Recorder and Randsell Volume 1

Presenting Recorder and Randsell Volume 1 by Meme Higashiya.

Here is the summary of the book:

Miyagawa Atsumi and her younger brother Atsushi are your typical siblings - she's a high school sophomore dealing with exams, he's a 5th grader who only wants to run off and play with his friends. School's hard enough as it is, but things are even tougher for these two: Atsumi is so tiny she's still mistaken for a little kid, while Atsushi is so tall people assume he's a full-grown man!

Yonkoma. This is 4 cell manga styled quite different from your regular manga reaing of back-front and right to left. But read in the order of top to bottom. The story looks to siblings Atsumi and Atsushi. Older sister Atsumi is a sophomore in High School and younger brother Atsushi is a fifth grader. Although she is older, she has the body of a kid and he the 5th grader, that of a full grown man is often mistaken to be an adult.

This leads to loads of hilarious misunderstandings regarding Atsushi that ends him in prison mistaken for a pedophile walking with his sister or his peers because they are tinier than he is ..... And there you go that is the point to this volume and we get many repeat performances of it. It is quite hilarious at first but then after sometime becomes monotonous and doesn't really bring us to laughter much.

I lost interest after sometime and leaved through till the final cell ...... Its name is actually Recorder & Satchel (which makes more sense) and I don't see what the need was for changing the name to Recorder and Randsell.

"Hilarious misunderstandings"

Genre :     Graphic Novel, Manga

Publisher: Takeshobo 

Release Date: 15th September, 2015

My Copy: publisher & netgalley

Rate:             2/5 (It was Ok)

Buy:         Amazon

The Flash Season Zero

Presenting The Flash Season Zero.

Here is the summary of the book:

An all-new series taking place the world of smash-hit TV show The Flash! Follow the adventures of Barry Allen as he struggles to balance his job as a police crime scene investigator, his unrequited crush on Iris West (who also happens to be his boss' daughter) and his new life as Central City's guardian angel.

Collects THE FLASH SEASON ZERO #1-12.

Okay I am going to sound like a broken record when I say that reading comics was never really my thing, occasionally more like. But give me cartoons or movie of comics and i'll take it any day. And the Flash is one such. The CW first announced 'The Flash', we asked and suspected how it would be because it is a spin-off of 'Arrow' and then it began and it blazed through all of our expectations and came out the winner.

Now, the wait for Season 2 is almost over but to pass the days, they have given us "The Flash Season Zero". 12 stories to whet our appetite for the coming season. There is no set timeline here featuring new meta-humans and episodes we didn't see on the first season. Introducing even more bizarre subjects with just the all-round fun and exciting that is the Flash. Let the speed force be with you Barry Allen ..... Excitedly counting days for the show to return.

"Exciting and all round fun adventures of the Flash"

Genre :     Graphic Novel, Tie-in

Publisher: DC Comics

Release Date: 29th September, 2015

My Copy: publisher & netgalley

Rate:             4/5 (Really Liked It)

Buy:         Amazon | Book Depository 

Manga Classics: Emma

Presenting Manga Classics: Emma by Jane Austen, Stacy King, Crystal Chan, Po Tse.

Here is the summary of the book:

Just in time for the 200th Anniversary, Manga Classics: Emma brings Jane Austen's classic tale of youthful folly and romantic exuberance to a modern audience with this beautiful, new manga adaptation. The impulsive match-making of Emma Woodhouse delivers both humor and heartache through the gorgeous artwork of manga-ka Po Tse (Manga Classics: Pride and Prejudice). - Manga Classics editions feature classic stories, faithfully adapted and illustrated in manga style, and available in both hardcover and softcover editions. Proudly presented by UDON Entertainment and Morpheus Publishing.

Another classic that gets the manga treatment. Following in the series after Les Miz, Pride & Prejudice, The Scarlet Letter & Great Expectations comes Emma. Read in the usual format of back to front, Right to left and anticlockwise, this one like all the others in this series sports gorgeous artwork and illustration. 'Emma' coincidentally happens to be one classic that is quite easy to get into as well and her attempts at matchmaking have always been hilarious to say the least.

So it was a bit disconcerting at first to see the characters sporting such outrageously hilarious expressions but I got used to it quickly and enjoyed reading Emma's escapades throughout the story. Another great offering to all readers alike looking to re-discover something in this timeless Jane Austen classic. Great job by Stacy King, Po Tse and Crystal Chan translating Miss Austen's manuscript into this fun and intricately detailed and gorgeous adaptation.

