The Human Target, Volume 2

Today's post is on The Human Target, Volume 2 by Tom King, Greg Smallwood (Illustrator). It is 232 pages long and is published by DC Comics. As it is the second collection so you need to have read the first collection to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes classic style noir mysteries with superheroes. There is mild foul language, implied sex, and action violence. The story closely follows Chance until the end. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the dust jacket- Christopher Chance has 12 days to solve his own murder! Superstar writer Tom King and acclaimed artist Greg Smallwood continue the noir examination of a classic DC character!
Christopher Chance has made a living out of being a human target—a man hired to disguise himself as his client to invite would-be assassins to attempt his murder. He’s had a remarkable career until his latest case protecting Lex Luthor when things go sideways.
An assassination attempt Chance didn’t see coming leaves him vulnerable and left trying to solve his own murder, as he has 12 days to discover just who poisoned him. After discovering clues, the death of a Green Lantern and a torrid romance with Tora Olafsdottir, a.k.a. Ice, DC’s top bodyguard may meet his match when Beatriz da Costa, otherwise known as Fire, steps into his life. Only time will tell what secrets this flaming femme fatale might hold, and just how badly The Human Target might get burned.
Human Target is a hard-boiled, gritty story in the vein of classic detective noirs, told by bestselling and critically acclaimed creators Tom King and Greg Smallwood!

Review- An excellent end to an excellent run. Chance is running out of time to find his killer. He knows all about the how and the why behind his poisoning but the who is still eluding him. The ending is very satisfying with all questions being answered, the real bad guy is punished, just not camera, and Chance must face the end his own way. The art continued to be standout and really make this series. King does a wonderful job with the story and I would like to read more from him and see him return to the character of Christopher Chance, in another storyline. I would strongly recommend this collection. 

I give this collection a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this collection from my local library. 

Wonder Woman, Vol. 3: The Circle

Today's post is on Wonder Woman, Vol. 3: The Circle by Gail Simone, Terry Dodson (Illustrator), Rachel Dodson (Illustrator). It is 160 pages long and is published by DC Comics. The cover has Wonder Woman on it. The intended reader is someone who likes superheroes, Wonder Woman in particular. There is mild foul language, no sex, and action violence in this comic. The story closely follows Wonder Woman but moves around as needed. 

From the dust jacket- Gail Simone, acclaimed writer of BIRD OF PREY, SECRET SIX and more, unveils her own unique vision for Wonder Woman in this hard-hitting graphic novel. This title includes Simone's first tales of the Amazon Princess. Along the way, readers will learn what deadly secret the mysterious Circle holds about Diana's birth. Plus, the reformed Secret Society of Super Villains invades Paradise Island, led by the dread Captain Nazi. Collecting issues #14-19 of her hit series!

Review- A interesting four issue run about some history of Wonder Woman around her birth and a two more issues about an alien invasion on another planet and Diana being their champion. Each issue starts in the past around Diana's birth and how it changed her home. The rest of the issue is about Diana trying to get to her home to protect her mother and the other Amazons. The art is fantastic, I love how Dodson draw Diana with a strong jaw, muscles, and beautiful blue eyes. She looks every bit a goddess and warrior. Last two issues the story was interesting but the art was not as good. Gail Simone is a wonderful writer and she knows her Wonder Woman. Simone understands that Diana is a complex character with deep passions and a drive to live up to her name. I look forward to reading more of Simone's work. 

I give this comic collection a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this collection from my local library. 

The Human Target, Volume 1

Today's post is on The Human Target, Volume 1 by Tom King and Greg Smallwood (Artist). It is 192 pages long and is published by DC Comics. The cover is a target with the main character in the center. The intended reader is someone who likes mysteries with superheroes. There is mild foul language, mild sexuality, and violence in this comic. The story closely follows the main character. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Christopher Chance has made a living out of being a human target--a man hired to disguise himself as his client to invite would-be assassins to attempt his murder. He's had a remarkable career until his latest case protecting Lex Luthor when things go sideways.
An assassination attempt Chance didn't see coming leaves him vulnerable and left trying to solve his own murder, as he has 12 days to discover just who in the DC Universe hated Luthor enough to want him dead by slow-acting poison. And the prime suspects happen to be...the Justice League International?

