Graphic Novel and Trade Paperback Mini Reviews

Title: Teen Titans: Raven

Series: Teen Titans #1
Author: Kami Garcia, Gabriel Picolo
Publisher: DC Ink
Published: July 2, 2019
Pages: 192
Genres: Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Comics, Superheroes
Source: Public Library

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.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia and first-time graphic novel artist Gabriel Picolo comes this riveting tale of finding the strength to face who you are and learning to trust others—and yourself.

Goodreads | Amazon

MY REVIEW

This didn't blow my mind by any means but I did enjoy it. There were some parts where the pacing felt a little too fast in the story. A lot of the story felt very juvenile to me but this is a young adult graphic novel so that is the target audience. I liked the voodoo aspects and I liked seeing Deathstroke. Some of the characters didn't feel as fleshed out as I would have liked. I really enjoyed the style of the illustrations in this. They really fit with the overall feel of the story. Overall, this is an enjoyable origin story for Raven that is perfect for young readers. I am definitely curious about the next story which features Beast Boy.

Title: Under The Moon: A Catwoman Tale

Author: Lauren Myracle, Isaac Goodhart
Publisher: DC Ink
Published: May 7, 2019
Pages: 219
Genres: Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Comics, Superheroes
Source: Public Library

Selina Kyle is fiercer than she knows. For 15 years, she's put up with her mother's string of bad boyfriends, but when Dernell, her mom's current beau, proves crueler than the others, Selina reevaluates her place in her home. There's no way Selina and Dernell can live under the same roof, and since Dernell won't leave, Selina must.

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Myracle (ttyl) and artist Isaac Goodhart comes a story about learning how to survive the world when you've been forced to abandon your home and finding allies in the most unexpected moments.

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MY REVIEW

This was a little more gritty than I would have expected for a young adult graphic novel but I think that is what made it all the more realistic. This is an origin story that really makes you think. There are topics included that are sensitive to touch upon, such as domestic violence and self-harm. Selina Kyle's story in this adaptation isn't pretty but it is impactful. I loved the character development and the parallels that this young adult adaptation made to the comics. The artwork and color scheme chosen for it is very fitting for the story being told and I really enjoyed the illustrations. Overall, this graphic novel really surprised me in such a positive way. A lot of graphic novels can skimp on the character development a bit but I didn't feel that with this one. The story wasn't flawless but it was solid enough. I'd definitely recommend this one.

Title: Mary Shelley: Monster Hunter Vol. 1: Abomination

Series: Mary Shelley: Monster Hunter Vol. 1 (Issues #1-5)
Author: Adam Glass, Olivia Cuartero-Briggs, Mike Marts, Hayden Sherman
Publisher: Aftershock Comics
Published: December 17, 2019
Pages: 120
Genres: Trade Paperback, Comics, Horror, Retellings, Science Fiction
Source: Public Library

For nearly two centuries, scholars have wondered how on earth Mary Shelley, a nineteen-year-old girl, was able to conjure one of the most frightening and enduring horror stories of all time: Frankenstein.

But with the recent discovery of Mary Shelley’s secret memoir, the truth is finally revealed: Mary Shelley didn’t just write Frankenstein, she lived it. Traveling back to that historic Geneva winter of 1816, Mary, her fiancé Percy, sisters Claire and Fanny, and the celebrated poet Lord Byron find themselves guests of the eerie Frankenstein Estate. The macabre and frightening events that follow lead Mary to both a gruesome and shocking discovery. Their mysterious host is not at all what they expected, and their intentions will change the course of Mary’s life forever.

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MY REVIEW

This was a very interesting story. I have always loved anything having to do with Frankenstein or Frankenstein's monster and I thought that this adaptation and reimagining was very creative. This had a very feminist feel to it, which I loved. I also loved the small references to other classic horror works such as Dracula. The storyline is very clever. While I enjoyed the story, I really did not care for the artwork. It was a little too rough for my liking. I usually prefer something more polished. Overall, even though I didn't care for the illustrations, the story makes this worth the read.

THESE BOOKS CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2020 READING CHALLENGES

- Beat the Backlist Challenge
- Library Love Challenge
- Literary Escapes Challenge

Check out my 2020 Challenge Page to see my progress!

These were some very interesting origin stories. What are some origin stories that you liked or disliked and why?

