Graphic Novel Review: Grimoire Noir by Vera Greentea

First Second
Published July 23rd 2019
290 Pages

Bucky Orson is a bit gloomy, but who isn’t at fifteen?

His best friend left him to hang out with way cooler friends, his dad is the town sheriff, and wait for it―he lives in Blackwell, a town where all the girls are witches. But when his little sister is kidnapped because of her extraordinary power, Bucky has to get out of his own head and go on a strange journey to investigate the small town that gives him so much grief. ]

And in the process he uncovers the town’s painful history and a conspiracy that will change it forever.- Goodreads

This book is a problematic fave but it is really hard for me to actually say that because there was an extreme party foul within this book that left a bad taste in my mouth and even thinking about it, I am feeling some type of way. But let me start with what was my fave part of this book.

The story was really good. I loved the fact that it does the trope where there was a problem in the past and the solution has now become a problem in the current time. I loved the artwork. The artwork was extremely detailed, moving and the colors were perfect in every scene. It set an amazing mood that sucked you into the novel.

But there were issues. Firstly, there was a lot thrown into this novel and it could have been spaced our better or there could have been better fillers. The author touches upon a lot of characters and history but doesn’t explore them and leaves more questions then answers by time you get to the end of the book. This book could really use another deep dive by the editor to add more content and space to make it a second book.

Bucky was a horrible person. He wasn’t smart enough at all to figure things out and it was handed to him. He didn’t listen to people and he was jealous of the fact that he did not have magical powers. With all of that he had the freaking nerve to accuse people of things and barge into their homes as if he owned the place. The fact that he felt so entitled bugged me out.

Now here is the thing that left a bad taste in my mouth. There were two Black characters (technically 4, 2 were side characters) and both of them were considered evil. No issue with Black characters being villains but if they are the only two Black characters in your book that is a problem. The side characters I had mentioned . . . one was a picture of a Black witch to show that there were Black witches in the past. I 100% believe this was done to show lineage. The other Black character was there to show how evil the main villain was.

The other issue with this is one of the Black characters had to prove she wasn’t evil unless she helped Bucky. And that was bull.

If you are going to be “diverse” then do it well. If there is literally only one Black family in your town, then you need to dip into their history and their story line. You can’t just assume that the reader is not going to notice that you make mention of other Black people but don’t show them. Its disrespectful.

And it was disappointing to read something with a strong story with huge potential but dropped the ball on its characters and its development. Its been a very long time since I have been upset after finishing a book.

Overall,

2.5 Pickles

Fall Cover Love

If you are a new follower, I do a cover love post throughout the year. Here I display different books that will be released between 1-3 months. You can check out January here and June here.

Crown Books for Young Readers Published Sept. 17th, 2019 384 Pages

Mary HK Choi new book cover reveal Credit: ohgigue

The Parliament House TBP Oct. 1, 2019

Which are your favorites? And what books coming out this year that I should be looking for?

Book Review: Teen Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo (Illustrator)

DC Ink
Published July 2nd, 2019

When a tragic accident takes the life of 17-year-old Raven Roth’s foster mom—and Raven’s memory—she moves to New Orleans to recover and finish her senior year of high school.

Starting over isn’t easy. Raven remembers everyday stuff like how to solve math equations and make pasta, but she can’t remember her favorite song or who she was before the accident. And when impossible things start happening, Raven begins to think it might even be better not to know who she was before.

But as she grows closer to her new friends, her foster sister, Max, and Tommy Torres, a guy who accepts her for who she is now, Raven has to decide if she’s ready to face what’s buried in the past… and the darkness building inside her.- Goodreads

I picked up this book because of Gabriel Picolo. I love his artwork and have been following him for some time now. So when it was announced he was doing the artwork for this book, I was all over it. I will read anything that has his name attached to it.

As for Kami Garcia, I have never read anything by Kami Garcia. So I was excited to get into a new author (to me) and also I have a soft spot for Raven. But about the book.