Review- A wonderful noir mystery set in the DC universe. Christopher Chance is a man of many faces and voices. He puts his life on the line so his clients can be safe. But when he poisoned and has only twelve days to solve his own murder, Chance is in over his head. Especially when the prime suspects are superheroes. There is so much to like about this story from the plot to the characters and most especially the art style. It looks very traditional  like it was made using colored pencils, making the drawing look so good. I'm looking forward to the next volume and seeing how chance is going to solve his murder and who did it. 

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this comic from my local library. 

The Nice House on the Lake, Vol. 2

Today's post is on The Nice House on the Lake, Vol. 2 by James Tynion IV and Álvaro Martínez Bueno (Artist). It is 176 pages long and is published by DC Comics. The cover has Walter in the center and the others around him floating like in water. As it is the second volume, you need to have read the first one to understand the story. There is foul language, no sex, and some violence in this graphic novel. The intended reader is someone who likes end of the world stories with diverse characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- One of the most critically acclaimed and bestselling horror books of 2021 returns for its shocking second act—and now is the perfect time to enter the house! The 10 hardy survivors gathered in the house by their mutual friend Walter thought they’d finally cracked the code on his plans…and now everything they thought they knew has literally changed. Can they free themselves from their patterns? Or are they all just determined to build a prison of their very own?

Review- This comic is like a good TV show, intense, to the point, and doesn't over stay it's welcome. Walter is trying to get some control over his group and he is starting to understand that is not possible, that's humans are too much for him to control and still be loved by his friends. So he must make a choice and live with it. I feel that this was a great ending for a interesting series, there is more that can be done but this is a  strong send off if nothing more happens. The art is good, the writing is good, and the pacing is excellent, not too fast or too slow. I would be interested in whatever Tynion does next. 

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this graphic novel from my local library. 

Homicide: The Graphic Novel, Part Two

Today's nonfiction is on Homicide: The Graphic Novel, Part Two by Philippe Squarzoni (Adapter/Illustrator) and David Simon. It is 400 pages long and is published by First Second. The cover has the back of one of the detectives looking at a murder board. As it is the second volume in the series, you need have read the first volume to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes true crime and graphic novels. There is foul language, no sex, and discussion of violence in this graphic novel. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the dust jacket- A woman is stabbed and left to die in her bedroom. A taxi cab driver is killed for a handful of jewelry. A man is gunned down over a debt of $8. As the board fills with red ink, the pressure rises. All the while, detective Pellegrini is haunted by the murder of eleven-year-old Latonya Wallace, a case that is getting colder by the day.

Review- A great conclusion. Not everything is closed at the end of the book, the Wallace case is still officially unsolved, there still is trouble with the city and higher ups but the homicide unit is still moving forward. The narrative style continues to be strongest point of the graphic. This was a fascinating way to take a nonfiction book and recreate for it for a new audience. I recommend this graphic novel highly. 

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this graphic novel from my local library. 

