The Wicked + The Divine, Vol 1

The Wicked + The Divine, Vol 1: The Faust Act Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie Illustrations: Matt Wilson & Colorist: Clayton Cowles 3/5	Published 2014 First Sentence "And once again, we return to this."
Publisher's Description: Every ninety years, twelve gods incarnate as humans. They are loved. They are hated. In two years, they are dead. The team behind critical tongue-attractors like Young Avengers and PHONOGRAM reunite to create a world where gods are the ultimate pop stars and pop stars are the ultimate gods. But remember: just because you’re immortal, doesn’t mean you’re going to live forever. Collects THE WICKED + THE DIVINE #1-5
Dear Reader, This one is going to be short folks, sorry! This comic/graphic novel came under my radar because of a few fellow Goodreads friends. I decided to purchase Volume #1 outright before testing the waters and I'm torn with this decision. On the one hand, this wasn't as fun as I thought it would be (more confusing than anything) but on the other hand, the ending was such a cliffhanger that I want to read more. I'm not sure if the answers I want will be solved in Volume 2 but if they don't start to clear some stuff up... I won't be reading any more volumes. I really don't even know how to describe this one to you. The blurb above does that just about as well as I could. The artwork is cool and grungy and the characters are completely wacky and interesting. The plot? (whatever that might be) is all over the place. Greek Gods coming back every so many years to perform?! Huh?! Are they evil, good, neutral? Who the heck knows. I think I'll check out what some of you think of Volume 2 before I commit. I am intrigued as to how things end up...  Happy Reading, AmberBug

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Sex Criminals, Volume One

Sex Criminals, Volume One Writer: Matt Fraction Artist: Chip Zdarsky 4/5	Published 2014
Publisher's Description: Suzie’s just a regular gal with an irregular gift: when she has sex, she stops time. One day she meets Jon and it turns out he has the same ability. And sooner or later they get around to using their gifts to do what we’d ALL do: rob a couple banks. A bawdy and brazen sex comedy for comics begins here! By Matt Fraction (Satellite Sam, Hawkeye) and Chip Zdarsky (Prison Funnies, Monster Cops). Named one of Time Magazine's top 10 graphic novels for 2013. Collects SEX CRIMINALS #1-5
Dear Reader, So you probably think this is chock full of sex and sexy stuff... well, guess what? It is! I would like to point out that the sexy stuff is tastefully done(ish). I'm not much into romance or hot/steamy smexy tales, so this didn't cross my radar UNTIL I heard Wil Wheaton endorse it on Goodreads. After that, I saw a bunch of other friends rating this comic high... so I couldn't really pass it up when I saw it on sale at Newbury Comics. I also don't like reading comics one at a time, I like them when they come in big digest formats - the same way I like to watch my TV (online, watching a whole season in a weekend). So I held off on "Sex Criminals" until it was bundled into a volume. I'm SO glad I did, if I had to wait to see what happened next... it might have killed me. I have grabby hands when it comes to cliff hangers, and even now... I want the next volume NOW (not later). So, you might be asking... would I recommend this? Yes and no... to the right person... Certainly not to my Grandmother, maybe my Aunt, definitely my friends. Do you see what I'm getting at here? I don't want to be responsible for what you can and can't handle (vulgarly speaking - is vulgarly even a word? I checked, it is!) Caution to those who like a little modesty to a story, this might not be for you. I don't want you thinking that this comic is ONLY about sex... because that isn't the case at all. This story has action, adventure, mystery, humor, and so much more. I think part of what I loved about this series is that it shoves so many genres into the mix, it's hard not to be entertained by SOMETHING. Oh, and I need to give a big shout out to the Artist and Writer who threw in MANY amazing 'reading is cool' references. To start off with, the main character is a librarian trying to save her library from shutting down! You can't help but love her. I really hope this comic continues to get rave reviews because I'm digging it, and each non-traditional superhero comic is getting me closer to being a comic junkie. Happy Reading, AmberBug

