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

Fun Home

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic Alison Bechdel 4.5 / 5	Published 2006 First Sentence "Like many fathers, mine could occasionally be prevailed upon for a spot of 'airplane.'"
Publisher's Description: In this groundbreaking, bestselling graphic memoir, Alison Bechdel charts her fraught relationship with her late father. In her hands, personal history becomes a work of amazing subtlety and power, written with controlled force and enlivened with humor, rich literary allusion, and heartbreaking detail. Distant and exacting, Bruce Bechdel was an English teacher and director of the town funeral home, which Alison and her family referred to as the "Fun Home." It was not until college that Alison, who had recently come out as a lesbian, discovered that her father was also gay. A few weeks after this revelation, he was dead, leaving a legacy of mystery for his daughter to resolve.
Dear Reader, I read this book quickly, partly because it's a graphic novel (can one call a nonfiction work that?) and partly because Alison Bechdel would be speaking at the college where I work within a week. This book was selected as the Freshman Read for this year, which means all entering students are required to read the same book, with certain activities (including a visit from the author) planned around this common book. When I was a freshman here (I work at the college I attended), the book was James Baldwin's amazing biography, The Color of Water. Troy and I arrived early at Bechdel's talk, luckily - the big room filled up FAST, and it was far beyond SRO by the time the author took the stage - people were sitting on ledges, the floor, and tables (I was surprised to see the grand piano unadorned with bodies!). We had scored some nice seats on a couch in back, but the downside was that we were unable to see the author or the bottom third of her slides. While I know many in the audience were there because the entire freshman class was required to read the book (which I thought was an awesome choice), I know there were many like us in the crowd, who simply wanted to hear what Bechdel had to say. And she turned out to be a great speaker - I came to appreciate the book even MORE after having heard her talk. I'd encourage anyone to seek her out if she's in your area! The story of her beginnings as a lesbian comics artist - well before the advent and subsequent uber-popularity of webcomics - is as fascinating as her life story. Which is what the book is about - or, at least, one aspect of her life story. (Bechdel will be coming out with a book that focuses more on her mother in the near future.) This one centered on the influence that her young father and his foibles had on her formative years. He was an exacting man, expected a lot from his children, and could be very strict. He didn't even really seem to enjoy having children until they were old enough to discuss books with. His family worked with him at the "fun home," which is what they called the family undertaking business! He's never moved from the small town in Appalachia where he had grown up - and, in fact, spent the entirety of his life living (and dying) within a radius of a few square miles. Needless to say, Bechdel's story was strongly influenced by all of these factors, and when she finally found a true common ground with her father, she was unable to connect with him because of his strict self-discipline (I'll let you read more about that, as it is the essence of her book). I loved Bechdel's art - she got expressions and stances and feelings just right, not to mention all of the little touches in each drawing - and the way she laid out the story. Each chapter begins with her interpretation of a real family photograph, and then she spins each section off from that focal point. I also LOVED how much the book revolved around literature, which was an appropriate medium for telling the story of her father's life, as he was an avid (and very particular) reader. Her allusions to Proust made me particularly happy, especially the way she used his books to frame her story. I could keep talking about this book for a long time, but I want to stop talking and let you discover the book for yourself. It was a wonderful and very appropriate choice for "required reading," and I hope that everyone encounters this book - it's a quick read! - sometime in their lives. Yours, Arianna P.S. I think one of the things that really endeared me to this book was the author's half-funny, half-morbid use of Sunbeam bread in the background of many of her panels...you'll have to read the book to understand why I describe it that way!

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Kindle Edition

Paperback

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  

Monster on the Hill

Monster on the Hill Rob Harrell 4 / 5	Published 2013
Publisher's Description: In a fantastical 1860s England, every quiet little township is terrorized by a ferocious monster--much to the townsfolk's delight! Each town's unique monster is a source of local pride, not to mention tourism.  Each town, that is...except for one.  Unfortunately, for the people of Stoker-on-Avon, their monster isn't quite as impressive. In fact, he's a little down in the dumps. Can the morose Rayburn get a monstrous makeover and become a proper horror? It's up to the eccentric Dr. Charles Wilkie and plucky street urchin Timothy to get him up to snuff, before a greater threat turns the whole town to kindling.  Monsters of all ages are sure to enjoy this tale about life's challenges, the power of friendship, and creative redemption, packed with epic battles and plenty of wild beasts!
Dear Reader, As the publisher's description notes, this graphic novel was perhaps written for children, but can easily be enjoyed by any reader.  My boyfriend and I both devoured the book in one sitting, and we thought it was really well done.  The concept itself was so unique: a Victorian England where each town has its own monster, which is not scary but rather their claim to fame - as well as a strong source of tourist revenue.  So Stoker-on-Avon is disappointed to have a very ineffective monster, and they decide something must be done about it.  A disgraced doctor and a vagabond boy are roped into looking into the situation, and the story unfolds from there.  What I loved most (besides the great illustrations) were all of the little asides and sarcastic comments which peppered the story - things that could almost go unnoticed without a sharp eye.  The illustrations only add to the reader's enjoyment.  The story is definitely one of learning to be happy with oneself, and to own and make the most of what you have to offer.  But it's certainly done quite differently this time!  Who would've thought of using town monsters and their self-esteem to teach such a lesson? This book was recommended by a co-worker with excellent taste, and I will continue to follow her recommendations if all of them are as good as this one! Yours, Arianna

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Saga, Volume 2 (Saga #7-12)

