Category: Graphic Novel Review

REVIEW: Gina: The Girl Who Broke the World by Judd Winick

REVIEW: Gina: The Girl Who Broke the World by Judd Winick

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House Children’s in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This post contains SPOILERS for the Hilo series.]

Summary

In the final battle with Razorwark, Izzy gave all her energy to Hilo. And now DJ, Hilo, and Gina are still missing their friend. Hilo is adjusting to his new existence as a human (with some… extra features). And Gina doesn’t want to do magic or be a hero any more. She understands the risks all too well now.

But magical creatures keep showing up on Earth. And Gina is the only one who can see them. They are hunting beings known as the Nestor. And Gina is torn between protecting the Nestor and giving up magic for good.

Review

This is book 7 in the Hilo series, but it launches a new story arc. And Gina is the star, which is awesome! This was exceptional. I have loved this series from the beginning (The Boy Who Crashed to Earth – ♥♥♥♥♥). I loved how the author gave space in an action-packed, funny book for the kids to also grieve the losses from their last adventure. It doesn’t overwhelm this story, but it’s also not rushed either. Those scenes were beautiful – and necessary. Hilo fans will appreciate the acknowledgement of the six book journey that has already taken place.

There’s a nice summary in the book of those adventures so that new readers have some context for what’s going on with Gina and Hilo in this book. I think new readers will be able to track this story, but I also think they will want to go back and get the full Hilo experience.

I LOVE the characters in this series. Gina really gets to shine here which was excellent. I was thrilled when I finished book 6, All the Pieces Fit (♥♥♥♥♥) and saw that the new book was going to feature Gina. DJs sister, Lisa, whom I adore, also gets to join the gang for this adventure. The family pieces in this – DJs family, his older brother who comes to stay with the kids, Gina’s sisters – are a hoot! This series is truly exceptional.

The ending of this is quite the twisty cliffhanger. This is especially painful because it looks like we will be waiting a year for the follow up (and I read this book in November of 2020, so I have had an even longer wait already!). But every book has been worth the wait. Do not miss this series, and this new story arc launch starring Gina! (TW: Grief/loss)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

 

“I’m delighted to announce that this review has been shared by Twinkl! For even more great recommendations, make sure to visit their TBR blog“

REVIEW: Battle of the Bodkins by Lincoln Peirce

REVIEW: Battle of the Bodkins by Lincoln Peirce

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Long ago, in the land of Byjovia, a selfish prince was ready to become king. His fairy “dogmother” siphoned off his more problematic personality traits and put them in a jar. But when the jar broke, an evil copy of the prince emerged – a “bodkin.”

While that bodkin was exiled, Max and her friends have discovered a bodkin in present day Byjovia. It seems as though there are even more bodkins now, and they are preparing for an invasion. It will be Max’s job – along with the Midknights – to invade the bodkins’ home and stop them.

Review

I got such a huge kick out of Max’s first adventure, I knew I had to read book two. This is fun and suspenseful. The Midknights really have their hands full with the evil bodkins.

As with the first book, the pacing of the story is great – peril on top of peril, but nothing so far fetched that it pulls you out of the story. There’s a larger cast here – the Midknights plus the key adults in the kingdom as well as a few new friends. I call this a graphic novel, but it really is more of a highly illustrated story – prose along side line drawings. It’s a terrific format for the story.

I think kids will love Max’s new adventure. There are some nice tidbits in the book about Max’s origins – and an interesting twist to launch the kids into their next adventure. Fans should not miss this one. I am looking forward to reading book 3.

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good+

REVIEW: House of El: The Shadow Threat by Claudia Gray

REVIEW: House of El: The Shadow Threat by Claudia Gray

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and DC Entertainment in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Krypton might be a technological marvel, but it has problems the same as any other planet. Their leaders are arrogant and prideful about their advancements. They refuse to acknowledge anything could possibly go wrong with their plans. The lower castes are cannon fodder, like the soldiers who routinely put themselves in harm’s way, expecting not to survive. Then the elite citizens can maintain their delusions of superiority and their sense of security. Their hubris will be their undoing.

