Mooncakes (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Lion Forge/Oni Press via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Mooncakes
Author: Suzanne Walker
Illustrator: Wendy Xu
Release Date: October 22, 2019


Synopsis: A story of love and demons, family and witchcraft.

Nova Huang knows more about magic than your average teen witch. She works at her grandmothers' bookshop, where she helps them loan out spell books and investigate any supernatural occurrences in their New England town.

One fateful night, she follows reports of a white wolf into the woods, and she comes across the unexpected: her childhood crush, Tam Lang, battling a horse demon in the woods. As a werewolf, Tam has been wandering from place to place for years, unable to call any town home.

Pursued by dark forces eager to claim the magic of wolves and out of options, Tam turns to Nova for help. Their latent feelings are rekindled against the backdrop of witchcraft, untested magic, occult rituals, and family ties both new and old in this enchanting tale of self-discovery. 

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: I had heard great things about this book so I was really looking forward to reading it. And I LOVED it! This graphic novel is magically diverse! It's queer and witchy! It's so much fun!

Nova is a witch who's hard of hearing. Tam is a non-binary werewolf. The queerness is handled so seamlessly, naturally addressing pronouns used early on. There are so many parallels between queer stories and magic/werewolf stories that this combination just makes sense. The sense of community and finding your own people. The coming out. It's all there.

Every character in this graphic novel is fully realized and fleshed out completely. Not only does the world feel real and lived in, but the characters seem like real people as well. 

This is a great story about two childhood friends reconnecting as adults and figuring out things out. Oh, and there's also awesome magic battles. The pacing is also excellent. Honestly, I read the whole book in one sitting. I definitely give this graphic novel a 5/5. Highly recommend!!! 


--PAUL

Witchy (graphic novel) by Ariel Slamet Ries - 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.*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Witchy
Creator: Ariel Slamet Ries
Upcoming Release Date: September 17, 2019


Synopsis: In the witch kingdom Hyalin, the strength of your magic is determined by the length of your hair. Those that are strong enough are conscripted by the Witch Guard, who enforce the law in peacetime and protect the land during war. However, those with hair judged too long are pronounced enemies of the kingdom, and annihilated. This is called a witch burning.

Witchy is a comic about the young witch Nyneve, who is haunted by the death of her father and the threat the Witch Guard poses to her own life. When conscription rolls around, Nyneve has a choice to make; join the institution complicit in her father's death, or stand up for her ideals?

Witchy was nominated for the 2015 Ignatz for Outstanding Online Comic, the 2016 DINKy for Outstanding Web Comic, and the Danish "Pingprisen" for Best Online Series in 2017 and 2018.

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: In a world where your magical ability is representative by the length of your hair, one young witch hides her true appearance while at her school for magic. There's a big test approaching that can determine each student's future. I really enjoyed the Hogwarts feel to this comic, but unlike Hogwarts there is diversity among the characters! I loved seeing a trans character featured. 

The artwork in this book is beautiful. Really great imagery. It's a fantasy world full of history. The world is so much bigger than just this story, which is always great to see in a fantasy story. It's reminiscent of Avatar: The Last Airbender, too. 

This is a really fun, interesting story. There are some cliches and tropes, but those come with most fantasy stories. There is a bit of info dumping too, which is also pretty common in a fantasy story. 

I give this book a 4.5/5. This is a rich fantasy world full of interesting characters doing interesting things.  


--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.*

Amazon | Goodreads

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.

------------------------------------------------------------

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

Midnight Radio by Iolanda Zanfardino (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

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

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Midnight Radio
Author/Illustrator: Iolanda Zanfardino
Release Date: June 4, 2019


Synopsis: An intriguingly interwoven tale of four lives changed by a mysterious late-night radio broadcast that wakes them up from their mundane existences. Each tale speaks to different social issues without pandering to a political agenda: LGBT+ rights, racism, social network addiction, and the difficult decision between settling down versus following your dreams. Each tale is told in a vivid, polychromatic illustration style that flows from one character to another and back again in a uniquely identifiable fashion.

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: This graphic novel follows four different, interconnected stories. Each character only uses one color in their panels. I really liked the style. Each story has its own theme, but they all connect. This is a very modern story. Very Millennial. It's all about the modern social media age. This is a mature graphic novel that includes nudity. 

