Diana: Princess of the Amazons (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from DC Comics 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: Diana: Princess of the Amazons
Author: Shannon Hale & Dean Hale
Illustrator: Victoria Ying
Release Date: January 7, 2020


Synopsis: Eleven-year-old Diana leads an idyllic life on the island of Themyscira. Cut off from the rest of the world, she's beginning to feel more and more isolated. Though she has a loving mother and many "aunties," she is an only child. THE only child child on the island, in fact.

After an escapade goes wrong, Diana gets in trouble for not living up to the Amazonian standard. She just can't seem to measure up no matter what she does. Every other person on the island is an adult proficient in their trade and mighty in body, while she is gangly, sometimes clumsy, and not particularly good at anything. She's not Wonder Woman ... yet. What Diana needs is a friend; someone her own age whom she can talk to. But when she decides to take matters into her own hands, she may just make a monster instead of a friend. 

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Review: This middle grade graphic novel finds Diana as a lonely only child. Literally, there are no other children in her society. This is many years before she takes on the role of Wonder Woman. Diana is at that stage of her life where she feels the pull of two worlds. Childhood is starting to disinterest her. Dolls have been left behind. 

Diana ends up finding a friend her own age, but her new pal is quite mischievous. It's new to Diana to have a peer. They're definitely going to get into trouble.

This is a cute simple story. The story works great for a middle grade audience and could even be read to younger fans. I give this book a 3.5/5.


--PAUL

Batman: Nightwalker (The Graphic Novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from DC Entertainment 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: Batman: Nightwalker (The Graphic Novel)
Adapted by: Stuart Moore
Novel written by: Marie Lu
Illustrated by: Chris Wildgoose
Release Date: October 1, 2019


Synopsis: Based on the New York Times bestselling novel by Marie Lu, this graphic novel adaptation brings to life the dark mysteries behind the gates of Arkham Asylum. Nightwalkers are terrorizing Gotham City, and 18 year-old Bruce Wayne is next on their list.

Bruce Wayne is turning 18 and inheriting his family's fortune. But on the way home from his birthday party, he makes an impulsive choice that leads him to Arkham Asylym, the infamous mental hospital. There, he meets Madeline Wallace, a brilliant killer . . . and Bruce's only hope. Madeline is the mystery Bruce must unravel, but is he convincing her to divulge her secrets, or is he feeding her the information she needs to bring Gotham City to its knees?

Bruce Wayne is proof that you don't need superpowers to be a superhero, but can he survive Madeleine's game of tense intrigue and deception?

This graphic novel adaptation from New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu and artist Christian Wildgoose is a dark, action-packed thrill ride! 

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Review: I'm enjoying these Young Adult graphic novel takes on DC heroes. This graphic novel is an adaptation of Marie Lu's Batman YA novel. I haven't read that book so this was my first introduction to this story. Bruce Wayne is the world's youngest billionaire at age 18. An anarchist group known as the Nightwalkers are targeting Gotham's rich. Bruce is assigned community service at Akrham Asylum. 

I really enjoyed seeing Bruce Wayne as a modern teen. This book brings up interetsing topics of wealth responsibility and inequality in a capitalist society. Also how tragedy affects people differently. I give this graphic novel a 4/5. 


--PAUL

Under The Moon: A Catwoman Tale (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from DC Ink. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: Under the Moon: A Catwoman Tale
Author: Lauren Myracle, 
Illustrator: Isaac Goodhart
Release Date: May 7, 2019


Synopsis: Selina Kyle is fiercer than she knows. For 15 years, she's put up with her mother's string of bad boyfriends, but when Dernell, her mom's current beau, proves crueler than the others, Selina reevaluates her place in her home. There's no way Selina and Dernell can live under the same roof, and since Dernell won't leave, Selina must.

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Myracle (ttyl) and artist Isaac Goodhart comes a story about learning how to survive the world when you've been forced to abandon your home and finding allies in the most unexpected moments.

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Review: Selina Kyle is a teen. I really enjoyed seeing this future Batman (sometimes) villain during her formative years. Her mom is bringing home guys, shitty men that Selina has to deal with. Bruce Wayne is the popular kid at her high school. 