A Bunch of Comic and Graphic Novel Reviews

Title: Batman: The Killing Joke

Author: Alan Moore
Illustrators: Brian Bolland
Publisher: DC Comics
Publication Date: March 1988
Pages: 50
Genres: Graphic Novels
Source: Library
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For the first time the Joker's origin is revealed in this tale of insanity and human perseverance. Looking to prove that any man can be pushed past his breaking point and go mad, the Joker attempts to drive Commissioner Gordon insane. 

After shooting and permanently paralyzing his daughter Barbara (a.k.a. Batgirl), the Joker kidnaps the commissioner and attacks his mind in hopes of breaking the man. 

But refusing to give up, Gordon maintains his sanity with the help of Batman in an effort to beset the madman.

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

This is one of my favorite Batman stories. I think that most notable thing about this piece is that it includes the Joker's origin story. The past that made him who he is. One bad day transformed him into The Joker. We get a small glimpse of what he was like before that transformation. 

I love how dark the story is. It's gritty, intense, unexpected, unsettling, and really quite tragic in Barbara Gordon's case. I think that the darker aspect makes this Batman read extremely memorable. In the end, Batman and the Joker share a laugh and it just sets a certain ambiance to the overall story. It's great. 

I can't express how much I loved this! Alan Moore is brilliant and Brian Bolland knows exactly how to set the mood with his gorgeous illustrations. This is a must-read for all Batman fans!

Title: Batman Volume 10: Epilogue

Series: Batman Volume II #10

Author: Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV

Illustrators: Greg Capullo, Rafael Albuquerque

Publisher: DC Comics

Publication Date: December 20, 2016

Genres: Comic Books, Trade Paperbacks, Graphic Novels

Source: Library

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After a bloody and brutal battle with Mr. Bloom, Bruce Wayne has reclaimed his mantle as the Dark Knight. But with the city broken and his mind slowly mending together, Batman will have to pick up the pieces of his shattered life and reclaim Gotham City as his own. But what will he do when echoes from his past ripple out into his beloved city’s future?

Collecting: Batman 51-52, Annual 4, Futures End, Rebirth

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

This volume was more of a mashup of leftover comics than a solid story. The individual stories weren't bad for the most part, they just felt like they had no real point or purpose. There was one that I didn't care for because it didn't seem to coincide with the Batman that I know and love, but it is what it is. The others are leave or take really. Nothing super special, nothing truly bad. This volume seemed rather short though. I don't know that I would want to pay for this volume at full price. I would much rather snag it in a good sale or secondhand to fill out my collection and keep things nice and neat. But I'm in no hurry. =P 

Title: Batman and Robin Volume 1: Born to Kill
Series: Batman and Robin Volume II #1

Author: Peter J. Tomasi
Penciler: Patrick Gleason
Inkers: Mick Gray, Guy Major
Colourist: John Kalisz
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Publisher: DC Comics
Publication Date: July 10, 2012
Pages: 192
Genres: Comics, Trade Paperbacks, Graphic Novels
Source: Library

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As a part of the acclaimed DC Comics--The New 52 event of September 2011, Batman begins battling evil with his son, Damian, at his side, Batman now realizes that the hardest part of the job may be trying to work together.

As Batman and Robin try to adjust to their new partnership, a figure emerges from Bruce Wayne's past: His name is NoBody, and he's not happy that Batman Incorporated is shining a light on his own shadowy war against evil...

Collecting: Batman and Robin 1-8

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

I honestly enjoyed every moment of this one. The only thing that irked me a tiny bit was that Damian's character growth seemed to decrease instead of progress. He was learning so much with Dick and they were doing so well together. There was respect there and it was awesome. Now Damian is all pouty drama queen again. He thinks that he doesn't need direction and that it's his way or nothing. He won't listen to Batman at all and they bump heads a lot in this one. But Damian's regression was part of the conflict as a whole for this volume and it couldn't have gone where it needed to without it. 

There is a villain in this volume. It is someone from Bruce's past during an integral time that had him testing his morals. But the real story unfolds between Bruce and Damian. Bruce trying to be a father and save Damian's soul, and Damian pushing back and fighting against his upbringing. The villain plays into this as well, which makes for a well-rounded story. 