"A gorgeous and funny manga adaptation"

Genre :      Graphic Novel, Manga, Classic

Publisher: Udon Entertainment

Release Date: 12th May, 2015

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Books in the series (review links):
            Manga Classics: Les Misérables
                  Manga Classics: Pride & Prejudice
                  Manga Classics: The Scarlet Letter

Buy:           Amazon

Angry Birds / Transformers: Age of Eggstinction

Presenting Angry Birds / Transformers: Age of Eggstinction by John Barber & Marcelo Ferreira.

Here is the summary of the book:

When the Transformers lose their powerful Allspark, it ends up on Piggie Island - and the world of Angry Birds turns robotic! Prepare to meet... the AUTOBIRDS and DECEPTIHOGS!

And the crossover bonanza continues. This time it is the bodyless wonders, the residents of Piggie Island and the big machine dudes of Cybertron. This story begins long before the bots came to Earth. The war between the Autobots and Decepticons rages on as usual. In one subsequent tussle the autobots loose the Allspark, which winds up in another dimension on Piggie Island .... And so begins the Age of Eggstinction for the Deceptihogs and Autobirds.

While everyone enjoys the Angry Birds games, this graphic novel seems centered to a much younger demographic than me. Its messy and ridiculous, and sadly it also didn't keep my attention for long. Maybe I would have loved it more if it were just the birds and the pigs. Don't get me wrong i'm a big fan of the Transformers franchise but these are two very different divisions, and i'd rather like to enjoy them in their separate camps ... But I think kids would enjoy this crossover romp a bit more.

"Angry Birds and the Transformers equals a ridiculously messy adventure"

Genre :     Graphic novel, Comics, Childrens

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Release Date: 19th May, 2015

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:             2/5 (It was Ok)

Buy:         Amazon | Book Depository 

Angry Bird Comics Vol 2: When Pigs Fly

Presenting Angry Bird Comics Vol 2: When Pigs Fly by Paul Tobin & Isa Python.

Here is the summary of the book:

The adventures continue in these charming, all-ages comics featuring who else, the Angry Birds!

Angry Bird. Who doesn't know of Angry Bird..... After being categorized as the best mobile game, they have now branched out to the comic sphere.  Granted this is a second volume and I haven't read the first but since there is no issue of continuity, this volume surprised me quite so.

The birds as per usual are protecting their eggs from the clutches of the bad piggies and the piggies as usual eavesdropping and devising ways to one up the birds. Quite silly and childish really. While I wouldn't say that this graphic volume is all ages appropriate, only for the children ..... but if you are looking for some distraction, then I daresay this 9 story extravaganza of silly antics and laugh-out-loud scenarios is just what you need.

"For fans of the games"

Genre :     Graphic novel, Comics, Childrens

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Release Date: 14th April, 2015

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:             4/5 (Really Liked It)

Buy:         Amazon | Book Depository 

Secret Origins Vol #1

Presenting Secret Origins Vol #1 (The New 52).

Here is the summary of the book:

At last, the SECRET ORIGINS of the World's Greatest Heroes in The New 52 can be revealed! The beginnings of the most popular characters in the DC Universe are finally told here, in stories that fans have been clamoring for since September 2011. Included here are the origins of The Last Son of Krypton and Kara Zor-El, Supergirl, plus the first Robin, Dick Grayson.

Written by a host of the industry's brightest talent including Jeff Lemire (JUSTICE LEAGUE UNITED) Greg Pak (BATMAN/SUPERMAN) and Tony Bedard (GREEN LANTERN CORPS) and painted covers by Lee Bermejo (JOKER), this new series is a fantastic way to jump on with the DC Universe!

Collects issues #1-4

The new 52. Origins stories of our DC superheroes. I am no comic fanatic but even I am aware of the origin stories of almost all of the DC superheros because this graphic novel is almost a waste of precious reading time. Really not trying to be harsh but I was expecting something new or different, what with all of the new origin shows being telecast on tv ..... So I expected something along that line.

Superman. Dic Grayson. Batman. Aquaman. Starfire. Green Lantern. Batwoman. Red Robin. Harley Quinn. Green Arrow. Damian Wayne. The big names of the DC universe. You would have expected solid stories but everyone of them had an almost summary style quality (aside from Superman's story). Also all the origin stories are pretty much what was established since the start. I am not familiar with Starfire so that one for me was new but everything else was the same. I am still wondering though where is Wonder Woman ...... but yes the art I liked ...... I liked very much.

