Comic Book Binge Read

My husband is stuck doing inventory for work this weekend so I will be at home just waiting for him to be done before we can go out and do anything fun.

That being said I decided to come up with a plan for my own fun.

I have numerous (around 10) comic books on NetGalley.com that I need to get reviewed, one being the conclusion to the Alex & Ada series I previously reviewed on here. I have read Vol 2 and just need to complete Vol 3 and am really looking forward to getting to this and finding out what the future holds for these two lovers.

Some of the other volumes I have are things a bit outside of my standard graphic novel comfort zone but that is what makes them so exciting. 

I really only began reading comics/graphics this year and I was completely taken aback by how engrossing and visually satisfying they can be.

Plus they have a lot of humor that just really resonates with me as a reader and I just did not expect that at all.

Really looking forward to sharing my thoughts and feelings as I dive into these comics.

If you don't know what netgalley.com is, it is actually a site were publishers can approve reviewers to review upcoming releases or previously released items that might have a sequel coming out soon etc to help build hype around the new release and make it more known.

I have been a member for a few years now but only actively reviewing for about a year and I love it. 

I have had so many opportunities to discuss upcoming releases and work with publishers to promote new books coming out and even host giveaways. I actually have a review coming soon that has a giveaway associated with a new release. 

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson Review

Book: Nimona

Author: Noelle Stevenson

Publisher: Harper Teen

Publication Date: May 12, 2015

Description: 

The graphic novel debut from rising star Noelle Stevenson, based on her beloved and critically acclaimed web comic, which Slate awarded its Cartoonist Studio Prize, calling it "a deadpan epic."

Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism! All these and more await in this brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from Noelle Stevenson. Featuring an exclusive epilogue not seen in the web comic, along with bonus conceptual sketches and revised pages throughout, this gorgeous full-color graphic novel is perfect for the legions of fans of the web comic and is sure to win Noelle many new ones.

Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren't the heroes everyone thinks they are.

But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona's powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.

My Review: 

What a great story full of fun and life lessons.

As illustrated a hundred times over Noelle Stevenson can do no wrong in my book.

If this colorful and story rich graphic novel were anymore perfect I wouldn't know what to do.

The story is about a hero and a villain and a villain's sidekick who swoops in and shakes things up.

Hero: Goldenloin

Villain: Ballister Blackheart

Sidekick: Nimona

The hero and villain were both training to be the kingdom's champion and after a fierce joust the man who would become the villain lost his arm and turned to a life of crime.

He blamed the hero for his turn to crime as he is the one who caused the injury.

Throughout the story you see the duality of good and evil and how what appears on the surface might not really be what is going on inside a person.

Ballister shows love and compassion for Nimona as well as loyalty. He also feels loyal to Goldenloin as they shared a bond and friendship when training to be Champion.

You don't see the villain intentionally trying to bring physical harm to anyone, in fact, when Nimona suggests it he tells her not to and doesn't want to be that type of super villain. I could see the good in him from the start which is what made his role as the "villain" so dynamic and interesting.

As we delve into Goldenloin's past and even some in his present we see some things that would make many people believe he could be the villain. He is willing to kill a girl, has lied and cheated and is willing to do bad things if it means he will look good; all characteristics of a "bad guy."

I think that is the main thing that is accomplished by this story. It is an illustration of human nature and really shows that not one person is inherently good or evil. There are two sides to every person and most people fall somewhere in-between.

There was loyalty, hijinxs and lots of laughs but also some really heartfelt and serious moments that gave the story and characters depth.

Wonderful job and can't wait to see more from this author.

Star Rating:

5 out of 5 *****

Read this if you enjoyed: 

   

They're Not Like Us: Black Holes for the Young Vol 1 Review

Thank you netgalley.com for allowing me to review this read in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book: They're Not Like Us: Vol 1 Black Holes for the Young

Author:  Eric Stephenson, Simon Gane, Jordie Bellaire

Publisher: Image Comics and Diamond Book Distributors

Publication Date: July 21, 2015

Description: 

Eisner-nominated NOWHERE MEN writer ERIC STEPHENSON teams up with red-hot artist SIMON GANE for an all-new ongoing series! We all have advantages over one another, but what if you were capable of things most of us can only imagine? What would you do – and who would you be? A doctor? An athlete? A soldier? A hero? Everyone has to make a choice about how to use the abilities they're born with... but they're not like us. 

Collects THEY'RE NOT LIKE US #1-6

My Review: 

I received a digital E-Arc version from netgalley.com and Image comics in exchange for an honest review.

(I have since purchased a physical copy of this collection of the first 6 issues)

I didn't really know what to expect from this just reading the description but wit it having a well known author I decided to give it a chance.

I am very happy I did this. 

The story has a lot of basic elements, young people get special abilities and are misunderstood by their family and friends; etc. Nothing really new there...but I think the direction the leader takes and the quick progression of the story add to the overall individuality of the plot line.

What begins as a suicide attempt our main character Syd is thrust into a new life of people with similar abilities to her own. At first she finds this both terrifying and exciting and is beginning to understand her gifts while also doubting the leadership of the new regime she falls under.

Strong female lead who questions authority and who stands up for what she believes.

One thing I didn't enjoy was the progression of Syd's ability to control her gifts. I didn't feel like that was really explored and it couldn't just have been the release of her violence and aggression so I felt that needed a little more exploration.

I think the decision the main character makes at the end will really set the story up to develop into something really interesting.

The art style wasn't my favorite and the colors were a bit muted but I did like the attention to detail and think it went nicely with the story.

Overall, I would recommend this series and am looking forward to where it is headed. 

My Rating:

4/5 stars

Recommended for readers who enjoyed: 

   

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Alex + Ada Vol 1 Review

Book: Alex and Ada Vol 1

Authors: Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn

Publisher: Image Comics

Publication Date: June 16, 2014

Description: 

From JONATHAN LUNA (GIRLS, THE SWORD, ULTRA, Spider-Woman: Origin) and SARAH VAUGHN (Sparkshooter) comes ALEX + ADA, a sci-fi drama set in the near future. The last thing in the world Alex wanted was an X5, the latest in realistic androids. But after Ada is dropped into his life, he discovers she is more than just a robot.

My Review: 

I loved this.

I can not wait to continue. I was very impressed with the concept and storytelling and thought the idea was very much like the movie IRobot which I loved.

I think that the idea of having a robot living with you and doing anything you need while looking and feeling human is a bit scary but I think it is pretty amazing that our main character also wants this robot to have its own thoughts and opinions.

To have a robot be almost human can kind of cloud the right and wrong of loving or befriending them as they are not really "real" but can have human emotions. It is definitely a gray area and would be difficult to navigate in this near future story.

I liked where this is headed. I think the problem that some people have with the art style is kind of silly. It is a bit plain and the colors are muted and not the most vibrant but I think it flows well with the story telling.

I was approved to read volume 3 on netgalley so I am working my way to it in order to find out if this series just keeps getting better like I think it will.

My Rating: 4/5 stars

Read if you enjoyed: