Saban's Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 5 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Saban's Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 5
Writer: Ryan Parrott
Artists: Eleonora Carlini & Raul Angulo
Recent Release Date: December 10, 2019

Go Go Power Rangers Vol.1
Go Go Power Rangers Vol.2
Go Go Power Rangers Vol.3
Go Go Power Rangers Vol.4

Synopsis: With the Green Power Coin in her possession. Rita Repulsa will turn to an unlikely ally to activate it! Meanwhile, the Power Rangers discover Zordon’s history has come back to haunt them!

With the Green Power Coin finally in her possession, Rita Repulsa must go into the darkest corners of her past to unlock its power. Meanwhile, the Power Rangers work to discover what exactly Rita will do next, but face an unlikely foe who has his origins in Zordon’s past. 

Written by Ryan Parrott (Star Trek: Manifest Destiny) and illustrated by Eleonora Carlini (Batgirl), discover the secret history the Power Rangers revealed for the first time!

Contains issues #17-20 of Saban's Go Go Power Rangers. 

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Review: I continue to adore both of the ongoing Power Rangers series from BOOM! Studios. The Go Go series focuses more on the non-actiony things like teenage drama and backstories to iconic characters. Rita's past is a big part of this volume. We meet Rita's mother and learn that she knew Zordon. Rita reminisces about her past as she tries to get the Dragon coin to work. 

The rangers are being affected by living a double life Zach's not doing well with his classes. The Jason and Trini relationship gets a little bumpy. Kim has to deal with her parents' divorce. 

Alpha-1 makes his debut in this volume. I'm looking forward to where he takes the main story. He has a complicated past and relationship with Zordon. I think we're going to get into the ethics of superhero-ing.

There are so many great references. Master Vile might be on his way. Tenga warriors are featured in a flashback. 

Not only the teenagers get drama to deal with this volume. Rita did not get along with her mother. And we learn more about Ernie's past and why he decided to open up a youth center. 

The artwork is excellent. The colors really capture the brightness of Power Rangers. That was one thing the 2017 film tried to get away from. I hope the upcoming film embraces the bright colors. This comic goes above and beyond the original series feel with the crispness of the colors and especially the zords. The zords get to do things in comics they would never have been able to do in 1990s live-action. 

This volume packs so much. I love it. This volume is a great setup for whatever Alpha-1 decides to do next volume. I give this volume a 5/5. 


--PAUL

Grease Bats by Archie Bongiovanni (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from BOOM! Studios 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: Grease Bats
Author: Archie Bongiovanni
Upcoming Release Date: September 3, 2019


Synopsis: So, no one told you life was gonna be this gay! Grease Bats stars Andy, a trans genderqueer individual who is both tough and loving, and their BFF Scout, an all-feelings-all-the-time mistake-maker. 

Andy and Scout are best buds, roommates, and gay disasters. Along with their friends and plenty of beer, they’re just trying to make it through their 20s, survive late capitalism, and navigate the dating world. Tough and loving Andy is a genderqueer trans individual, who dates like there’s no tomorrow, while Scout, an all-feelings-all-the-time mistake-maker, is still languishing over her ex-girlfriend…from like two years ago.

Created by Archie Bongiovanni (The Quick and Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns) and originally published on Autostraddle, this edition collects all the best misadventures, internet dates, and bad decisions in one place! 

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Review: This graphic novel is a beautifully queer collection of comic strip stories. There's so many different topics covered. The stories showcase the challenges and struggles of queer people. But, there are also some pretty hilarious parts. I give this collection a 4/5. 


--PAUL

Hotel Dare (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from BOOM! Studios 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: Hotel Dare
Author: Terry Blas
Illustrator: Claudia Aguirre
Upcoming Release Date: June 11, 2019


Synopsis: It’s not your typical family vacation when Olive, and her adopted siblings Darwin and Charlotte find themselves falling into other worlds as they explore Grandma Lupé’s strange hotel.

