Grumpy Cat Volume 1 (Graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Diamond Book Distributors and Dynamite Entertainment in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Grumpy Cat, Volume 1
Authors: Ben McCool, Royal McGraw, Elliott Serrano, Ben Fisher
Illustrators:  Ken Haeser, Tavis Maiden, Agnes Garbowska, Steve Uy
Recent Release Date: February 16, 2016

Synopsis: Dynamite proudly presents the comic book misadventures of Grumpy Cat, featuring "The World's Grumpiest Cat" and her brother, Pokey! With her ever-present pout and sassy disposition, Grumpy Cat has won the hearts of people everywhere. Now, her unbearable cuteness and infectious sourpuss are featured in an all-new, all-sensational collection of comic stories, sure to make fans of all ages laugh! If you love the memes, the videos, and that irresistible scowl, then get ready for the wildly fun antics of Grumpy Cat and Pokey! 

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Review: I think everyone that uses the internet is familiar with Grumpy Cat. You've at least seen an image of this beautiful feline. I wasn't that familiar with Grumpy Cat other than the many memes and celebrities Grumpy Cat has been pictured with. I haven't seen the Lifetime movie so I wasn't aware of the character that Grumpy Cat has become. She is a grumpy cat. I guess she is this generation's Garfield.

In this comic, Grumpy Cat has a cat companion named Pokey to be the counter to her grumpiness. The meat of the stories come from the interactions between these two cats. They go on many different types of adventures. There is a treasure hunt in a haunted house. They become superheroes and stop criminals. They try to figure out how a cell phone works. There's a story in the style of Sherlock Holmes. There are a lot of different art styles. 

This comic was fun, but I couldn't really get into it. I'm not that familiar with the Grumpy Cat character so a younger reader who loves the meme may enjoy these stories more. I give this graphic novel a 3/5.




--PAUL

My Little Pony: Friends Forever Volume 3 - Paul's Review

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

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Title: My Little Pony: Friends Forever Volume 3
Authors:  Barbara Randall Kesel, Jay P. Fosgitt, Ted Anderson, Tony Fleecs, and Agnes Garbowska

Upcoming Release Date: March 24, 2015

Synopsis: The tales of friendship and fun continue! 

Granny visits an apple convention and is dismayed to see the Flim Flam brothers are up to their old tricks. 

Fluttershy gets an unexpected visit from the most aggressive guy around, Iron Will! 

Rainbow Dash is overjoyed when Wonderbolt Spitfire invites her to a special training camp. 

And, Pinkie Pie meets her match… in the form of delicious, irresistible snacks called PheNOMNOMenons!

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Review: Like the other My Little Pony comic books, this graphic novel is made up of a few smaller stories. Each story focuses on one of the ponies. The thing that I like about MLPFIM is the way they are able to teach good lessons in an entertaining way with subtle pop culture nods that only older folk will get. 

The first story is about Apple Con. Applejack and her family are heading to this Comic-Con-like convention to sell their apples. There are many great comparisons, especially from Granny. Orange and berry growers now attend the convention and it's just not the same as it used to be. There are also some Music Man references in this story. 

In the second story, Iron Will has come in search of Fluttershy for some help with his family. This tale shows the need of patience, kindness, and generosity. 

Rainbow Dash has a secret mission from Spitfire of the Wonderbolts. She learsn that even your heroes can have flaws. 

Pinkie Pie asks for Twilight Sparkles's help in avoiding her food nemesis, PheNOMNOMenons. This story is about breaking habits. I liked all the interesting food carts in this one. 

Overall, these tales are pretty great. They all teach lessons in fun and interesting ways. I highly recommend this to young fans of the show. If your child or relative is a fan, this or any of the other My Little Pony comics would be a great way to introduce a love for reading and/or comic books. I give this graphic novel a 4/5. 


--PAUL