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The Clarence Principle

The Clarence Principle Writer: Fehed Said Illustrator: Shari Chankhamma 5/5	Published 2007 First Sentence "I was left behind in a dream I once had."
Publisher's Description: Embark on a surreal voyage into an unconventional vision of the afterlife. Clarence wakes to the aftermath of his own suicide and a hidden message spawns his journey beyond. Follow Clarence's twisted tale, as he meets whimsical characters whose fates are destined to intertwine with his. The Clarence Principle is an astounding graphic novel by new talents Fehed Said and Shari Chankhamma.
Dear Reader, Yes, yes, yes. I love the art, the dark comedic style, the quirky characters, and almost everything about this. This was quite some Graphic Novel, completely suited to my tastes. The Clarence Principle is a little bit Anime, slightly dark and mischievous, comical and cartoony with a handful of serious topics thrown in. The main character commits suicide (trust me, this is given to you RIGHT from the first page) and journeys to this dreamscape (a la Wonderland-esque). I love dark comical depictions done in a cartoony style, very Jhonen Vasquez (JtHM). If you don't know Jhonen Vasquez, please turn your eyes to this. I fell in love with his work on Johnny the Homicidal Maniac which then introduced me to the amazing Invader Zim and my obsession with that lovable dog/robot Gir. Bah, I miss all of that. Then I read this, and I remember everything I loved about all of that. Oh wait, I just realized this was published in 2007, which probably means that style I love so much as still "IN", and here I thought this was a comeback. Sad face. The story definitely borrows from "Alice in Wonderland" and takes a very grim topic (suicide and dealing with death) but brings it into this strange dream-like world. Every question seems to be answered with a riddle or another question. The creatures and people (if you can call them that) are so far from the realm of plausibility, it makes you think really hard about what might be going on here. The story doesn't feel cheap, it doesn't seem cliche either. My only complaint would be with the ending, but I won't get into that for fear of spoilers. As much as I liked the story of The Clarence Principle, the art goes beyond just liking it, I loved it. The black and white style worked really well with this one and didn't take away from it at all. I loved the cartoony skull faces, the anime human characteristics, the overly goofy clothing and gothic feel to everything. I could go on and on and on. So yes, this is perfect for me, which means I might be completely biased with this one. I would recommend this to anyone who appreciates a dark comedy, anime and/or that gothic comic style. Happy Reading, AmberBug

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Paperback Only

The Yeti Files: Meet the Bigfeet

The Yeti Files: Meet the Bigfeet Kevin Sherry 4/5	Published September 2014 First Sentence "Hi there!"
Publisher's Description: A hilarious new chapter book series from the bestselling author/illustrator of I'M THE BIGGEST THING IN THE OCEAN. Blizz Richards is a great guy, a caring boss, and a loyal friend. Oh, yeah...he's also a yeti! He's made it his life's mission to study cryptids like him, hidden animals who have taken a powerful oath to never be seen by the outside world. So when a photo of Cousin Brian becomes a media sensation, Brian can't handle the guilt and disappears. But it's time for the annual Bigfoot family reunion, and it won't be the same without him. Luckily, Blizz and his devoted team are on the case. Can they find their furry friend before their secret gets out for good? In Kevin Sherry's hilarious new illustrated series, you'll meet a wide array of weird and wacky cryptids, from goblins and Goatman to skunk apes and Sasquatch--animals that you don't believe exist. And it's up to Blizz to keep it that way!
Dear Reader, I Loved the drawings and the fonts. The characters are designed really well. The inside of a Yeti is fantastic (the anatomy of one). This book is informative? (Even for an imaginary creature). I guess I'd say the information given is from folklore and who doesn't love learning about that? The Yeti, that mythical creature (what they call a cryptid – a hidden animal whose existence was never proven), I think it’s time for him to be in the spotlight. Move over gnomes and cats, the Yeti is here to stampede all over you. I wonder if all those Bigfoot shows on T.V. have sparked an interest with the wee little ones? No matter the case, I can see the bigfoot/yeti being the next big thing. What will this graphic novel for kids include? How about a Yeti cave that resembles the “bat” cave from Batman (chock full of fun gadgets and goodies)? Yep, it’s got that. What about a Yeti family reunion? Definitely. The book even has a little “on the edge of your seat” drama. Don’t want to give it away… that wouldn't be much fun. I can just imagine most kids who read this will become obsessed with “looking for bigfoot”. Although, would that be so bad? It would be a fun outdoor activity! My favorite character in all of this, Gunthar, (super annoying and loves anything that bothers Alexander the Elf) I adore him. The Author/Illustrator is very talented and has a great idea brewing with this. I can see this becoming a big series (Bad Kitty-esque?). Need a good gift for a kid? Want them to read more? This is pretty perfect. Happy Reading, AmberBug P.S. - This book was sent to me by the publisher for my honest review.