The Nice House on the Lake, Vol. 1

Today's fiction post is on The Nice House on the Lake, Vol. 1 by James Tynion IV and Álvaro Martínez Bueno (Artist). It is 200 pages long and is published by DC Comics. The cover has a a woman in a lake with bones floating around her and a lit house behind her. The intended reader is someone who likes horror and mystery graphic novels. There is some foul language, no sex, and some violence in this graphic novel. The story is told from third person close of the main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Everyone who was invited to the house knows Walter—well, they know him a little, anyway. Some met him in childhood; some met him months ago. And Walter’s always been a little…off.
But after the hardest year of their lives, nobody was going to turn down Walter’s invitation to an astonishingly beautiful house in the woods, overlooking an enormous sylvan lake. It’s beautiful, it’s opulent, it’s private—so a week of putting up with Walter’s weird little schemes and nicknames in exchange for the vacation of a lifetime? Why not?
All of them were at that moment in their lives when they could feel themselves pulling away from their other friends; wouldn’t a chance to reconnect be…nice? In The Nice House on the Lake, the overriding anxieties of the 21st century get a terrifying new face—and it might just be the face of the person you once trusted most.
Collects The Nice House on the Lake #1-6.

Review- An interesting alien invasion and end of the world story. A group of friends are invited to a lake house for a week and over the week the world is destroyed by an alien invasion. Now they have to survive and rebuild humanity. The mystery of who  Walter really is and what his goals are is the main thread of the story. The group has to think and decide what to do next, now that they are alone. The characters are interesting ad their interactions with Walter are the most interesting because it gives insight into Walter and what his goals are. I'm very curious about what is going to happen and how the story is going to be wrapped up. 

I give this graphic novel a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this graphic novel from my local library. 

Harrow County: Omnibus Volume 2

Today's post is on Harrow County: Omnibus Volume 2 by Cullen Bunn et all. It is 408 pages long and published by Dark Horse Books. The cover has Hester Beck with a bloody cow skull in her hands. As it is the second omnibus, you need to have read the first volume to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical urban fantasy and horror. There is some mild foul language, no sex, and action violence in this graphic novel. The story follows Emmy. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- While Emmy has been focused on dealing with supernatural threats from the outside world; a much bigger problem has been brewing at home, leading to an epic confrontation that will alter the fate of the entirety of Harrow County!

Review- A great conclusion to a great story. Emmy has so much to do with keeping Harrow County safe from all the spirits in it and she has to learn about who she is really is. Emmy learns more about her family, her real powers, and what powers Kammi had. Bernice is also learning how to protect Harrow County in her own way. But none of that matters when Hester is returned to the world and she is gunning for Emmy. This was an great journey with Emmy and the others in Harrow County. I would read the next thing by Bunn and the artists who work with him. 

I give this omnibus a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this graphic novel from my local library. 

The Lonesome Hunters

Today's fiction post is on The Lonesome Hunters by Tyler Crook. It is 104 pages long and is published by Dark Horse Comics. The cover has the two main characters with the magic sword. The intended reader is someone who likes urban fantasy and supernatural settings. There is no foul language, no sex, and mild action violence in this graphic novel. The story is told from third person god perspective following the characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- An old and out-of-practice monster hunter in hiding crosses paths with a young girl that forces him to confront these chaotic creatures. As the beasts invade their tenement they set off on a supernatural road trip to stop these ancient evils in a story that explores the ways that youth informs adulthood and how early traumas can haunt us in old age.

Review- The story starts with the hunter, Howard, as a young man and what happened to him. Then we jump into the future with Lupe as she is trying to just make it living with her uncle, who stole something that he shouldn't have. She runs to Howard and then they are fighting and running from things either truly understand. This volume is a lot of set-up from the world to the characters. So a lot of questions but no answer about what is really going on and who the bad guys really are. But I'm hopeful, as I did enjoy this graphic novel. I look forward to reading the volume whenever it comes out. 

I give this graphic novel a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this graphic novel from my local library. 

Invisible Kingdom, Vol. 1: Walking the Path

Today's fiction post is on Invisible Kingdom, Vol. 1: Walking the Path by G. Willow Wilson and Christian Ward (Artist). 136 pages long and is published by Berger Books. The cover is beautiful blue sky with a lone figure in red facing a floating building. The intended reader is someone who likes science fiction, political stories, and graphic novels. There is no foul language, implied sex, and mild violence in this volume. The story is told from third person god, following the two main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the dust jacket- In a distant galaxy, two women discover an inconceivable conspiracy between the world's most dominant religion and an all-powerful mega corporation.
Suddenly the prey in a desperate interstellar chase, they're faced with a life-or-death decision: reveal the truth or risk plunging their worlds into anarchy.