This being an origin story for a future gray character makes so many great moral questions come up. Selina has her own morality code. She defends her gay friend at school. She steals candy, but gives it to kids. Selina is independent and compassionate.

This story got dark. Selina finds a stray cat and my eyes were watering. There is also some self harm in this book.

I give this graphic novel a 4/5. Some of these superhero origin retellings are unnecessary, but I felt like this told a new story and showed a great perspective.


--PAUL

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

*I received this book as an eARC from DC Entertainment via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Future Quest, Vol. 1
Creators:  Jeff Parker, Evan Shaner, & Steve Rude 
Recent Release Date: February 15, 2017

Synopsis: When worlds collide, it’s up to Hanna-Barbera’s best-known action heroes to save the day! Johnny Quest, Space Ghost, the Herculoids and more are reimagined in this new collection! When Jonny Quest and his adoptive brother Hadji make a startling discovery in the swamplands of Florida, they are pulled into an epic struggle between the Space Rangers and a dangerous villain who threatens the galaxy. Now, it’s up to the combined forces of Jonny Quest, Space Ghost, the Herculoids, Birdman, Frankenstein Jr., the Impossibles, the Galaxy Trio and Mightor to stop him and save their universe! Collects FUTURE QUEST #1-6! 

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Review: This concept of this comic is so cool. It remind me of a kid playing with all the toys in their toybox, not caring what properties they come from. It's the ultimate cross-over event. Many of these shows were on Cartoon Network as a kid. I was really into the 90s version of Johny Quest. 

Because there are so many different properties in this comic, it drags as new characters are introduced. I wasn't familiar with some of the properties so I didn't know what was references and what was original. From the properties I did know, I liked how they were modernized. 

I give this comic a 3/5. I really liked the concept, but it dragged and had too much going on. I would love a modern take on Johny Quest by himself.   


--PAUL

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

*I received this book as an eARC from DC Entertainment via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: The Flintstones, Vol. 1
Writer: Mark Russell
Illustrator: Steve Pugh
Recent Release Date: March 28, 2017

Synopsis: Fred and Barney reunite for Mark Russell's modern take on Hanna-Barbera's most famous stone-age family! 

This new series starring the first family of Bedrock (and civilization, really) tells the story of who we are and why we do what we do as if it all began with Fred, Wilma, Barney, Betty, and the rest of the citizens of Bedrock. Shining a light on humanity's ancient customs and institutions in a funny origin story of human civilization, Mark Russell (PREZ) blends modern interpretations with Hanna-Barbera's classic character's, bringing a breath of fresh stone-age air. 

Hanna-Barbera has created some of the most recognizable animated characters of all time. As part of DC Comics' re-imagination of cartoons like Scooby-Doo, The Flintsones, Johnny Quest, Space Ghost, and Wacky Racers, these new series will be infused with modern and contemporary concepts while keeping the heart and soul of the classic animation. 

Collects THE FLINTSTONES #1-6. 

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Review: This comic is an excellent modern take on an old classic. A very modern take. This volume deals with things like monogamy, domestication, ptsd, and religion. The political commentary is also very modern. 

The characters are classic, but the stories they tell are 2017. It reminds me of the old Dinosaurs tv show (with the puppets and costumes). It uses the pre-historic era as a lens to the modern age. 

There are some great references to the original Flinstones. Early on there's a vitamins reference. There's also an interesting origin to the phrase "yabba-dabba-doo" which gives more meaning to it. The appliances also are their own characters. The friendship between the bowling ball and the vacuum cleaner is so touching.

I give this comic a 5/5. This is now to retell a property that everyone is familiar with!


--PAUL

Teen Titans Go! Volume 1: Party, Party! by Sholly Fisch, Lea Hernandez, Jorge Corona, & Ben Bates - Ashley's Review

*I received this comic as an eARC from DC Entertainment/DC Comics on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Teen Titans Go! Volume 1: Party, Party! 
Contributors: Sholly Fisch, Lea Hernandez (Illustrator), Jorge Corona (Illustrator), and Ben Bates (Illustrator)
Publication Date: March 10, 2015

Synopsis: JUSTICE HAS NEVER BEEN THIS MUCH FUN!

Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Raven, and Beast Boy are the Teen Titans the coolest teenage superhero team in the universe! Watch as they battle a pizza monster, a video game console that becomes alive, and a legion of incompetent super villains. The Teen Titans are always getting into crazy hijinks like destroying a superhero themed mini golf course, becoming CEOs of a Silicon Valley startup company, playing a deadly game of go fish, making intergalactic prank phone calls, or throwing a girls only superhero slumber party. Thru all the mayhem and zanynest these friends always come out victorious (most of the time.) 

TEEN TITANS GO! VOLUME 1: PARTY, PARTY! collects issues #1-6 of the fun filled series based on the hit cartoon show on Cartoon Network featuring work from an array of comic creators including Sholly Fisch, Lea Hernandez, Amy Wolfram, Jorge Corona, Ben Bates and many more!

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Review: I'm kind of familiar with the Teen Titans from the TV show that used to be on Cartoon Network before Teen Titans Go! I think that one was a little darker, and the animation was a little more harsh. But Teen Titans Go! is a lot of fun and I love that the illustrations in this comic match the new show so well! 

As far as the artwork goes, the colors are bright and fun and made me happy every time I sat down to read it. The illustrators capture the facial expressions of all of the characters perfectly. I could tell when Best Boy and Cyborg were about to do something that would get them in trouble, or when Starfire was confused, or when Raven was trying not to destroy the rest of the Teen Titans for being dumb and annoying. It added so much to this comic, since it allowed for fewer words. Just like a comic should be! 

All six stories are exactly what I hoped they would be, and even tough they could all stand alone, they go pretty well together as a whole too. They don't build off of each other or anything, except that you learn a little bit more about the personalities and the characteristics of each Teen Titan, and I thought it was neat to see them in different situations. Like who would have thought Raven would ever agree to an all-girls sleepover? I do think the prank calling one was my favorite though, mostly because I loved seeing how terrified Robin was of Batman and how they all managed to get themselves out of this predicament... this time. 

I would definitely recommend this volume to any fans of the Teen Titans! Even if you aren't really familiar with them, this would be a fun place to start. I think it's especially good for kids who like super heroes, and would be a great way to introduce them to comic books and graphic novels. It's not gory or scary or anything, and there are no big words that would be hard for kids to understand. It's still fun for grownups too, so it could be a great comic to read together! A 3/5. 


--Ashley

Injustice: Gods Among Us, Vol. 2 - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from DC Entertainment on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Injustice: Gods Among Us, Vol. 2
Author:  Tom Taylor 
Illustrator: Jheremy Raapack
Year Published: 2014


Synopsis: From the makers of Mortal Kombat comes the critically acclaimed prequel comic to the smash hit fighting game Injustice: Gods Among Us!

From the ashes of Metropolis comes Superman and the JLA's newest ally: Lex Luthor! Against all odds, he's not only survived but now embraces Superman's goals. Of course, Lex has his own ideas for how to create a better world. The Man of Steel trusts him, but can the rest of his allies be so sure?

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Review: I really enjoyed the first graphic novel collection of Injustice: Gods Among Us. I haven't played the game, but the story concept is so cool. I love that the events in these comics take place separate from the main comics so you don't have to keep up with so many different comic lines. Also, big major life changing events can take place to these characters that have been around for decades. 

This second volume keeps up with the awesomeness that was the first. I like how different characters are matched up than usual. 

If you want a more standalone DC story, these volumes are so well written and epic! I give this second volume a 4/5 and highly recommend it!


--PAUL

Trillium by Jeff Lemire - Ashley's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from DC Entertainment/Vertigo on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Trillium
Author: Jeff Lemire
Publication Date: August 12, 2014

Synopsis: Award-winning and fan favorite comics creator Jeff Lemire spins the tale of two star-crossed loved through space in time in Trillium!

It's the year 3797, and botanist Nika Temsmith is researching a strange species on a remote science station near the outermost rim of colonized space.

It's the year 1921, and renowned English explorer William Pike leads an expedition into the dense jungles of Peru in search of the fabled "Lost Temple of the Incas," an elusive sanctuary said to have strange healing properties.

Two disparate souls separated by thousands of years and hundreds of millions of miles. Yet they will fall in love and, as a result, bring about the end of the universe. Even though reality is unraveling all around them, nothing can pull them apart. This isn't just a love story, it's the LAST love story ever told.