OPEN THE DOOR. ADVENTURE AWAITS. 

Olive and her adopted siblings Charlotte and Darwin are spending the summer with their estranged grandma at her creepy hotel and it’s all work and no play. They’re stuck inside doing boring chores but they soon stumble upon an incredible secret... Behind each room door of the hotel lies a portal to a different strange and mysterious place. The simple turn of a knob transports them to a distant magical world filled with space pirates. Behind the next door are bearded wizards. Down the hall is a doorway to a cotton-candied kingdom. But once the doors are opened, worlds start colliding, and only one family can save them before they tear themselves apart. 

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Review: Three kids are spending their summer with their eccentric grandmother in her unusual hotel in Mexico. What starts out as a contemporary family story quickly turns into an adventurous fantasy with portals that lead to many different worlds. The artwork is beautiful. The various worlds each have their own distinct style. There's a pretty epic battle panel.

This story showcases different types of families. It's full of acceptance and diverse characters. This book kept my attention the whole time. Full of excitement. I give this book a 5/5. There's so much great going on in this story! 


--PAUL

Midas by Ryan North (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from BOOM! Studios 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: Midas
Writer: Ryan North
Artists: Shelli Paroline & Braden Lamb 
Recent Release Date: May 7, 2019


Synopsis: The acclaimed team behind the Eisner Award-winning Adventure Time comic books, New York Times best-selling author Ryan North (Squirrel Girl) and beloved illustrators Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb (One Day a Dot: The Story of You, The Universe, and Everything), combine forces once again for an original sci-fi space comedy unlike the universe has ever seen! Space captain Joey, navigator Fatima, and scientist (and dinosaur) Cooper are headed to Earth—a planet completely sectioned off, abandoned, and covered in gold—and are confronted by the most powerful weapon in the universe: some ancient dead guy's body?! Now they gotta keep King Midas’ body from being dropped on planets across the universe, and figure out exactly what to do with a gross dead dude with one truly ridiculous superpower.

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Review: I hadn't heard of this series before. When it was first released, it was titled Midas Flesh. This book compiles all of the issues from the series into a big, over 200 page collection. I read the whole story in just a few sittings. 

I love books that have high concepts that really play into their unique stories. The basic premise of this book is that when Midas was given the ability to make everything he touched turn to gold, the whole planet of Earth became gold and became stuck in that moment. Hundreds of years later, an interesting space crew is on a mission to defy the government and change the world using the power of Midas. 

The crew is great! There's only three crew members, but they each have such great personalities. And one of them is a dinosaur! 

There are wonderful moral quandaries brought up in this book. The morality of a super weapon. How to put the genie back in the bottle. This book, especially the ending, really made me think. And I LOVE that in sci-fi!

 At the end of the book there's a letter from the creator about the origins of the story as well as some concept art. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's such a great, complete story. It's long, but it kept my attention the whole time. The concept is great. The characters are excellent. There's excitement throughout the book. I could absolutely see a movie made from this book. I give this book a 5/5 and will be recommending it to many friends. 


--PAUL

Saban's Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 3 (comic) [SHATTERED GRID] - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Saban's Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 3
Writer: Ryan Parrott
Artists: Dan Mora & Raul Angulo
Recent Release Date: April 23, 2019

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

Synopsis: Dealing with the fallout of Rita Repulsa’s abduction of Matthew, the Power Rangers are confronted with a dark specter from the future with a shocking connection to Lord Drakkon--ties into Shattered Grid!

CAN THE POWER PROTECT THEM?

The Power Rangers have just exhaled a sigh of relief after their friend Matthew narrowly escaped Rita’s clutches on the moon, but a new enemy has already emerged, one that will have the Rangers question every decision they’ve made so far. Tying into the critically acclaimed, bestselling Shattered Grid event, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers must confront the future to save the past as they face off against the mysterious Ranger Slayer.

