Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution (manga) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from VIZ Media 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: Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution
Author: Machito Gomi
Recent Release Date: August 11, 2020


Synopsis: The graphic novel tie-in to the latest Pokémon movie of the same name, a CGI remake of the first Pokémon movie, released in theaters nationwide.

Adventure explodes into action with the debut of Mewtwo, a bio-engineered Pokémon created from the DNA of Mew, the rarest of all Pokémon. After escaping from the lab where it was created, Mewtwo is determined to prove its own superiority. It lures a number of talented Trainers into a Pokémon battle like no other—and of course, Ash and his friends are happy to accept the challenge!

Ash’s excitement turns to fear and anger when Mewtwo reveals its plan for domination, creating powerful clones of our heroes’ Pokémon so it can even the “imbalance” between Pokémon and their Trainers. Despite Ash’s protests, Mewtwo refuses to believe that Pokémon and people can be friends. But faced with the determination and loyalty of a young Trainer, Mewtwo just might live to reconsider...especially when pitted against the power of the mysterious Mew!

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Review: This manga is a retelling of a retelling, which in itself I find humorous. The story is the mostly the same as the first Pokemon movie. The changes that were made for the CGI remake are in effect, like the different team that Ash fights at the beginning. Some scenes are given more time, allowing for more depth and context. Other scenes are missing completely, but don't take away from the overall story. there are some great Mewtwo panels. Overall, it was fun to read a classic Pokemon story in a new format. I give this book a 4/5. Don't go into this book expecting anything more than a manga adaptation of Mewtwo's story.


--PAUL

Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Promise (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Dark Horse Books 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: Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Promise
Authors: Gene Luen Yang, Michael Dante DiMartino, & Bryan Konietzko
Illustrator: Gurihiru


Synopsis: The Avatar's adventures continue right where the TV series left off, in this beautiful, oversized hardcover of The Promise, from Airbender creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko! Aang and friends must join together once again as the four nations' tenuous peace is threatened in an impasse between Fire Lord Zuko and Earth King Kuei! As the world heads toward another devastating war, Aang's friendship with Zuko throws him into the middle of the conflict! Featuring annotations by Eisner Award-winning writer Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese) and artist Gurihiru (Thor and the Warriors Four), and a brand-new sketchbook, this is a story that Avatar fans need in an edition they will love!

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Review: Like many others, I recently rewatched the original Avatar: The Last Airbender animated series when it arrived on Netflix. This graphic novel picks up right after the show ends. I've read some of the continuing comics, but I hadn't read this one before. 

The book starts with the classic intro, but with a different ending to reflect the outcomes of the tv series. This book is about moral complexity. There are still Fire Nation colonies within the Earth Kingdom. The Harmony Restoration Movement is established to try and bring peace back, but the world isn't that simple. I really enjoyed the pathway this story went, showing friends disagreeing and finding a way to move forward. The complexities of acknowledging your own culture's past. 

Katara and Aang are in a romantic relationship. I liked seeing them trying to navigate the dating landscape. There are also other combinations of characters. I liked seeing the Kyoshi Warriors protecting Zuko. Toph and Sokka. Zuko and his father. 

Everyone should be prepared to change their mind when they learn new things. 

I'm excited to continue these post-tv show comic books. I give this book a 5/5. Great moral conflicts. The storytelling utilizes the graphic novel medium.

--PAUL

Liebestrasse (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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

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Title: Liebestrasse
Author: Greg Lockard
Artists: Tim Fish & Hector Barros
Upcoming Release Date: September 17, 2020


Synopsis: A 16-page mini-comic debuting at Thought Bubble 2018 in Leeds, UK, in full-color with line art by Tim Fish, color art by Héctor Barros and a script by Greg Lockard.

A short story about Sam, an American banker, meeting Philip, a German journalist, while living and working in Berlin during the 1930s. It’s the final years of the Weimar Republic and their sweet, bilingual romance is quickly hit with an unspeakable reality.

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Review: This is a very short comic. It takes place in Berlin from 1935 to 1952. The timeline wasn't too obvious for me, so I was a little confused as I read this book. Like I said, it is VERY short. And quite dark.

I wish this book was longer. The characters didn't feel like they had personalities. I understand this is a short comic, but I feel like this medium could have been utilized better. I give this book a 3/5.