Saga, Volume 2 Brian K. Vaughan (Writer), Fiona Staples (Illustrator) 4.5/5	Published 2013 First Sentence "<---This is my old man  back when he wasn't."
Publisher's Description: From award-winning writer BRIAN K. VAUGHAN (Pride of Baghdad, Ex Machina) and critically acclaimed artist FIONA STAPLES (Mystery Society, Done to Death), SAGA is sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the universe. Thanks to her star-crossed parents Marko and Alana, newborn baby Hazel has already survived lethal assassins, rampaging armies, and horrific monsters, but in the cold vastness of outer space, the little girl encounters her strangest adventure yet... grandparents. Collects Saga issues #7-12
Dear Reader, The magic continues! So, it's not a fluke... this really is a fantastic comic. Just look at the cover, look at that illustration!!! Just look at it. Amazing, right? Yes, even though Marko is covered in blood, it's still amazing. Yeah, thought so. Volume 2 continues where Volume 1 left off, we are thrust into the back-story of Marko and Alana, finally! We get to learn how they met, where they come from and what made them want to risk everything for love. All this while still being followed by assassins and trying to escape the grips of everyone who wants the baby, Hazel. More adventure, some mysteries are solved but more are added, the plot thickens, the characters develop and the quirkiness continues. Imagine a seal in overalls walking a walrus on a leash!?!? Since I don't want to give much away, the reviews of these volumes will be short and sweet... but... You haven't read this yet? What the HECK are you waiting for??? Start with Volume 1, which you can click to read the review here. Happy Reading, AmberBug

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Saga, Volume 1 (Saga #1-6)

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Saga, Volume 1 Brian K. Vaughan (Writer), Fiona Staples (Illustrator) 4/5	Published 2012 First Sentence "This is how an idea becomes real."
Publisher's Description: When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe.  From New York Times bestselling writer Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina) and critically acclaimed artist Fiona Staples (Mystery Society, North 40), Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in this sexy, subversive drama for adults.  This specially priced volume collects the first six issues of the smash-hit series The Onion A.V. Club calls "the emotional epic Hollywood wishes it could make."  Collects Saga issues #1-6.
Dear Reader, This might be one of the most intriguing Graphic Novels I've read in a long time. First, let me just say that Fiona Staples is an AMAZING artist. But what do you get when you combine an amazing artist with a really good storyteller? This addicting Graphic Novel that will make me broke by the time I finish it. So what is it about, you ask? It's a nice combination of Science Fiction and Fantasy, the creatures are very fantasy-like and the world is set in a very futuristic time. The characters had much of the same charm that the "Cowboy Bebop" characters have. I don't know why exactly but many of them have specific quirks that make then endearing right from the start. Don't get me wrong though, this is not cute or for kids. This Graphic Novel is all ADULT, as you can somewhat tell by the cover. The story follows "star crossed" lovers (literally, haha), that come from two families at war. Yes, very Romeo and Juliet but set in a fantasy futuristic world. Both of them soldiers from opposite sides, they meet while one is in captivity and the other is given the task to watch over him. We don't get to see the past that much (at least not in this collection) but we start the story during the birth of the main character (who we have yet to meet). The child/teen tells us her past as a recollected story (so we know she is alive and well, however we don't know the fate of the parents). Think this sounds too romantic? Think again! This has plenty of action, adventure, mystery, intrigue, drama and everything else that makes a story compelling. This will be a Graphic Novel I'll be recommending to just about everyone with a pulse (and maybe an interest in sci-fi or fantasy). Happy Reading, AmberBug

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Sheltered Vol. 1

Sheltered Volume 1 Ed Brisson (Writer/Letterer), John Christmas (Artist) 3/5	Published December 2013 First Sentence "...keep your guns stashed in multiple locations."
Publisher's Description: The men and women of Safe Haven have been preparing for any and all end-of-world scenarios for years. However, their bunkers, weapons, and training can't save them from the one threat they never could have expected: their own children.
Dear Reader, This was a graphic novel I was graciously given for free from NetGalley.com to review. Sheltered is about a community of doomsday "preppers" preparing for whatever might destroy the world. If you've ever watched the show "Doomsday Preppers" then you know these people actually exist. I'm all for scientific scenario shows and sometimes these end of the world scenarios freak me out and make me think I should be better prepared. This graphic novel goes a little further into the prepping and shows us how a community like this could go wrong.  Before I get to the catch, I want to make you aware that the novel gives this next bit away right from the start, so this shouldn't be considered a spoiler. The community is called "Safe Haven" and right from the start you see a divide between the young and the old. This becomes even more clear when a group of kids and teens from Safe Haven round up the adults and gun them down. Not everyone is in on this, mind you, and a couple of the main characters witness this and flee for safety (not realizing why this was happening). Slowly, throughout the first novel we get answers as to why the adults were murdered.  The premise is interesting and like all graphic novels, this isn't the end so the point is to get you hooked to want to read more. I can admit that I want to find out what happens but I wouldn't say this was my sort of thing. The end of the world books/novels are starting to tire me and yes, this is something new but I'm not sure if I want to invest my energy with the rest of the series. Would I suggest it for others? Definitely, especially if doomsday is your thing and you haven't tired of it. This gives a great new perspective, a terrifying one actually. The artwork is solid but the writing a little difficult to read on my tablet (using the Kindle App). Overall, Sheltered gives us exactly what it advertises and could be a really fun graphic novel to get addicted to.  Happy Reading, AmberBug

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