Power Rangers: Sins of the Future (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Power Rangers: Sins of the Future
Author: Matthew Erman

Story by: Trey Moore
Artists: Giuseppe Cafaro & Francesco Segala
Release Date: November 3, 2020


Synopsis: Time Force Pink Ranger Jen Scotts and Red Ranger Wes Collins have defeated their greatest enemy, discover their love may threaten all of time - but can they find a way to survive a shocking new threat and find their way back to each other?

A LOVE THAT CROSSES ALL OF TIME & SPACE After defeating the villainous Ransik along with their allies in the time-traveling Time Force, Pink Ranger Jen Scotts and Red Ranger Wes Collins want to try for a real relationship. But without sacrificing their commitments to the Silver Guardians and Time Force, can the two actually make the ultimate long-distance relationship work? But when Jen returns from the future, she and Wes are attacked by a mysterious stranger who has dire news - if these two stay together, they’ll disrupt the timeline and change the destiny of humanity! The shocking identity of their accuser sets them on a collision path with an enemy they never expected. Can Jen and Wes survive the threats to their pasts, presents and futures? Or will their love be the end of all time as they know it? Trey Moore (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), Matthew Erman (Bonding) and Giuseppe Cafaro (Saban’s Power Rangers: Soul of The Dragon) present an all-new graphic novel set after the events of the hit Power Rangers: Time Force television series featuring two of the most popular Rangers of all time!

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Review: I'm really enjoying these standalone graphic novels BOOM! is putting out that feature rangers from seasons other than Mighty Morphin'. This story focuses on Time Force, and more specifically Jen Scotts. If you're familiar with the original Power Rangers Time Force tv series, that's all you need to know going into this book. If you've seen Hyperforce then you'll get a LOT of great references, though. If you're only familiar with the original series or only the comic books, you won't be too familiar with the characters but I think you'd still enjoy this story. 

Seeing the characters post-tv series is a lot of fun. Nadira is featured, in a different role than usual. There's a newly introduced ranger. Aplha-55 makes a cameo!

The time travel logic in this book is confusing, but I feel like it tried to bring logic to a tv show that didn't even try to make sense when it came to time travel. I really like Outpost One and I hope it comes back into play in future comics (or more)!

I'm not as familiar with this season so I wanted more and more Hyperforce references. I'm still hoping for some incarnation of Hyperforce Season 2. I liked the characters in this book, but there's way too much exposition. I hope this story has ramifications for the whole multiverse.

There are some really great panels in this book, but overall I didn't enjoy the art style. It's too sketchy and not full of bold and bright colors that I'm used to the ongoing comics doing so well. I give this book a 4.5/5. I want to see more standalone graphic novels from other popular series or featuring popular characters, but this one wasn't my favorite.


--PAUL

"How to Be Ace: A Memoir of Growing Up Asexual" by Rebecca Burgess - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Jessica Kingsley Publishers 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: How to Be Ace: A Memoir of Growing Up Asexual
Author: Rebecca Burgess
Release Date: October 21, 2020


Synopsis: Growing up, Rebecca assumes sex is just a scary new thing they will 'grow into' as they get older, but when they leave school, start working and do grow up, they start to wonder why they don't want to have sex with other people.

In this brave, hilarious and empowering graphic memoir, we follow Rebecca as they navigate a culture obsessed with sex - from being bullied at school and trying to fit in with friends, to forcing themself into relationships and experiencing anxiety and OCD - before coming to understand and embrace their asexual identity.

Giving unparalleled insight into asexuality and asexual relationships, How To Be Ace shows the importance of learning to be happy and proud of who you are.

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Review: I LOVE graphic novel memoirs! This book follows Rebecca through their life showcasing the different moments in which they felt different and later realized it was because they hadn't discovered things out about themself yet. The focus is on them being ace, but there's also experiences with OCD and finding connections with other people.

There are so many great moments of storytelling in this book. I especially connected when Rebecca found representation in media through the "Good Omens" fandom. I hope this book can be that representation for ace people. I also hope this is an introduction for some people who aren't as familiar with asexuality.

I give this book a 5/5. These stories show such a great glimpse into someone's unique story. The challenges they faced, the realizations they made, and the connections they made.


--PAUL

Anatomica: The Exquisite and Unsettling Art of Human Anatomy - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Laurence King Publishing 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: Anatomica: The Exquisite and Unsettling Art of Human Anatomy
Author: Joanna Ebenstein
Release Date: September 15, 2020


Synopsis: For centuries, humankind has sought to know itself through an understanding of the body, in sickness and in health, inside and out. This fascination left in its wake a rich body of artworks that demonstrate not only the facts of the human body, but also the ways in which our ideas about the body and its proper representation have changed over time. At times both beautiful and repulsive, illustrated anatomy continues to hold our interest today, and is frequently referenced in popular culture. Anatomica brings together some of the most striking, fascinating and bizarre artworks from the 16th through to the 20th century, exploring human anatomy in one beautiful volume.

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Review: This collection of anatomical illustrations from the 16th century up to the 20th century is diverse and expansive. There's definitely a certain kind of person that will enjoy this book. So many different styles throughout different time periods are showcased. The history of human dissection. The anatomy of organs. Details of the blood system. I had a lot of fun flipping through this book. This would make an excellent gift for any anatomy fanatic. I could see this on a doctor's coffee table at home or at their office. I give this book a 4/5. 