It was good. However, there was a lot packed into this and I did not like that about this. The book takes place in New Orleans; so you already know that there is a lot of magic and history. The thing about it is the author chooses not to dig deep into the history and the magic. Its brushed over and I missed that. I wanted that richness but this story, Raven’s story was so fast. I was expecting more of a backstory and that didn’t exactly deliver.

If you are a fan of Raven, there are some new things to her story but there isn’t much. Going pack to this book being packed. . . its a fast read. Things happen very quickly and there are things missing with the story. Do you leave with more questions than answers? No but you do leave with questions.

Now the art :D

FREAKING AMAZING. The artwork helps the story so much because it fills in what the words do not have. I love how the Black characters were drawn. I loved the style because it is true to Gabriel Picolo but also matches Raven’s personality.

Overall,

I want more story but this wasn’t a bad read.

3 Pickles 

 

Mini Review: Skyward, Vol. 1 by Joe Henderson (Goodreads Author), Lee Garbett (Contributor), Antonio Fabela (Contributor)

Image Comics
Published April 18, 2018
136 Pages

One day, gravity on Earth suddenly became a fraction of what it is now. Twenty years later, humanity has adapted to its new low-gravity reality. And to Willa Fowler, a woman born just after G-day, it’s…well, it’s pretty awesome, actually.

You can fly through the air! I mean, sure, you can also die if you jump too high. So you just don’t jump too high. And maybe don’t get mixed up in your Dad’s secret plan to bring gravity back that could get you killed…- Goodreads

I liked this graphic novel but there are caveats. The story felt rushed. The idea that everything we know about gravity changes is a great concept that deserves time to develop. The scientific concepts within this book were brushed over leaving the reader to assume that it will be talked about later on. Spoiler alert, in this volume, they are not.

I slightly understand why writers choose to rush new comics because they are trying to sell the story so the reader will keep buying or requesting the story. It is a risky move that I don’t agree with but I understand. If the authors would have took just a bit more time on the

Although a brilliant woman, Willa is selfish and I have no sympathy for her, at least in this volume. She is a mess and wants things her way. When she doesn’t get it her way, she makes a way. And this is all good and gravy IF you have the full story as to why something is being done the way it is. I understand being bored. I understand wanting to do something different with your life and wanting to travel but Willa. . .  girl that was not the way to go.

A brief note on the artwork; its stunningly beautiful. You are sucked into this world full of brightness and movement. You want to know all about it, which is why this volume was disappointing.

Overall, I plan on reading the second volume because I am curious to know what will happen to Willa next and if she learned anything from volume one.

2 Pickles

Graphic Novel Review Sleepless, Vol. 1 by by Sarah Vaughn

Image Comics
July 10, 2018
168 Pages

Lady “Poppy” Pyppenia is guarded by the Sleepless Knight Cyrenic, but becomes endangered when an assassin threatens her life in the new king’s reign.

As Poppy and Cyrenic try to discover who wants her dead, they must navigate the dangerous waters of life at court, and of their growing feelings for one another. – Goodreads

I have been eyeing this book since its release and last week I finally got the opportunity to read it.

I was pulled in by the overall story as opposed to the individual characters. When you begin reading you see Poppy mourning and being (slightly) dramatic over her father’s grave. At this scene,  I was a bit skeptical but Poppy redeems herself a little bit as the story progresses. I saw a little bit because although she can stand up for herself, she doesn’t know how to defend herself when it comes down to it. This bothered me a bit because what happens in this book is apparently not the first time it has happened and she has done nothing to improve.

Poppy isn’t an unlikable character. I believe that this volume is an introduction and she will grow. This I am looking forward to it.

There isn’t a whole lot to Cyrenic. I feel that in this volume we are thrown in the middle of things and although there is some backstory, it doesn’t feel placed well. That add some form of insight to Poppy and Cyrenic as individuals but not as a whole.