--PAUL

Olive 1. BY THE LIGHT OF A BLUE MOON (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

 *I received this book as an eARC from Europe Comics 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: Olive: 1. BY THE LIGHT OF A BLUE MOON
Author: Cazot Vero 

Illustrator: Mazel Lucy
Release Date: July 15, 2020


Synopsis: Olive, age 17, has a rich and vivid inner life. She has created an imaginary world that she's able to visit whenever she chooses. But her daily life on earth is shaken up by the arrival of a new roommate at boarding school, who won't leave Olive alone. And even more upsetting: a mysterious spaceman makes a surprise appearance in her imaginary world! A coming-of-age story that will take Olive far from her comfort zone, as she discovers unsuspected sides of herself and the world around her.

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Review: This graphic novel features an autistic main character with a whole world in her head. I love the concept. It initially reminded me of "Otherbound" by Corinne Duyvis. 

This book is a very interesting idea, but I was quite confused at first. The story just did not flow for me. I give this book a 2/5. 


--PAUL

Lightfall: The Girl & the Galdurian (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

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

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Title: Lightfall: The Girl & the Galdurian
Author: Tim Probert
Recent Release Date: September 1, 2020


Synopsis: For fans of Amulet and middle grade readers who love sweeping worlds like Star Wars, the first book of the Lightfall series introduces Bea and Cad, two unlikely friends who get swept up in an epic quest to save their world from falling into eternal darkness.

Deep in the heart of the planet Irpa stands the Salty Pig’s House of Tonics & Tinctures, home of the wise Pig Wizard and his adopted granddaughter, Bea. As keepers of the Endless Flame, they live a quiet and peaceful life, crafting medicines and potions for the people of their once-prosperous world.

All that changes one day when, while walking through the woods, Bea meets Cad, a member of the Galdurians, an ancient race thought to be long-extinct. Cad believes that if anyone can help him find his missing people, it’s the Pig Wizard.

But when the two arrive home, the Pig Wizard is nowhere to be found—all that’s left is the Jar of Endless Flame and a mysterious note. Fearing for the Pig Wizard’s safety, Bea and Cad set out across Irpa to find him, while danger fights its way out of the shadows and into the light.

Will these two unexpected friends find the beloved Pig Wizard and prevent eternal darkness from blanketing their world? Or has Irpa truly seen its last sunrise?

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Review: This graphic novel is full of beautiful worldbuilding and art. The world is so immersive. It's a quest story with some comforting tropes. There are adorable interactions between the characters. It almost has a Jim Henson fantasy vibe, but brighter. It's not as dark as Dark Crystal or Labyrinth, more Muppety. 

The adventures in this story is full of unique characters. They overcome some interesting challenges along the way. The ending is open, not quite coming to a complete resolution. 

I really enjoyed this Middle-Grade Fantasy graphic novel. I would continue to read this series. I give this book a 4/5. 


--PAUL

Mom Marries Mum! (children's board book) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Second Story 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: Mom Marries Mum!
Author: Ken Setterington

Illustrator: Alice Priestley
Upcoming Release Date: September 8, 2020


Synopsis: A brother and sister are thrilled that their mom and mum are getting married! After dancing around the living room, they are full of questions. Will Nana and Pop be there? Will they get to dress up? The answer is yes! They celebrate the wedding outdoors with family and friends. And most importantly, they all get to blow bubbles! A beautiful celebration of a loving family celebrating an important day together.

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Review: This is a super simple board book for children. There isn't much to it, but that's to be expected for a board book. The artwork is great and the story is simple. I really like seeing books like this out in the world. I love this one; it's adorable. I give this book a 5/5.


--PAUL

Spellbound: A Graphic Memoir by Bishakh Kumar Som - Paul's REVIEW

 *I received this book as an eARC from Street Noise Books 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: Spellbound: A Graphic Memoir
Author & Illustrator: Bishakh Kumar Som
Upcoming Release Date: September 1, 2020


Synopsis: The meticulous artwork of transgender artist Bishakh Som gives us the rare opportunity to see the world through another lens.

This exquisite graphic novel memoir by a transgender artist, explores the concept of identity by inviting the reader to view the author moving through life as she would have us see her, that is, as she sees herself. Framed with a candid autobiographical narrative, this book gives us the opportunity to enter into the author’s daily life and explore her thoughts on themes of gender and sexuality, memory and urbanism, love and loss.

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Review: This graphic novel memoir is excellent. This book is part journal, part memoir, part fictionalized retelling. The framing tools used are done so well. The storytelling gets super meta in such an endearing and personal way.

The pages are heavy on the text, but not in a bad way. This isn't a fast read. The stories can be disjointed, but it follows a natural conversational flow. 

I give this book a 5/5. I have never read a comic like this. I love the story. And the way there are multiple levels to the storytelling.


--PAUL