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Review: I'm FINALLY getting to read the Shattered Grid storyline! I've followed along on social media so I'm already somewhat familiar with what happens, but finally getting to see the Ranger Slayer in action with her Gravezord was epic!

This ongoing series focuses more on the teenagers with attitude's personal lives than their superhero actions. This volume keeps with that, but there's also plenty of action. Kim's parents' divorce is an ongoing story and I'm enjoying the focus it's getting compared to the few lines in the original tv series. Jason also has somethings going on at home. 

The zords in this volume are beautifully illustrated. The bright colors in this whole volume have me flipping back through the book after reading it. 

I loved getting to see more of the Coinless world. Bulk and some other known characters are featured. I really enjoyed the scenes between Coinless Bulk and Kim talking. There's also some great later cameos in the Coinless world that surprised me. 

One of my favorite things about this series is the Matthew story because I have no idea what to expect. The creative monsters and their names is also a favorite of mine. They always make me chuckle. 

I give this volume a 5/5. Both of these ongoing Power Rangers series are excellent. I'm so excited to read the conclusion of the Shattered Grid story next.  


--PAUL

Waves by Ingrid Chabbert (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from BOOM! Studios & Archaia 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: Waves
Author: Ingrid Chabbert
Illustrator: Carole Maurel
Upcoming Release Date: May 7, 2019

Synopsis: A young woman and her wife's attempts to have a child unfold in this poetic tale that ebbs and flows like the sea.

After years of difficulty trying to have children, a young couple finally announces their pregnancy, only to have the most joyous day of their lives replaced with one of unexpected heartbreak. Their relationship is put to the test as they forge ahead, working together to rebuild themselves amidst the churning tumult of devastating loss, and ultimately facing the soul-crushing reality that they may never conceive a child of their own.

Based on author Ingrid Chabbert’s own experience, coupled with soft, sometimes dreamlike illustrations by Carole Maurel, Waves is a deeply moving story that poignantly captures a woman’s exploration of her pain in order to rediscover hope.

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Review: This graphic novel tells a woman's journey through pregnancy, the loss of her child, and the mourning and reconstruction that comes after. The artistic style portrays the mourning through the use of colors. Highlights show the colors coming back into their world after their loss. This is a very emotional story. 

I give this graphic novel a 5/5. The process of grieving and reconstruction is shown so well. I feel that anyone, whether you have any similar experiences or not, will be moved by this book. 


--PAUL

Justice League/Power Rangers (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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

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Title: Justice League/Power Rangers
Author: Tom Taylor
Illustrator: Stephen Byrne
Recent Release Date: December 12, 2017

Synopsis: Two of the most popular crime-fighting teams of all time collide for the first time when the Justice League faces the Power Rangers!

Something terrible has happened in Angel Grove! When the Command Center is breached and the teleporters are damaged, Zack is flung into another universe, where he's mistaken for a villain by a mysterious masked vigilante. Can the other Power Rangers get to their friend in time to save him from Batman? Co-published with BOOM! Studios and written by INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US best-selling author Tom Taylor, this book is the crossover event of the year! 

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Review: This is a super fun, super hero team crossover comic! The problem with crossover events like this that take two properties from two different worlds/franchises is that there can't be any actual growth or meaningful story. It's just fun to see these characters interacting with each other. 

This comic starts with a destroyed Angel Grove and Superman. This is just the first example of amazing combinations of things from my childhood. Batman is the comic relief in this comic and it works so well. I loved watching the members of the Justice League interacting with each of the Rangers. Zach often gets kicked to the sidelines, but in this story he really shines. I also liked that the Pterodactyl dinozord was the first one shown. Alpha 5 also gets to do some fun things. The Rangers have to wear some different suits at one point in this story and if you are a DC comic fan, you'll love it! 

The final panel really made me want a sequel. These crossover comics can be so creative. I loved the Star Trek/Green Lantern Corp one as well. They are just so unexpected and the combinations work so well. Overall, this was a fun comic story. There wasn't anything too deep or too exciting, but there's plenty of fun. I give this comic a 4/5 and recommend it to fans of both franchises, even if you are only familiar with one on a surface level. 


