Showing posts with label graphic novel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label graphic novel. Show all posts

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Review - Aliens: Rescue

*This is a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% mine!
Available to Pre-order on AMAZON!
On February 11th, Dark Horse Comics will release the graphic novel Aliens: Rescue is written by Brian Wood (Aliens: Defiance and Aliens: Resistance) and penciled by Kieran McKeown (Halo: Lone Wolf), which contains all four issues from the 2019 limited comic book series.

Aliens: Rescue is a direct followup to Aliens: Resistance. It centers around Alec Brand, a former colonist who's now a private in the Colonial Marines. He finds himself being investigated by Lena Bouden a USCM, who's determined to know what happened to Amanda Ripley (Ellen Ripley's daughter) and Zula Hendricks. He tells the story of how he was rescued by Ripley and Hendricks, as well as his last interactions with them before their so-called deaths. 

Monday, October 31, 2016

Review: Buffy: The High School Years - Glutton For Punishment

*This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% mine. 

Dark Horse; 80 pages; $10.99; Amazon

I thought the perfect way to end this year's Halloween event would be for me to feature something from my favorite television from the late 1990s - Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a supernatural series that I was obsessed with throughout my teenage years. By obsessed, I mean I had posters of Sarah Michelle Gellar taped to my bedroom wall; I owned every Buffy tie-in novel and read them until the pages were practically worn out; and I recorded every episode on my VHS recorder (Remember those?). So I guess you can say that I was a big Buffy fan. By the time the series ended in 2003, I was out of my Buffy phase, though I did purchase the series on DVD (as well as the spinoff series, Angel) several years later.

Arriving in bookstores tomorrow from Dark Horse Comis is the graphic novel (well, a comic book), titled Buffy: The High School Years - Glutton For Punishment. Executive produced by Joss Whedon, the novel is written by Kel McDonald and illustrated by Yishan Li.

As you can guess by the title, the graphic novel is set during Buffy's high school years or more specifically it's set during season one of the series, where Buffy has just moved to Sunnydale and has befriended fellow classmates Willow (aka the nerd) and Xander (aka the geek). 

"Glutton For Punishment" centers on Buffy and Xander taking an extra-curricular cooking class. At first it looks like a quick way to make an A, but things quickly change on the first day of class when the cooking teacher, Ms. Miller, goes missing and is replaced by the very strict Mr. Blake. All the students try to bake the perfect dessert, but Mr. Blake's taste buds seem to be from another planet as nothing will satisfy his hunger.

Monday, May 16, 2016

Review: Star Trek: Manifest Destiny

*This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% mine.

IDW Publishing; 136 pages; $19.98; Pre-Order
You might know this yet, but there is a new Star Trek film coming out in theaters this July called "Star Trek Beyond." The trailer for the film is supposed to debut at the Star Trek fan event on May 20th!

Arriving in stores on June 28th is the newest comic tie-in Star Trek: Manifest Destiny by Mike Johnson and Ryan Parrott, which is set into between Star Trek Into Darkness and Star Trek Beyond.

The 136-page comic kicks off with a huge Klingon fleet lead by Commander Sho'Tokh invading a planet and they claim it in the name of the Klingon Empire.

A month later the U.S.S. Enterprise receives a strange beacon from a class-M planet, so Captain Kirk sends down an away team to investigate. Of course there is danger on the planet that puts the team in jeopardy. Meanwhile, a Klingon D7 attacks the Enterprise.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Fall Reads: Sanjay and Craig: Fight The Future With Flavor!



Sanjay and Craig: Fight The Future With Flavor!
by Eric Esquivel
Publisher: PAPERCUTZ
Pub. Date: September 22, 2015
ISBN: 978-1629913025
Pages: 52
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Sanjay and Craig debuted on Nickelodeon in 2013 and has become one of it's most popular cartoons. The series centers on a  Sanjay Patel, a 12-year old boy,  and his talking pet snake, Craig.  Nickelodeon is joined forces with the publishing company PAPERCUTZ to create new graphic novels.