Zahn of the elite House of Re and a soldier named Sera-Ur are at the center of this story. They see the truths their leaders deny and the general populace ignores. Krypton’s terraforming efforts are failing. The home world is in serious trouble. Working together, Zahn and Sera may be able to put the pieces together and figure out what is truly happening and what can be done to save Krypton.

Review

This is very clever! I’m not a Superman super fan, so I don’t know how much of this is canon and what is created for this particular story. My impression has been that Krypton was some sort of utopia. But this paints a different picture. And I was captivated by the idea of a flawed Krypton – genetic engineering, a caste system, arrogant and ineffectual leaders, rebellion. This was NOT the Krypton I was expecting. It was far more interesting.

I enjoyed references to Jor-El, General Zod, and the Phantom Zone, but this is really Zahn and Sera’s story. And I liked that. They are a function of their place in the caste system and upbringing. But the story reveals there are other factors in play which I really liked. There are some philosophical issues introduced here that would be fun to discuss with other readers.

This ends on a major cliffhanger that left me grasping for the next installment. I was drawn in by the whole story. Part two will be a must read for me.

I enjoyed the design of Krypton in the art. The illustration style is not my preferred style, but it’s well done. And the graphics tie perfectly into the story. DC fans should NOT miss this one!

The folks at DC Entertainment graciously provided a couple sample pages so you can see the artwork in this book:

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥=Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: Max and the Midknights by Lincoln Peirce

REVIEW: Max and the Midknights by Lincoln Peirce

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

While Uncle Budrick enjoys being a traveling troubadour, Max would rather be a knight. When Max and Budrick visit Byjovia – Uncle Budrick’s home – they discover that the kind king is presumed dead and his evil brother has taken over. But thanks to some new friends, Max – and the Midknights – might be able to save the day.

Review

This was PURE FUN! I loved the whole story. The characters are delightful. The humor is pitch perfect – funny without beating you over the head with gags. The pacing of the story was excellent – every so often there was a new challenge and a new opportunity or friend.

If there’s a “message” to the story it’s that gender or family history shouldn’t force you into any role. Even though Max is a girl, she should get to train as a knight if that’s what she wants. And if her friend wants to be a writer instead of working with horses like his dad, so be it. But really, the message is secondary to the fun story full of magic and creatures and challenges and chances to be heroic.

I can’t say enough about how much I loved this book. Book 2, Battle of the Bodkins, is out now. Why not pick up both and check them out?!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥=Outstanding! Amazing! Special!

BONUS REVIEW: Teen Titans Go!: Roll With It

BONUS REVIEW: Teen Titans Go!: Roll With It

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and DC Comics in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Robin convinces the rest of the Teen Titans to play his favorite role playing game, Basements & Basilisks. Yes, they need a tutorial on the rules and some LARP practice, but they are 100% in it to win it.

But in typical fashion, Robin goes to extremes. He takes everything seriously and makes the game impossibly hard. His friends threaten to quit if Robin doesn’t find them a different game master. For the sake of the game, he agrees. He asks his crush, Becky, to help them.

But “Becky” isn’t who anyone thinks she is. And she has her own special game planned for the Teen Titans.

Review

I was eager to read this one because of the D&D-like game play but I forgot to remind myself that Teen Titans Go is often more over-the-top than I enjoy. It took some time to get into this one. Robin is controlling – as usual. And just as he made the game less fun for the Titans, he made it less fun to read about. But once the external villain was revealed, I enjoyed this a lot more.

Raven continues to be my favorite of the Titans, but the ensemble was in good form, too. Cyborg’s issues with the villain were a fun wrinkle to their adventure.

This is a long, meaty campaign for the Titans. Fans will enjoy spending this time with the characters.