"For all the newbie comic readers out there"

Genre :     Graphic novel, Comics, Superheroes

Publisher: DC Comics

Release Date: 17th February, 2015

My Copy: pulisher and netgalley

Rate:             3/5 (Liked It)

Buy:         Amazon | Book Depository 

Three Short Reviews: Superman Unchained / Transformers: Primacy / Star Trek: City on the edge of Foreve

I will say this again, I am not an avid comic reader and nor do I follow them in their chronological order. I read what I can get my hands on. When I can get them. Superman Unchained was a great time pass. The Man of Steel this time tackles a force even more ancient than he.  A being just like him called Wraith. Much more powerful than Kal-el and they tackle the terrorist group Ascension. And the big alien threat coming towards Earth at warp speed. The art is very well detailed and I very much loved reading it. Although the camaraderie shown between Superman & Wraith was the best part but it failed to deliver the desired effect when Wraith came at him at the end.

"A intelligent and reinvigorating tale of the world's first superhero via its immaculate art"

Robots vs. Robots. Autobots vs. Decepticons. The age old war. The graphic novel details about the war before they left Cybertron to get to Earth. While the plot and elements are very well done, the art had a much less effect. Of course it would be much better as a physical copy but on the digital screen it is much too dark and much too black.

"A pretty dark tale of the everlasting Cybertronian war of the Robots" 

A new version of an old story. I am what you would call a Nutrek fan. I have seen 'The Next Generation' series and the 'Enterprise' series/ So I still have to watch the original series of which I understand that 'City on the Edge of Forever' was an episode. So I can't really compare the old & the new but .... what a great read it is. William Shatner's "Kirk" and Leonard Nimoy's "Spock" and everyone of the original Enterprise crew are realized in stark details. Kirk & Spock's chemistry is perfectly and artistically realized and they tackled some pretty difficult concept too without being obvious. A great read for new & old fans alike.

"For fans of the Star Trek franchise" 

The Vampire Diaries Vol. 1

Presenting The Vampire Diaries Vol. 1

Here is the summary of the book:

Elena, Stefan and Damon make their comics debut in a new series based on the hit CW television show! This anthology graphic novel will bring some of comics' greatest talents to Mystic Falls and set them loose to bring the characters to life. Or death. They are vampires, you know.

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is a must-read for any fan of this runaway hit TV series. Collects digital chapters #1-39.

Damon, Stefan, & Elena, our Thursday trio. Hugely successful, The Vampire Diaries, showcasing the paranormalia of and around Mystic Falls, Virginia. Vampires, Werewolves, Witches and the ever present humans, and viewers of all ages have fallen in love with this popular show. Leading to publishing & producing of spin-offs and tie-ins.... The Vampire Diaries Vol. 1 is one such.....

Containing 39 stories, filling in the blanks between the stories shown on the show. Be it Stefan's experience on the war front. Instances of Damon disrupting Stefan's life before he came to Mystic Falls before the start of the show. Jeremy's spirit encounters at camp with Bonnie's ghost hanging around. A glimpse of the other side with the Bennet witches. Sheila Bennet's first meeting with Stefan and many more. This volume is a treasure full of stories and all brilliantly represented.

Brooding Stefan. Damon's dry humor. Elena's rather rampant impulsiveness, Caroline's sass and of course Bonnie's magic. Every detail and of course Bonnie's magic. Every detail is illustrated to our hearts's content. The art is also very well done accentuating the actor who play them on screen. Although one of the stories is actually a bit more cartoonish but barring that Vol.1 is guaranteed to win hearts.

"Fans of the Vampire Diaries will enjoy this artistic representation of the characters"

Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal, Graphic Novel, Tv tie-in

Publisher: DC Comics

Release Date: 25th November, 2014

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Other Books on "The Vampire Diaries"
                        (review links)
    
Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository

Injustice: Gods Among Us Year 2 Vol.1

Presenting Injustice: Gods Among Us Year 2 Vol.1 by Tom Taylor, Mike S. Miller & Tom Derenick.

Here is the summary of the book:

The best-selling prequel to the hit videogame picks up right where it left off! Year one is over--now, year two begins. The death of one of their own has divided Earth's protectors as hero turns against hero. As Superman's iron grip on the world tightens, at the edge of the galaxy, anothe grave threat approaches...

INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US YEAR 2 continues the story from the New York Times best-selling graphic novel with rising star writer Tom Taylor (EARTH 2) and a team of artists including Mike S. Miller, Bruno Redondo and Tom Derenick.

Collects INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US YEAR 2 #1-5.