Released back in September is the first comic adventure featuring Sanjay and Craig, titled Sanjay and Craig: Fight The Future With Flavor! Written by Eric Esquivel and featuring illustrations from Sam Spina, James Kaminski and Ryan Jampole, the 52 pages graphic novel contains six exciting adventures - "Fight The Future With Flavor," "Hot Wings From Heck," "Lord Of The Pipes," Alien Buttospy," "The Buttermilk King" and "Rated 'R' For Radical". It also features several short segments of"Tufflips Movie Trailers."

I've only seen a few episodes of the Nickelodeon series and while it didn't exactly appeal to me, it did have plenty of silliness that would attract younger viewers. Since I decided to feature more children books on this blog, I went ahead and agreed to review the Sanjay and Craig: Fight The Future With Flavor! graphic novel.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Spring Reads: The Evil of OZ


The Evil of Oz
by Ryan Fuller
Illustrator: Sanjana Baijnath
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Pub. Date: April 7, 2015
ISBN: 978-1493517046
Pages: 108
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Since The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was first published in 1900, people of all ages have been fascinated with the Oz world. Though L. Frank Baum only published 14 Oz titles before his death, there have been several other authors that continued to write more installments over the years. Recently, the Oz has been published as comic books and graphic novels.

A few weeks ago, I was sent a copy of the graphic novel The Evil of Oz, which is written by Ryan Fuller with illustrations by Sanjana Baijnath. No, this isn't another sequel written for kids, but instead it's a dark and twisted sequel written for adults.

The Evil of Oz finds young Dorothy Gale coming home to find her uncle and aunt murdered. The police thinks they were killed by a random intruder, but Dorothy knows otherwise. If she hadn't worn the silver slippers when she went out, the murderer could have taken the shoes. She grabs the bloody ax that killed her family and she returns to Oz on a quest for revenge!

Oz isn't the wonderful place that she remembered. As soon as she arrives she encounters zombie munchkins, a heart ripper Tin Man and a bloody thirsty Beast King. Not even Oz himself can prepare Dorothy for the horrors that awaits her.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Review - Judge Dredd: Mega-City Two


Judge Dredd: Mega-City Two
by Douglas Wolk
Illustrator: Ulises Farinas
Publisher: Diamond Book Distributors
Pub. Date: September 16, 2014
ASIN: 978-1631400803
Pages: 124
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

While I was well aware that Judge Dredd was a comic book series, I have never read a single issue that is until I read this one last year. However, I have seen both movies that have been made of the character.

Judge Dredd: Mega-City Two finds Judge Dredd being taking out of his comfort zone when he is placed in a Judge exchange program. He ends up in California, where a camera crew is constantly following him around. You can say that he is kinda upset that he is forced to carry a non-lethal gun. Los Angeles is no more, so the setting takes place in Mega-City. There are several stores in this book, even a story involving a giant mutated shrimp. Yes, I said that correctly.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Review - Dark Shadows: Year One


Dark Shadows: Year One
by Marc Andreyko, Guiu Vilanova, Patrick Berkenkotter
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Pub. Date: July 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-1606904954
Pages: 128
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Ever since the original dark soap opera, Dark Shadows, ended in 1971, the franchise has continued to live in other medias, such as feature films, remakes, novelizations, merchandises, DVD sets, etc. The Collins family has even found their way into the comic book world over the years.

Last month, Dynamite Entertainment released the Dark Shadows: Year One graphic novel (featuring issues 1-6), which tells the origin of the vampire Barnabas Collins, who caused his family to suffer for generations. It only took one night of passion with the witch Angelique to ruin his life forever.