Review- A great start into a graphic novel series about a conspiracy a the highest levels of life and effecting every living species. Vess is a new none on the path to the invisible kingdom, she has a calling towards her religious order and when she discovers something odd in the books of the order, she learns that not everything is what it should be. There is so much to like about this graphic novel, the story is fast paced, the art is great, and the characters are very interesting. I really like the none of the aliens look like a human, other than walking on two legs. They are very alien but that works so well and makes the story have a very different feel than if the reader had a human character to attach to. I recommend this graphic novel and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next volume and continue the chase.  

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this graphic novel from my local library. 

Harrow County: Omnibus Volume 1

Today's graphic novel is on Harrow County: Omnibus Volume 1 by Cullen Bunn et al. The cover has a hand reaching out of a box with glowing eyes behind it. It is 408 pages long and is published by Dark Horse. The intended reader is someone who likes horror comics. There is very mild foul language, no sex, and some violence. The story is told from third person close following Emmy. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- The first half of the highly acclaimed, Eisner-nominated horror fantasy tale, collected in a value-priced omnibus.
Emmy always knew that the woods surrounding her home crawled with ghosts and monsters. But on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, she learns that she is connected to these creatures--and to the land itself--in a way she never imagined.
Collects issues 1-16 of Harrow County.

Review- A wonderful and interesting horror comic with a great main character in Emmy. Emmy lives with her father on a farm in rural Harrow County. But Harrow County has blood in its soil from the killing a powerful witch, who wanted to become a god. When she died, the witch cursed Harrow County and promised to return. When Emmy starts healing the animals on the farm, her father knows that she is the witch returned. Emmy has to fight for life and to protect Harrow County from the things that the witch did before she died. Emmy is a great main character, she is clever, curious, and level headed in the face of the terrors in Harrow County. The side characters have their own stories that give them depth and add more flavor to Harrow County. I look forward to reading the second omnibus and following Emmy to her destiny. 

I give this graphic novel a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this graphic novel from my local library. 

The Last Book You'll Ever Read: The Complete Series

Today's fiction post is on The Last Book You'll Ever Read: The Complete Series by Cullen Bunn et al. It is 192 pages long and is published by Vault Comics. The cover has the main character bursting out of a book with monster hands reaching for her. The intended reader is someone who likes horror and graphic novels. There is foul language, sex, and violence in this graphic novel. The story is told from third person close of two of the characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Read this book at your own peril.
Olivia Kade wrote the book that ended the world. Now she needs someone who won't read it.
Civilization is a lie. Hidden deep in our genes is the truth. And it is slowly clawing its way to the surface. Olivia Kade knows the truth, and she has become the prophet of the coming collapse. Her book, SATYR, is an international bestseller, and it is being blamed for acts of senseless violence and bloodshed all over the world. Olivia's own life is in danger from those who have read her work. Determined to conduct a book tour, she hires security professional Connor Wilson to act as her bodyguard. She only has one requirement: he cannot read her work.

Review- An interesting graphic novel about a woman who wrote a book that could end civilization. Olivia wrote, what she thought was, a book about human nature and philosophy. But as more and more people read her book something is happening to them. The reader either think she is a holy prophet or a doomsayer and must be killed. Her bodyguard hasn't read the book and is mystified by the extreme reactions. Now all he has to do is get Olivia to the last stop on her book tour. This was a fun read with lots of questions about the nature of the book that Olivia wrote or if she wrote it all. The art is very good, the story is compelling, and the ending is open for more to be written in this world. I would like to see more in this world and how others are surviving in it. I would recommend this graphic novel. 

I give this graphic novel a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this graphic novel from my local library.