Injustice: Gods Among Us Year 1 introduced us to a world we are familiar with but so very different and so very creepy. So Superman is still very much the ultimate dictator, alongwith his allies trying to police the world with an iron fist. And more trouble seems to be headed their way. Sinestro wants an in and the Green Lantern Corps. are working to put a stop to Superman's madness.

This is a 'what if' extravaganza at its extreme. I so love 'what if' stories. They take known characters and try to mold them into something new and original, sometimes positive and sometimes negative. And Injustice... is a great example of the DC Universe gone the deep end. A job well done by the creative group, 'Year 2 Vol 1' maintains the darkness we expected in the 'Year 1' and even more players added to the quota be it human, superhuman or alien.

"Its dark and creepy and so very familiar"

Genre :      Graphic Novel, Comics, Tie-in

Publisher: DC Comics

Release Date: 30th September, 2014

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

Other Books in the series (review links):
                #1 Year 1 (Vol.1 & 2) 

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Grimm Vol. 1

Presenting Grimm Vol. 1 by David Greenwalt, Jim Kouf, Marc Gaffen, Kyle McVey, Jose Malaga.

Here is the summary of the book:

Set in the world of the acclaimed NBC series, Grimm, by the show creators themselves! Homicide Detective Nick Burkhardt, joined by his mother Kelly, Hank, and Monroe, uncover family secrets long buried during their adventure in Europe. Hunted by Verrat soldiers, their quest to destroy the Coins of Zakynthos reveals dark secrets and promises death for a member of the cast!
Perfectly adapted from the popular NBC show 'Grimm'. If you know of the show or watch it, then you know what this is about.

The first graphic volume titled 'The Coins of Zakynthos', follows after Nick's mum Kelly leaves Portland to go destroy the coins. The entirety of the volume is divided into chapters as Nick, Munroe and Hank go after Kelly, after they receive an SOS signal from her. Leading them on a merry chase throughout Europe, on the backs of the resistance, of the verrat, of new friends and betrayals... and near deaths. Yup Nick Burkhardt has only just scratched the surface if his life as a Grimm.

The chapters are well presented in the volume. Before each one begins you will find the sketch of wesen characters ..... The illustrations befitting of a comic strip, portrays all the shows characters perfectly. And you will be sure to enjoy this action-packed and adrenaline-inducing graphic presentation.

"Fans of NBC GRIMM ... this is for you"

Genre :      Graphic Novel, Paranormal, Urban fantasy, Adventure, Tie-in

Publisher: Diamond Book Distributers

Release Date: 19th November, 2013

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon IN 

Arrow Vol. 1

Now this is more like it..... An awesome book albeit a graphic novel after 3 okay books..... the odds are pretty good. Presenting Arrow Vol. 1 by Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg, Mike Grell.

Here is the summary of the book:

Spinning off directly from the hit CW television series ARROW comes the Emerald Archerer in these digital-first adventures! Show creators Andrew Kreisberg and Marc Guggenheim team with some of the industry's best artists, including Mike Grell (GREEN ARROW: THE LONGBOW HUNTERS), Phil Hester (GREEN ARROW: QUIVER) and others to fill in the gaps between episodes of one of TV's hottest new series.

Collects Arrow #1-6 and #1 Special edition.

Based on the popular CW show of the same name 'ARROW' and not on the original comics. This is a much needed tie-in with the show that the fans have been waiting for...... And if the one page sneak peeks the production team released for almost every episode of the first season and their level of artistry is to go by..... then you should be very excited for this treat.....

This is a companion piece to season 1 episodes of the CW Action-Adventure show ARROW based on the Marvel universe hero, Green Arrow. Oh and world of mouth & caution, watch the whole season before you read this. Contains stuffs that could be spoilers from the episodes but largely meant to be a companion book to the season providing background details that may have not been included in the show.

While the show is of course in Oliver's perspective, the graphic novel tells each of the 18 stories from varying point of views, thereby maintaining a balance throughout. The writing is very well done (considerng the show's writers wrote it, well it shouldn't leave room for doublts at all), the illustrations again very well done, typical comic art but maintaining a constant flow throughout.

"If you are an ARROW fan then this is for you"

Genre :      Graphic Novel, Action, Adventure, Tie-in

Publisher: DC Comics

Release Date: 24th September, 2013

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

ARC: Doctor Who Series 1: Winter's Dawn, Season's End

My weirdest review ever. Presenting Doctor Who Series 1: Winter's Dawn, Season's End by Tony Lee, Jonathan L. Davis, Matthew Dow Smith, Al Davison, Blair Shedd, Kelly Yates.