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Left: Hardcover and Right: E-Book  

Monsters! & Other Stories

Monsters! & Other Stories Gustavo Duarte 4.5/5	Will be Published Jan. 28th 2014 No First Sentence "This is a wordless comic."
Publisher's Description: Newcomer Gustavo Duarte spins wordless tales brimming with humor, charm, and delightfully twisted horror! In Monsters!, oversized beasts wreak havoc on cities in the tradition of Godzilla and King Kong. In Có!, an alien abduction disarms a gentle farmer, and in Birds, two business partners run from fate only to find themselves hopelessly unable to change the future. Beautifully illustrated and wonderfully evocative storytelling fills every page of Duarte's unforgettable collection, Monsters! & Other Stories.
Dear Reader, NetGalley and Dark Horse Comics gave me this wonderful opportunity to view and rate this unique comic. Can you even call it a comic? I think it should be in a genre of it's own, combine comics with silent film and you might get something closer to what you'll find in Monsters! Gustavo Duarte has split this into three miniature stories that are told without words. Each story is unique and quirky, with a little humor mixed in with a few grotesque but playful images. I find this reminds me very much of those "Spy vs. Spy" comics I used to read growing up. "Spy vs. Spy" was created by Cuban artist, Antonio Prohias. Gustavo Duarte is Brazilian, so maybe it's a cultural stylistic thing? All I know is that I wish we had more! Each page is clean, crisp and full of detail. Details such as the picture frame or penguin that shows up in the background throughout each story. Although the stories are separate, you almost feel that maybe these characters might be related somehow. I didn't ponder too much into this but I appreciate when an Author/Artist adds those little things that make it special. I'm torn between the first story and the last one as to which I would pick as a favorite. I fell in love with the pig loving aliens but I'm also a sucker for cartoon monsters. The second story was interesting but didn't really make me laugh as much as the other two. All in all, this is an artist to watch! I'm excited Dark Horse is taking this on, I'm loving the change in the comic world that has more graphic novels and indie art related comics coming to focus. The demand is there and I implore you all to pick up a few unusual ones, especially if you never thought of yourself as a comic person, this one would be a perfect one to start with. Happy Reading, AmberBug

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Locke & Key, Volume 2: Head Games