If you have ever seen the original series or the Tim Burton movie, then you know that Barnabas was engaged to Josette, but the maid Angelique was in love with him, leading Barnabas to have a fling with her, unknowingly at the time that she was in a fact a witch. Barnabas rejected Angelique, so she cursed him to become a vampire.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Review - Damian: Son of Batman Deluxe Edition



Damian: Son of Batman Deluxe Edition
by Andy Kubert, Grand Morrison
Publisher: DC Comics
Pub. Date: July 22, 2014
ISBN: 978-1401246426
Pages: 176
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving in comic book stores this Tuesday, July 22, 2014 is the hardback Damian: Son of Batman Deluxe Edition, featuring Issues #1-4 of Damian: Son of Batman and Batman #666.

In the DC Comic Universe, Batman had a son, Damian, with Talia al Ghu. At the young age of ten, Damian took on the identity of Robin, fighting side-by-side with his father and later becoming Redbird, until his death by the hands of the Heretic.

Damian returned last year in the"what if" 4-issue storyline, Damian: Son of Batman, which Damian takes up Dick Grayson's mantel as the Batman in a potential future after Batman dies. Unlike the old Batman, Damian will kill criminals if needed, despite the fact that this upsets his elderly father, Bruce Wayne. Damian decides it is best that he goes by the Batman code and not kill anyone, but his anger always gets the better of him.

In Batman #666, Damien is now adult taking over his father's legacy as the Batman, but he uses more violent approach to stopping criminals, which has upsets Commissioner Barbra Gordon, who condemns Batman's actions. In this version, Damien sold his soul to the Devil in exchange to receive the immortality he needs to protect Gotham.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Review: Star Trek: Khan by Mike Johnson Claudia Balboni

*This is a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% mine.


While last year's Star Trek: Into Darkness was a box-office success, for most fans the film was a complete misfire with dozens of inconsistencies and plotholes, especially when a British actor, Benedict Cumberbatch, took on the role of Khan Noonien Singh.

I have to admit that I did see the film in theaters last year, but besides from a few entertaining action scenes, the movie was downright stupid thanks to a horrible script and a halfwit finale. That being said, I still have fondness for the franchise, as I grow up watching The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, which is the main reason why I gave the graphic novel Star Trek: Khan a try.

The opening takes place towards the end of Star Trek Into Darkness with Khan Noonien Singh standing trial for his crimes. This is where Khan tells his origin story during the Eugenics Wars, his time aboard Botany Bay and of course the events that lead him into the new Trek timeline. 

Review - The X-Files: Conspiracy



The X-Files: Conspiracy
by John Stanisci
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Pub. Date: July 15, 2014
ISBN: 978-1613778968
Pages: 152
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

I grew up watching FBI Agents Mulder and Scully investigating the strange and the bizarre on Friday night and then later on Sunday nights over the course of nine seasons. I even watched the short-lived spinoff, The Lone Gunmen and the two X-Files feature films. The franchise seemed to be dead until the official 10th season comic book series arrived last year, picking up where the 2nd feature film left off.

Despite dying in the final season of The X-Files, it is explained in the comic book series that The Lone Gunmen (Byers, Fronhike and Langly) faked their deaths and they are continuing their work to expose conspiracies.

In The X-Files: Conspiracy, The Lone Gunmen are sent internet files from the future, where they learn that a deadly virus will wipe out humanity. Of course the trio turn to Agents Mulder and Scully to help them, but while they are investigating one lead, it is up to the Gunmen to investigate several urban legends that might be the cause of the upcoming outbreak.

This is a crossover with other IDW Publishing titles, so these urban legends involve the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the Ghostbusters, the Transformers and the Crow. Between being chased in the sewers by mutants, being scared to death by a ghost and confronting alien-changing robots, the Gunmen have their work cut out for them.

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Review - Injustice: Gods Among Us Vol. 2



Injustice: Gods Among Us Vol. 2
by Tom Taylor, Mark S. Miller Tom Derenick, Bruno Redondo
Publisher: DC Comics
Pub. Date: July 1, 2014

ISBN: 978-1401246013
Pages: 224
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Do recall the old Mortal Combat games where you battle it out against another warrior? Well, the creators of Mortal Combat took that idea and created the video game Injustice: Gods Among Us, set in the DC Universe. In January 2013, a weekly digital comic book prequel was released, shortly followed by print versions of the issues.

