Robots vs. Princesses Volume 1 (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Dynamite Entertainment 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: Robots vs. Princesses Volume 1
Author: Todd Matthy
Artist: Nicolas Chapuis
Upcoming Release Date: October 15, 2019


Synopsis: When plucky Princess Zara stumbles upon the Decimator defector Wheeler, she sets in motion events that will pit the spritely cleverness of fairy tale princesses against the raw power of giant robots!
The dream match you never thought you'd see begins here.

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Review: This book is bizarre. Robots versus princesses? It's ridiculous, but also a lot of fun. The story starts with a princess not prepared for her recitial. She needs a song and an animal. She decides to go into the forbidden forest in search of a dragon. In that forest, which is full of robots, is a robot who doesn't want to fight and decides to leave the forest for a better life. The two find eachother and begin a new era in which both worlds learn of the other's existence. 

This is a really fun concept, but it fell flat on me. I think I would prefer it in a different media format. A movie or tv show would fit this story better, I think. Especially with how many songs are sung. I give this book a 2.5/5. I wanted a deeper take on this and more unique and different character designs for the humans. 


--PAUL

Star Wars, Vol. 11: The Scourging of Shu-Torun

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Title: Star Wars, Vol. 11: The Scourging of Shu-Torun
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artists: Andrea Broccardo, Angel Unzueta, & GURU-eFX
Release Date: August 13, 2019


Synopsis: Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo and the heroic Rebel Alliance have suffered one of their greatest defeats. Separated from their friends and ruthlessly hunted by Darth Vader and the evil Galactic Empire, Luke and his band of freedom fighters haven't given in. United with new allies and with new purpose, the Rebels are ready to go back on the offensive - and hit the Empire where it hurts the most. A little payback wouldn't hurt either. Queen Trios messed with the wrong princess of Alderaan. It's time for "The Scourging of Shu-Torun." Don't miss writer Kieron Gillen and artists Angel Unzueta and Andrea Broccardo's next blockbuster Star Wars team-up!

COLLECTING: STAR WARS 62-67

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Review: This ongoing story continues. This is the eleventh volume and it sounds like theres only a few more to go before this series ends. So I guess I'll continue reading it. If you've seen any of my other reviews for this series, you'll know that I have been enjoying it less and less. Telling stories with the main trio during a set time frame is so limiting. Some great original characters were introduced, but the focus is still on characters we already know too well who can't have big emotional arcs.

In this volume, Leia wants some revenge. Convenient revenge. The clawdite from earlier in the series is back to help. I really enjoyed that character so I was happy to see the shape shifter return. Two Tubes from Rogue One is also heavily featured. I like how this series has pretty consistently had tie-ins to minor characters. 

One of my favorite tropes is featured in the beginning of this volume: when a play is being put on about the events of the story within the story. Luc Swordswinger!

This volume is essentially a heist story. It's self-contained, but still features characters from the ongoing story. I liked some character moments, but I am so ready for this series to be brought to a good conclusion. Let's get to Hoth! I give this volume a 3/5. 


--PAUL

Star Wars: Age of Republic - Heroes (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Age of Republic - Heroes
Writer: Jody Houser & Marc Guggenheim
Artists: Cory Smith, Wilton Santos, Walden Wong, Paolo Villanelli, & Caspar Wijngaard
Recent Release Date: May 28, 2019

Age of Republic - Villains

Synopsis: This is the Age of Star Wars - an epic series of adventures that unite your favorite characters from all three trilogies! Join the greatest heroes of the waning days of the Old Republic. Witness the never-before-seen moments that define them, the incredible battles that shaped them - and their eternal conflict between light and darkness! Considered one of the greatest Jedi Knights - or the one who led them to their doom - maverick Qui-Gon Jinn is known to bend the rules, and it's gotten him into plenty of trouble with the Council. Now, in the face of a mission gone awry, he's forced to confront his confl icting beliefs. Plus, Anakin Skywalker! Obi-Wan Kenobi! Padme Amidala! And Master Yoda!



COLLECTING: STAR WARS: AGE OF REPUBLIC - ANAKIN SKYWALKER 1, STAR WARS: AGE OF REPUBLIC - OBI-WAN KENOBI 1, STAR WARS: AGE OF REPUBLIC - PADME AMIDALA 1, STAR WARS: AGE OF REPUBLIC - QUI-GON JINN 1

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Review: It seems like we're coming to a new era of Marvel Star Wars comics. The ongoing series is ending soon and these volumes focusing on either heroes or villains from each of the trilogies are giving us new stories from different eras. This volume is all about the heroes from the prequel trilogy. I got into Star Wars comics during this era with the Dark Horse Clone Wars books. There are six different stories in this collection.