Rating: ♥♥♥½ – Good+

REVIEW: Victor and Nora by Lauren Myracle

REVIEW: Victor and Nora by Lauren Myracle

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and DC Entertainment in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Victor is at the cemetery, visiting his brother’s grave when he meets Nora. She’s visiting her mother’s. But she’s also contemplating her own mortality. Her disease will progress until she’s not herself anymore. But she doesn’t tell Victor any of that.

Painfully shy, Victor slowly warms up to the vivacious Nora. When he’s not with her, he’s at his lab working on his freezing tech. Little does he know that his Nora could be in need of the very thing he is creating.

Review

This is an origin story for Victor Fries, aka Mr. Freeze, a villain from the Batman/Gotham universe. Here we see both his early work in cryogenics as well as his whirlwind romance with Nora (who, in other versions of the story, is his wife).

This is a dark story. Between the scenes with Nora and a bird attacking her like her disease eventually will, and her talk of ways to die with Victor when they first meet, there’s a lot of death hanging over this story. There are also hints at Victor’s tendency toward obsession and controlling behavior.

The Gotham universe has a lot of darkness to it anyway, and this graphic novel falls more on that side of things. And it’s darker than my usual preference. If I was rating this just on my enjoyment, I would give it two stars. It’s just not a great fit for me. But the story is well-written and the art well done, so I feel like I can recommend this to others who are more comfortable with the darkness of the story with a rating based on the story’s merits rather than my enjoyment. (Some language, talk of death, off page sex, TW: Suicide, grief and loss) You can read about other graphic novels from the DC universe here.

DC Entertainment has graciously shared some of the internal art with us. Here are some sample pages:

 

Rating: ♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥=Good/solid/fine

REVIEW: Swamp Thing: Twin Branches by Maggie Stiefvater

REVIEW: Swamp Thing: Twin Branches by Maggie Stiefvater

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and DC Entertainment in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Alec and Walker Holland are spending their last summer before college with their cousins out in the country because of some… discord at home. For twins, the boys couldn’t have more different personalities. Walker is the extrovert, the life of the party. It’s not long before he knows everyone in town. Alec, on the other hand, is quiet and introverted. He’s far more interested in his plant-based science experiments than in people.

Some problems with Alec’s experiments lead to strange reactions in the local wildlife. And then in the people. But just when Alec finds someone to share his breakthroughs with, things escalate to a shocking degree.

Review

I am still stunned by where this story goes from start to finish. It’s an odd little story. And I loved it.

I have no history with Alec Holland or the Swamp Thing. I looked up the character’s history online, and wow! I liked the ways this changes the story. I liked the twin brothers angle to this a lot – the way they care for each other even when they are so different and don’t always understand each other.

I didn’t understand all of the plant science/science fiction in this, but I enjoyed it. The depiction of Alec connecting with a plant while his parents are talking in the background to the school personnel about his difficulties with people was beautiful and gave me a ton of insight into the character. That may be my favorite moment in the book. What happens to the local animal life after encountering Alec’s experiment was fascinating, too. Although not as interesting as what happens to the people.

The story and the characters here are supremely engaging. I would have loved a longer story, but I’ll settle for a sequel! Hand this to graphic novel fans and readers who want to dive into some of the lesser known DC characters. The way the author re-imagines this character really clicked for me. And the art work – while not my favorite style (just a matter of personal preference) – is lovely. (Language, sexual references)

You can read more reviews of books and graphic novels from the DC Universe here. DC has graciously provided some samples of the interior artwork for you to enjoy!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥=Great. Might re-read.

REVIEW: Max Meow: Cat Crusader by John Gallagher

REVIEW: Max Meow: Cat Crusader by John Gallagher

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

When Max Meow accidentally leads an evil robot to his scientist friend Mindy Microbe’s secret lab, it leads to trouble. The robot tries to steal a weird space meatball Mindy has been studying, and in the process, Mindy’s lab is destroyed.

And then Max accidentally eats some of the weird meatball. And he becomes a super hero.