Title: Batman and Robin Volume 2: Pearl

Series: Batman and Robin Volume II #2

Author: Peter J. Tomasi

Artists: Patrick Gleason, Lee GarbettAndy Clarke, Mick Gray, John Kalisz, Ray McCarthy, Keith Champagne, Tom Nguyen, Tomás Giorello, Allen Passalaqua, Carlos M. Mangual, Dezi Sienty

Publisher: DC Comics

Publication Date: July 10, 2012

Genres: Comic Books, Trade Paperbacks, Graphic Novels

Source: Library

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After the events of Batman and Robin, Volume 1: Born to Kill, it’s obvious that Damian has a long way to go before he’ll be accepted into Gotham City’s crimefighting family. Will Damian ever be able to live up to the standards that Nightwing, Red Robin and Red Hood set before him?

After a battle with the former Robins, can Damian’s convictions stand up to a confrontation with the Dark Knight’s greatest foe: The Joker?

Collecting: Batman and Robin 0, 9-14

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

I really enjoyed this volume. I liked Damian much more in this volume. At least towards the end. He was way more respectful and he and Bruce even shared a tender father/son moment at the end. It was quite endearing. I liked the undertone of Damian trying to prove himself to the other Robins. He challenges them and has to come out on top. I really liked what Dick told him in the end. And I am glad that he was the one to do it. 

I didn't particularly like the villain in this volume, whose name I can't even remember. He was very forgettable and had no clear motive other than to watch Batman suffer as the villain dies of a particularly grotesque condition of rotting/melting skin/organs. I think a little backstory on the villain would have been helpful. It would have at least made me feel something for the villain. I walked away from this book not caring about him in the least. 

On this same note, I would have liked to know more about the strange zombie cult. There could have been so much more done with it. All we find out is that the Joker has something to do with it. 

Overall, this was a very enjoyable volume. I definitely recommend for Robin fans or fans of the duo!

Title: Batman and Robin Volume 3: Death of the Family
Series: Batman and Robin Volume II #3

Authors: Peter J. Tomasi, Scott Snyder
Artists: Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion, Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray, Ardian Syaf
Publisher: DC Comics
Publication Date: December 3, 2013
Pages: 160
Genres: Comic Books, Trade Paperbacks, Graphic Novels
Source: Library
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A direct tie to Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman, Volume 3: Death in the Family, comes the disturbingly creepy and psychological thriller of Batman and Robin by the all star team of Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason.
The Joker returns to test Batman and the extended Bat-family but when he squares off against Batman's son Damian aka Robin! With Batman's life hanging in the balance, The Clown Prince of Crime pushes Robin to his limits and beyond. And with the 300th anniversary of the founding of Gotham approaches, tragedy strikes the Bat-family.

Collecting: Batman and Robin 15-17, Annual 1; Batman 17

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

This volume was middle of the road for me. The scene with Damian and the Joker was okay. Not terrible by any means, but nothing to really wow me. The scene with Damian tricking Bruce by sending him on a scavenger hunt around the world while he stays home and patrols as Batman was kind of cute. I honestly didn't care for the dream sequence. I have never been a huge fan of those if I'm being truthful. They definitely show the state of mind that the characters are in, but overall it felt like a waste of time reading it. 

The dinner table scene with the Joker in the Batman issue was the best thing about this volume. I really loved the Death of the Family on the Batman side. If that Batman issue was not included in this volume I likely would have rated lower than four stars. If you are more of a Batman fan than a Robin fan then I would skip this volume and stick to the Batman Death of the Family trade paperback. If you are a Robin fan then you may find this one enjoyable. 

If you've read any Batman comics, which are your favorite? If not, do you like any of the Batman movies? Or recommend a read!

Comic Reviews: Batman Volume 8: Superheavy & Batman Volume 9: Bloom by Scott Snyder, Illustrated by Greg Capullo

Title: Batman Volume 8: Superheavy

Series: Batman Volume II #8
Author: Scott Snyder, Brian Azzarello
Illustrators: Greg Capullo, Danny Mikki, Jock
Publisher: DC Comics
Publication Date: March 22, 2016
Pages: 176
Genres: Comic Books, Trade Paperbacks, Graphic Novels
Source: Library


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After his deadliest battle to date, Batman is bruised, battered and scarred. And forever changed.
Now, a figure in an 8-foot mechanized suit of armor roams the streets of Gotham City. More powerful than ever before, Batman’s pursuit of justice has never been more swift or efficient. But who is the new Dark Knight? And why is he...or she here? Plus, learn the secret origin of the strange new villain known as Mr. Bloom!

Collect: Batman 41-46, & material from DC Comics: Divergence

MY REVIEW

This review WILL contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

I can honestly say that this one didn't really jive with me. The plot felt very convoluted to me. Sometimes I had no idea what was going on. Seriously. Some of it just made no sense. 