Injustice: Gods Among Us Vol. 2 contains issues 7-12 and the Injustice: Gods Among US Annual #1. The overall plot details Lex Luther becoming the Justice League's new ally, pulling their strings to create his own alternate universe. A world where Lois Lane is dead and Superman takes vengeance into his own hands by killing the Joker. 

Superheroes pick sides -you are either good or evil! Green Arrow, Black Canary, Huntress, Captain Atom, and Catwoman choose to follow Batman. While Wonder Woman, the Flash, Cyborg, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Shazam, and Robin are teaming up with Superman with the idea that lives have to be lost to restore justice to the world. 

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Review - Grimm Fairy Tales Presents: Tales From Oz


Grimm Fairy Tales Presents: Tales From Oz
by Meredith Finch and Joe Brusha
Publisher: Zenescope
Pub. Date: April 29, 2014
ISBN: 978-1939683564
Pages: 160
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

I guess you can say that I'm playing catch up today with a few NetGalley titles that have been read months ago, but I'm just now taking the time to actually write the reviews.

I'm sure almost everyone has heard of The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz books by L. Frank Baum or has seen the 1938 musical-film version. The land of Oz is once again becoming popular with last year's Disney film, Oz the Great and Powerful and this year's animated film Legend of Oz: Dorthy's Return. The Wicked Witch even appeared on the popular ABC series Once Upon A Time this year. Two more television series are in the works, NBC's Emerald City and Lifetime's Red Brick Road. Now, the Grim Fairy Tale is putting their own twist on the legend.

Tales From Oz is a prequel set in the Grimm universe, which consists of four Realms (Wonderland, Neverland, Myst, and Oz). Similar to the Wonderland issues, the Grimm version of Oz is written and illustrated for adult readers. Here the stories are centered on Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, The Scarecrow, and Toto, giving a origin tale for each character. 

Friday, July 18, 2014

Review - Hellboy In Hell Vol. 1: The Descent


Hellboy In Hell Vol. 1: The Descent
by Mike Mignola and Dave Stewart
Publisher: Diamond Book Distributors
Pub.Date: June 3,, 2014
ISBN: 978-1616554446
Pages: 144
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

While Hellboy has been in the comic book world since 1993, I have only been exposed to the films starring Ron Perlman in the title role. I was excited when I saw this title was available to review on NetGalley, I eagerly signed up to review, as this was my chance to read a Hellboy tittle.

This summer's release of Hellboy In Hell Vol. 1: The Descent combines the first four issues (The Descent, Pandemonium, Family Ties and The Three Gold Whips) of the Hellboy In Hell series into one volume.

"Shortly thereafter he fought a dragon and was killed."

Yes, that is the introduction line in the first issue that sets up the plot with Hellboy literally going to hell. From the entering the Abyss to traveling through the heart of hell, Pandemonium, Hellboy must confront his past, present and future, if he is going to survive. In the end, he must pick up his father's sword and slay the devil and take the thrown to fulfill his destiny. 

Sunday, April 27, 2014

ARC Review - The Girl Who Played with Fire: A Graphic Novel



The Girl Who Played with Fire: A Graphic Novel
by Denise Mina
Illustrators: Leonardo Manco and Andrea Mutti
Publisher: Vertigo Comics
Pub. Date: June 3, 2014
Retail: $29.99
ISBN: 9781401237578
Pages: 272

Review

The Girl Who Played with Fire is the graphic novel adaption based on the late Stieg Larsson's second installment in the Millennium series. All three books have been adapted into feature films in Sweden; while the first book, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, was adapted into a feature film in the United States in 2011, starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara.

After the events of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, computer hacker, Lisbeth Salander, mysteriously disappeared from Sweden. Her state legal guardian, Nils Bjurman, (who had raped her and in turn she sexually assaults him and then tattoos the words "rapist" on his chest and stomach) is searching for her, mainly because she is in possession of the videotape she had recorded of him abusing her.