I give this book a 4/5. I really enjoyed the artistic style of the varying stories and the modern relevancy of each story. 


--PAUL

Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe (graphic novel) - 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.*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Gender Queer: A Memoir
Author: Maia Kobabe
Upcoming Release Date: May 28, 2019

Synopsis: In 2014, Maia Kobabe, who uses e/em/eir pronouns, thought that a comic of reading statistics would be the last autobiographical comic e would ever write. At the time, it was the only thing e felt comfortable with strangers knowing about em. Now, Gender Queer is here. Maia's intensely cathartic autobiography charts eir journey of self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to family and society, bonding with friends over erotic gay fanfiction, and facing the trauma and fundamental violation of pap smears. Started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual, Gender Queer is more than a personal story: it is a useful and touching guide on gender identity--what it means and how to think about it--for advocates, friends, and humans everywhere.

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: This memoir is excellent. The author takes us through eir life from childhood up to present day. The subjects of gender, sexuality, and identity are present in all parts of eir life. This could be described as a coming-out story, but a more accurate representation of coming-out. Throughout eir life, e had various identities that led to having to (or choosing to) come out. 

This memoir is so informative, but shows one person's personal experience. I learned a lot and I thought I already was pretty familiar with gender identities. I wasn't familiar with the e/em/eir pronouns.

I loved this book. The artwork and flow of the story blends so well into a story you're going to read in one sitting. I think this book would be great for anyone unsure about their own gender or are curious about non-binary and gender queer experiences. I give this book a 5/5 and will be recommending it to everyone this summer!   


--PAUL

Watersnakes (graphic novel) by Tony Sandoval - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Lion Forge via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Watersnakes
Author: Tony Sandoval
Upcoming Release Date: November 20, 2018

Synopsis: Mila is a solitary teenager ready to put another boring summer vacation behind her until she meets Agnes, an adventurous girl who turns out to be a ghost. And not just a regular ghost, but one carrying the essence of an ancient fallen king and a mouth full of teeth that used to be his guardian warriors.    Three-time Eisner Award–nominated writer/artist Tony Sandoval presents a wondrous world of secret places and dreamlike magic hidden in the everyday corners of our sleeping imagination.

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: This graphic novel has a very trippy, creepy beginning. The sketchy art style invokes a Tim Burton feel. The story itself is paranormal and I feel like the less you know, the better. I hadn't even read a synopsis and I enjoyed the wtf-idness as strange things kept happening. There are some pretty bloody scenes if you are sensitive to that. There's some body horror aspects as well. 

I give this graphic novel a 4/5. It has a unique aesthetic and was a great read for October. 

--PAUL

Petit: The Ogre Gods Book One (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Lion Forge via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Petit: The Ogre Gods Book One
Author: Hubert Boulard
Artist: Bertrand Gatignol
Upcoming Release Date: November 6, 2018

Synopsis: Petit is the son of the Ogre King and the littlest giant in the royal clan. Scarcely larger than a mere human, he is the latest sign of the family's rapid degeneration, which makes each generation smaller than the one before. His father wants him killed as an embarrassment, but his mother sees in him the possible regeneration of the family lineage, since he could mate with a human, just as the Founder of their lineage once did.

Confused, she confides in great Aunt Desdée, the oldest of their clan, who was once dishonored because of her love for the humans, whom the Ogres consider little more than labor and food. But contrary to her guidance, she decides to raise Petit in the family traditions, including the violent impulses that this entails.

So Petit grows into manhood, torn by the hunger he inherited from his upbringing and the sympathetic education he received from Aunt Desdée...

Will he find his place in this world divided between humans and giants, neither of which truly accept him? And will he survive the voracious appetite of his own monstrous family?

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: Petit is a royal family drama set in a fantastical world. The royal family consists of giants of various sizes. Petit is the smallest. Throughout the book, there are small prose stories about historical giants. The world is immersive with such a vast history, while still being digestible. 

The art style is black and white with some gore elements. The giants do eat humans. The giant court reminded me of the Skeksis from The Dark Crystal. 