Qui-Gon Jiin is the focus of the first story. We need more stories about him. I really need to read the new Claudia Gray book featuring Qui-Gon and Obi-wan. In this story, though, Qui-Gon is questioning the Jedi ways, wondering what their real purpose really is. I really liked the bold colors in this story. 4/5

Obi-wan Kenobi gets the highlight in the second story. He's training Anakin. I give this story a 3/5. I did really enjoy seeing alien species I only knew from a Legends guide to aliens though.

Anakin Skywalker gets the third story. This one takes place during the Clone War and goes into the impossible choices of war. 3/5

Padme's story is my favorite from this volume. I give it a 5/5. This story also takes place during the Clone Wars. These stories always make me think about how much I dislike her story in Episode 3. She's such a badass senator. I really liked seeing the handmaidens discussing Anakin and Padme's relationship.

The next story is about Mace Windu. It goes into the complexities of the Jedi even before the Clone Wars began. There's a Master Huyang reference that I really enjoyed. I would love to see more of him in future stories! 4/5

Captain Rex and Jar Jar Binks are in the last story. I wish this story was longer. I would read a whole volume about these two. I would love to see an ethically complex take on Jar Jar's role in the Clone Wars. 4/5

Overall, it was really fun to read new stories set in the prequel era, but I was disappointed with how many took place during the Clone Wars. It's one of the times with the most story already in existence. I want more stories that take place before Episode 1. That's it for the Age of Republic. Next, the Age of Rebellion!. I give this volume a 4/5. 


--PAUL

Saban's Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 4 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Saban's Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 4
Writer: Ryan Parrott
Artists: Eleonora Carlini & Raul Angulo
Recent Release Date: July 9, 2019

Go Go Power Rangers Vol.1
Go Go Power Rangers Vol.2
Go Go Power Rangers Vol.3

Synopsis: After failing several times against the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Rita Repulsa returns to a conquered planet to retrieve a weapon she vowed to never use.

In the aftermath of the bestselling Shattered Grid event, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers must stop Rita’s sinister plan to acquire a new weapon. But when Jason and Trini follow Rita into a magic portal, they get more than they bargained for when their connection to the Morphin Grid gets crossed and their powers become transposed. Written by Ryan Parrott (Star Trek: Manifest Destiny) and illustrated by Eleonora Carlini (Batgirl), this arc of Saban’s Go Go Power Rangers gives the Power Rangers a new look like never before!

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Review: This ongoing Power Rangers series continues to put the focus on the teenagers with attitude's more interpersonal and family lives. Trini and Jason are really highlighted in this volume. There's some pretty awesome panels involving their colors.

Classic parts from the original tv series are shown in new light. Billy's bug makes an appearance. Zak's Hip-hop Kido! Even Pudgy Pig's defeat is the intro to this volume. Two characters that were mostly comic relief in the show get actual moments in this volume: Skull and Baboo. I really liked seeing Baboo whispering to Finster behind Rita's back. 

This was another awesome volume. Great character growth. Epic battles. Emotional arcs. Characters that were flat in the show are given depth. Amazing visuals. Fun. I'm super excited to see what's next! I give this volume a 5/5.


--PAUL

Fence, Vol.3 by C.S. Pacat (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

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Fence Vol.1 REVIEW
Fence Vol.2 REVIEW

Title: Fence Vol. 3
Author: C.S. Pacat
Artists: Johanna the Mad & Joana LaFuente

Recent Release Date: August 20, 2019


Synopsis: Scrappy fencer Nicholas Cox comes to the end of his path to prove himself worthy of a father he never knew in the face of surly upperclassmen, nearly impossible odds, and the talent of his rival, sullen fencing prodigy, Seiji Katayama.

Sparks fly white-hot on the pitch as Nicholas and Seiji finally face off once again in the halls of King’s Row. It’s a match that will change King’s Row (and both of them!) forever, and set the stage as the team journeys to face their bitter rivals and prove themselves once and for all. 

The third volume of the breakneck series from writer C.S. Pacat (The Captive Prince) and fan-favorite artist Johanna the Mad comes at you as fast as a parry and hits as hard as a strike. 

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Review: I didn't expect to like these series since it's about a sporting event I am not familiar with at all, but I've really enjoyed this series. The tension is great. The interpersonal relationships between those competing for the fencing team are full of delicious drama. This third volume in the series continues the build up with little release. There seems to be a future rivals to romance trope going on, but I wish it was further along. 

This volume shows the parents coming to visit for the final round of matches before the competing team is announced.The team gets announced. And I'm interested to see what happens next. There's a great final panel.

I continue to enjoy this series, but my excitement has dwindled. This volume wasn't quite as much of a page turner as the first one. I give this book a 3/5.


