Spellbound: A Graphic Memoir by Bishakh Kumar Som - Paul's REVIEW

 *I received this book as an eARC from Street Noise Books via Edelweiss. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: Spellbound: A Graphic Memoir
Author & Illustrator: Bishakh Kumar Som
Upcoming Release Date: September 1, 2020


Synopsis: The meticulous artwork of transgender artist Bishakh Som gives us the rare opportunity to see the world through another lens.

This exquisite graphic novel memoir by a transgender artist, explores the concept of identity by inviting the reader to view the author moving through life as she would have us see her, that is, as she sees herself. Framed with a candid autobiographical narrative, this book gives us the opportunity to enter into the author’s daily life and explore her thoughts on themes of gender and sexuality, memory and urbanism, love and loss.

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Review: This graphic novel memoir is excellent. This book is part journal, part memoir, part fictionalized retelling. The framing tools used are done so well. The storytelling gets super meta in such an endearing and personal way.

The pages are heavy on the text, but not in a bad way. This isn't a fast read. The stories can be disjointed, but it follows a natural conversational flow. 

I give this book a 5/5. I have never read a comic like this. I love the story. And the way there are multiple levels to the storytelling.


--PAUL

Ever After by Olivia Vieweg (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

 *I received this book as an eARC from Lerner Publishing Group via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: Ever After 
Author: Olivia Vieweg
Upcoming Release Date: September 1, 2020


Synopsis: Vivi and Eva are two travelers in a countryside filled with the undead. After a train breaks down, stranding them between safe zones, the young women partner up to stay alive. Vivi is struggling with grief--and guilt--over the loss of her sister. Eva is hiding the start of a horrifying transformation. Together they'll face heat, zombie hordes, and their own inner demons, searching for signs of life in a land of the dead. This graphic novel addition to an enduring genre is thoughtful and emotion-driven, but also full of zombie scares and action.

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Review: This graphic novel takes place two years after an Apocalypse. A Zombie Apocalypse. The artwork pairs beauty and grotesque well. 

This book is almost 300 pages long and, to be honest, it felt even longer. I never quite connected to the story. I was honestly a bit confused. This story just didn't connect to me. 

I give this book a 2.5/5. The artwork does a great job of connecting the cute style art with gruesome zombies.


--PAUL

Disney's Frozen: Reunion Road (Graphic Novel) - Paul's REVIEW

 *I received this book as an eARC from Dark Horse Books via Edelweiss. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: Frozen: Reunion Road
Author: Joe Caramagna
Artists: Eduard Petrovich
Upcoming Release Date: August 27, 2020


Synopsis: After receiving an invitation to the harvest festival in the kingdom of Snoob, Anna and Elsa reminisce about the festivals they had attended as kids--only Anna doesn't quite remember . . . The sisters decide it's time to make some new memories. When they discover that their dear friend, Kai, is from the kingdom and hasn't seen his brother in years, the trip to Snoob turns from festival fun to a reunion--years in the making! Elsa and Anna, along with Kai, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven take off for an exciting ride outside the kingdom of Arendelle. The paths to Snoob are long and perilous, and before long the group is finding surprises at every twist and turn: rough terrain, dangerous mountain bridges, wild animals, and runaway wagons, but also, helpful new friends!

Collects Disney Frozen: Reunion Road issues #1-#3.

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Review: This graphic novel is a cute story set in Disney's Frozen's world. The characters we all know and love are on an adventure to see a Harvest Festival. Of course, things don't go as planned and some get lost and separated. It was fun to see the different pairings, like Elsa and Kristoff working together. 

This is a fun story, but it's nothing too exciting or revolutionary. It doesn't have quite the emotional depth of either Frozen movie. I give this book a 3/5. A great bedtime story for Frozen obsessed kiddos. 


--PAUL

The Art of the Dragon Prince - Paul's REVIEW

 *I received this book as an eARC from Dark Horse Books via edelweiss. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: The Art of the Dragon Prince
Author: Wonderstorm 

Creators: Aaron Ehasz & Justin Richmond
Recent Release Date: August 18, 2020


Synopsis: The world behind The Dragon Prince is finally revealed!

The Dragon Prince has enchanted and enthralled viewers since its initial release in September of 2018. Now, for the first time ever, dive into the world behind its creation with this all-new hardcover collection! Never-before-seen concept sketches, preliminary designs, and first impressions from the first three seasons of the animated Netflix series expand over nearly 200 pages of content, from storyboards and environments to the characters and creatures that fans across the world have come to love.

Assembled in consultation with The Dragon Prince co-creators Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond and executive producer Justin Santistevan, this is the ultimate window into the work behind the show!

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Review: The Dragon Prince is a beautiful tv show. This book showcases those visuals while giving an insight into how the show's aesthetic came to be. It details the conception and process of creating this series. The character designs. The creatures. I loved seeing the intent of diversity especially in background characters. Amaya's sign language and its evolution was also very interesting to learn about. 

There's a lot of beautiful art in this book. This book is an inspiration for anyone interested in fantasy worlds. I give this book a 4/5.


--PAUL