I give this graphic novel a 5/5. The worldbuilding is wonderful and each of the characters are so interesting. It's like a Disney fairytale meets Game of Thrones.  


--PAUL

The Wormworld Saga Volume Two: The Shelter of Hope (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Lion Forge and Diamond Books via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads


Review of Volume One
Review of Free Comic Book Day Issue

Title: The Wormworld Saga Volume Two: The Shelter of Hope
Author: Daniel Lieske
Upcoming Release Date: October 30, 2018

Synopsis: Jonas' fantastic journey leads him to the sunken city of Ankal Aasha where the mysterious master Janaka Jiiva introduces him to the ancient legends of the Wormworld. Jonas learns that he himself plays an important role in them and that the fate of the Wormworld lies in his hands. Together with Raya, Jonas sets out on an adventurous quest on the River of Life which leads our heroes straight towards the mystic Worm Mountain.

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: The Wormworld Saga is a beautifully drawn comic book series following a young boy exploring a new, fantastical world. This second volume includes the third and fourth chapter as well as the Free Comic Book Day issue. I wish the story arcs in these volumes were more complete stories. This is the second volume of the saga and I still feel like not much has happened. There's a lot of extensive worldbuilding in this volume that feels like info dumping. 

The Chosen One trope is used in this story. So far, there hasn't been a fresh take on this trope. I'm hoping the saga shows a new and interesting take as it continues.

I give this second volume a 2.5/5. The art is wonderful, but the story is lacking.    


--PAUL

Fraternity (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Lion Forge and Diamond Books via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Fraternity
Author: Juan Díaz Canales
Artist: José Luis Munuera

Upcoming Release Date: October 9, 2018

Synopsis: 1863: during the American Civil War, the inhabitants of New Fraternity, Indiana, find themselves far from the front lines of the conflict embroiling the United States but still constantly under threat from it; food is scarce, deserters come to seek asylum, and a mysterious feral beast that walks on two legs prowls the forest around the town. The beast seems to have some connection to Emile, a feral child found a few years earlier who had been taken in by the townsfolk during simpler times. As their fear and paranoia grows, the townsfolk start to hunt the beast and turn on each other, with tragic results that threaten to undo all that they have been working toward.

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: This graphic novel starts with a fictional essay about New Harmony, a proposed utopian colony. Historical characters such as Josiah Warren and Robert Owen are referenced. This is a set up to the comic which shows a proposed utopian colony named New Fraternity. There are fantastical elements in this historical alternative historical story, particularly a monster. There's also tension between the colonists as well as outside entities. 

I found the artwork very fitting in the tone of the story. There are some dark images, but it flows well with the vibe. This is a comic heavy on dialogue. I found it a bit burdensome to read at times.

I give this comic book a 3/5. I found it entertaining, but a bit heavy on dialogue.   


--PAUL

The Wormworld Saga: The Journey Begins (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Lion Forge via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: The Wormworld Saga: The Journey Begins
Creator: Daniel Lieske 
Upcoming Release Date: June 5, 2018

Synopsis: Are you ready to enter the Wormworld?

Jonas is a dreamer. During his summer holidays he stays at his Grandmas house on the countryside. In the attic he discovers a strange painting, which turns out to be an entrance to the mysterious Wormworld. Jonas steps through the picture into the foreign world and loses connection to his home right at that moment. Completely left on his own, he has to face the biggest adventure of his young life... 

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: A child finds a portal to another world over summer vacation when visiting a relative. Yes, this is cliche. But who doesn't love a good portal story? There were many aspects of this story that reminded me of a point-and-click adventure game from the 90s. The artwork is beautiful, showing all the corners of this lush world. 

This first volume is barely even a start to the story. I wish there would have been more included. The worldbuilding is immense. There are monsters and different types of crystals. All with great artwork. 

I wasn't aware of the online following this writer and his world had. There's a cool behind-the-scenes look at the creator at the end of the graphic novel. I give this book a 3.5/5. I wouldn't be surprised if this story finds itself in a movie or tv show in the near future.


