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

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Title: Fence Vol. 1
Author: C.S. Pacat
Artists: Johanna the Mad & Joana LaFuente
Recent Release Date: July 31, 2018

Synopsis: Nicholas Cox is determined to prove himself in the world of competitive fencing, and earn his place alongside fencing legends like the dad he never knew, but things get more complicated when he’s up against his golden-boy half-brother, as well as sullen fencing prodigy, Seiji Katayama.

Nicholas, the illegitimate son of a retired fencing champion, is a scrappy fencing wunderkind, and dreams of getting the chance and the training to actually compete. After getting accepted to the prodigious Kings Row private school, Nicholas is thrust into a cut-throat world, and finds himself facing not only his golden-boy half-brother, but the unbeatable, mysterious Seiji Katayama...

Through clashes, rivalries, and romance between teammates, Nicholas and the boys of Kings Row will discover there’s much more to fencing than just foils and lunges.

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Review: This graphic novel reminds me of Yuri on Ice in all the right ways. I've heard so much praise for Pacat's The Captive Prince, but I haven't read it. When I saw she wrote a fencing comic with queer characters, I was all in! I'm not a big sports buff so I really enjoyed the explanations into the world of fencing. There's not too much to bog you down, but definitely enough to get you invested and excited for each match. 

I haven't read an extensive amount of manga, but I can see the sports manga/anime tropes being used. They're done in a fresh way. I love how casually queer this comic is. Sexuality is very nonchalant. I've excited for the slow burn rivals to lovers scenario to go down! This is only the first volume, so I can just see a glimpse of potential so far.

I give this graphic novel a 5/5. It's a fun fencing comic with interesting characters. I've already pre-ordered the second volume.  


--PAUL

Legend of the Jamaican Dragon by Rashaun Smith - Ashley's Review

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Title: Legend of the Jamaican Dragon
Author: Rashaun Smith
Publication Date: September 10, 2013

Synopsis: All is not well in paradise; threatened by an unforeseen evil thought irreversibly banished for what would have amounted to forever, one must now rise and overcome to protect what is precious. Can the land be saved? With the death of their leader, who will save them now? 

Witness what history has withheld from its books - a short story worth the read - Legend Of The Jamaican Dragon!

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Review: I love dragons. I love reading pretty much anything to do with dragons, because I think there's just so much you can do with such a popular mythological creature. So when I was introduced to The Legend of the Jamaican Dragon, I knew I would have to read this story. And I was not disappointed!

The Legend of the Jamaican Dragon is a very short story (only about 28 pages) that tells the story of how an island nation is facing great evil and must be saved by the one remaining creature who can fight off the darkness. I really enjoyed seeing the little dragon grow from a baby into something greater, and seeing the unnamed Baby Dragon do something great for the people on his island.

The artwork is really interesting too. It's black and white and reminded me quite a bit of the style found in the manga I've read. It gets the story across and Rashaun is definitely a very talented artist. I think it might have been a little better if the artwork had been sharper and more defined, especially in the battle scenes, or if this comic had been in color. It's still really good and has a lot of potential, but I think there's still some room for improvement.

I really enjoyed this story - it's a nice little fantasy story about the origin of Jamaica, and I think it would be really great for a younger audience. It's not too intense during the battle scenes, and I think younger fans who like dragons would love this. Even older dragon fans would probably enjoy this comic too! I definitely did, and can't wait to see what Rashaun has in store for the future. 4/5!


--Ashley