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

Cretaceous (graphic novel) by Tadd Galusha - 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: Cretaceous
Creator: Tadd Galusha
Upcoming Release Date: March 26, 2019

Synopsis: When a Tyrannosaurus Rex is separated from its family unit, it embarks on a harrowing journey to reunite with them before the raw, real dangers of the Cretaceous Era separate them for good. This heart-wrenching story takes to the skies and dives into the sea—and explores everywhere in between—in this research-based, fictional account written and illustrated by Tadd Galusha (TMNT/Ghostbusters 2).

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Review: This graphic novel has no dialogue. It follows primarily a t-rex separated from their family. Other dinosaurs are also shown going through emotional experiences. There are power struggles, family dynamics, mourning, revenge, parenting, being alone, and just surviving. All during the Cretaceous period.

I give this book a 4/5. The artwork is breathtaking. It portrays emotion so well for not having any dialogue. It's full of simple stories, but they sure bring the feels. There's also a guide to the dinosaurs at the end of the book.  


--PAUL

Crowded, Vol. 1 (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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Title: Crowded, Vol. 1
Author: Christopher Sebela  
Artists: Ro Stein & Ted Brandt 
Upcoming Release Date: March 26, 2019

Synopsis: Ten minutes in the future, the world runs on an economy of job shares and apps, while crowdfunding has evolved into Reapr: a platform for assassination that's trickled down from politicians, celebrities and CEOs to everyday life and all its petty resentments. A world where anyone with enough backers and the money they contribute can kill anyone else.

Like Charlie Ellison, who up until now has lead a quiet, normal life, until she wakes up to find herself the target of a Reapr campaign with a million dollars on her head. Hunted by all of Los Angeles, Charlie hires Vita, the lowest rated bodyguard on the Dfend app. As the campaign picks up speed and Vita takes out incompetent civilians and aspirational assassins on their tail, she and Charlie will have to figure out who wants Charlie dead and why before the campaign's 30 days or their lives are over.

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Review: In a near future, it's all about the sharing economy and apps. Reapr is a platform where people can crowdfund a hit on someone. And anyone can do the kill to get all the funds. Charlie finds herself with a Reapr hit on her head. She becomes known as the million dollar girl. So she finds a security guard and their adventure begins. Why are so many people adding money to the Reapr hit on Charlie?

I give this book a 3.5/5. There are great character designs. The art is colorful and bloody. I really liked the amount of queer characters. 


--PAUL

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 7 (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 7
Writer: Kyle Higgins
Illustrators: Daniele Di Nicuolo & Walter Baiamonte
Recent Release Date: March 19, 2019

Synopsis: The epic start of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ first comic book crossover event: Shattered Grid! 

FOREVER RANGERS.

After Lord Drakkon escapes from the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, he sets his sights on one goal: conquering Power Rangers across all eras. From Time Force to RPM, no Ranger is safe as Drakkon’s conquest causes the Morphin Grid to shatter, jeopardizing all of existence. But it’s this very act that might give the Rangers a fighting chance against Lord Drakkon and his armies.

Writer Kyle Higgins (Nightwing) and artist Daniele DiNicuolo (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink) raise the stakes as Rangers from across time and space band together to save the universe in this first installment of the critically acclaimed event, Shattered Grid. 

Collects Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #25-28.

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Review: It's SHATTERED GRID time! I'm reading both ongoing BOOM! Power Rangers comic series as they are released in trade paperbacks so this means I'm a few months behind on the stories. I somewhat keep up with big reveals via social media. And I did read the first issue of Shattered Grid (MIghty Morphin Power Rangers #25) the day it came out since it was such a huge event. So I was super excited to get Volume 7 in the mail this week!

This story is what all of the Kyle Higgins comics have been leading up to. Lord Drakkon is back and he's fractured the Morphin Grid. The cameos in this volume are so great! There's representation from pretty much every past Power Rangers team. I really liked how some background context was given for the rangers that had more focus like Lauren Shiba (Super Samurai) and Karone (Lost Galaxy). Doctor K from RPM also has a big focus. The domed city of Corinth is the stage for some epic battles. 

Higgins continues to do an excellent job of taking these characters' story arcs from the cheesy tv show and made them more real and emotional. Saba as an actual character and not just a talking sword is wonderful! Also, Ninjor! The relationships between characters is the real heart of these stories. Some of my favorite interactions included Grace and Jason as well as Jason and Lauren. Also, Skull from the Coinless Dimension!

The imagery in this volume is beautiful. I love seeing all the different ranger suits fighting alongside. And the designs for Drakkon's sentries are so great. I love seeing them appear on my social media in the form of cosplay, fanart, and homemade action figures. 

At the end of this volume, the Blue Senturion's story continues. It's an okay short. It isn't quite as comedic as the Bulk & Skull or Baboo & Squatt shorts, but it has some cool references. And it looks like Ninjor will be joining the robot cop form the future in the next volume. 