--PAUL

The Big Empty Life of Alphonse Tabouret (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Lion Forge via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: The Big Empty Life of Alphonse Tabouret
Authors: Sibylline Desmazières & Capucine 
Artist: Jérôme d'Aviau 
Recent Release Date: May 29, 2018

Synopsis: In the middle of a quiet, not-so-special clearing in the woods, a wee tiny whatsit wakes up without any memory at all. So he sets off in search of his maker, as well as some sense of purpose in Life. Along the way, he encounters a bizarre cast of silly, helpful, and oddly poignant characters who teach him how to survive this crazy game called Existence.The Big Empty Life of Alphonse Tabouret is an existential fairy tale about Life, Love, Loss, and the search for answers to questions we all ask nobody in particular. While cute and silly on the surface, almost every encounter is metaphorical (without being heavy-handedly so). This adorably engaging and heartwarming tale invites the reader to decipher the life lessons gleaned by Alphonse in personal terms that speak to today's social conditions. Through the innocent lens of simple, cute characterization, readers are presented with honest questions about parenting, materialism, addiction, codependency, narcissism, depression, and the search for meaning that we all undergo every day.

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: I never knew where the story was going in this graphic novel. It is such different storytelling. The artwork is simple and matches the tone of the story very well. This book tackles some interestingly complex, basic problems like loneliness, fulfillment, and finding your purpose in life. 

This book is so different than anything I have read, but I enjoyed it a lot. You may start out confused, but just go with the flow and you'll figure it out. I give this book a 4.5/5.


--PAUL

The Enchanted Chest by Jean-François Chabas - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Lion Forge via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: The Enchanted Chest
Author:  Jean-François Chabas
Illustrator: David Salas
Recent Release Date: May 9, 2018

Synopsis: Raised by a fisherman from the depths of the sea, an ornate chest soon attracts the attention of the greedy King, always searching for more treasure. But the King has a problem: nothing and nobody can open the chest. A thousand keys, a thousand tools, and a thousand swords were tried. He calls his most talented subjects to open it: the Locksmith, then the Strong Man, the Magician, and even the Alchemist—they all try their skills, and none can do it! Only the Lynx, whose magical eyes allow her to see through anything, can finally satisfy the King's curiosity. The story, like the chest, contains a beautiful and mysterious core for the intrepid reader to open, about how the treasures we crave may not be what we truly desire. 

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: This illustrated story is an interesting fairytale about what we think versus the truth and how perception influences value. An enchanted chest is found and over the course of the story, various classic archetypes try to open the chest. This is a short story, only 28 pages, and an easy read. I give this book a 3/5.


--PAUL

The Lost Path (graphic novel) by Amélie Fléchais - Paul's REVIEW

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

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: The Lost Path
Author/Artist: Amélie Fléchais
Upcoming Release Date: March 28, 2018

Synopsis: Three young boys set off from Camp Happiness, map in hand, determined to be the first to find the treasure before anyone else. But the shortcut they take leads to something far more spectacular and sinister! All manner of magical beasties live in these woods, and the kids find themselves caught between warring Forest Spirits. Will the three boys find their way out of trouble? Get your map and ready, set, go! Amélie Fléchais's incredible artwork combines the best of French illustration with manga influences. A spooky new fairytale, for fans of Over the Garden Wall. 

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: I really enjoyed Amélie Fléchais's Little Red Wolf and was excited to see this book translated as well. The artwork in this book is absolutely beautiful. The characters are so different and absolutely quirky. The scenery has such detail. But, I was confused throughout this whole book. 

It may be that the story just did not make it through the translation process, but I was unsure what exactly was happening for pretty much the whole book. I liked the different perspectives added, but was confused by the robots. 

I give this graphic novel a 3/5. The artwork is absolutely gorgeous. The story reminded me of Over the Garden Wall. It's quirky and it confused me.


--PAUL

Dream of The Butterfly Vol 1: Rabbits on the Moon (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Diamond Book Distributors via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Dream of The Butterfly Vol 1: Rabbits on the Moon
Author: Richard Marazano
Artist: Luo Yin
Upcoming Release Date: January 23, 2018

Synopsis: Tutu is lost in a village where winter is eternal and the rabbits of the secret police find her guilty of one of the worst crimes imaginable—being a little girl! The Emperor of this strange town holds the key to her redemption, but it will come at a price.