Alice Ever After

Today's post is on Alice Ever After by Dan Panosian, Giorgio Spalletta (Illustrator) and Cyril Glerum (Illustrator). It is 128 pages long and is published by BOOM! Studios. The cover has Alice trapped in a glass pill jar, crying, trying to get out. The intended reader is someone who is interested in what happened to Alice after she grew up. There is mild foul language, no sex, and mild violence in this graphic novel. The story follows Alice and her sister Edith. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Alice first visited Wonderland as a child. Now an adult, it’s her only escape from her cold, strange reality. But in order to return, Alice needs something stronger than mushrooms, and is forced to resort to crime to feed her growing addiction… When this fateful decision takes her a step too far down a terrible path, Alice finds herself committed to the dreaded asylum. What horrors await her in the bowels of this twisted place? And will Alice ultimately choose to escape from her uncaring family and childhood trauma in Wonderland, or find the courage to face her demons in the real world?

Review- A dark for Alice and a dark reason for her going to Wonderland. When Alice was a child, she was given a drug to help her sleep and she dreamed of Wonderland. But She was given too much and is now addicted and need the drug. This has some very dark moments when Alice is in the asylum with the guards and the madam. The art is good, bright in Wonderland and more muted tones in the real world. If you are a big Alice in Wonderland fan, then you should enjoy this graphic. If you like darker takes on classic stories, you should like this graphic. But if you are neither, then you may not care for this one. 

I give this graphic novel a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this graphic from my local library.

Girl Taking over: A Lois Lane Story

Today's review is on Girl Taking over: A Lois Lane Story by Sarah Kuhn and Arielle Jovellanos (Illustrator). It is 185 pages long and is published by DC Comics. The cover is green with Lois pushing the title from the right. The intended reader is someone who likes Lois Lane and new origin stories. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this graphic novel. The story closely follows Lois. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Can Lois Lane scrap her entire life plan for an unpredictable summer of ride-or-die friendships, swoony romance, and writing her truth? Ambitious small-town girl Lois Lane tackles a summer in National City with gusto, but a cavalcade of setbacks-including an annoying frenemy roommate, a beyond-tedious internship at a suddenly corporatized website, and a boss who demotes her to coffee-fetching minion-threatens to derail her extremely detailed life plan. And, you know, her entire future! When Lois uncovers a potentially explosive scandal, she must stand up and speak out for the future she deserves without destroying everything she’s worked so hard to create. From beloved author Sarah Kuhn (Shadow of the Batgirl, Heroine Complex), with lively art by Arielle Jovellanos, comes a charming YA story about the strength it takes to embrace the messiness of life.

Review- A fun new origin story for Lois Lane. Lois has her whole life planned out, including future Pulitzers. But when local paper she was interning for is bought out, everything changes. She has to learn to make herself be heard and try to help others speak up too. Kuhn nails Lois, a gutsy, proud leader who takes no crap from anyone. The art is fun and joyful, tapping into the fun of summer and friends and big dreams. The road blocks to Lois' success are not a bad boss but herself and she overcomes them. I would recommend this graphic novel, especially if you are a Lois Lane fan, like me. 

I give this graphic novel a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this graphic novel from my local library.

Homicide

Today's nonfiction book is on Homicide by Philippe Squarzoni (Adapter/Illustrator), David Simon. It is 320 pages long and is published by First Second. The cover is grey with yellow accents. The intended reader is someone is who interested in classic true crime and likes graphic novels. There is foul language, no sex, and discussion of violence in this graphic novel. The story is from told third person perspective. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the dust jacket- Homicide, the celebrated true crime-book from the creator of HBO's The Wire, is re-envisioned in this first volume of a gritty, cinematic graphic novel duology.
In 1988, journalist David Simon was given unprecedented access to the Baltimore Police Department’s homicide unit. Over the next twelve months, he shadowed detectives as they took on a slew of killings in a city where killings were common. Only the most heinous cases stood out–chief amongst them, the rape and murder of eleven-year-old Latonya Wallace.
Originally published in 1991, Simon’s Homicide became the basis for the acclaimed television show Homicide: Life on the Street and inspired HBO’s The Wire. Now, this true-crime classic is reimagined as a gritty two-part graphic novel series.