Here is the summary of the book:

Writer Tony Lee is joined by artists such as Matthew Dow Smith, Al Davison, Blair Shedd, and Kelly Yates to bring you the last comic adventures of the 10th Doctor! The complete 16-issue Series 1 featuring the 10th Doctor, as portrayed by David Tennant, plus the 2010 Annual are collected in this oversized hardcover.

This ARC was provided by Netgalley and IDW Publishing and the included galley does not coincide with the description and cover photo provided at all.

Now like me a lot of you are having the same issue, the description of this on every website featuring this (amazon, book depository, goodreads, etc.) maintains that this is a 408 paged volume containing 16 issues, all adventures of David Tennant's 10th Doctor (my favorite).... But this pre-release ARC only has 2 issues (not the described 16) and featuring Matt Smith's 11th Doctor, Amy and Rory. It is currently unclear if these are to be a part of the book or IDW has been providing the wrong information.... or only the Netgalley upload is paired wrong.

that being said while the galley may not be what it proclaimed I still enjoyed the two adventures of the 11th Doctor and the Ponds. The 2 issues ("The Hypothetical Gentleman" & "The Doctor & The Nurse") brings the adventures with its illustrations upto par with the character's styles. The first story as a more of a water color illustration is artistically almost like the characters themselves and marvelous. The second one has a rather cartoonish sort of artwork.

The Hypothetical Gentleman takes place during 1815, the hypothetical man, invading from another reality and stealing time from unsuspecting people to gain a corporeal form in this universe, clearly a recurring character. The second one, the Doctor & the Nurse is about Amy ordering both Rory and the Doctor to bond and get to know each other more, a comical adventure very much keeping to the dynamics with the character in the show.... And the artwork to both sets the tone of the plot rather perfectly.

"While the stories are perfect, I would urge IDW to please check the description and upload the correct material in the future"

Genre :      Graphic Novel, Tie-in


Publisher: IDW Publishing


My Copy:  Publisher and netgalley


Rate:              3/5 (Liked It)

True Blood Vol 1: All Together Now

Presenting True Blood Vol 1: All Together Now by Alan Ball, David Tischman, Mariah Huehner, David Messina.

Here is the summary of the book:

Blood and passion mix on a hot rainy night at Merlotte's as Sookie and the usual suspects settle in for the long haul. Until, that is, they find themselves unexpectedly trapped by a vengeful, vile creature who feeds off the miserable shame of others - and none will survive the morning unless all their dirty little secrets are revealed. So Sookie, Bill, Eric, Sam, Tara, Jason, and Lafayette are forced to dig deep and tell painful tales of their pasts - the kind you never willingly reveal!

I'm not what you would call a conventional reader of the true blood series, I have only yet read book 1 (i have the whole series in my e-library just haven't gotten round to reading it yet) and I still need to finish the remaining seasons (only seen first two)..... that being said this is a perfect specimen when it comes to the graphic art of this book.

By that of graphics, the art of the novel is spectacular. While I don't like the series very much but it is striking how close to the actors these illustrations of them in the book were. Again I state that since I don't really follow the show much (i will definitely get around to it) so the plot is a bit unclear to me. I did like each of the characters telling about their pasts and its a good one to do too, makes us appreciate their back story even more..... I'll definitely be trying out Vol 2 when it happens.

"An artistically marvelous piece of Tue Blood literature"

Genre :      Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Graphic Novel


Publisher: IDW Publishing


My Copy:  Publisher and netgalley


Rate:              3/5 (Liked It)

Doctor Who Vol 1: Prisoner of Time

The longest running television show..... approaching its 50th anniversary and to make the journey more interesting we are being treated to some pretty cool stuffs on the way. Presenting Doctor Who Vol 1: Prisoner of Time by David Tipton, Simon Fraser (Artist), Scott Tipton, Lee Sullivan (Artist).

Here is the summary of the book:

November 23, 1963: A day that changed the world forever.

That day saw the broadcast debut of Doctor Who, which was to become the longest-running science fiction series on television.

And now, 50 years later, we pay tribute to one of the greatest pop-culture heroes of all time with this special series, which tells an epic adventure featuring all 11 incarnations of the intrepid traveler through time and space known simply as... the Doctor.

"It always begins with the same two words.......Doctor Who..." 50th Anniversary coming up on 23rd November, 2013 and as we approach the date, we are as in the Whovian fandom is being with some rich quality treats for the way. This series is part of this endeavor by IDW Publishing.

Pretty interesting background. Since this is the first volume in the series, so we see the first three Doctors (William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee) each with their own adventures in three different chapters. Each is connected to the story somehow but it is yet not clear as to what since this only the first edition.