--PAUL

Ritu Weds Chandni (picture book) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Yali Books 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: Ritu Weds Chandni
Author: Ameya Narvankar 
Upcoming Release Date: December 1, 2020


Synopsis: Little Ayesha is all excited for her favorite cousin Ritu's wedding. She can't wait to dance in the baraat ceremony! But not everyone is happy that Ritu is marrying her girlfriend Chandni. Some have even vowed to stop the celebrations. Will Ayesha be able to save her cousin's big day?

This vibrant book sets the story of a same-sex couple struggling to gain acceptance against the colorful backdrop of an Indian wedding.

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Review: Ritu is the first bride in the family to lead her own baraat, a traditionally groom led activity. Ayesha is so excited to see Ritu and her girlfriend get married. She's been to weddings before and is excited to see another one. Unfortunately, not everyone is excited about this same-sex wedding.

This book does not shy away from there been controversy around same-sex weddings. I liked that it showed conflict in this way. There's a place for idealistic stories, as well, but there is something to be said about showing children the truth. The brides even get attacked by water hoses. But, Ayesha dances anyway.

The artwork is beautiful. There are so many great details. There's also a list of Hindu words used in the book at the end. This would be a great book for children familiar with this culture and those who are not. I give this book a 5/5. A great conversation starter for children and their loving adults.


--PAUL

Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from BOOM! Box 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: Juliet Takes a Breath
Author: Gabby Rivera
Artists: Celia Moscote
Upcoming Release Date: December 1, 2020


Synopsis: A NEW GRAPHIC NOVEL ADAPTATION OF THE BESTSELLING BOOK! Juliet Milagros Palante is leaving the Bronx and headed to Portland, Oregon. She just came out to her family and isn’t sure if her mom will ever speak to her again. But don’t worry, Juliet has something kinda resembling a plan that’ll help her figure out what it means to be Puerto Rican, lesbian and out. See, she’s going to intern with Harlowe Brisbane - her favorite feminist author, someone whose last work on feminism, self-love and lots of other things will help Juliet find her ever elusive epiphany.  There’s just one problem—Harlowe’s white, not from the Bronx and doesn’t have the answers. Okay, maybe that’s more than one problem but Juliet never said it was a perfect plan... Critically-acclaimed writer Gabby Rivera adapts her bestselling novel alongside artist Celia Moscote in an unforgettable queer coming-of-age story exploring race, identity and what it means to be true to your amazing self. Even when the rest of the world doesn’t understand.

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Review: First, there's an Animorphs reference so this book brought me in very early. I wasn't familiar with the original novel before reading this graphic novel. I didn't even discover this was an adaptation until after I had read the book, so no need to have any prior knowledge to enjoy this graphic novel.

This is a unique Coming Out story. Juliet is traveling to Portland from NYC to intern with a feminist author. There's a lot of weird white lady shit in this book. People are held accountable. Juliet finds her own queer community.

This book has such beautiful colors. The people are drawn in all sizes and colors, making every body look gorgeous. 

White people need to read this story! As a white cis gay man, I recognize that I need to read more queer stories from different perspectives than my own. This book gives representation to non-white-centered queer communities. I love seeing these kind of graphic novel stories getting hype. I give this book a 5/5.


--PAUL

Ash & Thorn Volume One: Recipe for Disaster (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Ahoy 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: Ash & Thorn Volume One: Recipe for Disaster
Author: Mariah McCourt
Artists: Soo Lee & Jill Thompson
Release Date: October 27, 2020


Synopsis: The apocalypse is nigh! The world needs a Champion, and the only heir to a sacred mystical lineage is...a little old lady? Meet Lottie Thorn, reluctant savior of the world, and her also-elderly trainer Lady Peruvia Ashlington-Voss. They might not look it, but these women are prepared to take on any Big Bad that comes along. But first, perhaps a nice cup of tea?

Collecting issues #1-5 of the hit series by writer Mariah McCourt (True Blood, Stitched) and artist Soo Lee (Mine!, Charlie’s Angels vs. the Bionic Woman), with covers by Jill Thompson (Scary Godmother, Wonder Woman: True Amazon). Plus extra features—including recipes!

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Review: The chosen one is an old woman! I love that this story plays with so many tropes. The main one, obviously, is the champion to prevent the Apocalypse. But there are some fun twists along the way. The story is simple, but fun. Great characters. Easy to follow.

Overall, this is a fun Apocalyptic story. There's also baking recipes at the end of the volume! I give this book 4.5/5.  


--PAUL

The Ludocrats (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: The Ludocrats
Author: Kieron Gillen & Jim Rossignol 
Artists: Jeff Stokely & Tamra Bonvillain
Release Date: November 24, 2020


Synopsis: The Ludocrats! The aristocrats of ludicrous! Defending reality from the encroaching forces of boredom while having a nice time. KIERON GILLEN (DIE, THE WICKED + THE DIVINE) and JIM ROSSIGNOL (Sir, You Are Being Hunted) write! JEFF STOKELY (The Spire) draws! TAMRA BONVILLAIN (Once & Future) colors! CLAYTON COWLES (Every excellent comic) letters! The universe screams in pleasure, writhing, finally satisfied, complete, joyous!

COLLECTS ISSUES #1-5 OF THE LUDOCRATS

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Review: This comic is out there. The most basic premise is a group of aristocrats who are valued for their ridiculousness, I think. The humor is all over the place, but I think that's the point. I understand what the creators are trying to do with this comic, but it is just not my thing. I couldn't really focus on the story. My interest didn't hold. This is an adult book; there is nudity. I give this graphic novel a 2/5. The art is colorful and lively, but the story is confusing and random (not in a good way). 


--PAUL