I did like seeing Jim Gordon all buffed up trying to be Batman, but in the end I just prefer Jim Gordon to be Jim Gordon. A sanctioned Batman isn't Batman, and a Batman in a Robo-Bat suit isn't Batman. And I honestly have no idea what this Powers Corp is and where the hell they came from. They've purchased Wayne Enterprises, but not much else is said about them. And why the hell do they want a Mechanical Batman? WTF. And on that note, why in the world does Jim Gordon need a Bat Truck? A literal beast, semi-esque truck. Another WTF.

While I appreciate the Jim Gordon arc, it just was not executed well. I was bored reading this. I think that best thing about this was the potential that the villain had. The villain is a man with a sunflower on his face (with mysterious growing fingers/claws that impale people) that gives out seeds that provide superpowers when placed under the skin. And these powers vary. That in itself had potential, but it really fell flat. 


Overall, while there are some promising aspects to this, it just doesn't really pan out. I like when Batman comics surprise me with new ideas and shocking twists, but this one just didn't work out for me. I want my Bruce Wayne back. 

Title: Batman Volume 9: Bloom

Series: Batman Volume II #9

Author: Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV

Illustrators: Greg Capullo, Danny Mikki, Yanick Paquette, Sean Murphy

Publisher: DC Comics

Publication Date: September 7, 2016

Pages: 200

Genres: Comic Books, Trade Paperbacks, Graphic Novels

Source: Library

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As the new Batman, former police commissioner Jim Gordon is in for the fight of his life against the bizarre threat of Mr. Bloom, who controls the underworld in Gotham City! At the same time, an amnesiac Bruce Wayne has discovered the truth of his past as the Dark Knight -- and now, he must descend into the Batcave and reclaim that painful legacy.

Collecting: Batman 46-50 & material from Detective Comics 27

MY REVIEW

This review WILL contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Praise the stars that Bruce Wayne is back as Batman! Even if I had to wait until the end to see it. The story overall was a little choppy like the last volume. I still kind of like the idea of the villain in this, but the execution is still not working for me. His whole evil plan kind of made no sense in the end. He certainly had potential though, so there's that. 

I think that my favorite part was the Bruce and Joker moment on the bench. It was fucking awesome. I was on the edge of my seat for that scene like OMG!

I was honestly so sad for Alfred and Bruce's girlfriend when Bruce got his memories back about Batman. I secretly want Bruce to be happy. Why in the world can't he have a lady that knows who he is, loves him, and supports him? Why is that so hard? And poor Alfred. He just wanted Bruce to end up happy and normal. My heart seriously hurt during that story arc.

Overall, this volume has some good spots and some not so good ones. Some of the writing seems lazy, but those good scenes just have me. I can't dispute them. I didn't hate this volume, but I certainly didn't love it.

Are you a comics fan? Do you prefer DC Comics, Marvel Comics, or another comic publisher?

Comic Review: I Hate Fairyland, Vol. 1: Madly Ever After (I Hate Fairyland #1) by Skottie Young, Jean-François Beaulieu, Nate Piekos

Title: I Hate Fairyland, Vol. 1: Madly Ever After

Series: I Hate Fairyland #1
Author: Skottie Young
Artist: Skottie Young
Colourist: Jean-François Beaulieu
Letterer: Nate Piekos
Publisher: Image Comics
Publication Date: April 20, 2016
Pages: 128
Genres: Comic Books, Trade Paperbacks, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Humor
Source: Netgalley


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From superstar writer and artist Skottie Young (Rocket Raccoon, Wizard of OZ, Fortunately, The Milk), comes the first volume of an all-new series of adventure and mayhem.

An Adventure Time/Alice in Wonderland-style epic that smashes its cute little face against grown-up, Tank Girl/Deadpool-esque violent madness. Follow Gert, a forty year old woman stuck in a six year old's body who has been trapped in the magical world of Fairyland for nearly thirty years. Join her and her giant battle-axe on a delightfully blood-soaked journey to see who will survive the girl who HATES FAIRYLAND.

Collecting: I Hate Fairyland 1-5

MY REVIEW

I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinions of the book.