As for their romance. It was forced. Cyrenic may have been into Poppy truly but it wasn’t until a moment that Poppy looked at him different. There wasn’t a build up to romance. It was just there.

Also things move a bit too fast and normally I wouldn’t have an issue with this but it felt like the author and team though this would be the only set of comics they would get so they just threw everything they can think of into it, so i can feel like a standalone.

I know that I am listing what I didn’t like about this read but I was sucked in. Between the world building, the dramatics of a new King and a assassination plot, I was thoroughly into the book. I love medieval times because it is so dramatic. I honestly believe this is where soap operas get their materials from.

As I have not read the comic individually and only this volume, which is books 1-6, the ending pissed me off because I would have to wait til March to read the second volume or go to the comic book store and buy the comics. *Sigh*

None the less, this is a promising series and even if you decide that you do not want to wait for the next volume, you still should read this book.

Overall,

4 Pickles

 

Graphic Novel Review: Snotgirl, Vol. 1: Green Hair Don’t Care by Bryan Lee O’Malley

Image Comics
Published Feb. 28, 2017
136 Pages

Who is Lottie Person?
Is she a gorgeous, fun-loving social media star with a perfect life or a gross, allergy-ridden mess? Enter a world of snot, blood, and tears in this first collection.-Goodreads

Jumping right into this, the author tries to hard with Liottie. She is a influencer, a fashion blogger with million of followers and a reputation to hold as perfect and always on point.

I get it. This is what the world is now. There are so many people, so many different networks of fashion, make-up, food and books that a photo is worth a thousand words and it needs to be as perfect as possible because it opens the door to  new opportunities. The thing about focusing on that or even using it as a foundation is it because it can become an overkill really fast. It makes the surrounding characters fake and undependable, which sucks becuase they help drove the character.

But Lottie isn’t really a likeable character. She has servere allegeries, which causes snot to run down her nose in the most exessive amount possible. She hides this becuase she wants to be viewed as perfect even in her private life. This is fine. It adds depth to Lottie but only for a limited amount of time. She gets annoying and dull.

However, what the author does, which makes me want to read volume two, despite the low rating I gave this book, is the mystery. Lottie meets someone who she considers perfect. That someone has a weird obession with Lottie but it is very light. None the less, this person causing events to roll that not even Lottie fully understands what has happened or is happening. This mystery aspect of the book, is why I want to keep reading.

What the heck happened and why? Those are important questions that begin to change Lottie’s reputation and private world. This is why I want to keep reading. I’m intrigued by this girl and the new characters that are being introduced.

As for artwork, it top work. The colors and the difference in each character stands on it own and it doesn’t look forced at all.

Overall, I am giving volume two a read for the mystery and maybe there will be some character development. I hope so. I hope hope so.

2 Pickles

 

Graphic Novel Review: Wolf, Vol. 1: Blood and Magic (Wolf #1) by Ales Kot, Lee Loughridge (Colourist), Matt Taylor (Illustrator)

Image Comics
Published Nov. 11, 2015
144 Pages

Los Angeles, California: Antoine Wolfe, a hard-boiled paranormal detective with a death wish, has to cope with sudden responsibility for an orphaned teenage girl who might be the key to the impending apocalypse. The road to hell & back begins.

Enter the World where myths & reality meet. . .- Goodreads

Lately I have been coming across and issue with graphic novels written by white writers that have African American leads. I love the diversity but the issue is the first comic books lack a decent story. It is as if the author doesn’t know how to tell the story and therefore write a weak one, either testing to see if the public will like it or just not exactly sure how to tell the story.

Wolf is an interesting story; where myth meets reality. I love the concept and for the most part this particular volume isn’t a bad start to what can be an amazing story.

Wolf, himself, is a bit dull. There really isn’t much to him but at the same time, I am curious to know him because you know nothing about him other than his “ability.” There isn’t enough information or personality for me to like him but there is enough to make me curious and because of that I will read the second volume.

The story, overall, feels incomplete. Yes, I am aware that this is a series but even in the first volume you should feel some kind of satisfaction, something that makes you feel this isn’t a story that is being made up as you go along (no offense). It didn’t feel like a complete thought and the author was trying too hard to make it relevant, “hip” for teens or whoever.

Artwork was good; exactly what should be expected in a graphic novel. Overall, I do plan on reading volume two but hopefully it is better than volume 1.

 

2 Pickles

Graphic Novel Review: Funérailles 1: Fortunate Sons by Florent Maudoux

Ankama Editions
Published May 7, 2013
80 Pages

In this society if you are not perfect you are not worth living. When a solider of a lower class falls in love with a woman in high society, the union is a perfect fairy tale. And union created a perfect child, destined to rule the Kingdom, while his twin brother a threat, who is toss away. 

Although pigs have eaten parts of this unwanted child, he is saved and lives for the most part a healthy life. When two boys meet, it sets the stage for events that will change their kingdom.

It is unfortunate when you find a series that you get completely into and find out that there are only two volumes….

At first I was skeptical because it appeared to be a cliche Romeo and Juliet if they would have gotten married. But it wasn’t like that at all. This graphic novel is dark, it is detailed, there is nudity, there is blood. It is perfect in a every twisted way.

What I loved most about this is how the backstories weren’t dragged out. It didn’t feel forced into the story nor did it take up the entire first volume. It was key to everything however, it felt less of a flashback and more of a this is what is happening now. Everything tied together with seamless transitions and I didn’t feel as if the author didn’t know what they were doing or that this was a first of their kind. You can see the care in the plot and it matches the artwork.

I can’t say that I had an issue with any part of this book. It is deep on the level that the higher class has a certain perception of how things should be and nothing will stop them from keeping their ideas and making it work. This highlights the darker side to this as well as science. Because science, specifically human anatomy, is strong with this graphic novel.

I enjoyed it but it isn’t for everyone and I would only recommend it to those who do not mind the dark, dull colors and violence.

4 Pickles

 

What Tanya Wants: November 2016

Knopf Published Nov. 22, 2016 208 Pages

Bloomsbury Children’s Books Published Nov. 10, 2016 216 Pages

Lavabrook Publishing Group Published Nov. 15, 2016

Graphic Novel Review (Spoilers): Alex + Ada, Vol. 1 (Alex + Ada #1-5) by Jonathan Luna, Sarah Vaughn

Image Comics
Published July 16, 2014
128 Pages

In the near future, robots are a real thing. But the last thing Alex wants is an X5 as an companion. When Ada arrives at his door, Alex realizes that his outlook may not be as accurate as he thought.

Let’s cut right to the chase. This graphic novel is predictable but it is one of those I know what is going to happen but I like reading it anyway.

As stated the story-line was predictable and I really didn’t like Alex. The whole concept is he went through a bad break up and is lonely, so he receives the X5 as a gift from his grandmother, He doesn’t like the fact that Ada is a robot, so he gets her hacked to be a human.

I think that is ridiculously because you want a human girl but you don’t want to put in the work to be with a human girl, so you use a robot and make her more human.  -_-

The story moves really fast and Ada falls into a fast stereotype of over-reacting female faster than any none human can.  But what I liked about this series despite the character flaws was how it showed that given the opportunity humans may not act so human at all. Granted this is not a new concept but it still was not horrible to read. It showed how jealous and petty people can really be when they don’t get what they want.

I enjoyed the artwork very much. It was bright and detailed not cliche in the least. It wasn’t sloppy and other than Alex being stale face most of the time, other characters displayed emotion in a realistic way.

As stated before this series is very basic but there something like-able about that you just keep reading it. This a I happen to see it read not I need to buy it read. So much more could have been done.

 

3 Pickles