The artwork is standard comic styled illustration but the renditions of the Doctors and companions is very well done. The first grandfatherly one, the second weird one and the third James Bond one, all coming alive in all their glory within these pages. I admit I began watching from Chris Eccleston's episodes so I am yet a but clueless about the classic ones..... catching on fast though...... done with the first Doctor now and going through the second one now.... Oh I can't wait for the anniversary episode.... its going to be an excruciating wait. 

"Marvelous treat to the upcoming much awaited Doctor Who 50th Anniversary episode"

Genre :      Graphic Novel, Tie-in


Publisher: IDW Publishing


My Copy:  Publisher and netgalley


Rate:              3/5 (Liked It)

House of Night: Legacy

A visual or graphic representative of great books even if you have lost interest in the book...a great treat  i tell you. Presenting House of Night: Legacy (House of Night: The Graphic Novel #1) by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast, Kent Dalian, Joëlle Jones, Karl Kerschl.

Here is the summary of the book:

Until recently, Zoey Redbird was an average high-school student worrying about grades, boys, and breakouts. But priorities have a way of changing when you're Marked as a vampyre, enroll in the vampyre academy House of Night, and have to figure out a whole new social hierarchy, affinities for elemental magic, and physiological changes that make you crave blood Based on the international bestselling series of novels by mother/daughter duo P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast, House of Night: Legacy follows Zoey and her group of devoted friends as they turn to The Fledgling Handbook, a historical vampyre tome, in hopes of better understanding this big, new world of vampyrism.

Before I begin I would like to mention that when House of Night series began I absolutely loved it. It had a new concept, it presented vampires very differently than was known. But my interest began to wane around the fourth book as the quality of the story began to decline so much so that it felt like I was reading an amateur fiction not a well published book but this graphic novel puts a  new spin to things. I'm particularly partial to graphic novels and read them even if they are on books and series I don't like anymore.

So here goes my views on this. It was marvelous. It was totally amazing. The artwork was just to the point. The artists have given each and every character the perfect sketch. Zoey and her friends turn to the fledgling handbook, the historical vampyre tome to better understand why Goddess Nyxmarked Zoey to lead. Divided into five sections: Earth, Air, Water, Fire and Spirit, the book through them gives us a glimpse of the history of the House of Night following the lives of famous and well known vampyres. A definite new spin to all things House of Night.

The graphic novel is actually much more better written and sketched than anything from the series. Every story served to teach Zoey an important life lesson on her way to better understand Nyx's choices but yes coming from someone who has long since left the series (ME)....it was a good read.

"A much better edition to the otherwise gone stale House of Night series"

Genre :      Graphic Novel, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal


Publisher: Dark Horse Comics


My Copy:  Publisher and Netgalley


Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Turn Back Time: [Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles] & [G.I.Joe Vs. The Transformers]

Ahh! Nostalgia....

Remembering those good times, I bring before you all two graphic novels I found on netgalley.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures Vol. 1
by. Dave Garcia

Classic animated TMNT action is collected here in this re-presentation of two fan-favorite cartoon adaptations! In both "The Return of Shredder Parts 1-2" and "The Incredible Shrinking Turtles Parts 1-2" read along as Shredder comes back to Earth from Dimension X and attempts to exact his revenge upon the hard-backed heroes.

OH MY GOD! This stuff is GOLD. You are a 90s kid? Then this is blast from the past. Your a 20s kid, then this is a welcome to an amazing cartoon for you. Contained here are two of the fan-favorite adaptations of the series. Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo are here with the evil Shredder playing the age old game of good vs. bad. Very old school/disney-esque artwork, our heroes are the friendly ones and villains as it was in the cartoons put down as bullies, clutzy and definitely not spewing evil at all. But remember here, as it was originally TMNT was meant to be fun and it remains fun even if you have crossed the age appropriate  to read stuffs like this (like me).

Thus, clearly for the kids this is a story that the kids of today accustomed to Power Rangers and action packed visuals may love or hate it. But for a parent going to introduce cartoon/comics to their kids - this is definitely the safest bet.

G.I.Joe Vs. The Transformers

by. Michael Higgins

The worlds of G.I. JOE and The Transformers combine in this first volume of crossovers. Contains the 4-issue G.I. JOE and The Transformers limited series, plus issues #139-142 of Marvel's G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero. Megatron and Cobra versus the JOEs and the Autobots - who will come out on top?

