Unnatural Vol. 2: The Hunt (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: Unnatural Vol. 2: The Hunt
Writer & Illustrator: Mirka Andolfo
Upcoming Release Date: April 16, 2019

Unnatural, Volume 1 REVIEW

Synopsis: Leslie hides within herself a power that many are longing for. After losing her best friends because of an organization that is chasing her, the pig girl finds herself alone and confused with a group of rebels. Will she be able to join the fight against a government that blames the interpersonal relationships considered wrong, considering that she has difficulty keeping the wolf that lives inside her in check? Collects UNNATURAL #5-8

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Review: This second volume in the Unnatural series picks up with Leslie on the run. This whole volume has a feel or urgency. Some more history is revealed, but there's always more questions that come with more information. 

This is an adult comic. There is nudity and sexual situations. It's done in a tasteful way that contributes to the story. The parallels to discrimination and prejudices in our world are done very well. It's a world full of animal people, but so many of the same messaging applies. 

I'm enjoying this series, but this second volume didn't keep my attention as much as the first. I give this book a 3/5. Definitely go check out the first volume if you haven't. The worldbuilding is so intriguing and the art style is beautiful.   


--PAUL

Naja by Morvan and Bengal (graphic novel) - Paul's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Diamond Book Distributors and Magnetic Press on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Naja
Author: Jean-David Morvan 
Illustrator: Bengal
Year Published: 2014

Synopsis: Naja is the perfect killer - because she feels nothing. Literally. Her body registers no pain, nor does her heart, coldly executing jobs given to her by her mysterious boss, known only as "Zero." When another killer in Zero's organization targets Naja for elimination, she has no choice but to fall off the grid and seek answers, as bloody as they might be. Written by international creative powerhouse JD Morvan (Sillage, Zaya) and illustrated by French sensation Bengal (Meka, Luminae), this volume collects the entire five-book Naja series into a single, lavish album!

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Review: Naja is an assassin with quite the complicated past that has left her emotionally empty with the ability or disadvantage of not feeling pain. If you like epic assassin battles both between assassins and assassins fighting larger armies, you will enjoy this. This is definitely a mature graphic novel. There is nudity and gore. 

This book also addresses some pretty messed up issues. The relationships, both romantic and familial, are complex and as they unravel towards the end of the novel may become difficult to follow. Abuse is also an issue that is addressed. 

I enjoyed the narrator. It adds an interesting voice. It isn't until the end that you find the true identity of the narrator. 

I give this graphic novel a 3.5/5. I enjoyed it, but some of the reveals were a little too much for me. These characters are some really messed up people. The artwork was done excellently.   


--PAUL