Review- A great introduction to a classic true crime book. Homicide was a ground breaking book and then a ground breaking television show. I have been a fan of the show for over twenty years but I have never gotten around to reading the original book. So when the graphic novel came out, I knew I had to get my hands on it and it was a great read. The style of the art is very traditional with muted greys, browns, whites, and blacks. So when a more intense color, like red for blood, is on the page, it stands out even more. The narration style is very unique, there is little dialog more back narration, like someone read over your shoulder, talking about what is happening and other information. I liked the style, it made it feel like I was reading the original book. I cannot wait to get my hands on the second volume and I would like to see more nonfiction books get this treatment. 

I give this graphic novel a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this graphic novel from my local library. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin

Today's post is on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin by Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird and Tom Waltz. It is 224 pages long and is published by IDW Publishing. The cover is black with a red moon and a turtle in black with his back to the reader. The intended reader is someone who is a fan of the series but you don't have to read all the previous series to enjoy this. There is mild foul language, no sex, and violence in this graphic novel. The story is told from third person close of the Last Ronin. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Who is the Last Ronin? In a future, battle-ravaged New York City, a lone surviving Turtle embarks on a seemingly hopeless mission seeking justice for the family he lost. From legendary TMNT co-creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, get ready for the final story of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles three decades in the making!
What terrible events destroyed his family and left New York a crumbling, post-apocalyptic nightmare? All will be revealed in this climactic Turtle tale that sees longtime friends becoming enemies and new allies emerging in the most unexpected places. Can the surviving Turtle triumph?
Eastman and Laird are joined by writer Tom Waltz, who penned the first 100 issues of IDW’s ongoing TMNT series, and artists Esau & Isaac Escorza (Heavy Metal) and Ben Bishop (The Far Side of the Moon) with an Introduction by filmmaker Robert Rodriguez!
Collects the complete five-issue miniseries in a new graphic novel, an adventure as fulfilling for longtime Turtles fans as it is accessible for readers just discovering the heroes in a half-shell.

Review- This was an incredible graphic novel and a great ending for the original turtle series. The story is in the future and New York is a mess without it's half-shelled protectors. The story is full of emotion not just from the turtle but from the others around him that are still healing from the events that made the Ronin a Ronin. The biggest emotion to me was the turtle dealing with loneness. They were always together or with April/Casey and in the present he has been alone for years and it has taken a toll on him. But he is committed to ending the war and stopping the last Oroku at last. I would strongly recommend this graphic novel. 

I give this graphic novel a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this novel from my local library.

Star Wars: Thrawn

Today's post is on Star Wars: Thrawn by Jody Houser (Writer), Luke Ross (Illustrator), Paul Renaud (Cover Art). It is 152 pages long and is published by Marvel. The intended reader is someone who enjoys Star Wars and wants more. There is no foul language, no sex, and action violence in this graphic novel. The story is told from third person close mostly of Thrawn. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- The fan-favorite Imperial Grand Admiral gets the Marvel Comics treatment!
He's one of the most cunning and ruthless warriors in the history of Star Wars! Now, discover how Grand Admiral Thrawn became one of the most feared military tacticians in a galaxy far, far away. Jody Houser and Luke Ross adapt Timothy Zahn's New York Times best-selling novel about Thrawn's rise through the Imperial ranks!
Meet young Lieutenant Thrawn, who graduated the Imperial Academy with the highest marks possible. He's been assigned his own personal assistant, Ensign Eli Vanto, and is ascending quickly - but that doesn't mean everyone in the Imperial Navy wants him to succeed. And Thrawn isn't the Empire's only rising star - so is Arihnda Pryce. The two rivals' paths will cross, and tensions will run high, when they discover a dark secret within the Empire.