Who doesn't love Transformers or the G.I.Joe! Everybody knows who Optimus Prime, Autobots, Decepticons, Duke, Snake eyes, Ripcord and the such are. And this is definitely a treat. Both the good groups the G.I.Joes and the Autobots come together against Cobra and the Deceptions. You don't want to miss it.

Very old schoolish design, this is another one which is meant as a re-introductions to the old stuff which is definitely the good stuffs. Its action and its one adventure that will be with you forever.

"For both the books i'd like to thank Netgalley and the publishers"  

Once Upon A Time Machine

Another marvelous form of back to basics fairytales with a twist - marvelous indeed. Presenting Once Upon A Time Machine by Lee Nordling, Jason Rodriguez, and Tara Alexander.

Here is the summary of the book:

Fairy tales have fueled our dreams and fired our imaginations for centuries. Step inside a time machine built by a collection of today’s finest storytellers, and enter a range of futures where familiar tales are reimagined in an astonishing variety of styles. Editors Andrew Carl and Chris Stevens bring you the next wave of leading writers and illustrators working alongside superstar creators like Farel Dalrymple (Pop Gun War), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Khoi Pham (Daredevil), and Brandon Graham (King City) to deliver a reading experience that will delight generations young and old.

Its back to basics folks. Another one adding itself to the list of successful fairytales and classics re-imaging. Thats right this is a perfectly lucid and geniously crafted re-imagined collection to the classics and the fairytale. "One hundred and one nights", "Peter Pan", "Goldilock and the three bears", "The Three Musketeers", "Alice in Wonderland" and more..... all are present here and with a new life and a new twist. Every story down to the minute details is re-written, all the while maintaining the originality of the story they are inspired from.

All the stories written, illustrated and colored by different artists, you really get a  color explosion and variety as you go through all the stories. Clearly meant for and older crowd seeking for a reintroduction to the classics with a twist, this book is not meant for those kids who are looking to step into the world of stories. My only problem here was the format, a book with a collection of stories this engaging is not meant to be read in digital format but felt through your fingers as you leaf through each page. Regardless you need to get this book to marvel at the extravagance within.

"A re-imaging of the age-old classics - this is one book you don't want to miss out on - Go Buy it folks!"

Genre :      Graphic Novel, Fairytale re-imaging


Publisher: Dark Horse Comics


My Copy:  Publisher & Netgalley


Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Rage: After the Impact

Not really into games but just love reading graphic novels of the post-apocalyptic kind. Presenting Rage: After The Impact - Andrea Mutti, Arvid Nelson, Pierluigi Baldassini, Michael Atiyeh.

Here is the summary of the book:

In the tradition of Dark Horse''s acclaimed Mass Effect comics comes this essential introduction to Rage, the hotly anticipated game from id Software! Earth has been devastated by an asteroid, with a tiny fraction of the population surviving under the rule of a military dictatorship. But when a scientist studying those mutated by the disaster discovers that the story the new leaders are telling isn''t true, she has no choice but to fight back.

So this graphic novel is in fact an introduction for id's post-apocalyptic game RAGE. The story follows Dr. Elizabeth Cadence as she finds out that after millions of years after the meteor Apophis (if i'm not wrong but wasn't Apophis the giant serpent from the Egyptian Myths?) crashed with Earth destroying millions and millions of life on Earth. Dr. Cadence wakes up alone in her cryo-ark - no husband - no son. What had happened to them while she slept?

But something is amiss, the world which Cadence wakes up to has a bad case of dystopia and of a post apocalyptic scenario. The military or "the Authority" as we see here is clearly controlling the events. A Colonel Jesse Casey has been forcing the good doctor since he found her to work on controlling monsters who've mutated from a substance called feltrite brought by the asteroid that almost destroyed the Earth. Can Cadence realize what is going around here and find a way to escape.....that remains to be seen.

The Authors have done an amazing job on this graphic novel and as I have mentioned I am not a great fan of games (as in once in a while is fine by me) but post-apocalyptic scenarios have their own flavors and so every block through these pages show....there is a clear sense of the feel of haunted all through it particularly the dark shadows which accentuates it.

"Rage: After the Impact is a definite hit in my books"

Genre :      Graphic Novel, Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopia


Publisher: Dark Horse Comics


Courtesy of : Publisher and netgalley


Rate:              4/5 (Really liked it)

The Awakening

Manga is my guilty pleasure (besides boy bands that is) and courtesy to netgalley and the publisher I got this ARC of The Awakening by Donald Lemke, illustrated by Claudia Medeiros.