This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

This was so freaking awesome! I loved every minute of this. It's hard to pinpoint the feel that this gives off, but I'll try my best to explain it. I Hate Fairyland is like Rat Queens, but with a much younger (looking) protagonist, with the humor and graphic style of a rainbow bombed Ren & Stimpy, all happening in a world that would be much like Adventure Time with Fairy tale and Fantasy creatures instead of candy people. That's a lot to take in, but I assure you that this is a comic series that you will enjoy. 

I loved that the writing was very fluid in this. I couldn't stop turning the pages and I had to know more. The artwork is so freaking beautiful! OMG, this is the artwork of my soul. The style is gorgeous and the content is amazing. If I were a self-centered person, I would boast that Skottie Young pulled this from the depths of my soul and brought it to life. But I'm not, so good job, Skottie! 

A bit of warning though, if you do not like seeing a mad little girl killing every fairytale and fantasy creature that she comes into contact with, then this may not be for you. But if you are as fucked up as I am, then count yourself among the blessed and pick up a copy of this today!

Are you a comics fan? Let me know what some of your favorite comics are.

Comic Review: Nightwing, Volume 1: Better Than Batman (Nightwing Volume IV #1) by Tim Seeley, Yanick Paquette, Javier Fernández, Chris Sotomayor, Carlos M. Mangual

Title: Nightwing, Volume 1: Better Than Batman

Series: Nightwing Volume IV #1
Author: Tim Seeley
Artists: Yanick Paquette, Javier Fernández
Colourist: Chris Sotomayor
Letterer: Carlos M. Mangual
Illustrator: Douglas Holgate
Publisher: DC Comics
Publication Date: January 25,  2017
Pages: 176
Genres: Comic Books, Trade Paperbacks, Graphic Novels
Source: Library

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A part of DC Universe: Rebirth! 

Nightwing is back...in blue!

He's been Robin, he's been a super spy, a ghost. Now, Dick Grayson finds himself back in Gotham City fighting to reclaim the life that was taken from him. But when a new evil threatens those closest to Dick, as Nightwing he must once again choose whether or not to tear himself away from his home in order to combat this dark force.

Everything Dick thought he knew about being Nightwing will be brought to bear, and his relationship to his former mentor Batman will be put to the test in Nightwing: Volume 1, Better Than Batman! written by Tim Seeley (Grayson) with art by Yanick Paquette (Swamp Thing, Batman/Superman) and rising star Javier Fernández (Red Hood/Arsenal).


Collecting: Nightwing 1-4, 7-8, Rebirth

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

I really loved this. Nightwing is one of my favorite characters and I really enjoyed seeing his character growth in this. Not relying on Batman to guide him, and following his own path. Making his own decisions unhindered. I loved the story arc in this one. I really love when the stories are personal and reveal something about the character's past, as this did. I loved the Raptor's character and where the writer went with it. And I always like seeing Batgirl and Nightwing work together, so that was an added bonus on this one. I did fangirl a little bit on the last page. I can't pass up a Bruce/Dick family moment. I think that this is a must-read for Batman family fans. 

Are you a comics fan? Let me know what some of your favorite comics are.

Graphic Novel Review: Wires and Nerve, Volume 1 (Wires and Nerve #1) by Marissa Meyer, Douglas Holgate

Title: Wires and Nerve, Volume 1

Series: Wires and Nerve #1
Author: Marissa Meyer
Illustrator: Douglas Holgate
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: January 31,  2017
Pages: 238
Genres: Graphic Novels, Young adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Source: Ebook

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When rogue packs of wolf-hybrid soldiers threaten the tenuous peace alliance between Earth and Luna, Iko takes it upon herself to hunt down the soldiers' leader. She is soon working with a handsome royal guard who forces her to question everything she knows about love, loyalty, and her own humanity. With appearances by Cinder and the rest of the Rampion crew, this is a must-have for fans of the series.

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

OMG, the stories in this graphic novel really made me want to reread the entire series! This series is so close to my heart and is one of my all-time favorite book series. It was nice to get close to these characters again, and I can't wait to read the next graphic novel in this series! I admit, this bland art style is not one of my favorite art styles, but it was nice actually seeing things unfold. This art is lovely in its own way, I just prefer colorful, more detailed art in my graphic novels and comics. Story-wise, I have to say that the "romantic tension" between Iko and Kinny was the best! OMG! The part where she describes how she is feeling when she looks at Kinny is great. I was totally fangirling about it. I thought that it was cute when Cress told her that her skin color looks red. =P I'm anticipating what could be contained in Garan's file for Iko.

Do you dabble in graphic novels or comics? If so, what are some of your favorites?