Lisabeth is actually taking a long vacation on the Caribbean shores of Grenada, where she meets an American tourist, Dr Forbes, and his wife, whom he has been abusing. Lisabeth quickly gets involve with the situation.

ARC Review - Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell


 

Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell
by Paul Dini
Illustrator: Joe Quinones 
Publisher: DC Comics
Pub. Date: May 27, 2014
Retail: $22.99
ISBN: 9781401210540
Pages: 144

Review:

The DC Comics Universe is full of a variety of male superheroes, but there are also many female superhero characters as well, including Superwoman, Batgirl, Supergirl, etc.. And of course, many of you have probably heard of the character Black Canary that has been appearing on the CW's Arrow this season. In the series, Black Canary's real identity is Sara Lance, while in the comic book it was her sister, Dinah Laurel Lance; though I do have a feeling that Dinah will become Black Canary 2.0 in near future.

The character was first introduced in 1947 and she is normally paired up with the Green Arrow; as you can imagine the character has had many different makeovers over the years, with the most recent occurring in the New 52 reboot. Another character that got a makeover was Zatanna, who first appeared in the DC Comic Universe in 1964. Both of these ionic characters are teaming up for the upcoming graphic novel, titled Black Canary and Zatanna: Boodspell.

Besides from watching Black Canary on Arrow, I'm not to familiar with the character; and I've never even heard of Zatanna before reading the digital graphic novel this morning, which I received from NetGalley. Unlike a few recent DC Comics graphic releases, this isn't a combination of past issues, but instead it is a one-shot, 144 pages issue; giving the readers a glance into the origin of how these two female characters first met.

ARC Review - Batgirl Vol. 4: Wanted


Batgirl Vol. 4: Wanted
by Gail Simone
Illustrators:
Publisher: DC Comics
Pub. Date: May 27, 2014
Retail: $24.99
ISBN: 9781401246297
Pages: 192

Review:

Comic books may seem like the thing of the past, but thanks to a surge of superhero blockbusters and hit television series (Arrow), not to mention reality TV (Comic Book Men), comic books are starting to become popular again. Publishers have finally entered modern times with digital comic books. 

In the comic book world, superheroes never age, as the comics eventually get rebooted, giving franchises a brand new start. This is exactly what happened with DC Comics with the launch of their New 52 line in 2011, including everything Batman related.

Thanks to NetGalley, I got to review an advanced digital copy of Batgirl Vol. 4: Wanted, which consists of issues #19-25, as well as Ventriliquist #1.

Being a superhero has its ups and downs, and Barbara Gordon has hit the lowest-part of her crime-fighting career with the recent death of her brother, which her alter ego, Batgirl, had a part in his death. She is a complete mess and she has even turn to drinking to try to help with the pain. Nothing seems to help her do deal with what has occurred, even visiting a shrink isn't helping her. To make matter worse, her father, Commissioner Gordon, has a personal vendetta to hunt down his son's killer, Batgirl.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Review - Cinderella Goes To The Potty

Cinderella Goes To The Potty
By Justin Blaneyz (author, illustrator) & Benji Todd (illustrator)
Publisher: Inkliss
Pub. Date: August 21, 2013
ASIN: B00FKRIM4E
Blog Tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/jblaney
Buy Link: http://ow.ly/qx7Hp 
 
Review:

Ever since the creator of Veronica Mars raised enough money to finance a feature film, the little site Kickstarter has boomed into the mainstream, where actors, producers, writers and everyday people are looking for backers for their projects.

Recently I signed up to review 1/16th of the full graphic novel Cinderella Goes To The Potty from Inkliss, which is part of the new genre called Isfits that uses analogy, graphics and illustrations to help inform children about how to help end sex trafficking.

Cinderella in this tale is forced to live inside a tower. She's been tracking the days by marking on the tower wall. She has been there for 999 nights and she has decided tonight is the night she is going to escape. She hears a man and woman carrying an axe walking up the stairs. One them asks, "Is she fat enough?"