Review- This is a re-telling of the origins of Thrawn, one of the best characters in the extended universe of Star Wars. This starts from the beginning of Thrawn joining the Empire to his ascendancy as Grand Admiral. The reader sees the racism that Thrawn deals with, his genius, and his will to complete his tasks. He is basically Sherlock Holmes in Star Wars and working for the Empire. Thrawn has his reasons for everything he does and we get to see and understand what his aims are. A great introduction to a favorite character and I hope that more is written on Thrawn. 

I give this graphic novel a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this graphic novel from my local library.

Eat the Rich

Today's  post is on Eat the Rich by Sarah Gailey and Pius Bak (Illustrator). It is 128 pages long and is published by BOOM! Studios. The cover is green with the title in meat with an eye on top and a finger in the middle. The intended reader is someone who likes horror comics. There is foul language, no sex, and violence in this comic. The story is told from third person close of the main character, Joey. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- WELCOME TO CRESTFALL BLUFFS!
With law school and her whole life ahead of her, Joey plans to spend the summer with her boyfriend Astor at his seemingly perfect family home. But beneath all the affluent perfection lies a dark, deadly rot… something all the locals live in quiet fear of.
As summer lingers, Joey uncovers the macabre history of Crestfall Bluffs, and the ruthlessness and secrecy lying in wait behind the idyllic lives of the one percent. Who can Joey save? Who wants to be saved? And can she even survive to tell the tale?

Review- This is very interesting and fun horror comic series. This is the full run and a complete story, so that makes me like it more. Joey has been dating a guy from a very wealthy family and she is going to spend the summer with him and meet them. Of course there are some things that her boyfriend didn't warn her about, like eating the staff. And when you start eating people, you can never go back. It a very intense story that moves at a good pace without lingering too much on the eating part. The art is good, using a lot of bright colors at intense moments, then becoming more muted when the action is down. It helps the reader get the correct feeling for the scenes. The characters are interesting and Joey reacts in a believable way to what she sees and is asked to do. I would recommend this graphic novel with the knowledge that it is a horror story with cannibalism in it. I would like to read more from the author and artist. 

I give this graphic novel a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this graphic novel from my local library.

Buffy the Last Vampire Slayer

Today's fiction post is on Buffy the Last Vampire Slayer by Casey Gilly and Joe Jaro (Illustrator). It is 112 pages long and is published by BOOM! Studios. The cover has Buffy with her back to the reader in a ravaged landscape. The intended reader is someone who likes Buffy the Vampire Slayer and dystopian settings. There is mild foul language, no sex, and action violence in this graphic novel. The story is told from third person close, following Buffy mostly. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- It’s the final Slayer tale in this apocalyptic Buffy The Vampire Slayer adventure like you’ve never seen before!
On an alternate earth ravaged by climate change, vampires daywalk unimpeded under a polluted sky. But even amidst the dystopian harmony between the vampire regime and their human cattle, a hardened, 50-year-old Buffy Summers stumbles across hope in the form of a little girl that believes she is the last Slayer. A rebellion is brewing—a new Scooby gang for Buffy, led by a secret leader. Can this familiar face, along with Buffy and the rebellion, turn the tide by bringing back the sun through science… and possibly even magic?
The Multiverse explodes as writer Casey Gilly (Star Wars, My Little Pony) and artist Joe Jaro (Firefly) along with colorist Joana LaFuente (Fence) and letterer Ed Dukeshire (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) bring you a dystopian tale of Buffy Summers as you’ve never seen her before! Collects Buffy The Last Vampire Slayer #1-4.