Locke & Key, Volume 2: Head Games Joe Hill & Gabriel Rodriguez 5/5	First Sentence "When you said, "Let's go study down by the creek," I didn't think you really meant "Let's go study.""
Publisher's Description: New York Times bestselling writer Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez, the creators behind the acclaimed Locke & Key: Welcome to Lovecraft, return with the next chapter in the ongoing tale, Head Games. Following a shocking death that dredges up memories of their father's murder, Kinsey and Tyler Locke are thrown into choppy emotional waters, and turn to their new friend, Zack Wells, for support, little suspecting Zack's dark secret. Meanwhile, six-year-old Bode Locke tries to puzzle out the secret of the head key, and Uncle Duncan is jarred into the past by a disturbingly familiar face. Open your mind - the head games are just getting started
Dear Reader, After reading the first volume of Locke & Key, I wanted more! I reviewed the first one, which you can find here. I found this volume to be a little less grotesque and a little more mind games (which is probably a little noticeable by the title of this one, Head Games). The story continues with the Locke Family after the tragedy that struck them. The first volume revolves around the tragedy and the family moving into Lovecraft, into the old house that has been owned by the Locke's for centuries. It also introduces us to the keys that do unusual things, this volume in particular has a key that does something quite disturbing. I don't want to give to much away for those of you that haven't picked up the first volume yet. So if you haven't read the first volume, beware the spoilers that you might read if you continue on. In Head Games, we start where Welcome to Lovecraft left off, Zack Wells making an appearance (claiming to be related to the gym teacher). However, we know the truth, Zack was released from the well by Bode in the last volume. We also know that using special keys he can change genders and a particular key in any door which will open to wherever he desires. The story actually revolves more around this new key that Bode finds, one that can be used to open your head (literally) and look inside. The key is inserted into the back of your neck and pops the top of your skull off . The wonderful art of the comic does an excellent job showing us this and Rodriguez (the artist) does an even better job of showing us what is inside a person's head. Brains and Goo? Nope, all our hopes, dreams, fears and more. I enjoyed this volume even more than the first one. I loved the idea of being able to pluck out memories or put information into your head. Joe Hill really touched upon all the questions that you could think of, what would happen if you did take something out? What happens if you shove in a book about cooking? Would you become a master chef? It really opened up the possibilities of the story. I found this even more horrific than some of the other keys, screwing with peoples memories is no joke. I couldn't even begin to fathom why someone would willingly WANT to mess with their head. This is something Kinsey does right away, with taking out her fear and the ability to cry. We don't see too much repercussion from this yet, but I believe this will be addressed in volume 3. Speaking of, I just downloaded it... thank you Joe Hill for getting me addicted, now enjoy my money. I just know this comic series will make a huge dent in my pocket, will it do the same for you? Happy Reading, AmberBug

Locke & Key, Volume 1

Locke & Key, Vol.1: Welcome to Lovecraft Joe Hill & Gabriel Rodriguez 4/5	First Sentence "Mendocino Valley - Before"
Publisher's Description: Acclaimed suspense novelist and New York Times best-selling author Joe Hill(Heart-Shaped Box) creates an all-new story of dark fantasy and wonder: Locke & Key. Written by Hill and featuring astounding artwork from Gabriel Rodriguez, Locke & Key tells of Keyhouse Locke & Key creatorHill has received the Bram Stoker Award for Best Fiction Collection, the British Fantasy Award for Best Collection and Best Short Story, and the Sydney J. Bounds Best Newcomer Award-2007, among his growing collection of critical accolades. This collection of Locke & Key, in development as a major motion picture by Dimension Films, features an introduction by Robert Crais, author of the best-selling Elvis Cole novels.
Dear Reader, I'm not an avid comic book reader, only ocasionally and I'm usually late to the game if I decide to pick one up. This caught my attention because the creator is Joe Hill and I've become a fan after reading "NOS4A2", which I loved. The apple hasn't fallen far from the tree, Stephen King birthed his legacy and Joe Hill has taken the cup. The imagination he has is fantastic, the story is very compelling and I can't wait to read what happens next. The comic starts tragically and the story starts to unfold backward. Each comic will reveal a little bit more of the secrets and it's really very creepy. The comic isn't for the weak of heart, it definitely has some disturbing scenes and might make an unseasoned horror reader queasy. But, for those of us who can handle the grotesque, this will be quite entertaining. I haven't been this enamored with a comic in a long time. Stay tuned for my review on volume 2... Happy Reading, AmberBug