Review

This is Max’s origin story. He’s a regular cat who ingests a bit of space meatball and gains super powers. He can fly, he has super strength, and he can zap things with his tail. This is all very timely because Agent M and his evil robot minion are trying to steal the meatball for their secret boss.

The story is pretty standard for the genre. While Max gets powers, he also gets cocky which causes trouble with his friend Mindy. He learns he’d be better off if he listened to her.

Max needs to repair his friendship, learn to be a better hero, and face Agent M. Standard superhero/villain battles ensue. The setting of the putt-putt course made for some fun moments. Fans of these sorts of graphic novels will enjoy this one. There are instructions for drawing Max in the book, so kids who love creating their own art will enjoy that feature. There are a couple nice reveals at the end that set up book 2, Donuts and Danger, which will release next year. This doesn’t have the heart or the humor of something like the Hilo series (book 1, The Boy Who Crashed to Earth – ♥♥♥♥♥), but I think kids will get a kick out of this one.

Rating: ♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥ = Good/fine/solid

REVIEW: Teen Titans: Beast Boy by Kami Garcia

REVIEW: Teen Titans: Beast Boy by Kami Garcia

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and DC Entertainment in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Garfield “Gar” Logan is a senior in high school, and he’s tired of looking like a freshman. He’s lifting weights and downing protein shakes with no impact. He starts to wonder if the supplements his parents have him taking could be stunting his growth. So, he stops taking them. And things start to… change.

Gar is desperate to get in with the cool crowd and get the attention of a certain girl before high school ends. The weird things happening to him seem to be helping him get that attention for once. But a sinister figure, new in town, may be giving Gar exactly the wrong kind of attention.

Review

I have been excited about this book since the moment I finished Teen Titans: Raven last year. This is from the same team, and they can’t churn out books fast enough for me. I discovered that the next book will be a team up of both Raven and Gar, currently titled Beast Boy Loves Raven, and I am here for it! This one ends on a huge cliffhanger, and I need a sequel!

This is an origin story for Gar. There’s an emphasis early in the book on his longing to be noticed. He wants to fit in physically; he wants to be considered “cool.” And he wants to find what he’s good at and who he is meant to be. Gar stumbles into these dares, and the physical changes he’s experiencing help him pull off things that should be impossible.

I wish this had been longer or that some of the set up was condensed. Just when I felt like things were getting into place – a bitter rival at school, a dangerous foe from his parents’ past, full use of his powers –  it was over. I used some choice words when I swiped for more and found there wasn’t any.

So, I enjoyed what’s here, but I wanted more. I guess that’s a sign of a good story. Fans of the Raven graphic novel, and fans of the character Gar/Beast Boy should be sure to check this one out. If you haven’t read these but you enjoy other Teen Titans material, like Teen Titans: Damian Knows Best, put these on your TBR.

DC has graciously shared some examples of the interior artwork for you to enjoy!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Virtual Unicorn Experience by Dana Simpson

REVIEW: Virtual Unicorn Experience by Dana Simpson

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

In the latest comics collection/graphic novel starring Phoebe and her best friend Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, Phoebe explores life without her phone, unicorn court, and the science museum. She also hangs out with Lord Splendid Humility and her human friends Max and Dakota. Phoebe also learns about unicorn self-esteem, the Unicorn Investigative Agency, and the cut throat world of unicorn theater. She even gets to enjoy having a unicorn tail for awhile.

This collection is full of sass and sarcasm, unicorns and laughs. I completely enjoyed this one! One moment I was heartbroken for Marigold, and then the next I was laughing with her. I loved the full range of topics and adventures the two protagonists have together. This is one of my favorite books in the whole series.

This is book 12 in this long-running series! You can see my reviews of some of the other books here. You’ll also see posts where I talk about what makes Marigold a “memorable protagonist” and why I put this series in my list of “Must Have Graphic Novels” for kids in 2018. Hand this book – and the whole series – to graphic novel fans, unicorn fans, and kids who love smart and sassy characters!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