--PAUL

No Ivy League (graphic novel) by Hazel Newlevant - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Lion Forge 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: No Ivy League
Creator: Hazel Newlevant 
Upcoming Release Date: September 3, 2019


Synopsis: When 17-year-old Hazel Newlevant takes a summer job clearing ivy from the forest in her home town of Portland, Oregon, her only expectation is to earn a little money. Homeschooled, affluent, and sheltered, Hazel soon finds her job working side by side with at-risk teens to be an initiation into a new world that she has no skill in navigating. This uncomfortable and compelling memoir is an important story of a girl's awakening to the racial insularity of her life, the power of white privilege, and the hidden story of segregation in Portland.

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Review: This graphic novel is a great memoir style introspection about an important summer that changed a young person's perspective on the world during an important age of development. Privilege is at the heart of this story. Understanding it, realizing the unfair benefits, and understanding your own. Race, class, gender, and teen hormones. 

I give this book a 4/5. It's a great look into the early 2000s Pacific Northwest. Class differences, homeschool, race, and so many other topics are brought up. This book gives you plenty to think about.


--PAUL

Mera: Tidebreaker (graphic novel) by Danielle Paige - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from DC Ink 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: Mera: Tidebreaker
Author: Danielle Paige
Illustrator: Steven Byrne
Release Date: April 2, 2019

About Danielle Paige
Danielle Paige is the New York Times bestselling author of the Dorothy Must Die series and the Stealing Snow series. In addition to writing young adult books, she has worked in the television industry, where she’s received a Writers Guild of America Award and was nominated for several Daytime Emmys. She is a graduate of Columbia University and currently lives in New York City.

About Stephen Byrne
Stephen Byrne was born in Dublin, Ireland, where he studied at the Irish School of Animation. He has worked in Ireland and the United States in the fields of animation, TV advertising, satirical newspaper cartoons, and video games. He now lives in London, where he works on his true passion, comics.

About DC Ink
DC Ink is a new young adult graphic novel line from DC. The line will introduce DC’s most iconic Super Heroes to a new generation of fans with stories told by some of the most successful authors from the young adult publishing space. DC Ink titles will be standalone stories, not part of DC’s ongoing continuity, and completely accessible to new readers who have no previous knowledge of DC characters. The line will launch in April 2019 with the release of Mera: Tidebreaker by Danielle Paige and Stephen Byrne, followed by Under the Moon: A Catwoman Tale by Lauren Myracle and Isaac Goodhart in May, Teen Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo in July, and more titles to be announced.



Synopsis: Princess Mera is teenage royalty and heir to the throne of Xebel, a penal colony ruled by Atlantis. Her father and the entire kingdom are expecting her to marry and introduce a new king. But Mera is destined to wear a different crown.

When the Xebellian military plots to overthrow Atlantis and break free of its oppressive regime, Mera seizes the opportunity to take control of her own destiny by assassinating Arthur Curry—the long-lost prince and heir to the kingdom of Atlantis. But her mission gets sidetracked when Mera and Arthur unexpectedly fall in love. Will Arthur Curry be the king at Mera’s side, or will he die under her blade as she attempts to free her people from persecution? Mera is forced to choose between following her heart and her mission to kill.

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Review: DC Ink is bringing Young Adult stories about DC characters to the graphic novel format! The first book is Mera: Tidebreaker written by Danielle Paige. Steven Bryne illustrates this story in mostly blue tones with highlights of orange for Mera's (and her father's) hair.

This graphic novel tells the story of a young princess trying to live up to the model left behind by her deceased mother who was both a queen and a warrior. The royal politics of the underwater world is at the forefront of this story. There are a lot of princess tropes that Paige plays with. It's like if The Little Mermaid was on a mission to kill Prince Eric. 

This is a fun "fish out of water" assassin princess story. Mera thinks she has it in her to kill the Atlantean Prince Arthur and bring his head back to her father, but is that really the type of person she is?

I give this book a 3.5/5. Paige merges classic tropes with empowering characters, but it could have had more of an original feel to it, in my opinion. I'm looking forward to the other DC Ink titles. I already have downloaded Raven's!


--PAUL

Moonstruck, Vol. 2: Some Enchanted Evening (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

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

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Moonstruck, Volume 1

Title: Moonstruck, Vol. 2: Some Enchanted Evening
Author: Grace Ellis
Artists: Shae Beagle & Kat Fajardo
Recent Release Date: March 19, 2019

Synopsis: Werewolf barista Julie and her supernatural friends try to unwind at a party, but a conniving fraternity of fairy bros has other plans for our heroes. With one of their friends trapped in the frat house and the winter solstice (a notable night of magical mischief) looming ever-closer, it's up to the amorous werewolves and gregarious centaur to save the day.