Review- This is a great, fast-paced story starring Buffy in a new dystopian way. Vampires and other creatures of the night can now walk in the daytime because something made the sun less powerful. In addition in an act of terrorism, all other Slayers were killed, leaving Buffy the last one. She is in hiding because she is a danger the 'peace' with the creatures of the night. But fate loves Buffy and is not going to let her die quietly. I had a really good time with this graphic novel, it had everything I wanted. From good action scenes to Buffy and Spike together again and unique world to explore. The ending is good and quite final but I would like to see more and see what trouble Buffy, Spike, and the new Scoobies can get into. I would recommend this graphic novel. 

I give this graphic novel a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this graphic novel from my local library.

Lois Lane: Enemy of the People

Today's post is on Lois Lane: Enemy of the People by Greg Rucka. It is 304 pages long and is published by DC Comics. The cover has Lois Lane on it doing a Superman pose. The intended reader is someone who likes comics, Lois Lane, and mysteries. There is some mild foul language, no sexuality, and mild violence in this comic. The story is told from third person close moving as needed for the story. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Lois Lane has uncovered the story of the century... if she can prove it!
Out of Metropolis and on the road- and carrying a secret that could change the DC Universe forever- journalist Lois Lane embarks on a harrowing journey to uncover a global conspiracy. She's chasing a plot that reaches the highest levels of international power brokers and world leaders. And she's doing it without the Man of Steel's aid.
With their relationship currently dominating the tabloids, Superman isn't the best backup for her while she's trying to lie low. Instead, she's joined by Renee Montoya, a.k.a. the Questions. As the duo digs deeper, the threats around them grow. Someone obviously wants Lois Lane dead, but is she a target because of what she already knows or because of what she's close to finding out?

Review- A very fun and interesting comic that knows how to use Lois. Lois is a reporter and she is best when she is on the trail of a big story that no one wants her to discover. Lois is trying to uncover what is behind a string of people who cannot remember who they are. Add in some political drama of the government behaving badly and Lois has a hit out on her. Of course, she doesn't let that stop her, no instead Lois uses that to find the answers to her story. It is not all Lois all the time, her relationship with Renee Montoya adds depth to the story with them working to together and fighting for answers. Lois and Clark have some moments too but they are just to help the reader understand and place their relationship. A great run and I would love more comics following Lois doing her thing. 

I give this comic a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this comic from my local library.

Harleen

Today's post is on Harleen by Stjepan Šejić. It is 208 pages long and is published by DC Black Label. The cover has Harley on it grinning. The intended reader is someone who likes Harley Quinn and beautiful art. There is foul language, sex, and violence in this graphic novel. The story is told from third person of Harley. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Dr. Harleen Quinzel has a theory: mental illness is a survival mechanism. As she seeks to help the broken souls of Gotham City piece together their sanity she will become the one thing she fears the most: one of them. A bold new retelling of the tragic origin of Harley Quinn told through the eyes of the only person who knows her better than anyone: Harleen.
A young psychiatrist with a potential cure for the madness that haunts Gotham City, Dr. Harleen Quinzel must prove her revolutionary theory to a skeptical establishment by delving into the disturbed minds of Arkham Asylum's deadliest inmates. But the more time she spends with her criminally insane subjects, the closer she is drawn to one patient in particular--and the further she falls away from reality. The birth of legendary antihero Harley Quinn and the shocking origins of her twisted romance with the Joker are revealed in Harleen, a stunning new tale of love and obsession written and illustrated by renowned comics storyteller Stjepan Sejic.

Review- This is a great re-imagining of Harley's origins. Harley is trying to understand why some people become killers and others don't. But as she gets closer to her study subjects, she begins to slip herself. Joker is there to help her understand the criminal mind, of course. While the story is good, the art is incredible, just gorgeous. If you are a fan of Harley, then you should check out this graphic novel. But if you are a fan of incredible art, you need to check out this graphic novel and meet Stjepan Šejić, his art is some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. I would love for him to write more with Harley and maybe with Ivy too. 

I give this graphic novel a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this graphic novel from my local library.