disney fairytale meets Game of Thrones.  


--PAUL

Isola, Vol. 1 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Image Comics via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Isola, Vol. 1
Creators: Brenden Fletcher, Karl Kerschl, & Msassyk 
Recent Release Date: October 30, 2018

Synopsis: An evil spell has been cast on the Queen of Maar and her Captain of the Guard will do anything to reverse it. Their only hope lies on an island half a world away--a place known in myth as Isola, land of the dead.

Gotham Academy creators Brenden Fletcher and Karl Kerschl reunite with series colorist MSASSYK and letterer Aditya Bidikar for a breathtaking fantasy adventure two decades in the making.

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Review: I really enjoyed this story. It's so fantastical. The artwork is beautiful. The design of the characters and the animals are great. The animals remind me of those in Avatar: The Last Airbender. 

There is no exposition in this book. You're thrown into the situation and have to figure out what's exactly happening. For some fantasy stories, there's so much info dumping. Not in this story. 

I give this book a 5/5. Great Storytelling. Gay romance. Beautiful artwork. A journey in a Fantasy world. 


--PAUL