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: This graphic novel has the feel of a Studio Ghibli film. There is wonder and beautiful artwork. The story is a familiar one. A young girl accidentally finds her way into a strange world where she doesn't belong. There are themes of growing up and not fitting in. The style of this story is in the vein of Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, Narnia, or Labyrinth.

The character design is wonderful. Every background character has been fully imagined in this strange world of eternal winter. The colors accurately reflect the feel of the different environments. 

Although this is a beautiful comic, I felt it didn't have enough heart in the story. I wasn't exactly sure what what happening for most of the story, but that may be intentional. I think if this had been an animated film with a lush score and the same art style, it may have caught my attention more and delivered for me emotionally. I also wasn't a fan of the cliffhanger ending. I was hoping for a more completed story. 

I give this comic a 3/5. The artwork is excellent, but the story just didn't pull me in. 


--PAUL

The Scarecrow Princess (graphic novel) by Federico Rossi Edrig - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book from Diamond Book Distributors and Lion Forge via NetGalley as an eARC in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: The Scarecrow Princesss
Author/Artist: Federico Rossi Edrig
Editor: Andrea Colvin
Recent Release Date: October 31, 2017

Synopsis: Morrigan Moore has always been moody, but her new home is the worst. Her novelist mother has dragged her to the countryside, drawn by the lost myth of the King of Crows, a dark figure of theft and deceit, and the Scarecrow Prince, the only one who can stand against him. When Morrigan finds herself swept up in the legend, she'll have no choice but to take on the Scarecrow Prince's mantel, and to stand and fight. For her town, her family, and her own future. This lushly drawn graphic novel will pull you into its sinister secrets and not let go till the final page. For fans of Coraline and Over the Garden Wall.

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: This graphic novel is a perfect read for Halloween. It starts out like a Goosebumps story, a family moving to a small mysterious town with a loner child. It also reminded me of the Disney Channel show So Weird. Morrigan's brother and mother travel around the country researching local myths and then incorporating them into their books.

This is a chosen-one story with a few twists, meta jokes, and a bit of playfulness. It presents an interesting take on the dilemmas of being the chosen one. There is definitely moral grayness, which is always great in a spooky read. 

There are also parts of this story that remind me of Labyrinth. It has that similar coming-of-age meets chosen-one vibes. And there's a tall dark, mysterious villain with sex appeal.

I enjoyed this graphic novel. The art pairs perfectly with the story. I give this book a 4/5.  


--PAUL

Taproot (graphic novel) by Keezy Young - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Diamond Book Distributors and Lion Forge via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Taproot
Author: Keezy Young
Recent Release Date: September 26, 2017


Synopsis: Blue is having a hard time moving on. He's in love with his best friend. He's also dead. Luckily, Hamal can see ghosts, leaving Blue free to haunt him to his heart's content. But something eerie is happening in town, leaving the local afterlife unsettled, and when Blue realizes Hamal's strange ability may be putting him in danger, Blue has to find a way to protect him, even if it means... leaving him.

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: This beautiful, sweet story is about a young gardener who can see ghosts. The pastel colors and the many flowers really add to the tone of this graphic novel. There is so much heart at the center of this story. I loved seeing queer characters of color in a graphic novel. I want more stories like this! I would love to see where their adventures go next. 

I give this graphic novel a 5/5. I highly recommend it, especially to readers looking for queer fantasy stories.


--PAUL

The Little Red Wolf (graphic novel) by Amélie Fléchais

*I received this book as an eARC from Diamond Book Distributors and Lion Forge via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: The Little Red Wolf
Author: Amélie Fléchais
Upcoming Release Date: October 3, 2017


Synopsis: Lose yourself in in the dark forests of Amelie Flechais' spectacular artwork. A young wolf, on a journey to bring his grandmother a rabbit, is charmed by the nice little girl who offers to help him... but nice is not the same as good. A haunting fairy tale for children and adults alike.

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: This is a beautifully illustrated twist on a classic tale. Instead of Little Red Riding Hood, a young wolf boy is taking rabbits to his grandmother. He is told to avoid the human hunter and his daughter. This is a story about blindly fearing the other. There are dark tones, but the feel is overall childish. I would love to see more children's stories turned on their head like this. I highly recommend this book and give it a 5/5.  


--PAUL