I give this volume a 5/5. If you're reading this, you probably are at least familiar with these comics. If you're missing out on Shattered Grid, you're missing out on one of the best stories ever told in the Power Rangers canon. These are the best versions of these characters, in my opinion.      


--PAUL

Infinite Dark, Vol. 1 (comic) - 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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Title: Infinite Dark, Vol. 1
Author: Ryan Cady  
Artist: Andrea Mutti
Upcoming Release Date: March 19, 2019

Synopsis: The universe ended, but humanity survived. And for years, the passengers and crew of the vessel Orpheus found the endless void between realities to be a surprisingly peaceful home.

Then they found a body; bloodied, brutalized, and surrounded by inscrutable runes. As Security Director Deva Karrell investigates the Orpheus' first murder, she'll come face to face with a horror from beyond the confines of time itself...

Collects INFINITE DARK #1-4

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Review: The universe has ended. All that remains of humanity is a space station set up for the remnants of the civilization to take refuge, but most of humanity never arrived. The humans on board have created their own society, but a vast majority of the ship is unoccupied. The Director of Security works with the rest of the command crew when a murder/suicide happens on the station. 

This graphic novel is full of interesting characters. It's a creepy, fun sci-fi mystery/thriller/cop drama. There's even a mysterious dark figure.

I give this book a 3/5. The characters are really interesting, but the story dragged for me. I really liked the new technologies featured like the virtual therapy assistant.   


--PAUL

Burnouts Volume 1 (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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Title: Burnouts Volume 1
Author: Dennis Culver
Artists: Geoffo & Chris Burnham
Upcoming Release Date: February 26, 2019


Synopsis: A group of teenagers must fight off an attack on their town by a secret alien invasion to save their friends and families...but they can only see the aliens if they're completely wasted!

The BURNOUTS are saving the world one puff at a time!

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Review: This is a fun book. A group of teenagers realize they can see aliens inhabiting other people's bodies when they're inebriated, either high or drunk. They take it unto themselves to take care of this unusual alien invasion. It turns out being hit really hard knocks the alien out of you and once the alien is on its own, it can be bopped out of existence easily. You can imagine what this looks like to those not in the know: drunk and high teenagers beating up strangers and shouting about aliens.

This is a colorful book that is intense and hilarious. The cow tipping is great! I'm looking forward to seeing where this series will go with the next volume. I give this first volume a 4/5.    


--PAUL

Bloodwitch (The Witchlands #3) by Susan Dennard - Paul's REVIEW

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


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Title: Bloodwitch (The Witchlands #3)
Author: Susan Dennard
Recent Release Date: February 12, 2019

My REVIEW of Truthwitch
My REVIEW of Windwitch
My REVIEW of Sightwitch

Synopsis: Fans of Susan Dennard's New York Times bestselling Witchlands series have fallen in love with the Bloodwitch Aeduan. And now, finally, comes his story.

High in a snowy mountain range, a monastery that holds more than just faith clings to the side of a cliff. Below, thwarted by a lake, a bloodthirsty horde of raiders await the coming of winter and the frozen path to destroy the sanctuary and its secrets.

The Bloodwitch Aeduan has teamed up with the Threadwitch Iseult and the magical girl Owl to stop the destruction. But to do so, he must confront his own father, and his past.

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Review: This series is fantastic. This is the fourth book in the series, but the third full length novel. The writing in all of these books is amazing! The world building is excellent! The characters are wonderful! If you haven't read Truthwitch, stop reading this and go get it and read it NOW!

Aeduan gets the lead arc in this installment. The fans have labeled him Baeduan and this book might actually give light to that name, really delving into Aeduan's backstory. He addresses some inner demons of his own and makes some great revelations. While looking pretty badass the whole time, I may add.   

This is an ensemble series so all of the main characters are back, scattered across the Witchlands. Iseult is with Aeduan and Owl. Safi is with Vaness in a gorgeously described throne room. Merik, Cam, and Ryber are being chased by the Fury towards the Sightwitch Sisters Convent! (This chapter got me so excited since Sightwitch was the most fresh in my mind) Vivia and Stix are learning more about the underground city. Throughout the book, these characters all make progress, switch adventuring partners, cross paths in amazing ways, and learn more about what's really going on in the Witchlands. 

There are so many great emotional moments in this book. Dennard excellently roots this series in complex characters and sprinkles in the immersive world in such a wonderfully palatable way. The chapters featuring Aeduan's youth especially hit me in the feels. BOOTS!!! I loved getting to learn more about the magical system and mythology. Sightwitch is absolutely a MUST-READ before this book.

I obviously give this novel a 5/5! I can't recommend this series enough. It has everything that I like in a book series. If you like Fantasy and you haven't read this, you better get on it! And if you've read some of the series and aren't sure whether you want to pick up Bloodwitch, it is absolutely worth it! 


--PAUL