Here is the summary of the book:

In every moment of time, two sides exist. Each has a story, and each its own point of view. One event. Two perspectives. The choice is up to you... In 1984, a teenager finds a cassette on the streets of Tokyo, Japan. At home, the teen sticks the mysterious tape into his Walkman and pushes play. Suddenly, an Oni-like creature awakens deep below the apartment building. It surfaces, seeking out the irritating music and chasing the boy to the rooftop — where both their fates will be decided. A part of the Good vs Evil series.

As the tradition goes manga is read from right-to-left but this graphic novel can be read in three different ways. All of which can be interpreted in equally different manners. The scenes enfold in blue and red frames, showing Yoshihiro Tanaka’s point of view for the good, and the Oni’s (demon) for the evil. There is a note at the beginning of the book saying that the reader can first do all the blue frames before doing the red ones, or vice versa, and read them all together afterwards and see how differently it works each time.

I tried to read through the blue and red frames separately only ended up confusing me. I guess this type of reading material does not really work all that effectively when read as an e-copy since you have to scroll through the whole page and see either the red or blue frames anyway even when you’re reading the opposite color. I appreciated the story more when I read it in full, blue frames, red frames and all. The ending, though, leaves a wide array of interpretations for the readers.

Lots of questions arise at the end of the book - Has Yoshihiro been eaten by the Oni? Has Yoshihiro become the Oni? Are those scenes where the Oni awoke to the music from the mysterious cassette tape mere representations of the monster finally awakening within Yoshihiro’s subconscious?

If you ask me then i'd consider Yoshihiro and the Oni are two different being - its easier to understand the plot like that and in the last frame where both of them stand in the same posture it looks like they have somehow merged together because of that mysterious tape or somehow Yoshihiro is no longer the same after that ordeal. 

Nevertheless, the graphic novel cannot be seen in one light even if you think long and hard over it because different people with a different mind-set are bound to view the plot from a completely different angle than the other and with all the differing lines of thoughts I suppose it is best to leave it at that.

Genre :      Fiction, Graphic Novel


Publisher: Capstone


My Copy : Courtesy of netgalley and the publisher


Rate:              2/5 (It was ok)

The Last Dragon

Thanks to netgalley and the respective publishers we get to read up coming books a.k.a. advanced reader copies before they hit the the market and offer our views of them. Coming under here is another one of them, graphic novel The Last Dragon by Jane Yolen and Illustrated by Rebecca Guay.

Here is the summary of the book:

Master storyteller Jane Yolen ("Owl Moon" and "Sword of the Rightful King") and celebrated fantasy artist Rebecca Guay ("Swamp Thing" and "Magic: The Gathering") weave a textured and lyrical tale of adventure, homelands, and heroism the hard way. Two hundred years ago, humans drove the dragons from the islands of May. Now, the last of the dragons rises to wreak havoc anew - with only a healer's daughter and a kite-flying would-be hero standing in its way.


So the story here is pretty simple to follow and the concept pretty old, Dragon. These fire breading reptiles used to rule the lands two thousands years but humans have driven and defeated them in the May islands. But one is still left. The book portrays the life of this one dragon; how it grow un-noticed, how it wreaked havoc in the surrounding village and how eventually it met its end. The plot swirls around the honored fantasy tradition of family caught in the battle to save their village from a rampaging dragon.

The above paragraph makes it sound like a fairy-tale. Well yes it is styled as a fairy-tale. A Chinese or Japanese (don't know the difference b/w their art forms) fairy to be exact since dragons feature heavily in their culture. True to its word every illustration has an oriental touch to it. Certainly every picture has been elegantly drawn, stringing us long to the ancient times. Although e-copies don't exactly make you appreciate the work as much as they do in print but oh well.

So far so good but these factors fall short of the cons present. The story felt rushed, it is be pointed out that a graphic novel works only when they go hand-in-hand with the plot. While the plot was pretty simple a lot more could have been done to it to give it a new touch and the end felt a little bit to rushed to me. Also the title makes it sound like the dragon plays a huge part in it - like it talks or feels - while yes the events center around the reptile shaping the story towards the conclusion but he doesn't do anything else that is implied with a title with ‘dragon’ in it. The story is also pretty slow on the uptake. Also there are no character developments shown.

The illustrations was incredibly beautiful though the story line did not quite resonate with me as much as I had hoped. Pretty much the only reason as to why i'm giving it a 3/5 rating.

Genre :      Fiction, Graphic Novel, Fairy-tale


Publisher: Dark Horse Comics


My Copy : Courtesy of netgalley and the publisher


Rate:              3/5 (Liked it)