--PAUL

Joyride Vol.1 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from BOOM! Studios via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Joyride Vol.1
Author: Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly,
Illustrator: Marcus To 
Recent Release Date: September 27, 2016

Synopsis: Earth Sucks. Steal a Spaceship. 

Earth sucks. The stars have been blocked out for so long that people have forgotten there was anything else besides the World Government Alliance watching over them. Uma Akkolyte is a girl who shoots first, leaps before she looks, and is desperate for any means to leave her planet behind. And so she does. When Uma jacks an alien spaceship and punches through the stratosphere she sets forth on an adventure with an unlikely crew who are totally not ready for all the good, bad, and weird the universe will throw at them.

From writers Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly (Batman and Robin Eternal, Grayson) and artist Marcus To (Nightwing, New Avengers), Joyride is a rebellious love letter to the sci-fi genre, exploring what happens when nothing stands between a group of teens and their freedom amongst the stars.

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Review: Rebel teens escape a fascist government and have crazy adventures in space. This comic is fun. There's comedy. There's space adventures. It is lighthearted and full of both friendship and familial relationships. 

I liked the art. There are some really interesting aliens in this book. And robots. The fashion is also pretty cool.

I enjoyed this book. The characters were developed and interacted well together. I give this volume a 3.5/5. 


--PAUL

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 1 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 1
Author: Kyle Higgins
Illustrator: Hendry Prasetya
Recent Release Date: September 13, 2016

Synopsis: Longtime fans of the smash-hit show Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and newcomers to this ensemble driven series, will discover a deeply compelling world packed with highflying adventure and tremendous heart. Welcome to Angel Grove. Home to the Power Rangers and weekly monster attacks. Tommy Oliver was the new kid in town when evil doer, Rita Repulsa, swooped in and made him the Green Ranger. Now, free from her mind control, Tommy struggles to find balance between the plights of high school, making new friends, and the dangers that come with being a hero. Writer Kyle Higgins (C.O.W.L., Nightwing) and artist Hendry Prasetya (Voodoo vs. Green Lantern) explore the untold story in the life of the Green Ranger as he struggles to overcome his demons and learns to trust again. This collection also features short stories from Steve Orlando (Midnighter), Corin Howell (Bat-Mite), Mairghread Scott (Transformers:Windblade) and Daniel Bayliss (Kennel Block Blues).

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Review: I've been getting back into the Morphin' mindset in anticipation of the upcoming 2017 movie. I've rewatched the original show on Netflix and wasted hours lost on Power Rangers wikipedia pages. I knew I had to read this new comic by BOOM! Studios. 

This comic takes place during the original Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, but some elements have been updated and modernized. One of the biggest changes I noticed was the focus on the teenage lives of the kids. Their families are mentioned and some are even seen. They discuss AP History. Trini's father has an interesting story.

Another element that is more at the forefront than in the original tv show for children is the complexities of war. It wasn't at the surface of the show, but came up in many 90's teen war stories (like my favorite, Animorphs!). Team work is an element that definitely was in the original show. Trusting in the team is a big part of this comic. 

The rangers all kept their personalities from the show, but are also made into more rounded characters. I liked seeing Trini and Billy's friendship. Kim's snarkiness.

The villains also get some depth. Scorpina and Goldar are both featured. 

 This first volume ends with a cliffhanger and I've already heard so much about the second volume that sounds amazing! This comic is a well written, modern take on the 90's Power Rangers. I did not expect to like it this much. And I want more! There's even a fun Bulk and Skull story at the end of this first volume. 

I give this first volume a 5/5! I highly recommend it to fans of the original Power Rangers, whether you still watch the recent incarnations of the franchise or haven't thought about Power Rangers since Tommy lost his green ranger powers. 

--PAUL