She barely escapes their grasps and the man and woman are eaten by a potty tree. As Cinderella walks further from the tower, the more potty trees she encounters.

I basically read a sample of an upcoming graphic novel in an eBook form, which was a little difficult as the text can be sideways or upside down, forcing me to bend my neck looking at the computer. It would probably been better if I was reading it on my Kindle, as I could just turn the Kindle. At first glance at the title you would think the book would be about teaching children to use the potty, but not so much, as it is more of a Grimm tale that resembles a Tim Burton film. I wouldn't recommend it for young kids, but older kids would like the illustrations.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

ARC Review - The New Ghostbusters Vol. 1

The New Ghostbusters Vol. 1
By: Dan Schoening &  Erik Burnham
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Pub. Date: July 16, 2013
ISBN: 978-1613776780
Pages: 104  

Review:

I was a big fan of the Ghostbusters movies and even a bigger fan of The Real Ghostbusters cartoons back when I was a kid. Well, I guess you can say I'm still a fan as I have the cartoon on DVDs and I own one Ghostbusters t-shirt. With the rumored third movie still in development hell, fans can look forward to the new comic series from IDW Publishing, who kindly sent me a free copy (along with NetGalley) in exchange for my honest review.

The original four Ghostbusters (Dr. Peter Venkman, Dr. Raymond "Ray" Stantz, Dr. Egon Spengler, & Winston Zeddemore) have been zapped by paranormal entities and dragged to a demon dimension. Months have gone by and New York City is in chaos as there are countless ghost sightings. A new crew of Ghostbusters has been formed to take care of the ghosts. The new team is Janine Melnitz (the Ghostbusters' Secretary), Melanie Ortiz (an FBI agent), Kylie Griffin (manager of Ray's Occult Bookstore), and Ron Alexander (a former member of a rival ghost hunting company). The new team works together (despite a few differences) to take care of the ghosts and to locate the missing Ghostbusters.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Review - Godzilla: The Half Century War

Godzilla: The Half Century War
By James Stokoe
Publisher: IDW
Pub. Date: June 4, 2013
ISBN-13: 978-1613775950

Review:

The newest Godzilla movie is currently filming and IDW will be releasing a paperback containing all the Godzilla: The Half Century War issues. I received an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

I was a big fan of the old campy Godzilla movies that aired on TNT on Saturday afternoons back in the 1990s. I even somewhat liked the 1998 Untied States version, which was a total flop. I wouldn't have thought that someone could make a comic book out of a giant lizard fighting other monsters, but IDW has somehow done it successfully.

The Half Century wars is seen from the eyes of a young solider who encounters Godzilla several times. The story takes places in all over Asia and other parts of the world as Godzilla isn't the only monster in this tale. Rodan, Kumonga, Mothra, and many other famous villains show up to chaos all over the road. Yes, the robot Godzilla even returns as the military tries everything to stop them, but their only hope lies with Godzilla!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Review - Falling Skies Volume 2: The Battle of Fitchburg

Falling Skies Volume 2: The Battle of Fitchburg
Authors: Paul Tobin, Mark Verheiden, Danilo Beyruth
Artists:  Andrew Dalhouse, Danilo Beyruth, Juan Ferreyra, Patric Reynolds
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
ISBN: 9781616550141 
Pub Date: October 10, 2012
Pages: 136

Falling Skies is the hit summer science-fiction television show that airs on TNT and just ended its second season. Dark Horse Comics and TNT released The Battle of Fitchburg digital comic book series during the summer to fill in the gap between seasons one and two. Dark Horse Comics will be releasing the series in one volume next month. I got advanced copy through NetGalley free of charge for this review.

At the end of season one Tom Mason voluntarily went aboard the alien ship. Captain Dan Weaver leads the 2nd Massachusetts Militia Regiment against the six-legged skitters in Fitchburg Massachusetts. The Militia is outnumbered and out gunned, but they are determined to fight the aliens with everything that they have.