Collects Trillium #1-8.

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Review: This comic sounds like it should be epic, right? Star-crossed lovers, space, a botanist researching a strange plant species in the future and an explorer in the jungle in the past? I mean, this sounds like it should be one of the most exciting comics I've ever read! But sadly... it just wasn't well executed in my opinion. 

The artwork is really interesting, and I think that was part of the reason that I kept reading even when the plot failed to hold my attention. The colors are often bold and eye-catching, and everything looks like a sketch. There are no really defined lines, and I think that that led to a really interesting effect. Especially since quite a bit of the store takes place in the jungle and space, which are typically pretty undefined spaces. I would be interested in looking in to more of Lemire's work just for the art. 

But then there's the plot. And if I hadn't read the synopsis, I honestly would have had very little idea about what was happening. It's not especially clear that Nika is a botanist - she just goes to this place on this planet and eats a flower and then things get crazy. I mean, she doesn't even understand half of what these strange blue people say, but she eats their flowers anyway! Didn't anyone ever tell you not to eat things handed to you by strangers?

I also was no feeling the romance and the star-crossed lovers at all. There's a point somewhere near the end where there's a mention about only knowing each other a few hours, but somehow we're still supposed to believe that Nika and William are in love and that their fates are intertwined? They're not even from the same time or place! I just couldn't get behind their love story, and I was really disappointed by that. 

Another thing that kind of bothered me, and maybe it's just because I was reading it on a computer, was that the frames were all over the place sometimes. Some would be sideways and others were upside down and it was really hard to read on my computer screen. There were also some frames that had SO many words. I felt like it was one of those bad PowerPoint presentations that have paragraphs of text on one slide and make everyone sitting through the presentation hate the whole thing. I think the art should tell the majority of the story in a comic book, and it was just so hard to get through all of the text.

I'm not really sure who to recommend this comic book too since I didn't really enjoy it. Maybe someone looking for interesting artwork? Or someone who enjoys stories about star-crossed lovers and space? Because even though this story wasn't for me, that's not to say that someone else - maybe you! - would enjoy it immensely. I think it had potential but just fell short, so I'd give it a 2/5.

--Ashley

Arrow Vol. 1 by Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg, & Mike Grell - Ashley's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from DC Comics on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Arrow Vol. 1
Author: Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg, and Mark Grell (Illustrator)
Year Published: 2013

Synopsis: Spinning off directly from the hit CW television series ARROW comes the Emerald Archerer in these digital-first adventures! Show creators Andrew Kreisberg and Marc Guggenheim team with some of the industry's best artists, including Mike Grell (GREEN ARROW: THE LONGBOW HUNTERS), Phil Hester (GREEN ARROW: QUIVER) and others to fill in the gaps between episodes of one of TV's hottest new series.

Collects Arrow #1-6 and #1 Special edition

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Review: I was really excited when I saw that there was a comic series that was a direct spin-off of the CW television show, ARROW. I love the show, and have been anxiously waiting for its return this fall, and figured this would be enough to tide me over until then. I hoped that it would delve a little more into the background of some of the minor characters and give more context for the show. 

Although we do see some of the more notable characters (Moira, Laurel, Tommy, Diggle, etc), we don't really learn too much more about them. This collection gives a little background on characters like the white haired woman in the Triad, but kind of just throws the others in assuming you already know them well enough. It made it a little confusing at times, because I couldn't really tell who was supposed to be who or what was going on.

It was fun to see some of Oliver's other adventures, and to see him take on some villains that probably wouldn't have been "bad" enough to cover in the show. Or who do things that might be considered inappropriate for cable television (like human trafficking, etc). We don't learn too much about these bad guys, but Ollie sometimes has to be pretty creative to defeat them, and I think his martial arts skills are translated very well into pictures. 

This comic, like the show, is dark and gritty. I think the two are very reflective of each other, and I enjoyed that the comic was in the same style as the show. It helped to get into the world quickly, and allowed for fewer explanations as to what was happening. So if you've watched  the show, I would definitely recommend these comics. If you're looking to get into the world of ARROW though, I would suggest starting with the show and then going to the comics. And I would definitely not recommend these for a younger audience. A 3/5 from me.


--Ashley