Collects MOONSTRUCK #6-10

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Review: I absolutely LOVED the first volume of Moonstruck. An alternative modern world full of magical creatures and so much beautiful diversity and representation! The fun continues in this second volume. The relationships that formed in volume one are still fresh and this volume continues them along naturally with the usual bumps and bonding. 

There are so many fun, little references in this volume. NewPals is this world's version of NeoPets or Club Penguin. It comes up multiple times throughout the story. The Pleasant Mountain Sisters stories return with a glimpse into a fan fic. 

The magical creatures focused on in this volume include fairies, dragons, and vampires. The fairy circle in the form of a frat house is excellent! I love the way these classic magical creatures are brought into a modern-ish world. There's a store in the mall called 21 Forever where vampires work!

This was another great story! Supernatural things are happening, but the cutesy character stories are at the heart of the book. Those in relationships learn new things about their significant others in this volume. 

I give this book a 5/5! I'm so happy that this series is continuing. You should definitely go read volume one! I absolutely love this world. Magic and Queerness!!!  


--PAUL

Long Road to Liquor City (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Oni Press 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: Long Road to Liquor City
Author: Macon Blair 
Illustrator: Joe Flood
Recent Release Date: February 19, 2019

Synopsis: From filmmaker Macon Blair (Blue Ruin, I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore) and artist Joe Flood (Science Comics) comes a Great Depression-era adventure comedy about love, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness.

As jaunty hobos Jed and Thanny crisscross the country in search of the fabled Liquor City, they are pursued relentlessly by fearsome rail yard sergeant Ronan O’Feathers, who wrongly blames them for his wife’s death. With the law on their tail and a succession of colorful characters along the way, the only constant is the absurdity and mayhem they leave in their wake on the Long Road to Liquor City.

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Review: Two hobos on the run after they're falsely accused of murder. This is a humorous graphic novel. I really enjoyed the funny musical cues. The story starts out so innocent with hobos stealing a pie from a window, but it quickly gets darker. From there on, it's quite the adventure. All of the classic tropes from Depression-era stories are present. There's even some queer representation, which happily surprised me. 

I enjoyed the concept of this graphic novel, but couldn't really get into it. I'll give this book a 3/5.  


--PAUL

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

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

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Pony Tales Vol. 1 - Ashley's Review

*I received this comic as an eARC from IDW Publishing on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Pony Tales Vol. 1
Contributors: Thom Zahler, Ryan Lindsay, Katie Cook, Barbara Kesel, Ted Anderson, Bobby Curnow, Amy Mebberson (Illustrations), Tony Fleecs (Illustrations) , Andy Price (Illustrations), Ben Bates (Illustrations), Brenda Hickley (Illustrations)
Publication Date: November 5, 2013

Synopsis: Six spotlights focusing on everyone's favorite Ponies! Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack each get a whole issue devoted to them.

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Review: Every time I see a new My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic comic is released, I get way more excited than I probably should. I'm pretty sure these are targeted for a (much) younger audience, but I don't care. I really enjoy seeing the Mane Six in fun new adventures! 

This comic does not disappoint. It collects six short stories, each featuring one of the Mane Six. We get to see each pony tackle issues specific to them, and it's actually kind of neat. Usually we see them all together, using the Elements of Harmony to defeat some Big Bad. There are no real Big Bads here, just some situations that are not so pleasant. 

It was fun to learn more about the ponies without having them relying on their friends, and I enjoyed seeing them get out of sticky situations or help others entirely on their own. Twilight, who at one point needed to learn about friendship, is able to teach other ponies about how important it is. Rainbow Dash is forced to believe in herself when things don't go her way. Fluttershy is nervous about revealing a secret to the world, but learns to have a little self-confidence. Rarity needs some time away to relax, but is able to help out some unlikely friends. Pinkie Pie comes up with a solution for a problem her idol is having. And Applejack is taught that sometimes family needs to come before work and it doesn't hurt to ask for help. All of these are important lessons, and I think they work better as these short stories than they would have in a full issue. 

Also, there are so many subtle jokes spread throughout these stories that I was laughing when I wasn't appreciating the lessons. The pony names are, as always, plays on real people and places and internet memes. One of the want-to-be clowns, for example, is named Trollo Lollo. Applejack also learns about the Sass Squash (a sassy squash-throwing creature). I think it's awesome how pop culture is embedded in these comics, which are huge in pop culture themselves. 

I definitely recommend this for fans of MLP:FIM. You don't need to have read the other comics to enjoy these stories. I think these comics would be a great way to introduce the younger generation to comic books, so buy them for your children/younger siblings/nieces/nephews/etc. and enjoy the comics with them! 3/5


--Ashley